The steady rhythm of cleats pounding against the grass filled the air as Seiryuu High's flag football team ran through drills under the late morning sun. Each player moved with a sense of purpose and urgency, their focus honed sharper than ever now that the Regionals were less than a month away.
Jack Mercer stood on the sidelines, his sharp eyes following the movements of his players. The corners of his mouth quirked up in approval whenever he saw progress, but he remained mostly silent, his presence alone keeping the team on edge.
Sota moved with practiced precision during each drill, but there was a stiffness to his form that hadn't been there before. While his passes were as accurate as ever, and his movements remained quick and efficient, his usual spark seemed dulled. He executed plays like a machine, his mind elsewhere even as his body performed flawlessly.
Jack noticed. He always noticed.
