The second half began, and the arena seemed to hold its breath. The whistle cut sharply through the air, and the ball was inbounded. Hakuro Academy wasted no time, their movements perfectly synchronized, a mechanical symphony executed by human bodies.
Ryu stood at the top of the arc, red aura faint but present, every dribble controlled and measured. Hiroto glided to the wing, gold aura flaring subtly with each step. Behind them, Minato Raiji and Sase Ren slid into place, spacing so precise it was like watching gears slot perfectly into a clock. Even Shunpei Kanda, the center, moved as if gravity bent for him, sealing lanes, cutting off rebounds with a precision that left spectators holding their breath.
