Chapter 35 : The Unsung Heroes

As Rahmat and Steve stepped onto the training pitch, the morning air was filled with the familiar sound of balls thudding against boots and the hum of drills. Rahmat's eyes lit up as he spotted Wakabayashi at the far end, stretching with the team's physio.

"Coach!" Wakabayashi called, jogging toward Rahmat with his signature grin. "Guess who's ready to get back to work?"

Rahmat clapped him on the shoulder, his relief evident. "Good to have you back. How's the knee?"

"Strong as ever," Wakabayashi replied confidently. "The physio says I can start full training. No restrictions."

Rutter raised an eyebrow. "Let's not push it too far, Genzo. You're still easing in."

Wakabayashi laughed. "Relax, Coach. I'll take it slow… for now."

Rahmat nodded, already envisioning the stability Wakabayashi's presence would bring. "Alright, Wakabayashi, we'll start you in today's training match. Let's see how you hold up."

---

Rahmat called Barou over to start Panther Shot drills. The striker sauntered onto the pitch, exuding confidence. "Alright, Coach. Show me what's so special about this shot."

Rahmat stepped aside as Rutter took over. "Let's see what you've got, Barou. Line up and strike—full power."

Barou smirked and positioned himself, his gaze locked on the goal where Lewis Hampton stood ready. With a roar, Barou launched into his shot. The ball rocketed forward—but sailed over the crossbar into the stands.

"Power, no precision," Rutter muttered. "Try again. This time, plant your foot properly and keep your head down."

Barou scowled but obeyed. His second attempt was better, the ball curving just wide of the post. Hampton grinned from the goal line. "Getting closer, but still not close enough!"

Wakabayashi watched from the sidelines, arms crossed. "Let me guess—Barou thinks he can master it in one go."

"Shut it, Genzo," Barou snapped, though a faint grin tugged at his lips.

---

As the session continued, Rahmat and Rutter drilled Barou on the mechanics of the shot. Wakabayashi joined in, stepping into the goal to test Barou's progress. The striker's shots grew sharper and more controlled, each strike forcing Wakabayashi to make increasingly dramatic saves.

In one attempt, Barou finally struck with near-perfect form. The ball shot low and fast, skimming the ground before slamming into the bottom corner past Wakabayashi's outstretched hand.

"That's it!" Rutter shouted. "Now do it again."

Barou grinned, sweat dripping down his face. "You saw that, right, Genzo?"

Wakabayashi smirked. "You got lucky. Try that again, and I'll stop it."

---

To wrap up the session, Rahmat organized a training match. Other players trained on adjacent pitches. Luton's unsung heroes were eager to showcase their skills in the upcoming mini-match:

1. Elliot "Eli" Carter – A young winger known for his blistering pace and unpredictable dribbling.

2. Darnell Rowe – A towering center-back with a knack for aerial duels.

3. Zaid Farouq – A technically Veteran midfielder from Morocco with sharp vision and silky passes.

4. Callum Mitchell – The veteran full-back and unofficial team mentor who kept everyone grounded.

As Rahmat called for the mini-match to begin, he split the players into two teams. Team A featured Barou, Aoyama, and Hubner, while Team B was led by Wakabayashi, Arhan, and the ever-reliable Callum Mitchell.

The players lined up, their energy crackling in the air. Rahmat blew the whistle, and the game kicked off with Aoyama immediately taking control of the midfield. His calm presence allowed Team A to set the tempo, and his precise passes repeatedly opened up spaces for Barou and Eli Carter on the wings.

"Let's see what you've got, Eli!" Barou yelled, laying the ball off to the winger. Eli's pace left Darnell Rowe flat-footed as he cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot. Wakabayashi dived to his right, his gloves deflecting the ball just wide.

"That's the Wakabayashi we've been missing!" Couching staf shouted from the sidelines, clapping.

"Still got it," Wakabayashi called out with a grin.

Callum Mitchell initiated a quick counterattack for Team B, threading a long pass to Zaid Farouq in midfield. Zaid, ever the playmaker, danced past Aoyama with a clever roulette before lofting the ball over Team A's defense. Arhan sprinted down the flank, his trademark long strides giving him an edge.

Arhan delivered a cross into the box where Darnell Rowe, playing as a makeshift striker, leapt high above Hubner. His header rocketed toward the goal, but Hampton, showing nerves of steel, parried it away.

"Great save, Lewis!" Rahmat shouted, pleased to see the young keeper holding his own against Wakabayashi's imposing return.

With the game tied at 0-0, Team A began to press harder. Aoyama intercepted a loose pass from Zaid and sent a through ball to Barou. The striker squared his shoulders, planted his foot, and unleashed the Panther Shot.

The ball roared through the air, curving sharply toward the far post. Wakabayashi stretched as far as he could, his fingertips grazing the ball, but it wasn't enough. The net bulged, and the players froze for a moment, stunned by the sheer power and precision.

"GOAL!" Eli shouted, rushing to celebrate with Barou. "That's what I'm talking about!"

Barou smirked, pointing to Wakabayashi. "Told you I'd get past you."

Wakabayashi stood, shaking his head but smiling. "Enjoy it while it lasts, Barou. I'll be ready next time."

Team B refused to back down. Zaid orchestrated another attack, this time combining with Arhan and Callum on the right flank. Their intricate passing left Team A's defense scrambling, and Zaid slipped the ball to Darnell, who blasted it past Hampton. The score was now 1-1.

As the game wore on, the players' competitive spirits began to flare. Eli and Callum had a heated exchange after a rough tackle, while Darnell's physicality in the air forced Hubner to step up his defensive game.

"Keep it clean, lads!" Rutter shouted, though a hint of amusement crossed his face. "Save the fights for Brighton!"

With only a few minutes left, Rahmat made a change: he swapped Hampton and Wakabayashi. This unexpected twist put Wakabayashi in goal for Team A and Hampton in Team B, giving both keepers a chance to face different challenges.

The decisive moment came in the dying seconds. Aoyama found Eli on the wing, and the young winger surged forward, delivering a perfect cross into the box. Barou, positioned just right, launched himself into a spectacular volley, his foot connecting with the ball mid-air.

But this time, Wakabayashi was ready. He dived at full stretch, his gloves catching the ball cleanly, and the whistle blew to end the match.

---

As the players gathered to cool down, Rahmat addressed the group. "That was brilliant work, everyone. Barou, your Panther Shot is coming together, but remember—it's only effective if you pick the right moments to use it. Wakabayashi, welcome back. Your leadership and saves were exactly what we needed."

The players clapped, their camaraderie evident despite the fierce competition. Callum clapped Barou on the back. "Keep those shots coming, lad. One day you might just scare me."

Barou grinned. "You're already scared, old man."

Rahmat chuckled, watching his players banter as they left the pitch. He exchanged a look with Rutter, who nodded approvingly. "This team's got something special, Rahmat."

Rahmat glanced at the tactical board in his hand, already thinking ahead to Brighton. "They do. And we're just getting started."