Jack Mercer stood tall in front of the group, his piercing gaze sweeping across the faces of Seiryuu High's flag football team. The air was thick with tension, the weight of the upcoming game pressing down on every player. They hadn't tasted defeat yet, and while that filled them with pride, Mercer's words reminded them that it also painted a target on their backs.
"You've come this far without a single loss," Mercer began, his deep voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "But don't let that fool you into thinking you're invincible. Remember, plenty of teams are in the same boat."
He paused, scanning their faces to ensure his words sank in. "Teams like Fujisato High. They've got the same record as you—undefeated. But what's different about them? What's gonna separate you from them when you step onto that field?"
