Tokyo's home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium, was shrouded in silence from early on. Although there were not many spectators, the 2,000 fans who had come to cheer were staring at the scoreboard with disbelieving eyes.

2016 J2-League Round 10

Tokyo Rebels 0:3 Shimuzu s-plus

In just the 30th minute of the first half, Tokyo had already conceded three goals to Shimuzu.

Shimuzu, made up of former national team players, was a strong team. It was almost impossible for any team in the second division to show ease against them.

Yet, no one had expected such a crushing start.

The main reason for Tokyo's struggles was a defensive mistake early in the first half.

In the 5th minute, Shimuzu s-plus's forward Yudai Fuki dribbled from the top of the arc into the penalty box. Central defender Hakamata Yutaro, trying to block Yudai Fuki, extended his foot, but Yudai Fuki tripped over it and fell.

The referee, who was watching the situation closely, immediately called for a penalty kick, and Yudai Fuki converted it himself to score the opening goal.

After that, Tokyo's defense faltered significantly.

Shimuzu s-plus's left and right fullbacks constantly supported their side attacks.

Tokyo's side midfielders and defenders were helpless against Shimuzu s-plus's's flanks, giving up space in the back. Shimuzu had multiple chances and scored additional goals.

Thus, the first half ended with Tokyo trailing 0:3 to Shimuzu S-plus.

As the referee blew the whistle for halftime, some home fans jeered at the Tokyo players.

In contrast to the relaxed Shimuzu s-plus players heading into the locker room, Tokyo's players trudged in with their heads down.

Watching the Tokyo players from the bench, I quietly grabbed the ball and went onto the field.

During halftime, the substitute players from both teams came out to warm up.

As I moved the ball with my feet, slowly warming up, someone tapped me on the shoulder.

"Hey, Reo! Let's play!"

"Okay."

It was Miyahara Yuto, a fellow midfielder and benchwarmer like me. Yuto was a friend of the same age who joined the team around the same time as I did.

We passed the ball back and forth, warming up. After a few passes, I heard some murmuring.

Turning my head, I saw a dance team invited for the halftime performance. The high school dance team drew the attention of the resting home fans and substitute players.

The dance team walked to the center of the field and took their positions. Soon, lively music started playing, and they began performing an impressive dance routine.

"Wow, young people are great."

"Are you a pervert?"

"No, I meant it in a good way. Don't look at it that way."

Yuto, who was watching the dance team with a pleased expression, looked surprised and then awkward when I made a comment.

I wasn't particularly interested in the dance team. What mattered more to me was warming up and staying ready to be called into the game.

"Hey. Pass the ball or something."

"Got it!"

Yuto and I continued passing the ball silently.

Then, suddenly, the lively music stopped.

Applause from the home fans filled the stadium, and the dance team started leaving the field, greeting the fans.

One of the female students from the dance team ran towards us.

Yuto, who noticed first, reacted with surprise.

"Hey, someone's coming over here!"

I stopped kicking the ball and turned my head. Soon, I saw a female student approaching me.

The student shyly looked at me and said.

"Um, Senior!"

"...Huh?"

I tilted my head at the unexpected address from the female student. She quickly added.

"I'm Ishida Miho a 3rd-year student from Shinjuku High School! I've been watching you play since my 1st year!"

"...!"

Shinjuku High School.

It's a high school in Tokyo that I graduated from.

Although I went there, the soccer team wasn't particularly famous, and it wasn't very popular among students. Hearing that she had watched me since then made me feel a bit pleased.

"I'm glad to see a junior."

Maybe because I spoke warmly?

Miho blushed slightly before confidently saying.

"Senior! I'm always cheering for you! I'll pray that I get to see you on TV!"

"...Thank you."

I felt good yet a bit bittersweet at the junior's encouragement.

Miho soon gave me a farewell wave and ran towards the central gate to leave the field. I watched her leave, lost in thought, when Yuto came up and poked me in the side.

"Lucky you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Wow, I wish I had a junior like that. Go, Senior!"

Yuto's sudden cute expression and cheerleading made me feel disgusted. I lightly kicked him in the butt.

Yuto laughed and ran away.

Suddenly, a majestic BGM started playing throughout the stadium. Yuto and I stopped moving.

Yuto said.

"Looks like the second half is starting."

"Yeah."

"Let's go back to the bench."

"Okay."

Just then, Coach Sawamura, who had gone out first, was calling the substitute players. The substitutes, including me, gathered in front of Coach Sawamura.

Once everyone was gathered, Coach Sawamura said.

"The coach has given the substitution instructions."

The mention of substitutions made all the substitute players' eyes light up. Who would be substituted?

Would it be a defender, since the defense was the problem?

I hoped for a defensive substitution. My position was a side defender.

Although I was only a substitute now, I hoped to one day become a starting defender. I was just waiting for that opportunity to come.

Coach Sawamura took out a piece of paper and called out names.

"Alex!"

"...!"

A foreign name unfamiliar to us came out of Coach Sawamura's mouth. A tall man, almost 190 cm, stepped forward.

"Alex. Change into the uniform! You'll be substituted right after the second half starts. Also, you need to get tactical instructions before you go in, so change and come to me."

Alex nodded and began changing into the home uniform. The other substitute players looked at Alex with envious eyes.

Then Coach Sawamura said.

"Alex will be the first to be substituted, but we don't know who else will be substituted or when. Stay sharp!"

"Yes!"

We answered energetically to Coach Sawamura's words.

"Alright. Everyone, back to the bench!"

Thus, the substitute players returned to the bench.

_______________________________________

The second half began.

With the start of the second half, Tokyo Rebels made the first move. Unlike the comfortably leading Shimuzu s-plus, Tokyo was in a hurry to change their fortunes.

Alex, who was substituted in at the start of the second half, began playing as an attacking midfielder.

With Alex's entry, the coach of Tokyo Rebels, Yamada Hiroshi, switched the formation from 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1.

Alex, true to his role as a foreign player, moved quickly and nimbly, trying to energize his teammates.

However, Shimuzu s-plus continued to dominate the game.

While observing the situation, I heard someone next to me mutter a short curse.

"Damn it."

It was Kazuya Morita the starting forward. Kazuya Morita , who started as a striker, had a lackluster performance in the first half and was substituted at the beginning of the second half.

Kazuya, like me, often alternated between being a starter and a substitute. Although it was his rare chance to start, the strong opponent proved challenging.

Shimuzu's defense was solid, and Kazuya struggled against the central defenders, unable to make an impact.

Kazuya was clearly dissatisfied with his performance, frowning deeply. This expression would likely be visible on TV broadcasts, and his frustration was evident.

When our eyes met, he spoke in an irritated tone.

"What are you looking at?"

"Oh, nothing."

Kazuya was a senior who debuted professionally about three years before me. I shrugged and looked away, not wanting to provoke him further, given his bad mood.

Kazuya didn't say anything more.

As time passed, the second half approached the midway point.

Tokyo Rebels was finally mounting an attack. Amidst the continuous pressure, left-back Daiki Fukazawa stole the ball from an Shimuzu s-plus midfielder.

In this rare counterattack opportunity, Tokyo Rebels players began advancing into the opponent's half.

Daiki Fukazawa, who was dribbling up the flank, aimed to deliver a cross into the Shimuzu s-plus's penalty box where Tokyo players were waiting.

This cross promised to be a significant threat. But an unexpected event occurred.

Whack!

"Ah!"

Daiki Fukazawa, who was about to deliver the cross, collapsed, grabbing his ankle and screaming.

Beep!

The referee, startled, immediately stopped the game and rushed over to check on Daiki Fukazawa.

Daiki was clutching his ankle and expressing considerable pain.

"Medical team, come in! Immediately!"

The referee blew the whistle and summoned the medical team. The waiting medical staff from Tokyo rushed onto the field.

After assessing the situation, the medical team shook their heads and signaled to the coach with an X sign.

The X sign meant 'cannot continue.'

The crowd of Tokyo Rebels fans sighed in dismay.

Coach Yamada's face darkened. Coach Sawamura approached him and asked.

"Coach, what will you do?"

"Tsk. We have to make a substitution. Who do we have left?"

"We only have Rio Kuze for the flank positions."

"Reo hasn't even debuted yet…"

Coach Yamada rubbed his forehead.

"We have no choice. Reo is our only option."

"Damn it, it can't be helped. Sawamura, tell Reo to get ready."

"Understood."

After finishing his conversation with the coach, Coach Sawamura approached me.

"Reo."

"Yes?"

I was surprised to see Coach Sawamura suddenly addressing me. He smiled and said.

"The coach has given the substitution order. It's your chance. Let's go."

"Eh? Yes! I understand!"

As soon as the substitution order was given, I felt my heart pounding. I quickly stood up and started changing into my uniform.

Seeing me from the side, Yuto said with an envious expression.

"Lucky you, buddy. You're debuting before me?"

"…"

Ignoring Yuto's comment, I changed into my uniform swiftly and approached Coach Yamada.

Coach Yamada looked at me with concern and said.

"Reo, it's sudden, but don't be flustered. Just play as you normally would. Got it?"

"Yes!"

"You need to defend as best as you can, and when you get the ball, pass it to your seniors. Understand?"

The instructions were simple, but I knew how challenging they would be under the current circumstances.

However, no one would admit they couldn't do it. I answered firmly.

"Yes!"

Pleased with my enthusiastic response?

Coach Yamada gave a slight smile, patted me on the shoulder, and said.

"Good. Then let's do our best, Reo. Go!"

With about 15 minutes left in the second half, I was set to make my historic professional debut. And...

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There is no parallel world in the novel but there are additional changes and some tweaks here and there.