Smoker sprang back to his feet and glanced at Ye Chen. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Leave him to me, Captain."
It sounded like he was asking Ye Chen's permission, but his pride was at stake. No matter how strong his opponent was, Smoker had no reason to admit defeat. If he did, he would never be able to hold his head high again.
Ye Chen nodded and sat back down. Even with the odds against them, he chose to trust his companion, just as Fujima had in Slam Dunk.
Smoker gave Ye Chen a grateful nod and took a hard drag on his cigar. A stream of white smoke shot out, and in the next instant, he charged Banjes.
"White Gale!"
After two years of training that had been close to hell, Smoker had grown much stronger. But however astonishing his speed was, Banjes's hand-to-hand combat was even more terrifying.
Banjes dodged Smoker's Jitte and spun in place like a top, so fast that he whipped up a fierce wind. Golden sparks scraped from the ground. Smoker frowned. Banjes was spinning too fast for him to make out his body.
"Phantom Technique..."
A laugh tinged with a sob suddenly drifted past Smoker's ear.
Then Banjes's figures multiplied, as if a host of doubles had appeared at once. It was impossible to tell which were real. Smoker held his breath and focused, not daring to let his guard down. He gripped his Jitte tight, every nerve in his body taut.
"Heh, heh..."
Banjes's figure suddenly flashed before him. Without thinking, Smoker raised his Jitte and brought it crashing down with a shrill whistle.
But someone laughed behind him. "I'm over here. Black Tiger Fist!"
Smoker's eyes widened. He tried to turn, but it was too late. Bang! The blow sent