After waiting for a while, all the players from both teams finally lined up in the tunnel, following the referee from behind. Shimizu Higashi High acted as the home team today, wearing their all-white jersey. Meanwhile, since the color clashed with Hakodate Nishi's white-and-black jersey, the Hokkaido team had to use its golden-orange one.
During their time in the tunnel, no one spoke to each other. Hell, even the ones who were familiar with each other, like Higo and Mamoru Suzuki, didn't even take a glance, just putting their pure focus on the pitch in front of them. Even though this wasn't their first encounter, today's game had a higher stake, one where winning it would lead them to the top 4 of the country.
The moment they came out of the tunnel, the crowd was buzzing immediately.
"Oh! That's Shimizu Higashi! Damn, Mamoru Suzuki looks so imposing!"
"Han-Gyeol-sama! We love you!"
"Come on, Hakodate boys! Let your hometown be proud of you!"
"Hakodate! Hakodate! Hakodate!"
