## Chapter 16: 後半戦開始 (Kōhan-sen Kaishi / The Second Half Begins)
The stadium buzzed with anticipation as the players took their positions for the second half. The score was tied, and both teams knew that the next 45 minutes would be decisive. Coach Takeda's words echoed in the minds of the Seiryuu High players: focus, communicate, and execute.
The referee's whistle pierced the air, and the second half began.
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Fuuto High kicked off, and their forwards immediately charged towards Seiryuu's defense. Roy Matsumoto, with his aggressive marking, intercepted a pass and quickly sent the ball to Yuta Nakamura in midfield. Yuta's eyes scanned the field, seeking the best option. With a swift turn, he threaded a precise through ball to Yuta Hayashi on the left wing.
Yuta Hayashi sprinted down the flank, his pace electrifying the crowd. With a deft flick, he evaded an incoming defender and crossed the ball into the box. Elvis leaped, his timing perfect, but the Fuuto goalkeeper punched the ball away, denying Seiryuu the opening goal.
The game's intensity ramped up as both teams fought for control. Fuuto High, known for their disciplined play and relentless pressing, pushed hard to break Seiryuu's defense. Their captain, Haruto Saito, orchestrated their attacks with a combination of sharp passes and clever movement. Hiroshi Tanaka, Seiryuu's goalkeeper, was kept busy, making a series of impressive saves to keep the game level.
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In the 60th minute, a moment of brilliance came from Gon. Despite his timid nature, his technical skill shone through. Receiving a pass from Saijo, Gon executed a perfect roulette turn to evade two Fuuto defenders. The crowd gasped at his audacity. He then passed the ball to Kaito Suzuki, who was making a run on the right wing.
Kaito, with his speed and creativity, cut inside and unleashed a curling shot aimed at the far post. The Fuuto goalkeeper, fully stretched, managed to get a fingertip to it, diverting the ball just wide of the goal. It was a close call, and Seiryuu's supporters roared in appreciation.
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Takashi Sato, the captain, barked orders from the backline, ensuring that the team stayed compact and disciplined. His leadership was crucial in maintaining their defensive shape against Fuuto's relentless attacks. Roy Matsumoto, with his aerial prowess, won every header that came his way, clearing the danger time and again.
In the 75th minute, the breakthrough finally came. Yuta Nakamura, ever the playmaker, spotted Elvis making a run towards the box. With a delicate chip, he lofted the ball over the Fuuto defenders. Elvis, using his strength to hold off his marker, controlled the ball with his chest and, with a powerful volley, sent it crashing into the back of the net. The stadium erupted in cheers.
1-0 to Seiryuu High.
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The lead invigorated Seiryuu, but Fuuto High was not ready to concede defeat. They intensified their attacks, pushing Seiryuu's defense to its limits. Hiroshi Tanaka remained a fortress in goal, his reflexes denying several close-range shots.
With ten minutes left, Fuuto earned a corner. Haruto Saito delivered an inswinging cross, and amidst the chaos in the box, a Fuuto player managed to get a header on target. Hiroshi, diving at full stretch, made an unbelievable save, tipping the ball over the bar. The Seiryuu fans erupted in applause, recognizing the save as a match-winning moment.
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As the clock ticked down, Seiryuu High focused on maintaining possession and running down the clock. Yuta Nakamura and Saijo controlled the midfield, their passing and movement ensuring that Fuuto had little opportunity to regain the ball.
In the final minute of added time, Fuuto launched one last desperate attack. Their forward broke through Seiryuu's defense, only to be met by Roy Matsumoto, who executed a perfectly timed slide tackle, dispossessing the attacker and clearing the ball upfield.
The referee's whistle blew, signaling the end of the match.
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Seiryuu High had won 1-0, their hard-fought victory a testament to their teamwork, skill, and determination. The players embraced on the field, their joy palpable. Coach Takeda, watching from the sidelines, allowed himself a rare smile. The first hurdle of the Inter High had been cleared, but the journey was far from over.
As the team made their way back to the locker room, the atmosphere was a mix of exhaustion and elation. Saijo, reflecting on his performance, felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had contributed to the victory, and the experience had steeled his resolve to continue improving.
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The chapter ended with the team huddling in the locker room, Coach Takeda congratulating them on their performance. "This is just the beginning," he said. "We have many challenges ahead, but I have no doubt that we can overcome them together."
The players nodded, their spirits high despite their fatigue. The victory against Fuuto High was a significant step, but they knew that the path to the championship was still long and arduous.
As the locker room door closed, the anticipation for the next challenge began to build. The story of Seiryuu High's journey through the Inter High was far from over, and the fans eagerly awaited the next chapter in their quest for glory.
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In this chapter, the intense match against Fuuto High showcased the skills and determination of Seiryuu High's players. The victory, though hard-fought, set the stage for the battles to come.