After Nanaho called a timeout, everyone on Toshigawa's basketball team sat down, breathing heavily. "That was a close call. Great work, Noboru. You gave us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win this game," said Nanaho, patting him on the back.
"Yes, it's only natural for a player of my caliber," Noboru said, trying to catch his breath. But as he spoke, his vision started to blur, and he began staggering.
"Noboru, are you okay?" Nanaho asked, concerned.
"I'm fine," Noboru replied, but before he could finish his sentence, he collapsed to the ground unconscious.
"Oh no, Noboru!" Nanaho and his teammates exclaimed, rushing to his side.
"Give him some space so he can breathe," Yukio said, stepping in to make sure the others gave Noboru enough room.
"What happened to him?" Coach Arimoto asked, worried.
"Eiji, go get someone to help him," Arimoto instructed. "I'll go with you since we're from the same school; it's for the best said Yuri."
Eiji and Yuri quickly lifted Noboru, and with help, they began to carry him off the court to the infirmary. "Such a shame," Kanae muttered to herself. "He really did solid for his team. Too bad he won't be here to see it."
"He just collapsed due to fatigue. We'll take him to the infirmary," Eiji said, offering some reassurance.
"Thanks for this, you guys. I really appreciate it," Nanaho said, trying to keep her composure. "He held out for a very long time, far longer than I expected. He never once fumbled or traveled—he's really done well."
"So what's the plan, Nanaho?" Yukio asked, focused and determined.
"We have no choice. Shino, you'll have to play in Noboru's place. Are you up for the challenge?" Nanaho asked, her voice calm but firm.
"Y-yes, I'm ready," Shino replied, his resolve building.
Nanaho quickly pulled out her tactics board and a black marker. "Okay, listen carefully. Hayato, you'll have the ball up top. Yukio, you'll set a screen for him, and Takahiro, you'll set a screen for Tetsuo. Meanwhile, Shino will cut into the key. Then, Tetsuo will come around to score a three-pointer."
"Right, so that's the play," Yukio said, nodding.
"Well, that's the twist," Nanaho chuckled. "It's a little unexpected, but it'll work."
"This game has taught me so much," Haruko thought to herself. "These guys are truly amazing. It's not just Tetsuo, every one of them has something they excel at, and they utilize it all in unity. They're putting up an incredible fight against Yokonan. With the score at 88-86, Toshigawa in possession, I wonder how this will all end. Will Tetsuo win this game?"
Coach Arimoto gathered his players. "Listen up. I want you to focus on number four and number eleven. In a situation like this, they're more likely to take three-pointers. As for number six, leave him be if he's within the three-point line. And make sure Yukio doesn't get the ball in the post. That old-looking guy is dangerous in those zones."
"Stop them now, and we win this game. Let's do this," Coach Arimoto said, his voice filled with urgency. "What's our name?!"
"Yokonan!" shouted the team in unison.
"What's our name?" the coach asked again, raising his voice.
"Yokonan!!" they shouted even louder.
"Three, two, one... fight!!"
Kogure turned to Keichiro, who had been keeping a close eye on him. "Be sure to guard that number eleven well. In times like these, he's the most dangerous person on the court."
"I know," Kogure replied confidently. "If I let him do as he pleases, we'll definitely lose. I'm going to fully assert myself defensively and lock him down."
The timeout ended, and Yukio inbounded the basketball to Hayato. "Alright, everyone, let's execute the plan," Hayato said as he dribbled the ball up the court. Kayano stepped up to guard him near half-court.
"It's been fun, Hayato, but this is the end of the line," Kayano said, trying to intimidate him.
"Sorry, but I don't plan on losing to you. Not today, and not ever," Hayato replied with determination.
He signaled for his teammates to execute the play. Shino cut into and out of the key, and Yukio set a screen for Hayato. At the same time, Takahiro set a screen for Tetsuo, creating space for the two. Hayato then drove towards the rim, while Tetsuo ran around the three-point line, drawing the defense's attention.
Takahiro cut to the rim, giving Toshigawa even more options. Kogure, however, saw through the facade and quickly caught up to Tetsuo, effectively shutting down the three-pointer option. Ryuu stepped up to guard Hayato, while Kayano chased from behind, preparing to steal the ball. The clock ticked down in slow motion: "Ten, nine, eight..."
"It's over. Wait... something isn't right. Number four isn't looking this way... does that mean... Tetsuo was a decoy?" Kogure thought, realizing the trap. "Then the person to take the last shot is Yukio!"
Before the play took place, Nanaho had explained the strategy clearly: "It's obvious that Tetsuo will take the final shot. He's been scoring three-pointers all game, which will definitely alarm them. So, there's no doubt in my mind that they'll shut him down completely in the final moments. Hayato made one earlier, so he'll be guarded heavily too, so that's out of the question. But you, Yukio, will only alarm them inside the post. If you come out of the post to set a screen for Hayato, they will leave you wide open for a brief moment, and that's where our opportunity lies."
"I see," Yukio thought to himself. "So you want me to take the shot?"
"I believe you, Yukio," Nanaho had said, a look of confidence in her eyes. "You deserve to take this shot. The shot that will decide this game."
Hayato drove into the key, faking a layup to draw the attention of both Ryuu and Kayano, who leaped into the air, attempting to block. In mid-air, Hayato made a behind-the-back pass to Yukio, who stood wide open at the three-point line. Kayano and Ryuu, both stunned by the pass, could only watch as Yukio caught the ball, his hands steady and ready.
The ball left his hands in a smooth, fluid motion, the crowd holding its breath as the shot sailed through the air. It felt like time had stopped. Would this be the shot that sealed their fate?