The moment didn't announce itself with thunder.
It came quietly—like a pulse.
The second quarter was grinding on, the scoreboard still leaning in Hakuro Academy's favor, the pressure thick enough to taste. Seiryō wasn't collapsing, but they weren't comfortable either. Every possession felt like walking a narrow bridge over open air.
Yuuto Kai wiped his palms on his shorts and exhaled slowly.
Focus.
The ball was checked in. Shinji inbounded it cleanly, and Yuuto took the first dribble across half court. The noise of the arena washed over him—chants, boos, shouts—but it all felt distant, like he was hearing it underwater.
Across from him stood Ryu Kurogane.
King of the Court.
Red aura faint, controlled, eyes sharp and amused.
Ryu tilted his head slightly. "You're still coming at me?" he asked, voice calm enough to sting.
Yuuto didn't answer.
He dribbled.
Once.
Twice.
Something clicked.
Not a system message.
Not a flashing UI.
Not a voice.
Just… rhythm.
