Chapter 40: Duo In Action

Chapter 40: Duo In ActionHeavy silence was hanging over the field as if everyone was holding their breaths. Then, in an instant, the gathered players on the sidelines erupted in thunderous cheers, their shouts tearing through the stillness in the air. Haruma then slowly rose, standing on his feets with his face devoid of any emotions. Just then, Itsuki with a bright smile came jogging and gave a firm pat on Haruma’s back. On the other side Raya and his team remained frozen in their places, their faces a blend of shock and disbelief, trying to process what they just witnessed... The whistle blew once again restarting the game with Raya and Makoto exchanging cautious, careful passes. Just behind them Itsuki kept closing in, looking for the slightest chance to steal the ball. Meanwhile, Haruma was moving with calm almost lazy strides, his efforts to intercept the ball seemed half-hearted. Yet, his sharp, focused eyes were helding a intensity brewing within him. Every eye was locked on the game, the tension mounting with just ten minutes remaining in the game. Raya was sprinting forward with the ball when suddenly, Itsuki appeared just next to him, sliding his foot in for a tackle. But Raya reacted almost instantly, sending a sharp pass to Makoto, who collected it cleanly and just as he prepared himself to charge forward, Haruma appeared in front of him blocking his path. Makoto’s eyes widened with a jolt of tension as he locked eyes with Haruma. Haruma’s expression was cold and focused, his presence so intense it felt almost suffocating. In a rush, Makoto hesitated before nervously trying a quick dribble, just managing to slip past Haruma’s defense who didn’t try much. Surprised by his own success, Makoto continued his charge at the nets. As he was sprinting, Haruma turned, casting a quick glance over his shoulder, his gaze locked on Kurogami, who stood tall and firm before the nets, surrounded by a swirling storm of powerful Dark Aura. As Makoto neared the nets, he heard a sharp call from Raya. He quickly turned his head and spotted Raya, with Itsuki desperately trailing behind him, struggling to catch up with him. With a confident smile, Makoto launched the ball towards Raya. With his eyes never leaving the ball, Raya launched himself into the air, positioning himself for a powerful volley shot. Itsuki watched with wide, stunned eyes. The players from the sidelines held their breaths, while Minato and Kento’s gazes remained locked on Raya with anticipation. While all eyes following Raya’s every move, Haruma began taking a few deliberate steps backwards. With a fierce roar, Raya struck the ball with precision, sending it hurtling towards the top left corner of the nets. The ball was speeding towards the net line, its trajectory seeming unstoppable, while Kurogami stood motionless, his expressions shadowed with darkness. Kurogami then exhaled a thick cloud of fog from his mouth and with his eyes closed he launched himself into a gravity-defying dive, his body hanging suspended in the air, his arm outstretched to its max. Everyone watching gasped in awe, watching Kurogami flying through the air Just before the ball could get in, Kurogami’s hand reached the ball and deflected it back into the play. But the ball went straight at the feets of Makoto who fired it back towards the bottom right side of the nets. But before it could find the nets Kurogami came sliding in with his left foot outstretched, blocking the shot and sending the ball soaring upward. Makoto’s jaw dropped in awe, stunned by the sheer brilliance of Kurogami’s saves. As the ball was soaring up high, Raya launched himself up high and met it with a powerful header, sending it gliding towards the left side of the nets. But, Kurogami, like a predator in action, dived in catching the ball in mid-air, and without missing a breath he spun himself around, harnessing the momentum, and with a furious roar he launched the ball far back at the play. "Harumaaaa!" he yells out loud. All the eyes watching the game widened in shock, and as they shifted their gaze they saw Haruma in the middle, charging at the nets with terrifying speed with the ball soaring perfectly in his direction. Minato glanced at the timer, and nervously muttered, "Only 7 seconds left!" Another player from the sidelines stepped forward and added, "There is no way he can cover that distance in seconds!" The ball soared over Haruma’s head and descended perfectly at his feets. Haruma with his face etched with intense focus halted in his sprint, shocking everyone further. Clenching his jaw with rage, Haruma swung his right foot back, preparing to strike, causing everyone to flinch in disbelief. With a chilling roar, Haruma swung his right foot at the ball and struck the ball with an explosive impact, making the ball travel far towards the nets. Subaru, the goalkeeper, flinched in hesitation and began positioning himself. But his nervousness kept growing watching the ball approaching him like an unstoppable meteor, taking multiple curves through the air, closing in with a relentless speed. Subaru made a dive, outstretching his arm wide in a desperate attempt to stop the ball. But, it wasn’t enough! The ball curved with deadly precision, and went inside the nets, slamming the back of the nets before dropping inside with a chilling silence. Raya, Makoto and Itsuki were stunned, a bead of sweat trickling down their faces, their breath caught in their throats. In the sidelines, The players along with Minato were standing with their jaws dropped, eyes popping out of disbelief. Meanwhile, Kento’s smirk sharpened, taking a sharp edge of craziness. Haruma with his eyes burning with passion and rage tightened his both hands into fists and let out a loud primal roar shattering the silence, filling the air with pure fury and unrelenting determination. Kurogami came up from behind and threw his both arms tightly around Haruma’s neck, locking him in a fierce embrace. Leaning in over Haruma’s shoulder he too let out a raw primal roar, matching Haruma’s intensity. Their combined roars reverberated through the field, echoing like a battle cry shaking the very ground beneath them. The air grew heavy with ferocity, a wave of unsettling energy washed over everyone, leaving an undeniable suffocating energy that pressed everyone down who dared to witness it. Kento, maintaining his smirk, spoke up in a low chilling tone, "This... This is exactly what I needed..." his smirk growing, "This World Cup Is Ours!" As Haruma and Kurogami’s roar faded, Itsuki came running and jumped up on both Haruma and Kurogami, hugging both of them. Raya, Makoto and Subaru now walked over and stood along with their teammates on the sidelines. Meanwhile Haruma, Kurogami and Itsuki came walking and stood before Coach Minato, their eyes locked onto him. Minato was staring back at the trio, the seriousness in his eyes was evident, the gathered players beside Minato were gazing at the trio too. Kento was watching the trio with a warm smile, the madness in his eyes and smile was now gone. Still staring at the trio, Minato gave them a slow nod, and extended his hand towards Haruma for a shake. "Welcome to Tokyo Wolves Juniors, Haruma and Kurogami!" he declared in a commanding tone. Itsuki and the other gathered players broke into smiles, while Kento maintained his warm smile. Haruma then let out a bright smile and quickly shook hands with Minato, "I’m honored to play under you." Minato returned the smile before turning to Kurogami, who slightly smiled and said, "Thank you, I’ll give my best for this team!" Minato then stepped aside and gestured towards the other Tokyo Wolves Juniors who were all smiling at them. Haruma and Kurogami gave them a slight smile, while Itsuki beamed brightly, his excitement clear... Itsuki with a bright smile swung open the door of a room and stepped inside, gesturing for Haruma and Kurogami to enter. As Haruma and Kurogami stepped inside, their eyes swept across the room. A modest room with a single window, a double cupboard and two beds placed against opposite walls. It was a perfect room for two people. Stepping inside, Itsuki announced, "Room number thirty six belongs to you both." Kurogami glanced around the room before turning to Itsuki with a frown, "Everything looks fine, but why do I have to share a room with him?" Itsuki offered a hesitant smile and replied, "Well, because, It’s management decision. I thought you both were friends." Before Kurogami could respond, Haruma quickly turned to Itsuki and asked, "When will the training starts?" Itsuki’s smile softened as he replied, "There’s an intercom over there, you will get notified whenever there’s a meeting or a training session. For now, get some rest, the lunch will be at sharp 1pm. Don’t be late!" With that, Itsuki stepped out of the room and pulled the door shut behind him. Haruma then turned to Kurogami, only to find him already watching him. "I’ll take a shower first," Kurogami said, and began to pull his clothes out from his suitcase. Haruma with a sigh walked over to his bed and dropped onto it, appearing utterly exhausted.