Chapter 236: Chapter 236: Sky Direct Three Point Shot
Shutoku felt a bit flustered by this unexpected turn of events. All eyes turned to Mayuzumi, sensing that his presence matched Kuroko's in its subtlety.
The referee then called for a timeout at Shutoku's request, prompting both teams to retreat to their benches.
"...Is it okay to reveal Mayuzumi to them?" Mibuchi inquired, to which Akashi shook his head subtly.
"It doesn't matter."
"Our final opponent is already decided," Akashi added nonchalantly, prompting Mibuchi to raise his eyebrows in surprise.
He could sense Akashi's confidence in Fukuda Sogo advancing through the round. As for Rakuzan, Mibuchi himself felt assured that they could repay the debt they owed Fukuda Sogo from the Interhigh, let alone facing Shutoku.
Losing the game was not a possibility he was confident in.
"Looks like they've caught on that we've got the momentum," Shirogane observed, casting a quick glance at the opposing side.
"No changes this time. Just stick to Akashi's strategy during the game."
"Understood, Coach!"
Shaking his head, he redirected his attention to his team. Everyone in Rakuzan High nodded in agreement.
Shirogane trusted Akashi's sharp intellect, believing there was little need for him to interfere much with the team.
A small smile formed on Shirogane's lips as he silently thought, "He's making my job easier."
Meanwhile, on the opposing side, Shutoku was engaged in wiping away their sweat and replenishing their fluids.
"Hmm, this wasn't in the playbook..." Miyaji remarked while taking a swig from his water bottle.
Mayuzumi's presence had thrown a curveball into the game's current dynamics. As they worked to regain momentum by penetrating Rakuzan's defense, another hidden card was unveiled.
Even though they were no strangers to misdirection plays, they understood that countering such tactics was a challenge for most teams.
Miyaji sighed, shaking his head as he glanced at the scoreboard—a clear sign that they were losing their grip on the game.
"Should we assign Takao to handle him?"
Kimura suggested.
Thankfully, Takao had experience dealing with these unpredictable situations. Whenever they faced Seirin, Takao was the one tasked with neutralizing Kuroko, who employed misdirection tactics similar to Rakuzan.
"Then I'll switch places with Takao. It might prevent them from easily stealing the ball, with Takao focusing on that third-year from Rakuzan," Otsubo proposed, nodding in agreement with his teammates.
"We'll do that then..."
Nakatani didn't oppose the idea, giving them his approval.
"No, let Takao keep his position."
However, a voice sliced through the tense atmosphere, drawing surprised raised eyebrows from the team.
Miyaji turned to the speaker, questioning, "What do you mean, Midorima? You better have a good explanation, or I'll double your training..."
Midorima felt a bead of sweat forming at the threat, adjusting his glasses as he explained, "It's exactly as I said. What we need right now isn't just to stop them. While halting their progress is essential, it's meaningless without scoring ourselves."
His gaze sharpened as he elaborated on his understanding of their current predicament.
Nakatani furrowed his eyebrows, placing a hand on his chin, deep in thought. He turned to Midorima, "So, you've got a plan for it?"
Takao chuckled, offering a thumbs-up, "Absolutely!"
Having uttered those words, Takao delved into the details of what he and Midorima had been scheming for quite some time. Otsubo and Kimura exchanged frowns as they listened.
"That could certainly help us in our current situation..."
As the explanation concluded, their faces lit up, and Nakatani gave a nod.
"Alright, we'll go with your plan this time. Otsubo, Kimura, position yourselves under the basket just in case..."
Shutoku's players all nodded in agreement.
Midorima didn't take offense, fully aware of the uncertainty of this play. Being cautious was preferable to blind confidence.
"...Nevertheless, I've brought my lucky item with me. That should elevate it to 100%!"
He silently declared, casting a glance at the small fox statue on the bench.
The timeout concluded, and both teams returned to their positions, filling the court with their presence. The crowd erupted in cheers that reverberated across the gymnasium.
Yet, despite the enthusiastic atmosphere, the tension on the court lingered as the game pressed on.
"...Huh? They didn't appear to change any of their strategies?"
Mibuchi found it perplexing and swiftly approached Midorima as soon as Shutoku gained control of the ball.
He couldn't fathom why the opposing team hadn't made any changes to their strategy. However, he didn't mind, as it seemed to work in Rakuzan's favor.
The ball was passed to Takao, who dribbled with caution, keeping an eye on Akashi closing in. He felt the tension in his back and the beads of sweat rolling down his face as he thought, "I can't let him get too close..."
Aware of Akashi's Emperor Eyes, Takao knew that even without those eyes, Akashi could steal the ball if he became even the slightest bit careless.
Takao took a deep breath, subtly increasing the pace in an attempt to find an opening against Akashi's formidable defense.
"Looks like your buddy's having a tough time over there," Mibuchi remarked, stealing a glance at Takao and Akashi.
"..."
Midorima frowned while still grappling with how to break through the double-team.
Shaking his head, Mibuchi added, "Save your efforts; we won't let you off the hook so easily."
Mayuzumi's expression remained unchanged, not even flinching at Mibuchi's tendency to taunt opponents as if he were entirely accustomed to such banter.
Mibuchi didn't stop there; he lightly chuckled and added, "No offense, but without you, Shutoku would be doomed. Every single one of your teammates seems like a burden."
"..."
Midorima's eyes sharpened as he turned toward Mibuchi. Mibuchi curled his lips upward in a smirk, thinking he had successfully provoked Midorima.
However, despite the intensity in Midorima's eyes, they held only determination, devoid of any other emotion. This surprised Mibuchi as Midorima opened his mouth, "...Burden, you said?"
"I think you're spouting nonsense," Midorima shot back.
Bringing his steps to an abrupt stop, Midorima effortlessly shifted into his shooting stance, even though the ball wasn't in his hands.
"...What is he doing?"
Mibuchi couldn't shake off the sudden feeling of alarm creeping up on him.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Takao seemed to have an epiphany as he skillfully distanced himself from Akashi and chuckled.
"Haha, just in time! Shin!"
Leaning in toward Midorima, Takao swiftly sent the ball soaring toward Midorima's eagerly waiting hand. With precise timing, Midorima released the ball in a graceful high arc.
Below the hoop, Otsubo and Kimura strategically positioned themselves, ready to make their move as the ball descended from the heavens.
Midorima landed gracefully after his jump, his gaze fixed on Mibuchi.
Observing Mibuchi's disbelieving expression, Midorima countered, "Burden? There's no such thing on this team."
Turning around, he strolled back, the ball smoothly swishing through the basket.
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