Chereads / Saijō no Hachiban / Chapter 7 - Chapter 6: 決戦前夜 (Kessen Zen'ya / The Eve of the Decisive Battle)

Chapter 7 - Chapter 6: 決戦前夜 (Kessen Zen'ya / The Eve of the Decisive Battle)

The air crackled with anticipation as the eve of the tryouts descended upon Yokohama High. The campus was alive with nervous energy, each player consumed by thoughts of the impending challenge. The pressure was palpable, weighing heavy on the shoulders of those who dared to dream of victory.

In the dormitory rooms, the players prepared for the battle ahead. The sound of shuffling feet and whispered conversations filled the halls, a symphony of determination and resolve. Each player had their own rituals, their own superstitions, as they sought to find an edge in the crucible of competition.

Saijo sat in his room, his gaze fixed on the stars that twinkled in the night sky. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one a reflection of his unwavering determination. He knew that the tryouts would test him like never before, but he welcomed the challenge with open arms. For Saijo, soccer was more than just a game—it was a passion, a calling, a way of life. And as he stared into the abyss of uncertainty, he felt a fire burning within him, a fire that refused to be extinguished.

Meanwhile, Roy paced back and forth in his room, his mind consumed by thoughts of victory. The memory of his vow to crush Saijo fueled his determination, driving him to push himself to the limit. With each step, he felt the weight of expectation bearing down on him, but he refused to falter. For Roy, the tryouts were a chance to prove himself, to show the world that he was more than just a shadow in Saijo's wake.

Gon sat alone in his room, his nerves threatening to overwhelm him. The fear of failure gnawed at his insides, filling him with doubt and uncertainty. But as he looked out the window at the moonlit sky, a glimmer of hope flickered within him. He knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was determined to face them head-on. For Gon, the tryouts were a chance to prove to himself—and to the world—that he was capable of greatness.

As the night wore on, the players gathered in the common area, their spirits buoyed by a sense of camaraderie. They shared stories of past triumphs and defeats, offering words of encouragement and support to one another. In that moment, they were not just rivals vying for a spot on the team—they were comrades, united by a shared passion for the beautiful game.

Coach Takeda appeared, his presence commanding attention. His words were measured, his voice filled with gravitas. "Tomorrow, you will face the ultimate test. The tryouts will push you to your limits, but remember: you are not alone. Your teammates, your friends, your family—they stand with you, ready to lift you up when you fall. Believe in yourselves, trust in your abilities, and never forget the passion that burns within you."

The players nodded, their resolve hardened by Coach Takeda's words. They knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but they were prepared to face whatever challenges came their way. For them, the tryouts were not just a chance to prove their worth—it was a chance to chase their dreams, to seize glory, and to etch their names into the annals of history.

As the night drew to a close, the players returned to their rooms, their hearts heavy with anticipation. Sleep eluded them, replaced by visions of victory and defeat. But in the darkness, a flicker of hope remained—a beacon of light that guided them through the storm.

And as dawn broke over Yokohama High, casting long shadows across the field, the players rose to meet the challenge that awaited them. The tryouts were about to begin, and with them came the promise of greatness.

The stage was set, the players ready. The eve of the decisive battle had passed, leaving in its wake a sense of anticipation and excitement. The tryout arc was about to reach its climax, and the players of Yokohama High stood on the brink of destiny.