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

With Akagi and Ryu back on the court, Shohoku's energy was completely different. The confidence that Kogure and the others had lost earlier seemed to return, and their faces now showed a fiery determination.

"Wow, with Akagi and #10 back, Shohoku's team vibe is completely different!"

"This possession is critical. If they can't score here, their morale might collapse again."

"What will Akagi do? And what about Shohoku's #10? I can't wait to see!"

Even in Ryonan's home court, the students couldn't help but discuss excitedly.

"Shohoku! Victory!"

Before the inbound, Akagi let out a fierce roar, rallying Kogure and the others.

The game restarted. Akagi passed the ball to Yasuda, Shohoku's point guard.

Yasuda advanced with the ball, but as soon as he crossed half-court, Kishimoto charged forward to apply tight defense.

"I won't let you through, haha! Even if Akagi's back, Shohoku's loss is already certain," Kishimoto taunted mercilessly, towering over the shorter Yasuda.

"Hmph, the game is just starting. You're celebrating way too early," Yasuda shot back, undeterred. Though usually timid around people like Sakuragi, Yasuda wasn't intimidated by Kishimoto.

"Yasuda, pass it to me!"

Hearing Ryu's call from the left wing, Yasuda didn't hesitate. With a smooth bounce pass, he sent the ball to Ryu, positioned just outside the three-point line.

As Ryu caught the ball, Ryonan's Ikegami instinctively adjusted his stance. Memories of being humiliated by Ryu earlier seemed to linger in his mind.

"Sendoh, watch out. That guy's not simple," Ikegami cautioned.

Sendoh gave Ikegami a warm smile, his demeanor as relaxed as ever.

"Don't worry. I've got this."

He spread his arms and assumed a solid defensive stance in front of Ryu.

"Ryu, I wonder—who's stronger, you or Rukawa?" Sendoh asked with a teasing grin.

"Why don't you find out for yourself?" Ryu replied with a sly smirk, his tone laced with mockery.

Without waiting for Sendoh's response, Ryu suddenly lowered his center of gravity. The ball, originally in his right hand, switched to his left with a quick between-the-legs dribble.

In one explosive motion, Ryu launched himself toward Sendoh's left side. His speed was like a red flash—by the time Sendoh reacted, Ryu had already disappeared from view.

"What?!" Sendoh exclaimed, spinning around just in time to see Ryu darting past Ikegami with ease.

Like a gust of wind, Ryu slipped through Ryonan's defense, leaving both Sendoh and Ikegami behind.

In just three seconds, Ryu was within a step of the basket, facing Uozumi.

Uozumi watched in shock as Ryu effortlessly bypassed two defenders. His mind raced:

"This guy is fast! He's just as quick as Sendoh!"

In the blink of an eye, Ryu leapt toward the basket. His jump was extraordinary, his body shooting upward like an arrow aimed at the sky.

The reporters, stunned by Ryu's display, couldn't contain their amazement.

"Shohoku's #10 is insanely fast! He just blew past Sendoh and Ikegami—what's he planning next?"

"Is he really going to challenge Uozumi head-on?"

As Ryu soared higher, Uozumi prepared to defend. His booming voice echoed across the court, completely forgetting Akagi standing nearby.

"Bring it on, kid!" he roared, his massive frame ready to contest Ryu's bold move.

As Ryu soared toward the rim, Uozumi leapt up to block him. At the same time, Sendoh arrived from the perimeter for backup. The two defenders, one in front and one behind, closed in on Ryu at the basket, determined to shut him down.

The entire crowd watched the three players rise into the air, holding their breath.

"This is impossible!"

"Even someone like Maki Shinichi wouldn't be able to dunk against both Sendoh and Uozumi!"

"He's going to get blocked for sure!"

Taoka's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Is that kid Ryu seriously trying to dunk over both Sendoh and Uozumi? He's dreaming!"

Yonehara bit his lip nervously, his eyes fixed on the clash in midair.

On Shohoku's bench, Rukawa clenched the towel in his hands tightly, his usual cold demeanor giving way to a flicker of excitement.

"Ryu-kun!"

Ayako, her wide eyes locked on Ryu, clasped her hands tightly over her chest, her voice filled with worry as she called out.

As Ryu soared toward the rim, Uozumi leapt up to block him. At the same time, Sendoh arrived from the perimeter for backup. The two defenders, one in front and one behind, closed in on Ryu at the basket, determined to shut him down.

The entire crowd watched the three players rise into the air, holding their breath.

"This is impossible!"

"Even someone like Maki Shinichi wouldn't be able to dunk against both Sendoh and Uozumi!"

"He's going to get blocked for sure!"

Tagaoka's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Is that kid Ryu seriously trying to dunk over both Sendoh and Uozumi? He's dreaming!"

Yonehara bit his lip nervously, his eyes fixed on the clash in midair.

On Shohoku's bench, Rukawa clenched the towel in his hands tightly, his usual cold demeanor giving way to a flicker of excitement.

"Ryu-kun!"

Ayako, her wide eyes locked on Ryu, clasped her hands tightly over her chest, her voice filled with worry as she called out.

In midair, Ryu twisted his body forcefully, pulling the ball back to his chest with his right hand.

With a slight dip of his head, Ryu adjusted his angle, slipping past the two defenders in one fluid motion. As he passed beneath the basket, his right hand swung backward.

"Boom!"

The sound of the dunk reverberated through the silent gym, echoing like thunder.