The final whistle blew.
The opposition was over.
Despite Rikuo's incredible goal, the yellow team lost to the blue team.
The players were catching their breath, hands on their hips, jerseys soaked with sweat.
Rikuo lowered his head slightly.
Losing always hurt him, even if it was only a training match.
But this time… it felt different.
Around him, he felt the stares.
Not the same as before.
Some players from Group 1, the ones who were reluctant to see him here, taking the place of Haruto, their long-time teammate, said nothing.
But their eyes said everything.
They understood.
They understood why the coach had promoted him.
They understood it wasn't a whim.
They understood that Rikuo belonged here.
Coach Satō walked to the center of the field and clapped his hands.
"Alright. Training is over. You can all go."
The players slowly left the pitch, some chatting, others still silent.
Then Satō added:
"Minato. Rikuo. Stay."
Rikuo felt his heart beat a little faster.
The others left.
The field slowly emptied.
The coach turned to Minato first.
"So… it looks like you got beaten by the little king today, Minato."
Minato smiled slightly and ran a hand through his hair.
"That's normal, coach. I let him do it."
He laughed.
"Don't worry."
Rikuo stayed quiet, trying to keep a calm face, even though he felt pride rising inside him.
Satō looked at Minato for a moment, then continued.
"Tell me… how would you feel about playing with him by your side in the league?"
Minato thought for a second.
Then he answered simply:
"For me, coach, this player still has a lot of room to improve."
He looked at Rikuo.
"But he's already good enough to be tested. To play his first minutes."
He smiled.
"I trust his talent. And honestly… playing with him would do me good."
A small laugh.
"A breath of fresh air for an old guy like me."
Rikuo discreetly clenched his fists.
Coach Satō nodded.
"I see. Alright. I'll discuss it later with my assistants. And with Bao as well. After all, he was supposed to be your backup."
Then he turned to Rikuo.
"Good job, Rikuo."
The young player looked up.
"You had a very good session today. You showed me that you deserve to be here, and that I wasn't wrong."
A slight smile appeared on the coach's face.
"My friend Senda was right about you."
He waved his hand.
"You can go."
Rikuo nodded respectfully.
"Thank you, coach."
He held himself together.
Inside, everything was exploding.
As they walked toward the exit of the field together, Minato broke the silence.
"So… how does it feel to train with Group 1?"
He glanced at Rikuo.
"And maybe hear about your first professional call-up soon. That must feel crazy, right, kid?"
Rikuo exhaled softly.
"Yeah… honestly, I still can't really believe it."
He looked up at the sky.
"I've been through so much in my life that… I don't really know how to feel."
Then he added, calmer:
"But I think this is just the first step. The start of a much greater journey."
Minato smiled.
"Don't overthink it. It was bound to happen sooner or later for you. Keep that confidence, I like confident young players."
He placed a hand on Rikuo's shoulder.
"I was like you when I was young. Me too."
A brief silence.
"When I was still in Europe, at the start of my career… one day, I'll tell you about it."
He turned to him.
"Come over to my place tomorrow night. I'm inviting you for dinner. My wife and my kids will be happy to meet you. You can give me your number later."
Rikuo was surprised.
In his mind, he felt like he had gotten closer to Minato.
That player who seemed cold, respected, almost unreachable.
And it meant something to him.
"Thank you so much, Minato. I'll come, of course."
At that moment, Rivelinho and Raizo walked over, laughing.
"Heyyy, magician!" Rivelinho said, patting Minato on the back.
"So, how does it feel to be on the ground?"
Raizo burst out laughing.
"Honestly, Rikuo… you shocked everyone today. Even Minato was shocked, haha."
Minato shook his head with a smile.
"That's good, kid. I really can't wait to receive your passes too, on top of Minato's. It's going to be a treat!"
Rivelinho laughed, and Raizo added:
"Hey, don't forget about me! I want those passes too!"
Then another voice was heard.
"Hey, Riku!"
Takuma was coming from Group 2.
"So? How did it go?"
Rikuo smiled.
"Taku… I think you don't even need to ask."
He pointed at the faces around them.
"Just look at them."
Then he added, laughing:
"But seriously… it went well, my friend."
Takuma smiled too, but thought to himself:
«This guy… he keeps pulling ahead of me.
I can't afford to fall behind, haha.»
Rikuo took one last look at the field before leaving.
«Tomorrow, I'll be called up.
It has to be that way… right, mom?
See you tomorrow,» he thought.