Chapter 22: Brightest Stars

Chapter 22 - Brightest StarsThe referees hurried at the fallen Hanaka player carefully inspecting his injured foot. The Hanaka crowds were sitting in stunned silence, the weight of the moment hanging heavy over the stadium as all eyes remained fixed on the injured player. The referee immediately signals for his substitution. Clenching his jaw in frustration, the Hanaka coach yelled, "Takumi, you're up!" The player swiftly took off his training bib and sprinted onto the field. The referee then turned towards Zetsuya, the opposing striker, and quickly pulled off a yellow card to Zetsuya. The injured player was carried off to the field, his ankle was bleeding profusely, while Haruma watched that player's blood with wide eyes. That player was now sent for an immediate treatment, and the game resumed once again. Shino, now in possession of the ball, moved carefully, sensing danger ahead he turned around and sent a pass to his defender before surging forward to reposition himself. As the ball barely reached that Hanaka defender's foot, an opposing player charged in, slamming his shoulder into that Hanaka's defender shoulder, who winced in pain and crumbled to the ground. The referee wasted no time, jogging over to that Ryugen's player and brandishing a red card. Unfazed, the players smirked and casually walked off the field. 'There we have it. The first red card of the game! and after that vicious play, it was obvious for red card to come out' Holding his shoulder, the Hanaka player returned to the sidelines and his substitution joined the field. Haruma appeared frustrated, watching his teammates getting injured. Meanwhile Rukia was watching the scene with a worried face, her concern etched clearly on her face. The game resumed with Hanaka having the free kick. Shino prepared himself for the kick, taking a deep breath he opened his eyes and scanned the field, when suddenly his gaze landed on an arm being raised up high. It was Toru, silently asking for the ball. Shino quickly accessed the situation, noticing a large distance between him and Toru. Yet determined, Shino took a breath and began taking a few steps back, preparing for the kick, at the same time Toru slowly began walking back too. Shino jogged a few steps ahead and struck the ball hard, sending it soaring through the air, right towards Toru. All the players watched the ball in astonishment as it was flying towards Toru. Toru reacted instantly, controlling the ball with his feet, before surging towards the nets with an explosive speed. As Toru was advancing, he noticed no defenders were making any move to stop him, showing their faith and belief in Kurogami's ability to block any shot. Toru instantly stopped in his sprint, looked around the field and sent a pass to his winger before breaking into a sprint down the flank. The winger received the ball smoothly, ran a bit around before catching sight of Toru with raised hand. With his etched with determination the winger sent a pass to Toru. An opposing defender was standing nearby, watching the game in silence. Gradually, he turned his head around, fixing his cold serious gaze on Kurogami, who was already staring back at him. Kurogami, staring at that defender, slightly nodded in approval. An evil smile appeared on that defender's face as he shifted his attention to Toru, who was engrossed in skillfully maneuvering the ball, evading opponents and desperately searching for an opening. That defender then took a sigh, before slightly leaning forward and in an instant he broke into an explosive sprint towards Toru. As Toru noticed the approaching defender his expressions tightened with fury, and without wasting a second he sprinted towards the nets, while that defender kept his target locked on Toru. Rukia's gaze stayed locked on Toru, worry clear on her face seeing that defender's deadly rush at Toru, "Toru," she whispered, her voice full of fear. Haruma was watching in silent anticipation, his eyes wide, unable to look away. As Toru closed in on the nets he let out a roar before swinging his foot, only for that defender to appear out of nowhere, tackling his shot and forcefully shoving him aside. Toru loses his balance and goes hurtling through the air before crashing violently to the ground, clutching his foot and screamed in agony Rukia's eyes shot open, her heart raced rapidly, her eyes locked on Toru who was lying, writhing in pain. The referee quickly approached that defender and brandished a yellow card that seemed to have no effect on Toru. After slipping the card back into his pocket, the referee raised his hand, signalling a penalty. 'That's a penalty for Hanakaaa!' A smile tugged on Toru's lips and the Hanaka crowds erupted in cheers, and a wave of hope swept through them once again. Rukia's face softened with a faint, relieved smile. From the sidelines all the benched leaped to their feets, appearing anticipated for the penalty. Haruma's lips curled into a small smile 'If Hanaka scores here and takes the lead, then it's going to be too difficult for Ryugen, especially when they have such yellow's and a red card on them!' All the players took their positions, and the ball was placed at the penalty spot. Toru stood tall, his gaze locked on the ball before he closed his eyes and started taking deep breaths in an attempt to steady himself. Every eye in the stadium was fixed on Toru, the Hanaka crowds holding their breath in silence, allowing him to concentrate fully. The air was heavy with anticipation. 'It's the battle between the captains, Toru and Kurogami, the two absolute skilled players, the two brightest stars of this tournament. Now, In the finals they've come face to face for a penalty! how can you ask more from this final?' "Come on Toru!" A Rukia friend urged, fervently hoping for the goal. Rukia was on her feets, with her eyes locked on Toru, her heartbeat racing as anxiety and worry was visible all over her face. The Hanaka players were standing still on the field, their faces etched with nervousness, each one holding their breath. Haruma was watching the game intently, with his brows furrowed in concentration, when he suddenly felt a light touch on his hand, turning to his left, he saw that white haired boy with his hand slightly extended towards Haruma's, silently asking for his hand. The boy's face was filled with nervous anticipation. Haruma and the white haired boy locked eyes, and it was then when Haruma noticed all the benched players were standing in line holding each other's hands as a show of unity. Haruma then moved his hand and took that boy's hand, before turning to the coach, silently asking for his hand as well. The coach, appearing nervous, took Haruma's hand, and now all the benched players and the coach stood in unity, their hands clasped, their eyes fixed on the game, appearing ready for whatever comes next. Toru exhaled deeply, then opened his eyes, locking it on Kurogami, who stood steady, slightly crouched with his arm slightly raised, showing no sign of nervousness. Toru took a few steps back, then began jogging towards the ball, while Kurogami's gaze remained locked solely on the ball. With a powerful swing of his foot, Toru struck the ball. The moment his foot made contact, Kurogami's eyes widened in intense focus and in an instant, he spun around turning his back on Toru before executing a flawless backflip, using his one foot to deflect the ball away from the nets. Toru's eyes shot wide open, his expressions frozen in sheer disbelief. Shino, Masaru and Nara stood stunned, their breath caught in their throat, struggling to comprehend what they just witnessed! Rukia remained rooted to her spot, her eyes wide with shock, teared welling up, her expressions filled with utter astonishment. The crowds stood in stunned silence, their jaws dropped, eyes popping out of disbelief. Haruma watched with his expressions contorted in disbelief, mouth slightly opened, and his eyes wide with shock. 'Kurogaaaaami!" 'He has just denied the penalty in a way only legends have done! What a save! What a boy! what a talent!" Toru collapsed to his knees, his head hung low, his face shadowed by overwhelming disappointment, the air around him thick with silence and despair.