Chapter Twelve

All eyes were now fixated on Long Yan, awaiting his response to Miyagi's obstruction.

The anticipation was palpable, wondering what kind of performance the first-year freshman would deliver in this challenging situation.

Coach Anzai, observing from the sidelines, wore a satisfied smile on his face.

He remarked with a hint of nostalgia, "Long Yan, this young lad might not know how to handle it yet, but I see a familiar essence in him."

"It's somewhat reminiscent of Eiji Sawakita from Sannoh Industry Affiliated High School," he chuckled, drawing a connection between Long Yan's style and the renowned player.

Upon hearing Coach Anzai's evaluation, Ayako beside him froze in astonishment.

"Sannoh High? Eiji Sawakita?" she repeated in disbelief.

She was taken aback by the high praise bestowed upon Long Yan by the Coach.

While Long Yan was performing well, it was clear that he still had a long way to go before reaching the level of Eiji Sawakita.

She found Coach Anzai's unexpected praise for Long Yan surprising, and blinked her beautiful eyes, staring at him on the court in astonishment.

"Long Yan, don't let this genius down! Break through him!" Sakuragi Hanamichi shouted passionately, waving his hands in support.

Meanwhile, Miyagi, facing Long Yan standing before him, couldn't help but feel a slight thrill as he observed the strong aura emanating from the first-year player.

"Miyagi, be careful!"

Shiozaki called out, his cheeks glistening with sweat, expressing his concern for Miyagi's defense against Long Yan.

If Long Yan were to successfully break through Miyagi's defense once more, it would demonstrate their skills and solidify their position as formidable opponents.

[Ding!]

[Host completes the task - steal Miyagi Ryota's dribble]

(Reward: 'C' dribble passing skill)

The system's notification rang out, and the 'C' dribble skill echoed in Long Yan's mind, feeling almost like second nature.

[Ding!]

(Mission: Break through Miyagi Ryota's defense)

(Reward: Air Change Skill)

Just as Long Yan was still processing the completion of the previous task, another mission presented itself.

The new task was to break through Miyagi's defense.

This surprised and momentarily stunned Long Yan.

Miyagi? Could this be the legendary mission opponent?

"Senior, then I shall show my respect and comply,"

Long Yan responded, emulating Miyagi's smile and revealing his own set of pearly white teeth.

As his words trailed off, he held the ball in his right hand and executed the perfect 'C' dribble, swiftly maneuvering past Miyagi like a bolt of black lightning.

"What?" Miyagi exclaimed in shock.

He had just been intercepted by Long Yan, underestimating his opponent.

When he defended against him, Miyagi had given his all, not holding back in the slightest.

And yet, Long Yan had managed to pass him effortlessly.

Akagi couldn't help but feel surprised at witnessing his flawless move.

"Has that kid been pretending to be mediocre all this time?" he wondered aloud, his curiosity piqued.

Akagi found it intriguing that Long Yan's initial breakthrough against Kogure had been quite rough and lacking finesse.

But now, seeing his smooth and swift move, he realized that there was more to Long Yan than meets the eye.

"Go!"

Miyagi turned around and attempted to chase after being broken through by Long Yan.

However, he quickly realized that he couldn't match his speed.

This revelation left him deeply surprised.

Long Yan's speed had significantly increased after the breakthrough.

Unbeknownst to him, the system's enhancements allowed his dribbling speed to briefly reach the extreme speed of human running after passing defenders.

This newfound burst of speed made it nearly impossible for Miyagi to catch up, resulting in greater physical exertion for him.

Rukawa Kaede's eyes widened, filled with astonishment.

He couldn't believe the level of speed Long Yan had displayed.

Even he, fell short in comparison.

Long Yan's sudden outbreak of speed left him in awe, considering him a true monster.

In the blink of an eye, Long Yan swiftly brought the ball to the basket.

Akagi, recognizing the opportunity, abandoned his defense against Kaede Rukawa and extended his arms wide open, ready to block Long Yan's goal.

"How will he score?" Akagi pondered, trying to anticipate Long Yan's usual methods of scoring.

However, a sense of unease washed over him, as if he was facing an indescribable pressure.

"Keep going, Long Yan!" Kuwata and the rest of the team shouted in unison, exhilarated by his explosive speed.

Just then, a notification sounded in the system.

[Ding!]

[Host completes mission: Break through Miyagi Ryota's defense]

(Reward: Air Change Skill)

(Note: Significant physical exertion)

The system's notification confirmed that Long Yan had successfully fulfilled the mission of breaking through Miyagi's defense.

As a reward,he acquired the Air Change Skill.

However, it was noted that the skill required substantial physical exertion.

As he heard the system's notification, a faint smile crept onto his face.

"Finally, it's time," he whispered to himself.

"Senior Akagi, watch out!" Long Yan warned, his focus solely on the basket.

He leaped with an instinctive motion, paying no mind to Akagi's presence.

In this moment, he felt like the king of the court, ready to make his mark.

Observing Long Yan's decision to confront Takenori Akagi head-on, the intensity in the arena surged.

"Is he going for a dunk?"

"Or perhaps a layup?" the crowd speculated, eagerly anticipating Long Yan's next move.

"That kid has some nerve!"

"That's Takenori Akagi!"

Akagi, witnessing Long Yan's leaping motion, furrowed his brow, his expression turning grim.

He sensed the impending dunk, and this audacity to attempt it in front of him was infuriating.

"Boy, don't underestimate your opponents!"

"Aaahhh!"

Akagi let out a fierce roar, his determination resounding throughout the court.

With both feet leaving the ground, he soared towards the basket, extending both hands to reach for the basketball.

Just as his large hand was about to make contact with the ball, a magical scene unfolded.

Long Yan swiftly pulled the basketball back from his left hand to his right hand, taunting Akagi with a smirk on his face.

"Senior, you let your guard down!" he remarked, not missing the opportunity to remind Akagi.

"It's over!" He declared.

Akagi looked shocked, realizing his mistake, but it was too late to rectify it.

In front of the spectators, the scene unfolded dramatically.

"Boom!"

In mid-air, Long Yan's left hand forcefully slammed the basketball into the basket, completing a powerful dunk.