Slam Dunk:Starting with perfect copy

The atmosphere in the arena was thick with awe after Kenichi Uesugi's jaw-dropping "shooting star slam dunk." The sheer athleticism was enough to leave everyone stunned, but it was the flawless execution that truly set it apart. The ball sailed through the air with such precision that there was no chance of it being intercepted. The net swished as the ball completed its graceful journey, adding another point to Ryonan's score, while underscoring the vast skill gap between Uesugi and everyone else on the court.

Rukawa Kaede, despite pushing himself to the limits with his calculated and deceptive moves, felt the crushing weight of his own limitations. His effort had been valiant, but it paled in comparison to Uesugi's overwhelming dominance. He stood there on the court, half-kneeling, struggling to process the harsh reality—he was up against a player who seemed to be operating on a different level. The energy that had propelled him moments ago drained away as he watched Uesugi land with apparent ease, not even a hint of exhaustion on his face.

Amu, from the Kainan crowd, remained on his feet, unable to hide his admiration. "Damn, I didn't think of that... Rukawa did everything right. But Uesugi... He's on another level," Amu muttered, still in disbelief over the display of skill he had just witnessed.

On the Shohoku bench, Ayako and the others tried to hide their concern, though it was clear they were rattled. Rukawa's performance had been impressive, and they knew it wasn't due to a lack of effort or skill that he had been outclassed—it was simply because Uesugi was that much better. The entire team could see how hard Rukawa had fought, and it sparked both admiration and frustration. They had to rally, to keep pushing forward against this seemingly insurmountable force.

Akagi, watching from the sidelines, couldn't shake the sense of guilt. He had seen Rukawa's relentless effort in practice, pushing himself harder each day, but no one could have predicted just how formidable Uesugi would be. Yet, Akagi was never one to give up easily. If anything, he knew that Rukawa's perseverance could be contagious. He believed that if anyone could inspire the team to fight harder, it would be Rukawa himself.

Meanwhile, Kenichi Uesugi, ever the cold strategist, showed no concern for the emotional impact his plays were having on his opponents. His mind was already on the next move, his body carrying out the flawless techniques he had honed through years of relentless training and experience. It wasn't arrogance—it was simply confidence in his abilities. To him, basketball wasn't about showing off for the crowd or his teammates; it was a game of prediction, reaction, and control.

On the court, as Rukawa watched Uesugi move with such effortless mastery, a burning desire began to well up within him. He had tasted failure, but the sting only made him more determined. His eyes narrowed as he silently promised himself that he would find a way to overcome Uesugi. Even if it seemed impossible, he would push beyond his limits and figure out a way to win. This was the kind of challenge he had been craving—an opponent who demanded his absolute best, even if it meant facing setbacks along the way.

As the game wore on, the atmosphere in the arena shifted. While Rukawa and the rest of the Shohokuplayers had been dealt a harsh reality check, they were also beginning to find the resolve to keep fighting. Uesugi's dominance was undeniable, but there was still time left in the game, and the team had too much heart to surrender without a fight.

The players on the Shohoku bench cheered, shouting words of encouragement to one another. Their purpose—to win, no matter the odds—was still clear. This match wasn't over yet. With renewed strength, Shohoku gathered its resolve, ready to face whatever came next