Everyone on the basketball court had their eyes glued to Oliver's back. Though he had only just entered the court, there was something about him that felt increasingly mysterious and unfathomable.
But did Oliver actually predict Sendoh's intention?
Yes—and no.
Oliver knew that with Sendoh's experience and skill, he would definitely notice the problem with the ball's trajectory. Whether it was to grab the rebound or attempt a correction, Sendoh would never leave the play hanging. What Oliver hadn't expected was that Sendoh would opt for an aerial pass—redirecting the off-course ball in mid-air straight to him!
An alley-oop play like that looks easy, but in truth, it's a high-difficulty move. It demands an exceptional sense of timing and chemistry between both players. Whether it's the one passing or the one catching, the margin for error is razor-thin. A difference of even a millisecond between a lofted arc and a straight pass can throw the rhythm off entirely—especially for a player relying on explosive jumping ability.
But Oliver and Sendoh had only met today. They had no shared experience, no prior synergy. Their play was purely the result of Sendoh's outstanding court awareness, impeccable judgment, and elite physical coordination. Despite being strangers on the court, the two had pulled off a move that even seasoned teammates might struggle with.
"Nice shot!" Sendoh called out as he ran over, raising his hand for a high-five.
Oliver looked at him for a long moment before slapping his palm. As expected from someone called a genius... he really is the real deal.
"Let's keep pushing—let's score again!" Sendoh grinned.
With their brief celebration over, the two quickly returned to their positions, ready to attack again.
They already understood each other. There was no point in further probing or testing. The only goal now was simple:
Win this game.
"Beep—!"
The game resumed as the opposing team served from the baseline. But before they could even think of advancing the ball, Sendoh had already snatched it away!
Unlike Oliver's explosive burst of speed, Sendoh weaved through the defense with snake-like agility. He moved like liquid, slipping past outstretched arms and desperate attempts to stop him. No matter how hard the opposing players tried, they could only graze the edge of his jersey.
"Damn it!!"
Losing possession right under their own basket was dangerous. Realizing the threat, the defenders rushed back to reclaim the ball.
They couldn't allow themselves to be led around like this. If they didn't break the momentum now, the rhythm of the entire game would tilt against them!
Three defenders immediately collapsed on Sendoh, double—and even triple—teaming him. One of them didn't even mind risking a foul and slapped at his wrist with all his strength.
But Sendoh reacted like lightning—dodging the contact while holding onto the ball with both hands. However, doing so left him stuck in place. He couldn't move without risking a violation.
"You're not getting past us this time, Sendoh!!" one of the defenders jeered, smirking as he stood his ground.
The others didn't move to steal the ball. They knew it was too risky—any mistake might give Sendoh an opening to shoot. Instead, they waited patiently for a five-second violation. Once that happened, possession would naturally shift back to them.
"Really?" Sendoh raised an eyebrow, calm and composed.
Suddenly, he passed the ball behind him—no-look, two-handed, clean.
With a sharp snap, the ball landed directly in Oliver's hands!
"Oh no! Somebody guard that short guy!!" a panicked voice shouted from the opposing bench.
Three players had been preoccupied with Sendoh, leaving only two to cover the rest of the court. But Oliver's side still had three available teammates!
Those remaining defenders quickly moved to block the unguarded opponents, giving Oliver the perfect opening.
"Damn it!!"
The three who had been defending Sendoh immediately scrambled away from him and chased after Oliver, who was charging straight toward the basket.
But it was too late.
Oliver's legs launched off the ground with terrifying force. His enhanced leg strength propelled him high into the air. With both hands gripping the ball tightly, he slammed it into the basket with explosive power!
"Bang!!"
A perfect slam dunk.
The crowd erupted. The entire gymnasium roared with cheers.
A slam dunk is the most dazzling play in basketball—pure power, spectacle, and precision. It doesn't just boost team morale, it ignites the emotions of everyone watching.
And the one who made the dunk wasn't some tall, towering player—it was the shorter guy that everyone had underestimated from the beginning!
The sheer visual impact sent the audience into a frenzy.
"Ahhhh!! Bro, you're incredible!!" Qianhua screamed in delight, waving her hand-flowers wildly in the air.
How could she not be excited?
Basketball was Qianhua's favorite sport. Though she wasn't great at it herself, she had always supported her favorite players from the sidelines.
She knew how hard Oliver had worked. Despite his limited opportunities, he never gave up and kept training. She had watched it all happen.
Now, Oliver was soaring across the court like lightning—scoring, stealing, dunking. Qianhua's joy came from the heart.
"Go, Oliver! I'm making you a feast tonight!" she shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth. Her mind was already racing through menu ideas.
"It's amazing!! Just amazing!! That speed, that jump—wow!!" Hikoichi was beyond excited. His voice trembled as he hurried to document Oliver's incredible performance.
"…So even short players can excel in basketball," he murmured.
Aida Hikoichi was a member of the Ryonan basketball team, like Sendoh. But because of his similar height to Oliver, he had always been benched. Still, he supported the team by collecting and analyzing data.
Even so, deep down in his heart—he longed to play.
What basketball lover wouldn't want to step onto the court?
That had been Oliver once. And that was Hikoichi now.
As he watched Oliver dominate the game, eyes shining with passion and skill, Hikoichi's heart stirred.
If I work harder… maybe one day I can be like him too.
On the court, Sendoh narrowed his eyes at the dunking Oliver. "Oh? Interesting…"
Oliver's strength had exceeded his expectations.
Though Sendoh was calm and collected on the outside, he wasn't devoid of desires or ambition. What he truly loved—was a challenge.
To face a formidable opponent. To rise and conquer. That's what fueled his love for basketball.
And now, Oliver was showing signs of being a true master.
His skills, his vision, his control—he was leagues above most players on the court.
Tomorrow's game is going to be something else, Sendoh thought, feeling the thrill course through him. Guess I won't be sleeping in anymore…
Meanwhile, the college team's morale was crumbling.
"Damn it… Sendoh was already hard enough to deal with. Now there's another monster like him…" one player muttered helplessly.
They were college-level players, yet here they were—being crushed by two high schoolers. The humiliation was beyond painful.
"Let's get one more point next round!" Sendoh called, raising a finger toward Oliver.
"Got it! Let's finish this fast!" Oliver grinned in response.
---
Bang!
Swish!
Boom!
The sound of shots, layups, and swishes echoed nonstop.
The referee's whistle finally blew—marking the end of the game.
Final Score: 82 - 51.
Oliver and Sendoh, the dual aces of Shohoku and Ryonan, had teamed up against a college team—and delivered a flawless victory.
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