Gridiron Titan: The Rise of Deimon - eyeshield 21 fanfic

Shin Seijuro and Sakuraba Haruto stood before Coach Gunpei Shoji, their expressions calm yet attentive. The coach flipped through their scouting report with a critical eye, his brow furrowing deeper with each page.

"This report," Shoji began, setting it on his desk, "only covers the first half of the game against the Deimon Devil Bats. Why did you leave the second half out?"

Shin spoke first, his tone measured. "Coach, the first half revealed nothing extraordinary. The Devil Bats relied heavily on Hiruma and Kurita, but the rest of the team was weak. The Cupids were in control, and it seemed unlikely that Deimon had any hidden strengths."

Sakuraba added, "We didn't see any reason to stay. Their performance suggested they hadn't improved since our last match, where we defeated them 99-0."

Shoji's eyes narrowed. "And yet, you've failed to mention players number 21 and 22. What about them?"

Shin's gaze shifted slightly. "Number 21 is an unknown. He wore a visor, concealing his identity. He goes by the name 'Eyeshield 21.' Hiruma must have kept him off the field until the second half."

Sakuraba nodded, continuing, "As for number 22, we didn't see him play. However, we later learned he made a significant impact. Hiruma likely held both players back to prevent us from gathering intel on them."

Shoji tapped his fingers on the desk, his expression unreadable. "Hiruma's clever, no doubt. But leaving before you could assess their full strength was a mistake. 'Eyeshield 21' and this number 22 could change the dynamics. Who is this number 22?"

Sakuraba shrugged slightly. "We're not sure, but he's new. From what we gathered, he's likely another key player Hiruma intended to keep hidden."

Shin's eyes met Shoji's. "Even with these new players, Coach, our previous match was a 99-0 victory. The gap is too large for them to overcome with just two additions."

Shoji's gaze hardened. "Never underestimate an opponent, especially one with Hiruma's tactical mind. If he's holding players back, it's for a good reason. We need to be prepared for anything."

The room fell into a tense silence before Shoji stood, his voice firm. "Find out everything you can about Eyeshield 21 and number 22. I want no surprises when we face them next."

"Yes, Coach," Shin and Sakuraba replied, leaving the office with a renewed determination to uncover the secrets behind Deimon's mysterious players.

The locker room buzzed with energy, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere just hours earlier. The Deimon Devil Bats had pulled off an unexpected victory, and the celebration was in full swing. Kurita, always the gentle giant, beamed with joy, clutching a box of cream puffs he had picked up on the way back.

"Cream puffs for everyone!" Kurita announced, his grin wide as he handed them out. "We earned this!"

Sena, sitting quietly at first, felt a newfound confidence bubbling inside him. The cheers from his teammates, the adrenaline from his two touchdowns, and the thrill of victory had transformed him. He clenched his fist, smiling to himself. "I can really do this," he thought.

Nearby, Hiruma leaned against the wall, his devilish grin never fading. Despite the jubilant scene, his mind was already focused on the next challenge. The game against Ojo White Knights loomed in his thoughts. He flipped through his notebook, scribbling down plays and potential strategies.

"That was just the beginning," Hiruma muttered to himself. "Ojo won't know what hit them."

In the center of the room, TJ was the life of the party. He had ditched his pads and cleats for a more relaxed outfit, moving around the room like a whirlwind of energy. His charisma was infectious, lifting spirits even higher. He playfully ruffled Sena's hair.

"You did great out there, Eyeshield!" TJ grinned. "Now that's how you make an entrance!"

Sena chuckled, feeling more comfortable than ever with his new teammates. "Thanks, TJ. But you were amazing! Those interceptions and touchdowns…"

TJ flexed exaggeratedly, striking a goofy pose. "What can I say? On the field, I'm a beast. Off the field… well, I'm still a beast, but with better dance moves!" He launched into a comical dance, drawing laughter from everyone around.

Kurita joined in, clapping along, while Sena and the others watched, their worries temporarily forgotten.

As the celebration continued, Hiruma looked up from his notes, a sly grin forming. "Alright, you animals," he called out. "Enjoy the night, but remember, Ojo is next. No slacking."

TJ tossed an arm around Hiruma's shoulders, a broad grin on his face. "Relax, Hiruma! We'll crush them. But first…" He lifted a cream puff from Kurita's box, "...more cream puffs!"

The room erupted in laughter, the camaraderie solidifying. TJ's exuberant off-field personality contrasted sharply with his fierce on-field presence, but it was exactly what the team needed to believe in their potential. The Devil Bats, underdogs no more, were ready to take on whatever came next.