[34] Advancing

"And that's a match, ladies and gentlemen!"

The commentator exclaimed through the mic as the audience stand began applauding the players on the field.

They were especially cheering and clapping their hands toward the Kazamizawa High after seeing the scoreboard.

5 - 0

Indeed, a perfect victory for Kazamizawa High with Izumo scoring three goals while Yamamoto had two goals.

Additionally, Akai had one assist while Minato had two assists.

They practically dominated the whole match, specifically Izumo since he controlled the entire game.

With this victory, the Kazamizawa High advances to the quarter-finals.

On the other hand, the Kesseki High players could only lower their heads in shame and defeat.

They couldn't even stay mad since the Kazamizawa High played seriously even in the final minute, clearly showing respect to them.

In the end, both teams left on a good note and walked away from the field.

And while the players were packing their things, Asayo suddenly stepped forward, gaining the attention of everyone.

"We're going to watch the remaining matches. Who wants to come?"

Asayo spoke up, asking the others if they were interested.

Hearing this, the majority of the players nodded and agreed as they too wanted to see their upcoming opponents.

Only Izumo and Kousuke refused the invitation as they had no interest whatsoever.

"You sure, Izumo? This could be the chance to scout out our opponents"

"Hm, not interested'

Izumo rejected it once again, clearly showing his disinterest and indifference to the suggestion.

For Kousuke on the other hand, the others didn't even bother to ask again since they knew how inert the man was when it came to this sort of thing.

"Then we'll see you next time, Izumo... and coach"

"Yeah, you too"

"Uh-huh"

Both Izumo and Kousuke left the locker room afterward, leaving the team to their devices as both of them headed to exit the stadium.

After a while, the two of them were about to exit when Kousuke suddenly halted in his steps.

"What's wrong?"

Izumo asked, seeing Kouske crumple his face, seemingly in discomfort while clutching his stomach.

"Ha..."

"...?"

"I need to go to the bathroom. Wait for me here"

"Oh, sure"

Shortly after, Izumo was left standing alone near the entrance/exit of the stadium.

But seeing it would be awkward to just stand in the middle of the room, Izumo decided to find a place to sit while waiting.

And as he did so, a rough-looking player saw him from the distance and glinted his eyes before flashing a menacing smile.

Unaware of a rough-looking man heading toward him in stride...

Izumo casually strolled toward an empty seat and was about to sit down when he suddenly felt someone bump into his shoulder, making him jerk slightly forward.

Luckily, he was quite strong and durable for his age which prevented him from falling.

"Hm?"

Curious, Izumo turned his head behind and looked down as he saw a rough-looking player sprawled on the floor, staring at him in disbelief.

He didn't know why the man was on the floor...

But he didn't think much presently and reacted instantly by asking if the man was alright.

"Are you okay?"

"...y-yeah"

The rough man stuttered, seemingly still looking to be in dumbstruck.

Meanwhile, Izumo walked up toward him and extended his hand, expressing his aid to him which the man hesitantly took.

And as Izumo helped the player stand up, he couldn't help but notice the name of the man's school branded on his uniform.

'Ishiyama High...'

Seeing the name, Izumo instantly recognized it as one of the schools participating in the tournament.

In fact, they should be their next opponent if Ishiyama High wins the following match.

With this in mind, he couldn't help but begin feeling suspicious.

After all, what were the chances he would meet his possible opponent just after their match ended?

It wasn't impossible but it certainly wasn't high enough of a chance as well.

Usually, players with upcoming matches should be getting ready or begin warming up.

But here the man was, standing in front of him.

Naturally, Izumo had doubts and finally had the time to ponder about what happened earlier.

Indeed, the sudden collision in his shoulder...

The rough-looking player suddenly lying on the floor...

And the disbelief and hesitant look on the man's face...

Through connecting these puzzle pieces inside his mind, Izumo soon formed a conclusion as he couldn't help but feel amused afterward.

'Interesting'

Izumo narrowed his eyes for a moment, scrutinizing the man in front of him before returning to his usual face.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

Izumo asked again, staring at the Ishiyama High player in front of him with kind and innocent eyes.

Frankly, If the others had been here right now, especially Kousuke...

They would have scoffed and laughed at how fake his expression was.

On the other hand, the rough man nodded in response, not knowing that Izumo was merely acting and thought that the young man was simply a naive and good kid.

"Is that so... I'm glad"

Izumo beamed a wide smile which only made the rough man nod again awkwardly.

"By the way, what grade are you?"

"...Second year"

"Oh! That means you're my senior then!'

Izumo lit up his eyes and closed in toward the man before suddenly "patting" the back of his shoulder.

"Urgh!?"

Feeling the not-so-soft patting on his shoulder, the rough man couldn't help but let out a muffled groan.

In fact, it felt more like smacking instead as if a metal shovel was slamming against his back.

But the rough man being someone older than Izumo had pride and tried to hide the pain from being shown on his face.

"E-Ehem... I should go now"

"Oh, right. Good luck with your match"

"Yeah..."

"I hope your school wins... cause I very much looked forward to playing against you, senior~"

"..."

Upon hearing him, the rough man could only stand in silence, not knowing what to say next.

After all, he miserably failed to push Izumo down earlier.

And that strength the young man had...

Just the thought that he might have to play against Izumo in the next match simply makes him feel uneasy.

Even at this moment, his shoulder was still bruising because of the so-called patting.

In the end, the rough man could only chuckle dryly in response before leaving immediately, never wanting to see the young man ever again.

Meanwhile, Izumo merely watched the rough man's back fade away in the distance as his kind and goodie expression instantly disappeared and reverted back to his usual complexion.

"Hoh... the next match should be quite an interesting game"

Izumo muttered as a smirk appeared on his face while brushing his chin with his right hand.

However, he might need to prepare himself since he had a feeling that some foul and dirty play might come up next game.

After all, that man had no quarrel trying to hurt someone younger than him

Then what about that man's teammate?

Are they all similar?

Thinking of this, Izumo felt he needed to be extra cautious next game.

'I suppose, I need to sharpen up my Jiu jutsu... just in case'