Chapter 20: Shooting Stars vs. Rising Titans 3
"We're seriously gonna lose to that new team?" Renji Arimura's voice trembled—not from fear, but frustration.
The Tennoji High bench sat in tense silence. Sweat soaked their jerseys, not just from the game, but from the creeping anxiety in their captain's voice.
"Calm down," their coach said—Reiko Shinohara, a woman in her forties with sharp eyes and a steel-like presence. "You're letting them get in your head. Have you forgotten who you are?"
Everyone turned to her as she stepped forward, folding her arms.
"This isn't the first time we've been in this kind of situation. You know what to do. Keep moving, keep shooting. They can run all they want—but if you're true to your rhythm, they'll never keep up."
Her voice was calm, but heavy like thunder.
"...Yes, Coach," Renji exhaled and nodded. "Let's go, team."
The second half began.
Tennoji returned to the court with renewed fire in their eyes.
Meanwhile, on our bench, the rotation was set.
"Kaito, you'll sub in for Rei," Coach Tsugawa announced. "Dirga, shift to shooting guard. You're our scorer now—Kaito will run the pace."