Inside one of the hotel's large recreation halls, a unified roar of laughter suddenly erupted, echoing off the walls.
The Japanese U19 squad was sprawled across the plush couches, trading jokes and lighthearted banter. Near the corner, a loud group was completely absorbed in a football game on the PlayStation, while others flicked through the TV channels or caught up over snacks, everyone thoroughly enjoying the downtime.
"Whaaaa! You definitely cheated! There's no way!"
Jiho roared, throwing his hands up in theatrical irritation. Seated right across from him was Souma with a massive smirk playing on his face, while a heavily cluttered board game rested on the low table between them.
"I definitely did not!" Souma said smugly. "How could I? It's purely a game of luck, my friend."
Still gritting his teeth in frustration, Jiho turned sharply to Raya, who was standing beside them wearing a nervous smile.
