章 70: Chapter 70: Stopping Midorima!
Kimura voiced the question that was on everyone's mind. "Why didn't he make any effort to stop Midorima?"
Nakatani, the Shutoku coach, let out a weary sigh as he responded, "He's been using us since the very beginning."
This revelation left the Shutoku team, including Midorima, perplexed. Midorima's eyes widened as realization dawned upon him. "So, that's why they seemed so sloppy at first?"
Nakatani nodded, elaborating, "Indeed. They clearly weren't accustomed to the young captain's playing style initially. But as the first quarter neared its end, they began to adapt, and their teamwork improved."
"..."
A hushed atmosphere enveloped the Shutoku's bench as the truth settled in.
Otsubo, wearing a perplexed expression, finally voiced the team's shared disbelief. "So, are you suggesting that he deliberately ignored Midorima just to make his team adapt to a different style of play?"
Nakatani leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Tsuna, casually sipping from a water bottle. "In a sense, he's using us as the perfect practice opponents... a training dummy."
Shutoku's players couldn't help but clench their fists in frustration. They were the Legendary Kings, and the knowledge that they were being used as a mere practice tool stoked the fires of their prideful spirit.
As Midorima locked his determined gaze on Fukuda Sogo across the court, he balled his fist, his resolve burning like a fierce fire.
Witnessing his team's evident frustration, Nakatani raised his hand to draw their attention. "In the next quarter, stick to our rhythm. They might have more surprises, so we'll focus on defense and hold our lead."
Shutoku's players nodded resolutely, their eyes gleaming with determination. They were determined to show Fukuda Sogo the true prowess of a team that had been a top contender in Japan for eleven consecutive years.
Back in Fukuda Sogo's camp, Tsuna noticed his team's unwavering spirit despite the score difference. He nodded approvingly and addressed them, "We'll tweak our game plan in the next quarter."
Acknowledging their previous adaptation to his passes, Tsuna commended their efforts, saying, "You guys did great in the first quarter. Now, our focus is on shutting down Midorima and closing the score gap. Mochizuki, we're switching positions..."
Mochizuki consented, looking intently at Tsuna, who then turned to Ogiwara.
"Ogiwara, you're with me on marking Shintaro," Tsuna instructed with determination.
Ogiwara blinked in surprise, pointing at himself as he asked, "Me? Are you sure I can handle it?"
Full of assurance, Tsuna shook his head and encouraged him, "Maybe not yet, but you'll surprise yourself. Trust your instincts and keep your focus on the ball."
Nijimura found himself puzzled by this choice. His hidden skills could have been a surefire way to shut down Midorima. Nevertheless, he harbored full trust in Tsuna's decision, and without questioning it, he nodded along.
"Okay, I'll give it a shot," Ogiwara responded, his confidence gradually rising.
"Let's pick up our pace a bit, treat this like a stamina drill..."
"Noted!" The team chorused in agreement, their voices in unison.
The second quarter began, and Tsuna dribbled the ball casually, his eyes connecting with his teammates. With a synchronicity that resembled a well-rehearsed military operation, they responded to Tsuna's sudden shift in speed, moving as one unit.
Tsuna effortlessly weaved through Shutoku's defense.
Otsubo and Miyaji shared a knowing look, fully prepared for Tsuna's unpredictable passes. Seeing this, Tsuna couldn't help but smirk, "That's rather adorable..."
Midorima, noticing Tsuna's smirk, sensed that something was amiss and attempted to caution his teammates.
But he was too slow, and Tsuna, who had been distributing the ball to his teammates throughout the first quarter, quickly dribbled forward.
Shutoku's players, who tried to halt him, were left behind in the dust as Tsuna executed a thunderous dunk that reverberated through the entire court.
On the sidelines, Nakatani also rose to his feet.
During the first half, Tsuna had been distributing the ball to help his team adjust to the unconventional plays and his unpredictable passes.
However, the question arose: What if he had already succeeded in making his teammates comfortable with these passes?
Nakatani frowned as he settled back into his seat.
Takao, somewhat at a loss for words, mumbled, "He can pull that off too, huh?"
It was quite an uncomfortable realization for Shutoku that they had essentially served as a training tool for Fukuda Sogo.
The fact that Tsuna had been giving his team time to adapt was a double-edged sword.
While it helped Fukuda Sogo, it also allowed their opponents, Shutoku, to become accustomed to their style of play. After all, Shutoku was a top-tier team, and they were quick to adapt to the tempo.
However, Tsuna's latest move showed that the training phase was over.
Otsubo wondered if Tsuna was finally going all out. As the game progressed and he saw Tsuna marking Midorima alongside Ogiwara, he considered, "Double-teaming, huh? That's a smart strategy. But remember, Midorima isn't your average shooter."
Midorima held the ball, his eyes locked on Tsuna, who had a confident smirk on his face.
"You think you can block my shot?" He adjusted his form.
Midorima prepared to shoot but noticed Tsuna's lightning-fast reflexes.
Tsuna's hand nearly swiped the ball from him, leaving Midorima surprised as he stepped back. The other Shutoku players were equally astonished by this incredible display of skill.
Midorima marveled at Tsuna's speed.
"You're capable of that, huh?" he whispered to himself.
Midorima, holding his personal philosophy that obstacles could be conquered, decided to change his dribbling pace.
Fukuda Sogo was taken aback by his excellent dribbling skills, which they hadn't expected.
Midorima's newfound speed allowed him to blow past Tsuna's defense. Ogiwara, who was assisting Tsuna in guarding Midorima, reacted swiftly, but it wasn't sufficient. Midorima released the ball from his grip, executing yet another perfect shot.
Midorima furrowed his brow, sensing something unsettling, but he brushed it off and continued scoring repeatedly.
Shutoku found it challenging to halt Tsuna's relentless attacks, yet on the other side, Midorima was equally unstoppable. Fukuda Sogo struggled to contain his scoring spree.
Ogiwara couldn't conceal his frustration, muttering in disbelief, "This guy's supposed to be a shooter, but he's moving like lightning. It's unbelievable!"
Ogiwara, regaining his composure, took a deep breath and redirected his focus to the game. He reminded himself, "Stay focused, trust your instincts..."
His newfound calmness was evident.
Observing this change, Tsuna silently acknowledged, "Good, trust your instincts. Don't let me down..."
The game pressed on, with Midorima once again in possession of the ball. As usual, Tsuna was there, prepared to stop him.
"If this is what you meant by not making it easy for me. Then, I'm quite disappointed, Tsuna." Midorima taunted as he breezed past Tsuna's defense, aiming for another shot.
Without rising to the bait, Tsuna focused on Midorima's towering presence and said, "I appreciate you, Shintaro."
"Thanks to you..." With a slow, cunning smile, Tsuna added, his gaze fixed on a blurred figure.
As if appearing out of thin air, this figure swiftly closed in on Midorima, extending a hand to snatch the ball away.
"We've awakened a beast in our team..."
Midorima's eyes widened in disbelief as he felt a sudden tug on the ball, causing it to slip from his grasp. He stared in surprise at the one responsible.
"...This guy?"
It was Ogiwara! This time, he had successfully disrupted Midorima's shot.
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