"Bull Charge—Activate!"
The moment the skill triggered, it felt like every muscle in Oliver's body came alive, as though electricity had surged through him. His heart pounded like a war drum, blood racing with raw adrenaline. Power surged through his limbs, almost uncontrollable.
He spun around and lowered his center of gravity, placing his back toward the towering figure of Akagi. Dribbling the ball with one hand, he began his post-up drive.
"Post-up play!?"
Shock rippled through the crowd.
"This guy's actually trying to post up against Akagi!?"
Whispers of disbelief spread like wildfire across the gym.
Post-up offense required immense core strength and body control. Most players only used it if they were physically imposing or had height on their side. But Oliver—skinny, shorter, and clearly outsized—was going head-to-head with one of the most dominant inside players in high school basketball.
What is he thinking? He won't be able to budge Akagi even an inch!
But on the court, Akagi was frowning.
Each time Oliver took a step, he was getting closer to the basket. Akagi planted his feet and tried to push him back, to hold his ground like a fortress.
And yet...
"…Urgh!!"
His eyes widened in disbelief.
He's pushing me back!?
It was as if he was trying to stop a runaway truck—no, a freight train! Every attempt to resist felt futile. His own shoes screeched against the hardwood as he was forced backward.
Where is this strength coming from!?
Akagi grit his teeth and widened his stance, using every bit of power in his legs and core to keep Oliver from advancing.
The crowd went dead silent.
It was like watching David push Goliath across the court.
---
Inside Oliver's head, calculations were running on overdrive. "Bull Charge" only lasted five seconds. There was no way he'd reach the rim and finish a shot within that time unless he chained it with another skill.
And he had already planned for this.
Post-up plays are limited to five seconds in the paint. If I spend it all driving, I'll never have time to shoot. I need at least one second to launch.
Three seconds left.
Akagi roared, finally digging in and halting Oliver's advance. They had reached the bottom of the basket. His hands extended wide to block every possible angle.
Two seconds.
Oliver's dribble slammed into the court one final time.
Then he launched.
His legs exploded off the floor, enhanced by the system, carrying him upward like a missile. The ball was held in one hand, his right arm cocked for the slam.
Akagi reacted instantly.
"You're not getting past me!!"
He leaped with everything he had, arms fully extended, aiming to pin the ball against the backboard.
One second left!
"LET ME IN!!" Oliver shouted mid-air, pouring the last of his strength into his dunk attempt.
Their hands collided mid-flight. Akagi's palm slammed down—but Oliver's grip held fast.
BOOM!!
The basketball crashed through the hoop with force, the rim rattling violently.
Slam dunk!!
---
"OOOOHHHHHHH!!"
The stadium exploded with cheers. The crowd surged to their feet, fists pumping, voices rising in awe.
That was clean. That was violent. That was pure domination.
The storm had arrived.
No wonder they call him... "The Wild Wind."
Haruko stared in stunned silence. It was the first time she had ever seen Oliver play at full strength. His speed, his skill, his overwhelming intensity—it sent shivers down her spine.
Sakuragi jumped up from his seat and began waving red and white flags with Mito and the rest of the cheer squad.
"YES!! That's what I'm talking about! That's how you humble a gorilla!"
"Unbelievable..." muttered one of the senior players on Shohoku's bench. "He actually beat the captain in a physical duel?"
"Are we dreaming…?"
Even the players who knew Akagi best couldn't process what they had just witnessed.
---
Oliver landed from the dunk, bent forward slightly, hands on his thighs, panting hard.
Stamina draining… "Bull Charge" is now on cooldown.
Cooldown remaining: 1 minute.
Time to adapt. I can't challenge him inside again until it's ready. Now, I need to score from the outside.
Akagi walked over, his expression serious.
"You're strong," he said sincerely. "Really strong. I didn't expect you to be this tough physically. I underestimated you."
"Heh…" Oliver forced a smile. "I've got a few more tricks. Stick around and see for yourself."
In truth, he was nearly out of gas. Stacked skills had drained most of his stamina. He could only do one more overlap before needing "Quick Recovery" to restore his energy reserves.
He had to end this fast.
---
Suddenly, Akagi grabbed the ball and shouted, "I'm not holding back anymore!"
He sprinted forward with a loud roar, dribbling straight toward Oliver.
Oliver instinctively took a defensive stance, but his instincts screamed at him not to go head-to-head again.
Without Bull Charge, I can't risk a collision.
Sure enough, BANG! Akagi bulldozed through and scored a clean layup.
"Oliver! What was that!? Why didn't you stop him!?"
Sakuragi leaped to his feet in outrage.
"Kick him if you have to!"
"Sakuragi-kun! That's a foul!" Haruko scolded.
Outside the court, Mito and the others shook their heads.
Inside the gym, the crowd was still on edge. The game was heating up—and the score was neck and neck.
---
The ball returned to Oliver.
He walked beyond the arc, dribbling slowly, deep in thought.
"Come on, Oliver! Show him what you've got!!"
Sakuragi and the rest of the cheer squad resumed their wild encouragement.
Oliver exhaled, steadying his breath.
Time to shift gears again.
Sonic Dash—Activate.
BOOM!
He shot forward in a flash, tearing down the court with blazing speed.
Akagi was ready this time.
"You won't get past me again!"
Oliver stopped mid-sprint.
Pivot.
He turned and sprinted in the opposite direction, away from the basket.
"Huh!? What's he doing?!"
The crowd stared in confusion.
Why would a player suddenly back away from the hoop?
Even Akagi hesitated, momentarily unsure.
Should he chase?
Should he hold position?
If I go after him and he stops to shoot, I won't make it back in time to block. But if I don't go… what's he planning?!
The distance between them grew.
Akagi's heart pounded in uncertainty. This pressure... this tension...
I have to do something!
"No way I'm just standing here!!" Akagi roared and took off in pursuit.
---
Oliver smiled.
Just what I wanted.
He stopped, planted his feet, and jumped.
"Accurate Shooter—Activate."
The ball flew high into the air, slicing through the gymnasium.
Everyone held their breath.
Akagi's eyes widened mid-run.
Too late to contest it.
The basketball arced high—perfect, clean, sharp.
"SWISH!!"
Straight through the net.
The crowd erupted once more.
"That's how you do it, Oliver!!"
"Another one! Hit him again!!"
"Go, Wild Wind!!"
---
Akagi stopped in his tracks, stunned. He looked at Oliver, who stood calmly at the top of the arc, hands on hips, catching his breath.
Inside, he couldn't help but admire the younger player's strategy.
He baited me into a trap. He manipulated the whole court.
This was more than just speed or strength.
This was a battle of minds.
And Oliver had just outplayed him.
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