Miyagi Ryota had long been seething with anger. The Hakata Commercial High School players had repeatedly humiliated him with their height advantage, stoking his competitive spirit to the limit.
This time, he deliberately slowed the pace as he handled the ball, his eyes fixed on the footwork of Hakata Commercial High School's point guard.
Suddenly, he accelerated, feinting a drive and successfully fooling his opponent.
The instant the defender shifted his weight, Gongcheng Liangtian flicked his wrist. The basketball flashed through a gap in the defense and went straight to Akagi, who had already established position inside.
The moment Akagi caught the ball, he poured all the frustration, anger, and resentment he had accumulated throughout the first half into his arms.
With a roar, he planted both feet hard beneath the basket and launched his towering frame into the air. Clutching the basketball in both hands, he gritted his teeth and slammed it through the hoop with thunderous force.
The deafening crash of the dunk rang out. Hakata Commercial High School's basket support trembled under the immense impact, giving off an ear-numbing hum.
The instant Akagi landed, the emotions bottled up throughout the first half erupted. He pounded his chest and threw his head back, bellowing at the top of his lungs. His powerful roar echoed throughout the arena, making him look just like a gorilla beating its chest in triumph in the jungle.
Meanwhile, although Sakuragi Hanamichi had reined in his earlier impatience and become more focused on defense, he had yet to do anything remarkable.
He was growing anxious. He wanted his moment in the spotlight too, and his eyes brimmed with longing.
He did not have to wait much longer. As the first half entered its final few dozen seconds, Sakuragi Hanamichi's moment finally arrived.
Hakata Commercial