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

"Beep!"

"The first half is over! Both teams, halftime break!"

With the referee's whistle, the first half concluded. Shohoku led Miuradai by a decisive 56–38.

Looking at the score, no one would have believed that just ten minutes earlier, Shohoku had been trailing by 26 points.

Miuradai's Bench

"You're not being aggressive enough! If you're going to take him out, do it properly! Make sure that Shohoku's No. 10 doesn't come back to the court!" Miuradai's coach barked at his players.

Having resorted to dirty tactics, the coach saw no reason to hold back. If they wanted to win, they'd have to eliminate Ryu from the game.

Murasame, unfazed by the score, shot Ryu a mocking glare.

"Kid, if you score again in the second half, don't be surprised if you leave this arena on a stretcher!"

Naitou Tetsuya leaned forward, eager to play.

"Coach, let me in. I'll make sure No. 10 doesn't finish this game!"

The coach shook his head. "Not yet, Naitou. Save it for later."

Naitou sighed and slumped back onto the bench, his frustration evident.

Shohoku's Bench

Meanwhile, Akagi and the others glared at Miuradai's players, their anger barely contained.

"This is disgusting," Akagi growled. "Using such underhanded tactics in a basketball game... I can't stand it!"

Ryu's expression was calm, but his cold smile sent shivers down anyone who caught his eye.

"Miuradai, this is the best you've got?" he muttered, his voice icy.

Inwardly, Ryu was fuming. "If that's how you want to play it, don't blame me for what happens next."

"Fine. Let's play a little game. Let's see who's the real predator here."

His eyes sharpened, a fiery determination flickering within them.

"Beep!"

"Halftime is over! Second half begins!"

The gym buzzed with anticipation as the teams returned to the court.

"Miuradai's playing so dirty!"

"They're not even trying to play basketball anymore. They're just targeting Shohoku's players!"

"What are the referees doing? Why aren't they calling these fouls?"

Miuradai's players ignored the crowd's condemnation, grinning confidently. Their plan was simple: take Ryu out, and the game would be theirs to win.

On the court, Rukawa scowled as he glared at Miuradai's Miyamoto.

Rukawa had narrowly avoided being taken down several times and had already endured two elbows to the ribs. Thankfully, his quick reflexes prevented serious injury.

"Dirty scumbags," Rukawa muttered.

Miyamoto smirked indifferently. "Basketball's a physical game, pretty boy. If you don't want to get hurt, stay out of the way."

Murasame, standing nearby, sneered. "You're being too soft. Put more pressure on No. 10—take him out for good."

Shohoku Possession

Akagi passed the ball to Miyagi, warning him, "Watch out for Araki's dirty moves!"

Miyagi nodded, his movements cautious as he advanced the ball.

"Pass it here!" Ryu called out, raising his hand.

Miyagi hesitated. "So soon? Why does he want the ball now?"

"Focus on setting up the offense first!" Miyagi replied, shaking his head.

But Ryu insisted, motioning for the ball. Unable to refuse, Miyagi passed it reluctantly.

Ryu caught the ball effortlessly, cradling it in one hand as he turned to Murasame. With a small smirk, he beckoned.

"Come on, then."

Murasame grinned, already plotting his next move. You asked for it, rookie.

Ryu began a series of between-the-legs dribbles, his eyes locked on Murasame. Rather than driving toward the basket, he started drifting toward Araki.

"Why don't you both come at me?" Ryu taunted, flashing a middle finger at Araki.

The spectators were puzzled.

"What's Ryu doing?"

"Is he seriously provoking both Murasame and Araki at the same time?"

"Doesn't he know Miuradai's playing dirty?"

On the bench, Ayako's face was full of worry.

"Ryu's pushing his luck. Miuradai's getting more aggressive—they're clearly targeting him!"

Even Ryonan's players, including Sendoh, watched with unease.

"That kid's got guts, I'll give him that," Sendoh muttered. "But is he crazy, challenging two guys like that?"

Maki, however, observed the scene with curiosity, leaning forward slightly.

"What's your plan, Ryu?" he murmured.

Murasame exchanged a glance with Araki, signaling their plan.

Araki nodded, understanding perfectly.

"It doesn't matter if we let him score. The moment he makes a move, we'll take him out," Araki thought, his focus sharpening.

As Ryu prepared to make his move, both Murasame and Araki lunged at him.

To the crowd, it looked like a simple double-team. But in reality, their goal was clear: take Ryu down at all costs.

Who was the prey, and who was the hunter? The answer was about to be revealed.