Ren arrived early again
The pitch was empty. The goal nets still sagged. He dropped his bag by the post and started his warmup
He liked the silence before the others came. The way the city noise faded behind the school walls. The rhythm of his breathing. His hands slapping against the gloves
But the silence broke fast
"Ren Sakamoto"
A voice
Ren turned
The scout was standing near the sideline. Same sharp look. Sunglasses off this time
"I am Daigo Ishikawa. Goalkeeper coach. Musashino Academy"
Ren wiped his hand on his shorts and gave a small bow
"I watched you last match. Good instincts. But instincts alone are not enough. You know that"
Ren nodded
"Come to our trial next Sunday. Three keepers only. One spot. You are on the list. That is all"
Then he walked off
No explanation. No promises. Just an invitation and silence
That afternoon Ren trained like a machine
He stayed after practice again. Did diving drills on dirt. Reflex taps off the wall. Every time he thought of the scout's words, he moved faster
Instincts alone are not enough
By the time the sun dropped below the rooftops, his shirt was soaked. His elbows raw. But his eyes sharper than ever
At home, he barely touched dinner
His mother watched him quietly
"You will get one shot. That is how life works for us. So take it"
Ren nodded
He barely slept
The next day was a school day but his mind was stuck on Sunday
He watched film during breaks. Studied pro keepers. Not just their saves but their footwork. Positioning. Communication
He realized something
He was too quiet
Good keepers do not just move. They lead
On Thursday during practice, he changed that
When the defense slacked, he yelled
When midfielders forgot their marks, he barked orders
At first they looked at him strange
But by the end of the scrimmage, they moved sharper
Coach Anzai raised an eyebrow but said nothing
On Friday, the rumor hit
"Ren is going to Musashino trial"
"How did he get that invite"
"Did not even know he was on their radar"
He ignored them
On Saturday, he rested
Slept in. Watched old matches. Wrapped his fingers tight. Laid out his gloves by the window like always
That night, he stared at the ceiling for hours
His heartbeat was steady
But his mind was spinning
Not fear
Pressure
And a voice deep inside whispering
Do not waste this