Chapter 11 - Ojo white Knights

The atmosphere in the locker room was thick with anticipation. It was game day against the Ojo White Knights, a team that had decimated the Devil Bats in their last encounter with a crushing 99-0 victory. The weight of that memory hung heavy, especially on Kurita, who sat on a bench, nervously fidgeting with his gloves.

Kurita's usual jovial expression was replaced by a tense, worried look. He glanced around the room, his mind flashing back to the previous game, the overwhelming strength of Ojo's players, and the feeling of helplessness that had settled over him.

"We can do this... we've gotten stronger," Kurita muttered to himself, trying to suppress the memories.

On the other side of the room, Sena sat quietly, taking deep breaths. His hands trembled slightly as he adjusted his helmet. The moniker "Eyeshield 21" gave him anonymity, but it didn't shield him from the nerves that twisted his stomach. He thought about his runs, the strategies, and the moment he would face Ojo's players on the field.

"I have to be faster," Sena whispered. "I have to be better."

In the center of the room, TJ stood tall, exuding confidence. His eyes scanned his teammates, taking in the mix of nerves and determination. He knew what they needed—a spark, a push to ignite their fighting spirit. With a commanding clap, he stepped forward, drawing everyone's attention.

"Listen up!" TJ's voice boomed, filled with the fire of a seasoned leader. "I know you're nervous. I know you're thinking about that last game. But today is a new day! Today, we step onto that field not as the team we were, but as the team we've become."

He locked eyes with Kurita, then Sena, and continued, his voice rising with passion. "They think they've already won. They think we're the same Devil Bats they crushed. But they have no idea what's coming. We've trained harder, we've fought through the doubts, and now, we're ready to show them what Deimon is made of!"

TJ's intensity filled the room. He pounded his chest, his eyes gleaming with determination. "On that field, we are warriors. We fight for every yard, every play. They may be bigger, but we have something they don't—heart. So, let's go out there and show them what it means to face the Devil Bats!"

The room erupted in cheers, the tension breaking as TJ's words infused the team with a renewed sense of purpose. Kurita stood, his nerves still present but now overshadowed by a surge of courage. Sena clenched his fists, the fear in his eyes replaced by a burning resolve.

As they headed towards the field, Hiruma smirked, his ever-present devilish grin in place. "Let's make them regret ever underestimating us."

The team marched out, their nerves transformed into a fierce determination, ready to rewrite their story against Ojo White Knights.

The Ojo White Knights' locker room was filled with an air of calm confidence. Players lounged around, chatting and laughing, the tension nonexistent. To them, this was just another game, another easy win against a team they had obliterated before. The memory of their 99-0 victory against the Deimon Devil Bats left no room for worry.

A group of players leaned against the lockers, one of them stretching leisurely. "So, what's the plan after we crush them again? Same place as last time?" he joked, eliciting laughter from his teammates.

"Yeah, maybe we should take it easy this time," another player added with a smirk. "Don't want them quitting the league."

In the midst of the relaxed atmosphere, Ojo's head coach, Gunpei Shoji, entered the room with a stern expression. He scanned the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. The chatter died down as the players turned to face him.

"Alright, listen up," Coach Shoji began, his voice steady and authoritative. "I know what you're all thinking. You're expecting another blowout, and maybe it will be. But I want to remind you—never underestimate your opponent."

The room fell silent, the weight of the coach's words sinking in. Coach Shoji continued, his gaze sharp. "You can't afford to get cocky. The moment you let your guard down is the moment you lose control. Stay alert, stay focused, and play like it's your toughest game yet."

Despite the coach's warning, a few players exchanged skeptical glances. They respected Coach Shoji, but it was hard to feel threatened by a team they had humiliated before.

Out on the field, the atmosphere was electric. The stands were packed with fans clad in Ojo White Knights colors, their cheers deafening. Banners waved in the air, and a group of girls held up signs with Sakuraba's name, screaming at the top of their lungs. His dual status as a football star and model made him a favorite among the fans, and they couldn't get enough of him.

On the sidelines, Sakuraba adjusted his helmet, glancing at the crowd. The attention always made him a bit self-conscious, but he'd learned to handle it. He gave a small wave to the fans, eliciting another round of cheers.

Coach Shoji approached the bench where Shin was seated, his stoic face as unreadable as ever. "Shin, you're sitting out for now," the coach instructed. "We'll send you in when we need you. Let's give the starters some time to see what we're dealing with."

Shin gave a slight nod, unfazed. He was used to waiting for his moment, observing the game with a calculated eye before stepping in to dominate.

As the starters jogged onto the field, the Ojo White Knights' confidence was palpable. The players knew their strength, and they were ready to show it. But Coach Shoji's warning lingered in the back of their minds—a reminder that no game was won until the final whistle blew.