Chapter 213: Desperation vs. Dominance

As the game continued, Kaijo High seemed to be fueled by determination to extend their lead and provide Kise with a breather.

Unfortunately, found themselves grappling with a harsh reality.

Fukuda Sogo's players appeared to have harnessed newfound energy, intensifying their efforts on the court. The heightened vigor created a relentless pace that proved challenging for Kaijo to match.

The absence of Kise's Perfect Copy left a palpable void, especially when it came to breaking through Nijimura's formidable defense. The realization dawned on them that without Kise's exceptional abilities, navigating past Nijimura's tactics had become an uphill battle.

After all, Nijimura was the kind of player who could square off against Murasakibara with confidence.

Though not the current Murasakibara as Tsuna had unleashed the wild beast within.

In the face of Fukuda Sogo's increased aggression, the players from Kaijo High could only clench their jaws in frustration. The widening score gap served as a painful reminder of the challenges they now faced.

"The tempo has shifted once again..."

Izuki observed with a solemn expression. The members of Seirin shared similar looks as they attentively followed the ongoing match between Fukuda Sogo and Kaijo High.

Kuroko displayed a particularly concerned expression, his gaze fixed on the fatigued figure of Kise on the court.

"...Looks like they're attempting to stall," Hyuga remarked, discerning Kaijo High's strategy.

Kiyoshi concurred, redirecting his attention to the players of Fukuda Sogo. "But their opponents aren't giving them any opportunity to do so..."

Aida nodded in agreement, echoing the sentiments of her teammates.

She shifted her gaze to Tsuna, contemplating, "...He's the one orchestrating Fukuda Sogo's moves..."

In the previous round, when Seirin sat together with Aomine and Momoi, Aida had made efforts to learn more about Fukuda Sogo through Momoi, who was more acquainted with them.

From that discussion, she gleaned insights into the team's dynamics.

"He's the one behind everything..." 

Aida asserted, her expression growing serious. Faced with such a formidable adversary, she couldn't help but feel a sense of uncertainty.

"Man, Kaijo is getting totally thrashed..."

Kotaro exclaimed loudly with excitement, causing Mibuchi to sigh and shake his head gently.

No matter how many times they had been together, Kotaro's boisterous behavior never failed to make him feel tired.

Nevertheless, Mibuchi couldn't help but agree with him as he glanced at the scoreboard.

"They managed to close the gap in the score earlier, but now it's widening again..." Mibuchi felt a sense of pity for Kaijo High as he muttered, "...Very unfortunate."

"...Damn! Did he step up the pace, knowing we were trying to buy time!"

Simultaneously, Kasamatsu couldn't help but curse at the dramatic shift in the game's dynamics.

He glanced at Tsuna's figure, dribbling the ball with an aggressive pace, his frustration evident. Kasamatsu felt like Tsuna had been anticipating their every move, closing in before letting out another curse, "Fucking bastard!"

Kasamatsu understood it was just the nature of the game. However, he still couldn't shake off the frustration, especially with Kise being supressed by the combination of Haizaki and Ogiwara.

They were undeniably in a precarious situation.

Tsuna noticed Kasamatsu closing in.

Quick on his feet, Tsuna dribbled the ball between his legs and spun around, leaving Kasamatsu struggling to catch up. As Tsuna surged forward, he effortlessly slipped past Kasamatsu's defense.

With momentum on his side, Tsuna redirected everyone's attention towards him, becoming the focal point of the court.

Kaijo High players reacted swiftly, realizing the threat posed by Tsuna.

They understood that allowing him to continue unchecked would result in more points for Fukuda Sogo, a risk they couldn't afford to take.

Amidst the strategic response, Kobori stepped up as he started to approach Tsuna with calculated anticipation.

Anticipating that Tsuna might pass the ball if left unmarked, Kobori slowed down, ensuring he had time to readjust.

However, wearing a light smile, Tsuna countered, "You think I'd fall for that?"

Kobori's eyes widened in shock as Tsuna seamlessly transitioned into his shooting form.

Reacting quickly, Kobori propelled himself forward in an attempt to close the distance between them.

Regrettably, he was a step too late.

Kobori could only watch in helpless frustration as Tsuna released the ball, sending it in a perfect arc toward the basket. The net swayed gently as the ball passed through with a satisfying swish, adding another score for Fukuda Sogo.

Tsuna shook his head lightly and calmly turned to walk back.

Witnessing the effortless execution, Kobori could only grit his teeth in frustration while cursing under his breath, "Fucking bastard, he's so sharp!"

The basketball swiftly changed possession, finding its way into Kaijo High's hands. As the ball reached Kise, he found himself thoroughly pressured as two figures closing in.

Haizaki and Ogiwara, like predatory shadows immediately moved to supress Kise.

Ssensing the impending threat, Kise gritted his teeth – without utilizing his Perfect Copy ability, he found himself vulnerable. 

He was once a formidable opponent that could swiftly broke past their double team, yet he was now just a prey caught between two relentless predators.

In a blink, Haizaki's swift movements overtook Kise's opening and stole the ball from his grasp. 

The frustration bubbled up in Kise as Haizaki realized he couldn't pull off the flashy moves of the Generation of Miracles anymore, and there was no coordinated play with Ogiwara to score.

"...Damn! Why am I so weak!"

Kise held onto his frustration, reminding himself not to use his Perfect Copy just yet.

"Why isn't he using his Perfect Copy anymore?"

Takao questioned, perplexed by Kise's decision to allow himself to be stifled by Fukuda Sogo's double team. Midorima shook his head in response, saying, "Don't be naive, Takao."

"It's not that he isn't using it. He isn't allowed to..." Midorima continued, adjusting his glasses.

Kaijo's Coach wasn't foolish.

He knew that if Kise kept pushing himself with Perfect Copy, it might lead to injury. Given the current situation, as much as they desired to change their fate, it seemed nearly impossible.

They were utterly powerless against Fukuda Sogo's overwhelming strength!

"Huh? Why?"

Midorima glanced at the scoreboard before sighing.

"...They want him to save it for the right moment, but Tsuna saw right through it and seized this opportunity to silence them."

As the third quarter concluded, Kaijo High could only gaze at the rapidly expanding score gap created by Fukuda Sogo.

"…91 - 75 within that short time? They're inhumane…"

Kaijo High stared at the scores in silence as frustration welled up within them.

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