Toyotama on the Verge of Collapse (Part One)

Sendoh's pupils contracted. His sharp instincts warned him of danger, and he jerked back just in time to avoid Minami Ryo's elbow. It swept so close it nearly brushed his jersey.

Minami Ryo showed no reaction. As Sendoh retreated, he accelerated again and drove straight into Ryonan's paint without slowing down.

This guy!

Sendoh watched Minami break past him, his expression darkening.

He was glad he had reacted quickly. If that elbow had connected, he doubted the result would have been good.

Minami Retsu carried the ball into Ryonan's paint. With the basket in reach, his lips curled into a fierce grin.

He sprang off both feet and raised the ball above his head in his right hand. A powerful dunk would end Toyotama's scoring drought and lift his team's spirits.

Just as Minami Ryo brought the ball down toward the rim, a blur swept past his side. A hand flashed out and struck the basketball squarely.

What?

Minami's confident smile froze, replaced by shock.

He had never expected anyone to steal the ball from the side while he was leaping for a dunk.

How was that possible?

Still airborne, he couldn't change course. He could only turn toward the hand he had glimpsed.

The moment he saw who it was, his pupils tightened. Him!

Chi Tong stood near the paint, as though he had appeared from nowhere. His gaze was cold, his face expressionless, and the ball he had just taken from Minami Retsu rested securely in his right hand.

Without hesitating or looking back at the stunned Minami Ryo, Chi Tong dribbled toward Toyotama's half.

The Toyotama players stood frozen. None of them had expected their captain to lose the ball so easily. Chi Tong had seemed to snatch it away with a casual flick of his hand.