He had clearly been shielding the ball behind his back just moments ago, and he could still feel the basketball in his hand. How had it suddenly vanished?
Just as Moroboshi Dai was still reeling from the chaos of the missing basketball, a series of clear dribbling sounds suddenly rang out behind him.
Zhu Xingda instinctively turned toward the sound, and his heart lurched.
Not far behind him, Chi Tong was dribbling with one hand, sprinting lightly toward Aiwa Academy's basket.
His white jersey fluttered as he ran, leaving behind a crisp, agile silhouette.
When had that happened?
Zhu Xingda's eyes were full of disbelief as doubt surged through his mind like a tide.
He replayed the previous moment again and again. He had clearly protected the ball behind his back, and his palm could even feel its weight. He had not noticed at all when it had been stolen.
Though his mind was full of questions, Zhu Xingda had no time to dwell on them. He immediately turned around, pushed off hard with both feet, and chased after Chi Tong.
Now was not the time for questions. He had to stop Chi Tong before he completed the attack, or the gap would only grow wider.
Chi Tong quickly brought the ball to Aiwa Academy's three-point line.
Without pausing in the slightest, he flicked his wrist, sending the basketball like a bullet from a gun straight toward Sento on the other side.
The movement was sharp and clean, without the slightest hesitation.
Seeing this, Zhu Xingda's gaze tightened. So it really was a pass?
He had suspected earlier that Chi Tong would likely pass to Sendoh. After all, the two had always worked together flawlessly.
So without any hesitation, he slid sideways and shot toward Sendoh like an arrow released