Chapter 104: To Intercept, All According To Plan

"What are they doing?" Aiko's voice trembled with confusion and concern, her eyes locked onto the field as the fumble unfolded in front of her. The ball, clearly mishandled and deliberately fumbled, skidded across the grass, and Seiryuu High's players looked on with a mix of disbelief and frustration.

The audience echoed Aiko's sentiments, a wave of murmurs and discontent rippling through the stands. The collective groan of spectators made it clear they felt that Seiryuu High was throwing the game away. The commentators, too, seemed baffled, struggling to understand the strategic decision behind the apparent blunder.

Riku's face flushed with anger and confusion as he shouted over the noise, "Why did you fumble so badly, Sota?" His frustration was palpable, a sharp contrast to the quiet concern on his parents' faces. Haruka, their older sister, stepped in to offer some clarity.