Kuroko no Basket : Before the Generation of Miracles Formed

Shigure Akito took a deep breath. He was completely immersed in the game now and didn't have time to pay attention to the murmurs around him.

In his matchup with Nijimura, he had already figured out the level of his own abilities in actual combat.

His offense wasn't bad. Even though Nijimura's defense was ridiculously strong, his 'skills' still allowed him to break through.

But the problem lay in his own defense. When facing Nijimura's attacks, he was relatively weak. He could basically only rely on 'Nobunaga Kiyota · Flying Block' to challenge his opponent's finishing move.

Before that block, his defensive performance was far worse than Nijimura's.

And Akito knew this.

The gap wasn't in physical talent, but in technique and experience.

But the truth was, to develop such skills and experience at the first-year national level, and to apply them in a game—analyzing and judging the opponent's movements, then countering with the right techniques—was not something you could simply sum up with the word 'experience.'

It took observational skills.

Speed in analysis.

And judgment based on experience.

This was monstrous-level talent.

Honestly, Nijimura's attacks just now, targeting his weak defensive points, and blocking him with predictive moves—looking at the results from the actual play...

Akito thought Nijimura's talent must have been something like the "Eye of the Heavenly Emperor!"

Tch!

A monster!

No wonder he's the captain of the Rainbow team. He's extraordinary!

But even so…

Akito was still confident that he would be the one to win!

Because, in terms of offense, he still had more 'skills' to show. He could definitely attack Nijimura in ways Nijimura had never seen before!

As for defense…

He could also rely on 'Flying Block' to challenge!

With that...

The game would enter a situation where Nijimura couldn't stop him, but he could use blocks to challenge Nijimura's attacks!

It was an 11-point game, only about 5 or 6 more shots. Once his offensive 'skills' were all used up, the game would probably be over!

---

Shigure Akito's offensive turn.

After dribbling the ball, Nijimura Shuzo immediately lowered his body and moved in close for tight defense!

This time, he lowered his center of gravity to the lowest point, closing the defensive distance the moment Shigure Akito caught the ball, placing one hand on his waist to control the space.

This defensive move was very effective.

The goal?

To destroy the opponent's three-threat posture in a 1v1 situation and force them to drop the ball!

But the problem was...

He lowered his center of gravity too much. At this point, Shigure Akito could easily pull off a jump shot and shoot right over Nijimura!

Shigure Akito pressed against Nijimura, noticing how low Nijimura's center of gravity was. He realized this and thought that if he quickly used his 'Smooth Standing Three-pointer' and took the shot, he might be able to score.

Shigure Akito: "!"

No… 

That's not right.

In Nijimura's sharp gaze, Shigure Akito suddenly realized that the other's calm and wise demeanor was all too clear. In that moment, he forced himself to think more.

The Smooth Standing Three-pointer is fast, but in terms of the jump for the shot, it sacrifices height for speed, almost identical to a floater.

This guy!

He must have considered this and made the defensive choice accordingly!

He deliberately lowered his center of gravity, setting up a trap to fool himself into attempting a three-pointer!

Thinking this, Shigure Akito immediately gave up on trying the 'Smooth Standing Three-pointer.'

At the same time, as soon as he dismissed the shot, Nijimura's defensive pressure suddenly increased, with his hand pressing firmly on his waist, squeezing Shigure's space to make a move!

There was no choice now.

In this situation, he had to drop the ball.

Though he was being tightly pressured!

But with his abilities, he should be able to handle this!

With his left hand protecting the ball, he pushed Nijimura Shuzo's body away and used a side Dribble to move to the right, creating some distance!

Nijimura Shuzo raised an eyebrow slightly.

This guy.

He responded calmly after the initial move.

But from the hesitation before his shot, it was clear that it wasn't due to the usual planning in a game. Instead, it was a spontaneous reaction, showing his confidence in his own skills.

After creating some distance, Shigure Akito focused on his 'Ultimate Move.'

'Godai Tomokazu Freeze Frame Moment' and 'Nobunaga Kiyota Reverse Back Dunk'—both Ultimate Moves used the same energy bar when active.

In other words, when the energy was full, using one would drain it completely.

Regarding energy accumulation,

Shigure Akito had figured it out. 

Generally, if he did nothing, energy would build up naturally on the court, filling up in about 2 minutes. Once it was full, no more would be added.

To maximize energy use, it was best to use it once it was full.

Aside from the natural growth,

Actions like scoring, stealing, rebounding, and so on would also add extra energy when done before the energy bar was full.

Executing certain impressive moves would earn even more energy.

This way,

He could essentially perform one Ultimate Move every minute.

Like now.

After an explosive dunk and block, about a minute later, Shigure Akito's energy was already full and ready to unleash his Ultimate Move!

The problem was...

Should he choose 'Freeze Frame Moment' or 'Reverse Back Dunk'?

He had already used 'Freeze Frame Moment,' while 'Reverse Back Dunk' was still hidden and was Shigure Akito's favorite dunk. But the 'must-fake-out' effect of 'Freeze Frame Moment' made Shigure Akito hesitate.

Shigure Akito: "…"

He had already used 'Nobunaga Kiyota·Dunk' earlier.

And now, indeed…

It seemed safer to go with 'Freeze Frame Moment.'