Chapter 30: The Ultimate Test

The buzz surrounding Blackhaven had reached new heights. What started as a Cinderella story in League One was now making ripples beyond the division. Analysts debated their rise. Opponents studied their tactics. And now, they were about to face their toughest challenge yet.

A friendly match against West Bromwich Albion, a Championship side.

On paper, it was just another preseason game. In reality, it was a statement opportunity. Win, and Blackhaven would no longer be seen as a lower-league anomaly. Lose, and the whispers of "overachievers" would creep in.

For Daisuke Kurogane, this was more than a match. It was a test.

Daisuke sat alone in his office, studying West Brom's recent matches. The sheer difference in experience was undeniable.

West Brom had seasoned veterans, players who had survived the brutal grind of the Championship. Their system was designed for war—relentless pressing, physical battles, and sharp, direct attacks.

Blackhaven? A rising force, but still young. Talented, but unproven against teams of this caliber.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Aaron Vance stepped in, his usual calm demeanor masking an undercurrent of tension.

"They're nervous," he admitted.

Daisuke leaned back, rubbing his temple. "Expected. This isn't just another League One match."

Aaron hesitated before speaking. "Some of the guys are doubting if we can handle this."

Daisuke exhaled, then stood. "Get the team in the meeting room. Now."

Fifteen minutes later, the entire squad sat in the dimly lit room, their expressions a mix of excitement and unease. Daisuke let the silence stretch before speaking.

"I know what you're all thinking," he began, his voice level. "West Brom is bigger. Stronger. More experienced. If we play scared, we lose."

A few players shifted in their seats.

"But let me remind you of something," Daisuke continued. "They don't know us. They don't know our system. They don't know the work we've put in. We don't need to fear them. They should be afraid of us."

The energy in the room shifted.

Aaron smirked. Lewis Carter cracked his knuckles. Even Stojanovic, usually unreadable, gave a small nod.

Daisuke's voice sharpened. "Tomorrow, we don't play their game. We play ours. If they press high, we punish them. If they push forward, we slice through them. And if they underestimate us—"

He paused, scanning their faces.

"—we make them regret it."

West Bromwich Albion vs. Blackhaven FC

The stadium was packed, the home crowd roaring with confidence. Blackhaven's traveling supporters were smaller in number but just as loud, chanting in defiance.

Kickoff.

The first ten minutes were brutal.

West Brom came out swinging, pressing aggressively, suffocating Blackhaven's passing lanes. Their physicality was on full display—every tackle was a statement, every duel a challenge.

25th minute:

A lapse. A single misstep in positioning, and West Brom struck. A slick through ball split Blackhaven's backline, leaving their striker one-on-one with Ethan Reid.

A low, clinical finish.

GOAL! West Brom 1-0.

The stadium erupted. West Brom's coach folded his arms, nodding. Just as expected.

On the sidelines, Daisuke remained still, watching. Calculating.

Aaron jogged over. "They're cutting us off before we even get moving."

Daisuke's eyes flickered with understanding.

"Then we stop letting them dictate."

Blackhaven adjusted.

Instead of forcing short passes through midfield, they stretched the field wide. Lewis Carter and Ricardo pushed higher up, pulling defenders with them.

West Brom, aggressive and confident, took the bait.

40th minute:

A moment of magic. Carter, freed on the right, sprinted past his marker and whipped a cross into the box. Barnes, lurking in the perfect spot, met it with precision.

GOAL! Blackhaven 1-1.

The away fans exploded.

West Brom's dominance had been real, but in one swift movement, Blackhaven proved they weren't outmatched.

West Brom, rattled, recalibrated. They upped the pressure, trying to reassert control.

Daisuke watched it unfold, then made his final call.

He turned to Aaron. "Now, we take over."

Blackhaven slowed the tempo, forcing West Brom to overcommit. Instead of reacting, they started dictating the game.

The patience paid off.

75th minute:

A turnover. Stojanovic, reading the play perfectly, intercepted a pass and launched a counter. Ricardo, seeing the opportunity, flicked it forward to Barnes.

A feint. A touch. A perfectly timed chip over the keeper.

GOAL! Blackhaven 2-1.

The stadium fell silent—except for Blackhaven's fans, who erupted in disbelief and joy.

West Brom pushed desperately in the final minutes, but Blackhaven held firm. Every attack met resistance, every attempt broken down.

The final whistle blew.

Full-Time: West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Blackhaven FC.

As Blackhaven's players celebrated, Daisuke remained calm. His work wasn't done.

His phone buzzed. A message from Hana.

"Coach, I just got off a call. Two Championship clubs want meetings. There's also Premier League interest."

Daisuke exhaled.

They hadn't just won a game.

They had changed the conversation.