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

After Akagi's powerful dunk, the atmosphere in the gym reached a new high.

"That's our captain for you!"

"Nice play!"

With Akagi's dunk adding 2 points to their score, the upperclassmen's spirits soared. Kogure and Yasuda gave him a thumbs-up in admiration.

"Stay sharp on defense!"

"Let's crush them in one go!"

Akagi's roar revitalized their team, pulling them back from the brink.

"Yes!"

Kogure and the others responded firmly, shifting into defensive positions, ready to face the first-year players' counterattack.

On the other side, Kuwata and the rest looked deflated, like withered plants after a storm. Akagi's dunk had hit them hard.

They turned to look at Ryu and Rukawa with grim faces.

"The seniors are getting serious now."

"I wonder if we can even hold out."

"Ryu, Rukawa, it's up to you two from here on out."

"Stay calm, guys. The game's just getting started," Ryu said, clapping his hands to refocus the team. "Don't get down. We're still in the lead by one point."

Rukawa nodded silently, agreeing with Ryu's words while sensing Akagi's unspoken challenge in his earlier dunk.

"First-years, let's win this!" Ryu shouted, rallying the team.

The others quickly joined in.

"Yeah, we're still ahead!"

"First-years, let's win this!"

Their spirits lifted under Ryu's encouragement.

Akagi noticed this from the other side and couldn't help but feel impressed.

"Not bad. It seems the first-years' morale is being carried by Ryu."

"This time, we won't let them score," Kogure said, determination flashing in his eyes.

The seniors' fighting spirit climbed higher as they steeled themselves.

"Let's see what the first-year rookies are really made of. Losing to them would be too embarrassing."

From the sidelines, Ayako smiled at the sight of the energized first-years.

"I didn't expect this from Ryu. He has more to him than I thought."

"I agree," Coach Anzai said with a chuckle. "It seems this game is just getting interesting."

"Tweet!"

"Start!"

With the referee's whistle, the game resumed.

Sasaki passed the ball decisively to Ryu.

Dribbling forward, Ryu was met by Kogure, who blocked his path.

"So, rookie, was that last shot luck or skill?" Kogure asked with a grin.

"Why don't you let me try again and find out?" Ryu replied, smirking as he bounced the ball rhythmically.

Kogure froze for a moment. They had just crossed the half-court line. Was Ryu seriously thinking of trying the same trick again?

"That's impossible. Let's have a proper one-on-one," Kogure said, but doubt crept into his mind.

He started backing toward the basket, preparing for defense.

Ryu's grin widened.

"Alright, senior, but be ready for Akagi to scold you later."

Without waiting for a reply, Ryu raised the ball confidently, preparing to shoot.

Kogure's hesitation hadn't escaped Ryu's sharp eyes. His relaxed stance practically screamed, Go ahead and try. Let's see if you're lucky twice.

Kogure frowned. Could Ryu actually have some skill? His body stayed still, not moving to block.

Akagi's face darkened from across the court.

What's this rookie thinking? Shooting from there again?

Rukawa also watched intently. This guy's insane. Does he think he can actually make it?

Kuwata and the others froze, their earlier excitement turning into concern.

"Hey, boss, weren't we going to play it safe? What's this about?"

Ayako, who had just praised Ryu, facepalmed.

"I take it back. He's exactly like Hanamichi—completely reckless."

Coach Anzai stood from his chair, his brows furrowed in curiosity.

This kid doesn't seem the type to be reckless without reason. What is he up to?

Amid everyone's confusion, Ryu jumped and launched the ball in a high arc, mirroring his earlier shot.

"Swish!"

The ball sank cleanly through the hoop.

"Wha—?! Did that just go in?"

Kogure stared at the basket, his eyes wide in disbelief.

"Another half-court three?!"

Yasuda and the others clutched their heads, utterly shocked.

Akagi, who had been ready to jump for a rebound, froze. He turned his gaze toward Ryu, disbelief written all over his face.

No way... Did that really just happen?

Rukawa's eyes narrowed as he watched Ryu. I need to play him one-on-one.

Kuwata and the others, after a brief moment of stunned silence, erupted in cheers.

"Wow! It went in!"

"Ryu's amazing!"

From the sidelines, Hanamichi glared at Ryu with envy.

"Not bad, but he's still no match for this genius," Hanamichi muttered, his pride barely intact.

Ayako blushed slightly, embarrassed by how quickly her opinion of Ryu had swung back and forth.

Hanamichi noticed her reaction and smirked.

"Hey, Ayako-san, I heard that," he teased.

"Hanamichi! Back to practice!" she barked, smacking him with a clipboard.

Coach Anzai chuckled softly, his gaze fixed on Ryu.

"A fine shot. He's full of surprises."

Ryu turned to Kogure, patting him on the shoulder.

"So, senior, was that luck or skill?"

Without waiting for an answer, he waved to his teammates.

"Let's go! Defense! Don't let them score!"

Kuwata and the others scrambled back into position, their confidence bolstered.

With Ryu leading the charge, victory against Akagi's team didn't seem so far-fetched anymore.