The furnace of Teikō's daylight remained scorching. Akashi Seijūrō's icy gaze and commands precise to the millisecond were like invisible chains, binding every inch of the court. Yet in this steel jungle built on "Absolute Efficiency," a white figure was quietly blending the techniques of the "dark night" into the shackles of daylight, blooming into a heart-stirring glow of deception.
The daytime tactical drills remained suffocatingly intense. Akashi demanded training in "Rapid Breakthrough Under Zone Press Defense." Bai Ze You's team advanced with the ball, facing a three-man zone press as impenetrable as a wall of bronze and iron, formed by Midōrima Shintarō, Kise Ryōta, and a substitute player.
According to Akashi's tactical board, the most efficient and least risky way to break through was rapid ball movement or a high lob exploiting Murasbara's overwhelming height. But at that moment, Bai Ze You controlled the ball at the top of the arc. Midori and Kise had precisely anticipated and sealed off his teammates' movements, while Murasbara was pinned firmly by the opposing center.
The seconds ticked away, and the offensive time limit drew near. Akashi's icy gaze pressed against Bai Ze You's back like something tangible.
An opening!
A tiny, fleeting thought flashed through Bai Ze You's mind. This was not the "optimal solution" Akashi had prescribed, but it belonged to the "White Phantom"!
With Midōrima Shintarō pressing from the front on the left and Kise Ryōta on the right, Bai Ze You's gaze remained calm as he lowered his center of gravity slightly. He did not rush to pass or force his way through. Instead, he suddenly burst forward! A swift straight-line drive, aimed straight at the gap between Midori and Kise!
Midori and Kise reacted instantly! Midori shifted laterally to block, while Kise, relying on his mimicry talent,