Shohoku Falls Behind (1)

Watch me!

Sakuragi Hanamichi threw his head back and roared. Clutching the basketball, he sprang up powerfully, ready to dunk straight through Yu Zhu's defense.

However, just as Sakuragi Hanamichi bent his knees and gathered strength to leap, a dark figure suddenly darted out from behind him.

Fukuda Kicchou had finally caught up. With a clear target in mind, he stretched out his arm and fiercely slapped the basketball in Sakuragi Hanamichi's arms.

A crisp slap rang out, and only then did Sakuragi Hanamichi realize what had happened.

But it was already too late. The basketball had been knocked away by Fukuda Kicchou, while Sakuragi Hanamichi was already airborne, with nothing but empty air in his grasp.

Damn it!

You're a thief!

Suspended in midair, Sakuragi Hanamichi watched the ball fly away, his eyes reddening with anger.

The deflected basketball happened to land in Yu Zhu's waiting hands. He caught it in one motion and praised Fukuda Kicchou, "Good job!"

As soon as Fukuda finished speaking, Yu Zhu did not hesitate. With a sweep of his arm, he hurled the basketball forcefully toward Shohoku's half court.

Like a cannonball leaving its barrel, the basketball tore through the air with a fierce gust, flying straight past the still-unresponsive Shohoku players.

Meanwhile, Sendoh was already sprinting toward Shohoku's basket like an arrow released from a bow, perfectly receiving the long pass.

Not good!

Only then did Shohoku's players snap awake, their expressions changing drastically. They had all crowded around Ryonan's basket and were still in the opposing half. Even if they turned around and raced back immediately, there was no way they could stop Sendoh in time.

Sendoh drove straight into Shohoku's paint. With no Shohoku defenders in front of him, he merely hopped lightly and flicked his wrist, sending the ball