CROSSROADS

When Setoshi returned home, he locked himself in his room and sat at his desk. Kojima's words and his father's decision were still on his mind. "If they didn't choose me, that doesn't mean I'm not talented. But I have to prove it," he thought. Since Hajita was already a team ranked lower in the U17 league, Setoshi felt he didn't have to put up with his father's decision. He didn't want to continue with his father's team. He had to show himself on a bigger stage.

Yuto FC suddenly came to his mind. This team, which had always ranked higher in the U17 league, was known for its disciplined structure and especially had a strong coach like Nakamu-san. "If I can get into this team, no one will be able to ignore my talent," he thought.

He woke up early the next morning and left the house, telling his mother, "I'm going to take care of some business outside today." He didn't tell his father or anyone in Hajita what he had planned. He went straight to Yuto FC's field. The field was full of players who worked regularly. Setoshi watched the team from the sidelines as he saw Nakamura-san carefully following every move of the players.

After a while of gathering his courage, he approached Nakamu. "Nakamu-san," he said, his voice shaking slightly but the determination inside him obvious. "I'm Setoshi. I want to be a part of Yuto FC. Let me try you out."

Nakamura looked Setoshi up and down. "Kids this age don't usually talk like this. So you're so confident," he thought. But the coach's face didn't show the slightest expression. "Why are you here, Setoshi? There must be a reason you left your own team and came here."

Setoshi's eyes shone with determination. You know my father Hosogoshi. He is Hajita's chief scout. I am his son. And if you let me, I would like to show you my talents. Just give me a chance, I really want to enter the academy."

Nakamu smiled but there was a seriousness in that smile. "Good players always look for good teams. But we look for discipline and character along with talent. If you think you can play here, I will give you a chance. Come to morning trainings this week. Show me your talents. If you can impress me, you will make the team. By the way, I have something on my mind, why didn't you join Hajita's youth team?"

Setoshi was both excited and nervous at Nakamu's words. But he was determined. "Even though it is my father's team, I know that Hajita is the village team against Yuto. I am realistic and I know that I will never win trophies with that team. Thank you, Nakamu-san. I will not disappoint you," he said.

Meanwhile, when Osiko returned home with the news that Kojima had selected him for the academy, he was filled with mixed emotions. He picked up his father's old cleats and stared at them for a long time. These cleats represented not only his father's legacy, but also the pressure he felt on him. "I will now begin to follow in his footsteps," he thought. But he knew that this new path would be difficult.

When Osiko's mother heard that his son had been selected, pride and concern were evident in his eyes. "Make the most of this opportunity, Osiko," he said with a slight smile. "But remember, this is only the beginning. Think about what your father went through, football is a passion, but it is also a struggle."

Osiko lay down on his bed, thinking about his mother's words. When he closed his eyes, Setoshi's face came to mind. "Congratulations, my friend," he said, but Osiko could sense the jealousy and disappointment in him. He knew that he had to find a balance between his friendship and rivalry with Setoshi.

In the early morning, Osiko arrived on the field for his first training session at the academy. The academy field was much different from Hajita's; it was bigger, more organized, and more professional. Surrounded by other young players, all here to prove their talents. Osiko felt inadequate for a moment, but then, with the courage of his father's cleats, he took a deep breath and stepped onto the field.

Kojima gave a quick speech to his new players: "Just because you're here means you're talented, but that's not enough. You have to push yourself every day to succeed here. Football is a game played with your mind, not just your feet."

Osiko worked his hardest on the field during his first training session. He was wary of his opponents and tried to take advantage of every opportunity. But the pressure inside him increased as he saw the experienced moves and confidence of the other players. "Do I belong here?" he thought. But every time he made a mistake, he tried harder. Kojima's words about him would never leave his mind: "A player who doesn't give up."

At the end of practice, Osiko was tired but hopeful. As he slowly packed his things, one of the other players approached him. "You're Osiko, aren't you? You're Inasaki's son," he said, arms folded. "I can't hide my admiration for your father. But your father's name can't save you here. I can't wait to face you on the field."

Osiko hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "I know that too. I need to prove myself here. Then I'll see you on the field," he said.

By the way, Setoshi was preparing for his first trial practice at Yuto FC. Osiko and Setoshi's paths had parted. They would both no longer play on clay pitches, but on professional pitches. While Osiko was trying to cope with his father's legacy, Setoshi was determined to pave his own path. Although they were both pursuing different goals, they were both trying to prove themselves to each other...