Chapter 31: Horizon vs Toyonaka 1 : Breaking the Rhythm
Score: Horizon 3 – Toyonaka 2
The game had just begun, and already the gym felt like it was ready to burst. Thunderous chants echoed through the rafters. Banners waved violently in the crowd. Both sides came armed with war drums, pounding out a rhythm that matched the chaos on court.
Dirgantara Renji narrowed his eyes across the court. There, standing like an unshakable tower, was Masaki King.
Tall. Calm. Burning with purpose.
The same Masaki who had once led Toyonaka through the nationals. The one people now called "The King of the Court."
"Let’s see what you’ve got now," Masaki muttered under his breath, clapping once. His voice barely reached Dirga, but the meaning was crystal clear.
The game resumed.
Dirga’s mind ticked quickly. In their practice match before the tournament, Horizon had shocked Toyonaka using Dirga’s knowledge of their rigid structure. Maybe... just maybe, they hadn’t adjusted yet.
No harm in testing it.
Dirga brought the ball up and signaled Rikuya for a high screen. If this was the old Toyonaka, Aizawa would get a sliver of space on the weak side to cut in.
He tried it.