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Welcome to Game Hunter's review of Eyeshield 21. The purpose of these reviews is not to summarize the events in the chapter: I will assume you've already read through the chapter and have a simple understanding of what happened. (For those of you who haven't, I highly recommend a good read before continuing on.) Instead, I will go into detail the points I find most important in terms of the match, the story, and the characters. Most often this will bring about pictures from the past, ideas about the future, and reflections on what was seen but was not understood. If anything, I hope that you, the reader, will gain a better knowledge and perception of the manga. With that in mind, let us begin...
For thirty-five minutes these two teams have faced off with everything they have: now comes the final stretch.
300th Down: The Empire's Triumphal Parade Return
First and foremost, the title of the chapter plays two important roles: it gives readers an idea of what will happen in the chapter (albeit vaguely) and it allows readers to see what the mangaka wanted to highlight in the chapter. Naturally, this title is completely and entirely about how the top, Teikoku Gakuen, has made a "comeback" from their position and that they have all but won the game. People are leaving the stands, Teikoku is literally celebrating already, and the crowd's just counting down the time until the game ends. It's a very demeaning situation for Deimon, especially in contrast to Hiruma's trick play in 196th Down against Shinryuuji involving the entire crowd's support.
The other meaning behind the title belongs in the Empire's emperor, Yamato. He IS the parade, the return. Yamato is literally carrying the game for the final five minutes of Teikoku's offense, and with that they are able to put Deimon into a checkmate situation. His pride is the spirit of Teikoku, and as he carries the ball he brings with him the pride that he believes in, completely and absolutely. As we know from the previous chapter, Yamato is exactly the kind of person who can reverse a morale situation, and he does so very well with his Caesar's Charge.
I'm surprised that it only took Deimon five plays to stop Yamato enough to "force" a field goal. Why five player? Basically, the first play following all three uses of Deimon's time-outs ends at 3:29; the play that finally stops Yamato ends at 1:08. Attempting to use all 25 seconds before the play must begin, and two minutes, 21 seconds to spare, that leaves about 16 seconds of actual play, which is conceivable since this is a manga. So, Deimon managed to figure out how to stop Yamato in five downs (possibly less, if you prefer to think of each stopwatch as the separation between downs) such that Teikoku found it safest to aim for the field goal. A couple issues arise from this:
- Not only did they stop Yamato, but for this to be realistic (that is, fourth down so a punt is the safe play) they had to stop him three times, in a row, and under a ten-yard total. If I'm not mistaken, Yamato totally plowed through the first three quarters without a single turnover on his part: why would Deimon be able to do so in the most desperate situation?
- At the same time, Hiruma knows that a touch-back is the safest option at this point (and since there is no showing of an offside kick I doubt that was used) so Yamato would have to have covered fifty yards in, at most, two plays, then couldn't make it past Deimon for ten during the next three downs. Unreal, even by ES21 standards.
In an attempt to rationalize the situation, though, I'll explain what happened in believable terms: Hiruma knew (as explained) that Yamato would be used in every play, and was able to formulate a strategy (giving himself some time to think it through) as to stop his charge effectively enough for three downs. Though if that was the case, even Hiruma would realize he got lucky for some of those downs. I'll forgive it, though, as it's somewhat of an aside compared to the rest of the game and the rest of the chapter.
Hum...I vaguely recall a similar chant of Hiruma's in the Bando game. Sadly, it won't end in the same way.
So Teikoku made the field goal. Three points, bringing their total to 44 against Deimon's 34. Against Shinryuuji there was a huge problem making even eight points a reality at the end (the "checkmate" scenario brought on by Unsui), so eleven points is an absolute nightmare. We can more-or-less rely on eight points from a TD/TFP, assuming they get one at all, which leaves three points to gain. The only thing I can think of that is even slightly possible is a field goal. Thankfully, we have clues as to how both may happen.
I agree, Musashi...Hotei's kick was totally weak. I miss the good days. You know, three chapters ago.
First-off, the field goal. Hotei mentions the "self-claimed 60-yard Magnum," a name we haven't heard (or really thought about) since the Bando game. There were plenty of times to consider that we'd get closure in the Teikoku game, but the score's shifted so many times in the past few chapters that there hasn't been much opportunity to think about it in a decisive manner. However, this is the only way that Deimon can win at this point, and therefore this is the only shot we've got left to see it. And by it, I mean one of the craziest long-distance field goals we will ever see on paper.
You...you guys realize there's only 12 seconds left in the match, right? Just once I'd like to see the dialogue take place in real-time.
Secondly, the touchdown itself. I guess if something's going to work, it would be a play that didn't work the first time. All the same, the Chris Cross is a highly-unpredictable move from what we know of it. The ball could go to Sena, Monta or Hiruma, although there are some things that prevent all possibilities, such as Monta's complete inca-pass-ity to throw the ball. Whenever it absolutely, positively has to be Sena who gets the ball, it's Sena who will get the ball. (At least, at first...he may then pass the ball to someone else, but Sena is typically the fire-starter.) How Deimon manages to work around this problem is something for the next chapter.
These two factors, of course, assume it's possible at all. Eight seconds are left in the game...this is truly a desperate situation. What we're looking at is, at the absolute very most, six seconds for this one play: chances are it will be six seconds, too, because Sena won't be able to run immediately to the endzone or without obstacle. After this point, there are two seconds left: one to kick-off then -- somehow -- make it to the ball before Teikoku (not necessarily an onside kick...in fact, it's better if the ball is kicked off the field and Deimon simply recovers it, freezing time once again with only one second being used) and one to make a really really long field-goal. It's no wonder Hiruma looks as he does:
Now, personally I've been saying that Deimon will end up losing this match. Initially that was based on a few things, such as Yamato's and Taka's complete supremacy over the match (which was only overturned, as expected, exactly once each) and the overall feeling of the match. Even now, as the predictions for the 11-point miracle are in place, it is almost a little too expected that it will happen. I mean really, what else can happen if the eleven points aren't gained in exactly the way mentioned previously? That's why I believe it could still happen, that Teikoku ends up victorious (as cocky as they are). It won't be an entirely bitter ending, as it will give us hope for the next year (though we won't see it, we know the chances for victory will be plenty high...just think of how many recruits will want to join Deimon after this season, victory or not), and we have seen personal victories for many of Deimon's players.
Ironically, there isn't much to say about the whole "trust" part of the chapter because it's easily one of the most self-explained developments in the entire manga. If I were to infer anything from it (and, by the way, what I'm talking about is on pages 15 to 17) then I would notice that Deimon has finally matured into a true competitive team, betting their entire season not only on Hiruma's trust, but the pride of Deimon and the sweat and blood that have gone into making this once-in-a-lifetime underdog group a formidable opponent against the Empire. It's not even about winning anymore, it's about wanting to win, and Deimon never wants to lose that feeling so they continue to play on, placing their trust into everyone else that they still have the will to fight to the very (perhaps bitter) end. Certainly we've seen more than enough in a climactic battle for this to be a personal victory for each and every one of Deimon.
At the end of this glorious manga, there's little to predict about what might or might not happen. For once, we should simply let the cards fall as they may and see what they turn up.
For thirty-five minutes these two teams have faced off with everything they have: now comes the final stretch.
300th Down: The Empire's Triumphal Parade Return
First and foremost, the title of the chapter plays two important roles: it gives readers an idea of what will happen in the chapter (albeit vaguely) and it allows readers to see what the mangaka wanted to highlight in the chapter. Naturally, this title is completely and entirely about how the top, Teikoku Gakuen, has made a "comeback" from their position and that they have all but won the game. People are leaving the stands, Teikoku is literally celebrating already, and the crowd's just counting down the time until the game ends. It's a very demeaning situation for Deimon, especially in contrast to Hiruma's trick play in 196th Down against Shinryuuji involving the entire crowd's support.
Left: 196th Down, page 2. Right: 300th Down, page 17.
You know things are looking bad when Mizumachi isn't randomly stripping down. Perhaps it's too cold?
You know things are looking bad when Mizumachi isn't randomly stripping down. Perhaps it's too cold?
The other meaning behind the title belongs in the Empire's emperor, Yamato. He IS the parade, the return. Yamato is literally carrying the game for the final five minutes of Teikoku's offense, and with that they are able to put Deimon into a checkmate situation. His pride is the spirit of Teikoku, and as he carries the ball he brings with him the pride that he believes in, completely and absolutely. As we know from the previous chapter, Yamato is exactly the kind of person who can reverse a morale situation, and he does so very well with his Caesar's Charge.
I'm surprised that it only took Deimon five plays to stop Yamato enough to "force" a field goal. Why five player? Basically, the first play following all three uses of Deimon's time-outs ends at 3:29; the play that finally stops Yamato ends at 1:08. Attempting to use all 25 seconds before the play must begin, and two minutes, 21 seconds to spare, that leaves about 16 seconds of actual play, which is conceivable since this is a manga. So, Deimon managed to figure out how to stop Yamato in five downs (possibly less, if you prefer to think of each stopwatch as the separation between downs) such that Teikoku found it safest to aim for the field goal. A couple issues arise from this:
- Not only did they stop Yamato, but for this to be realistic (that is, fourth down so a punt is the safe play) they had to stop him three times, in a row, and under a ten-yard total. If I'm not mistaken, Yamato totally plowed through the first three quarters without a single turnover on his part: why would Deimon be able to do so in the most desperate situation?
- At the same time, Hiruma knows that a touch-back is the safest option at this point (and since there is no showing of an offside kick I doubt that was used) so Yamato would have to have covered fifty yards in, at most, two plays, then couldn't make it past Deimon for ten during the next three downs. Unreal, even by ES21 standards.
Then again, a guy like this seems unreal all by himself.
Warning: objects in mirror are more impossible to stop than they appear.
Warning: objects in mirror are more impossible to stop than they appear.
In an attempt to rationalize the situation, though, I'll explain what happened in believable terms: Hiruma knew (as explained) that Yamato would be used in every play, and was able to formulate a strategy (giving himself some time to think it through) as to stop his charge effectively enough for three downs. Though if that was the case, even Hiruma would realize he got lucky for some of those downs. I'll forgive it, though, as it's somewhat of an aside compared to the rest of the game and the rest of the chapter.
Hum...I vaguely recall a similar chant of Hiruma's in the Bando game. Sadly, it won't end in the same way.
So Teikoku made the field goal. Three points, bringing their total to 44 against Deimon's 34. Against Shinryuuji there was a huge problem making even eight points a reality at the end (the "checkmate" scenario brought on by Unsui), so eleven points is an absolute nightmare. We can more-or-less rely on eight points from a TD/TFP, assuming they get one at all, which leaves three points to gain. The only thing I can think of that is even slightly possible is a field goal. Thankfully, we have clues as to how both may happen.
I agree, Musashi...Hotei's kick was totally weak. I miss the good days. You know, three chapters ago.
First-off, the field goal. Hotei mentions the "self-claimed 60-yard Magnum," a name we haven't heard (or really thought about) since the Bando game. There were plenty of times to consider that we'd get closure in the Teikoku game, but the score's shifted so many times in the past few chapters that there hasn't been much opportunity to think about it in a decisive manner. However, this is the only way that Deimon can win at this point, and therefore this is the only shot we've got left to see it. And by it, I mean one of the craziest long-distance field goals we will ever see on paper.
You...you guys realize there's only 12 seconds left in the match, right? Just once I'd like to see the dialogue take place in real-time.
Secondly, the touchdown itself. I guess if something's going to work, it would be a play that didn't work the first time. All the same, the Chris Cross is a highly-unpredictable move from what we know of it. The ball could go to Sena, Monta or Hiruma, although there are some things that prevent all possibilities, such as Monta's complete inca-pass-ity to throw the ball. Whenever it absolutely, positively has to be Sena who gets the ball, it's Sena who will get the ball. (At least, at first...he may then pass the ball to someone else, but Sena is typically the fire-starter.) How Deimon manages to work around this problem is something for the next chapter.
These two factors, of course, assume it's possible at all. Eight seconds are left in the game...this is truly a desperate situation. What we're looking at is, at the absolute very most, six seconds for this one play: chances are it will be six seconds, too, because Sena won't be able to run immediately to the endzone or without obstacle. After this point, there are two seconds left: one to kick-off then -- somehow -- make it to the ball before Teikoku (not necessarily an onside kick...in fact, it's better if the ball is kicked off the field and Deimon simply recovers it, freezing time once again with only one second being used) and one to make a really really long field-goal. It's no wonder Hiruma looks as he does:
Top left: 300th down, page 16. Top right: 291st down, page 7. Bottom left: 150th down, page 9. Bottom right: 196th down, page 6.
The face of Hiruma, past and present. Note that the first two (chronologically) are cases where Deimon either lost or appeared to lose, but if anything Hiruma looks even more desperate on the Teikoku pages.
The face of Hiruma, past and present. Note that the first two (chronologically) are cases where Deimon either lost or appeared to lose, but if anything Hiruma looks even more desperate on the Teikoku pages.
Now, personally I've been saying that Deimon will end up losing this match. Initially that was based on a few things, such as Yamato's and Taka's complete supremacy over the match (which was only overturned, as expected, exactly once each) and the overall feeling of the match. Even now, as the predictions for the 11-point miracle are in place, it is almost a little too expected that it will happen. I mean really, what else can happen if the eleven points aren't gained in exactly the way mentioned previously? That's why I believe it could still happen, that Teikoku ends up victorious (as cocky as they are). It won't be an entirely bitter ending, as it will give us hope for the next year (though we won't see it, we know the chances for victory will be plenty high...just think of how many recruits will want to join Deimon after this season, victory or not), and we have seen personal victories for many of Deimon's players.
Ironically, there isn't much to say about the whole "trust" part of the chapter because it's easily one of the most self-explained developments in the entire manga. If I were to infer anything from it (and, by the way, what I'm talking about is on pages 15 to 17) then I would notice that Deimon has finally matured into a true competitive team, betting their entire season not only on Hiruma's trust, but the pride of Deimon and the sweat and blood that have gone into making this once-in-a-lifetime underdog group a formidable opponent against the Empire. It's not even about winning anymore, it's about wanting to win, and Deimon never wants to lose that feeling so they continue to play on, placing their trust into everyone else that they still have the will to fight to the very (perhaps bitter) end. Certainly we've seen more than enough in a climactic battle for this to be a personal victory for each and every one of Deimon.
At the end of this glorious manga, there's little to predict about what might or might not happen. For once, we should simply let the cards fall as they may and see what they turn up.
There's nothing else to say now but:
