Looks like this is going to be a tough battle.
The two players exchanged possession of the ball.
Michael Okita received the ball and instantly burst forward to break through!
Before Fukuda could react, he hurriedly moved to block the way, but was bounced away.
Michael Okita drove into the paint and slammed the ball into the basket with one arm.
That dunk perfectly showcased his physical prowess.
In Ayako's opinion, Michael Okita's jumping ability and speed are probably no worse than Hanamichi Sakuragi's.
After scoring, Michael Okita turned and pointed at Shirasawa.
"See? I wasn't bragging, was I?"
As it turned out, Shirasawa's judgment was correct.
The first round was like a microcosm of the entire match.
Michael Okita's fighting style is extremely aggressive, making the most of his physical advantages.
There are no fancy moves; it all comes down to explosive power, speed, and strength.
The same applies to the defensive end.
However, it's clear that Michael Okita has a very solid foundation in basic skills; he just doesn't need those techniques to deal with Fukuda.
Fukuda was almost completely overwhelmed on the defensive end.
Michael Okita's fierce defense made it extremely difficult for Fukuda to perform even on his strongest offensive end.
The score quickly reached 9-4, with Michael Okita taking the match point.
Fukuda was sweating profusely, and his breathing was getting heavier and heavier.
He really hadn't expected this mixed-race kid to be this strong. It seemed like the last time he lost a one-on-one match was back in Ryonan when he was beaten by Sendoh.
Watching from the sidelines, Ayako couldn't help but mutter, " Fukuda is going to lose. Their defense is absolutely terrible, but their offense is passable."
She was thinking to herself, after all, Michael Okita had mentioned that Fukuda might return to Ryonan. If it really happened, Ryonan would have Sendoh and Kaede Rukawa, plus Fukuda, their offensive firepower would be enough to give Shohoku a hard time.
Shirasawa didn't think that much about it. The outcome of the competition was already decided at this point; it all depended on what Fukuda would choose after the match.
However, Michael Okita's performance has really energized him, and it seems the agency's third key player will have to be changed.
Wow!! That was awesome!
Ichiro Katsumi jumped up and cheered, and Michael Okita ended the one-on-one with a powerful dunk.
11 to 4.
Kiccho Fukuda lost completely.
"So Shirasawa, isn't our captain awesome? Of course, I'm pretty good too, but I probably can't beat you."
Ichiro Katsumi then eagerly sidled up to Shirasawa and started chattering away.
His lively energy made Ayako cover her mouth and laugh.
Shirasawa helplessly pushed him aside.
Because the real show is only just beginning.
Fukuda was panting heavily; all eleven balls he hit were hard-hitting, and his stamina was almost completely depleted.
Although his offensive skills improved a bit during his time playing on the streets that year, his physical strength and stamina actually declined.
Michael Okita, on the other hand, seemed much more relaxed and full of energy.
"You lost. Now can we sit down and talk?"
"What are you talking about?" Fukuda asked, looking puzzled.
Michael Okita grinned. "Didn't you want to go back to the field? Ryokufu High School is giving you a chance. I'm the captain, and there are a few other good players on the team, like those two guys over there."
Fukuda remained silent for a long while after listening.
This was indeed unexpected. He had heard a few days ago that he was coming to challenge a master to a duel, but there was no mention of having to join his gang if he couldn't win...
However, he was starting to have second thoughts.
Originally, there was only one way back to the competition venue: Ryonan, until Coach Taoka recalled them.
But this year, Kaede Rukawa joined the team and took his place, making Fukuda increasingly feel that he had no chance.
Go to Ryokufu...
It seems like it's not entirely out of the question.
Michael Okita was strong enough, which actually fueled his desire to challenge him.
Then, Ichiro Katsumi excitedly told Fukuda about the benefits of Ryokufu, such as overseas training and free meals and accommodation, which made Ayako's eyes widen.
Good heavens, that's incredibly extravagant!
Fukuda was also stunned.
It has to be said that Ichiro Katsumi is quite suited for sales; he speaks with such vividness and infectious enthusiasm.
Only Shirasawa knew that while Ryokufu might be able to fulfill his promises, the team he had now was completely incapable of accomplishing anything...
Michael Okita will eventually become the kind of lone hero they've been searching for...
After a long pause, Fukuda nodded.
The amount of information was too much for him to process in a short time, let alone make a decision immediately.
"Okay, I'll have to think about it."
Michael Okita gave an OK sign. "Give me an answer as soon as possible; the team needs to get back to training."
Fukuda nodded and took his leave.
As he left, he gave Shirasawa a deep look; as the loser, he had nothing to say.
But the hostility in his eyes was almost overflowing.
"Sigh... Xiao Bai, look at this, we've made another enemy." Ayako sighed helplessly.
Shirasawa shook his head. "He's not really an enemy. His defense is terrible; only Ryokufu is a valuable asset to him."
Rumble...
Another clap of thunder sounded, and the sky gradually darkened.
Michael Okita walked up to Shirasawa, smiled confidently, and said, "Can I fight you, Shirasawa?"
to be honest,
Shirasawa is now really interested.
Michael Okita's head-on fighting style is exhilarating to watch.
Besides, if you want to sign him, you have to show him some skills first.
Shirasawa stood up, his eyes flashing with fighting spirit. "Fine."
Ichiro Katsumi immediately covered his face and screamed, "Ah!! A battle of the century!! Nadaka, who should I support?! I love them both!"
Ayako looked over with concern, her large eyes filled with worry.
Putting aside how strong Michael Okita, the main point is that Shirasawa had just finished a game that morning, and you can imagine how much energy he must have expended to score 51 points.
Afterwards, I spent half the day shopping with her. My only rest was the few minutes I spent watching the one-on-one match just now.
Ayako didn't really care about winning or losing, and she believed that Shirasawa could win, but she was worried that he was so tired and might get injured if he encountered a tough, hard-hitting style of play Michael Okita.
Shirasawa smiled and reached out to ruffle Ayako's hair.
Don't worry, it'll be done soon.
Michael Okita chuckled, "Beautiful lady, I really envy Shirasawa, so... I absolutely have to beat him."
The two walked onto the field.
Shirasawa stretched his shoulders a few times. "Let's begin."
Michael Okita tossed the ball to him, "I just finished warming up, so you can start."
Shirasawa took the ball, a smirk playing on his lips. "Then you might not get a chance to touch the ball."
"Haha, just what I wanted!"
Boom!
A loud clap of thunder startled Ayako, making her jump.
Just then, the two players on the field had already washed the ball.
As soon as the ball left his hand, Michael Okita closed in, pressing his chest against Shirasawa's arm, and repeatedly trying to slice the ball with both hands.
"My god! Shirasawa's move was so cool!"
Ichiro Katsumi shouted excitedly from the sidelines.
Shirasawa positioned himself sideways, stretched out his right arm, and held the ball high with one hand, so high that Michael Okita couldn't even touch it.
That pose was indeed dashing.
Then Shirasawa shifted his weight, pretending to go left, but actually lunged to the right, startling Michael Okita for half a second.
In that instant, Shirasawa had already launched his attack!
The two collided solidly.
The impact was on a completely different level from Fukuda's; Michael Okita couldn't help but grit his teeth.
He was already half a body length behind and could only desperately chase and defend.
But Shirasawa didn't seem exhausted at all when he charged forward; he took two steps into the air after crossing the free-throw line.
Seeing that he couldn't catch up, Michael Okita simply gave up on defense and watched as Shirasawa leaped into the air.
He slammed the ball into the basket with one hand!
"Great shot!" Ayako jumped up with joy, which attracted several glances from the side.
Fortunately, everyone's attention was on the ball.
After the ball went in, Shirasawa himself felt his body heat up.
Michael Okita clapped his hands in appreciation.
"Not bad, not bad at all, as expected of you, this is more interesting to play like this."
Shirasawa replied calmly, "Then you'd better enjoy it."
Without changing the serve, Shirasawa continued with his second attack.
"Sister... could you let Ryokufu have Shirasawa? Although the young lady might not be happy, I really want to be his teammate!"
Ichiro Katsumi moved closer to Ayako, his face full of sincerity.
Ayako pulled out a folding fan from somewhere and hit him directly on the head.
"Dream on."
On the field, Michael Okita adjusted his defensive strategy, wary of Shirasawa's breakthroughs, and no longer stuck close to him, but instead took a step back.
Shirasawa lowered his center of gravity, switching the basketball back and forth between his left and right hands, his shoulders swaying constantly.
It looked like it was about to start.
Michael Okita stared intently.
Snap... Snap...
The sound of the ball being dribbled echoed in my ears.
Sudden!
Shirasawa took a step forward and suddenly pulled the ball upward!
Michael Okita's eyes narrowed—it's coming!
He quickly retreated with small, quick steps, giving himself room to react.
But the next second, Shirasawa suddenly stopped his momentum and jumped up!
Michael Okita forward in a panic, but it was too late.
Shirasawa released the ball steadily in mid-air, sending it soaring through the air in a high arc.
Three-point hit, 5:0.
"Wow! That was amazing!" Ichiro Katsumi and Ayako cheered simultaneously.
Mitsuaki Nadaka angrily pulled him back, "Whose side are you on anyway?!"
Ichiro Katsumi shrank back, "I couldn't help myself..."
Before the words were finished,
A sudden, deafening roar echoed through the sky.
Rumble...
Large raindrops followed immediately.
Splash--
In the blink of an eye, a torrential downpour began.
Both players on the field looked up at the sky at the same time, clearly not having had enough of the game yet.
Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate.
"What a pity, Shirasawa. We'll have to fight him next time." Michael Okita shook his head regretfully.
Shirasawa sneered, "It's not a big loss for you, is it? At least you've saved some face."
Michael Okita shrugged helplessly, "Sigh... I'm not willing to accept it, but if we continue, I'll probably lose. You're very strong, let's play again next time."
Shirasawa nodded. Michael Okita's mentality was indeed good. Mentality is very important when playing basketball; being too anxious can easily lead to chaos, like Kaede Rukawa...
In comparison, Michael Okita appears much more mature.
Just then, Ichiro Katsumi pulled out two umbrellas from somewhere and handed one to Ayako with a grin.
The two jogged over and held up umbrellas for Shirasawa and Michael Okita, respectively.
Mitsuaki Nadaka stood alone in the rain, arms crossed, seemingly enjoying himself.
Shirasawa took the umbrella and instinctively shielded Ayako.
Michael Okita glanced at Ichiro Katsumi, who was holding an umbrella for him, and a hint of regret appeared on his face.
Ichiro Katsumi chuckled, flashing a bright white smile, "Captain, make do, having an umbrella is good enough!"
These words made Shirasawa and Ayako laugh.
Regardless of how well Ichiro Katsumi plays, he's definitely qualified to be the team's source of joy.