Fourth Quarter
Score: 65 – 61
It wasn't the twenty-point cushion from earlier.
Not even ten.
But a lead... was a lead.
Still, the pressure inside Horizon's huddle felt heavier than the scoreboard.
Because the truth was simple—and dangerous:
They still hadn't cracked Seiryuu's code.
And now, they were out of time.
Coach Tsugawa crouched in front of the players, his voice calm but edged with urgency.
"This is our final quarter," he began. "And the only way we're winning this... is by throwing something Seiryuu hasn't fully prepared for."
Eyes turned toward him. Even the tired ones sharpened.
"We'll open with Small Ball," Tsugawa continued. "They've seen glimpses of it before. But not enough to map it. Not enough to predict it."
He turned to Kaito, who'd just rejoined the team after a short rest.
"You good to go?"
Kaito nodded, still winded, but eyes focused.
"I'm good. Believe in me, Coach."
"I do," Tsugawa said. Then pointed.
