—Flashback to the day before, during training—
« This kind of quick triangle play… it reminds me of Spain, » said Minato, a bit nostalgic.
« Yeah, makes sense… it's kind of their specialty over there, » replied Rikuo.
« When I played there… it was crazy. I used to hear chants just for me. It changes you, you know. »
« Yeah I get that… what kind of chants? Just curious. » asked Rikuo.
« Hahaha, you really wanna know? Alright… it went like this… »
—Back to the present—
« Minato El Majo ! Minato El Majo ! Show us a magic trick that only you know!"(*majo : magician)
The Tokyo CF fans were on fire.
Rikuo smiled.
« Wow… yeah, now I get why you transformed over there, magician… » thought Rikuo.
Minato let out a small laugh.
« Hahaha… perfect. Alright… time to give them their show. »
« Come on Minato… score this and let's win this game… » thought his teammates… and even Coach Sato.
Minato stepped forward.
Four players in the wall.
The keeper shifted slightly to his left… trying to guess.
« Minato goes for it… and he shoots! »
The ball curled beautifully.
Straight toward the top corner.
The keeper reacted…
But it's too late.
« Damn it… you bastard! » shouted the opposing goalkeeper.
Then—
« GOOOOAAALLL !!! HE DID IT !! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CURLED SHOT !! HE BEAT THE KASHIMA KEEPER !! WOW !! »
« Wow… that was amazing, Miyazaki-san… this kind of match makes you want to play football again… »
« YESSSSS !! MINATO ! MINATO ! MINATO EL MAJO !! »
The stadium exploded.
Rikuo jumped with Raizo and Rivelinho, all laughing, full of energy.
« Wow… he really did it… he showed everyone why they call him that… he's the face of the club… thank you, big bro… » shouted Rikuo.
Minato stepped forward.
And then…
His signature celebration.
He bowed slightly in front of the fans.
One hand on his chest.
The other extended like a magician after a performance.
« CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP »
The whole stadium applauded.
— VIP stands —
Takuma was clapping too.
Then he clenched his fist.
Eyes locked on the pitch.
« I gotta catch up… I'm coming, Riku… my friend… my rival… » he murmured.
— At Tokyo CF training center —
In the main room, an old man watched the match.
Smiling.
Clapping slowly.
It was Senda.
« First Rikuo… then Minato… I can only be proud of you… my geniuses… » he said, emotional, eyes shining.
— Back to the stadium —
Akira walked toward Alex.
Frustration all over his face.
« Not much time left… sorry… I don't think I'll be able to set you up again… » said Akira.
Alex looked at him calmly.
« No. Don't apologize. They're just better than last year. Nothing you could do. That number 77… he changed the game. We'll have to watch him next time. »
For the first time…
A slight smile appeared on his face.
He tapped Akira's shoulder.
Akira blinked.
« Wait… you just said a full sentence… and your English is still terrible… but yeah, all you do is score anyway… »
« … »
« Alright alright, I'm kidding… it's fine. We'll win again this year and take everything, partner. » Said Akira.
« It's the first time you call me by my name..»Thought Akira.
« The referee is about to restart the game, but there's very little time left, Heishi-san… »
« Yes… the final whistle should come very soon… »
« FIIIOUUU… FIIIOUUU… FIIIOUUU !! »
Three whistles.
Full time.
Tokyo CF 2 — 1 Kashima CF
29' Alex
82' Rikuo
91' Minato
Rikuo Amada scores his first professional goal… in his debut match.
A dream start for the king of the field.