Chapter 171: Puzzling Intentions

As both teams returned to the court, the game continued as Tsuna dribbled the ball in his hand.

The court was alive with the game's rhythm as Tsuna precisely dribbled the ball. His eyes scanned the court, assessing the unfolding situation. 

"I could see why they were called the Shield of Aegis," Tsuna thought silently.

Even with Fukuda Sogo's relentless offense, the looming presence of Murasakibara beneath the basket meant that scoring within close range wouldn't be an easy feat.

However, with a glance at Fukui, who was diligently marking him, Tsuna shook his head in response. With a sudden shift in momentum, he smoothly transitioned into a shooting motion, catching Fukui off guard.

"You're standing a bit too far," Tsuna remarked calmly as he released the ball with a flick of his wrist.

"Shit!"

Widening his gaze in disbelief at Tsuna's unexpected shooting motion, Fukui reacted swiftly. He lunged forward and jumped up to block the shot, but it was too late.

The ball sailed through the air, arcing beautifully from beyond the three-point line.

With a satisfying swish, it found its mark, passing through the net. The crowd cheered as Tsuna's well-calculated shot added crucial points to his team's score.

Fukui landed on the court, still processing the unexpected turn of events. "...He can do a three-pointer as well?"

Midorima, watching these from the audience, just slightly scoffed as he thought, "Of course, he'd take advantage of that carelessness..."

Tsuna wasn't the type to shoot three-pointers, but Midorima knew Tsuna would decisively take advantage of any openings he could see. 

Back on the court, the frustration lingered in Fukui's mind as he possessed the ball. Clicking his tongue in annoyance, he muttered, "...Alright, so in offense, I can't get close to him, but in defense, I gotta do the opposite, huh?"

Determination etched on his face, Fukui prepared to take matters into his own hands.

As Fukui found himself a bit too close to Fukuda Sogo's defensive line, Tsuna approached calmly, eyeing the situation. Sensing the impending challenge, Fukui reacted alertly, taking a risky shot.

With a swift and reckless release, the ball left Fukui's hands. Tsuna, caught off guard by the unexpected move, immediately burst into action. His agile form closed the distance rapidly as he sprinted towards the airborne ball.

Unfortunately for Tsuna, the ball sailed high, reaching the basket before ultimately missing as it bounced off the rim.

"What the hell is that guy doing?"

Kotaro couldn't help but mumble out loud, his disbelief evident as he witnessed Fukui's reckless shooting form. The others from Rakuzan High in the audience seemed to share his sentiment, exchanging puzzled glances.

Even someone like Kotaro, who excelled in close-range shots, felt that Fukui's approach was too forceful and utterly foolish.

"That was not what he was after, though. That guy didn't care about whether he made the shot or not," Mibuchi remarked, shaking his head gently.

His eyes followed the trajectory of the ball that had bounced off the rim. "...It was nice if he made it; it was fine if he didn't because they have their players waiting for a rebound anyway."

The strategy became clear – Yosen High was playing to their advantage, leveraging their formidable height.

Fukui's shoot was a quick release, prioritizing speed over precision.

The aim was not solely to score but to set up a rebound play.

As the ball ricocheted off the rim, Okamura and Liu, both towering figures, immediately went over Haizaki and Ogiwara. With determination, they put their strength into their feet, aiming to secure the rebounding ball.

Haizaki gritted his teeth, feeling the imposing figure of Okamura rising in front of him like an insurmountable wall.

His gaze shot up to the ball, his mind racing to find an opening in the aerial contest.

Glancing at Ogiwara, a silent exchange of glances occurred between them. Their eyes flashed with understanding as Okamura and Liu leaped for the rebound.

In that crucial moment, Haizaki, driven by determination, leaped up to contest the ball in the air. Ogiwara bided his time, strategically repositioning himself for what was to come.

As Haizaki ascended, the reality set in – he couldn't reach the ball. Clicking his tongue in frustration, he spoke, "...What a fucking gorilla."

Haizaki didn't seem truly mad; instead, a smirk formed on his face, revealing a predator's satisfaction.

"Hahaha, as expected, your appearance matches your words..." Okamura responded with a laugh. Okamura's eyes gleamed with excitement as he landed with the ball in his hand.

However, the excitement was short-lived. Liu seemed to realize something as his expression panicked as he shouted, "Captain! On your left!"

Out of nowhere, Ogiwara's figure appeared swift and unexpected. With a precise stroke, he dislodged the ball from Okamura's hand.

Okamura then widened his eyes in surprise as he exclaimed, "...Shit!"

"Hahaha, what a fool!" Haizaki mocked as he moved.

Seizing the opportune moment, Haizaki, akin to a predator waiting for its prey, utilized his agility. With a burst of speed, he dashed forward, catching the ball mid-air.

The gymnasium buzzed with the unexpected turn of events as Haizaki, now in possession, streaked down the court.

Haizaki streaked down the court with unmatched agility, leaving everyone from Yosen High scrambling to chase after him.

However, their efforts were in vain, with Murasakibara now attacking alongside the team, leaving no one to stop Haizaki's advance.

With a resounding dunk, Haizaki slammed the ball into the basket, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The team observing from the sidelines wore serious expressions as they witnessed Fukuda Sogo skillfully suppressing Yosen High.

Among the spectators, Midorima of Shutoku couldn't help but glance at Tsuna's figure on the court.

"...This must be his opening," he thought.

Tsuna had a way of instilling hope before ruthlessly suppressing the opposition, leaving no openings for recovery.

However, a subtle sense of concern crept into Midorima's thoughts. Something felt amiss. He couldn't help but notice Nijimura, who seemed to start getting out of breath. Midorima wondered, "If this kept going on, he wouldn't last until the third quarter. Tsuna should've noticed this..."

Midorima was aware of Tsuna's sharpness and attention to detail, which was why he found it puzzling that Tsuna might overlook such a crucial aspect.

"What are you planning this time, Tsuna?" Adjusting his glasses with a thoughtful expression, Midorima contemplated. 

The game continued with intensity on the court, and Midorima's frown deepened.

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