The crowd was gasping. Sendo Akira had changed. The relaxed smile was gone, replaced by a cold, sharp focus. He was no longer just playing; he was controlling the entire court.
With three minutes left in the first half, Sendo went on a rampage. He scored eight points in a row, weaving through Shohoku's defense like a hot knife through butter.
"He's too fast!" Miyagi shouted, trying to keep up.
[System Warning: S-Rank Target has entered 'The Zone'!]
[Opponent Stats: Speed +20%, Accuracy +15%.]
[Host's Current Strategy: 12% Success Rate.]
'12%?! Are you kidding me?!' Sakuragi growled. 'System, I need more speed!'
[Skill Recommendation: Activate 'Ghost Step' (Level 1).]
[Cost: 50 Stamina Points.]
Sendo was coming down the court again. He looked at Sakuragi, then at the rim. He went for a crossover, but this time, Sakuragi didn't just react; his body felt strangely light, as if his silhouette was lagging behind his actual movement.
[Ghost Step Activated!]
In a split second, Sakuragi vanished from Sendo's left side and appeared on his right, swiping at the ball. Sendo's eyes widened in genuine shock. He had to spin away quickly to keep possession, losing his rhythm for the first time.
"What was that?!" Hikoichi yelled, frantically scribbling in his notebook. "Sakuragi moved like a shadow!"
Even Coach Anzai's glasses reflected the gym lights as he let out a soft, "Ho-ho... very interesting."
Sakuragi was panting, his stamina draining fast, but he was grinning. "The zone? I'll show you a zone that even a genius can't describe, Sendo!