### Chapter 22: さいじょうの選択 (Saijo no Sentaku / Saijo's Choice)
Saijo sat in his room, the quiet hum of the night doing little to soothe the turmoil within. The light from his desk lamp cast long shadows across the room, mirroring the uncertainty clouding his mind. Morimoto's words echoed relentlessly, mingling with Coach Takeda's advice. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him.
His phone buzzed, breaking the silence. It was a message from Hana.
"Meet me at the park. We need to talk."
---
The night air was cool as Saijo walked to the park. The streets were empty, the city wrapped in a hushed stillness. When he arrived, he saw Hana waiting by the swings, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights.
"Saijo," she called out, her voice carrying a blend of concern and determination.
"Hana," Saijo replied, walking towards her.
They sat on a bench, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words. Hana turned to him, her eyes searching his face. "What's going on, Saijo? You look like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders."
Saijo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Morimoto wants me to join Akamine. He says I'll grow more there. But... I don't know if I can leave Seiryuu. Leave all of you."
Hana's expression softened, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. "Saijo, you've always been driven, always pushing yourself to be the best. But this decision isn't just about soccer. It's about what makes you happy, about where you feel you belong."
---
Saijo looked down, his mind racing. "But what if he's right? What if staying at Seiryuu means I'll never reach my full potential?"
Hana squeezed his arm gently, her voice firm yet caring. "Only you can decide that. But remember, it's not just about the destination. It's about the journey, the people you share it with, and the memories you create."
Saijo felt a surge of emotion, the conflict within him intensifying. "I just... I don't want to regret my choice. I don't want to let anyone down."
"You won't," Hana said softly. "No matter what you choose, those who care about you will support you. Including me."
---
The next morning, Saijo arrived at the field early, determined to clear his mind with some practice. As he dribbled the ball, his movements were sharp and precise, each touch resonating with the internal battle he faced. He recalled Morimoto's effortless skills, the fluidity with which he controlled the game.
Saijo's frustration mounted. He pushed himself harder, faster, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. Each maneuver was an attempt to silence the doubts, to prove to himself that he could be just as good, if not better.
Coach Takeda watched from the sidelines, his eyes keenly observing Saijo's every move. He walked over, his presence commanding Saijo's attention.
"You're here early," Takeda noted, his voice steady. "Still thinking about Morimoto's offer?"
Saijo paused, catching his breath. "Yes, Coach. I can't stop thinking about it. What if he's right? What if I can't grow here?"
Takeda placed a hand on Saijo's shoulder, his grip reassuring. "Saijo, growth comes from within. It's about your determination, your willingness to push beyond your limits. You can achieve greatness anywhere, as long as you have the heart and the drive."
---
Saijo nodded, his resolve hardening. He took a deep breath, the decision finally crystallizing in his mind. "Thank you, Coach. I needed to hear that."
The rest of the team arrived, the field buzzing with anticipation. They had another match coming up, and despite the recent defeat, their spirits were high. Saijo joined his teammates, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
During the warm-up drills, Saijo's focus was unshakable. He moved with precision, his passes sharp, his dribbling fluid. His teammates noticed the change, their own determination bolstered by his example.
---
As the practice continued, Saijo found himself in sync with the team. His mind was clear, his movements purposeful. He could feel the bonds with his teammates strengthening, the shared goal of victory drawing them closer together.
Hana watched from the sidelines, a smile playing on her lips. She could see the fire in Saijo's eyes, the unwavering commitment to his team. She knew he had made his choice.
After practice, Saijo gathered his teammates. "Everyone, I have something to say."
The team fell silent, all eyes on him. "I know I've been distracted lately, but I want you to know that I'm fully committed to Seiryuu. Together, we'll overcome any challenge, and we'll grow stronger with each match. Let's give it our all and show everyone what we're capable of."
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The team erupted in cheers, the camaraderie palpable. Saijo felt a surge of pride, the burden of indecision lifting from his shoulders. He knew he had made the right choice.
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