Miyagi Ryota snapped out of his daze, his heart sinking. Without time to think, he immediately broke into a sprint toward Chi Tong, trying to cut off his next move, but he was already a step too late.
Just as Miyagi Ryota was about to close in, Chi Tong flicked his wrist, sending the basketball flying from his fingertips in one fluid motion, without the slightest hesitation.
The ball took a faster path to Fukuda Kicchou, who was already waiting on the other side.
Normally, Sakuragi Hanamichi should have been guarding Fukuda Kicchou, but for some reason, most of his attention was fixed on Sendoh and Chi Tong. He watched their movements intently, completely forgetting the man he was supposed to defend.
Only when Fukuda Kicchou caught the ball cleanly and surged toward Shohoku's half like a gust of wind did Sakuragi Hanamichi finally realize something was wrong!
He shouted, hastily changed direction, and stretched his long legs into a sprint after him.
The two figures raced across the court, one behind the other, heading straight for Shohoku's basket.
Shohoku's other players finally recovered from their shock at the jump ball. They immediately turned and hurried back toward the paint, trying to establish one last defensive barrier before Fukuda Kicchou could get his shot off.
The instant Fukuda Kicchou stepped into Shohoku's paint, Sakuragi Hanamichi finally caught up with his astonishing burst of speed. Spreading his arms, he stood before Fukuda Kicchou like a moving wall and snarled, "You're not getting past me!"
Fukuda Kicchou did not panic in the slightest. He stopped sharply, lowered his body a little, and, without hesitation, turned his wrist and whipped the ball behind him.
"Hey!"
"Sakuragi!"
Seeing this, Hanamichi was so furious his eyes reddened. "Damn you, stinking Fukuda!" he yelled.
He had