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

The referee's whistle signaled Shohoku's timeout.

In the stands, Uozumi finally let out a relieved breath.

Although Shohoku was likely to become Ryonan's rival in the race for a national championship, Uozumi didn't want Akagi's last high school tournament to end with a first-round elimination.

"Are they finally going to play for real?"

Hikoichi, already excited, pulled out his notebook and pen.

"Time to observe! I need to watch carefully!"

Next to him, Sendoh gave some advice.

"Hikoichi, pay close attention to Ryu. He's a player on par with Amaki."

"Got it, Sendoh-senpai! I'll document everything about Ryu's playstyle!" Hikoichi replied earnestly.

In the stands, spectators began to chatter.

"Is Shohoku finally feeling the pressure?"

"Is their super rookie, Ryu, about to take the court?"

"I've been waiting for this!"

Ryu performed a few quick stretches before removing his jacket, revealing his confident and sunny demeanor. Unlike Rukawa's icy expression, Ryu's cheerful smile made him seem approachable, like the friendly older brother next door.

When Ryu stepped forward, female spectators were instantly smitten.

"He's so handsome! Shohoku's No. 10 rookie!"

"So, this is Ryu, Shohoku's super rookie?"

"He looks great, but does he have the skills to back it up?"

On Miuradai's bench, their coach looked smug.

"Sakuragi and Rukawa didn't even start. Shohoku's not all that. If we hadn't faced Kainan last year, we'd already be one of Kanagawa's top four teams!"

Next to him, their captain, Murasa Kengo, sneered. "I still can't figure out how they managed to beat Ryonan."

The coach waved dismissively. "Even if they sub in a few players now, it won't make much of a difference. Let's finish this game quickly. Our real opponent is Kainan."

"Yes, sir!"

Despite Shohoku's lineup change, Miuradai kept their starters on the court.

"Naitou-san, are you going to play?" one of the players asked, smirking.

"No need," the coach replied casually. "Miuradai can handle this without you. Save your energy for Kainan."

Murasa laughed. "Shohoku's all hype. Just a one-man team built around Akagi. Shut him down, and it's over."

On Shohoku's side, the players' faces darkened as they watched Miuradai's arrogance.

Ayako, knowing her team well, smiled to herself.

While Shohoku's players often acted carefree or rowdy, they were dead serious when it came to basketball.

Their hunger for victory was something Miuradai couldn't comprehend.

"Let's hope they don't lose too badly," Ayako whispered to Kuwata and the others.

"Beep!"

The timeout ended, and all eyes turned to the court as Shohoku's starting lineup stepped on.

Akagi, Rukawa, Ryu, Mitsui, and Miyagi—the Shohoku Five Tigers.

This was Shohoku's strongest formation.

The Plan:Ryu and Mitsui created space with their perimeter shooting.Rukawa controlled the mid-range with his one-on-one skills.Akagi anchored the team with his defense, acting as the last line of resistance.

The shift in energy was palpable.

"Shohoku feels completely different now!"

"Wait… Shohoku's No. 14 looks familiar. Have I seen him before?"

"Yeah, me too! Where have I seen that guy?"

In the stands, Uozumi stood again, fists pumping in the air.

"Shohoku! Show your strength! Don't let anyone underestimate you!"

For Uozumi, Shohoku's defeat would tarnish Ryonan's reputation, as they had lost to Shohoku during their practice match.

Hikoichi clutched his notebook and pen tightly, his excitement growing.

"Ryu's finally on the court!"

Sendoh straightened in his seat, his attention focused on Shohoku's lineup.

"It's been a while since I've seen him play," Sendoh murmured. "I'm curious to see how much he's grown."

At that moment, a well-dressed man in a brown suit entered the stands. His mature demeanor and commanding presence drew the attention of nearby students, who greeted him respectfully.

The man smiled warmly, acknowledging their greetings with a slight wave.

On Ryonan's side, the team noticed the commotion.

"What's going on?" Koshino asked, following the crowd's gaze.

Uozumi turned to look and immediately scowled.

"What is it, Uozumi-senpai?"

Hikoichi was too focused on the game to notice. He wondered why Uozumi, who had been so fired up moments ago, suddenly went quiet.

"Amaki Shinichi!" Uozumi growled.

Sendoh's lips curled into a slight smile as he softly repeated the name, "Amaki Shinichi…"

The man in the brown suit was none other than Amaki Shinichi—Kainan's captain and Kanagawa's undisputed strongest high school player.

The king of Kanagawa had arrived.