Gym Aftermath – Coach's Interruption
The gym door slammed open. Coach Morita stood there, cigarette dangling, eyeing Kenji and Yuki.
"This a sports facility, not a love hotel," he deadpanned.
Behind him, the team filed in—Jiro wolf-whistled, while Tatsuya mimed kissing noises. Yuki's face burned as she hurried to join them, whispering to Kenji:
"I won't tell them yet… but this isn't over."
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Team Briefing – The Defensive Juggernaut
Haru and his tech recruit Himura projected footage of their next opponent:
"The 'Iron Wall' of Shirogane High," Haru announced. "No team has scored over 50 points against them this tournament."
Defensive Stats:
- 95% zone-coverage success rate
- Average opponent turnover: 20 per game
- Weakness: Offensively inept ("They win 48-42 type games," scoffed Jiro).
Akira crossed his arms. "So we break their shell."
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Training Montage – Secret Recovery
- Kenji drilled mid-range jumpers, frustration growing.
- Jiro and Tatsuya practiced fake passes to disrupt defensive rhythm.
- Rin Matsuoka (injured ace) secretly tested his healed knee behind the storage shed—no limp, no pain.
Daichi caught him. "You're… healed?!"
Rin smirked, tossing him a ball. "Keep it quiet."
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Game Day – The Iron Wall Stands Firm
First Half:
- Shirogane's defense swallowed every play.
- Kenji's drives were cut off; passes intercepted.
- Score: Shirogane 32 - Shinwa 25 (Halftime)
The commentator jeered: "Looks like Shinwa's 'miracle' win was a fluke!"
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Second Half – The Ace Rises
Rin stood abruptly, tossing his crutches aside. "Put me in, Coach."
Morita's eyes narrowed—then he grinned. "You punk. How long?"
"Long enough."
New Strategy:
- Rin's Instructions: "Riku—every steal you get, fire it to me."
- Execution:
- Riku picked Shirogane's point guard clean.
- Rin caught the pass, exhaled—swish, a three-pointer.
- Repeat x4: Rin's shooting forced Shirogane to abandon their zone.
Final Play:
- Kenji drew a double-team, dished to Rin for the game-winning three.
- Score: Shinwa 61 - Shirogane 58
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Post-Game – Revelations
- Team Celebration: Rin was mobbed ("You bastard! You were healthy?!").
- Kenji's Glance: Yuki watched him from afar, the unspoken Kurogane secret between them.