### Chapter 21: 揺れる心 (Yureru Kokoro / A Shaking Heart)

The locker room was filled with a heavy silence. Seiryuu's players sat slumped on the benches, their spirits crushed by the overwhelming defeat. Saijo leaned back, his eyes closed, trying to drown out the echoes of Akamine's cheers and the haunting memory of the scoreboard: 8-0.

Saijo's mind replayed every moment of the match, every mistake, every time he was outplayed. His heart was heavy with the weight of failure. The rest of the team seemed equally lost in their thoughts, the sting of defeat fresh and bitter.

As Saijo changed into his street clothes, he felt a presence behind him. He turned to see Ryuji Morimoto, still in his Akamine jersey, standing at the doorway. The aura around Morimoto was almost palpable, a mix of confidence and raw talent that seemed to command the room.

"Saijo," Morimoto's voice was calm, yet carried an intensity that made everyone stop and listen. "Can we talk outside?"

Saijo hesitated, then nodded, curiosity piqued by the unusual request. They walked out of the locker room, leaving the hushed whispers of their teammates behind.

---

The night air was cool, and the sky was clear, the stars shining brightly above the school grounds. Saijo and Morimoto walked in silence for a moment before stopping near the empty pitch. Morimoto turned to face Saijo, his expression unreadable.

"Saijo, you're a talented player," Morimoto began, his eyes boring into Saijo's. "But Seiryuu is wasting your potential."

Saijo's eyes widened, shock and confusion flooding his mind. "What do you mean?"

Morimoto crossed his arms, his demeanor serious. "At Akamine, we hone our skills to perfection. We push ourselves beyond our limits every single day. You have the talent, Saijo, but you need the right environment to grow. Join us at Akamine. Together, we can dominate the inter-high."

---

Saijo's heart raced. The weight of Morimoto's words was immense, his offer tempting. But the thought of leaving Seiryuu, his friends, and his commitment to Coach Takeda was equally heavy.

Morimoto's gaze softened slightly, as if sensing Saijo's turmoil. "Look, I know it's not an easy decision. But think about it. At Akamine, you'll get the training and the teammates that match your ambitions. We can help you become the player you're meant to be."

Saijo's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The memory of the match, the humiliation, the realization of how far he had to go—all of it mixed with the allure of Morimoto's offer. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms.

"Think about it," Morimoto said, turning to leave. "We'll be waiting."

---

Saijo stood there, staring at the empty pitch, his heart pounding in his chest. The stars above seemed to spin as his thoughts raced. Was he really wasting his time at Seiryuu? Could he achieve his dreams faster at Akamine? The offer was as intoxicating as it was terrifying.

He remembered Coach Takeda's words, the encouragement from his teammates, and the determination he had felt after their previous defeat. But Morimoto's words echoed in his mind, casting a shadow of doubt over his resolve.

Saijo's thoughts turned to the intense match. The way Morimoto had sliced through their defense with effortless skill, Harada's pinpoint passes, and Fujimoto's impenetrable defense. The Three Kings had shown him what true excellence looked like. And he couldn't deny the admiration he felt for their skill.

---

Morimoto's invitation was more than just an offer to join a team. It was a challenge. A chance to prove himself against the best, to push beyond his limits and achieve greatness. But it also meant leaving behind everything he had worked for at Seiryuu.

The thought of facing his teammates, knowing he was considering abandoning them, filled him with guilt. But the desire to grow, to become the best, burned fiercely within him.

Saijo stood there, torn between loyalty and ambition, his heart and mind at war. The weight of the decision pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe.

---

The sound of footsteps broke his reverie. He turned to see Coach Takeda walking towards him, a knowing look in his eyes. "Saijo, what's on your mind?"

Saijo hesitated, then decided to be honest. "Morimoto… he wants me to join Akamine. He says Seiryuu is wasting my talents."

Coach Takeda nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "And what do you think?"

"I don't know," Saijo admitted, his voice shaky. "I want to be the best, but I also want to stay with my team. With you."

Takeda placed a hand on Saijo's shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "It's a tough decision. But remember, greatness isn't just about individual skill. It's about the heart, the spirit, and the loyalty you bring to your team. Whatever you choose, make sure it's a decision you can live with."

---

Saijo looked up at the coach, feeling a sense of clarity amidst the confusion. He nodded slowly, gratitude swelling in his chest. "Thank you, Coach."

As Takeda walked away, Saijo stood there for a moment longer, the weight of his decision still heavy but now mixed with a renewed sense of determination. He turned back towards the locker room, his mind still racing but his heart a little steadier.

The chapter ended with Saijo standing on the brink of a monumental decision, his fate hanging in the balance. The next move was his, and it would shape the future of his soccer career.

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This chapter delves deep into the emotional turmoil and the intense decision Saijo faces. The powerful presence of Morimoto and the gravity of his words are portrayed with anime-like exaggeration, creating a gripping narrative that leaves readers eager for the next installment. The suspenseful ending keeps the audience on edge, wondering what path Saijo will choose.