Chapter 11: 敗北 (Defeat)
The locker room echoed with Saijo's anguished cries. He was on his knees, tears streaming down his face, his fists clenched in helpless fury. His sobs were raw, filled with the pain of his shattered dreams. He pounded the floor with his fists, cursing his weakness, his inadequacy. "Why... Why am I so far from my goal?!" he screamed, his voice breaking. His dream of becoming Japan's best No. 8 seemed further away than ever.
The other first-years watched in silence, their own spirits low, but none as broken as Saijo. He had always been their beacon of hope, the one they looked to for strength and inspiration. Seeing him like this, utterly defeated, was a blow to them all.
Saijo's eyes were sullen, hollow. He looked like a ghost as he finally rose to his feet, the weight of his despair heavy on his shoulders. He didn't say a word as he left the locker room, his mind a storm of self-recrimination and hopelessness. His teammates watched him go, unable to offer any comfort.
The hallway was dim and silent, the only sound the echo of Saijo's footsteps. The rain outside had started to pour, a torrential downpour that matched his mood perfectly. He stepped outside, letting the cold rain drench him to the bone. It was as if the heavens were crying with him, sharing in his misery.
Saijo walked aimlessly, his thoughts a chaotic swirl of frustration and despair. He replayed the match in his mind, every mistake, every moment of weakness glaring at him, mocking him. How could he ever become the best No. 8 in Japan when he couldn't even hold his own against his peers?
As he walked, he noticed a figure at the bus stop, also soaked by the rain. It was a girl in his school uniform, her hair plastered to her face, her eyes downcast. She seemed lost in her own world of sorrow. Saijo felt a strange connection, a shared sense of pain and defeat.
He approached slowly, the rain masking his tears. When he was close enough, the girl looked up, her eyes meeting his. There was a moment of recognition, a silent understanding between them. They were both broken, both struggling against their own demons.
Saijo's heart ached as he looked at her, seeing his own pain reflected in her eyes. They stood there in the rain, two souls adrift in a sea of despair, finding a strange comfort in each other's presence. Neither spoke, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words.
The rain continued to pour, drenching them both, but neither moved. Saijo felt a small spark of hope ignite within him, a flicker of determination. He wasn't alone in his struggle. There were others who felt the same pain, the same longing to overcome their weaknesses.
As they stood there, the rain washing away their tears, Saijo felt a renewed sense of purpose. He couldn't give up, not now. He had to push forward, had to fight for his dream. He had to become stronger, not just for himself, but for those who believed in him.
The girl seemed to sense his resolve, her eyes softening. They shared a small, sad smile, a silent promise to keep fighting. As the rain began to let up, Saijo felt a weight lift from his shoulders. The road ahead was still long and difficult, but he was ready to face it.
They continued to stand there, the world around them fading away, leaving only the two of them and the silent vow they had made. The chapter ended with a sense of anticipation, leaving fans eager to see what would come next in Saijo's journey.
As the rain finally ceased, Saijo knew one thing for certain: he would not give up. No matter how many times he fell, he would rise again. The tryout arc was far from over, and Saijo was determined to see it through to the end.
The chapter closed with the promise of new challenges, new allies, and a renewed sense of hope. The journey of Saijo and his teammates was just beginning, and the trials ahead would test their limits, their resolve, and their dreams.
And so, the tryout arc continued, each step bringing them closer to their ultimate goal.