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

As Kikuda held the ball, the audience leaned forward in anticipation.

"Who will initiate Ryonan's attack this time?"

"It'll probably go to Uozumi for a one-on-one with Akagi."

"Uozumi? He's strong, but he's not on Akagi's level."

Coach Taoka shouted from the sidelines: "Kikuda, control the pace and crush Shōhoku!"

He was determined to assess Shōhoku's true strength, even though they were leading for now.

Kikuda dribbled past the half-court line, immediately met by Shōhoku's point guard, Yasuda.

Yasuda spread his arms wide, his eyes locking firmly on Kikuda. Despite being shorter, Yasuda was fearless, standing tall as Shōhoku's starting point guard in Miyagi's absence.

Kikuda scoffed, smirking at Yasuda's determined expression. "Shōhoku really has no one left," he muttered to himself.

Choosing not to engage with Yasuda, Kikuda shifted his weight and passed the ball to Ikegami, stationed just inside the three-point line.

The humiliation from Ryu's earlier steal and three-pointer still burned within Kikuda. He was desperate to redeem himself, and passing to Ikegami was part of that plan.

Ikegami caught the pass with ease. "Nice pass!" he called out.

Looking at Ryu, who was now guarding him, Ikegami's expression twisted into a smirk.

"Not bad, rookie," Ikegami taunted. "Let's see if you can steal the ball from me again!"

The sting of Ryu's earlier play—a steal and an immediate long-range three-pointer—still lingered. Ikegami couldn't allow himself to be outdone by a first-year.

"Be careful, Ryu!" Kogure shouted, keeping an eye on the action while defending his own mark, Yayoi.

Ryu gave a slight nod, his gaze unwavering as he tracked Ikegami's movements. He wasn't rattled by the taunt; instead, he silently calculated his next move, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Ikegami tried multiple times to break through Ryu's defense, aiming for his left side, but he was blocked every time.

"Damn it!" Ikegami muttered, sweat dripping down his face.

Ryu's defense was far stronger than he had anticipated, and time was ticking away.

"Watch the clock, Ikegami! Don't go at it alone!" Uozumi shouted from the paint, his frustration evident.

Even Uozumi was beginning to recognize Ryu's skills. This number 10 from Shōhoku has some real ability, he thought.

Meanwhile, in the paint, Rukawa's irritation was building.

Why isn't Sendo guarding me? he fumed, glaring at Ryonan's substitute center, Sugihara, who was assigned to him instead.

To Rukawa, Sendo was the only opponent worth his time. Seeing Sendo remain seated on the bench only deepened his frustration.

"Sendo, you arrogant jerk!" Rukawa muttered under his breath.

Suddenly, Ryu seized the moment.

"Whap!"

With precise timing, he swiped the ball cleanly from Ikegami's hands.

"Fast break!" he yelled, taking off down the court.

Akagi and the others sprang into action, shifting from defense to offense as they chased after Ryu.

Ikegami froze for a moment before giving chase, his face red with frustration. "Damn it! He got me!"

But despite his efforts, Ikegami found himself falling further and further behind as Ryu sped down the court.

"Look at that! Shōhoku's number 10 just stole the ball again!"

"He's incredible!"

"And fast! Ikegami can't even catch up!"

The crowd buzzed with excitement.

What they didn't realize was that Ryu had activated his Phantom Intercept ability, temporarily boosting his speed to its maximum. Not even someone like Sendo could match him in that moment.

Coach Taoka's face darkened as he barked orders at his team.

"Ikegami! What are you all doing out there? Get your heads in the game!"

His eyes locked onto Ryu's figure, now racing toward the basket.

Ryu… You're not just a rookie, are you? Is this the trump card you've been hiding, Coach Anzai?

Even Taoka, known for his meticulous preparation, couldn't understand how someone as steady as Ikegami could fumble so badly.

Ikegami's face was grim, the weight of Taoka's scolding adding to his frustration.

By now, Ryu had reached the three-point line, with Uozumi and the rest of Ryonan's team still lagging behind.

"It's over," someone from Ryonan muttered.

"It's an easy two points!" Yasuda cheered, already celebrating.

But just as everyone assumed Ryu would take the straightforward route and go for a layup, he did something no one expected.

He stopped at the three-point line.

The sound of his sudden halt echoed across the gym.

"What is he doing?" murmured a confused voice from the stands.