With no obstacles in his path, Midorima effortlessly added more points to Shutoku's score, executing a straightforward layup. The team had successfully seized the momentum this time.
"Now, let's see what will you do..."
Tsuna pondered silently as he observed Akashi on the court.
In a prior encounter, Akashi had thwarted Kagami's attempt to shift the momentum smoothly. Using a clever trick with his Emperor Eyes, Akashi exploited Kagami's straightforward nature, making him easy to predict.
However, Midorima's case was completely different from Kagami's.
Directing a player like Midorima proved challenging due to the absence of complex techniques in his drives.
He relied on fundamental and polished movements, lacking the finesse of advanced maneuvers. Yet, this simplicity didn't make him any less formidable. Midorima adapted swiftly to Akashi's movements, responding with calculated precision.
As the game unfolded, Rakuzan High found themselves consistently thwarted by Midorima, who had entered the zone.
The mounting pressure left them increasingly restless, prone to repeated small mistakes.
On the other hand, Shutoku High, with their heightened focus and the tide of momentum in their favor, capitalized on every error Rakuzan made, turning the game to their advantage.
Meanwhile, the ball swiftly returned to Midorima, who wasted no time dribbling it down the court. Yet, Midorima hesitated, fully aware that attempting a shot now would invite Akashi's interception, zone or not.
His gaze ablaze with green streaks, Midorima locked eyes with Akashi, whose Emperor Eyes had activated once again.
"His defense remains unyielding..." Midorima contemplated, studying Akashi's poised form with a keen eye.
Despite the pressure Midorima had exerted on the other Rakuzan players, it seemed to have made little impact on Akashi's unwavering mental state.
The captain remained a stalwart force in defense, unperturbed by the challenges thrown his way.
However, instead of discouraging Midorima, this realization fueled his confidence to an all-time high.
With a sudden burst of speed, Midorima executed a quick crossover to the left.
The sharpening of Akashi's Emperor Eyes prompted an immediate response from Midorima. Sensing the impending defensive move, he deftly stepped back, narrowly evading Akashi's attempt to swipe the ball from his grasp.
Still, that was expected.
Midorima knew that his basic movements might not be as efficient against Akashi's Emperor Eyes, even within the zone. He smoothly sidestepped to the right, creating a deliberate distance as Akashi followed suit.
Midorima's smirk betrayed a hint of confidence, setting off an alarm in Akashi's mind. The Rakuzan captain quickened his steps in response.
However, it was too late.
Midorima seized the moment, leaping upward with a sudden burst of agility.
The ball left his hand in a swift release, a departure from his usual methodical pace.
The shot soared into a high arc, smoothly swishing through the net as the crowd held its breath, witnessing a display of skill that transcended Midorima's typical shooting style.
"...A quick release?"
Mibuchi watched in disbelief.
Despite the rapid pace of their movements, Midorima managed to execute his shot with an unwavering swiftness.
Mibuchi couldn't help but be awestruck, muttering, "His concentration is commendable!"
Midorima's ability to carve out his own opportunities to shoot, even against Akashi, unsettled the players from Rakuzan High.
Shutoku's sudden surge in points had them on edge as they quickly closed the gap in the score.
With Midorima in the zone, he was able to create openings in Akashi's defense, breaking through with finesse.
In these moments, he'd either secure a solo score or deftly pass the ball to his teammates if Rakuzan's players swiftly reacted to block. This proved to be a formidable challenge for Rakuzan, disrupting Shutoku's current surge.
"..."
Akashi remained silent, his gaze shifting to his teammates, who had lost all composure, their expressions now tinged with frustration and panic.
Furrowing his eyebrows in displeasure, Akashi muttered, "Disappointing..."
His eyes then met Coach Shirogane's, and they exchanged glances.
Shirogane nodded, acknowledging the need for a timeout.
Recognizing the situation slipping out of their control, they promptly called for a timeout, prompting both teams to return to their respective benches.
As the timeouts were called, the thunderous cheers from the crowd gradually dwindled into hushed whispers and discussions. The excitement still lingered, fueled by the fact that Shutoku had mounted a remarkable comeback.
The game proved to be an exhilarating experience for the spectators.
"They finally decided to take a timeout. Do you have any predictions on Akashi's next move, Tsuna?" Momoi pondered, placing a finger on her chin before turning to Tsuna.
"...I'm not sure. Why are you asking me?"
Tsuna shook his head in uncertainty. Momoi tilted her head, persisting, "But surely, you must have some guesses, right?"
Upon hearing this, the others swiftly redirected their attention to Tsuna.
The Fukuda Sogo players, familiar with Tsuna's knack for making accurate predictions, listened intently.
Even Kise was filled with curiosity. Kasamatsu also observed Tsuna's figure closely as he recognized his intelligence and craftiness, thinking, "He's undeniably sharp; his guesses must hold some truth."
Tsuna then chuckled, gently patting Momoi's head, a gesture that softened her expression.
"..."
The others observed in silence, sensing a peculiar atmosphere between the two.
"You're not mistaken, and I do have some speculations..."
Tsuna spoke, retracting his hand from Momoi's head, leaving her with a disappointed expression. He continued, "Well, get ready for something intriguing..."
"..."
The lack of revelation from Tsuna led to disappointed expressions all around.
However, Aomine just shook his head, recognizing Tsuna was messing with them as he could see Tsuna's lips curl upward with a playful smirk.
He mumbled, "Nasty bastard..."
Tsuna ignored Aomine's words as he directed his gaze at Akashi on the court, sensing the simmering anger within.
Silently, he remarked, "Things didn't go as you planned, huh?"
Akashi had anticipated Midorima's quick release and his heightened speed and reaction in the zone, having prior knowledge of Midorima's access to that state.
However, the unexpected shift in Midorima's approach, emphasizing dribbling skills over blind shooting, caught him off guard.
"...Is it about time you open up?"
Tsuna's eyes gleamed with thoughtful anticipation.
"No need to alter our strategy..."
Akashi's cold voice cut through the atmosphere on Rakuzan's bench, prompting everyone to look at him in disbelief, ready to question his decision.
However, their words stuck in their throats as they noticed the icy gaze Akashi fixed upon them, sending chills down their spines.
The Uncrowned Kings, in particular, couldn't help but tighten their fists, realizing the implications of that cold stare.
"...He no longer needed us."
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