Seirin vs Kaijo (5)

At that moment, Seirin's entire team suddenly shifted their focus, rallying around Hyuga with an intense offensive strategy.

Working in perfect sync, they executed screens, passes, and other tactics with precision, creating opportunities and open space for him. Every move was seamless, as if rehearsed beforehand.

Hyuga, now seemingly on fire, displayed astonishing skill. It was as if he had undergone a transformation — his shooting accuracy skyrocketed, and every shot was rock-solid, landing flawlessly in the basket.

Both teams were locked in a heated battle, with the score swinging back and forth. The tension on the court was at its peak, and the audience was completely absorbed, eyes glued to the thrilling action.

As the game progressed, the teams reached a deadlock, neither able to gain a significant advantage.

....

"Huff, huff!"

"Damn it, we're supposed to switch riders at every red light based on rock-paper-scissors!" A high schooler pedaled a heavy tricycle on the street, while a green-haired boy leisurely sat in the back.

"You haven't pedaled even once!" Takao complained, exasperated but too tired to maintain his anger as he struggled to keep going.

"Of course not. Today's morning horoscope said Cancers are incredibly lucky" Midorima replied with a smug grin, casually sipping a drink with his left hand.

"How is that even relevant? Anyway, you really think this scrimmage is worth rushing over for? The opponent must be pretty strong, right? Like those two from your middle school days."

"The Copycat Boy and the Invisible Boy," Midorima said nonchalantly.

"That doesn't sound intimidating at all!"

Midorima chuckled. "If you've got the energy to complain, pedal faster. The match might end before we even get there."

"This is all your fault for insisting on that ridiculous horoscope!" Takao glared at him but kept pedaling furiously.

....

As the fourth quarter approached, Kuroko was still lying on the bench.

The rest of the Seirin team, especially Hyuga, who had been their offensive cornerstone, was completely exhausted, some even feeling queasy.

"Coach, don't we have another plan?" Kawahara asked anxiously from the sidelines.

"The pace in the first half was too fast. Even if I had a strategy, they wouldn't have the stamina to execute it. If only Kuroko could get on the court…" Riko sighed, frustration evident in her voice.

"I understand" Kuroko said, rising unsteadily to his feet. His determination silenced the stunned team as he walked forward, ready to sub in.

Riko immediately tried to stop him.

"If I can turn the game around, let me play," Kuroko said, locking eyes with her. "I promised to be Kagami's shadow."

Riko sighed, reluctantly relenting. "Fine, but the moment I think it's dangerous, you're coming out."

At the next dead ball, Riko signaled for a substitution.

Kuroko was back on the court!

There were six minutes left, with Seirin trailing 68:78.

"Shiro, do you think Seirin still has a chance?" Nijimura asked, curious about their prospects.

"If you think this is all Kise is capable of, you're in for a big surprise" Shiraishi responded with a knowing smile.

On the sidelines, Kise lowered his head slightly, chuckling with a hint of disdain. "Sorry, Kuroko, but I'm taking this win" His tone was calm, but it carried an unshakable confidence and determination.

As he said this, a powerful aura radiated from Kise. It was an overwhelming presence, as if he had risen above everyone else to dominate the court.

He slowly lifted his head, his eyes filled with ferocity and bloodlust. The sheer intensity of his gaze made it seem as though he had transformed into a relentless wolf king, ready to pounce on his prey.

"Animal Instinct? So your instinct takes the form of a wolf king?" Shiro murmured, visibly surprised but quickly composed himself. He was well aware of Kise's immense potential and talent. It wasn't shocking that Kise had awakened his animal instinct, a rare state among basketball players.

The others, however, were less composed. Nijimura stared in disbelief at Kise, stunned by his incredible growth in just two years of playing basketball.

On the court, everyone felt a chill from the energy emanating off Kise.

This was a side of Kise they had never seen — a version of him so terrifying it made their hearts race.

"What... what is this?" Kagami asked, his voice trembling. He could clearly feel the immense power radiating from Kise, a level of dominance that made him feel immense pressure.

"This is animal instinct!" Kuroko said gravely, his expression serious. He was just as shocked by Kise's transformation.

Until now, Kuroko had only known of two players who could tap into this state: Aomine and Shiro. Kise had just become the third among the Generation of Miracles to awaken this ability.

Animal instinct allows a player to enter a state of total focus, dramatically enhancing their skills and performance.

"Be careful—Kise in this state is far stronger than before" Kuroko warned, his voice calm but his expression deadly serious.

Seirin nodded in unison, fully aware of the heightened challenge before them.

If they weren't careful, Kise's overwhelming strength could crush their chances completely.

With that, Kaijo began their offensive play!