Masaru, Toru, and Rukia stood frozen, the moment had stolen the strength from their bodies. Their wide eyes remained locked on the field, breaths shallow, disbelief pressing heavy against their chests.
Kento and Ryusei stayed upright, unmoving, the hope that had lifted them moments ago now collapsing into quiet frustration etched across their faces.
At the dugout, Minato dragged a slow frustrated hand through his hair, while Raon kicked the turf in visible anger. Beside them, Shiori watched without a word, her eyes shimmering as tears gathered, pain, worry, and belief tangled tightly in her gaze.
From the VIP balcony, silence ruled. The senior Tokyo Wolves sat with heavy, expressionless faces, the excitement drained from the air. Ismau remained still among them, his gaze fixed forward, serious and unreadable.
