Slam dunk, hit 100% of the three-pointers at the beginning!

The practice game continued.

Miyagi dribbled the ball across the midcourt line, his focus unwavering.

Ryu quickly moved to block him, his stance solid.

Having suffered twice against Ryu already, Miyagi instinctively shielded the ball with his body. To him, Ryu was no longer just a beginner but a genuine opponent. His bronze-toned face showed newfound seriousness.

"Ryu, you've been hiding your skills well, huh? Bring it on!" Miyagi challenged, determined to turn things around this time.

"Come on, show me the real Ryota Miyagi," Ryu replied, spreading his arms wide and licking his lips in anticipation. His tone was firm—he could tell Miyagi was ready to go all out.

"Watch out for Ryu's steals, Miyagi," Akagi called out, his eyes locked on Ryu. He was curious to see how this duel would unfold.

"Ryu, don't underestimate Miyagi's passes," Rukawa whispered a warning.

Knowing Miyagi's smaller build, Rukawa guessed he wouldn't try a direct confrontation with Ryu. A clever pass seemed more likely.

Kogure, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but worry for Miyagi.

"Ryu isn't easy to deal with. Miyagi better stay sharp."

Before Miyagi arrived, Kogure had been matched up against Ryu. The experience was frustrating—every time he thought he had an opening, Ryu would swat the ball away at the last moment, turning defense into attack.

The anticipation among the players burned like a flame, intensifying the energy in the gym.

At that moment...

Haruko rushed into the gym, her cheeks flushed and her breaths quick and shallow. She scanned the court and sighed in relief.

"Huff, huff! Looks like it's still going. Thank goodness I made it in time."

"The atmosphere is so exciting!"

Her pounding heart finally began to settle.

"Haruko, you ran way too fast!" her friend Matsui complained, leaning against the gym door, clearly out of breath.

Haruko smiled, her eyes sparkling playfully as she said: "Hehe, Matsui, I used to be quite the athlete, you know!"

Spotting Ayako in the crowd, Haruko grabbed Matsui's hand and pulled her along.

Before they reached Ayako, Sakuragi Hanamichi seemed to sense Haruko's presence. He spun around, his eyes lighting up as he beamed at her like a lovesick puppy.

"Haruko! Haruko! Did you come to watch this genius in action?"

Tossing the ball aside, he jogged over, scratching the back of his head sheepishly while laughing like a child.

Sakuragi's sudden approach made Matsui step back nervously, intimidated by his large frame.

"Hanamichi, are you doing well out there?" Haruko asked warmly, concerned as always about the player she had introduced to the basketball team.

"Well... um..." Sakuragi's face flushed red, and he struggled to find the right words.

Meanwhile, Ayako noticed Haruko and greeted her enthusiastically.

"Haruko! You're here! Are you cheering for Captain Akagi or Rukawa?"

She winked mischievously, her tone teasing.

Haruko blushed at Ayako's playful expression, nodding and then shaking her head before glancing at Rukawa on the court.

Suddenly, the swish of a basketball cutting through the net echoed across the gym.

The spectators erupted in awe. "That first-year hit another long-range shot!"

"Incredible skill!"

"Wow, so cool!"

A few girls in the crowd screamed in admiration, watching Ryu sweat and move on the court with an almost hypnotic intensity.

Haruko and her friends couldn't help but turn their attention to him.

"Haruko, he's amazing!" Matsui gasped, her eyes wide with amazement. "Is that the first-year your brother mentioned?"

Haruko's gaze shifted from Rukawa to Ryu, and in that instant, her heart seemed to skip a beat. Her eyes sparkled like hearts, and she muttered dreamily: "He's so cool! Is he really the new player my brother talked about?"

Ayako shook her head silently, watching Haruko fall into a star-struck daze.

Sakuragi noticed Haruko's expression and couldn't hold back his frustration. He stormed over to Coach Anzai, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him.

"Coach, Coach! I'm part of the team too! They're all on the court—why can't I play?"

This wild gesture immediately caught Akagi's attention.

"That idiot... What's he doing now?" Akagi muttered angrily, setting down his basketball and marching toward Sakuragi.

Earlier, Akagi and Miyagi had worked together for a powerful dunk, hoping to stifle the first-years' momentum. But Ryu had countered almost immediately with a long three-pointer, leaving Akagi frustrated.

Sakuragi, oblivious as ever, had walked straight into Akagi's wrath.

The other players watched the scene unfold, puzzled at first, then understanding what had happened. They silently prayed for Sakuragi.

A split second later, Akagi's iron fist came down on Sakuragi's head with a resounding thud.

"Bam!"

The room fell silent as Akagi roared like a beast: "You big idiot! What are you doing?"