Invitation

{Saitama Prefecture Finals}

{Ryosuke approached Yoichi, who was with teammates.}

{Yoichi stood closely behind his grieving teammates.}

{Ryosuke's teammates also noticed him approaching the opponents' side, but since Ryosuke had mentioned he'd only come to say "good game," they paid him no mind, as they had no interest in the losers.}

"Hey," I called out to number 11, but he didn't respond.

I moved closer and patted his shoulder, which snapped him out of his thoughts.

I smiled as I saw the black-haired young man look at me in confusion.

"You played well out there," I complimented with a smile.

"What?"

{Yoichi seemed confused and surprised. He didn't expect someone he considered a genius to praise him.}

{Yoichi's other teammates saw Ryosuke approach Yoichi and became alert, thinking Ryosuke might mock them for their loss.}

"What are you doing here!?"

"Are you here to mock us!?"

{The Ichinan coach also frowned at Ryosuke's presence.}

{The coach approached Ryosuke and asked,} "What do you want?"

{Yoichi felt tension in the air; his team had just finished grieving, so they might be a bit sensitive. He understood their frustration.}

{Ryosuke just smiled in response.}

"Nothing. I'm here to praise number 11."

{The Ichinan Team was surprised.}

"To praise... Number 11?"

{The Ichinan Coach then smiled slightly despite the sadness.}

"If that's the case, then Isagi should feel flattered, right?"

{The coach said as he patted Yoichi's hair.}

{Yoichi simply smiled.}

"Thank you."

{But Ryosuke's next words left him and his team, especially Yoichi, dumbfounded.}

"But you could have had a chance to score there, right? Why did you pass the ball?"

{Everyone became dumbfounded, especially number 9, the player to whom Yoichi had passed the ball.}

{The coach gritted his teeth and said,} "So you're here to mock us, huh?"

{Yoichi's teammates also shouted one after the other.}

"You've got some nerve to mock us here!"

"You've got some nerve..."

{The teammate who Yoichi had passed the ball to but missed also shouted angrily,}

"Yeah! Just because you're a genius, you think you can push us around!?"

{He even tried to rush at Ryosuke but was stopped by his friends and coach.}

{While Yoichi felt a mix of emotions when Ryosuke uttered those words.}

{The Ichinan Coach gritted his teeth as he restrained number 9.}

{The coach couldn't help but shout,} "Please leave, you rascal!"

{Yoichi muttered,} "Coach..."

{Ryosuke just chuckled, stayed, and continued to speak,} "I'm just telling the truth." 

{Ryosuke paid no attention to the expressions of the Ichinan Team.}

"Because number 11 passed the ball to number 9, you lost. If number 11 had kicked the ball himself, he could have scored."

"Because of that miss by number 9, the game felt..."

"Boring."

{The Ichinan Team widened their eyes upon hearing Ryosuke's words.}

"Just leave!"

{The coach gritted his teeth, his eyes welling up with tears.}

{But number 9 sobbed.}

"Coach, he's right!"

{However, Ichinan teammates comforted him.}

"It's not your fault!"

"Don't believe that guy!"

"Yeah, even if Isagi kicked the ball, there's no telling whether it would have scored!"

{Yoichi remained silent throughout, ignoring his teammates' words.}

{Yoichi's team ushered Ryosuke away.}

{Ryosuke just smiled in response.}

"Losers."

{Ryosuke muttered as he walked away, while Ichinan teammates prevented the coach and number 9 from rushing at Ryosuke because of his final words.}

{While Yoichi looked at Ryosuke thoughtfully.}

===

{Matsukaze Kokuo High School}

I received a lot of praise from my coach and teammates, and I was slowly growing tired of it.

After chatting with them, I made my way home.

I'll be able to participate in the nationals from now on!

{Kira's residence}

Back home, I searched for Noel Noa on the internet.

I was amazed by his speed and kicking abilities. Such an incredible player.

-The day passed, and it was finally night. -

After finishing dinner, I headed into my room, and my parents called me, mentioning there's a letter for me.

"You received a letter from the Japan Football Union!" My mother exclaimed as she handed it to me.

A letter?

I opened the envelope and pulled out the letter, reading its contents, which invited me and provided its location.

This is interesting...

-Early in the morning-

{Ryosuke hurriedly got dressed and set out for the Japan Football Union.}

{It was cold, so Ryosuke wore a scarf and a thick coat.}

{Finally, after taking a bus and walking to the location, Ryosuke spotted a building and quickly walked in front of its gate.}

{Japan Football Union}

Whew... I'm finally here! I panted as I stood in front of the gate.

While I gazed at the building, my mind filled with mixed thoughts. I spotted the black-haired young man from before.