Chapter 34: Taking over the momentum

The referee's whistle marked the start of the game as the basketball was tossed into the air. Representing Teiko High, Kubota, their tallest player, took on the jump ball responsibility.

Hibiya High, not surprisingly, had chosen their tallest player for this crucial moment. However, being a shooting guard, Kubota was well-acquainted with jumping for the ball. His height and wingspan gave him an edge.

With a swift and controlled effort, Kubota secured the ball, deftly pushing it towards Sekiguchi.

Sekiguchi, with a confident grin, began to dribble down the court. Nijimura, Tsuna, and Kubota moved deliberately, seeking optimal positions.

Yet, their opponents weren't about to let them advance unopposed. Each Teiko player found themselves closely marked by a Hibiya defender.

"Oh please, don't be too aggressive. We're a bit uncomfortable here..."

Imayoshi, employing a deceptively polite tone, couldn't resist a taunt. He relentlessly trailed Nijimura, shadowing his every move to disrupt Teiko's smooth advance.

On the bench, Assistant Coach Sanada wore a concerned expression. "They're pressing us hard right from the start. This is troublesome..."

Sekiguchi found himself under intense scrutiny, with Hanamiya right on his heels. Sekiguchi attempted to pass the ball in a moment that seemed like an opportunity. However, just as it left his fingertips, he spotted a sly smirk on Hanamiya's face.

"Fuck! It's a trap!"

Before he could react further, it was already too late. Teiko's players were in Hibiya's territory, now on the offensive. Yet, this was precisely what Hibiya High had orchestrated.

With Hanamiya leading the charge, their strategy involved overwhelming Teiko High with a relentless defense that put immense pressure on the player with the ball, making their moves predictable and easy to counter.

Having successfully stolen the ball, Hanamiya dribbled it down the court and effortlessly scored two points with a layup.

Tsuna, who was closely marked by an unfamiliar opponent, maintained a seemingly indifferent expression. But upon closer inspection, a subtle smirk graced his lips.

"Looks like they've got some skills," Tsuna commented, acknowledging the abilities of his adversaries.

Initially, he had underestimated these unfamiliar players, considering them mere deadweight. However, it became evident that in this world, if a team had skilled players, their teammates were far from ordinary.

The coordination among these players was impeccable, and their execution of strategies was flawless. Clearly, they had honed their teamwork over an extended period, making them formidable opponents in this gameplay style.

In the first quarter, Teiko High scored some points, but Hibiya High maintained relentless pressure, largely thanks to Hanamiya's repeated steals.

During this period, Tsuna noticed that Hanamiya wasn't solely targeting Sekiguchi. He cunningly maneuvered between Sekiguchi and Kubota, making it difficult for both players to maintain possession.

Nijimura also grasped the situation's nuances. "They're not just trying to steal the ball but conserving their stamina, too. These damn foxes."

Even Assistant Coach Sanada, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but nod in approval of Hibiya High's tactics. While somewhat surprising coming from Hibiya, considering the caliber of players they were facing, it wasn't entirely unexpected.

As the first quarter drew close, Hibiya High led by a nine-point margin.

As they took a break on the bench to catch their breath, Sanada's gaze was fixed on the Hibiya High bench, and his brow furrowed in concentration.

"It looks like they're keeping a few tricks up their sleeves," he remarked, rubbing his chin as he pondered aloud.

Suddenly, an idea seemed to strike him, and he nodded vigorously before turning his attention to Tsuna.

"Kazama, in the next quarter, we'll need you to step up and use some of your strength," he instructed.

Tsuna acknowledged with a nod while taking a sip from his water bottle.

"The rest of you, focus on offense this time but ensure the ball goes through Kazama. Clear?"

Meanwhile, over at Hibiya High, their coach and Imayoshi conversed.

The coach asked, "Imayoshi-kun, what's your take on them?"

Imayoshi scanned the Teiko High Team and replied, "Well, it seems like they're just testing the waters in the first quarter."

"I see. Let's maintain our current pace, then. If they change their strategy, you can guide our team accordingly."

The coach gave Imayoshi's shoulder an encouraging pat, trusting his ability to adapt. He briefed the team on their next moves until the referee's whistle signaled the return to the court.

Imayoshi's eyes couldn't help but wander toward Teiko High's freshman, Tsunayoshi Kazama, as they got back into position.

Even though he maintained his usual cheerful smile, something was happening behind those eyes.

"He didn't really stand out in the first quarter, but he never made any mistakes," Imayoshi thought, considering this freshman from Teiko.

Hanamiya, however, seemed dismissive. "What can a freshman possibly do in a situation like this? We haven't even shown our hand..."

"I'd like to agree..." Imayoshi replied, narrowing his eyes, "...but something about him sends chills down my spine..."

Back on Teiko's side, players were set, as were their opponents. When the referee checked if they were ready, they all nodded.

Whistle...!

As planned, Nijimura passed the ball to Tsuna right from the start. They moved ahead, leaving Tsuna alone in the opponent's defensive area.

Tsuna held the basketball, and a sly grin crept across his face.

Imayoshi, sensing something was up, widened his eyes and signaled to his teammates to switch their defensive marks, moving closer to Tsuna.

As Tsuna dribbled the ball, even though he did it at a leisurely pace, Imayoshi felt an immense pressure emanating from him, causing him to open his eyes wide in surprise.

"Is this guy really a freshman!?" Imayoshi couldn't help but wonder.

Without giving Imayoshi a chance to set up a solid defense, Tsuna suddenly burst into action, shifting his pace.

"It looks like he's about to have some fun," Nijimura, observing from Hibiya's defensive area, thought with a touch of sympathy for Imayoshi.

No matter what Imayoshi did, he couldn't keep up with Tsuna, who effortlessly left him in the dust. When he tried to block Tsuna's path, Tsuna swiftly changed direction, leaving Imayoshi behind.

Imayoshi reacted quickly, adjusting his position to block Tsuna. But Tsuna was a step ahead, changing his direction with lightning speed.

No matter how swiftly Imayoshi adjusted, Tsuna outmaneuvered him effortlessly.

"He's incredibly fast!" Imayoshi thought, frustration evident on his face.

Tsuna approached the basket, and a Hibiya player moved in to block his path. Expecting Tsuna to attempt a drive, he prepared for a defensive stand. However, Tsuna surprised everyone by passing the ball to Sekiguchi, who was left unguarded.

"So, that's what they're after!?" Imayoshi exclaimed, his eyes locked on Sekiguchi, who effortlessly scored two points for Teiko High, narrowing the point gap.

"What a sly fox!" Imayoshi said under his breath.

Nijimura, overhearing him, chuckled. He thought it was quite rich that Imayoshi, who was known for his cunning tactics, was calling someone else a sly fox.

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