Change (2)

In Game 165, Fujima Kenji, who should have followed right behind, unexpectedly failed to catch up. Everyone instinctively turned back, only to be instantly dumbfounded by what they saw.

Fujima Kenji was still standing diagonally behind Chi Tong, frozen in the forward-leaning posture of his drive, his legs still poised mid-motion.

Yet his face was filled with incredulous shock, his vacant eyes staring at his own hands.

Captain Hasegawa Kazuya blurted out instinctively, his voice full of confusion.

How was that possible?

Takano Shoichi's eyes widened. He had no idea what had happened to the ball.

Nagano Mitsuru's gaze swept back and forth across Fujima Kenji's palms, but he could not find any trace of the basketball.

Behind the lenses of his glasses, Hanagata Toru's eyes were wide with shock that he made no effort to hide.

He had clearly seen Fujima Kenji gripping the basketball tightly as he drove. How had it vanished in the blink of an eye?

Fujima Kenji slowly raised his empty hand. His fingertips still seemed to retain the sensation of dribbling, yet his palm was completely bare.

When had it happened?

He muttered to himself, his voice trembling as the shock in his eyes nearly overflowed.

He clearly remembered how securely he had protected the basketball during his drive.

Chi Tong had never reached out for a steal from beginning to end. Even his defensive stance had barely changed.

Yet just as Fujima Kenji thought he had successfully shaken off his defender, his hand suddenly felt empty. It was as if the basketball had vanished into thin air, without the slightest warning.

The dull thump of a basketball suddenly rang out. Only then did everyone look toward the sound and see Chi Tong dribbling the ball as he sprinted lightly toward Shoyo's basket.

Shoyo's