Chapter 36: The Seagulls’ Challenge
The buzz surrounding Luton Town's victory over Arsenal had barely subsided when the Premier League's attention shifted to their next battle—an away match at Brighton's AMEX Stadium.
Brighton, under the astute management of Roberto De Zerbi, had built a reputation for high-pressing football and technical brilliance. The clash was a true test of Luton's meteoric rise.
In the pre-match press conference, Rahmat exuded calm confidence. When asked about Wakabayashi's return and Luton's preparations, he smiled. "We respect Brighton; they're a team with fantastic players and a sharp manager. But respect doesn't mean fear. We're ready."
Brighton, too, entered the match brimming with confidence, boasting a squad led by standout players like Evan Ferguson, Kaoru Mitoma, and the newly-signed Carlos Baleba. De Zerbi had promised a fight, stating, "Luton is having their fairytale season, but we aim to bring them back to reality."
Commentators Derek Rae and Stewart Robson set the stage. "Brighton will look to exploit Luton's high intensity," noted Rae, "but Wakabayashi's return and Luton's resilience make this a thrilling prospect."
As Rahmat finalized his tactical plans, the Dream Manager System reactivated, presenting new objectives:
Objectives:
1. Win the Match Against Brighton: Secures 5,000 points.
2. Score a Hat-Trick with Barou: Rewards 3,000 points
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3. Keep a Clean Sheet: Rewards 2,000 points.
4. Use the Panther Shot Successfully in a Match: Unlocks a skill boost for Barou.
Rahmat stared at the glowing screen, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. "So this is what you've got for me?" he murmured. "Challenge accepted." He immediately adapted his strategy to align with the objectives, ensuring Barou's positioning allowed for maximum impact while reinforcing the defense to protect Wakabayashi's goal.
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As the match kicked off, Brighton fans filled the AMEX Stadium with chants, confident in their team's ability to dominate. Yet, from the first whistle, it became clear Luton had other plans. Aoyama orchestrated the midfield with surgical precision, slicing through Brighton's press with calculated passes. On the wings, Eli Carter's blistering pace wreaked havoc, while Hubner and Arhan nullified Mitoma and Ferguson with disciplined defending.
In the 12th minute, Luton struck. A quick one-two between Aoyama and Carter split Brighton's defense, with Carter delivering a low cross into the box. Barou, charging like a bull, met it with ferocious power, blasting the ball into the top corner.
"Barou strikes first!" exclaimed Rae. "Brighton have no answer for his raw power!"
The home crowd fell silent, save for the gasps of disbelief. A Brighton supporter muttered, "Steele will definitely catch them next time…" Meanwhile, Luton's traveling fans erupted into chants of, "KING BAROU! KING BAROU!"
Brighton tried to respond, but Wakabayashi's return proved pivotal. Save after save, he denied Ferguson and Mitoma, commanding his defense with unshakable confidence. In the 22nd minute, Ferguson unleashed a powerful header, only for Wakabayashi to leap and palm it over the bar.
"Wakabayashi is back!" Robson shouted. "The Wall of Luton stands tall again!"
Luton's second goal came in the 30th minute. Aoyama intercepted a loose pass in midfield and threaded a perfectly timed through-ball to Barou. Facing Steele one-on-one, Barou feinted right before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner.
"Barou at the double!" Rae exclaimed. "Brighton is falling apart!"
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Brighton returned from halftime with renewed aggression. Yet Luton's defense absorbed their attacks like a well-oiled machine. Arhan and Hubner thwarted every Brighton incursion, while Wakabayashi made another jaw-dropping save in the 52nd minute, diving full stretch to deny a Mitoma curler.
In the 60th minute, Rahmat's tactical brilliance unfolded. Hubner intercepted a Brighton cross and launched a pinpoint pass to Barou. The striker advanced, his every step cheered by the traveling fans. With Steele rushing out, Barou unleashed the Panther Shot for the first time in a match. The ball rocketed forward with ferocious speed and unpredictable movement, slicing through the air before slamming into the net.
The Brighton players froze in disbelief.
The stadium fell into stunned silence. A nearby fan whispered, "What… what was that?" Another shook his head. "I don't even think Steele saw it…"
"WHAT A STRIKE!" Rae screamed. "That's not just a goal—it's a masterpiece! I've never seen anything like this in my life!"
The commentators speculated about the technique. "Was it a knuckleball? A curveball? Whatever it was, Barou just introduced something extraordinary!" Robson exclaimed.
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Brighton's attempts to rally crumbled under Luton's relentless counterattacks. In the 68th minute, Aoyama added Luton's fourth. After a brilliant team move, he curled a precise shot into the top corner, leaving Steele helpless. "Aoyama, the Mr. Clean, delivers once again!" Robson marveled.
Luton's fifth goal came in the 75th minute, with Eli Carter sprinting past Brighton's defense to deliver a venomous strike into the bottom corner. The young winger celebrated passionately in front of the away fans, soaking in their adoration.
Finally, in the 85th minute, Wakabayashi himself played a crucial role in Luton's sixth. After saving a Brighton free kick, he launched a quick counterattack with a pinpoint throw to Aoyama. The midfielder found Barou, who completed his hat-trick with a thunderous volley. "Barou completes the rout!" Rae shouted. "Luton 6, Brighton 0. This is a statement!"
As the final whistle blew and the scoreboard displayed an emphatic Brighton 0 - 6 Luton, the AMEX Stadium buzzed with mixed emotions. While the Brighton faithful sat stunned by their team's dismantling, the Luton fans celebrated a historic victory.
Amidst the post-match handshakes and congratulatory embraces, Kaoru Mitoma approached Wakabayashi Genzo, a mixture of admiration and determination in his eyes.
"Wakabayashi-san," Mitoma began, bowing slightly in respect. "May I have your shirt? Watching you play today reminded me why you're called the Wall of Luton."
Wakabayashi, still catching his breath, smiled warmly. "Of course," he replied, removing his jersey and handing it to Mitoma. "But you played well too, Mitoma. You gave me a real challenge."
Mitoma laughed lightly, his humility shining through. "I tried, but no one could break through you today. You're incredible, Wakabayashi-san." He paused for a moment, then added with a gleam in his eye, "I'm excited to play alongside you in the Japan national team. With you guarding our goal, I believe we can achieve great things."
Wakabayashi's expression softened as he nodded. "The national team is always an honor. I'll give my all for Japan, just like I do for Luton. And with players like you, Mitoma, I know we can make waves."
The exchange drew attention from fans and cameras, who captured the moment of mutual respect. Mitoma held Wakabayashi's shirt like a treasured artifact, and in return, Wakabayashi accepted Mitoma's Brighton jersey. The two bowed to each other, symbolizing the sportsmanship and camaraderie that transcended club rivalries.
As they parted ways, Mitoma called out, "I'll see you in Japan, Wakabayashi-san. And maybe next time, I'll find a way past your wall."
Wakabayashi chuckled, raising a hand in acknowledgment. "I'll be waiting for that day, Mitoma-san."
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Post-Match Interview
As cameras swarmed Barou after the match, his confidence was palpable. When asked about his stunning second goal, he smirked.
"That shot? It's called Panther Shot, even Wakabayashi couldn't stop it in training," he boasted. "It's unstoppable because it's mine."
Wakabayashi, standing nearby wearing mitoma's jersey, chuckled. "He's not wrong," he admitted. "But don't tell him I let a few in on purpose."
Rahmat praised the team's collective effort. "We came here to show what Luton Town is made of. This wasn't just about one player; it was about every single one of them fighting for each other."
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Media and Fan Reactions
The football world exploded with speculation over Barou's Panther Shot. Clips of the goal went viral, with analysts debating its mechanics. Meanwhile, Brighton's manager Roberto De Zerbi admitted in his post-match interview, "Luton deserved the win. They punished us for every mistake. That goal from Barou? It was something special."
The Premier League standings now reflected Luton's remarkable run, just one point behind Chelsea. The headlines captured the moment:
"Luton's Panther Roars,"
"Wakabayashi Returns, and So Does the Wall,"
"Luton Town: Contenders, Not Pretenders."
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As Rahmat retreated to the locker room, the Dream Manager System reactivated, displaying his match rewards:
Objective Achieved: Hat-trick complete, Panther Shot executed, and bonus points unlocked.
Objective Achieved: Clean sheet intact.
Total Points Earned: 10,000
Skill Boost: Panther Shot upgraded to Level 2, increasing its accuracy and power.
Rahmat's eyes widened in disbelief as he read the numbers. "10,000 points… in one match?" he muttered, his heart racing with excitement. He immediately navigated to the player shop, eyeing the legendary talents now within reach. "I could summon another game-changer," he thought, scrolling through the options. Names like Hyoma Chigiri and Yuto Machida tempted him, their profiles promising to elevate Luton's dominance even further.
But as the initial rush of excitement faded, a realization struck him. "Dominating like this every match won't be easy," he murmured, his expression growing serious. The victory over Brighton had been historic, but Rahmat understood the grind of the Premier League. Teams would adapt, and the pressure to maintain such performances would only grow.
Taking a deep breath, he closed the shop interface without making a purchase. "Not yet," he decided, regaining his composure. "We need to stay grounded and focus on what's ahead. One step at a time."
In the locker room, the players celebrated. Rahmat, reminded them of the challenges ahead. "This win was special, but we're not done. The title is within reach—if we keep fighting like this."
As the team dispersed, Wakabayashi and Barou shared a rare moment of camaraderie.
"Barou," Wakabayashi said, "that shot might just be the best I've faced. Keep it up."
Barou grinned. "Don't worry. I'm just getting started."
With Brighton behind them and Newcastle ahead, Luton Town's dream season continued.