Hearing Kenichi Uesugi's shout directed at him, Akihiro Takai's anger flared even higher.He had just announced that Luoan was about to launch a counterattack—but Kenichi's response was like a slap in the face.
Not only had Kenichi shouted back just as loudly after scoring, but his entire play was an exact mirror of Takai's own move—the same choice of attack, the same breakthrough method, and even the same style of dunk.
What shocked Takai the most was that his signature dribbling breakthrough—an intricate series of continuous fakes—was his own prized skill.Ordinary players would fumble such a move without countless hours of practice and guidance.
Yet Kenichi Uesugi had perfectly replicated it after just one look.
How was this possible?Was it talent?He could copy a complex move with a single glance—such a gift was overwhelming, almost terrifying.
Takai wasn't the only one stunned.Every player on Luoan's bench and court watched in disbelief.
They could understand the dunk over Takahashi Susumu—that required talent and impressive vertical leap.But to flawlessly reproduce Takai's unique dribbling trick was beyond all comprehension.
As Takai's teammates, they had all tried to master that move in training—without exception, they had failed.
Yet Kenichi Uesugi had learned it instantly.
Compared to Luoan's collective shock, Ryonan's players reacted with far less surprise.They had witnessed Kenichi's extraordinary mimicry before.While still impressive, they were more accepting of his skill, seeing it as part of what made him exceptional.
Off the court, Coach Kasahara was equally stunned by Kenichi's perception and skill, but his greatest concern was the state of his own players' morale.
Luoan's team had taken a serious mental hit.With Ryonan's powerful Kenichi Uesugi and Sendoh Uozumi leading the charge, the game's momentum was shifting dangerously against them.
When Luoan launched another offensive, Hideki Aida chose to pass the ball to Akihiro Takai.After all, Takai was the backbone of the team—now was the time to rely on his individual talent to lift them.
Although Takai was still shaken by the previous blow, he rallied when he received the ball, determined to score and restore his team's morale.
He began to use his signature moves once more, but his condition was shaky.Sendoh, defending him, was more alert than ever.
During Takai's relentless swings, Sendoh spotted an opening and decisively intercepted the ball.
Coach Kasahara's heart sank—his worst fears were coming true.
Before Takai could recover, Sendoh had already launched a fast break.Aida Shusuke tried to block him, but Sendoh easily dodged and surged ahead down the court.
Unstoppable, Sendoh finished with a thunderous slam dunk.
9-2.Ryonan had seized a commanding lead, while Luoan, playing on their home court, was suffering a humiliating defeat.
Luoan continued to press forward, but no matter the strategy—fast breaks or set plays—they couldn't penetrate Ryonan's defense.Even their usual shots began to miss with alarming frequency.
Time slipped by, and the scoreboard stubbornly refused to budge in their favor.
Meanwhile, Ryonan thrived.Under the leadership of Kenichi Uesugi, Sendoh, and Yuzumi, their offense flowed smoothly, scoring repeatedly with efficiency.
After another alley-oop between Kenichi and Yuzumi, the score ballooned to 20-2.
The vast gap left Luoan's players gasping for air.
Following his dunk, Yuzumi smirked and turned to Baishui Lunsheng beside him."You said you wanted to dunk over my head? That's just a fantasy."
Baishui, caught off guard by Yuzumi overhearing his pre-game boast, felt deeply embarrassed.
"Beep!"
"The Luoan team requests a timeout!"
Coach Kasahara finally called a timeout, unable to contain the situation any longer.
He had believed his players' skills were enough to stabilize the match, but under Kenichi and Sendoh's leadership, Ryonan was far stronger than expected.
Luoan wasn't playing to their potential, and now found themselves trailing by a staggering 18 points.
Without a pause to regroup and adjust, the game was slipping beyond their reach.
During the timeout, Ryonan's players returned to the bench to rest.Aida Hikoichi busily handed out towels and water, bouncing with energy.
For the first time, Taoka Moichi smiled—clearly satisfied with the current score.
Coach Kasahara used the break to boost morale and refine tactics for Luoan.
Meanwhile, high in the audience, several students from Luoan High School had slipped into the stands.
"Wow, there's really a game today!" one said excitedly.
"Yeah, Fukaohara told me personally!"
One curious student asked, "Who's the opponent?"
"I heard it's some unknown team called Ryonan—they're supposed to be terrible."
"They must be awful, look at the scoreboard!" another replied, pointing.
All eyes followed his finger to the scoreboard.
Sure enough, the score read:
20 – 2
Before the leading student could finish, all were stunned—
The team with 20 points was Ryonan, while their own school had only a pitiful 2 points.
"This can't be!"
"20 to 2? Only 2 points? Is this really our team?"