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Whistle...
The whistle blew.
The second quarter began.
Shintaro Midorima faced off against Reo Mibuchi once again.
Neither made any changes.
The second quarter remained a duel between shooting guards.
At the beginning, it wasn't much different from the first quarter.
The two traded blows, neither giving an inch.
The score reached 33-34.
However, just 3 minutes and 16 seconds into the second quarter, a whistle shattered the stalemate.
"White number 7, defensive foul! The basket counts, one free throw."
Shintaro Midorima's body stiffened, his pupils contracted sharply, and he gritted his teeth, looking at Reo Mibuchi.
Reo Mibuchi's lips curled into a smile, then he glanced sideways at Shintaro Midorima.
"Little brother, I won't hold back this time."
'Damn it, that move again,' Midorima Shintaro roared inwardly.
He clearly didn't want to foul, but his body instinctively leaned in.
Swish...
Reo Mibuchi once again earned a 3+1.
36 to 38.
Teiko's offense.
Another possession.
Midorima Shintaro dribbled the ball.
Once again, he shook off Reo Mibuchi's defense.
Same distance, same move.
He unleashed another high-flying shot, calmly scoring a 3-pointer.
Reo Mibuchi didn't care about the score; instead, his smile deepened.
He dribbled the ball leisurely across half-court.
His gaze towards Midorima Shintaro held a hint of amusement.
"Little brother…"
"Don't call me that."
Before Reo Mibuchi could finish speaking, Midorima Shintaro interrupted him.
"Oh, don't be so cold."
This time, Midorima Shintaro ignored Reo Mibuchi's provocation.
He followed Reo Mibuchi's movements, giving him no chance to break through.
Seeing this, Reo Mibuchi gave up on continuing his drive and laughed.
"Little brother, you can't guard me!"
With that, Reo Mibuchi raised the basketball again.
Midorima Shintaro's pupils contracted, his vigilance rising to its peak.
He didn't step forward.
The previous two times, he had acted prematurely, falling into the opponent's trap and committing fouls.
This time, his positioning was perfect.
At this moment, Reo Mibuchi's legs began to bend, and he crouched down.
Shintaro Midorima narrowed his eyes, waiting for his opportunity.
Suddenly, Shintaro Midorima saw Reo Mibuchi leap upward in front of him.
Shintaro Midorima seized the opportunity and quickly jumped up.
Just then, Reo Mibuchi revealed a triumphant smile.
"Little brother, you've fallen for it again."
As soon as Reo Mibuchi finished speaking, he jumped and crashed into Shintaro Midorima.
Hearing his words, Shintaro Midorima's heart sank.
Then he watched helplessly as Reo Mibuchi crashed into him.
'Damn it…'
Shintaro Midorima's eyes widened, his teeth clenched tightly, trying to use all his strength to change his posture, but it was all in vain.
His body slammed into Reo Mibuchi, and then he heard a sound he utterly loathed.
Thud… Swish…
The basketball was once again thrown into Teiko's basket by Reo Mibuchi.
"White Team #7, defensive foul! The basket counts, one free throw."
Midorima Shintaro clenched his fists.
His pupils behind his glasses appeared calm, but a burning rage raged deep within his eyes.
The score was now 39-42.
Midorima Shintaro had committed three fouls so far.
With three fouls, he began to play cautiously.
"Little brother, you've already committed three fouls. Be careful on defense from now on, or you'll be ejected," Reo Mibuchi said with a smile, then turned to look at him.
Midorima Shintaro kept his head down and didn't speak.
Everyone noticed Midorima Shintaro's unusual behavior.
At Teiko's bench:
"Coach, should we substitute him? This isn't good," the assistant coach suggested.
Kozo Shirogane shook his head. "This match will be a test for him, and I believe he'll pull through."
'Is he going to lose?'
On the field, Midorima Shintaro struggled internally.
'Am I going to become a burden to the team?'
'If that's the case, the team probably won't need a stumbling block like me.'
'No, I can't let that happen. I won't accept it, I absolutely won't allow it.'
'Being ejected is nothing. I'm Midorima Shintaro.'
Huff…
Midorima Shintaro took a deep breath.
The flames of anger in his eyes gradually subsided.
He looked up at Reo Mibuchi opposite him.
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