The day of the semi-final match arrived, and the tension was palpable. Rosario High's players stood at the tunnel entrance, their eyes fixed ahead as the roar of the crowd echoed around them. The Silver Hawks had proven themselves as formidable opponents in the quarter-finals, dismantling the Crimson Vipers with their impeccable defensive organization and lightning-fast counter-attacks. Now, it was Rosario High's turn to face them.
Earlier that morning, the team gathered at the training grounds for their pre-match routine. Lio led them in a series of warm-ups and passing drills to get the blood pumping. The players joked and laughed, trying to shake off the pre-game nerves. Kaito performed a few juggling tricks with the ball, earning chuckles from Mia.
"Show-off," Mia teased, raising an eyebrow.
Kaito grinned. "Gotta keep the energy up, right? Besides, we're gonna need all the tricks we can get against those Silver Hawks."