Chapter 31 – Among Giants
March arrived with wind.
Not the sharp, biting kind of January, but something heavier—like the sky knew something important was coming. The halls of the academy buzzed with rumors that grew louder by the hour: "Porto's academy is visiting this week." Just saying their name shifted the mood.
Porto. A giant in Portuguese youth development. Known for their relentless intensity, tactical precision, and a scouting network that missed nothing. The boys who came from there weren't just players—they were machines, honed for dominance.
"They'll be playing two matches against us," Coach Nuno announced during the morning briefing. "They're not here to shake hands. They're here to measure."
No one laughed. Even Leonel, who always had a joke ready, stayed quiet.
Jota didn't flinch, but he felt it. Not fear—awareness. This wasn't another showcase. This was a benchmark.
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The Porto team arrived two days later.
