My name is Akira Norikami, midfielder. Right now, I'm sitting on the bench, with only 10 minutes left in the game. The score is tied 1 to 1, and my heart is racing.
— Number 23, get ready. You're going in — I heard the coach's firm voice cut through my confused thoughts.
This was the chance I had been waiting for to prove my worth. Finally, I'd be a starter, even if just for a few minutes.
When I step onto the field at 88 minutes, the crowd explodes with whistles and boos. Some shout, asking who that useless guy was, daring to enter such a decisive moment.
Our defense manages to clear the ball, and we push forward. Suddenly, I see an empty space in the opponent's box. If you asked me why I went there, I wouldn't know — I just felt I needed to be there.
Number 11 passes me the ball, but three defenders rush at me. Panic takes over. What do I do? Shoot? I'm bad at that, and the goalie would easily save it. Dribble? Impossible, they would get me. Pass forward? That option didn't even exist.
Without really thinking, I instinctively give a back heel pass, where my striker is free. But the pass is too strong, and he can't reach the ball.
The crowd reacts with even louder boos. The weight of failure seems to crush my chest.
In the locker room, the silence is almost unbearable. I know what everyone is thinking. Then one of the forwards bursts out:
— It's all your fault! If you had passed right, I would have scored! We're out of the championship because of you!
I try to answer, but no words come out. Other players start yelling at me, asking me to leave the team.
Walking home, tears run down my face. I wonder if it's really worth continuing football. Maybe I should take over my parents' business, who are mechanics — a life I hate, but that seems certain.
Until an unexpected voice appears:
— I saw your play. It was incredible. I want to invite you to a tryout at Saikai FC, a club in Shizuoka. The tryout will be in a one week. My dream is to be the best in Japan and then Asia. I want you to be part of it.
For a moment, I thought it was crazy. But something about that offer attracted me, even though I live in Yamaguchi, many hours away.
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Author's Note:
The distance between Yamaguchi and Shizuoka is about 700 kilometers. By bullet train (shinkansen), the trip takes around 7 to 8 hours. This daily commute will be a big challenge for Akira Norikami in his quest to stand out at Saikai FC