Chapter 40 – Between the Whistle
The academy grounds were different this week.
Not louder. Not busier.
Just tighter.
The air carried something taut, like a string pulled between fingers—one breath away from snapping.
A team from Belgium was arriving.
A friendly match, technically.
But everyone knew better.
It was a test.
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Coach Nuno posted the roster two days early. Not the lineup—just the training rotations. Jota's name was there, penciled in alongside the U15 core.
He read it once, then walked away.
Bruno slapped his shoulder. "They're watching us now. Every drill counts."
Tiago nodded. "Coach Nuno's pacing again."
Jota smiled. "Let him pace. We'll play."
They all knew what it meant to be placed near the top of the board now. The upper training rotation meant you weren't just being tested—you were being previewed.
