In Episode 430, Ayako stood to one side, watching the hot-blooded boys before her, a relieved smile curling at the corner of her lips.
She quietly let out a breath. It seemed everyone had overcome their fear of Ryonan. Now, all they could think about was winning. That was good.
Just then, a familiar laugh suddenly rang out, breaking the tense atmosphere in the locker room.
Anzai slowly walked in through the door, holding a thermos in his hand and wearing a gentle smile.
"Oh ho ho ho! Looks like you're all ready!"
He walked over to the group, his gaze sweeping across every player, his eyes filled with trust. Then he continued in the same mild tone, "Since everyone has made up their minds, let's properly study how to deal with Ryonan."
Ryonan's locker room was completely different from Shohoku's heavy atmosphere. The air carried a relaxed but not careless ease.
Some players leaned against the lockers, dribbling basketballs. Others adjusted their headbands in the mirror, occasionally joking with teammates beside them.
Clearly, they did not feel the slightest bit of pressure facing Shohoku.
After all, to the Ryonan players, Shohoku had once been a defeated opponent. Their confidence from previous matchups left them completely at ease, even giving them the calm assurance of victory.
Tiangang Maoyi stood in the center of the locker room with his hands behind his back, his eyes sweeping over the players busy with their own preparations.
He cleared his throat, his tone carrying a reminder but little harshness.
"Although we beat Shohoku before, we absolutely cannot let our guard down."
"They made it out of Kanagawa and all the way to the National Tournament semifinals. That was not luck."
"When we take the court, every one of you must take this seriously. Stay