Special Rules

"Special rules?"

"That's right, I just spoke with Coach Baker, and they proposed a special rule that allows a substitute player to replace Kirihara in the match."

"But..."

"I know what you're thinking, and I also despise Baker's profit-driven approach, but if the game ends like this, I believe neither we Coach nor our players will be satisfied with the result, right?"

"In that case, let's do as you say."

Inside the lounge, the four Coach of the Kanto team discussed the match.

Because of Kirihara's injury, Horio also concluded that the match could not continue.

However, Coach Baker suddenly found Horio alone in the locker room. Since Coach Sakaki and the others were not there, Horio did not agree to Coach Baker's suggestion.

Although he didn't know why he suddenly proposed some special rules, Horio thought it was worth considering.

So they immediately contacted several other Coach to discuss the matter, and after some discussion...

Originally, Horio only thought that special rules were worth considering, but after hearing Kirihara's words outside the infirmary, he felt even more strongly that he should accept this consideration.

Horio felt that Kirihara's persistence was commendable.

Kirihara is different now than before, when he only attacked his opponent's body; the Ghost Ball he played in this match is the best proof of that.

At least in Horio's view, Kirihara now someone Horio should stop.

"Why isn't he healed yet? Is Kirihara's injury really that serious?"

"It seems his injury is more serious than we thought; he'll probably have to forfeit this match."

"But I'm really unwilling to give up."

At the players' tunnel, Fuji were still waiting for Kirihara was going to receive emergency treatment.

"Everyone, Kirihara's injury prevents him from continuing the match. The doctor just advised that Kirihara needs to be hospitalized immediately."

At this moment, Tezuka came out, and upon hearing what Tezuka said, everyone had already concluded that the match was going to be forfeited.

"So, does that mean this competition is over?"

"Looks like they got a free victory; they're really lucky."

"What a pity, it was a game we could have won, but there's nothing we can do about it now."

Hearing everyone say this, Tezuka spoke up again.

"No, although Kirihara can no longer play, the match will still continue."

Our Coach staff and the opposing Coach Baker, have just reached an agreement to use the special rules.

Upon hearing Tezuka's words, Sanada and Atobe already guessed what was going on.

"In the next match, Echizen will replace Kirihara as a substitute to continue the ongoing game."

"The result of the agreement between the two parties is now announced; the match will continue."

At that moment, the announcement that the match would continue came over the loudspeaker, and the atmosphere that had fallen silent instantly became lively again.

"However, due to a right shoulder injury, Kirihara Akaya from the Kanto team is unable to continue the match, so we will adopt the special rules for a friendly match."

That means, with the current score, a substitute player will take over and continue the game.

Upon hearing the announcement over the loudspeaker, everyone involved became alert.

Kevin, on the field, felt his hopes rekindled upon hearing the name of the substitute player.

Meanwhile, the Seigaku members sitting in the spectator area were excited to learn that Ryoma was the only substitute player for the Kanto team.

Meanwhile, Ryoma, unaware of the situation, was playing basketball alone in the rain at the outdoor court outside the stadium.

As if venting his resentment, Tezuka, who came to inform Ryoma, simply watched.

"Is the match over?"

"You're probably not venting your anger here, are you?"

"I just couldn't stand there and be a bystander."

"In that case, you probably don't need to warm up anymore."

Upon hearing Tezuka's words, Ryoma, who was preparing to continue his individual practice, paused.

"It's your turn."

"Echizen Ryoma, you finally took to the field. I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Inside the stadium, Kevin trembled slightly as he watched Kirihara's name change to Echizen Ryoma on the big screen.

The trembling wasn't from fear, but from the joy of finally having met the opponent I wanted to defeat.

"That little guy has landed a great job."

"That's not necessarily true. Kevin Smith is an invincible rival, and he's always had an unusually competitive mindset towards Echizen."

"Look! They're here."

Hearing Kikumaru marvel at Ryoma's good fortune, Fuji seemed less confident.

While the two were discussing, Ryoma was also brought back by Tezuka.

"Hmph, a showdown between the second generation..."

Upon returning to the field, Ryoma immediately locked eyes with Kevin, and the fighting spirit in their eyes clashed in the air.

Seeing how much the two disliked each other, Horio also somewhat looking forward to the match.

"Alright, the stage is ready. Now it's time to really decide the winner, Kevin."

As the one who proposed the special rule, Coach Baker has finally witnessed the scene he has been waiting for.

"Both players are ready, the match continues."

"I've been waiting for so long, really, really long."

"It's not like I want to keep you waiting."

"So I'm going to make you pay for it. Just accept your fate, Echizen Ryoma."

Do you want to avenge your father?

"No way! I had no intention of avenging my dad!"

"Anyway, that doesn't exist, I'll win."

Upon hearing Ryoma say that he was avenging his father, Kevin's expression immediately changed.

Ryoma didn't care about Kevin's changes; at that moment, he only had victory in his mind.

"The match continues in the sixth inning, with Kevin Smith serving."

Upon hearing the referee's voice, Kevin didn't hesitate and went all out.

However, Ryoma was also burning with anger. Although the two were evenly matched at first, Kevin was a step behind due to the various cross-court shots and short lobs.

After being tossed around by Ryoma for several rounds, Ryoma spotted the bottom corner of the backcourt and returned the shot with a backhand.

Bang...

"Kanto team scores, 15:0"

Seeing Ryoma become equally serious, Kevin became excited.

After returning to the baseline, a familiar serve appeared.

Bang...

"West Coast team scores, 15-15"

"It's Outer Spin Serve! That guy can actually Outer Spin Serve!"

The people on the sidelines were surprised to find that Kevin not only had a thorough understanding of Ryoma, but also knew Ryoma's basketball skills.

On the court, Ryoma, who was caught Outer Spin Serve, had not yet recovered from the shock.

Seeing Ryoma's expression, Kevin felt a little smug.

"I'm playing against Echizen Ryoma right now."