The scoreboard flashed Easton 92 – Seiryō 92.
Two minutes and thirteen seconds left.
The crowd was on their feet—some screaming, some praying, all holding their breath.
The ball belonged to Easton.
Orson Kuga stood at the baseline, palms open, breathing slowly. His teammates lined up across the court. They were the giants of Easton, each one taller, heavier, stronger.
Yet somehow, all eyes were on him.
"Ball in!" the referee called.
Sho slapped the ball into Orson's hands.
Dribble.
Step.
Shift.
Orson moved like a whisper cutting through the wind. He feinted left. Marcus slid to cut him off.
Too late.
Orson pulled back and rose into a jumper.
Swish.
94–92.
The gym fell silent for half a second before exploding.
"OR-SON! OR-SON! OR-SON!"
The chants rolled through the arena like thunder.
In the stands, Ayaka blinked.
"When did he get this good?"
Kana's eyes narrowed.
"He was always this good. Nobody was paying attention."
