Change (4)

On the other side, Takano Shoichi shifted left and right along with Chi Tong's crossovers, his ankles already twisted stiff.

On the final crossover, before his right foot could pull back, his left foot had already stepped left with the ball. His feet crossed at an awkward angle on the floor, while Chi Tong merely drove forward half a step.

It was as if all the strength had been drained from Takano Shoichi. The balance in his legs completely collapsed, and he fell backward as though he had suddenly lost the use of both legs.

Two dull thuds echoed across the court. Before countless watching eyes in the gymnasium, Hanagata Toru and Takano Shoichi both lost their balance and fell awkwardly onto the floor.

Yet their faces were filled with confusion. They clearly had no idea why they had suddenly fallen.

The entire arena instantly fell silent. The cheers from the stands came to an abrupt halt, and everyone stared blankly at the scene beneath the basket. Even the referee paused for several seconds, as if he had not processed what had just happened.

Chi Tong acted as though he had not seen the two fallen players at all. Maintaining his dribbling rhythm, he strode calmly between Hanagata Toru and Takano Shoichi.

The basketball bounced against his palm again and again. In the silent arena, every bounce was exceptionally clear, as if it were accompanying his advance.

As he passed by them, a calm voice slowly reached Hanagata Toru and Takano Shoichi's ears.

"My orders are absolute." There was no mockery or boasting in his tone, only an unquestionable certainty.

Chi Tong stopped in front of Shoyo's basket and calmly raised the basketball under the gaze of the entire arena.

There was not a trace of flashiness in his movement.