In his view, any opponent worthy of Sawakita Eiji's recognition had to possess overwhelming strength. Yet Chi Tong's current performance clearly fell short of that standard.
Another teammate chimed in, "Exactly. He may have some awareness of controlling the court, but he isn't strong enough to rival you, is he?"
Maybe you were too young in middle school and overestimated his ability.
That was understandable. After all, two years had passed, and your strength had advanced by leaps and bounds. Even your opponents from back then probably could not catch up to you now.
Others continued along that line, their voices full of admiration for Sawakita Eiji. In their eyes, Sawakita had long since become the uncrowned king of the national basketball scene, with no one truly capable of threatening him.
"As I see it, he isn't even qualified to be your opponent now. When we face Ryonan, we'll definitely win easily."
Yet despite his teammates' discussion, Sawakita Eiji never responded. His gaze remained locked on Chi Tong below the court as though drawn by a magnet, and he did not even blink.
He paid no attention whatsoever to his teammates' contempt. Instead, he quietly shook his head to himself.
They did not understand Chi Tong at all. Nor did they know what terrifying thoughts hid behind that seemingly calm opponent.
He carefully observed Chi Tong's expression. Even though his team had fallen into a passive position, even though his passes had been intercepted time and again, Chi Tong's face showed not the slightest panic or frustration—only the same calmness as always.
That face was exactly the same as the Chi Tong who had completely suppressed him in middle school and toyed with the pace of the game in the palm of his hand.
Sawakita Eiji had never believed that