Haruma's gaze sharpened, disbelief etched across his face, his pulse pounding violently as he locked eyes with Kento with an expression of raw shock. While Kento was returning the look with a calm and confident smile.
After a brief pause, Kento stepped forward and stood just before Haruma, both locked eyes, their eyes locked.
"Haruma Kusaka!" Kento said, his tone calm yet commanding, a confident smile still playing on his face.
With blank expressions, Haruma's lips began to tremble to form the words, "You… Are…" his voice faltering.
Kento's smile widened, and he raised his hand for a shake, "Nice to meet you again," his tone, steady and calm, "I'm Kento Kamayama, the new coach of Japan U-19"
Haruma's eyes flew wide open, shock crashing over him in a tidal wave, his breath hitched, his body rigid, unable to blink or utter a word.
Haruma's mother sat quietly in the background, her face lit up with joy and excitement.
Maintaining his eyes on Haruma, Kento spoke up with calm authority, "Haruma, we should talk."
Haruma remained standing in shock, unable to respond, his mind racing with different thoughts. Then as if regaining his control, he closed his eyes and drew a deep breath in and then exhaled deeply, calming himself he reopened his eyes, he met Kento's gaze and gave him a confident nod.
Now Haruma sat next to his mother and Kento sat facing them both.
"Haruma." Kento began, "As you know that I've seen you play, and there is no doubt that you are incredible but still, there are some flaws in your game which need improvement."
Haruma and his mother were listening to him intently, fixing his eyes on him.
Kento continues, "As you know we are just two years away from the U-19 world cup, and I want you to play in this tournament."
Haruma's eyes widened his heartbeat racing, while his mother brimming with joy glanced at Haruma with excited gaze.
"But!" Kento's voice cut through, "I still can't directly add you to the squad, for doing I need your performance I want you to prove yourself that you are really worthy of representing Japan."
"And I don't want your performance against some school kids, I want your performance against big guns!"
Haruma was listening to him intently, seeming focused on every word he was saying.
"And for that you have to step up, you have to make some sacrifice-"
"I'm ready for everything." Haruma's confident voice cut Kento off mid sentence. Initially shocked but then Kento broke into a smile.
"That's exactly what I was expecting," Kento said with a confident grin, "your passion and determination not just towards the game but for winning is something I liked!"
Kento then turned to his mother and said, "Mrs Kusaka, I want to send Haruma to the junior academy of Tokyo Wolves!"
Haruma's and his mother's eyes widened in shock.
Kento continues, "There in the academy, they will train him, they will give him proper lessons on football. But the problem is, their academy is quite far from here, which means Haruma has to skip his school and live in a hostel for a year!"
Haruma's mother hesitated at first but then smiles, "Football is Haruma's dream, and I won't come in between his dream, he will definitely join the academy!"
Kento's smile widened, and he quickly snapped his eyes to Haruma, "Haruma give your everything in this academy, and after a year we are holding an national U-19 tournament, and the best performers from that tournament will get their spot at the U-19 Football World Cup 2044."
Haruma took a deep breath, and closed his eyes to gather all his focus. While his mother seemed both anxious and worried.
"You have a long journey ahead, Haruma." Kento said, "And it will require sacrifices, pain, emotional breakdowns, Mental pressure. Which won't just break your body but your soul too."
Haruma exhaled deeply, and opened his eyes wide determination and resolve filling in his eyes.
"I'm ready!" Haruma said boldly, "I will face everything in order to reach the spot I'm aiming for, and now there's no one that can stop me! I'm coming… I'm coming for it all!"
His eyes burned with fierce intensity and golden aura began emanating from his body.
Kento's confident smile widened, as if he was seeing the golden aura, feeling its intensity deep down his spine...
Next day, the sun was shining brightly and the air was buzzing with life and energy, with all the students gathered on the football field of Hanaka school, their chatter and excitement filling in the air.
A big stage was set before all the students, with an announcing booth with a mic placed in the corner and in front of the stage, the shiny winning Trophy was being displayed in front.
Rukia and her female friends in front of the gathered students, just standing before the stage.
Just then the Headmaster stepped on the stage, drawing students' attention who all went silent.
The Headmaster now stood in the booth, before the mic, and began, "I, the headmaster of Hanaka, send a warm welcome to all the students."
The students erupted in applause, before the Headmaster raised his hand causing students to go silent.
"We are here to give a special welcome to the students who led this school to their first All-School Cup victory!" The Headmaster announced, causing a round of applause to erupt again.
As the applause halted, the Headmaster continue, "And in the honor of all the players we will give them this beautiful medal each"
The Headmaster raised a bunch of golden medals, growing the excitement of all the students.
"First of all, The mastermind, the one who executes the plan, please everyone welcome the coach, Kenta Miyamura!"
The students erupted into cheers as Kenta, the coach with a smile, stepped on the stage, walked to the Headmaster and slightly bent over.
And with applause echoing around, The headmaster gracefully placed the medal around the coach's neck, who shook hands with the Headmaster. Then turning to the crowds he gave them a thankful bow before stepping back.
"And now please welcome the captain who leads from the front, Toruu!"
With a loud applause Toru stepped on the stage, standing in front of the Headmaster who placed the medal around his neck, with a thankful bow Toru stepped back, standing next to the coach.
All the students were applauding for him. Rukia was applauding softly a warm pure smile playing on her lips
"And please welcome the entire team of Hanaka, who gave their best in the team."
One by one all the remaining teams started to step on the stage with the Headmaster placing medals on their necks.
The students and the teacher were excited, applauding for the players receiving the medals. Masaru and Shino too stepped on the stage and stood with the team.
After putting the medal on all players they all stood in line behind the trophy with smiles adorning their faces.
After all the players were lined up, the crowd's eyes began scanning the stairs of the stage, looking for one missing player, Haruma Kusaka!
The players lined up on the stage were also looking around the stairs of the stage, but no one was there.
Rukia appeared confused too, searching for Haruma too.
The Headmaster smiled slightly and said, "I know you all are looking for Haruma!"
His words drew everyone's attention to him. Toru, Masaru, Rukia, and everyone else, with a look of confusion, were focused on the Headmaster who remained smiling.
Maintaining his smile, the Headmaster added, "But the truth is, he's not here, and unfortunately he won't be able to complete his graduation!"
Everyone's eyes wide with shock, Toru Masaru, Shino and the coach were stunned too, exchanging confused glances.
Rukia was stunned, her eyes narrowed in confusion. A wave of chatters spread among the gathered students, all seeming puzzled.
Maintaining his smile The Headmaster continued, "I know all of you must've had one question in your mind, Why?"
His smile widened and he continued, "Well the reason is… Haruma has been scouted and he will be joining Tokyo Wolves U19's this year.!"
Everyone snapped open in disbelief, their jaw's dropping in pin drop silence.
Toru, Masaru and Shino were stunned, their breaths caught on their throats, unable to move or speak, their eyes remained wide reflecting nothing but disbelief.
Rukia was standing still, her jaw dropped, eyes wide with shock and her breaths heavy with disbelief.