The previously calm atmosphere on Akita Prefecture's bench was completely shattered by the sudden turn of events on the court.
Domoto Goro jolted violently, as if struck by a bolt of lightning. His body sprang uncontrollably from his seat, and the chair legs scraped harshly against the floor, the sound exceptionally jarring.
The seriousness and caution on his face had long vanished without a trace, replaced by dense shock and astonishment. His face had even turned slightly pale from excessive disbelief. His eyes were wide open, as though they might burst from their sockets, filled with utter incredulity. Even his pupils trembled faintly.
As a veteran coach, he had coached for many years, seen countless gifted players, and experienced innumerable thrilling games. Yet everything happening before him had completely thrown him into disarray. His mind was blank, and he had fallen into an extreme stupor.
No... impossible.
Domoto Goro stood there, his body swaying slightly as though he might collapse at any moment. He kept muttering under his breath, his voice weak and hoarse, filled with confusion and despair, as if chanting a mantra to himself.
How could this happen?
Why?
Why could people other than Chi Tong enter that state too?
Th-this was simply impossible!
He could not make sense of it, nor could he understand it.
One Chi Tong was already a once-in-a-millennium monster. How could Kanagawa possibly have four more people like him?
This had already surpassed the logic of basketball and everything he knew about coaching.
On the other side, Kanagawa's bench—Takato, Litan Gangmaoyi, and the always calm and composed Anzai Mitsuyoshi—
The three of them sprang to their feet at almost the exact same moment, their movements so synchronized that it seemed eerie.
They were all stunned into standing there, mouths slightly open and eyes