The day before the semifinals began, the mood in Rosario High's locker room after an intense training was tense, buzzing with an electric current of anticipation. Players shuffled their gear, sharing glances filled with both excitement and apprehension. Coach Gadiona, usually calm and methodical, stood at the center with a clipboard in hand and a grave expression on his face.
"Listen up, everyone," Coach Gadiona's voice cut through the murmurs, capturing every eye in the room. "There's been a change of plans. The organizers have decided to move the semifinals to Madeira High's stadium."
A stunned silence fell over the room. The shock was palpable.
"Madeira's stadium?" Kaito said, breaking the silence with disbelief. "That's basically their fortress!"
"It's not ideal," the coach admitted, eyes scanning the room for signs of panic, "but it's where we have to prove ourselves. This won't be just a test of skill; it'll be a test of will."
