The two players were thinking the same thing: I can lose, but I can't lose this miserably.
So I'll just go out there and do my best.
Whatever happens, happens.
As long as I don't bring shame to the Bushido spirit.
Seeing that appeals to the Bushido spirit weren't working anymore, Watanabe Yuta could only try to provoke the players' anger by shouting and even cursing at them:
"Fine, fine. The Bushido spirit isn't working anymore, is that it?"
"You've got no self-respect left at all, is that it?"
"If that's the case, then get the hell out of the National Team, right now!"
"I don't want to see you for another minute. Your very presence is a disgrace to the National Team!"
Then he swept his hand through the air.
"You five substitutes, get on the court. You five starters, get the hell out of the arena!"
Watanabe Yuta screamed those words hysterically. His gestures were so wild that his previously immaculate hair had become a mess.
He looked just like an art student passionately delivering a speech in a little tavern.
Unexpectedly, Watanabe Yuta's tactic worked remarkably well.
There was nothing to be done if they simply couldn't win the game. But being kicked off the National Team right there in front of everyone at the arena would be an absolute disgrace.
Never mind that the rules supposedly meant players couldn't be fired on a whim during the Olympic Games.
Even if he couldn't just fire them, the coach could still kick those five starters out of the arena right now.
He could keep them off the court for the rest of the Olympic Games, then boot them off the National Team as soon as the Games ended. Those were both things a coach could do.
If that