"...What's going on with them?"
Takao couldn't help but express his confusion, observing the Rakuzan High players appearing to be in a low morale state.
It perplexed them because the timeout should have served as an opportunity to catch their breath and bolster their determination.
"Have they thrown in the towel?"
Miyaji couldn't help but voice his thoughts, considering the momentum was now in their favor.
Otsubo, however, shook his head, adding, "They're not the type to give up easily. They're Rakuzan!"
While Otsubo's words managed to jolt them from their reverie, the team's morale soared at the sight of their opponents' somber atmosphere.
Simultaneously, Midorima observed the situation with a solemn gaze, noting Akashi's composed demeanor. Despite the oddity of the situation, he felt a tension in the air, thinking, "...He seems colder."
The game swiftly resumed as the players returned to the court, and Rakuzan promptly passed the ball to Akashi, slowly advancing their position.
However, the Shutoku players couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
The Rakuzan players, who had previously exhibited an aggressive and relentless demeanor, now appeared oddly passive. Confusion painted the faces of Shutoku players as they exchanged perplexed glances on the court.
"Are they really giving up?"
Otsubo couldn't help but entertain the thought, considering the peculiar situation unfolding before them.
Yet, Midorima, who had swiftly transitioned into a defensive stance against Akashi, his eyes ablaze with green streaks, sensed a shift in the air.
An alarm bell rang within him as he perceived a potent pressure emanating from Akashi, gradually enveloping the entire court.
The eerie transformation hinted at a formidable force awakening within Akashi, casting doubt on the notion that Rakuzan was conceding defeat.
"I hoped to avoid this to tilt the game my way, but it appears you're stronger than I thought," Akashi's slow, deliberate words cut through the charged atmosphere.
Midorima tensed, adopting a defensive stance, while Akashi continued to dribble the ball with an almost casual air.
"...Avoid what?"
Midorima's mind raced at the cryptic statement, his eyes widening in disbelief as Akashi calmly declared, "I acknowledge your strength for making me take this seriously..."
As Akashi's words hung in the air, a palpable pressure descended, enveloping the entire court and pressing upon the Shutoku players.
Shock registered on their faces as a reddish spark illuminated Akashi's eyes, streaking across his pupils.
"...however this marks the end of it. Let me demonstrate you my superiority to everyone in the court. I am absolute, and I am the embodiment of the absolute. No one, not even my own parents, can challenge my authority!"
Akashi's proclamation echoed through the court, a declaration that sent shivers down the spines of everyone present.
In tandem with his words, Akashi underwent a sudden change of pace, executing a swift crossover to Midorima's right side.
Caught off guard, Midorima struggled to react in time as Akashi effortlessly sliced through his defense like a hot knife through butter.
Midorima could only pivot and turn, his body reacting belatedly as he chased after Akashi's elusive figure weaving through the court.
The audience was excited as Kise exclaimed, "Akashicchi entered the zone!"
"But can he still wield Emperor Eyes in that state?"
Nijimura couldn't help but voice his concern, contemplating the implications.
If Akashi could still harness the power of Emperor Eyes within the zone, it would elevate him to a level akin to Kise, who could perfectly replicate the Generation of Miracles during his own zone moments.
"..."
The others watched in tense silence as Shutoku's players, still in disbelief, fumbled with their reactions.
Takao left his mark on the court, closing in on Akashi to provide support for Midorima, who was facing an opponent whose prowess had now reached an unparalleled level.
"Takao! Watch your move!"
Otsubo's shout rang out, a mix of urgency and frustration, as he realized that Takao was marking Mayuzumi.
The unique challenge with Mayuzumi, a player akin to Kuroko, meant that Takao and his Eagle Eyes were the only ones who could effectively counter him.
"What?"
Surprisingly, Otsubo discovered that Mayuzumi remained unmoved, not bothering to shift to a better position as if his presence on the court was inconsequential.
Observing the expressions of the Uncrowned Kings felt akin to witnessing dogs left abandoned by their owners.
"...Poor guy."
Mayuzumi casually shook his head, his gaze betraying an indifference that hinted at resignation.
Acknowledging the futility of his efforts, Mayuzumi decided to conserve his stamina, opting not to engage further.
"I might not be well-versed in zone stuff, but judging by Akashi's current state, it seems like he won't need any of us anymore."
Confidence in Akashi's abilities echoed through Mayuzumi's thoughts.
Otsubo's attention sharply turned to Akashi, who now sported radiant, glowing rings in his pupils. With a sudden crossover and a step back, Akashi orchestrated a move that left Takao stumbling and ultimately falling on his backside.
"...So, he can still utilize Emperor Eyes even within the zone?"
The radiant rings in Akashi's eyes faded, replaced by reddish sparks as he seamlessly continued towards the basket, effortlessly scoring with a simple layup shot.
The audience, including Seirin, Fukuda Sogo players, and others, watched Akashi's figure in sheer disbelief.
Tsuna observed Akashi with an amused smile, choosing to withhold any comments.
As Akashi smoothly landed and resumed his position, Midorima couldn't help but stare, his eyes wide open. The realization dawned upon him that he wasn't merely facing an opponent giving their absolute best in the heightened state of the zone.
The revelation hit Midorima hard.
He grasped the weight of facing an opponent not only attuned to the heightened state of the zone but also capable of predicting his every move with Emperor Eyes.
However, Akashi maintained an air of indifference, not bothering to even spare a glance in Midorima's direction.
This indifference fueled a growing frustration within Midorima, who couldn't help but clench his fist in response.
"You think I'm not a challenge for you anymore?" Midorima's irritation surged, his emotions evident in his tightened grip.
"I respect your skills, but that was just pure arrogance on your part, Akashi!"
The sparks of green light that streaked across Midorima's pupils intensified, a visual manifestation of his unwavering determination to prove that Akashi's underestimation of him was nothing short of arrogance.
Meanwhile, the Rakuzan players, who were lagging behind and returning to their positions, stared at Akashi's back in shock and a hint of resentment, realizing that Akashi had now completely dismissed them.
"...And Sei could obliterate them on his own."
Mibuchi reflected with a saddened expression, fully aware of Akashi's terrifying prowess in the zone.
"..."
The same sentiment seemed to permeate among the Uncrowned Kings, who lowered their heads in silence as they walked back.
---
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