Chapter 239: No More Shots

"Satsuki, aren't you with the others from Too?"

Tsuna inquired, assuming that the players from Too Academy would naturally join in since they were all quite close.

Momoi nodded with a gentle smile, "Well, we noticed you guys sitting together, so we thought we might as well join in."

"Hah? Of course, I'm better. I forced Kazamacchi to reveal his true level!"

"...I can do the same."

Their banter was abruptly cut short by Kise and Aomine's ongoing argument about who was superior.

"..."

Momoi responded with her most angelic smile, accompanied by an unexpectedly devilish aura, which instantly hushed the entire seating section.

Tsuna was amused, but he merely shook his head lightly as the scene unfolded.

Before long, their banter continued, and an informal group seemed to take shape.

Tsuna engaged in a conversation with Satsuki, Sebas in tow, delivering Murasakibara's snacks.

Meanwhile, Kise and Aomine softly continued their ongoing debate off to the side, drawing occasional eye rolls and head shakes from the rest of the group engaged in their own discussions.

However, the collective attention soon shifted back to the court.

"Whoa!"

"They're back!"

The buzz of excitement rippled through the crowd once more as both teams made their way back onto the court, signaling the imminent start of the second half.

Over at Rakuzan High's bench, Akashi prepared himself for the next half, meticulously removing his jacket as a subtle signal that the intensity was about to rise.

"Should we bring in more players to stop Midorima?"

"...And that's easier said than done."

Nebuya and Mibuchi engaged in a conversation, brainstorming ways to counter Midorima's prowess, while Hayama eagerly scanned the surroundings with a gleam in his eyes, anticipation bubbling as the game was set to resume.

Akashi shook his head, "There's no need to add more players to rein in Shintaro. In fact, a double team is unnecessary now..."

"Huh? But we could barely keep him in check with a double team. Wouldn't that be dangerous?" Nebuya questioned, his eyebrows furrowed as he carefully assessed the current situation.

"It won't, as I'll be the one marking Shintaro in the next half..."

A wave of surprise swept through everyone in Rakuzan, their eyes widening before their expressions brightened.

They nodded in agreement, reassured by the confidence in Akashi's decision.

Players from both teams flooded the court, ready to dive back into the fray as the second half loomed.

Without much delay, the game roared back to life, with Rakuzan securing possession of the ball. Having shaken off the emotional turbulence that gripped them earlier, Rakuzan's players were back in the zone, their focus razor-sharp.

The atmosphere shifted, and a tangible intensity emanated from the team.

"What's going on? It's like they're completely different players," Takao muttered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he sensed the shifting atmosphere.

Feeling this sudden change, Shutoku's players couldn't help but tighten up, a ripple of unease spreading through their ranks.

Akashi skillfully dribbled the ball forward before swiftly passing it to Hayama.

Miyaji closed in quickly.

However, instead of the expected tension, Hayama grinned widely. Miyaji furrowed his eyebrows, a sense of foreboding settling in as he realized something was off.

"Hehe, my bad, but it's time to get serious," Hayama apologized with a sincerity that fueled Miyaji's anger.

Yet, in the blink of an eye, Hayama shifted gears, bursting past Miyaji's defense effortlessly.

Miyaji could hardly wrap his head around it as he widened his eyes in disbelief – Hayama was somehow getting faster.

In that moment of realization, Miyaji noticed a crucial detail, "...He's using all his fingers now!"

Hayama had switched up his dribbling technique, utilizing every finger to control the ball.

As Hayama closed in on the basket, Otsubo moved in to provide support. Unfazed, Hayama sidestepped and spun around, dismantling yet another defender.

With a fluid motion, he tossed the ball into the air.

In that split second, Nebuya emerged as he grabbed the ball mid-air and slammed it down through the basket.

Otsubo's brow furrowed in response, urging Kimura to retrieve the ball for Shutoku.

With possession now in their hands, Otsubo swiftly passed the ball to Takao.

"...They swapped their positions?"

However, a sudden shift caught him off guard, widening his eyes in surprise.

Dribbling with deliberate control, Takao kept a watchful eye on Mayuzumi in front of him. Sneaking a glance at Midorima's position, he couldn't help but furrow his eyebrows.

"...Wasn't expecting you to personally mark me. What an honor," Midorima's words dripped with sarcasm.

Akashi, catching onto the tone, simply shrugged it off.

"I have to, Shintaro."

"...And just so you know, your next shot won't be happening," Akashi continued in a calm tone, applying a weighty pressure that made Midorima instinctively adjust his glasses.

"I'd like to see you try..."

Despite the challenging words, Midorima's eyes sharpened, exchanging a glance with Takao.

A chuckle escaped Takao's lips, and without missing a beat, he swiftly passed the ball to Midorima.

"...I've got to come out on top in this one!"

Midorima silently declared, recognizing the critical nature of this duel. Winning this duel meant more than just points on the board; it held the potential to tip the scales in Shutoku's favor.

However...

Midorima's eyes widened in disbelief as soon as his fingers closed around the ball.

Before he could react, a swift hand struck it out of his grasp.

In a blink, Akashi materialized, seamlessly stealing the ball and bursting forward. A radiant ring materialized between his eyes, a visual cue to the impending onslaught.

The sudden turn of events left the Shutoku players flustered, reacting with futile attempts to chase after Akashi's elusive figure. Their efforts proved in vain as Akashi leaped into the air, the ball cradled in his hands, and executed a thunderous dunk.

The crowd erupted in cheers seeing Rakuzan had kickstarting the second half entirely in their favor.

Having just arrived on the scene, Midorima could only watch in surprise, his eyes reflecting shock as he looked at Akashi.

"Why? Shocked that I can dunk?"

Akashi's words cut through the air as he strolled past Midorima, returning to his position with a casual remark, "Even at 173 cm, I can dunk whenever I please..."

The failed retaliation didn't deter Shutoku, who seemed unfazed.

Yet, this time, caution tinged their approach.

Takao took his sweet time dribbling the ball, Mayuzumi shadowing his every move with a careful precision that spoke of a renewed strategy.

"...You really give off a Kuroko vibe. Are you his older brother or something?"

Takao asked, eyeing Mayuzumi with genuine surprise.

However, Mayuzumi's disinterest in conversation prompted Takao to shake his head, thinking, "Their personalities even match..."

Suddenly, Takao smirked as he noticed Midorima shifting into his shooting stance.

He deftly sidestepped through Mayuzumi's defense, smoothly passing the ball in the direction of Midorima's awaiting hand.

Observing the play, he remarked, "Shin seems unusually eager for some reason."

Shutoku's players grinned, enjoying the scene.

However, their smiles stiffened as an unexpected figure materialized, effortlessly interrupting the trajectory of the ball with a swift hand.

"...I did mention it, didn't I? No more shooting for you, Shintaro," Akashi declared coldly, casting a shadow over the court with his unwavering presence.

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