Draining Energy

Under the radiant sun, beads of sweat dripped down from Sota's brow, but his eyes remained locked in fierce concentration. His pulse pounded in his ears as the noise of the crowd blurred into white noise, leaving only the game and his team. Tsubasa High, the dominant giant in the league, had been slapped awake after Seiryuu's initial touchdown. Sota knew they were itching for retaliation, but right now, they were in control.

Ryuji, standing next to Sota, called for the huddle. The Seiryuu team formed a tight circle, their breaths labored but full of determination. Despite the exhaustion creeping into their muscles, there was no sign of giving up.

"We need to punch another one in, no time to let up," Ryuji's voice was steady, but his eyes told a different story. He was exhausted. They all were. "Koenji, you're up for this one."