Miyamoto Tokima swallowed the words that had reached his lips, letting them turn into a quiet sigh.
"So he's… finally reached his limit."
It was true. Although Daiki Aomine's stamina was monstrous enough to last an entire game under normal conditions, right now he was in the Zone combined with his Animal Instinct.
That was essentially like activating two Zones at once.
Under those conditions, the energy drain was terrifying. Normally, a state like that would only be used in the final quarter.
But Daiki Aomine had been so determined to settle things with Miyamoto Tokima that he completely ignored the issue of stamina.
More importantly, it was the illusion of invincibility brought on by that overwhelming power.
When you suddenly gain strength far beyond what you have ever had, the first thought that comes to mind is simple.
I am invincible.
That was exactly how Daiki Aomine felt. He believed he could last the whole game.
And the result…
"Huff… huff…"
Crack…
Daiki Aomine gasped heavily, the lightning in his eyes flickering in and out.
It was clear that his stamina could no longer sustain this state.
Katsunori Harasawa gritted his teeth, his heart sinking.
'Damn it… the consumption is this severe?!'
With no other option, he called a timeout, preparing to sub Daiki Aomine out.
Daiki Aomine forced himself upright and muttered:
"Miyamoto… huff… I can still play…"
Miyamoto Tokima paused, then gave a faint smile.
"Daiki, you're still the same as ever. Always pushing yourself too hard."
"Beep! Tōō High requests a timeout!"
The referee's whistle sounded.
Daiki Aomine's gaze froze.
He knew exactly what that timeout meant.
Miyamoto Tokima patted his shoulder, a trace of regret in his voice.
"Go get some rest… Daiki."
With that, Miyamoto Tokima walked off.
Daiki Aomine lowered his head, standing there in a daze.
He tried to lift his legs, only to find them trembling.
He muttered helplessly:
"Still… not enough…?"
Suddenly, he felt himself being lifted, and he turned in confusion.
Kosuke Wakamatsu supported his right arm, expressionless, while Yoshinori Susa held up his left.
"Go rest," Wakamatsu said flatly. "You're already strong. He's just stronger."
Susa smiled faintly.
"Yeah, Aomine. You're strong. He's just stronger."
Daiki Aomine let out a short laugh, his eyes growing moist.
Forcing down the frustration in his chest, he stubbornly shot back:
"So what! I'll beat him one day!"
Wakamatsu and Susa exchanged a glance and said nothing more, simply helping him off the court.
Miyamoto Tokima watched him the entire time.
Honestly, he was not sure either.
With Zone and Animal Instinct pushing his body beyond its limits, it was uncertain whether Daiki Aomine could even return in the second half.
After coming off the court.
Satsuki Momoi looked at Atsushi Murasakibara with clear wariness.
Miyamoto Tokima frowned slightly.
"What's wrong, Satsuki?"
She pouted, her tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.
"Nothing. I just think someone's about to get a boyfriend."
Miyamoto Tokima blinked, not quite following.
"So what?"
She froze for a moment, then puffed her cheeks in annoyance.
"Idiot!"
With that, she turned away and ignored him.
Miyamoto Tokima was left standing there, completely confused.
He turned to the side.
"Haizaki , do you know what that was about?"
Shogo Haizaki immediately shook his head and waved both hands.
"No idea. No clue. Don't know."
Fast and decisive.
Miyamoto Tokima then turned to Makoto Hanamiya.
"Hanamiya, you know?"
Hanamiya broke out in a cold sweat.
He might know, but how was he supposed to say it?
Sorry, Kentaro.
"Tokima-san, I don't know either, but Kentaro definitely does."
"His girlfriend used to act like this all the time."
Kentaro Seto panicked.
"No, Hanamiya, since when did I even have a girlfr—"
Suddenly, something was shoved into his hand.
He glanced down.
It was Hanamiya's phone, showing a video thumbnail.
A past he absolutely did not want to remember.
Kentaro Seto's face twisted, tears welling up.
Hanamiya… you monster…
Countless thoughts and grudges condensed into one line.
"Yeah… Tokima-san… my girlfriend… does this all the time…"
The moment he spoke, everyone nearby visibly relaxed.
Seriously, this was more stressful than a game.
Miyamoto Tokima noticed, but chose not to expose them. Figuring out Satsuki Momoi's mood was more important.
"Go on…"
Kentaro Seto looked like he was heading to his execution.
He glanced at Miyamoto Tokima, then at the curious Atsushi Murasakibara.
The words stuck in his throat again.
Say it and offend two people.
Before he could decide, Satsuki Momoi shot him a dark look.
Great. Now it's three.
In the end, Kentaro Seto pulled Miyamoto Tokima aside and explained it privately.
Only then did Miyamoto Tokima understand.
He patted Kentaro Seto on the shoulder in encouragement and even gave him a bonus.
Kentaro Seto lit up instantly.
Totally worth it!
"Beep! Timeout over, both teams return to the court!"
Miyamoto Tokima walked over.
"Kentaro, you're in. Play center."
That meant the upcoming point forward…
was still Atsushi Murasakibara.
Miyamoto Tokima sat beside Satsuki Momoi and explained things to her.
She was not one to hold grudges, so she quickly forgave him.
The brief episode passed.
And now stepping onto the court was…
Point Forward!
Atsushi Murasakibara!
To sum up his playstyle in one word.
Brutal.
Shoichi Imayoshi comes to defend?
Good. Back him down.
Kosuke Wakamatsu steps up?
Good… then…
...
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