Disclaimer: Any original characters are property of myself and myself only. Eyeshield 21 is a series created by Riichigo Inagaki and Yusuke Murata. All characters of Eyeshield 21 are property of the original creators, Shonen Jump and Viz Media. Any references to the NFL and its players are copyrighted by the NFL and credited to their respective teams.

It had been about a week after Sena's and Monta's fight and the teammate had resumed their normal antics and habits as per normal. The team had gone back to practicing and were preparing for their final skirmish game before the beginning of the fall tournament in three month's time.

Sena had to live with nearly constant cat calling from Mizumachi and Kotaro. However their playful jeers had recently decreased thanks to a few of Suzuna's murderous glances. Other members of his team were more supportive and less teasing towards their captain. Namely Monta and Kurita we're very supportive of the running back and his new fling; although Sena had almost been crushed to certain death when he was hugged by the rotund lineman. Unsui and Riku remained congratulatory but neutral, but a small part of the elder Kongo brother was jealous considering his patriarchal schooling prior to his arrival at Enma.

Suzuna even had to deal with some flak from the rest of the cheer leaders too but she managed to keep her squad in line. She may not have been able to cheer because of her ankle, but she still mandated practice, and that meant they would pay for any jeers sent her way. Truthfully most of the punishment Suzuna dealt out was just a front. Deep down she was very happy everyone was accepting of her and Sena and she was sure that Sena felt the same way.

Afternoon practice was just about to end when the team manager Juri Sawai called in the team for an announcement. The former Bando Spider manager had gone to Enma following her boyfriend Kotaro and, since she was the most experienced person for the job was "nominated" to be Enma's manager. As the group of sweaty and tired athletes surrounded the sky blue haired girl she held up her clipboard and cleared her throat.

"As some of you know, Football Monthly is doing an exhibition about a different college team and their players every month. This upcoming June edition is going to be Enma University." This brought a small ruckus of cheers and hoots among the circle of football stars. "One of their editors contacted us and asked us to be ready for an interview session this weekend and also to provide them with 40 times, max bench weights, and other menial things like height and weight. So that means tomorrow in lieu of afternoon practice we will be recording these things instead. So do your best!"

The group of ball players all roared in agreement and began to meander to the locker room. Sena however went towards the sidelines to talk to Suzuna for a moment before heading back over to the throng. Mizumachi let out an exaggerated "Awww" and then caught a flying roller blade to the face for his efforts. A handful of the team chuckled at his misfortune and a roar of laughter erupted from the cheering squad. Kurita threw the downed lineman over his shoulder and began shaking his head as they headed into the locker room.

After the team showered and changed into their casual clothing they all headed out of the locker room together and began to part ways. Kurita and Unsui said they'd help take the still swooning Mizumachi home and headed toward the tactless blondes home supporting the somewhat concuss leviathan. Kotaro took off on his own path with Juri on his arm and Riku waved a goodbye before also setting off. The remaining trio of Monta, Sena, and Suzuna also said their goodbyes and began taking a leisurely pace home towards their own apartments.

As they trotted along Suzuna laced her fingers with Sena's and the couple held hands. They were more at ease in the presence of Monta than some of their other teammates so this was an easy feat for the shy teens. It wasn't long before the trio started to talk about the skills combine they were going to have tomorrow.

"I wonder how much stronger Kurita is now with a few years of college under his belt." Monta queried.

Sena blanched saying, "If the congratulation hug I got from him is any indication I would say MUCH stronger!" This drew a laugh from his girlfriend and Monta couldn't help but chuckle as well.

"I can't wait to see how much stronger I've gotten either though. It really has been a while since we actually recorded our max reps. Man, that had to have been senior year in High School." Monta stated.

"Really? That long ago?" Suzuna asked out of curiosity.

"I think so. We never really focused on that stuff. We were always focusing on our next opponent to worry about official skill sets like that." The apish teen offered.

"That's true I guess. I'm actually curious as well. They really focused on strength training a lot when I was in America… and I'm curious to see my 40 speed as well." Sena trailed off speaking more to himself than his friends.

"Why? It will be 4.2 seconds like always right?" Suzuna asked with a tint of confusion.

Sena just nodded and scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Maybe…" he conceded. His friends obviously knew he was hiding something and exchanged curious glances at one another.

"What do you mean maybe?" Monta asked incredulously.

The running back jumped slightly at the tone of Monta's inquiry and began to wave his hands back and forth stuttering, "No no nothing like that! I mean I know… know I can run the 40 in 4.2 se..seconds." But then his expression grew darkly serious, "But I think I can go faster…"

His girlfriend and his best friend both froze in their tracks and turned to regard the runner. Their eyes were wide but deadly serious. Monta just stared at is friend in stark amazement not saying anything. Suzuna however burst into a smile and began to jump up and down slightly still favoring her good ankle.

"That's amazing Sena! Can you really break the light speed barrier?" his girlfriend squeaked enthusiastically.

Sena looked to her and nodded solemnly before stuttering a, "May… maybe?" The running back offered a sheepish smile and began to laugh lightly with a doubtful tone.

Both of his friends just blanched at his typical self doubt and Suzuna gave him a quick pinch. "Quit doubting yourself!" she scolded. Then she leaned in close so that only he could hear her and she whispered into his ear, "I know you can do it, and if you do I'll give you a kiss this time!"

Enma University's ace running back erupted into the shades of ripe strawberries.