Crownless Kings: Court of Fire-Chapter 20 – Fire vs. Silence

Kaizen vs. Kirisaki Elite

National League – Game 1

Tip-off. Full arena. National broadcast. Everyone's watching.

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🏀 1st Quarter – The Lockdown Begins

Kirisaki didn't just play defense.

They became it.

No press.

No traps.

Just... silence.

They ran what Souta called the "No-Read System."

No fixed positions

Every player read their matchup

Constant micro-switching

No emotions. No reactions.

Kaizen's first 6 possessions?

Turnover. Block. Steal. Miss. Steal. Shot-clock violation.

Score: 10–0, Kirisaki

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🧊 Drift's Chaos Sparks

Coach Tanaka was about to sub—but Drift waved him off.

Next play—he dribbled backwards from the top of the key.

Confused defender followed.

Drift grinned, fumbled the ball on purpose, let it bounce out, snatched it on the spin—

Slip Drive. Reverse layup.

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Bucket.

Commentator:

> "Was that a mistake or a miracle?!"

Next possession—he no-look lobs it to Keigo.

Slam.

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🔥 Renji Reignites

He stopped forcing tempo.

Instead—he waited.

Drift drew eyes.

Souta spaced.

Renji ghosted in.

Midrange pull-up. Bang.

He whispered to himself:

> "You can't read what doesn't speak."

Kaizen ends the quarter down 16–13.

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🧠 Kirisaki's Secret Weapon Arrives

Start of 2nd quarter, they sub in a new player:

Name: Rei Takasawa

Position: SG

Specialty: "Silent Sync" – moves completely in sync with his matchup's heartbeat.

Goal: Lock Renji. Personally.

First possession?

He mirrored Renji's dribble rhythm perfectly.

Ripped him clean.

Fastbreak layup.

No celebration.

Next play?

Renji tries a Pulse Step—Rei steps in sync and shoulder bumps him mid-shot.

Brick.

> "He's not reacting to movement," Souta said.

"He's reacting to the intention."

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📱 Riku Steps In

From the bench, Riku texts Souta mid-timeout:

> "Look in your locker. Bottom page of my notes."

Souta runs.

Opens the file.

A play labeled: "Ember Flow – Variant 3."

He runs back.

> "We've got one answer.

But it's risky as hell."

Renji wipes blood from his lip.

> "Then it's ours."