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Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Aren’t Three-Pointers Better?

"Rukawa Kaede is incredible—another slam dunk!"

"But Shoichi is even more impressive. Rukawa only got that shot in thanks to his steal from upperclassman Kogure!"

"With Shoichi leading the charge, maybe us freshmen can actually win this practice match!"

After watching Shoichi and Rukawa team up for another clean score, Kuwata and the others couldn't contain their excitement.

Judging by their reactions, an outsider might've thought they were the ones who made the shot.

"Back on defense!"

As soon as Rukawa scored, Shoichi called out the reminder and swiftly retreated to defend their own basket.

Following his lead, Rukawa and the others quickly fell into formation.

Watching them regroup, Kogure couldn't hide his surprise. "I didn't expect the first-years to show such solid teamwork under Shoichi's command. That's... honestly impressive."

"At this rate," he added with a frown, "winning this scrimmage might not be so easy after all."

Akagi nodded in agreement. "Shoichi's performance has completely exceeded my expectations. His active play has opened up space for Rukawa to shine."

He paused, then added, "From here on out, I'll stick to marking Rukawa. The rest of you, focus all your defense on Shoichi. You can give Kuwata and the others a bit of breathing room."

Kogure's eyes lit up in understanding. He knew exactly what Akagi had in mind.

Back during Akagi's first appearance in the regional tournament, their opponents had used a similar tactic—shutting down Akagi's playmaking space and crushing Shohoku's offense. That strategy had led to their bitter defeat.

Now Akagi was flipping the script, hoping to suppress Shoichi's momentum and dismantle the first-year synergy.

"Let's go."

With their new strategy set, Akagi led Kogure and the others to launch their offense against the freshmen.

Kogure once again brought the ball up—still assigned to handle Shoichi directly.

He was a steady, methodical player who preferred cautious, disciplined offense.

Normally, this style was rock-solid. But facing Shoichi—the ultimate wildcard, that calm and collected approach was about to backfire.

Shoichi's [Anticipation] buff was tailor-made to counter a player like Kogure.

As Kogure dribbled past half-court, he held the ball for more than five seconds—just long enough for Shoichi to make his move.

Before Kogure could even process what was happening, Shoichi lunged at him with a sudden spin and a lightning-quick reach-back steal.

Akagi's eyes widened. "Kogure, watch out!"

Smack!

Before Akagi could finish, Shoichi had already swiped the ball clean from Kogure's hands.

Seeing the ball stolen yet again, Akagi shouted, "Get back on defense—now!"

At the same time, he sprinted toward his basket with all his might.

Frustration swelled in his chest like a stone. Their plan hadn't even had a chance to unfold before Shoichi crushed it again.

With the lesson from the last play fresh in their minds, Akagi and his team reacted instantly. As soon as Shoichi crossed midcourt with the ball, the upperclassmen were already stationed beneath their basket, cutting off any opportunity for a fast break.

With all five seniors crowding the paint, Shoichi had no choice but to halt his advance. There was no room to drive inside.

"They got back so fast…"

Shoichi frowned slightly as he studied the defenders clustered beneath the hoop, quickly running through his offensive options.

Then, a familiar tone rang in his mind.

[Ding! You've completed: Practice Match – 5 Minutes. Reward Unlocked: Jump Shot Technique]

A flood of information about the new skill surged through Shoichi's consciousness.

Jump Shot (Beginner):

—The first shot of each half is guaranteed to go in.

—Additionally, for every 10 shots taken, 1 will be guaranteed.

—Skill upgrades will improve accuracy.

"So it's buffed even further," Shoichi thought, the corner of his lips curling into a knowing smile.

He wasn't surprised—just intrigued.

Driven by curiosity, he stepped back—retreating all the way beyond the three-point line.

His thinking was simple: If the first shot is guaranteed… why not go for three points?

Poised behind the arc, Shoichi raised the ball into a shooting position. His body language made his intentions crystal clear.

Gasps rippled through the gym.

"Wait—is he really going to shoot a three?"

"He's going for a three-pointer?!"

Even Ayako's eyes widened with disbelief as she stared at Shoichi from the sidelines. "Has he… even practiced his jump shot? Let alone three-pointers?"

Pouting slightly, she muttered under her breath, "This is reckless. Akagi-senpai is right under the hoop—if the shot misses, it just hands the ball to the other side…"

In contrast to her concern, Coach Anzai's expression turned contemplative. "That drive… that fire in his eyes—it reminds me of Mitsui during his junior high days."

Ayako blinked, caught off guard by the comparison. She searched her memory for anything she could recall about Mitsui's past.

At that moment

Shoichi jumped.

His shooting form was flawless—fluid, confident, and elegant.

All eyes turned skyward as the ball sailed through the air.

For a second, the world seemed to hold its breath.

Would it go in?

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