Ryonan vs. Jousei (III)

They instinctively slowed their steps, putting a little distance between themselves and Chi Tong.

Everyone on Ryonan had long since grown used to Chi Tong's icy aura, but today it carried an indescribable sharpness, like an unsheathed blade still in its scabbard, radiating an unsettling pressure.

Sendoh, who walked beside Chi Tong, felt it most keenly.

He glanced sideways at Chi Tong. His expression was as still as an ancient well, yet Sendoh could clearly sense that the air around him had grown much heavier since yesterday. There was a cold, hard edge to it, as though some shock had made him even more difficult to approach.

As the teammate who had known Chi Tong the longest, Sendoh had noticed changes like this before.

He had sensed something was off ever since Chi Tong returned yesterday afternoon, but he had not asked any questions.

"Chi Tong! Chi Tong! Chi Tong! Sendoh! Sendoh! Sendoh!"

After the first two games, Linglan's supporters had already come to understand the team's core: Sento's fluid drives and accurate shooting, and Chi Tong's exquisite passing and tactical direction. One attacked while the other controlled the game, their partnership complementing each other perfectly. Fans had gradually come to call them Ryonan's twin aces.

It was much the same for the Great Wall. The moment Tamakoshiba led his team out of the tunnel, loud cheers erupted from the stands.

"Great Wall! Great Wall! Great Wall!"

The cheers for the Great Wall were not as loud as those for Linglan, but they could still be heard clearly.

The entire Nagashiro High School team stopped as soon as they emerged from the players' tunnel. They stood at its entrance, their blue uniforms lending them a composed presence under the lights. Every player fixed his gaze on Ryonan across the court,