NOT A PERSONAL SITUATION, IS IT?

Osiko leaned back against the wall in the locker room and closed his eyes. The thoughts that were going on in his head gave him no peace. Teamwork or individual success? Was football a show or was it all about winning?

Tutusiki's words were still on his mind:

"If you want to be a great player, you have to elevate not only yourself, but also your team."

But Matsui's sarcastic voice drowned out this thought:

"If you lose your individual talents, you become an ordinary player."

For Osiko, the choice had never been so difficult.

Everyone was quiet on the training field. One of the team's most important matches was approaching, and Osiko's mind was still in turmoil. But in all this chaos, one thing was clear: this match would be a turning point for him.

Team captain Suzuna stepped onto the field and addressed the players:

"This match will not only be a victory for us, but also a test of our own! Our opponent is strong, but so are we. As long as we act together on the field."

Osiko was impressed by Suzuna's words. Was leadership only about talent on the field? Or did it have to be a character like Suzuna's? Perhaps what he needed was a sense of leadership.

During training, Osiko tried to adapt to team play more. He passed the ball to Matsui, made empty runs, and connected in the game. But his inner voice kept whispering to him:

"Is this the real Osiko?"

He was born to be the best on the field. Was it right for him to be in the shadow of the team? Was it good for him to help others achieve success, or was he falling behind?

Setoshi had attracted a lot of attention with his performance in the previous match. Ryusei continued to watch his performance during training. After a while, he came up to him and looked him straight in the eyes and asked:

"Setoshi, great players show themselves in difficult moments. Do you think you are ready to move up this season?"

Setoshi took a deep breath and answered without hesitation:

"Yes, sir. I am ready to do my best for this team's success. I will never let you or the team down!"

This answer seemed to satisfy Ryusei, but he was still writing something on his notebook. What did this mean? Was Setoshi moving up to the A Team?

The stadium was small but packed. The fans' shouts were like a wave spreading across the pitch. Osiko took a deep breath as he walked onto the pitch. Today, he had to make a decision.

The game started with the referee's whistle. Hajita A came forward with aggressive pressure and took control of the game in the first 10 minutes. They had established dominance in the midfield and the opposing team was having a hard time getting out.

As the minutes passed, Osiko's patience began to wear thin. He was bothered by the fact that he was constantly playing short passes. "I should play my own game," he thought.

In the 25th minute, when the ball came to him, he reflexively rolled the ball between his opponent's legs and advanced into the space in front of him. Now he had to decide:

Should he pass the ball and continue the team game?

Or, like Osiko in the past, would he make a difference with his individual talent?

A voice inside him told him to look around. Matsui was in an open position. Passing to him might have made the game easier, but it would have made Matsui a hero. But if he took the risk, he could score the goal himself.

Osiko made his decision in a few seconds…

The score was 1-1 when the match entered its final minutes. Hajita A was using their last chance to win. Setoshi and Yuto U21 also had a critical match.

After winning the ball, Setoshi raised his eyes up and looked at his teammates. Hoshito was in an open position. Setoshi chose to pass again. The goal came. Yuto U21 won!

Meanwhile, Osiko continued to dribble the ball with his own choice and scored a goal by passing his opponent with a great heel feint! Hajita A took the lead 2-1 with this goal!

However, after the goal celebration, his eyes turned to Matsui. Matsui gave him a cold look. This competition was just beginning. On the sidelines, the coach was sitting quietly and listening to his assistant next to him without any reaction, perhaps his assistant was warning him about Osiko's selfishness or praising his incredible finishing.

Osiko was still questioning whether his decisions were the right ones. Which was more important, teamwork or individual success?

Setoshi, on the contrary, continued to rise by focusing on teamwork. His path was heading towards the A Team. Perhaps he would soon start playing for the A Team and end up in the same league as Osiko.

But one thing was clear: In this story, true leaders would only emerge through the decisions they make on and off the field.

When Setoshi and Osiko's paths crossed again, which one would rise to the top?