2nd Down: The worst gambler

The benefit the winning times the probability of winning minus the cost of play is the expected value of a gambling game. If the expected value is positive, it's usually a good idea to gamble. And when the expected value is negative, like in every single casino game for example, you'd expect to lose money. It's the life of the gambler, throwing himself into the mouth of the most tempting lion for a little thrill and profit. And in such an ocean of opportunity, a beast like Deimon's demon moves like a fish in water.

"Ugh... I-I... I'm going for red." dared one of those present at the table.

"Mmmph, what a bad hand I got!" grumbled another.

And the blond, aah~, the blond let out a satisfied sigh. Another card game won with cunning and intelligence, weapons of statistics that the Devil Bats quarterback mastered like his hands. He opened his sharp-toothed mouth once the prize was secured.

"Folks, I'd love to play another one with you, I really would, but- Ya-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Excuse me, I'm not making fun of your disability."

"Heh, laugh while you can, Hiruma. You're out of wins this year." said the captain of the military base.

The high school terror had visited his longtime gambling buddies as a peaceful tribute to the cosmos for a successful year of victories with the great Saikyodai university. And the soldier who interrupted Hiruma's cynical laughter was the best of his betting mates, a clever fox who wouldn't skip a mistake by others. For that reason, he was seldom allowed to join in the game.

"I don't know what you're talking about, you fucking alcoholic. Saikyodai will be the new Deimon, don't worry. We have only victories in front of us this year, we'll be champions. We've won the last two seasons, nothing has changed in this one." the blond assured with certainty, shaking the dice in his deft hand like war trophies.

The aging warrior gave a sideways smile. (This guy is hopeless), he thought. People were already talking about the prestigious Saikyodai University and how they would win the Rice Bowl for who knows how many years in a row. It had been a while since the blond had given any news in the area, but that same afternoon he told him everything relevant to Deimon's success three years earlier against Teikoku.

Certainly, he was somewhat happy that the boy had a new hobby but... something had changed. He was no longer playing at Deimon.

Somehow, that was noticeable.

The surprising showdown between Koigahama Heart Breakers and Enma Fires ended in a humiliating and crushing 38 - 3 in favor of the locals. The blond demon fulfilled his task, to see the approximate level of the first members of the club and the potential they would have. Besides, many students were curious and came out to see the football celebrities: Monta, the number one receiver, and Sena, the best running back.

Unsui, Shinryuji former quarterback, was upset by Hiruma's attitude. They would definitely talk later about where his influence on Enma ended, he couldn't work the same way he did on Deimon. The rest of the team was excited about the season ahead and what would happen to the team. Kurita especially, who had new hopes that they would manage to win the Rice Bowl against either Hiruma or Musashi before the end of college. That brought him a drive to play. Meanwhile, Eyeshield left the field to meet some fans who recognized him.

That was something new for him, so amid erratic nervous gestures he managed them to say goodbye, satisfied with their autographs. As far as it goes, it was a good first impression. Monta caught a 40-yard touchdown pass with Unsui after trying for quite some time, lack of chemistry perhaps, and Sena and Riku scored the rest of the points. That's without counting Kotaro's points, with 100% in 6 of 6 kicks: 5 try-on-points and 1 field goal.

The team left the stadium happy, despite not having planned the game. Expectations were raised significantly. When the exit was in front of them, a beautiful blonde waiting leaning against the wall caught Sena's attention. It was Koizumi Karin, the former Teikoku Alexanders player and Japan's best quarterback, according to the press. To be exact, she was waiting for Sena to show up and talk to him about work. Specifically, a manga about Eyeshield 21.

She was a bit sleepy, her red-haired friend had abandoned her for an engagement. But as soon as a murmur reached her ear she took off from her seat and interposed herself in front of the football team.

"E-Eh, ah, hello." she greeted as best she could. "I'm here to talk to Eyeshield-kun."

The alluded one blinked out of understanding. When the silence became too much to bear, Naga's quarterback interjected, "Kobayakawa-san must be tired from today's game, possibly he'll call you."

Karin instantly opened her bag and took out a business card, quite professional. It contained her contacts, so she could carry that information comfortably. She handed it to the runner and without another word she walked away.

"Ah! Talk to you later then, thanks."

The Bando kicker opined as he combed his hair.

"Man, that wasn't smart at all, leaving her waiting like that. You should be quicker, Sena." he commented wryly.

Of course, that wasn't the little player's intention. As soon as the girl crossed his eyes, he didn't know what to do. His inexperience with girls was still latent. A man entering his twenties like him couldn't have such difficulties in communicating with the ladies, he had to work it out. The bald quarterback saw Sena's worry and tried to help him.

"Kobayakawa-san, you could ask your cheerleader friend for help. She and you get along very well, don't you?" he proposed with a smile.

(Me and Suzuna? Really? I don't see why not. Maybe it will help), he pondered. Meanwhile, the team continued on their way to the university. (Hm? Where are they going?). It took the brown-haired man a few seconds to understand: it's the first day of school.

The inside of Enma University - Reception of freshmen

Enma's public university is one of the least demanding in Japan. Virtually everyone who aspires to study there gets in, the quality of the professors is minimal, and the students are as eager to breathe as a stone. For this reason, fewer and fewer true educators by vocation bother to visit the facilities. Sena went door to door reading the lintels until he came to a sign naming his assigned classroom.

It was the welcome for the new students, and he didn't plan to get lost or arrive out of time. He entered and found a large room that at first glance gave the brown-haired man the idea that it was the same size as a football field. Rows of young adults were directing their eyes to a common point at the back, where on a lower level a man in a smart suit was holding a piece of paper.

"Uh, huh... Okay, open your..." Sigh. "books on page 31B, please... It contains a description of Enma and its story."

Everyone present looked each other with disappointment. This was a textbook boring teacher who had lost the flame of his teaching enthusiasm. The gentleman with a few passing gray hairs and thick glasses let out a chuckle.

"I'm kidding! I'm possibly the only one of these living skeletons..." he said pointing to the teachers beside him, waiting to be introduced. They themselves turned with indignation at the verbal attack. "... who will never devote to you a smile. I am rector Kantoku Maekazu, and I will be your guide on this journey."

A common relief was heard among all the listeners, it turned out that the college speaker was rather more charismatic than planned. Sena smiled too, it would be a fun year.

"If you gentlemen are listening to me it's that you chose Social Sciences as your way of life. Here you don't just study people, you breathe human lives. People are our objects of study and we'll make sure to amen every part of them... Welcome to your first year!"

Thus began the first year at Enma University of Social Sciences.

Once the introduction to the new year was over, the brown-haired man headed for the corridors where the class schedules were already posted. A sting on his back distracted him, it was Monta.

"Sena! How did it go?"

"Ah, fine. Should be interesting."

Despite never being an outstanding student, this time he would take it upon himself to get good grades and take notes. Mamori would not be around to share class stuff with him. In addition, the Teikoku quarterback was interested in talking to him: He still didn't know why. (I hope it doesn't take too much of my time).

The university league is coming... What a thrill!

At that moment, a man walking in front of them crashed as he didn't see the direction he was walking. That unsettled Monta, who stretched his neck in an attempt to recognize the mysterious figure. Sena heard how the papers this person was carrying fall to the ground.

"Oh, I help you, sir-"

As the slender hands touched the fallen leaves, Sena thought he remembered that dark skin and simple face. This was no student, at least not as his memory dictated.

"Mh... we met?"

"Ishimaru?"

"Who?" the stranger asked.

"I-I mean Simard."

The San Antonio Armadillos quarterback prospect made a connection in his mind. He vaguely remembered little Sena - though he was still small today - accidentally arriving at practice. (That's right, we already know each other). His speed and elusiveness surprised him. The brown-haired was what for a player of his type would be a 'mobile guy'.

"What- Uh..." Simard pulled a little book from the pocket of his fancy suit and read carefully and expertly what he was looking for. "What a surprise to see us."

As expected, the tanned man wasn't yet fluent in Japanese and had to rely on a dictionary book to get by with native speakers. The receiving monkey was totally oblivious to the sort of 'conversation' between them. He stepped in with a small intentional cough, which caught Sena's attention.

"Monta, sorry, I forgot you were there, heh." said embarrassed. (That sounded even worse).

The American noticed that his old acquaintance had commitments, so he planned to say goodbye.

"I don't want to intrude, I'll see you later."

"W-Wait! What are you doing in Enma?"

The runningback turned instantly, before the other departed. The energy he exuded seemed pleasant to the quarterback, who smiled sympathetically.

"I got a job as an assistant coach for the Enma Fires." he explained with a nod.

His body was lost in the crowd as Sena ran through 'Enma Fires' in his mind. He had no idea what he was referring to. He didn't know that, precisely, Enma Fires was the name of the college football team. But he would find out soon enough...

Sosokai University Residence Halls - Room 11

The Notre Dame runner looked again at his poorly clipped little card, then returned his gaze to the door ahead. Finally, he took a final glance at the card that read "Room 11." There was no mistake: This poorly fitted door with clear signs of moisture and a cramped interior revealed as soon as you opened. This was his room. Compared to the other dorms... his was definitely cursed in some way. It didn't seem like the rest were that bad, his parents assured his that they had planned his entire stay as soon as he talked about attending Enma. They were enthusiastic and he was happy about it.

But he wouldn't judge a book by its cover, even if the cover was poorly drawn and badly misspelled. He opened the door and... no, it was what he imagined. Because of the dark stain on the ceiling that seemed to give away drops of water of dubious origin and the huge crack that divided the floor, he would have to spend that afternoon with his parents if he wanted to avoid stressing out any more.

(At least my roommate is nice?), he dreamed to comfort himself. Footsteps on his back hinted at confirmation, but as soon as he turned around he found a great disappointment.

"Ah, Kobayakawa." blurted the silky-haired Koigahama player.

Hatsujo Kaoru. He was Deimon's first moderately important "opponent" in his first game. Both Deimon and Koigahama were small, weak teams without many decent members, so their game ended in a dismal 6 - 3. He, the quarterback, was probably the only one who knew how to play.

"Uh, you..." didn't remember his name.

"I'm Hatsujo, we met because of... that match years ago. That's why you don't remember me, probably." guessed looking at his suitcase out of the corner of his eye, he had intentions of going into his assigned dorm but the brown-haired one was still in the way.

The runner tied up loose ends in his mind, this boy was his roomie. "Are you... staying with me?"

"Yeah, uh, I want to come in."

"Oh! S-Sure, sorry."

Then, the quarterback came in swinging his valise through the door with some rotations. When an enigmatic drop fell on his forehead from the ceiling, he knew what Sena had already found out...

That bedroom was dreadful.

"Eh... I guess... it's cozy in its own way" optimistically proposed the little footballer.

"No, it's awful."

Awkward silence.

The brunette snorted, thinking what to add to the conversation.

"Good game today, it was exciting."

Bad choice. Hatsujo slumped to the broken floor amidst loud wails.

"Waaaaaaaaaah! It was horrible! We're dire! We'll never make it to the fall tournament!"

It was the same old story, Koigahama had been humiliated by a superior team. The wet-haired adult was particularly depressed about what happened earlier in the day, but the final straw was meeting the runner who played havoc with them time and time again on defense. Sena didn't know what to do, between the disdainful room and his depressed partner he had nothing to salvage from the situation. (I have to solve this), he thought, taking cautious steps out of the room.

Sosokai University Residence Halls - Front Desk

Sena came desperately to the receptionist with an adorable bun on the top of her head. With a soft voice in contrast to the strong presence he achieved at Notre Dame, Sena made his request.

"Excuse me, uh... Is room 11 enabled for human use? B-Because... I really doubt it."

He didn't mean it maliciously, but it aroused an accusing high eyebrow from the receptionist.

"Uh, it was the we had left when you checked in."

(I figured, my parents found this place in a hurry).

"But you're a football player, aren't you? Surely these 'rough' rooms suit your style" comforted the tired woman with a laugh.

(No, really, this room isn't rough, it's demonic).

"A-At least you can change my partner?"

"Since you are both players, we thought you'd like it."

(They really are bad at organizing, aren't they?).

There was no point, he would have to stay in that room. He turned towards the stairs to go up again and found Hatsujo looking at him. (This is going to be stressful)