Sendoh Akira leaned back with his usual easy smile. "So, you're challenging me? I've been waiting for this."
Nango met his gaze, eyes serious. "Playtime's over. From now on, I'm going all out. You'd better focus—otherwise, you'll lose badly."
With that, he turned away, scanning the court. He had made a promise to Rukawa Kaede, and he would never go back on a man's word.
Sendoh grinned. "Then bring it on!" He was eager to see how Nango would attack him. Winning? He wasn't worried—he had absolute confidence.
But soon, his grin disappeared.
Both teams had cleared the right side of the court, leaving Nango and Sendoh alone in the spotlight.
Yasuda dribbled to the right, drawing Uekusa with him, before feeding Nango in the post. Then he quickly vacated, leaving the stage set for the showdown.
Nango backed into Sendoh immediately, lowering his shoulder.
"—!" Sendoh's chest tightened from the impact. He hadn't expected such brute strength.
Step by step, Nango bullied him closer to the basket. Then, with a sudden inside spin, Nango slipped past and laid it in off the glass.
Tie game.
Nango smirked, looking down at Sendoh. "So? Want me to take it easy on you?"
Sendoh's smile vanished. "…Bastard."
"Brat, don't get too full of yourself!" Uozumi roared, charging forward.
"Oh, my apologies," Nango said mockingly, bowing slightly. "Would you like me to go easy on you too, senior?"
"You—!" Uozumi was about to explode, but Sendoh and the others restrained him.
On Shohoku's side, Akagi grabbed Nango's jersey. "Idiot! Stop provoking them! Focus on basketball."
Nango calmly shook him off. "I am focused, Captain. If Sendoh insists on going one-on-one with me, their team defense will collapse. That's exactly what I want."
Akagi blinked, caught off guard by the logic.
Nango flashed a thumbs-up at Yasuda. "Nice pass earlier, senpai. Keep them coming—I'll handle the rest."
Yasuda glanced at Akagi. With a small nod of approval from the captain, Yasuda understood his role.
Meanwhile, Sakuragi fumed on the sideline. Why pass to Rukawa? Why pass to Nango? What about me?! He clenched his fists, determined. If I get the ball, I'll crush Sendoh, crush Uozumi, and win Haruko's heart!
On the bench, Rukawa sat in thought. Nango's post-up style was efficient, almost effortless compared to his own exhausting battles with Sendoh. Perhaps there was something to learn there.
Coach Anzai, as always, remained serene, sipping tea. He saw no reason to interfere.
Across the court, Ryonan seethed.
"That arrogant jerk!" Echizen snapped. "Sendoh, you have to shut him up!"
"That's right!" Uozumi barked. "You're our ace! Show him his place!"
Even Coach Taoka didn't intervene. Let Sendoh answer him directly. A first-year like Nango can't possibly match Sendoh.
Sendoh simply nodded, but his eyes were sharp. Yeah… it's time to teach him a lesson.
The timeout ended.
Ryonan had the ball. Sendoh caught it, jab-stepped, pump-faked, jabbed again, then rose smoothly for a jumper.
Swish.
He turned, curling his index finger at Nango. Your move.
Nango's fighting spirit ignited. "As you wish."
From there, it became a duel. Nango scored in the post. Sendoh answered with a jumper. Back and forth, neither backing down.
Sendoh couldn't stop Nango's power. Nango couldn't contain Sendoh's speed.
But as the minutes ticked away, a difference emerged.
Sendoh's breath grew heavier. Nango's remained steady.
Damn… his stamina's unreal… Sendoh thought, frustration rising.
The next possession, Nango's defense grew tighter, his steps sharper. Sendoh tried to blow past him, but Nango cut him off. Spin move? Blocked again.
Then—swipe! Nango's long arm knocked the ball loose.
"Fast break!" he shouted, already sprinting towards Ryonan's basket.
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