When Shohoku was on a fast break, they usually gave the ball to Nango.
He was tall, had excellent vision, and could spot opportunities to pass immediately.
This play was no exception. After Rukawa Kaede received the ball, he immediately looked for Nango.
Seeing the right moment, Rukawa Kaede launched a long pass.
Maki, who had been retreating on defense, suddenly turned and ran to intercept.
Kainan had carefully studied Shohoku, anticipating their transition offense. Maki's eyes were on Nango the moment the play began.
Fortunately, Nango reacted quickly. He tipped the ball before Maki could reach it, jumped to secure it, and immediately pushed forward.
"That was close," Nango thought. Maki had been only a step away. If he had intercepted, he could have driven straight to the basket, and Shohoku would have lost a critical momentum chance.
Maki, frustrated, immediately pounced on Nango; there was barely half a body length between them.
Nango wasn't planning to pass to Miyagi—he intended to handle it himself.
"Is this kid forcing his way in again?" Maki muttered.
He had seen Nango's incredible shot against Shoyo. Now that Nango was on a hot streak, Maki wasn't sure what to expect.
The two continued toward the three-point line. Maki caught up, running empty-handed on the left, while Muto, guarding Mitsui, kept an eye on them.
Nango moved deliberately toward them, and as expected, Muto left Mitsui to double-team.
Before the double-team could fully form, Nango slammed the ball to the ground, tucked it under his arm, hopped past Muto, and dished to Mitsui in the corner.
The pass was slightly low, but Mitsui calmly made the shot, adding three points.
The score became 9–6, giving Shohoku a slight edge.
Takasago's previous offensive error had Maki hesitating, unsure if he should continue pressuring Nango.
"Maki!" Kiyota reached for the ball, Mitsui guarding him.
Maki paused, then passed it to Kiyota. If Kiyota opened up the court, it could create chances for Soichiro Jin to attack.
Kiyota dribbled to create space, accelerated, and changed direction, blowing past Mitsui.
"This kid's movements are this fast?" Mitsui thought. He expected a drive, but not one so quick he couldn't block in time.
Kiyota drove straight at Sakuragi, leaping with the ball. "Die, Red-haired Monkey!"
"Who are you calling a monkey?!" Sakuragi jumped to block him.
"Hmph, you fell for it," Kiyota passed to Muto, who jumped to catch it.
"No way!" Nango instinctively shouted while helping, extending his hand toward Muto.
Muto, mid-jump, had to throw the ball toward the backboard near Takasago, hoping for an offensive rebound.
Takasago grabbed it, ready to shoot. Sakuragi jumped again, but Takasago pulled back his hand, slammed the ball down, and only jumped after Sakuragi landed.
Thwack! Nango's long arms tipped the ball away from Takasago. The ball rolled toward Miyagi and Maki.
Miyagi grabbed it easily, but Maki stuck close, preventing an immediate outlet pass.
The fast break was in danger of disappearing. Miyagi grew anxious.
"Over here!" Rukawa Kaede rushed to help. Nango sprinted toward the frontcourt, while the "red Ferrari" accelerated furiously.
Rukawa Kaede took Miyagi's pass and lobbed it to Nango. Nango jumped, caught it, and launched a higher, faster shot.
Slam!
One dunk. Two points. Three passes. Four players. Five seconds.
Mitsui: "666!"
The crowd was stunned, desperate to see it again. But there were no replays—this moment would live only in memory.
"Shohoku's offense is too fast!"
"The ball went in in the blink of an eye!"
"Kainan didn't touch a single player!"
"Absolutely beautiful! Shohoku has some tricks!"
"The coordination of these three newcomers is incredible!"
Ye Zi muttered, "I can't believe Sakuragi has gotten this strong…"
"Hmph. It's sheer luck he even made it to the round-robin tournament." Oda was frustrated. Both teams had played against Takezono, yet Kainan's substitutes had failed to check Shohoku.
Next year! I'll lead Takenozono into the round-robin! Oda vowed silently.
"Those three are amazing. They can suppress Kainan without Akagi. We'll definitely win!" Kogure cheered. Akagi's absence had been worrisome, but Shohoku's current performance gave him hope.
Akagi, observing from the bench, felt relieved. Just hold Kainan like this until I get back…
"Great pass!"
"Nice dunk!"
Nango high-fived Rukawa and Sakuragi, glancing at the score. If Kainan only has Maki scoring, this is manageable.
Kiyota gritted his teeth. "Damn it… they're showing off again…"
Maki sighed. This wasn't what Kainan had planned. Removing Akagi early was supposed to demoralize Shohoku, but they were still formidable—perhaps even stronger than before.
Nango… reminds me of a first-year Maki, capable both inside and out, but his shooting is far better. This little guy is a real problem… Coach Kouzu mused, lightly biting his fan, planning his strategy to contain Nango.
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