A Newcomer

A heavy silence settled over Seiryuu High's bench as the players trudged off the field, sweat dripping from their brows and breaths coming in ragged gasps. The first half had been brutal, and the scoreboard glaring 33-14 only served to deepen the fatigue etched on their faces. With no substitute players to share the burden, every member of the team had pushed themselves to the brink, and it showed.

Collapsing onto the bench, Sota wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, his muscles screaming in protest. "We're getting slaughtered out there," he muttered, frustration lacing his voice.

Kaminari leaned back, gulping down water like it was the elixir of life. "No kidding. Shinkai's been running circles around us, and now we're supposed to find some magic energy reserve for the second half?" His usually confident demeanor was notably deflated.