The massive scoreboard flickered, and the numbers changed from 2–0 to 3–0.
Isagi stared blankly at the update, a wave of helplessness spreading through his chest, swallowing the last fragile thread of hope he had left.
His head lowered.
Memories he wished he could forget came rushing back.
A long time ago - The Prefectural Finals.
Einan High vs. Matsukaze Kuroo.
Second half.
Score: 0–1. Matsukaze Kuroo leading.
Only ten minutes remained.
"Isagi! Go for it!"
"This is our last chance! We're counting on you!"
Teammates shouted desperately from the sidelines.
Isagi dribbled forward alone.
A defender stepped up Isagi slipped past with ease.
Nationals.
Nationals.
Nationals.
If we score, we can still go to Nationals…!
He charged into the box no defenders ahead, but two were closing in fast from behind.
A step later, they'd sandwich him.
Shoot. I have to shoot. Shoot and score.
Isagi built up the courage, preparing to unleash the shot
when suddenly, a voice shouted beside him:
"Isagi! I'm free!"
It was Tada.
Isagi glanced over
It was true. No one marked him.
A simple pass would equalize the match.
Isagi hesitated.
Then convinced himself:
Yes. That's the right play.
Even the coach screamed from the sidelines:
"Isagi! One for all, all for one!"
Right. Soccer is eleven people.
So Isagi passed the ball.
Perfect.
This will bring us level
But Tada's one-on-one shot hit the goalpost.
"…No way."
Isagi froze.
But their opponents didn't.
The ball rebounded straight to a Kuroo player.
"Crisis over - counterattack!"
One long pass forward.
A fast break.
Kira received it.
He sprinted down the field Einan's defenders chased desperately but couldn't catch up.
One shot.
Straight into the top corner.
Isagi, who had finally caught up from behind, could only stare at the scoreboard as it changed to:
0–2.
The final whistle blew.
Matsukaze Kuroo players gathered and celebrated their advancement with joy.
Isagi's teammates collapsed onto the ground, exhausted and devastated.
Tada covered his face, sobbing.
"I I'm sorry… if only I scored…"
A few tried to comfort him, though their own voices shook.
"It's… it's not your fault…"
After a brief rest, the team approached the sideline, forming a line to listen to their coach.
"You all played well," the coach said, voice trembling.
"Our third-years retire after this. The years you spent fighting in this club be proud. Someday, I promise… this defeat will not be meaningless.
To me, Einan Soccer Club… is Japan's number one team."
Tears streamed down his face.
Many players began crying as well.
But not Isagi.
He felt nothing.
No tears.
No emotion.
Just… emptiness.
We didn't make it to Nationals.
We lost in the prefectural qualifiers.
That was the reality.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Isagi walked his bicycle along the riverbank.
I'm just a nameless second-year striker.
That's the truth.
I'm sorry, Mr. Noa… I can't become a superstar like you.
He started playing soccer because he admired Noel Noa.
He dreamed of becoming the ace striker of Japan's national team.
He dreamed of winning the World Cup.
But dreams were just dreams
something fragile, something foolish.
If only… I hadn't passed.
If only I'd shot myself… would my destiny have changed?
Isagi looked at the sunset and whispered:
"One for all, all for one… Soccer is eleven people. One person alone "
He suddenly screamed, tearing his throat:
"DAMN IT ! I JUST WANT TO WIN!"
A cry so raw and desperate that nearby children flinched and looked over nervously.
The flashback ended.
Why did that memory resurface now?
Oh… right.
Because they were about to lose again.
To Ryan Hoshino.
He'd known from the beginning they couldn't win.
But knowing didn't make it hurt less.
If I hadn't relied so much on Ryan back on Team Z…
If I were stronger… could I have beaten him today?
I want to become the world's No.1 striker…
So why am I still this weak…?
Yoichi Isagi, what the hell are you doing…?
"…I still want to win."
A voice echoed:
"Yo."
Isagi raised his head.
It was Nagi, standing on the ball, eyes forward.
"No time to cry. Let's go."
"Yeah," Isagi nodded. "We'll win this match first then cry later."
Bachira popped out from behind Nagi.
"Right! The big boss is scary, but crying is lame!"
From behind Isagi, Otoya hooked his arm around Isagi's neck dramatically.
"Let's go, Isagi."
Isagi wiped his tears.
His resolve returned.
"Yeah…
We're going to win."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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