Ryonan vs. Ipponming (1)

Just then, a calm yet powerful voice rang out, cutting through all the noise.

"All right." Sasagi Shota rose to his feet, his 193-centimeter frame standing tall like a mountain.

He swept his gaze across his teammates. His eyes blazed, and though his voice was not loud, it carried unquestionable authority.

"That isn't something we can control. Whether Ryonan is strong or weak, they're there. We can't change the schedule, and we can't avoid this game."

He paused, and his tone abruptly turned resolute.

"But there is one thing we can decide: to do our very best."

He raised his voice slightly. "Since we've run into them, stop complaining. All we can do is face them with everything we have. No matter how strong Ryonan is, Ipponming will never admit defeat."

At those words, the Ipponming players straightened up and answered in unison.

Just then, the locker room door was gently pushed open. An assistant referee in staff uniform poked his head in and said calmly, "Game time is approaching. Ipponming players, please prepare to enter the court."

Sasagi Shota took a deep breath, turned to face everyone, and said, "Let's go."

Ryonan received their own notice to enter. The locker room door was lightly knocked twice, and the assistant referee's voice came from outside. "Lingnan High School, please prepare to enter the court."

Chitong Lingyu slowly rose to his feet, unhurried and composed.

He adjusted the collar of his uniform, his gaze as tranquil as a deep pool.

There was no battle cry, nor any speech to rally morale. He merely spoke in a flat voice, quiet but clear enough for everyone to hear.

"Time to play!"

The three words were simple and cold, yet they sounded like a military order.

"Ryonan!"

Everyone responded in unison, their thunderous voices