Ep 16. So Long Kurita?

In Eyeshield 21 season 1 episode 16, titled "So Long Kurita?", the Deimon Devil Bats' team captain, Hiruma, announces to the team that their third-year lineman, Kurita, will be leaving the team to focus on his studies. Kurita is reluctant to leave the team, but he knows that he needs to improve his grades and attend a university in order to achieve his dream of becoming a teacher.

Meanwhile, the Deimon Devil Bats are gearing up for their next opponent, Taiyo Sphinx, a team known for their strong defense. The team is worried about how they will perform without Kurita's strength on the line. However, Hiruma has a plan to counter the Sphinx's defense, and he puts Sena and Monta in charge of executing it.

As the game begins, Sena and Monta struggle to execute their assigned plays, and the Sphinx's defense becomes increasingly difficult to penetrate. Without Kurita's support, the Devil Bats are struggling to stay afloat. However, Hiruma's strategic thinking and quick reflexes help the team gain a foothold in the game.

During halftime, Hiruma delivers a rousing speech to the team, reminding them that they're not just playing for themselves, but for Kurita as well. The team rallies around this idea and goes back onto the field with newfound vigor. With Hiruma's plan and the team's renewed energy, they're able to score the necessary points to win the game.

After the game, the team says their goodbyes to Kurita, wishing him well on his studies. Kurita thanks the team for all that they've done for him, and promises to support them in any way possible from afar. The rest of the team reflects on Kurita's contributions to the team, realizing just how much he meant to them and how much they'll miss him.

Overall, "So Long Kurita?" is an emotionally charged episode that deals with the theme of loss and growth. While the team struggles without Kurita's strength, they ultimately learn to rely on their own abilities and adapt to the challenge. Kurita's departure is bittersweet, but it allows him to pursue his dreams and gives the rest of the team a chance to step up and prove themselves.