The two jumped up simultaneously.
Teppei hadn't expected Ryōsuke to pose any threat during the jump ball — after all, there was a significant height difference between them.
Though not the type of center who overwhelmed opponents with physical prowess, Teppei's jumping ability was solid. Winning the jump ball against the newcomer should have been effortless.
But just as he reached for the basketball in mid-air, another hand made contact first: Ryōsuke's.
"What?!" Teppei's eyes widened in shock.
Despite being more than 10 centimeters shorter, Ryōsuke now towered above him, forcing Teppei to look up at someone whose head had only reached his shoulder moments ago.
While there was a stark difference in height and wingspan between them, Ryōsuke made up for it with his astounding jumping ability.
As he leaped, Ryōsuke channeled Thunderclap and Flash, amplifying the explosive power in his legs. It worked perfectly.
Everyone present gaped at the difference in jumping height between the two young men, evident from the gap between their feet in mid-air.
"Hey, hey, hey, this can't be real... isn't Kira only about 180 centimeters tall... how did he win the jump ball against Kiyoshi?"
"Maybe Kiyoshi went easy on him."
"No, that was Kiyoshi's normal jumping height! And forget comparing him to Kiyoshi — Kira's jumping ability is just insane! His physical capabilities are absolutely monstrous..."
Everyone was dumbfounded, including Riko.
'Has his jumping ability always been this extraordinary?'
When she had previously assessed his physique, she'd judged his jumping ability as merely average, but now he was displaying incredible explosive power.
'Did I misjudge him? Or did Ryōsuke reach this level through intense training in the Blue Lock? It shouldn't be possible in such a short time...' sHE wondered.
By now, Ryōsuke had tapped the ball in mid-air directly to his teammate.
"Amazing, Kira!"
His teammates shouted their praise. Though his technical skills weren't yet apparent, he had demonstrated physical abilities that were reaching astonishing levels.
"Did you go easy on him?" Junpei asked, who was on Teppei's team.
"No... and you saw it yourself — Kira's jumping ability is incredible. I had no idea before..." Teppei replied seriously while getting back on defense, "His reputation is well-deserved."
The substitute team began their offense. Though Ryōsuke was new to basketball, he studied the court and positioned himself based on what he'd learned from watching anime.
'As a small forward, I can apply the same competitive principles from other sports.' he thought.
The fundamentals were simple: position yourself, receive the ball, and look for opportunities.
"Kira!" His teammate spotted him open and passed the ball.
Ryōsuke caught it just as a defender appeared before him.
It was Junpei Hyūga, captain of Seirin's basketball club — an expert three-point shooter who gave his all, even during practice games.
"Sorry, Kira-kun, but we don't take it easy here, even in training." Junpei said.
"Mm." Ryōsuke nodded, hesitating with the ball in his hands.
His only basketball knowledge came from anime; he'd never played a real game.
While he was skilled at soccer — having inherited techniques and memories from his original self's expertise — basketball was entirely foreign. He hadn't even dribbled before.
Yet something stirred within him, and a sequence of movements appeared in his mind. He followed them instinctively.
First, he tilted his shoulders right, testing Junpei's balance. The captain's defense held firm against the feint.
Ryōsuke then exploded into motion, driving toward his opponent, but Junpei matched his movement, maintaining perfect defensive position.
'He's fast! His dribbling form and rhythm — he can't be a beginner. He must have been downplaying his skills.' Junpei thought, surprised by his opponent's explosive first step.
But as Ryōsuke took that step, his right hand snapped the ball back, shifting his weight from right to left.
A crossover — one of basketball's fundamental moves for beating defenders through dribbling rhythm and weight transfer.
"That rhythm is excellent!" Shun Izuki exclaimed, Seirin's starting point guard.
Though a basic move, it showcased everything: ball control, dribbling skill, rhythm, and weight transfer.
Ryōsuke was proving himself extraordinary — a natural with the ball.
"Damn it!" The perfect crossover made Junpei lose his balance momentarily, though he quickly recovered and tried to match his opponent's movement.
In that instant, Ryōsuke shifted again — bouncing the ball from his left hand to his right, faking another drive. The move drew Junpei to the right, forcing him to shift his weight backward.
Then, with lightning speed, Ryōsuke spun and stepped back, creating two body lengths of space — perfect for an uncontested shot!
Ryōsuke knew this was the Rice Spirit at work. Such skilled ball handling wasn't limited to soccer!
"I'm out of position!" Junpei shouted.
In one fluid motion, Ryōsuke leaped up for the shot.
❖❖❖
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