Chapter 59: Hattrick Incoming?

Chapter 59: Hattrick Incoming?Toru along with his friends, Masaru and Rukia stood locking their puzzled glances at Shiori, who stood confidently with her arms crossed. "Who even are you?" Toru asked, clearly puzzled. Shiori met his gaze without flinching, "I’m Haruma’s friend," She said firmly, "And today, he’ll score a hattrick!" Her unwavering confidence only grew their confusion. Then without any other word, Shiori turned on her heels and walked away, leaving them in their silence. They all stood frozen, watching Shiori walk away, her confidence left them in confused silence. Rukia stood the most confused among them all, her eyes locked on Shiori, watching her disappear into the distance... Another sleek black Mercedes car rolled into the parking lot coming to a smooth stop. From inside Ryusei Takanami and Haruma’s mother stepped out, both wearing soft smiles. Walking a few steps forward, Haruma’s mother paused her eyes welling up at the sight of the crowd gathered outside the stadium. Overcome with emotions she raised her both hands to cover her mouth trying to muffle her gentle sobs. Noticing her getting emotional, Takanami smiles faintly, gesturing for her to lead the way. She slowly wiped her tears, composed herself and began walking towards the stadium’s entrance, with Takanami following gently behind her... ’And we welcome you back for the second match of this year’s U17 Japan Football Championship!’ The commentator’s voice boomed with excitement. ’I’m Sakamoto and joining me here is Mr.Shinzo! And today we’re in for an absolute treat! Young rising stars are set to lit up the field as the home team Tokyo Wolves U17, takes on last year’s semifinalists, The U17 Fukuoka Tengus!" In the stands, Rukia and Masaru took their seats, observing the buzz of energy excitement all around the stadium. Eyes wide with excitement, Masaru spoke up, "Man! what an electric atmosphere, it’s been a long time since I’ve watched a live match!" Rukia nodded in agreement, added "Yeah, the crowds are really electrifying!" Toru, leaning back with a smirk added, "Now comes the real things, can Haruma handle the pressure? has he really become the man enough to perform under this kind of spotlight?" "I’m sure he’ll get subbed off before the halftime!" One of Toru’s friends sneered, causing a ripple of laughter to follow from his group. Only Masaru and Rukia remained quiet m, staring at the group, clearly unimpressed... Takanami and Haruma’s mother came in the stands, taking their seats side by side. Takanami appeared excited and eager. In contrast Haruma’s mother sat tensly, her face etched with both concern and nervousness... "Wooooo! Yeaahhhh!" Kento cheered, practically bouncing on his seat, waving a bright cheering sign of Go Go Haruma. Sitting on his shoulders, Mio was waving a smaller matching sign, her face lit up with a bright joyfull smile. The two of them were easily the most animated fans, radiating pure energy. Back at the Kento Residence, Ayane was sitting quietly on her writing table, jotting down few notes on her notebook, when suddenly her pen came to a slow stop, she turned her head to the left, eyes settling on the Tv, where the live broadcasting of that match was playing... Back at the stadium, inside the VIP box, a women, appearing to be in her mid-twenties sat gracefully on a seat. Her presence poised and composed wearing a elegant blue dress with sunglasses resting on her face. Two bodyguards stood silently on her either sides. With a calm motion, she removed her glasses revealing sharp observant eyes. Glancing down at her phone she tapped the screen, bringing the phone to her ear. "Yes father, I’m here!" She said gently into the phone, her tone calm and composed. "Yes, I did exactly as you said, but dad... are you really sure these young brats can pull off a win? I mean Fukuoka have the clear edge, they were semi-finalist last year." She paused, listening intently to the voice on the other end, then gave a small nod, "Alright father, as you say." She ended the call and turned her attention back to the field, with a straight face. She reached for a glass of wine and took a slow sip, when suddenly, a young man, around her age stepped next to her. "Owh hey, Ms, Ameha, it’s nice seeing you here!" The young man said before taking a seat next to her. He was dressed in a elegant tuxedo, his golden hair pushed back. Ameha didn’t respond, keeping her calm, steady, eyes fixed forward on the field. Chuckling softly to himself, he too picked up a glass of wine from the table taking a sip. "So.. tell me," He said with a playful tone, "On which team is your father betting on today?" "It’s really none of your concern Mr. Shuya." Ameha replied coolly, her tone calm but edge with ice. Shuya chuckled again, taking another slow sip, "Come on now, whoever is betting here today is actually my concern." he said with a confident grin, "So tell me Miss Ameha... is it Fukuoka or Tokyo?" Appearing slightly annoyed, Ameha replied in a cold tone, "Twenty million on Tokyo." Shuya let out a low whistle, followed by a soft laugh, "Wow, now that’s a big amount!" He takes another sip, "Funny enough I’ve put the same amount... but on Fukuoka." Smirking ear to ear, Shuya leaned back with a glint in his eyes, "Well looks likes we’ve got ourselves a little competition here! but how about we raise the stakes!" Ameha, sharply yet slowly turned to him, curiosity flickering beneath her cold demeanour. "If Tokyo wins," He began, "I’ll become your main investor on that little project of yours." Ameha held her unreadable gaze at him, calm and silent. "And If Fukuoka wins!" Shuya began with a slight smirk tugging at his lip, "You’ll go on a one-night date with me!" Ameha didn’t flinch, her expressions remained unreadable, eyes still sharp and unblinking locked on him. Shuya leaned back on his seat, taking another sip of his wine, "The choice is yours," He said causally, "Having a main investor for that little passion project of yours no one wants to put their money on." "Deal" Ameha replied almost instantly, her voice calm and unwavering. A wide grin spread across Shuya’s face as he straighten up in his seat, locking his eyes on the field with newfound intensity "Well then... the things got more interesting!" Ameha kept her calm, unreadable gaze on Shuya for a moment before turning her gaze back on the field. The stadium was electric, as the referees stood on the sidelines holding the ball. All eyes in the crowds shifted towards the tunnels of the both teams. Moments later, the U-17 Fukuoka emerged in a straight line, dressed in striking orange jerseys. But in the stands, Rukia, Masaru, Takanami, Haruma’s mom, Mio and Toru’s eyes were eagerly fixed on the other side, eagerly staring at the other tunnel waiting for Tokyo Wolves to make their entrance. Just then out of the tunnel’s shadows, Kurogami emerged, his presence commanding, the captain’s armband gleaming on his arm, and his hair floating freely with each step. Following him, Raya Jiho and then finally Haruma stepped out of the darkness. Rukia’s eyes flew open in awe, locked solely on Haruma. Masaru’s jaw began dropping, a bright cheerful smile stretching across his face. Kento’s excitement grew as he began waving the sign more passionately, While Mio still on his shoulder began chanting Haruma’s name on repeat. Takanami shot up from his seat, letting out an enthusiastic roar, clapping out loud with uncontainable joy and pride. Besides him, Haruma’s mother brought her trembling hands to cover her mouth, her eyes welling up before she broke into tears, her quiet sobs swallowed by the stadium’s thunderous energy. On the sidelines, Haruma’s face was etched with nothing but just focus and unshakeable confidence. His fists clenched tightly, as he exhaled deeply letting out a visible cloud of breath escaping into the cold air Toru stood frozen, disbelief etching across his face, his breaths caught in his throat as he was staring at Haruma and Kurogami together, wearing the same jersey. The horror flashbacks of Kurogami effortlessly shutting down every shot he was taking. On the sidelines, Kurogami stood tall and unshaken, his gaze fixed ahead. At his either side Haruma and Raya were standing, both wearing steely expressions, eyes locked forward, focused on one mission. Joining them was Jiho with a fierce smirk playing on his face. Izaya wears a sly, almost wicked smile. Kabuto stood next with a wild, maniacal grin. Nagisa stretches his head around in a calm manner. Itsuki and Zora maintained confident smirks. Haru and Makoto stood tall at the end, excluding calm confidence and determination all at once. The collective aura surrounding them was undeniable, thick, intense and surely impossible to ignore. Kurogami exhaled slowly, steadying himself, before speaking up in a low, cold tone. "Run Riot On Them!" His words hit like a spark, igniting a new surge of fire in their chests. All their Smirk widened, eyes sharpened. Kurogami then moved his one fists to Raya and other to Haruma. Both responded with firm, silent fist bumps. Without any other word, Kurogami led his side onto the field, their presence heavy radiating pure intensity.