Osiko had prepared himself before starting his morning training. Today was a critical day to solidify his place in the Hajita A team. He felt like Tutusiki's eyes were on him, and this presented both a responsibility and an opportunity. He had to be more careful with every pass, every move; because there was no luxury of making mistakes here. However, Osiko knew one thing: This wasn't just football, it was also an opportunity to prove his personality and strength. As Kojima always told him: "Football isn't just about following the ball, it's about knowing when to pass, dribble or shoot. Football is a game of timing and strategy."
When training started, it wasn't easy to get along with his teammates. As in previous days, Matsui tried to use his speed to pressure Osiko. But this time it was different. Osiko started to make moves against him, visualizing his training and Kojima's teachings. His command of team play increased with each passing minute. However, the most difficult moment came when he passed Matsui to receive the ball. Between his opponent's hard tackles and his teammates' kicks, there was a ghost of that moment; he lost the ball several times, and was given a foul by the referee several times. He no longer hesitated to make hard tackles, and when necessary, he would engage in shoulder-to-shoulder combat with Matsui to mark him.
Tutusiki's eyes followed him. At the end of the training, he approached Osiko and said, "You were a little patient today, but you need to work harder." "You need to learn to defend yourself and win the ball better."
Osiko accepted his words. "Thank you, coach," he said, refocusing. He really should have worked harder, but he could still feel the strength inside him. "Today may have been tough, but I will be much stronger tomorrow," he thought.
Setoshi had completed his final preparations for Norway. Although his mother had initially refused to send him to such a distant place, his father had wanted to give him the opportunity to chart his own path, which surprised Setoshi. He had joined Yuto FC to prove himself to his father, and now his father was helping him on this journey. During Yuto FC's training, there were scouts and media members from Europe. They all wanted to see how important a player Setoshi was. Setoshi was under a lot of pressure. After all, he was the captain and the leader of the team. This gave him the opportunity to test not only his football skills, but also his character.
At the end of the training, Nakamu approached him and said, "They want to make news for you, but you have to prove yourself for that, Setoshi. Now it's time to show what kind of leader you'll be there. You should lead not only with your talents but also with your spirit, if the press sees your talent and Mitashi talks about you, you will become a national wonderkid! Then you can choose a team from European clubs. But it won't be easy!" he said.
Setoshi accepted this sentence in his heart. "Yes. I am ready," he said, determined to lead his team better. He looked into his teammates' eyes and said, "We only have one goal in Norway: to win. Together, we will achieve this," he made his leadership felt.
In his mind, he thought about Osiko's talents and intelligence, wondering how he would surpass him. "But one thing is for sure, I am a leader too and I will not miss this opportunity," he thought.
Before they set off for Norway, Osiko and Setoshi's paths were going in different directions. Osiko was trying to establish himself and maintain his place in the Hajita A team, while Setoshi was going to prove himself in Europe. Both had big goals, but deep down they knew that their paths would cross one day, no matter how different they were. Maybe it was a test that fate had given them, or maybe it was just a struggle to achieve their dreams.
During training with the Hajita A team, Osiko's progress impressed his teammates and coaches. His failures made him stronger; every mistake taught him a new lesson. His determination and perseverance motivated him no matter what the obstacles were.
A week later, the final squad for the Yuto FC team for the friendly match in Norway was announced. Setoshi's name was at the top, while Osiko took a big step to join the Hajita A team. This was the beginning of a new era for both of them.
Setoshi was excited as he played his first match in Norway. Some of the biggest clubs in Europe would come to watch him play. This was both an opportunity and a test for him. Every pass, every move was carefully scrutinized. Setoshi felt only one thing in his heart: the desire to win.
On the other hand, Osiko was also being put to the test during his training with the Hajita A team. Today, he knew that he had to mature enough to lead his team and also show his talents and gain a permanent place. Tutusiki's eyes were still on him.
Both players felt a spark inside them. This was not just football; it was an opportunity to show their lives, who they were and what they wanted to achieve.
One day, when their paths crossed, both wanted to see the best versions of themselves. But until that day, each would follow their own paths, trying to achieve their own dreams.
And this journey would not be easy at all...