Nango looked seriously at Akagi. "Captain, there's still plenty of time left in the game. You can't stay on the court right now. Kainan is clearly trying to get you fouled out."
If the starting center with two fouls stayed on the court, the opponent would target him relentlessly. Akagi could play, but he'd hesitate—and the opponent would only press harder. No one could risk that.
But Akagi, without hesitation, shook his head. "No need. I know what to do. I won't fall for their trap."
He was determined to stay. This was the game he had been dreaming of—how could he back down now?
Kogure tried to reason with him. "Akagi, calm down…"
Arguments among teammates meant little in a moment like this. Only one person could decide.
"Akagi-san, step down and rest for a bit," Coach Anzai said slowly. "The outcome of this game isn't determined so quickly. You have to trust everyone."
No matter how reluctant, Akagi had no choice but to obey.
"Damn it… all the work I put in for this opportunity…" he muttered, dejected, wrapping a towel around his shoulders and sitting on the bench.
"Gorilla…" Sakuragi murmured. He had never seen Akagi like this before—so disheartened.
Akagi had imagined countless scenarios of facing Kainan, but being forced off the court so early due to fouls was never one of them.
"Akagi, the game has just begun. Don't worry so much. We'll win!" Kogure tried to encourage him, though it barely reached Akagi, who was lost in self-blame. How could I fall for their trick so easily?
"My brother must be frustrated. Kainan's experience is just too seasoned…" Haruko noted quietly, sensing the depth of Akagi's disappointment.
Eri, manager of Ryokufu Basketball Club, praised Kainan sincerely. "As expected of the King, Kainan Affiliated High. They managed to seize Shohoku's lifeline right from the start."
Kano, who didn't understand basketball well, asked anxiously, "Eri, is Shohoku in trouble?"
"Hmm… with Akagi, the team's core, off the court, Shohoku will face challenges in both offense and defense. Whether they can adapt is another story," Eri said carefully, not wanting to discourage him.
Kano's eyes shifted to Nango, confident he would find a solution.
"Miyagi-san, you're in charge of controlling the ball now."
Coach Anzai rarely set explicit tactics, but Akagi's absence and Coach Kouzu's challenge spurred him to act. He wanted a proper showdown with this junior.
"Okay, Coach," Miyagi nodded, stretching. Though surprised to enter so early, he wasn't afraid—opportunities to face Kanagawa Prefecture's top players were rare. If I can beat him, I'll be No.1 here, he thought.
Without Akagi, Shohoku had lost more than a tactical core—they had lost their spiritual pillar. Morale wavered.
Coach Anzai addressed the team. "Although we lost Akagi-san right at the start, we haven't lost yet. Once you choose to give up, the game is over. The path to dominating the nation isn't easy. If you're determined, prove it—to yourselves, and for Akagi-san."
"Yes!" The team felt reinvigorated, like drinking a cup of sweet chicken soup.
Sakuragi wanted to tease, Finally, you're acting like a coach!, but seeing Anzai's seriousness, he held back.
After calming everyone, it was time to find a new spiritual leader. Anzai's gaze fell on Nango. "Akagi-san's role is entrusted to you."
"…I understand."
Though Nango had mentally prepared, assuming the day might come, it arrived earlier than expected. Still, he quickly assumed leadership.
"Sakuragi, Takasago is on me. You and I guard the paint and protect defensive rebounds."
"No problem!" Sakuragi pumped his fist.
"Rukawa Kaede, stick to Kiyota. Don't give him a single three-point chance. He's as skilled as Senior Mitsui or Godai from Tsukubu. Be careful," Nango instructed.
Rukawa nodded.
"Senior Mitsui, move more on offense. We need your three-point firepower."
"No problem, just pass me the ball," Mitsui said. With Akagi out, he knew the team needed him.
"Miyagi, push for fast breaks whenever possible," Nango continued.
"Leave it to me," Miyagi said confidently.
"As for Maki Shinichi, block his shooting space whenever possible. He's a master at drawing fouls, and I don't want to lose anyone else unnecessarily."
Satisfied, Nango raised his hand. "Let's go!"
The team placed their hands together, shouting in unison, "Let's go!"
Akagi muttered from the bench, "Nango… it's all up to you…"
Maki glanced toward Shohoku's side. "Looks like they've regrouped."
Kiyota scoffed. "Hmph, just a show. I'll crush them later."
Coach Kouzu frowned, wondering if Anzai had any special tactics.
"Forget it. Without Akagi, they'll be uncomfortable," he decided. "Next, every possession counts. Full-court press. Build a strong lead in the first half so even if Akagi returns, they can't turn the tide."
"Yes, Coach!" Hainan responded.
The timeout ended. Both teams returned to the court.
Maki made both free throws. Nango inbounded the ball, and Miyagi received it. Maki pressed him immediately.
"Full-court press?" Nango thought. Kainan's tactic came early, unexpected—but he quickly calculated a counter.
"Senior." Miyagi passed to Nango.
No matter the press, Takasago couldn't reach Nango's position in time. Maki realized the press was ineffective and backed off. Kainan only had a man-to-man setup and lacked double-team strategy. Plus, Shohoku had two point guards on the court, reducing the tactic's impact.
Still, surprises at critical moments could create openings.
Nango dribbled past half-court, passed back to Miyagi, and set a screen. Maki anticipated intercepting Miyagi, but Nango's screen was fake. He cut inside, and Miyagi made a perfect bounce pass.
Nango caught it and launched a long-range two-pointer—clean and precise.
Shohoku had fallen into Kainan's trap initially, but now Nango's own strategy began to unfold.
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