Defenseless

However, even though the players of the second string gave it their all, they still had no way of stopping Li Zhongshu's offense.

When they tried to defend against three-pointers on the perimeter, Li Zhongshu would take advantage of their lapses to drive to the hoop. And when they focused their attention on Li Zhongshu, they discovered that, at some unknown point, he had gained the ability to seize the perfect moment to pass the ball to the three-point line!

Gradually, they began to realize a problem. The person who was truly making the game incredibly uncomfortable for them was Li Zhongshu!

"Damn it, damn it!"

"The other side leaked again!"

"Don't let him pass the ball out, watch the three-pointer!"

"Curse it, it went in again!"

"How can we not defend against them?! Damn it!"

...

This situation was something the second-string players completely hadn't expected. This guy Li Zhongshu looked ordinary; he didn't have Aomine's overbearing aura, nor did he have Midorima Shintaro's almost freakish scoring ability.

Yet, Li Zhongshu made them play so miserably! It was even more frustrating than when Aomine took on their entire team alone!

The feeling was like... a professional disturber!

Yes, a disturber! Although saying so was a bit inappropriate, the level of annoyance was the same. Li Zhongshu could seize almost every mistake they made, no matter how small, and amplify them infinitely!

It could be said that their defensive line was practically picked apart by Li Zhongshu alone!

Frustrating! Too frustrating! Even Aomine Daiki, who was exhausted, could seize opportunities from the "silver platter" passes Li Zhongshu served under the basket!

By this point, the match was more than halfway through. The second string's score was trailing by 15 points for the first time! A full 15 points!

At this moment, the coach on the sidelines was so pleased he almost laughed out loud. He hadn't expected Li Zhongshu to actually be able to tear through the opponent's defense in a situation without prior training! Furthermore, his ability to control opportunities was simply too strong!

In fact, Li Zhongshu's performance today made the coach even happier than Midorima's stable three-pointers!

"This year, we've truly picked up a treasure."

"And there are three of them...!"

Nijimura Shuuzou nodded. "Their potential is truly not inferior to mine back then."

"Forget it, this match can end here. If it continues, I'm afraid it'll leave some kind of psychological trauma on the second string."

"Mm."

At this moment, among the buzzing crowd of spectators, a pink-haired girl stepped out, smiling as she looked toward the figures on the court.

A moment later, the referee declared the match over.

The surrounding students all wore dazed and extremely shocked expressions! Contrary to everyone's expectations, the match had ended so early. It was unclear whether this was considered a draw or a way to save some face for the second-string players.

But in short, the match was over. The curious students also began to leave the training ground one after another. However, even though the match had ended, the discussion about it was far from over...

Rumors about the three genius players appearing in the school gradually spread among the students.

"Oh my god, you have no idea, that Aomine Daiki guy is a total monster!"

"His dribbling is like flowing water, and his finishing style doesn't follow any pattern. It's absolutely beautiful!"

"And Midorima too, you wouldn't believe it, he shot 7 three-pointers in that game and made all 7!"

"Terrifying, just terrifying!"

"There's one more person named Li Zhongshu. Do you know him? Apparently, he's a Chinese exchange student, but his strength is super high!"

"How strong? I haven't heard anything."

"This guy's strength is even more freakish. His ability to seize opportunities has reached the pinnacle... I even heard he can use the split second someone blinks to make a pass!"

"The moment someone blinks!? That's too exaggerated!"

"It's really not an exaggeration, that's exactly how it was!"

...

While outsiders could see the strength of the three, the veteran members of the second string refused to admit it at this time.

They said: "You guys didn't have such great stats either."

"The point difference between the two teams wasn't that much. If we kept playing, it's not certain who would win or lose."

"Exactly, the final result of the match wasn't determined yet, there's nothing to be cocky about..."

However, before Aomine Daiki could retort, a girl with smooth pink hair stood out from the crowd and said to them:
"Is this the conduct of Teiko's second string? To be completely defeated and still have the thick skin to say such things."

"Who?! Who are you!"

At this moment, Aomine Daiki also saw the newcomer and shouted excitedly:
"Satsuki!"

"Dai-chan."

Li Zhongshu heard the voice and turned his head. It was indeed Momoi Satsuki. As expected, she would join the basketball club later. As the team's intelligence analyst, Momoi Satsuki's ability was an indispensable and vital part of the team. And her understanding of these aspects far exceeded ordinary people. This should also be considered her special ability.

At this time, someone from the second string said annoyedly:
"What, do you understand basketball? Coming here and talking nonsense. Where exactly were we completely defeated?"

Momoi Satsuki said unhurriedly:
"First, regarding individual breakthrough ability, Dai-chan almost single-handedly tore through the defensive line you've worked so hard to train."

"Second, regarding perimeter pressure, Midorima also almost overwhelmed your shooters."

"Third, even though you had a complete height advantage in the paint, you didn't gain much of an edge."

"Fourth, Li Zhongshu's passes and timing judgment practically toyed with your so-called captain."

"Fifth, both Dai-chan and Li Zhongshu's stamina had been depleted beforehand, yet even so, they could lead you by a large score."

"Sixth..."

...

Momoi's analysis was clear and logical. Even Nijimura Shuuzou's mouth twitched slightly after hearing it.

Was this... even reasonable?! Are random passersby this formidable now?! This girl's analysis was almost as accurate and rational as a professional coach's. In fact, it was at a higher level than some people who had undergone professional training!

This wasn't just professional anymore; this was talent!

The second-string players were left speechless, forced to admit that they had indeed lost. At this moment, even if the second-string captain didn't want to admit it, he had no choice. He could only say:
"This match... you guys won. But next time, we won't let you win so easily."

Aomine smiled upon hearing this: "Fine, bring it on. I'm ready anytime!"

Midorima pushed up his glasses, then quietly began to pack his things. Before leaving, he glanced at Li Zhongshu, who was standing silently to the side.