CHAPTER 48: IN TWO!

Most of the players were huddled around Haruma, celebrating with joyous cheers and pats on his back and top of head.

Meanwhile Raya remained standing on the sidelines, with his eyes wide letting out a breath he was holding. "Damn, Haruma really is something," he muttered.

Next to him, Nagisa was intently eyeing Haruma with an unreadable expression, before giving a slow nod.

Kurogami, still lying on the ground, punched the ground with clear frustration.

Just tgen, Minato sensei with a smile on his face stepped forward, "Alright everyone, gather around!" he called out.

One by one, all the celebrating players settled down and stood attentively before Minato sensei, their smiles slowly fading into focus.

Haruma with a smile turned to join the rest, eyes now fixed on sensei.

Raya, Nagisa and a few other players from the sidelines made their way over standing alongside everyone. As Raya passed he slightly gave a pat on Haruma’s back in silent appreciation.

Minato sensei then turned to Kurogami, who slowly pushed himself off the ground, coming to his feet with his face hung low, eyes shadowed with frustration and silent rage, as he walked and took his place

Minato sensei then gave a firm nod to the gathered players before speaking up. "I’m glad you all have put great effort, every test so far has been thrilling... but now, it’s time for the final challenge!"

His words instantly drew everyone’s full attention, all the players stood slightly straighter, eyes fixed on him.

"For this final test" He continued, "We’ll be splitting you all in two teams. Each will have three forwards, five defenders and one goalkeeper."

He took another step forward, his voice steady and clear, "Here’s how it’ll work. At the start, three forward players will be going up against opposing defenders inside a 35 circle yard. The game will kick off with forwards having the ball aiming to score, while the defenders will defend."

"If the defenders successfully clear the ball, the play restarts, with forwards again having the ball. This process will repeat as the forwards will be given three chances, and one more thing." He added firmly, "During the play, make sure no one steps out of that 35 circle yard!"

A wave of excitement and bright smiles spread on everyone, all exchanging glances with confidence glowing in them, among everyone Haruma was smiling, while Kurogami was standing with a firm serious face.

"Now I’ll split you all into two teams." Minato sensei raised his voice just enough to silence the buzzing energy, "The First team will have Raya as their captain!"

In an instant, everyone burst with cheers and applause, patting Raya’s back in appreciation. who was offering a humble, grateful and a proud smile all at once.

Minato sensei’s voice carried on calmly and composed, "The second team will be led by Kurogami!"

All the players’ smiles began to fade, all their earlier excitement dulled as everyone turned to Kurogami with blank eyes, who stood unshaken with his expressions unchanged.

Minato sensei pressed forward, "Raya as the first first player, the others will be, Jingo, Subaru, Nagisa, Izaya, Makoto, Haru, Rei and Toru!"

All the called out players’ smiles appeared pleased and excited, while Nagisa smirked confidently before turning to Kurogami, knowing he’ll get his chance against him.

Minato sensei’s gaze moved calmly across the players before he spoke up, "And Kurogami’s team will have Haruma, Tezuka, Itsuki, Kabuto, Zora, Ichimaru, Naoya and Jiho!"

Jiho’s eyes snapped open, frustration flashing clearly in his eyes. "But sensei I-"

"No questions Jiho!" Minato sensei cuts in sharply with a firm and final voice.

Though clearly frustrated, Jiho lowered his face and gave a reluctant nod, falling silent under his sensei’s command.

Minato sensei carried on, "As you can notice I’ve assigned the teams, but their roles will be decided by the captains!"

Both Kurogami and Raya sharpened their focus, their eyes firmly locked on Minato sensei

"You’ll have to choose three forwards and five defenders," He said, locking eyes with Kurogami and Raya.

Raya and Kurogami nodded in agreement, both seeming calm and confident, ready to face the challenge.

Now the two teams stood apart, each on their sides of the field.

Kurogami was facing his teammates, who were focused on him except for Jiho whose gaze was elsewhere, with a flicker of annoyance clear on his face.

Kurogami let out a quiet sigh before speaking, "Our forwards will be Haruma, Tezuka and Jiho, others will defend."

Jiho let out a mocked scoffed, "Tch. Like that wasn’t obvious, don’t act like you made some genius move here!"

Kurogami gritted his teeths, "Jiho! If you’ve got a problem with me then get the hell out of this team!"

Jiho clenched his fist, "Yeah, like the fuck If I wanna stay!" He stepped forward, tried to reach Kurogami but Haruma placed a firm hand on his chest stopping him in his tracks.

"What is wrong with both of you!" Haruma snapped with his voice low yet sharp with restrained anger. "Can’t you just put your egos aside for a goddamn minute?"

Itsuki quickly stepped in, backing him up, "Haruma is right, just drop the grudges and let’s play as a team."

Jiho, still appearing annoyed, took a few steps back, and stood with his arms crossed.

"The Opposing team is too strong!" Itsuki added with a slight concern in his tone. Glancing up to Kurogami he added, "We need a plan."

"Plan?" Kabuto chimes in with an unsettling smile tugging on his lips. He casually slid an arm around Haruma’s shoulder, "With Haruma on our side, we’ll definitely score and I’ll dust away their every single shot!"

Haruma looked at Kabuto with a serious face, and quietly shrugged Kabuto’s arm off and took a step away from him.

Still unsure, Itsuki turned to Kurogami, "Do we actually have any plan?"

Kurogami looked across the field at the opposing team, already planning. Taking a breath he began, "I’m pretty sure, Raya alongside Jingo and Nagisa will come up to attack."

He paused then continued with focus, "Raya himself is an amazing striker! He can shoot, he can score, and most importantly... he has already scored against me. That alone gives him enough confidence to try again.

His eyes narrowed slightly, as he continued, "And on the other hand we have Jingo, a decent striker. He’ll probably be there for support trying to pull our defenders out of positions. He might try to score but I’m sure he’ll not. Raya won’t take risks with him, so he won’t be much of a problem.

Then, his tone turned more serious, "Now, Nagisa... The genius, he has the ability to score but more than that he has great skill on his ball control. He knows exactly when and where to pass."

Folding his arms Kurogami concluded, "So here what I think. Tezuka will support, Nagisa will orchestrate the play, and Raya will be the one going for the goal.."

Everyone was listening closely, eyes fixed on him. Haruma, fully focused, spoke up, "And what’s our plan here?"

Kurogami gave a small nod and turned to Zora, "Zora you’ll keep your focus on Jingo, don’t panic if he gets the ball, he won’t take any shot, and even if he does I’ll stop it!"

Kurogami then turned to Kabuto, "You, Naoya and Ichimaru will focus on Nagisa."

Next he turned to Itsuki, "You will stop Raya from shooting!"

Itsuki’s eyes widened, "W-What? Me?" his voice trembled, "I’ll stop Raya alone? don’t you think Ichimaru or Naoya should be with me?"

Kurogami’s expressions hardened, "Stop panicking you fool!" He snapped through gritted teeths, "Just fuckin believe in yourself and step up. If you think you can’t take on Raya, then how the fuck you’ll take on the tougher challenges waiting for us in this tournament?"

Itsuki lowered his gaze, taking deep breaths, trying to compose himself when Haruma placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Itsuki he’s right," He said firmly, "You have to do this, if you let fear control you, then trust me... you’ll be unworthy of playing this game!"

Itsuki’s eyes snapped open, with Haruma’s words echoing through his mind.

Jiho snapped, "Hey what the fuck are you saying? you should be motivating him!"

Haruma then turned to Jiho "Facing and overcoming your fear is the biggest motivation!"

"Alright enough!" Kurogami snapped, drawing all eyes on him.

He looked straight at Itsuki, "Just keep that in mind that this could be your final chance, if you hesitate now, you might never get this chance again!"

Itsuki’s eyes were wide, realizing how bad he was in his other drills.

Kurogami’s tone hardened, "So if you really want to keep playing, then right here and right now, you better play like this is your final chance!"

Itsuki’s jaw tightened, before taking a deep breath and nodding in agreement.

Seeing that, Kurogami flashed a faint smile, and turned to Kabuto, Ichimaru and Naoya, "Don’t rush, play slow!"

His words draw puzzled looks from everyone, a flicker of confusion crossing their face...

Minato sensei blows the whistle sharply, drawing everyone’s attention to the field. Beside him stood Raon, clearly excited, holding a pen and a notebook.

Kento with a smile, quickly sat up straight, "Oh now this is going to be fun."

Besides him, Mio stood up on her seat, bouncing with excitement, clapping over her head, "Go go, brother!" she cheered.

Minato sensei then stepped forward and announced, "For the opening play, it will be Raya’s attacking and Kurogami defending!"

Taking a quiet sigh, Kurogami jogged onto the field, followed closely by Itsuki, Kabuto, Ichimaru, Naoya and Zora. As they were moving to their positions they stretched, preparing themselves.

From the opposite side, Raya holding the ball stepped onto the field with Nagisa and Jingo following closely behind.

Kurogami took his position before the nets, steady and focused, while the five defenders spread out across the field.

Haruma from the sidelines was watching intently, arms crossed.

Raya firmly planted the ball on the ground with silent determination. At a short distance, Nagisa stood on the left, and Jingo to the right.

Raya sighed and placed his foot atop of the ball, signalling his readiness.

At the other end, Kurogami side-raised his arms, signalling his readiness.

Minato sensei took a moment to scan the field with sharp eyes. Then, he brought the whistle up to his lips and blew out sharply.