### Chapter 32: 最初のハーフが始まる (The First Half Begins)
The stadium was alive with the buzz of anticipation as Seiryuu High and Kawasaki High lined up on the field. The stands were packed with spectators, their excitement palpable. Saijo stood with his teammates, his heart pounding in his chest. This was the moment they had been preparing for, the match that would test their skills and determination to the fullest.
Coach Takeda's voice cut through the noise, his words sharp and motivating. "This is it, team. We know what we're up against, but remember, we've trained hard for this. Play with heart, play with passion, and trust in each other."
Saijo clenched his fists, feeling a surge of adrenaline. He glanced at his teammates, each of them radiating determination and resolve. Gon, Yuto, and the others were ready, their expressions set with steely focus. Hana, watching from the sidelines, gave Saijo a nod of encouragement.
---
As the referee blew the whistle, the game kicked off with an intensity that took everyone by surprise. Kawasaki High wasted no time in showcasing their aggressive playstyle. Their captain, Ryohei Suzuki, immediately took control, directing his teammates with precision. Kawasaki's players moved like a well-oiled machine, their individual talents shining through their coordinated efforts.
Saijo found himself in the thick of it, racing to intercept a pass. He felt the impact as he collided with a Kawasaki midfielder, their aggressive tactics catching him off guard. Regaining his balance, Saijo quickly passed the ball to Gon, who attempted to break through Kawasaki's defense.
"Keep pushing!" Takashi, Seiryuu's captain, shouted from the backline. "Don't let them intimidate us!"
Gon dribbled skillfully, but Kawasaki's defenders were relentless. One of them, a tall player named Daichi, executed a perfect slide tackle, stealing the ball and sending it upfield with a powerful kick. The transition was seamless, and Kawasaki launched a rapid counter-attack.
---
The ball was now with Ryohei Suzuki, who danced around Seiryuu's defenders with incredible agility. Saijo sprinted back to help, his eyes locked on Ryohei. He knew he had to stop him, but Ryohei's movements were almost supernatural. With a swift flick of his foot, Ryohei sent the ball flying towards the goal.
Seiryuu's goalkeeper, Kenji, dived desperately, but the ball found the back of the net. The stadium erupted in cheers from Kawasaki's supporters, the early goal shaking Seiryuu's confidence.
"Don't let it get to you!" Coach Takeda yelled from the sidelines. "It's just the beginning. Stay focused!"
Saijo's heart was pounding, frustration bubbling up inside him. He exchanged a look with Gon, who nodded in silent agreement. They had to regroup and fight back. The game resumed, and Seiryuu pressed forward, determined to equalize.
---
As the minutes ticked by, the reality of Kawasaki's prowess became more evident. Their aggressive playstyle was overwhelming, and their individual skills were on a whole different level. Despite Seiryuu's best efforts, they struggled to break through Kawasaki's defense.
Saijo received the ball near the midfield, quickly surveying the field. He spotted an opening and sent a precise pass to Yuto, who sprinted down the wing. Yuto managed to evade a defender and crossed the ball into the box. Gon leapt, attempting a header, but Kawasaki's goalkeeper, Ryota, punched the ball away with a powerful save.
The frustration was mounting. Saijo could see it in his teammates' faces. They were giving it their all, but Kawasaki's dominance was undeniable. Every move Seiryuu made was countered with ruthless efficiency.
---
Midway through the first half, Kawasaki struck again. This time, it was a stunning solo effort from one of their forwards, Takumi, who weaved through Seiryuu's defense with dazzling footwork. His shot was unstoppable, curling into the top corner of the net.
Seiryuu was down 2-0, and the weight of the situation was pressing down on them. Saijo felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. They couldn't afford to lose this match, not after all their hard work.
Takashi rallied the team, his voice firm and commanding. "We can't give up. We have to find a way to break through. Saijo, Gon, Yuto—we need you to step up."
Saijo nodded, determination flaring in his eyes. He knew he had to make The Dragon's Roar count. But first, they needed to regain control of the game. As the ball was put back into play, Saijo and his teammates pushed forward with renewed vigor.
---
The battle in midfield was fierce. Saijo found himself up against Ryohei, their eyes locking in a moment of intense rivalry. Ryohei smirked, his confidence unshaken. "You're good, Saijo, but not good enough."
Saijo gritted his teeth. "We'll see about that."
He intercepted a pass meant for Ryohei, using his speed to dart past two defenders. The crowd's roar was deafening as he advanced towards the goal. With a quick glance, he saw Gon making a run to his left. Saijo feigned a shot, drawing the goalkeeper out, and then passed the ball to Gon.
Gon took the shot, but Ryota reacted with lightning speed, diving to make another incredible save. The ball ricocheted back into play, and Yuto scrambled to regain possession. The tension was unbearable, every moment a test of their resolve.
---
As the first half drew to a close, Seiryuu managed to mount one last attack. Saijo received the ball near the edge of the penalty area, his mind racing. This was his chance to unleash The Dragon's Roar. He took a deep breath, visualizing the perfect strike.
With a burst of speed, he planted his foot and swung his leg, connecting with the ball in a powerful arc. The ball soared through the air, curving and dipping with precision. Time seemed to slow as it approached the goal, Ryota leaping to make the save.
But the ball had too much spin. It slipped past Ryota's outstretched fingers and crashed into the net. The crowd erupted, and Saijo felt a surge of triumph. They had finally scored.
---
The referee's whistle blew, signaling the end of the first half. Seiryuu's players jogged back to the sidelines, their spirits lifted by Saijo's goal. Coach Takeda gathered them together, his expression serious but hopeful.
"We're not out of this yet. That goal was crucial. Keep playing with heart, and we can turn this around."
Saijo wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling the strain of the intense first half. His body was exhausted, but his mind was sharp. He knew they had a long way to go, but they had proven they could breach Kawasaki's defense.
As the team took a brief respite, Saijo couldn't shake the feeling that this match would be a defining moment. The pressure was immense, and the stakes were high. But he was ready to give it everything he had.
---
The chapter ended with Saijo sitting on the bench, catching his breath and mentally preparing for the second half. The challenge was daunting, but the glimmer of hope provided by his goal kept his determination burning. The road ahead was still fraught with difficulties, but Seiryuu was far from defeated.
### End of Chapter 32