Chapter Summaries

Chi Tong revealed that he had controlled the game to exhaust Shohoku’s perimeter offense and exploit its limited options, then stole Ryota Miyagi’s pass and scored. With Shohoku trailing by twelve and only three minutes left, Ryonan continued to dominate as Sendoh and Fukuda scored.

• Chi Tong intercepted Ryota Miyagi’s pass, scored a layup, and declared that Shohoku would not improve further in the game.
• Chi Tong explained that he had predicted Miyagi’s passing options and had focused on limiting Sakuragi Hanamichi, Liu Chuanfeng, and Mitsui Hisashi’s effectiveness.
• Maki Shinichi realized Chi Tong may have deliberately controlled the game’s pace, while Akagi and Mitsui recognized the strategy behind Ryonan’s targeting.
• With three minutes remaining and Shohoku down twelve, Mitsui’s stamina was nearly spent and Shohoku’s bench realized the team had been outmaneuvered.
• Sendoh dribbled past Liu Chuanfeng and scored over Akagi, then Fukuda Kiccho evaded Sakuragi Hanamichi and slammed in a pass from Chi Tong.

Ryonan defeated Shohoku 90:67 after Chi Tong controlled the final attack and scored as time expired. The loss left Shohoku shaken, but Ayako reminded the team that they still had a chance to advance.

• Yu Zhu broke free of Akagi's defense and scored with a two-handed dunk.
• Koshino Hiroaki scored a basket while Mitsui was exhausted, and Chi Tong drove toward Shohoku's paint in the final seconds.
• Chi Tong used the Eye of Heaven to make Liu Chuanfeng and Sakuragi Hanamichi lose their footing, then scored from the free-throw line.
• The referee ended the game with Ryonan winning 90:67, leaving the spectators stunned by Chi Tong's control of the match.
• Maki Shinichi and Fujima Kenji left the gymnasium, uneasy about facing Ryonan in future games.
• Ayako encouraged Shohoku to recover, reminding the players that three teams could advance and they still had games to play.

After Ryonan defeated Shohoku by twenty-three points, Chi Tong Lingyu’s performance made him a sensation across Kanagawa. Ryonan celebrated at a barbecue restaurant while the Shoyo players quietly reflected on the match, and Chi Tong’s growing reputation left the story poised for its impact on rival teams.

• Ryonan’s players congratulated one another after their victory, and Sendoh Akira praised Chi Tong’s performance.
• Basketball fans and local media spread news of Ryonan’s twenty-three-point win and Chi Tong Lingyu’s rise among Kanagawa’s top point guards.
• Ryonan’s team went to a familiar barbecue restaurant, where Chi Tong encouraged everyone to enjoy the celebration without arguing over what to order.
• The Shoyo basketball team walked in silence, weighed down by Ryonan’s win and Chi Tong’s display on the court.

Fujima Kenji restored Shoyo's confidence ahead of its matchup with Ryonan, while all four Final Four teams prepared for the second round. The next morning, Hainan and Shohoku arrived at the gymnasium, as anticipation built for the afternoon game between Ryonan and Shoyo.

• Fujima Kenji noticed Shoyo's players had lost their confidence and reminded them that they were a strong team capable of facing Ryonan.
• During the day of rest, all four teams studied footage and prepared tactics for their upcoming opponents.
• The organizers announced that Hainan would play Shohoku in the morning and Ryonan would face Shoyo in the afternoon.
• Spectators filled the gymnasium to watch the second round of the Final Four, especially the anticipated Ryonan–Shoyo matchup.
• Two buses bearing team logos arrived at the gymnasium parking lot.

Hainan and Shohoku arrived at the gymnasium, where Ryonan and Shoyo also gathered to watch their game. As the match was about to begin, both teams named their starting lineups, and Chi Tong observed that Shohoku had grown stronger since its loss to Ryonan.

• Hainan and Shohoku faced one another in a silent test of resolve before heading into the gymnasium.
• Ryonan and Shoyo arrived, and Chi Tong and Fujima Kenji exchanged calm glances before their teams entered the venue.
• Ryonan and Shoyo took separate seats to watch the game as Hainan and Shohoku emerged to cheers and warmed up.
• Hainan started Maki Shinichi alongside Takasago Kazuma, Kiyota Nobunaga, Muto Tadashi, and Jin Soichiro; Shohoku started Akagi, Rukawa Kaede, Sakuragi Hanamichi, Mitsui Hisashi, and Miyagi Ryota.
• Maki Shinichi took the court because he recognized Shohoku's strength after watching its game against Ryonan, while Chi Tong noted that Shohoku had improved since that defeat.

Shohoku surged ahead early against Hainan, but Maki Shinichi and his teammates rallied to erase the lead. The first half ended tied at 32:32, with Hainan gaining control of the game.

• Rukawa scored Shohoku’s opening points with a dunk after a quick team attack.
• Sakuragi intercepted Maki’s pass, then passed to Mitsui, who made a three-pointer to give Shohoku a 5–0 lead.
• Shohoku extended its advantage through steals and scoring runs, reaching a 16–7 lead.
• Maki organized Hainan’s counterattack, and Jin hit two three-pointers while Takasago scored inside.
• Akagi urged Shohoku to steady its defense, but Hainan kept exploiting its weaknesses and tied the game 32–32 at halftime.

Shohoku battled Hainan through a tense second half, with Rukawa's scoring and Mitsui's late three-pointer briefly putting Shohoku ahead. After Maki restored Hainan's lead, Sakuragi's final shot missed, and the chapter ended with both teams fighting for the rebound.

• Shohoku continued its first-half offense, but Maki repeatedly broke through Miyagi's defense, and Hainan's lead grew after Miyamasu forced Sakuragi into turnovers.
• Rukawa scored ten points in two minutes to cut Shohoku's deficit to two, and both teams traded scores as the game tightened.
• With about a minute left, Sakuragi passed to Mitsui instead of dunking, and Mitsui's three-pointer gave Shohoku a 68–67 lead.
• Maki scored through Akagi's foul and made the free throw, putting Hainan ahead 70–68 with less than thirty seconds remaining.
• Miyagi pushed Shohoku's final attack, Rukawa passed to Sakuragi, and Sakuragi's shot bounced off the rim as both teams converged for the rebound.

Sakuragi Hanamichi accidentally passed the ball to Takasago Kazuma, sealing Shohoku’s narrow loss to Hainan. Ryonan then prepared for its afternoon game against Shoyo, with Chi Tong choosing a lineup and assigning matchups.

• Sakuragi Hanamichi mistook Takasago Kazuma for Akagi and passed him the ball, and Hainan defeated Shohoku 78–76.
• Chi Tong concluded that Hainan’s close attention to Shohoku had offset Shohoku’s growth and decided Ryonan needed to revise its plans against Hainan.
• Fujima Kenji watched Ryonan leave and resolved that Shoyo had to win its afternoon game.
• Chi Tong named Fukuda Kicchou to play against Shoyo and told Ikegami Ryoji and Uekusa to rest.
• Chi Tong assigned himself to guard Fujima Kenji, Yu Zhu to guard Hanagata Toru, and Sendoh to handle the scoring.

Chi Tong gave Ryonan a simple plan for containing Shoyo, explaining that Shoyo was easier to handle than Shohoku. Both teams entered the arena to loud cheers as the match was about to begin.

• Chi Tong told Sendoh to lead and assigned Koshino Hiroaki to contain Shoyo's number six without focusing on scoring.
• Chi Tong explained that Shoyo had fewer standout players than Shohoku, leaving Ryonan's players surprised by his confidence.
• Fujima Kenji rallied Shoyo's players and led them in declaring they would defeat Ryonan.
• Akagi and Mitsui Hisashi said either team could win, while Mu Shenyi privately suspected Ryonan would prevail.
• Ryonan and Shoyo entered the arena as the spectators and cheer squads began loudly supporting their teams.

Ryonan and Shoyo prepared to face each other as their supporters filled the stands and the teams warmed up under mounting tension. Mukai Yayo and the Shohoku players considered Ryonan’s rise and Chi Tong Lingyu’s impact before both teams’ starting lineups gathered at center court.

• Ryonan’s supporters swelled in number and matched Shoyo’s loud cheers as the teams faced off across the court.
• Mukai Yayo told Nakamura that Chi Tong Lingyu had transformed Ryonan, while Shoyo’s strength remained largely unchanged.
• Shohoku’s players watched the tense warm-up, and Mitsui Hisashi wondered whether Ryonan had held back against them in their previous game.
• Gongcheng Liangtian reflected on his struggles against Chi Tong and Fujima Kenji and anticipated seeing the two point guards face each other.
• The warm-up ended, and the players gathered at center court as the Ryonan and Shoyo starting lineups were announced.

Ryonan and Shoyo began their match with Yu Zhu winning the opening tip and Chi Tong leading Ryonan's attack against Fujima Kenji's defense. Ryonan worked the ball toward the basket, where Fukuda Kicchou beat Takano Shoichi and drove into Xiangyang's restricted area.

• Yu Zhu and Hanagata Toru exchanged taunts before the referee started the Ryonan–Shoyo match.
• Yu Zhu overpowered Hanagata Toru in the jump ball and tipped the basketball to Chi Tong.
• Chi Tong dribbled into the opposing half and passed around Fujima Kenji's defense to Koshino Hiroaki.
• Hasegawa Kazushi rushed to stop Koshino Hiroaki's shot, prompting Koshino Hiroaki to pass along the baseline to Fukuda Kicchou.
• Fukuda Kicchou feinted past Takano Shoichi and drove toward Xiangyang's restricted area.

Ryonan and Shoyo traded missed shots, steals, and defensive stops through two scoreless minutes. Fujima Kenji then organized a coordinated Shoyo attack as Chi Tong read the opposing players’ positions.

• Nagano Mitsuru rebounded Fukuda Kicchou’s missed shot and passed to Fujima Kenji, but Sendoh intercepted Fujima’s pass intended for Hanagata Toru.
• Chi Tong, Fukuda Kicchou, Sendoh, and Yueye Hongming created chances for Ryonan, while Fujima Kenji organized attacks for Shoyo, but neither team scored.
• Shoyo and Ryonan exchanged steals, missed shots, and rebounds until two minutes passed with the score still 0:0.
• Fujima Kenji signaled a coordinated play, and Hanagata Toru and Takano Shoichi moved to create space as Chi Tong surveyed Shoyo’s formation.

Chi Tong’s preparation helped Ryonan steal the ball twice and turn both takeaways into dunks, giving them a 4–0 lead over Shoyo. Fujima Kenji tried to answer by driving to the basket, but Yu Zhu disrupted his move and the ball slipped from his control.

• Chi Tong read Fujima Kenji’s passing cue, stole his pass to Hanagata Toru, and sent the ball ahead to Sendoh for a fast-break dunk that put Ryonan up 2–0.
• Chi Tong blocked Fujima Kenji’s passing lane, Yueye Hongming stole Hasegawa Kazushi’s pass, and Chi Tong fed Yu Zhu for another dunk and a 4–0 lead.
• Fujima Kenji urged Shoyo not to panic, then chose to attack Ryonan’s defense himself rather than rely on passing.
• Yu Zhu rushed in as Fujima Kenji rose for a layup, forcing him to pull the ball back and try a pass; Fujima then lost control of it.

Chi Tong dismantled Shoyo’s offense and led Ryonan to a 13:0 lead in the opening five minutes. Fujima Kenji recognized that Chi Tong had anticipated Shoyo’s tactics and called a timeout as the stunned players and spectators watched the scoreboard.

• Chi Tong stole the ball from Fujima Kenji, and Fukuda Kicchou scored on a fast break to put Ryonan ahead 6:0.
• Fukuda Kicchou, Sendoh, Chi Tong, and Yueye Hongming exploited Shoyo’s mistakes to score eleven unanswered points.
• Fujima Kenji tried to create space with screens, but Chi Tong disrupted the play, and Yu Zhu secured the rebound after Fujima’s shot missed.
• Chi Tong passed to Sendoh, who scored to extend Ryonan’s lead to 13:0 five minutes into the game.
• Fujima Kenji realized Chi Tong had been using Shoyo’s own tactics against them and requested a timeout.
• Aota and Hainan’s players stared in disbelief as Shoyo remained scoreless.

Ryonan built a thirteen-point lead over Shoyo by using Chi Tong’s control of the game to shut down their attacks, leaving Shoyo demoralized. Fujima Kenji rallied his teammates to keep fighting and find new tactics as the match continued.

• Maki Shinichi recognized that Chi Tong was controlling the rhythm and directing Ryonan’s precise defense and counterattacks.
• Mumu Gongyan and Mitsui Hisashi reacted with disbelief as Shoyo struggled to score, while Miyagi Ryota reminded Shohoku that a Ryonan victory would keep their qualification hopes alive.
• Fujima Kenji reassured Takano Shoichi and Nagano Mitsuru, telling them not to dismiss their efforts because of mistakes.
• Fujima Kenji urged Shoyo to change their passing routes and tactics, then gathered the players together and reminded them that they wanted to win.

Ryonan held a thirteen-point lead over Shoyo as Chi Tong anticipated Fujima Kenji’s plan to slow the game and exploit Shoyo’s height. When play resumed, Fujima challenged Chi Tong, who said he was not trying to defeat Shoyo, leaving Fujima confused.

• Fujima Kenji rallied Shoyo to stop rushing, play steadily, and refuse to accept defeat.
• Ryonan returned to the court calm and confident, trusting the tactics Chi Tong had coordinated.
• Taoka Moichi warned Chi Tong that Fujima Kenji would adjust, and Chi Tong predicted Shoyo would slow the pace and use mid-range shots.
• Taoka Moichi entrusted the next offensive and defensive adjustments to Chi Tong.
• After play resumed, Shoyo advanced more slowly, with Hanagata Toru positioned near the free-throw line and the other players spreading out.
• Fujima Kenji praised Chi Tong and challenged him, but Chi Tong replied that he was not trying to defeat Shoyo.

Chi Tong dismissed Shoyo’s chances despite Hanagata Toru ending their scoring drought, then Sendoh answered with a fast-break dunk. The chapter left Ryonan firmly in control as Shoyo’s players stared in shock.

• Fujima Kenji passed to Nagano Mitsuru, who fed Hanagata Toru for Shoyo’s first basket, making the score Ryonan 13, Shoyo 2.
• Chi Tong told Shoyo that unless they stopped Ryonan’s offense, they would lose, then passed the ball to Sendoh.
• Sendoh raced into Shoyo’s paint, evaded Hanagata Toru’s defense, and adjusted in midair to avoid Nagano Mitsuru’s block.
• Sendoh slammed the ball into the hoop, leaving Shoyo’s players stunned.

Fujima Kenji steadied Shoyo and led a patient, improvised attack that earned them a basket against Ryonan. Chi Tong answered with a sudden burst downcourt, drawing Shoyo’s attention while Sento slipped into open space.

• Fujima Kenji rejected the idea that Shoyo was doomed and told his teammates to slow down and attack patiently.
• Shoyo’s players improvised cuts, screens, and decoys, creating openings in Ryonan’s defense.
• Fujima Kenji passed through a narrow gap to Takano Shoichi, who redirected the ball to Hasegawa Kazushi for a basket, making the score Ryonan 15, Shoyo 4.
• Chi Tong received the inbound pass and accelerated rapidly across half court, forcing Shoyo’s defenders to focus on him.
• Sento exploited the distraction and moved into open space along Shoyo’s defensive flank.

Ryonan extended its lead over Shoyo with coordinated attacks and Chi Tong’s astonishing passes. Shoyo struggled to break through Ryonan’s defense, while Chi Tong began another seemingly impossible play with Fukuda Kicchou tightly guarded.

• Yueye Hongming made an open three-pointer after Ryonan’s rapid passing sequence, putting Ryonan ahead 18–4.
• Fujima Kenji and Hanagata Toru created a chance with a pick-and-roll, but Chi Tong blocked Fujima’s drive, Yueye Hongming disrupted Hasegawa Kazushi’s shot, and Sendoh swatted away Nagano Mitsuru’s rebound attempt.
• Shoyo tried repeatedly to narrow the gap, but Ryonan’s defense and Chi Tong’s playmaking kept them from making progress.
• Chi Tong sent a high, precise pass to Sendoh, who caught it in stride and dunked.
• Chi Tong used a bouncing pass that reached Yu Zhu, who grabbed it and scored over Hanagata Toru.
• With Hasegawa Kazushi tightly guarding Fukuda Kicchou, Chi Tong prepared to make another play while Fukuda remained unable to receive the ball.

Chi Tong’s precision passing fueled Ryonan’s offense, but Shoyo held the deficit at thirteen points as the first half wore on. With five minutes left, Hanagata Toru scored through a foul and made the free throw, bringing Shoyo within ten.

• Chi Tong threaded a pass to Fukuda Kicchou for a layup, then bounced a pass through Fujima Kenji’s and Hasegawa’s legs to Yueye Hongming for a three-pointer.
• Shoyo repeatedly adjusted its defense and answered Ryonan’s scoring, keeping the gap at thirteen as the score reached 30–17.
• Fujima Kenji used Hanagata Toru’s screen to drive, then passed to Hanagata when Chi Tong rotated to block him.
• Hanagata Toru drew a shooting foul from Yu Zhu while scoring against Uozumi, and the referee counted the basket.
• Hanagata Toru made the free throw, cutting Shoyo’s deficit to 30–20, and Fujima urged him to keep drawing fouls.