Kuroko's Basketball: I'm not the boss?

In the audience, Aomine and Masako were still in shock, while Xiangyang didn't feel much. He would have been surprised if Akashi couldn't use Team Zone.

"How is that possible? How did Akashi do that? Did he open that door?"

Aomine couldn't help but ask, but no one could answer him. Even Aomine didn't understand the concept of Zone, so it was even less likely that Masako and Momoi would know.

Xiangyang did have some clues. He secretly shook his head and denied Qingfeng's words. He knew that Akashi's method could only be considered an advanced use of the zone, not a "realm beyond the zone".

"Oh? Kuroko is back on the field. But has Shiro Rin really come up with a solution?"

Seeing Kuroko back on the field, Xiangyang smiled. Shiro Rin was now desperate to bring Kuroko back, as if they had nothing to lose. Unless Kagami could open the zone like in the original story, Shiro Rin had no chance against the current Rakuzan team.

If we face Los Angeles in the finals, what are our chances of winning?

Xiangyang stroked his chin, pondered for a while, and the answer was yes, and quite significant.

Rakuzan is indeed terrifying when all members are in Zone mode, but when Hiyori activates Zone mode, he can barely contend with him. In addition, Kise is a one-man threat that Rakuzan cannot handle. If they face each other head-on, Kaijo might not be without a chance of winning.

Not only Xiangyang, but also Masako, who was standing next to him, was thinking about the same question.

If Yangquan were to face Luoshan in the finals, what would be their chances of winning?

The answer is no. Not to mention that Murasakibara can't open a zone, even if he could, he would have no chance against Rakuzan.

Masako watched the game with a blank expression. Rakuzan had once again taken control of the game's rhythm. Even Kuroko's return to the court couldn't change the situation, and he didn't even find an opportunity to help Kagami pull the trigger.

"Can Haichang beat Luoshan in the finals?"

"Masako said softly, then quietly turned her head to glance at Xiangyang."

Xiang Yang paused for a moment, then pretended to think before replying, "Who knows? But this year's champion will be Haichang."

Faced with Xiangyang's answer, Yako was somewhat surprised. After Luoshan demonstrated this level of strength, was Xiangyang still so fearless?

"And Miss Masako, what you said..."

"It's too early."

Xiang Yang looked at the Black and Fire duo on the field, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Is it because you haven't made it to the finals yet? But to be honest, I don't think Yangquan poses any threat to you."

Masako's tone was somewhat stiff. Although she was reluctant to admit it, Yosen was indeed inferior to Kaijo.

No, that's not what I meant.

To Masako's surprise, Xiangyang shook his head and denied her words. He pointed to the two teams facing off on the court and said slowly, "Our opponent in the finals may not necessarily be Luoshan."

This time, not only Masako, but also Aomine and Momoi were stunned. After all this, does Shiro Rin still have a chance to turn the tide?

The game has entered the third quarter, with Los Angeles leading 71-59. If this lead continues into the fourth quarter, the game can essentially be considered over.

Looking in the direction Xiangyang pointed, a look of astonishment flashed across everyone's faces.

Kuroko didn't disappear; instead, she stood behind Kagami and joined forces to deal with Akashi's attack.

On the court, Akashi also felt a sense of doubt.

What are you thinking? You and I should both know that Tetsuya simply can't keep up with our movements.

Despite his doubts, Akashi's movements were anything but slow. With two sharp changes of direction, he instantly fooled Kagami's defense. However, just as Akashi received the ball and prepared to drive into the paint, he bumped into Kuroko.

beep—

Los Angeles commits an offensive foul!

The referee made a fist-throwing gesture, awarding possession of the ball to Shiro Rin.

"How is that possible? Is it a coincidence?"

Reo, who had been standing at a 45-degree angle, witnessed the whole process. Just now, the instant Kagami moved, Kuroko acted in sync, forming a diagonal defensive line with Kagami, and actually managed to stop Akashi!

Coincidence... Impossible.

Akashi's expression was unpredictable. He didn't believe in such an absurd reason as coincidence, but Kuroko's athletic ability simply couldn't keep up with their movements.

You really are hard to understand... Kuroko Tetsuya.

"What?! How did A-Zhe do that? How could he keep up with Akashi's movements?"

In the audience, Qingfeng asked again, genuinely wondering if Kuroko, his partner in junior high, was really the same person as now. Why couldn't he understand him at all?

"He didn't just follow Akashi's movements; he anticipated Kagami's movements."

Xiang Yang had completely changed from his previous carefree attitude; now he looked solemn, and even his tone of voice had become much more serious.

……

A few minutes ago—

"Vulcan, should we give up for now?"

"Huh? Give up? What are you talking about, Kuroko?"

"You misunderstood, Kagami. I didn't mean to give up on this match, but rather to ask you to give up on the idea of ​​winning against Akashi in a one-on-one fight. You can trust us a lot."

"...I understand what you mean, Kuroko. Well then, come and help me out!"

Hearing Kagami's answer, Kuroko smiled. He really couldn't guess Akashi's movements, but with his tacit understanding with Kagami, he only needed to help Kagami defend his open positions. This required not only observation skills, but also understanding and trust in teammates. Coincidentally, Kuroko and Kagami completely trusted and understood each other.

……

Back to the present, Kuroko successfully seized the offensive possession gained by drawing a foul. Facing Chihiro's defense, he once again displayed his "disappearing dribble" and made a mid-range shot.

"It's just a drop in the ocean; no matter how hard we try, it's all in vain."

Seeing Kuroko score again, even Dai Qianxun, who had a good temper, got angry. He pointed at the scoreboard with a mocking look on his face. The score difference was still more than 10 points, and Shiro Rin still hadn't found a way to limit Rakuzan's scoring.

Kuroko glanced at Dai Chihiro, then looked in the direction of Kagami, a smile appearing on her face.

"If you think this game is already won, I'll be very troubled."

Chapter 104 A Desperate Comeback

At the end of the third quarter, the score was 78-68, with Los Angeles maintaining a ten-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

Dai Qianxun's words, spoken in a moment of impulse, struck Cheng Lin right where it hurt.

The current Jōrin team is indeed unable to defend against Rakuzan. Entering the fourth quarter, with the score difference still in double digits, if they cannot shorten the score, Jōrin is simply slowly dying.

Reiko bit her right thumb, feeling anxious. She needed to think of another way, otherwise, if the score gap continued to widen, Shiro Rin would only face elimination.

"Vulcan, is there a way to get back into the zone? Have Hyuga and the others help you find an opportunity to use 'Meteor Dunk'?"

When Kagami, who was drinking water, heard Reiko's suggestion, he hesitated for two seconds and then shook his head in refusal.

"Even if we re-enter the zone, we'll still be led by the nose by Rakuzan in this state."

Kagami glanced around at his teammates, paused when he saw Kuroko, and said with a smile, "It's okay, don't worry too much about the zone. Just play at your own pace! We've come this far not because of a little zone!"

After hearing what Kagami said, everyone in the Shiro Rin was stunned. Teppei was the first to react. He scratched his head and laughed heartily, "Really, we got a lecture from our junior."

"Huh? That's not what I meant!"

Kagami waved his hands repeatedly, as he greatly respected the senior students at Shiro Rin.

Hinata pushed up his glasses and said irritably, "Seriously, first-years always think they're so great and talk big to lecture their seniors. They should have some respect for their seniors, you bastards!"

Vulcan was still desperately trying to explain, and everyone else couldn't help but smile at the sight.

The somber atmosphere, which had just been dampened by Luo Shan, was revitalized once again.

"Alright, since our ace has said so, let's play at the pace we're most familiar with!"

Reiko waved her hand dismissively, a relaxed expression on her face. Not having to rack her brains for a solution was a relief for her.

beep—

The fourth quarter is about to begin.

Luoshan is still in top form, everyone's eyes are shining with pink light, and the team zone effect is still going strong!

"Seriously, are these guys all monsters? If they're not human, they should go stay in the zoo."

Hinata, hands on his hips and a gloomy expression, muttered to himself. Izuki, following behind him, helplessly reminded him that he had once again inadvertently spoken his true feelings.

Tie Ping loosened the knee pads on his legs, a resolute glint in his eyes.

Kuroko adjusted the wristband on his arm, feeling that it was a bit too tight and made him uncomfortable, but it was fine now.

Vulcan took a deep breath, his gaze towards Luo Shan rekindling with fighting spirit.

Come on! The final quarter!

……

In the audience

Who do you think will win?

Qingfeng pursed his lips and asked.

"I think... Akatsuki! But actually I hope Tetsuya can win."

Momoi tucked her hair behind her ears and answered with a smile.

"Luoshan".

Masako's answer was concise and to the point, very much in her style.

Xiang Yang didn't answer immediately, but looked at Qing Feng and asked in return, "What do you think?"

Qingfeng shrugged.

Shoulder: "I also think it's Akashi. Rakuzan in this state is terrifying."

Xiangyang nodded thoughtfully, without answering Qingfeng's question, and turned back to look at the match.

Shiro Rin changed their playing style from the first three quarters, and their overall offensive rhythm became more team-oriented again. Surprisingly, despite being inferior to Rakuzan in overall strength, each player played a role in the team.

Hyuga hit two consecutive three-pointers despite the poor spacing!

Tieping also grabbed offensive rebounds multiple times, suppressing Genwu.

With her exceptional vision, Yi Yue successfully disrupted Luo Shan's offensive rhythm.

Kuroko also vanished into thin air, occasionally peeking out to intercept Rakuzan's passing ball.