Slam dunk, hit 100% of the three-pointers at the beginning!

Sendo advanced with the ball, his expression calm and composed.

As soon as he crossed the midline, Rukawa was in front of him, arms spread wide to block his path.

Sendo, still dribbling, smirked at the sight of Rukawa. "Rukawa-kun? I thought Ryu might be the one guarding me."

He had expected either Ryu or Rukawa to defend him, though he had anticipated Ryu more. With Ryu not on the court, it was clear Rukawa was his opponent.

Hearing Sendo's tone, Rukawa's brows furrowed.

"Sendo, you sure talk a lot."

He shot back without hesitation, clearly annoyed. Sendo's words carried a subtle undertone that he didn't see Rukawa as a real threat, and instead, viewed the absent Ryu as his primary challenge.

On the sidelines, Shōhoku's bench was tense.

"Rukawa, watch out for Sendo. He's fast," warned Kogure, his expression serious.

As a third-year player, Kogure knew firsthand how dangerous Sendo could be. His speed wasn't something anyone could underestimate.

Rukawa gave a small nod but didn't look away from Sendo.

The moment Rukawa acknowledged Kogure, Sendo seized the opportunity.

In the blink of an eye, he dashed to Rukawa's left, his movements smooth and fluid.

"Kid, you're already distracted," Sendo said, his voice taunting.

"So fast!"

Rukawa's eyes widened in shock. Sendo's speed was beyond anything he had faced before.

"Defense!" shouted Kogure from the sidelines, alarmed at how quickly Sendo had broken through.

Sendo powered forward toward the basket, with Rukawa hot on his heels.

As he approached the free-throw line, Akagi stepped up, ready to block him.

Watching from the bench, Ryu analyzed the scene, impressed. "As expected of Sendo. He's not just aiming to score himself—he's setting up his teammates. A true playmaker."

Sendo leaped into the air, seemingly preparing for a layup.

"Don't underestimate me, Sendo!" roared Akagi, his face fierce as he jumped to block.

But just as Akagi's hand reached for the ball, Sendo shifted his wrist, pulling the ball back.

With a sly smile, he said, "Akagi-san, I wouldn't dream of underestimating you."

Then, with a quick flick, he passed the ball behind him—to Uozumi, who was perfectly positioned under the basket.

"Nice pass!" exclaimed Uozumi, catching the ball and rising for a thunderous two-handed dunk.

BAM!

The crowd erupted in cheers.

"Woohoo!" shouted Uozumi, roaring as he landed, releasing the frustration of being behind in the game.

"Beautiful play!"

"What a great assist by Sendo!"

Even the Ryonan bench and fans were on their feet, their spirits reignited by the play.

Sendo turned to his teammates, his tone calm but commanding. "Good job. Let's get back on defense."

Ryonan's fans couldn't contain themselves.

"Sendo and Uozumi! That's the perfect combo!"

"With Sendo on the court, it's a completely different game!"

Many female fans were practically swooning.

"Did you see that? Sendo is amazing!"

Taoka's face lit up with approval.

"That's our Sendo. This is why he's the best in Kanagawa!"

From the stands, Aida Hikoichi scribbled furiously in his notebook. "Sendo-senpai and Uozumi-senpai's teamwork is unmatched. Shōhoku will have to step up now!"

On Shōhoku's side, the mood was tense but determined.

"That hedgehog-looking guy is something else," muttered Yohei, watching the game intently.

Despite the impressive play, Akagi wasn't discouraged. "Rukawa, you've seen what Sendo can do. Now, let's get the ball back and score!"

Rukawa didn't respond verbally. Instead, his focus sharpened, and his fists clenched.

"Sendo... don't get cocky," he muttered under his breath.

Meanwhile, Sakuragi, true to form, was already waving his fists in the air.

"Stupid hedgehog! Just you wait—I'll crush you next!" he shouted, his face contorted in frustration.

Kogure quickly stepped in to calm Sakuragi down.

From the bench, Ryu watched the exchange with a faint smile.

"Everyone, don't just sit there! Stand up and cheer! Even if we're not on the court, we can still boost Shōhoku's morale!" yelled Ayako, rallying the bench players.

Ryu, along with the others, stood up and joined in the cheers.

"Shōhoku! Fight on! Let's score this point!"

The small but passionate group made their presence felt.

It was Shōhoku's turn to attack.

Akagi inbounded the ball to Yasuda, who brought it past the midline.

"Yasuda! Yasuda! Pass it to me!" shouted Sakuragi, waving his arms enthusiastically.

But as Yasuda hesitated, unsure whether to pass to Sakuragi or Rukawa, Ikegami moved in to tighten his defense.

Ultimately, Yasuda chose Rukawa.

"Good!" Rukawa muttered as he caught the ball. His sharp gaze locked onto Sendo.

"Sendo, that last play was impressive. But don't underestimate me."

Without waiting for a response, Rukawa launched into action, his feet moving with lightning speed as he aimed to bypass Sendo.

Sendo, momentarily surprised by Rukawa's agility, quickly chased after him.

"He's fast... just as fast as me," Sendo thought, a flicker of respect crossing his mind.

As Rukawa reached the paint, Uozumi stepped in to block him.

Akagi, recognizing the opening, moved into position near the basket.

Rukawa glanced at Akagi, their eyes meeting briefly.

With a quick decision, Rukawa passed the ball under Uozumi's arm to Akagi.

"Perfect timing!" Akagi roared, catching the ball and leaping into the air.

BAM!

With a powerful dunk, Akagi slammed the ball through the hoop, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

"Shōhoku scores!"

The game was heating up. This was no longer just a match—it was a battle of pride and skill.