Down 7: Jan's Request: Eyeshield 21, Defensive Mode

The weeks went on as a hell week. Each day of practice required more repetition. Even Shin seemed to be tired after every practice. Weight training was not easier. Each day had an assigned major workout. Monday was Bench, Tuesday was Squats/Legs, Wednesday was Cleans, and Thursday was Bench again. Friday was usually game day, requiring no weight training. Sena found he could lift more every day, having advanced to a bench of 185 pounds, a squat of 295, and a clean of 145 (cleans are a rigorous lift that requires the whole body to explode a bar upwards, then quickly hop underneath it and catch it).

"Sena!" called a voice from around the hall. It was after school on Thursday, pregame was among the team. "Can I ask you a question" called the voice.

Sena turned around to see Janny. "Oh" Sena stumbled, "hello. Nice hair today." Sena only knew compliments; Jan's hair was actually rather dull in his opinion.

"Thanks. Could you pass this along to Devin for me" she said as she handed Sena a paper. "It is a special play I want him to do in the game tomorrow night."

"Oh, Devin" Sena tried to remember who that was. "The Safety."

"Yeah, the play is for him to try his best to sit out."

"Why would you want him to sit out?"

"So we can work on our project together. I am sure you could take his place"

"I haven't worked at defense since leaving Japan." Sena said, felling sick thinking of playing both sides of the ball.

"Well, Devin needs to help me out, so either you give this to him, or take him out (injure)" she gritted. "I need an A, and if you don't get him out of the game, I'll get you taken out instead, so you can help me"

This was a side of Jan Sena did not see before. Something was wrong. "Jan, did someone tell you to give me this message? Does someone want me to play defense?"

"No, this is my incentive" Jan said, motioning toward a paper she had written on, reading "Hiruma wants you playing both sides"

'Hiruma, you devil' Sena thought. "Fine, tell Hiruma I'll be playing defense. I will see what I can do."

At practice, Sena asked coach Finkle if he could try defense out at Safety. "Sure, let's see how Eyeshield 21 does in such a stance".

Plant was running a 4-4-3 defense, with 4 down lineman, 4 linebackers, and 3 outside men. The linebackers were named (besides Shin) Roger Tate, Steve Newfond, and Doug Hiat. Sena went in for Doug, the regular linebacker. "Sena, you know what you are doing? "Shin asked.

"Hiruma threatened a girl to make me do both sides, so I might as well try it."

"Hiruma …" Shin understood.

The scout team was running Manatees offense, what on film seemed like a standard run offense. Dulton would make a hole down the center, allowing the running back Trag get through. The scout team had instead was using Carson to emulate the power, and the back-up running back Toby Renning to emulate the runner. With the snap, Carson went up field, being unblocked. The defense of Plant allowed this as part of the plan. The 4 lineman would all pinch inwards, making the hole small. Shin would be taking on the center, pushing him back into the hole. Sena's job was simple, blitz in case of a pass.

"Run faster Toby" Finkle yelled. "Make it a pass this time"

Sena rushed in at top speed, startling the offensive line, getting outside of them. Along with the end, Fred Holyfield (same as TE) they both got the sack. After many repetitions, Sena was able to tell when it was a pass or run, and able to rush accordingly.

"Sena, you are starting at linebacker as well. Sorry Doug." Sena could see Doug was upset.

"Hey Doug, don't worry, if things get close, coach will keep me off defense to focus on offense"

"Shut up" Doug calmly said. "This is what is best for the team. You are a good linebacker, you are much faster than me, and can easily maneuver around those fat linemen. I will practice to get better, so we can both be on the field at once. Me, you, Shin, Steve, and Roger. A 5 linebacker set isn't impossible, it is just situational. This is your time to shine, Eyeshield 21 of Japan, Defensive mode activate. Yeah, work your best".

Doug walked away at the end of practice, not looking back. The Florida hell sun set as he walked in its direction.