Sakuragi Hanamichi Takes the Court (2)

Episode 55: Great job, everyone!

Though we were behind on the scoreboard, we had gradually stabilized our footing. Keep it up in the second half!

Ayako's face was brimming with enthusiasm, her voice unable to conceal her excitement.

"Yes!"

The Shohoku players answered in unison.

Twenty-nine points...

Mumu Gongyan looked up at the scoreboard and muttered to himself.

The number was painfully glaring, yet for some reason, he did not feel quite so panicked anymore.

Akagi also stared unblinkingly at the score on the board, his gaze filled with determination and an unyielding spirit.

His fists were clenched tight, his knuckles white. The fire of defiance burned ever more fiercely in his chest as the situation slowly began to improve.

As long as we fought harder and gave it another push, there was definitely hope!

With that thought, he abruptly raised his head and shouted at his teammates beside him, "Listen up! The game isn't over yet! In the second half, we'll claw back one basket at a time and slowly catch up!"

"Do you understand?"

"Yes!" Their reply this time was far more unified, carrying a sense of throwing caution to the wind.

Anxi Guangyi sat quietly to one side, lightly tapping his fingers against his knee as though calculating something.

A moment later, he slowly turned his head, his gaze falling on Sakuragi Hanamichi. "Sakuragi, you'll replace Chao Qi in the second half."

Sakuragi froze, his eyes instantly widening round as though he had not heard clearly—or could not believe it.

He hesitantly raised a hand and pointed at the tip of his nose. "Old man, are you saying I can play?"

"Really?"

"Ohohohoho..." Anzai Koichi's lips curved up as he let out a low chuckle, something indescribable hidden within that laughter.

Ayako slapped Sakuragi on the shoulder