Chapter 5: The First Whistle

Chapter 5 - The First WhistleAs Toru's chants echoed across the field, the referee entered with the ball in hands, followed by head coach Kenta, who took his place in sidelines, keeping close eyes to the game. All the players started moving into their positions, Haruma also jogged towards his position, his nervousness written all over his face, his steps slightly hesitant. "Haruma!" Shino calls out loud making Haruma turn. Shino approached him with a determined look, standing firmly before him and said, "Just stay alert all the time, I'll try to give you the very clean assist, so just put the ball in the nets, got it?" Sweating in nervousness, Haruma gave a quick nod of agreement. Shino returned the nod before both of them moved into their position. From the crowds, Rukia was looking at Haruma with a hint of concern crossed on her face, as she could clearly see how nervous he was. Haruma's attention was fixed on the field ahead where all the players were radiating confidence. Haruma's heartbeat began to rise uncontrollably, his breaths shallow and uneven, his vision started getting blurred, but he fought to stay focused. The referee then blew the whistle, and the game began with Toru eleven quickly claiming possession of the ball, moving with calculated precision. Haruma stood in his position, his eyes wide with focus, but his chest heaved as his heartbeat refused to settle, his focus remained fixed on the game ahead, where Toru eleven moved with methodical precision, carefully passing and advancing. "Oye, Haruma!" a voice called from behind. Turning back, Haruma saw the opposing goalkeeper grinning at him. "Are you just gonna stand here all day?" The goalkeeper teased. Haruma stayed silent, his gaze fixed on the goalkeeper, his breaths still coming with sharp uneven gasps. The goalkeeper's grin grew wider, "Don't worry... I will never let you score!" he mocked. Haruma's nerves spiked, looking back forward he saw his team struggling to gain possession of the ball. Toru's eleven were passing with ease, moving close towards the nets. One of Toru's players had the ball, spotting his winger in a good position he tried to pass the ball, but a defender stepped between, tackling the ball and passing it to his teammate. Now Shino's eleven had possession, Haruma's anxiety grew even more seeing all the players advancing towards him. "Haruma!" a voice calls him out, as Haruma looks at the direction he sees one of his winger. "I'll take the ball and pass it to you with one touch, just be in position!" The winger said to Haruma. Haruma's nerves escalated, his heartbeat pounding loud in his chest, but suddenly, his expressions hardened with determination, "Yeaah!" he shouted back at him. That winger then sprinted towards the ball, while Haruma took slow measured steps backwards, nearing the nets. Shino pushed forward with the ball, dribbling past the opponents. Desperation flashes in his eyes as he searches for a pass, spotting his teammate in open space he sent a sharp pass in his direction. That player skillfully controlled the ball and was just about to pass it to his winger when out of nowhere an opponent defender lunged in, tackling the ball away, shocking Shino's side. The ball went back to a player from Toru's eleven who swiftly cleared it back to his team. As the game continued, the whistle blew out, marking the end of the first half with neither team scoring a single goal. Both teams now gathered at the far end of the field. A player from Shino's eleven smiled proudly and said, "Well, that was a successful half, we didn't let them score!" The other players smiled in agreement, but Shino's face remained tense, lost in thoughts. One of the players noticed Shino, and asked, "Shino, you don't look happy, what happened?" Shino turned to him and said, "I'm not sure... but I feel like Toru's been holding himself back." His words left everyone, including Haruma, visibly confused, their eyes locked on Shino. "I've been playing alongside Toru for years" Shino continues, his voice steady "And right now, It feels like he's holding back, I don't know why but, Toru isn't playing his natural game." A wave of concern spread across all the players as they absorbed Shino's words. Haruma expressions also reflect confusion and concern. One of the players spoke up, "So what should we do?" Shino gave a warm smile, "We will stick to our game plan, but when the last minutes hit, we shift gears, understood?" Shino's eleven smiles, and confidently nodded in agreement. The whistle for the second half echoed through the field, with Shino's eleven claiming possession of the ball. One of the players moves forward, passing it smoothly to a teammate, who quickly spots Shino in a clear space, sending the ball towards Shino who immediately glances at Haruma who was in an excellent position. Haruma's gaze was filled with fierce determination, locking eyes with Shino giving him a slow subtle nod. With a furious expression Shino swung his right foot at the ball but at the last moment an opponent foot slid in barely grazed the ball, causing Shino to lose possession of the ball. Shino's and Haruma's eyes were widened with disbelief. The opposing goalkeeper grinned and with a sharp tone he said, "Here he comes!" His words reached Haruma's ears. In a flash the ball was collected by a player from Toru's eleven who one touched it towards his teammate who made a long pass to his side. All this happening in an instant. Shino quickly turned around and watched the ball, which went straight at the feets of Toru! who collected the ball and immediately rushed towards the net. The students roared with excitement, their enthusiastic cheers charging the air with electrifying energy. Shino's eyes widened in panic, "Stop him!" he yelled before dashing towards Toru. Haruma appeared stunned, frozen in his place, his eyes fixed on Toru, who was charging towards the net. As Toru was nearing the nets, a defender rushed into the intercept. But in an instant Toru defly dribbled past him, leaving all the students in awe as he continued his relentless sprint towards the nets. The crowd went wild, screaming and chanting Toru's name in a frenzy. Defenders themselves threw at Toru but he effortlessly dribbled past all of them, his skills unmatched. With a brutal strike he shot the ball towards the nets, making the goalkeeper look helpless, scoring a brilliant goal. The students erupted into chaos, the chants of Toru ringing out loud, While Toru ran and stood before the roaring students blowing them all a big playful flying kiss. His teammates rushed in, leaping onto his back, celebrating with him. Haruma stood in the distance, frozen. His eyes were dark with shadow, as he watched Toru and his team celebrating enthusiastically. The entire football field was shaking with the deafening chants of Toru's name.