Chapter 241: Moving and Reacting Faster

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As the game marched on, Rakuzan High keenly observed Shutoku High's movements, detecting a subtle hint of strategy. However, the Rakuzan players remained unshaken, their confidence unwavering.

As the ball found its way into Shutoku's possession, Rakuzan's players swiftly transitioned into a man-to-man defense, marking their opponents with precision.

Among them, Mayuzumi closed in on Takao, who had the ball, ready to face the challenge head-on.

"..."

Silence hung in the air as Takao refrained from uttering a word, fully aware that Mayuzumi wasn't one to respond to verbal exchanges.

Despite the lack of words, Takao maintained his guard.

He sidestepped to the side, expecting Mayuzumi to follow suit. To Takao's surprise, Mayuzumi's fundamentals showcased a level of proficiency that surpassed even Kuroko's.

A furrowed brow betrayed Takao's astonishment.

"But it's still not enough!"

Takao declared with confidence, pivoting his body in the opposite direction. In a fluid motion, he broke through Mayuzumi's defense, leaving the latter frowning in pursuit of Takao's figure.

As Takao ventured deeper into the court, a surge of alarm gripped him.

Nebuya seemed poised to pounce, triggering Takao's quick decision to pass the ball toward Midorima.

The move caught Rakuzan High's players off guard, as they hadn't anticipated Shutoku's persistence in trying to navigate through Midorima.

"I could pass it to the Captain, but he's even closer to that guy," Takao muttered, his eyes gleaming with confidence in Midorima's abilities.

A peculiar feeling had struck Takao as he observed Midorima earlier, when they all returned to the court.

"This sensation is just like the last time he pulled off that stunt..."

Takao smiled, witnessing Midorima confidently secure the ball.

Without missing a beat, Midorima immediately started dribbling down the court, catching Akashi off guard.

The Rakuzan captain widened his eyes in surprise and questioned, "What are you even trying, Shintaro?"

"...I don't know, care to guess?"

Midorima retorted while taking a deep breath. Suddenly, he changed his pace, executing a swift crossover to the right.

In the midst of the maneuver, Midorima caught a glimpse of radiant light in Akashi's pupils.

He clicked his tongue in frustration, realizing the ball had been swiped from his hand during the crossover.

With a burst of astonishing speed, Akashi charged forward, instantly taking command of the unfolding situation.

The momentum shifted as Rakuzan players followed Akashi's lead, all advancing towards the basket. Akashi, with a leap that seemed to defy gravity, aimed for the hoop.

However, Midorima's swift arrival disrupted the apparent ease of Akashi's advance. Midorima swung his hand, determined to block Akashi's attempt to score.

Yet, the radiant light in Akashi's eyes persisted, and in a sudden and fluid motion, he skillfully placed the ball behind his back. With a swift pass, he redirected it to Mibuchi, who arrived at the perfect moment to receive it.

"His reactions are as fast as ever!" Midorima couldn't help but frown, witnessing Akashi's uncanny ability to navigate through challenges with seemingly effortless precision.

"Nice pass, Sei!"

Mibuchi's exclamation filled the court as he seamlessly transitioned into his shooting motion, gracefully leaping up.

"I won't let you!"

Kimura's shout echoed, his figure suddenly leaping in front of Mibuchi. 

Chuckling, Mibuchi responded, "Just arrived in time..."

A smirk played on Mibuchi's lips.

With precision, he propelled himself towards Kimura's airborne figure.

Shutoku's players, witnessing the unfolding spectacle, widened their eyes in disbelief.

In midair, their figures clashed.

Mibuchi swiftly released the ball, sending it soaring high before gracefully swishing through the net. The referee's call echoed across the court, indicating a foul from Kimura, who shot Mibuchi a look of disbelief and slight frustration.

"Please don't look at me so intently..." Mibuchi spoke shyly, the tone carrying an unintended sting.

For Shutoku, it felt more like an insult, prompting them to grit their teeth in frustration.

Mibuchi was unfazed by their response and confidently took the free throw, effortlessly securing another point.

The scoreboard now reflected a total of four points earned with that clever maneuver.

As the game pressed on, Shutoku maintained their aggressive attacks, probing through every possible avenue.

While some attempts found success, Midorima was visibly grappling with the challenges.

Sweat rolled down his face, and his back glistened with the evidence of his exertion. Dribbling the ball, he faced Akashi's heavy pressure.

Once again, he initiated a crossover, but this time, he subtly altered his footstep, extending it just beyond Akashi's anticipated range of motion.

With a sudden turn and a step to the opposite side, he aimed to elude Akashi's vigilant defense.

Yet, against the discerning gaze of Akashi's Emperor Eyes, Midorima's trick was transparent.

The ball was once again stolen, leaving Midorima in the position of chasing after Akashi.

However, a sudden deceleration from Akashi caught Midorima off guard. Seizing the opportunity, Midorima managed to close the gap, putting up a defensive form in front of Akashi.

Akashi scrutinized Midorima closely. However, a nonchalant demeanor marked his expression, as if the outcome was inconsequential.

Boldly, he declared, "I don't know what you're trying to do, but my words are absolute. So get the out of my way, Shintaro."

With a sharp crossover to the side, Akashi initiated a series of moves, and Midorima followed suit. But, a sudden step back from Akashi disrupted Midorima's balance, sending him sprawling down the court.

Tension gripped Midorima as he tensed up, his gaze meeting the radiant rings in Akashi's cold eyes.

Silent and helpless, Midorima could only watch as Akashi scored another point for Rakuzan

As Akashi strolled past Midorima's fallen figure, a mere glance was all he spared before resuming his walk back to his position.

"Are you alright, Shin?"

Takao approached Midorima and extended his hand. Accepting his gesture, Midorima allowed Takao to help him up.

Silent and contemplative, Midorima didn't immediately respond. His gaze lingered on Akashi's retreating figure.

Eventually, he muttered, "Yeah, I'm fine..."

"Great, we need to—"

Takao's words caught in his throat as he observed a strange smile forming on Midorima's lips. It was a familiar smile, one they had all witnessed before—

The same smile Midorima had worn when facing Seirin!

Excitement surged within the Shutoku players, fueled by a newfound determination emanating from Midorima.

"Focus up!"

Behind the baseline, Otsubo roared, signaling the revival of the game.

With a swift pass, the ball journeyed from Otsubo to Takao, who wasted no time before delivering it to Midorima.

As Midorima gripped the ball, a slow, deliberate dribble began. His gaze fixed on Akashi's figure, he reflected, "...My dribbling skill might be good, but it's nowhere near enough to get past his defense."

A sudden chuckle escaped Midorima, catching Akashi's attention as he felt alarmed by this.

Then, Midorima declared, "Then, I need to move and react faster!"

With his proclamation, Midorima's eyes lit up, a cascade of green sparks streaming across his pupils.

A surge of formidable pressure descended upon the court, leaving Rakuzan players in disbelief as they stared at Midorima's figure.

"...He entered the zone!"

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