The next morning broke with a brilliant sun beating down on the practice field.
On the field Jiho came running before leaping high into the air, his face set with fierce intensity, jaw tight as sweat beaded off his chin. Mid-flight, he snapped his head around and met the ball square on, powering a header straight into the back of the net.
The days kept rolling on, defined by the relentless, punishing grinds at the Japan U-19 training camp.
Raya was sprinting forward, with the ball glued to his boots, but Kabuto appeared right on his back.
Timing his move perfectly, Kabuto slid in, poking the ball away with a sharp interception. The momentum sent both players crashing heavily onto the grass. Without missing a beat, Kabuto bounced back to his feet, letting out a primal roar right down at Raya, who remained on the turf, looking up with a wry grin.
On the other side, Kurogami pulled his gloves tight, spreading his arms wide and dropping into a low, coiled stance.
