NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Defensive Wall? Ryu's Pressure!
After Ryu hit two consecutive long-range three-pointers, the score was now 2-6.
Akagi clapped a hand on Kogure's shoulder to snap him out of his thoughts.
"Kogure, stay focused and keep an eye on Ryu."
"Let's score on this possession first."
Kogure scratched his head, slightly embarrassed.
"Got it, Akagi. I'll stop him this time."
Ryu's consecutive three-pointers were, in part, due to Kogure underestimating him. But what Kogure didn't realize was that even Akagi himself might not have been able to guard Ryu.
"Alright, let's go. Bring your energy!" Akagi commanded as he passed the ball and urged his team forward. The score difference wasn't huge, but the game wasn't unfolding as expected. Everyone assumed Rukawa would carry the offense, but instead, the unexpected star was the newcomer, Ryu.
On the other side, Ryu led his team back to their defensive positions, prepared for Akagi's offense.
"Stay sharp and block them," Ryu instructed, hands on his hips, as he encouraged his teammates.
With determined expressions, Kuwata and Sasoka nodded firmly in agreement.
Just then—
Ding!
[Mission Complete!]
[You've gained the Quick Recovery skill.]
A voice echoed in Ryu's mind, followed by the skill description:
[Quick Recovery: When stamina drops below 50%, recover 30% stamina. Usable once per day.]
After reading the skill details, Ryu smirked.
"Perfect timing for someone like me who runs out of energy fast."
"Activate!" he thought.
A sudden wave of energy coursed through Ryu's body, instantly banishing his fatigue. Feeling recharged, he focused on the court and locked eyes with Kogure, who was dribbling toward him.
"Alright. Time to get serious and play some real basketball."
"Watch out, Ryu-kun," Kogure warned with a smile, searching for a way past Ryu.
Ding!
[Training Mission: Stop Kogure's Breakthrough.]
[Reward: Phantom Interception.]
Ryu glanced at the skill's details:
[Phantom Interception: When the opposing player holds the ball for more than five seconds, your body moves at lightning speed, ensuring a 100% success rate for the first three steals. Afterward, the success rate is 70%. Stamina consumption is low.]
Ryu chuckled. "Thanks, system. This is going to be fun."
Planting his feet firmly, Ryu spread his arms wide in a defensive stance.
"Bring it on, senpai."
Kogure, dribbling with his right hand, scanned for openings. His eyes flicked briefly to Ryu's left side—usually the weakest spot in any defender's stance.
Ryu caught the movement. "Left, huh?" he muttered, subtly adjusting his footing to prepare for Kogure's move.
The next moment, Kogure sped toward Ryu's left side. But as soon as he took the first step, Ryu matched him instantly, his body moving like a wall.
Kogure was stunned. "He predicted my move?"
Over and over, Kogure tried to change directions, but Ryu was there each time, his speed nullifying every attempt.
"Damn it!" Kogure gritted his teeth as he felt his stamina draining from the repeated efforts.
Watching this struggle, Akagi called out, "Kogure, pass the ball!"
Akagi had muscled his way into an ideal position under the basket, but Rukawa was already blocking him, his hands up and focused on preventing the pass.
"Come on, senpai. You're not getting this ball," Rukawa said coolly.
Akagi clicked his tongue in frustration. He'd underestimated Ryu's defensive prowess. Not only could he score, but his defense was solid, too. A rare gem, Akagi thought to himself.
Kogure, looking stressed, glanced at Akagi. It was the perfect moment to pass.
Ding!
[Mission Complete: Stop Kogure's Breakthrough.]
[Reward: Phantom Interception acquired.]
"Phantom Interception, huh?" Ryu murmured.
Suddenly, everything slowed in Ryu's eyes. Kogure's motion to pass the ball seemed like a slow-motion replay.
"Akagi!" Kogure shouted as he threw the ball toward his captain.
But before the ball could reach Akagi, Ryu darted forward like a black streak of lightning.
Smack!
His hands snatched the ball cleanly from midair.
"He intercepted it!" Kuwata exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.
"Fast break!!"