The atmosphere on the field was electric, charged with the tension of the game and the palpable exhaustion of the players. Aiko's attention shifted back to the game as she saw the players of Seiryuu High glance over toward the sidelines. They had seen the strange interaction and the mysterious man who had approached Aiko, their curiosity piqued, but now was not the time for distractions.
Sota, Ryuji, Kazuma, and the others were fully focused on the task at hand, their faces etched with determination. The interception had given them a golden opportunity, and they were poised to make the most of it. But even as they rallied around their positions, Aiko could see the weariness in their eyes, the sweat-soaked uniforms, and the deep breaths they took to steady themselves.
