Change (3)

Just then, Hanagata Toru hurried over to Fujima Kenji. Seeing his dazed expression, he asked softly, "Teng Zhen, are you all right?"

Fujima Kenji took a deep breath and slowly raised his head, his gaze following Chi Tong's receding back. His tone carried an unprecedented gravity.

"I'm fine."

But he said no more. The turmoil in his heart refused to settle.

The Chi Tong of this moment was completely different from the point guard who had focused on passing and calmly setting up plays in the first half.

Chi Tong had been strong in the first half as well, but he had still been within the realm of tactical contests. Now, however, there was an unnerving sense of penetration about him, as though he could see through every disguise. It was an extremely dangerous feeling.

As offense turned to defense, possession returned to Shoyo. Fujima Kenji let out a long breath and forced down the turmoil in his heart. His eyes gradually regained their usual sharpness. Dribbling the basketball, he quickly swept his gaze across the court, taking in every Ryonan player's position before discreetly giving Takano Shoichi beside him a look.

Takano Shoichi immediately understood. While Fukuda Kicchou's attention was focused beneath the basket, he quietly slipped away from his defender, lightening his footsteps as he closed in on Chi Tong from behind at an angle.

This was Shoyo's commonly used screen-and-slant-defense tactic. Takano Shoichi intended to use his body to block Chi Tong and create room for Fujima Kenji to break through.

Everything unfolded in silence.

Seeing that Takano Shoichi was in position, Fujima Kenji suddenly accelerated, dribbling toward Ryonan's half.

Sure enough, the moment he crossed half court, Chi Tong closed in on him as expected.

Now!

Fujima Kenji's heart tightened. Takano Shoichi arrived behind him at