While Shohoku and Kainan were locked in a fierce battle, Ryonan was thrashing Fukuda on another court in Kanagawa Prefecture.
The Shoyo trio stood by the railing, watching intently.
Hasegawa gasped, "Both teams were among last year's top four. I didn't expect Ryonan to crush Fukuda this badly in just one year."
Hanagata adjusted his glasses. "What's even scarier is that Ryonan hasn't even shown their full strength yet."
Fujima let out a sigh. "This year's round robin really is a clash of dragons and tigers. Compared to them, Fukuda doesn't stand a chance."
"Should we go watch Shohoku's game instead? No point staying here," Hanagata suggested.
Hasegawa nodded, but Fujima shook his head. "You two go."
Hanagata probably guessed why—whether Kainan won or lost, Fujima wouldn't be pleased.
"Phew… finally made it. Nakamura, you drive way too slow."
"Look! Sendo's on the move again!"
Aida Yayoi and her companion rushed to the media seats just in time to see Sendo intercept a pass, then explode down the court for a fast break.
As three Fukuda defenders collapsed on him, Sendo coolly dished the ball behind to Echizen, who finished with an easy layup.
"Nice one, Sendo!"
"Sendo's incredible!"
The arena had become a sea of Ryonan and Sendo supporters. The poor Fukuda fans had gone silent, forced to endure their team being dismantled.
But the star of the match looked a little absentminded: The Shohoku game must be way more exciting. I just want this one to end so I can go watch…
Sendo sighed, feeling the game was dragging on. Part of him even wanted to tell Coach Taoka, Sorry, I'm leaving.
But under Taoka's stern gaze, he didn't dare.
In the stands, Nango's parents were watching Shohoku's game.
His father rubbed his chin, clearly pleased. "Tamako, Nango's playing really well."
His mother, though, wasn't paying attention to the game. She was staring at Kano instead. "Hmm, yes."
His father frowned. "Why are you staring at that girl nonstop?"
"Oh, I just instantly like her. She'll get along with me perfectly."
"…You really are…" he muttered helplessly.
Kano, completely unaware she had already won over her "future mother-in-law," was still engrossed in Nango's performance.
"Kano, did you tell Nango about the practice game?" Eri suddenly asked.
Kano froze. "Uh… well… he's been focused on this round robin, so I haven't told him yet. Eri, maybe we should wait until after the tournament?"
Eri rolled her eyes. "Fine. But after this round robin, you must have him arrange a game with us."
"Okay…"
On the court, Nango led Shohoku in their chase against Kainan.
Maki's individual offense was unstoppable, but Nango never gave him a clean look from the three-point line. And since Maki also had to organize the offense, he couldn't just keep attacking alone.
As Nango anticipated, once AMaki passed, the other Kainan players' shooting under tight defense wasn't reliable. Shohoku pulled ahead 35–24 with three minutes left in the first half.
That finally forced Kainan to adjust.
"So, Senior Maki… are you sticking with me now?" Nango teased.
"I can't help it—you're playing too well."
Maki recalled Coach Kōzu's orders:
"Maki, guard Nango to death. Forget his position—full-court press! You must limit him. Once Akagi returns in the second half, it'll be even tougher."
Even Coach Kōzu, usually calm, had lost his patience.
But Nango, faced with Maki's tight defense, simply drifted to the corner. "Come on, let's just watch from here."
He signaled Miyagi, who passed to Rukawa Kaede instead.
Although Nango could still score on Maki, he chose not to force things. He needed to conserve energy for the second half. Keeping Maki occupied in the corner turned the game into a 4-on-4, where Shohoku held the advantage.
Rukawa got the ball at the wing, squared up against Muto. After a quick fake middle, he exploded baseline, left Muto behind in a single step, and smoothly pulled up for a jumper. Swish.
The move was so effortless it showed his natural talent.
"Shohoku's offense is stacked. We assign Maki to stop Nango, and now Rukawa's the problem," Hanagata muttered enviously.
"I wonder if Kainan will change their offense. Relying on Maki alone is too much."
On the next play, Maki simply bulldozed past Miyagi. "Damn it, he's like a tank!" Miyagi cursed as Maki muscled into the paint.
Nango rotated to block, but Maki dished mid-air to Takasago, who slammed it down.
Back came Shohoku. Rukawa again isolated Muto, who backed off slightly to guard against the drive. That tiny gap was all Rukawa needed to rise up and drill another jumper.
"Damn it, Muto! Did you forget to eat breakfast? Do you want me to sub you out for a meal?!" Coach Kōzu roared, slamming his fan.
Muto wilted, but Kiyota suddenly stepped forward. "Coach, leave Rukawa to me! I'll shut him down!"
Muto was so moved he nearly cried. "Thanks, Kiyota. Be careful, he's tough!"
Coach Kōzu nearly spat blood. Muto, are you seriously backing out at a time like this?! But he held his tongue—if Kiyota could handle Rukawa, he'd accept it.
Now he only had to figure out how to get Soichiro—who'd been quiet all game—more involved.
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