The gym was cold that afternoon.
Not physically—Seiryō's facility always kept a steady warmth—but cold in atmosphere.
Like something heavy hung in the air, waiting to drop.
Daniel Ishikawa felt it more than anyone.
He stood in front of the projector screen, towel around his neck, sweat still dripping from Takeda's brutal conditioning earlier. The team gathered behind him—Marcus stretching his shoulders, Shunjin drinking water, Yuuto tying his shoes tighter like he was bracing.
Coach Hikari dimmed the lights.
The big screen flickered on.
A paused frame of Ryu Kazen.
Frozen mid-drive.
Eyes glowing with that strange blue grid.
Ball low, body coiled like a spring, defender already falling behind.
Coach Hikari stepped beside Daniel.
Her voice was quiet, controlled.
"Daniel… this is your assignment."
The gym went silent.
Takeda crossed his arms.
Marcus muttered a curse under his breath.
Yuuto stared with wide eyes.
Even Shunjin—normally loud—didn't speak.
