Tension hung thick in the air as both teams lined up. The stadium fell silent, the only sound being the sharp intake of breaths and the faint shuffle of cleats against turf. Sota's eyes burned with focus, locked onto the defense in front of him. He knew what was coming; Fujisato's players were disciplined, ready to rush him the moment the ball left his hands. Their strategy was clear, but they hadn't faced him yet—not like this.
The ball snapped.
Instantly, Sota surged forward, his body coiled like a spring, catching Fujisato off guard. They expected a more conservative move, but he wasn't waiting. He lunged straight at them, throwing their timing off completely. His cleats dug into the ground as he powered through the initial line of defenders. A burst of speed sent him barreling into their ranks, eyes on the open field ahead.
