The gate closed behind Akira with a metallic clang, as if sealing his fate.
He followed a club staff member down a long hallway to a sleek, modern reception area. Other boys were already there, sitting in neat rows. Some looked nervous, others overly confident. There were curious glances, silent evaluations—even a bit of disdain.
Akira quickly understood: everyone there wanted the same thing. A spot. A chance. A future.
— Name? — asked a woman behind the counter.
— Akira Norikami.
— Room 212. Third floor. You'll be sharing with two other players. The tryout begins tomorrow at 7 a.m. sharp. Your uniform is already laid out on the bed. No delays.
He nodded in thanks and made his way to the elevator. As it climbed, his heartbeat quickened. It was still hard to believe he was really here. But dreaming wasn't enough anymore. Now he had to prove he deserved to stay.
When he opened the door to Room 212, two curious looks greeted him.
In the right-hand corner, lying back with his hands behind his head, a boy with sharp eyes and dark hair sat up, clearly excited.
— So you're Akira, huh? I'm Min-jun! — he said in Japanese with a slight Korean accent, flashing a confident smile.
Min-jun
Position: Forward
Strengths: High speed, excellent ball control
Weaknesses: Weak passing skills
Min-jun seemed like the type who was always in motion, his energy spilling out even when still.
Then another boy stood up—tall, broad-shouldered, his posture almost military as he carefully adjusted his training shirt.
— Hiroshi Tanaka. — His voice was flat, almost cold. — Don't expect me to go easy on you just because we share a room.
Hiroshi Tanaka
Position: Center-back
Strengths: Physical strength, strong in aerial duels
Weaknesses: Low agility
Hiroshi's eyes watched everything, always calculating in silence.
Leaning against the window, arms crossed, stood a boy with light brown hair and a sharp, direct gaze. He looked at Akira like he could already see through him.
— So… you're the guy who got a card from Jin Ford, huh? — he said, with a hint of disappointment in his voice, as if annoyed with himself more than with Akira.
Yuta Nakamura
Position: Midfielder
Strengths: Refined technique, excellent vision, precise passing, lethal finishing
Weaknesses: Arrogance, extreme competitiveness
Yuta radiated confidence—or maybe it was contempt. His tone left no doubt: he thought he was the best in the room. And maybe he was. But it was still too early to tell.
Akira took it all in quietly. Three very different players. Roommates… or rivals.
And the tryouts hadn't even started yet.