### Chapter 17: 突破 (Toppu / Breakthrough)
The locker room buzzed with excitement. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and triumph. Seiryuu High had secured their first victory in the Inter High, and the players reveled in the moment. Yet, amidst the celebration, Saijo sat quietly on a bench, his face a mixture of relief and determination.
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As the team gathered around, Takashi Sato, their captain, clapped his hands to get their attention. "Well done, everyone! We played our hearts out and it paid off. But remember, this is just the beginning. There are tougher battles ahead."
The players cheered, their spirits high. Takashi's words resonated with them, a reminder that while they could celebrate now, they had to stay focused on the goal ahead.
Saijo looked around at his teammates. Yuta Nakamura, the midfield maestro, was discussing tactics with Roy Matsumoto, their defensive anchor. Yuta Hayashi, their fleet-footed winger, was laughing with Gon, who had shown remarkable skill during the match. Even Elvis, whose late goal secured their victory, was basking in the praise of his teammates.
Despite the joy around him, Saijo couldn't shake off the feeling that he hadn't contributed enough. He had played his part, yes, but he hadn't made the impact he had hoped for. As the celebrations
continued, Saijo's mind replayed the game. Every pass, every tackle, every moment he could have done better. His heart ached with the desire to improve, to make a real difference in the next match.
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Coach Takeda entered the locker room, his presence commanding instant attention. "Good job, team. Our first win is important, but it's only the first step. Enjoy this moment, but keep your eyes on the prize."
The room filled with applause. The coach's words were always brief but impactful, a guiding force for the young players.
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The celebration spilled out of the locker room and into the streets surrounding the school. Friends, family, and fans had gathered to congratulate the team. There were hugs, high-fives, and smiles all around. Takashi and Yuta Nakamura were being interviewed by local reporters, their faces beaming with pride.
Saijo found himself standing alone for a moment, watching his teammates bask in the glory. He clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "Next time," he whispered to himself, "I'll make sure I shine."
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Later that evening, the team gathered at a local restaurant to celebrate their victory. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with laughter and camaraderie. Plates of food and glasses of drinks were passed around as stories of the match were recounted.
"Did you see how Elvis scored that goal?" Kaito said, his eyes wide with admiration. "It was incredible!"
"And Gon's roulette turn was something else," Yuta Hayashi added. "I didn't know he had it in him."
Saijo smiled, joining in the laughter, but a part of him remained focused on the future. As the evening progressed, he excused himself and stepped outside. The night air was cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.
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Standing under the clear sky, Saijo thought about his journey. The countless hours of training, the sacrifices, and the dreams that fueled his passion. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
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The next day, during their warm-up drills, Saijo pushed himself harder than ever. His movements were sharp, his focus unwavering. He dribbled the ball with precision, his mind replaying the coach's words: "Every game is a chance to prove yourself."
Coach Takeda noticed Saijo's intensity. He approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have the spirit of a true competitor, Saijo. Keep that fire burning. Your time will come."
Saijo nodded, his resolve strengthening. He knew that to achieve his dream of becoming the best No. 8 in Japan, he had to push beyond his limits. The journey was long, but he was ready for it.
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As the training session ended, the coach gathered the team. "Listen up, everyone. Our next match is against one of the big three. They are a powerhouse, but we've shown that we can compete at the highest level. Stay focused and give it your all."
The players' faces were serious, their determination palpable. The victory against Fuuto High had given them a taste of success, but they knew the real challenge lay ahead.
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The chapter ended with Saijo walking home, his thoughts a whirlwind of strategies and aspirations. The path to greatness was fraught with obstacles, but he was ready to face them head-on. As he reached his doorstep, he looked up at the sky, a silent vow forming in his heart.
"I'll become the best," he whispered, the words carrying the weight of his dreams and the promise of future victories.
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In this chapter, Saijo's inner journey of determination and resolve is highlighted against the backdrop of his team's celebration. The contrast between the joyous celebration and Saijo's personal reflection sets the stage for his development as a key player in the matches to come.