The morning air held a quiet chill as Sota made his way to Seiryuu High, the weight of anticipation resting lightly on his shoulders. With every step, he replayed yesterday's memories—the hard-earned victories, the way their teamwork had clicked at just the right moments, the supportive cheers from the stands. It felt like they'd done everything right, yet today, an unspoken tension lingered, a silent worry that something unexpected could still turn everything around.
As he walked, he passed by the gym where he'd spent countless hours training. The building's glass windows gleamed under the early light, reflecting fragments of the sky and the quiet street. Sota nearly walked past, but then a familiar figure emerged from the gym entrance, pausing as though waiting for him.
Jack Mercer, their makeshift coach, strode forward, his expression unreadable but serious. He gave Sota a nod, his normally relaxed demeanor carrying a subtle edge today.
