Conflict Erupts (Part Three)

Chapter 233: Chi Tong did not look at the Toyotama High players. Instead, he turned to the referee, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable pressure. "Sorry, ref. My teammate got a little worked up just now, but he seems to be hurt. Could you give us a moment to tend to him?"

The referee met Chi Tong's gaze and felt an inexplicable chill.

He swallowed and agreed almost without thinking. "Uh... sure." Just then, Minami walked over. His earlier composure was gone, replaced by a faint, insincere smile. His eyes swept over Koshino Hiroaki, who was clutching his right eye, before he addressed the Ryonan players. "Sorry about that. My teammate accidentally hurt one of yours. No hard feelings, I hope."

His tone sounded gentle, but the provocation in his eyes made the apology's insincerity plain to see.

Only then did Chi Tong turn to look at Minami. Their gazes met. Chi Tong's eyes remained calm, but they were like a bottomless, icy pool, radiating an inscrutable pressure.

Minami's gaze appeared gentle, but a hard, ruthless edge lurked beneath it.

After they had stared at each other for a moment, Chi Tong spoke in a detached voice, each word clear despite its utter lack of emotion.

"Let's call it an accident for now. But everything you do comes at a price."

Minami's expression did not change. He replied just as calmly.

"Mm, that's right. Mistakes do come at a price. Your teammate has already paid an unexpected one for that reckless steal of his."

The provocation in his words was unmistakable, with even a hint of threat behind it.

A bone-chilling glint flashed through Chi Tong's eyes so quickly it might have been an illusion.

He stared at Minami for several seconds. His tone remained calm, but that calm