Even the commentators' voices are caught and registered somewhere inside Ryoma's head. His head turns slightly toward the sound, but the instant Umemoto lowers his guard to attack, his attention snaps back toward him.
Ryoma perceives everything. The movement of Umemoto's shoulders, the noise rolling through the arena, scattered shouts from the crowd, the referee's position, even the punch already closing in on his face.
He perceives all of it. He simply cannot decide what to do with any of it.
His head and eyes make small, restless movements, shifting back and forth as though some circuit inside his brain has suddenly malfunctioned.
"Why is he still just standing there?"
"That punch is coming right at him!"
Nakahara and the rest of Ryoma's team watch with their faces filled with concern.
But Ryoma has performed too many miracles. So even in this moment, they still believe he will somehow do something at the very last moment.
But unfortunately…
BAM!!!
