Chapter Sixty-Six: Mitsui Hisashi!
"Looks like Kaijo's got this one locked up. And between the two super rookies, Kise Ryota seems clearly superior," Nakamura Heisuke analyzed.
"Don't jump to conclusions. A 7-point deficit—the game's momentum could reverse in an instant," Aida Yayoi cautioned.
Shohoku 72 - Kaijo 79
The game entered the fourth quarter.
Despite her words, from Aida Yayoi's years of experience watching basketball, Shohoku had serious problems. The five players on court each had distinct skills and weren't weak individually, but a thin membrane seemed to separate them—they couldn't mesh completely.
Moreover, Rukawa Kaede was peculiar. Today's performance differed from his middle school playing style, even from his previous games this tournament.
However, Aida Yayoi felt a trace of familiarity with this. Sendoh Akira at the end of his first year had undergone a similar transformation.
"What's truly surprising is Kaijo," Aida Yayoi said. "Most spectators probably assumed they only made it this far riding on the Generation of Miracles."
"Though Kise Ryota became the team's ace as a first-year, Kaijo's other players aren't weak at all."
"Not considering Ryonan's two swing players, looking purely at point guards—Kasamatsu Yukio should rank third in Kanagawa behind only Maki Shinichi and Fujima Kenji."
"While Shohoku's Miyagi Ryota appears formidable as well, his shooting seems average—not as well-rounded as Kasamatsu Yukio's performance this game."
"Now that you mention it, that Moriyama Yoshitaka too!" Nakamura Heisuke eagerly added. "When I was reviewing materials at lunch, I discovered his matchup Mitsui Hisashi was Kanagawa's middle school MVP. Yet this game he's only scored 5 points so far!"
"Moriyama Yoshitaka has two successful blocks, and he's scored 11 points himself—3-for-5 from three!"
"Right, I estimate Shohoku didn't anticipate that either," Aida Yayoi agreed. "Though Kaijo's interior lacks standout features, they commit few mistakes. Especially Hayakawa Mitsuhiro—he's securing most of Kaijo's defensive rebounds. Their current lead owes much to his contributions."
The more they analyzed, the more they realized Kaijo's strength was formidable. The "Generation of Miracles" had overshadowed the other players' brilliance, creating the impression they were merely "a team propped up by a star player."
Both teams returned to the court. The final quarter began.
Shohoku's possession. Miyagi Ryota pushed the ball forward.
"Isn't Shohoku subbing out Mitsui?" Ikegami Ryoji said. "He looks completely spent. I never imagined the middle school MVP would get defended like this."
"Ikegami-senpai—"
The moment Yagami Sorato opened his mouth, Ikegami Ryoji turned his head. "What, am I wrong about this too?"
"In his current condition, just running back and forth with the team is impressive enough. He was locked down when fresh—what can he possibly do now?"
"It's fortunate Ikegami-senpai isn't the one defending Mitsui-senpai today," Yagami Sorato said meaningfully.
"What do you mean?" Ikegami Ryoji frowned. This time he believed his judgment was absolutely correct!
"There's a type of player—when their body reaches its limit, willpower carries them forward."
Sendoh Akira's gaze snapped toward Yagami Sorato. He suddenly felt a strange sensation—these words, completely unrelated to him now, would someday become the key determining a crucial moment.
"Akagi, is this as far as you go?!" Uozumi Jun shouted toward the court, interrupting Ryonan's discussion.
"Don't be ridiculous! This year Shohoku's goal is—to dominate the nation!"
Akagi Takenori received Miyagi Ryota's pass under the basket, forcefully pushing through the double-team from Kobori Koji and Hayakawa Mitsuhiro.
"BOOM!!"
Two-handed slam!
Shohoku 74 - Kaijo 79
"Defense!"
"Get back quick!"
Shohoku's players rapidly retreated to their basket. Kaijo launched a fast break.
After positioning himself, Kasamatsu Yukio passed left. Moriyama Yoshitaka caught the ball and took one step back, creating distance from Mitsui Hisashi.
"Mitsui!"
Mitsui Hisashi was clearly exhausted, his defensive movements significantly slower.
Moriyama Yoshitaka bent his knees slightly, both hands securely cradling the basketball.
"Huh? Another weird form—honestly, they're all so ugly!" Koshino Hiroaki couldn't help but comment.
"So ugly," Fukuda Kicchou agreed reflexively.
Moriyama Yoshitaka's knees powered straight as his arms simultaneously pushed upward. The basketball traced an arc higher than normal shots, rotation appearing somewhat flat.
"Swish!"
Nothing but net—the "chamber pot" three-pointer!
Shohoku 74 - Kaijo 82
"You're at your limit, right?" Moriyama Yoshitaka said. "Why not sit out and rest a bit?"
"After all, the 'angel' sitting in the stands would feel terrible watching me bully someone who can barely stand."
"What nonsense are you spouting, idiot?" Mitsui Hisashi gasped for air. "She's not watching because your shooting form is too ugly!"
"Wh-What?!" Moriyama Yoshitaka looked shocked. "How dare you say something so vicious to slander me! I won't forgive you!"
Possession changed. Shohoku's offense.
"Mitsui, let me switch defensive assignments!" Sakuragi Hanamichi ran beside Mitsui Hisashi.
"No need," Mitsui Hisashi said firmly. "Just take care of the paint for me."
"Miyagi!"
Mitsui Hisashi suddenly reversed direction, using Sakuragi Hanamichi to screen Moriyama Yoshitaka.
Miyagi Ryota's pass arrived perfectly. The instant Mitsui caught it, he rose up for a three-pointer!
"He's still a meter behind the line—he can't make that!"
"Rebound!"
Sakuragi Hanamichi charged toward the paint. Since Mitsui had entrusted him with this responsibility, this rebound absolutely had to be claimed by the genius Sakuragi!
"Swish!"
Splash!
"UWAAAAH!!"
"It went in!"
Shohoku 77 - Kaijo 82
"Mitsui-senpai! Beautiful shot!" Miyagi Ryota shouted.
"You bastard!" Moriyama Yoshitaka glared at Mitsui Hisashi, who was bent over his knees, gasping heavily.
Despite looking like that, he still made the three? And with such perfect form?!
Kaijo quickly counterattacked.
Kasamatsu Yukio decisively passed to Moriyama Yoshitaka. Kaijo's intent couldn't be clearer—they were targeting the exhausted Mitsui Hisashi.
After receiving the ball, Moriyama Yoshitaka wasted no time, quickly adjusting for his sniper-flick release!
However, the instant he shot, Mitsui Hisashi didn't even glance at the result—he immediately sprinted toward Kaijo's half.
"What?! Bastard!" Moriyama Yoshitaka's concentration shattered from this unexpected action.
"CLANG!"
The basketball bounced hard off the rim. Despite being completely open, he'd missed!
"Rebound!"
Kobori Koji and Hayakawa Mitsuhiro both boxed out Akagi Takenori. Kise Ryota also crashed from the wing to battle for the board.
"Smack!"
Sakuragi Hanamichi snatched the rebound over everyone's heads.
"Mitsui!"
He shouted, unhesitatingly whipping the ball toward the frontcourt with all his strength.
Mitsui Hisashi had already crossed halfcourt, Kasamatsu Yukio chasing desperately behind.
Using his height advantage, Mitsui Hisashi caught the outlet pass cleanly, smoothly turning and taking two steps forward before releasing immediately!
"What?!" The entire arena erupted.
This shot not only had no adjustment time—it was launched from a full step beyond the three-point line!
"Such beautiful form—" Ikegami Ryoji in the stands couldn't help but say.
Kasamatsu Yukio looked up, watching the basketball trace a graceful arc through the air.
"Swish!"
Three-pointer, nothing but net!
Shohoku 80 - Kaijo 82
"IT'S GOOD!!!"
"Mitsui Hisashi with another deep three-pointer!!"
"What's happening?! Shohoku's caught up instantly!"
Mitsui Hisashi dragged his exhausted body back on defense. Sakuragi Hanamichi met him.
"Nice shot, Mitsui!"
"Great rebound, Sakuragi!"
The two high-fived mid-air, perfect chemistry!
Just two minutes into the fourth quarter, Shohoku had cut the deficit to 2 points!
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