A New Opportunity

The man's question hung in the air like a storm cloud, heavy and ominous. Haruto stared at him, his mind racing.

Who was this stranger, and what did he want? The man's sharp suit and calm demeanor suggested he wasn't just a random spectator.

There was something deliberate about the way he carried himself, something that made Haruto both curious and wary. 

"Who are you?" Haruto asked, his voice steady despite the unease churning in his stomach. 

The man stepped closer, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. "My name is Kenta Mori. I'm a scout for the Yokohama Tigers, one of the top youth academies in the country.

I've been watching your team for a while now, and I have to say… I'm impressed." 

Haruto's eyes widened. The Yokohama Tigers? They were one of the most prestigious youth football programs in Japan, known for producing some of the country's top players.

Being scouted by them was a dream for any young footballer—or manager. 

"Impressed?" Haruto repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "We just lost 5-0." 

Kenta chuckled, a low, smooth sound. "Losses happen. What matters is how you respond. And from what I've seen, you've got something special.

Your team may not have the resources or the experience, but they've got heart. And you… you've got a mind for the game that's rare in someone your age." 

Haruto felt a flicker of pride, but it was quickly overshadowed by skepticism. "Why are you telling me this? What do you want?" 

Kenta's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "I want to offer you an opportunity. The Yokohama Tigers are always looking for talent, both on and off the field.

I think you'd be a great fit for our program. You'd have access to top-tier coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and the chance to compete at the highest level." 

Haruto's heart raced. This was everything he had ever dreamed of—a chance to take his passion for football management to the next level. But as he glanced back at his team, huddled together in the distance, his excitement wavered. 

"What about my team?" he asked quietly. 

Kenta followed his gaze, his expression thoughtful. "They're a good group, but they're not ready for this level. Not yet, at least. This opportunity is for you, Haruto. You can't let them hold you back." 

The words stung, but Haruto knew there was some truth to them. His team had come a long way, but they were still raw, still learning. The gap between them and a team like the Yokohama Tigers was massive. 

"I… I need to think about it," Haruto said finally. 

Kenta nodded, pulling a business card from his pocket and handing it to Haruto. "Take your time. But don't take too long. Opportunities like this don't come around often." 

With that, Kenta turned and walked away, leaving Haruto standing alone on the edge of the field. The weight of the decision pressed down on him, heavier than any defeat. 

When Haruto rejoined the team, they were quiet, their usual energy replaced by a somber mood. Riku was sitting on the bench, his ankle wrapped in ice, while the others sat nearby, their heads bowed. 

"How's the ankle?" Haruto asked, trying to sound casual. 

Riku winced as he shifted his weight. "It's not great. The medics said I'll need to stay off it for a while." 

Haruto nodded, his chest tightening. Riku's injury was just another blow in what had already been a devastating day. 

"We'll figure it out," Haruto said, though he wasn't sure if he was trying to reassure Riku or himself. 

The ride back to Hanamura was silent, the usual chatter and laughter replaced by a heavy silence. When they arrived, Haruto stayed behind as the others dispersed, each lost in their thoughts. 

Daichi lingered, his arms crossed as he studied Haruto. "You okay, kid?" 

Haruto hesitated, then pulled out the business card Kenta had given him. "I… got an offer. From the Yokohama Tigers." 

Daichi's eyes widened, but he quickly masked his surprise. "That's big. What are you going to do?" 

"I don't know," Haruto admitted. "It's everything I've ever wanted. But… I can't just leave you guys." 

Daichi was silent for a moment, then sighed. "Listen, kid. You've done a lot for us. More than anyone expected. But you've got your path to follow. Don't let us hold you back." 

Haruto looked up, surprised by Daichi's words. "But… what about the team? What about the tournament?" 

Daichi shrugged. "We'll figure it out. We're not just a team because of you. We're a team because we believe in each other. And that's not going to change, no matter what you decide." 

Haruto felt a lump form in his throat. Daichi's words were a comfort, but they also made the decision even harder. 

As he walked home that night, Haruto's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The offer from the Yokohama Tigers was a dream come true, but it felt like a betrayal to leave his team behind. They had come so far together, and the thought of walking away now felt wrong. 

But as he lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, he couldn't shake Kenta's words. "How far are you willing to go to win?.."

Haruto didn't have an answer. Not yet.