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

"Shohoku is way too strong right now."

"They're catching up so quickly!"

"Their defense is relentless. Miuradai's offense has completely stalled!"

"They can't score at all!"

During the timeout, the spectators buzzed with excitement. Many female fans couldn't take their eyes off Ryu.

Not only was he a fantastic player, but he was also handsome and exuded a sunny, approachable vibe, like a dependable older brother.

"I have to get his contact info after the game!" many female fans thought simultaneously.

Ayako and the first-years excitedly handed out towels to Akagi and the others as they returned to the bench.

"So this is Shohoku's strength now! And this is just their first game together!" Ayako exclaimed.

Kogure, sitting nearby, couldn't hide his excitement either. As he watched the players catch their breath, his mind drifted to a vision of Shohoku standing on the winner's podium.

"This year… we can go far. Maybe even…"

Kogure rarely allowed himself to dream, but the Five Tigers' performance made it impossible not to.

"Put me in! Let me play!"

Sakuragi stood next to Coach Anzai, repeatedly patting his chin to make his point.

"Old man, let the great me show them what I can do! Why should they hog all the spotlight?"

"Shut up, Sakuragi!" Akagi snapped.

Although the game was tied, last year's Miuradai team was no pushover. Akagi couldn't risk putting an inexperienced player on the court.

"Stupid gorilla!" Sakuragi muttered, pouting.

Ryu chuckled, slinging an arm around Sakuragi's shoulder.

"Don't worry, you'll sub in for me later. I'll make sure you get your moment to shine."

"Really? Thanks, Ryu! You're way better than that fox!" Sakuragi shouted, shaking Ryu's hand energetically.

Ryu simply smiled and shook his head, his eyes drifting toward Miuradai's bench.

"They're probably planning something sneaky. And Naitou Tetsuya hasn't played yet. He's the real opponent Sakuragi needs to face."

Akagi noticed Ryu spacing out and asked, "Did you catch the strategy we just discussed?"

"Yes, captain," Ryu replied seriously, nodding. His gaze shifted to Mitsui and Rukawa, both eager to return to the court.

Akagi stood, his voice ringing with authority.

"We finish them off before halftime!"

"Yes!" the team responded in unison.

Miuradai's Bench

Their coach was furious.

"What have I been teaching you all this time? The moment the game starts, you forget everything?!"

"Coach, it's their guards," Araki said, exasperated. "They're too fast and constantly forcing turnovers. It's ridiculous!"

"Shut up!" the coach barked, glaring at Araki.

"You can't even handle a couple of first-years? Letting them pick off your passes over and over? What am I supposed to do with you?"

The players lowered their heads in shame, casting resentful glances toward Ryu.

Murasa Kengo, however, smirked slyly.

"Looks like we'll have to deal with that rookie directly," he muttered.

Nearby, Naitou Tetsuya held a basketball, his demeanor calm and cold.

"Should I go in? I can take care of him," Naitou said, his tone eerily casual. It was clear this wasn't the first time he'd made such an offer.

"No," Murasa said firmly, shaking his head. His eyes darted toward Amaki in the stands.

"You're our secret weapon against Kainan. We'll handle Shohoku ourselves."

"Beep!"

The whistle blew, ending the timeout.

As play resumed, both teams kept the same lineups. But there was a noticeable change: Miuradai's players now wore malicious expressions.

Murasa and Araki exchanged whispers, their eyes fixed on Ryu.

Although Ryu couldn't hear their words, he understood their intentions perfectly.

"So they're coming for me."

Ryu smirked coldly, then turned to his teammates.

"Watch out. They're going to play dirty."

Akagi, having faced Miuradai before, nodded grimly.

"They're known for their cheap shots. Stay alert and don't get hurt."

The Shohoku players nodded and returned to the court, ready for anything.

Miuradai's Possession

Murasa used a screen to get free, then threw an elbow at Ryu's chest.

But Ryu had anticipated the move and dodged it with ease.

However, Miuradai didn't stop. They repeatedly used screens and physical plays to target Ryu.

The crowd quickly noticed and began to murmur in outrage.

"Is Miuradai even playing basketball anymore?"

"Their moves are way too aggressive! They're blatantly targeting Shohoku's rookie!"

"This isn't basketball—it's assault!"

Amaki, observing from the stands, remained calm.

"Shohoku's putting too much pressure on them. Miuradai's resorting to their 'true strength'—dirty tactics," he thought. His eyes followed Ryu closely.

"This is your test, Ryu. Let's see if you're worthy of being the ace your team needs."