As the second quarter unfolded, Fukuoka Daichi began to understand that the cool-headed players of Fukuda Sogo were applying even more intense pressure than their wild performance in the first quarter.
Feeling the strain, they decided to call for another timeout.
"...They've improved since the last game," Mibuchi remarked, earning nods of agreement from the other Uncrowned Kings.
But when Mibuchi glanced at Akashi, who appeared unimpressed, he couldn't help but smile a bit and added, "Well, we've improved too."
The coach of Fukuoka Daichi wore a concerned expression as the team focused on him. Glancing at Tsuna, he thought, "That captain is the key to their attack strategy..."
It was evident to them, considering that most of the balls reaching their defensive formation were directed through Tsuna.
The precision with which Tsuna distributed the ball at the right moments and his decision-making skills showcased Fukuda Sogo's seamlessly synchronized gameplay.
Realizing that stopping him was impossible unless they assigned more players to defend against him, the coach sighed. Fukuoka Daichi's coach acknowledged that things weren't unfolding as expected. He turned to his team and instructed them to double-team Fukuda Sogo's captain.
Meanwhile, on the Fukuda Sogo's bench, Nijimura cast a brief glance toward the Fukuoka Daichi's bench before turning to Tsuna with a question, "Do we need to adjust any of our strategies?"
Tsuna shook his head, eyes scanning his teammates, who seemed fully absorbed in the game. "Looks like they realized their plan to tire us out didn't work..."
"...So, I suppose it's time for them to put two players on me."
"Should we stick to our plan then? I doubt their double team can stop you, Captain," Ogiwara suggested.
The consensus rippled through the team as everyone nodded in agreement.
They had witnessed Tsuna facing off solo against the Jabberwock. Even though Tsuna faced a tough time, the sheer pressure he applied made the Jabberwock cooperate to stop him. It was a surreal experience for the Fukuda Sogo team.
"No, let them believe their plan is working for a bit and start scoring from the outside," Tsuna advised as he turned to Mochizuki.
Anticipating that Fukuoka Daichi might underestimate Mochizuki, Tsuna saw an opportunity. Mochizuki hadn't revealed much during the first quarter, making it the perfect timing for Fukuda Sogo to execute their strategy.
Mochizuki grinned in anticipation, having waited for this exact moment. He had significantly enhanced his accuracy and expanded his shooting range.
While not as extreme as Midorima's, he was confident he wouldn't miss a single shot.
"...But ease into it, don't unveil your new skill just yet. We'll keep it as a wildcard for future games," Tsuna advised Mochizuki, who nodded in agreement.
As the game resumed, Fukuoka Daichi stuck to their plan, deploying a double team on Tsuna, just as Fukuda Sogo had anticipated.
Despite Fukuoka Daichi's attempt at a double team, Tsuna effortlessly passed the ball to his teammates. The double team had inadvertently created a significant gap in Fukuoka Daichi's defense, providing Fukuda Sogo with an advantage.
Recognizing that their double-team strategy had not played out as anticipated, frustration was evident on the faces of Fukuoka Daichi's players.
"...Well, at least we managed to hinder their captain from navigating easily through our defensive line," Fukuoka Daichi's captain muttered as he dribbled the ball.
In the stands, Seirin observed the game with a serious expression.
"...Fukuoka Daichi got played with like that," Hyuga remarked, adjusting his glasses with a thoughtful touch.
The rest of the Seirin team silently nodded in agreement, their attention fixed on the ongoing game. Kiyoshi couldn't help but murmur, "...Kazama hasn't even revealed his fangs yet, and they're effortlessly dominating their opponent, huh?"
The realization dawned on everyone that Tsuna intentionally directed the game by feeding the ball to his teammates instead of showcasing his prowess.
Izuki checked the scoreboard as the second quarter concluded, and the referee's whistle echoed through the stadium. "They're called the King of Kings for a reason. It's not just their captain; the entire team consists of top players..."
Kuroko and Kagami wore serious expressions as they observed the unfolding game.
For Kuroko, witnessing Ogiwara's significant improvement was particularly striking. He couldn't help but place his hand over his heart, feeling a mix of happiness and wariness.
He was pleased to see Ogiwara continue playing and growing stronger after their middle school tournament. However, a sense of caution arose, knowing they now stood on different teams, playing the same position.
Kuroko's eyes glinted with determination. "...This time, we will not lose!"
They glanced up at the scoreboard, unable to conceal their disbelief.
The score now stood at 63 - 3.
"They're really strong, huh? And we're up against them in the same bracket?"
Koganei couldn't help but mutter, making his thoughts audible to everyone.
Aida frowned, concerned that these results might dampen their spirits, especially with their upcoming match in the afternoon.
She turned to her team, saying, "Stay focused, guys! We've got our own game this after---"
However, her words caught in her throat as she noticed their lack of discouragement. Instead, she sensed an unusual excitement.
A smile crept onto her face, realizing that not only had they grown physically but also mentally stronger.
On Shutoku's side, Takao couldn't resist asking Midorima, "Shin, why didn't that Kazama guy do much besides passing to his teammates?"
"...You must've noticed during the opening ceremony how they seemed," Midorima frowned, adjusting his glasses.
Takao and the rest of Shutoku nodded in agreement with Midorima's observation.
To them, Fukuda Sogo's players looked like they had been starved for a long time, which was odd for recent tournament winners.
"It must have something to do with Tsuna, especially since this time it was like he was just giving them an appetizer..." Midorima speculated, glancing at the scoreboard.
A similar inquiry seemed to be circulating at Too Academy.
Imayoshi narrowed his eyes with seriousness as he asked, "Imagine, how would you feel if I gave you a small taste of an appetizer when you're starving?"
This question left Wakamatsu scratching his head in confusion. Not being the sharpest tool in the shed, Imayoshi's question felt like a tricky puzzle to him.
"...It would just make you hungrier," Momoi muttered to herself in realization.
Aomine was not particularly interested as he yawned, thoroughly bored by the one-sided games on both courts.
Kise dominated one game, and Fukuda Sogo dominated the other.
Imayoshi nodded in agreement with Momoi's insight as he said, "Exactly..."
"...Such a devious way to feed someone," he thought to himself as Tsuna's image flashed in his mind, giving him goosebumps all over his body.
---
Do you want to read 15 chapters ahead of the schedule? Here's where you can find them:
p@treon.com/mythoast