Bang.
73 – 74.
The net barely fluttered, but the sound cracked through the air like a slap.
The scoreboard flipped.
For the first time since the first quarter…
Seiryuu led.
Dirga's eyes didn't leave the numbers glowing above him.
This was the risk of small ball.
When the offense ran dry, the defense turned to jelly.
And with Kaito running on fumes—
The cracks were beginning to show.
From the sideline—
"Timeout."
Coach Tsugawa's voice cut through the noise like a blade.
Sharp. Immediate. No hesitation.
The teams retreated to their benches.
The buzz in the crowd softened, anxious and low—like thunder rumbling beneath clouds.
Dirga sat, chest rising and falling steadily, towel draped over his shoulders.
Sayaka moved like clockwork, pressing a cold bottle into his hand, wiping sweat from Hiroki's temple, then refocusing on Coach.
Tsugawa didn't waste time.
"Kaito, you're out. Rikuya, back in," he said, his tone calm but iron-clad.
