The cheers in the stadium buzzed like an electric current as Seiryuu High lined up for their next play. Tension pressed around each player, and their previous rhythm felt like a faint memory under the weight of Shinryu High's recent effortless score. Sota scanned his teammates' faces: a flash of apprehension on Kaminari's face, brows furrowed on Daichi as he took in their positions, and a focused determination in Ouji's steady stance. They'd practiced hard, rehearsed every route, and memorized each play, but now, with the stakes at their highest, each player wore that familiar, tense look in their eyes—a blend of nerves and silent promises.
Jack Mercer's voice pierced through the tension, sharp yet calm. "Eyes forward. They scored, but this game's not theirs yet. You've got what it takes; now show them what we practiced."