The ball kissed the floor with a heavy thunk-thunk as Kagetsu Renjiro brought it up the court.
Ethan stood ready, knees bent, eyes sharp, the sweat on his brow barely clinging on. Around them, time felt slower, like the court had bent into a spotlight just for the two of them.
And Kagetsu?
He grinned.
Just a tilt of the lips.
Just enough to make the storm feel real.
"So this is what you are when serious, Ethan Albarado…"
He stepped in and the whole gym tensed.
Kagetsu's Thoughts:
(He's skilled. Good reads, sharper timing. But…)
(Can you handle something that wasn't learned — but born?)
"Kagetsu Style: Thunder Entry."
His foot slammed the hardwood. The floor boomed.
He didn't move like a basketball player.
He moved like a force of nature.
..
Phase One: Shadow Flash
Kagetsu stood at the top of the arc, his body coiled like a spring.
In an instant, he exploded into motion.
