Still The National Team

Caleb clicked his tongue. 

The young team was proving themselves, and for a second, he thought, 'These kids are actually worthy.' 

But that thought was quickly pushed aside, replaced with frustration. Caleb thought of the sacrifices his team had made—the players who had been cut, the extra hours of grueling training, all so they could stay at the top.

"No way," he muttered. The fire in his chest reignited as he locked eyes with his teammates. "Let's end this."

The other veterans caught their youngest players' enthusiasm and nodded in silent agreement. Caleb's seriousness was contagious, and it spread across the team like wildfire. 

They sighed, rolled their shoulders, and dropped the pretense of holding back. It was time to show these kids what it meant to be on the National team.

The Elite Five felt the change instantly. 

Their movements sharpened, and their passes became faster.