"Kids, this here is Coach Yuki and..." The coach couldn't complete his statement as a folded book hit his head.
"Hey, don't call me that in front of the kids." Coach,'Yuki' said as the coach laughed.
"Ow..."
"Good afternoon, I'm Yukihira Makoto, and these here are my students from Momiji HS. We'll be in you your care from today. Thanks for having us." He said.
* Hmm, so they do have a high school in this world. I didn't think they'd have."
"Welcome." We said unanimously.
We all went to the dining room and settled for lunch since the coaches were in a hurry.
"Hey, I'm Watanabe Hiroto." A blonde haired guy said, smiling at Akaji while extending his hand for a handshake.
"Tanaka Akaji." Akaji said, grasping his outstretched hand.
In that manner, the others began talking to each other and exchanging names. The coaches had gone out by then, and we were all left alone. I was left alone.
I walked back to my room and laid on my bed, turning on my phone to play a game. It didn't take a long time for me to fall asleep.
I woke up a little too early since I went to bed early. Since the others were sleeping, I qalked out of the room quietly. I went to the bathroom, washed my face, and my rinsed my mouth before finally leaving the house.
I went to the training room next, where I began some warm-ups. The regular drills.
After a while, I lay on the bench and began thinking.
I might not be too weak, but I was sure that there were some things I couldn't do. I always felt like there was something I was missing. It felt like I wasn't giving it my all, and there was always something I did wrong.
Sometimes, I just go off key. I make lots of mistakes on the field, and even though my teammates cover them up, it still hurt. I had to do better since they believed in me and appointed me as the captain.
I stood up from the bench, adjusted my socks, and ran into the field.
*I have my stamina.* I thought, running around the field.
*I have my agility, too." I said, increasing my pace.
I had those, but most importantly, I had my learning skills, my weapon.
The coach had called me out one day and asked me to play with him. That was before we had our break.
THAT ONE DAY:
"Atsushi-kun." The coach called.
I traced the direction of his voice to the exit of the training room. I jogged towards him and rubbed my hands.
"Yes, Coach." I answered.
"Looks like you're giving it your all once again." He said, smiling while kicking the nearest ball towards the post.
"Well, Kinda."
"Let's try something." He said, picking up a ball and urging me to get into the field.
I walked into the field behind him. When he got to the centre of the field, he stopped walking and placed the ball in the middle.
"It's a 1 on 1. Try getting past me." He said as I nodded.
We began playing against each other, and as expected, he was so good. Even though he wasn't at full strength, I knew well enough that he was 10, no 100 times better than I was.
One skill after another, he taught me. He taught while he played against me and smiled at several intervals. He taught me defensive skills and attacking skills.
After the 1 on 1, he began advising me. He asked me to watch more real-life matches and learn more footwork.
Two days later, he came back and asked for a one on one. I agreed happily since I had spent the last few days refining my skills and learning the ones he taught me. I also put into practice the advice he gave to me.
"I found ny role model, Coach. I'll strive to be like him." I said as he smiled.
"Then! Show me how your so-called role model plays!" He shouted as we began playing.
*Once again, I couldn't catch up to him.* I thought after the match.
"That was nice, Atsushi-kun. I can't believe you learnt all that within two days."
"Well..."
"You didn't even have time to train yesterday. How come?"
"I learnt them the day before yesterday." I answered.
"Good, keep going that way. You can do it. Don't let anyone down, kiddo." He said, patting me on the head.
"Thanks, coach."
I smiled while remembering what the coach said to me on that day.
"You're just sitting here and smiling. Have you gone crazy or what?" Akatsuki asked.
"Oh, Akatsuki." I called, looking up at him.
"Damn right. Can't believe you came out here so early, have you forgotten that we have more company?"
*Company?*
"Ah! I forgot!" I said, standing up immediately.
"Thought so, everyone's up. Let's go in." He said as I nodded, walking in behind him.