Chapter 19: "Let's finish this quickly" [Extra chapter]

200 stones = 1 chapter ✓

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When real masters play, the winner is often decided in an instant.

After the three balls were played, not much time had passed. However, in this short period, some onlookers, both men and women, were attracted to the court. Initially, they just wanted to watch a duel between two teenagers, but they became more and more excited. They realized that these two players were extraordinarily skilled, rarely seen in reality. The audience cheered and got excited, and more people gathered around.

...

It was Aomine Daiki's turn to attack.

In the previous round, Aizen thought he had scored a goal, but Aomine's sudden acceleration interfered. Aizen didn't expect the result, realizing Aomine's speed was incredibly fast. The speed alone wasn't the main issue; it was Aomine's instantaneous burst that was more challenging to handle.

Imagine suddenly accelerating to top speed; it was thrilling and daunting. Despite using Metavision's 0.5-second deduction, Aizen couldn't keep up. First, Aizen was caught off guard. Second, 0.5 seconds is incredibly brief. This ability, even for Aizen, required significant talent to analyze and react in such a short time.

Aizen thought about how much improving Metavision could enhance his performance. If he could increase its duration to one or two seconds, it would be a game-changer.

...

Aomine stared at Aizen with a confident posture: "It's my turn. Let me show you what offense really is."

He didn't assume a triple-threat position like Aizen. Instead, he dribbled directly toward Aizen. Aizen didn't rush forward to steal the ball, aware of Aomine's speed, which was slightly faster than his own. Aizen's speed attribute was 87 points, and he estimated Aomine's to be at least 90 points. He had to be cautious.

Aomine started moving, transitioning from stillness to motion at an unbelievable speed. The ball moved from his right to his left hand, and his body swayed dramatically. His low center of gravity gave the impression he might fall at any moment.

"Wow, what is that move?"

"How can he make such exaggerated dribbling moves?"

Aizen was impressed by Aomine's playstyle, while the onlookers were stunned. Many street ball players in Yogi Park recognized the style but found Aomine's version more terrifying.

Aomine's rhythm became increasingly unpredictable, putting immense pressure on Aizen. Activating Metavision, Aizen used the 0.5-second deduction to assist his defense. The deduction ability had a cooldown of about five seconds after each use, which was reasonable. If it could be used indefinitely, Aizen would be unstoppable on the court.

Using the deduction and his defensive skills, Aizen tightly marked Aomine, leading them to the edge of the penalty area. Logically, Aomine should have adjusted his state for another attack, but he jumped directly for a shot.

Basketball often comes down to split-second decisions. Aizen didn't have time to think and immediately jumped to block. He timed his jump almost perfectly with Aomine, using his arm span to his advantage. But Aomine, in a surprising move, shot the ball backward.

The basketball hit the target with a "swish!" sound.

Aomine's formless shot left Aizen astonished. The court was in a flash, leaving no room for contemplation. Aomine's skill truly surprised him.

Aomine looked indifferent: "That's it. Let's finish this quickly!"

Pretending to be nonchalant, Aizen responded: "Okay, let's finish it quickly!"

Both players wanted to dominate the other, so they let their skills speak.

...

Aomine held the ball again, displaying his exaggerated playstyle. This time, Aizen didn't give him much space. Using [Core Confrontation], Aizen stayed stable during collisions, keeping his arm against Aomine's waist, making it uncomfortable for Aomine.

The intensity grew, and the audience held their breath, not wanting to miss the action. Several times, Aomine nearly lost his balance, but his exceptional body coordination allowed him to maintain speed.

Aomine sharply accelerated and broke through to the penalty area. Aizen followed closely. Aomine jumped for a shot, and Aizen, anticipating this, activated Metavision mid-air. He deduced Aomine's shooting angle within 0.5 seconds.

[Core Confrontation] kicked in, providing a force around Aizen, allowing him to make a second move in the air. Aizen accurately blocked Aomine's shot.

"Snap!"

Aizen fiercely blocked Aomine's shot. The audience erupted in cheers.

"Ah! So cool!"

"Incredible, incredible!"

Aomine was momentarily stunned, not expecting to be blocked after using his formless shot. Aizen remarked: "Don't be dazed, serve quickly, and let's finish this!"

Aomine, slightly embarrassed, recovered.

...

The game became a fierce back-and-forth, with neither player giving an inch. The score was 9:8, with Aizen leading by one point. Both players were sweating profusely, but their eyes shone with determination. Aomine Daiki felt he had rediscovered the joy of basketball.