readytorunbook Chapter 141: Not Ready Yet?
Chapter 141: Not Ready Yet?
A pair of crisp football boots stepped into the room, halting right in front of the lens. The player suddenly threw both hands into the air in a fierce, roaring celebration, revealing himself to be Jiho, proudly wearing the official Japan U-19 Asian Cup jersey.The entire room was a buzzing hub of professional photographers, flashing strobe lights, and high-end equipment; the official tournament photoshoot was fully underway, and Jiho was right at the center of the cameras.
Another round of flashes followed as it was now Sam standing with his back to the frame, looking over his shoulder, and with a confident smirk, he raised the back of his jersey to show off his name, SOUMA, and the number 17 boldly etched across it.
Taking his turn, Izaya stood with a bright smile, balancing a football effortlessly on his shoulder and pointed a finger directly at the lens.
Followed by him, next was Kabuto folding his arms with a confident smirk, locking eyes with the camera. Right after him it was Jotaro who broke into a joyous, beaming smile, followed by Gaku, who smirked widely while pointing proudly at the camera.
Now with Japan's national flag crest on his chest, Koujin next gave a sly smirk and placed a single finger over his lips, making a sharp "shh" silencing gesture to the camera. Immediately after, Raya flashed a warm smile, using both of his hands to shape a perfect heart right in front of the lens.
Next, Takezu smiled brightly, holding up a clenched fist toward the camera. Right after him, Ryota gripped his jersey and pulled it forward, a massive, bright smile lighting up his face.
Then, Nagisa stepped into the frame. His face was completely composed and locked in as he stood firmly with his arms folded across his chest, staring at the camera.
After him it was Senji standing serious and completely firm, he gripped the Japan national flag on his chest and pulled it forward a little, making sure it was front and center in the camera's view.
Next, Kurogami stood and crossed his arms, adorned in his signature KS10 goalkeeping gloves. His face was locked with pure determination, his gaze sharp, unwavering, piercing right through the camera lens.
Finally, Haruma stepped up to the camera, taking a deep breath, anchoring himself before looking up at the camera with a serious face full of resolve, he mirrored the stance, staring down the camera…
The entire Japan U-19 squad had now gathered in a spacious waiting room, crowding close together while Haruma remained the only one seated.
Scanning their luxurious surroundings, Kabuto spoke up, "Damn, this place is top-tier."
"No kidding," Rensora chimed in, nodding in total agreement. "It's an international tournament, after all. They don't skimp on the setup."
Nagisa let out a heavy sigh, crossing his arms. "We're completely finished with the photography then why aren't they freeing so we can finally head back?"
"Seriously," Jiho added with an enthusiastic smirk, shifting his weight. "My legs are practically aching to get out on the pitch."
A sudden rustle of movement behind them cut through the chatter, prompting the entire Japanese squad to spin around.
And marching into the hall was the UAE U-19 team, all wearing bright grins and radiating pure, unbridled excitement. And just after them came Qatar U-19.
The moment Qatar players walked by, their eyes locked directly onto the Japanese squad, as each of the players maintained an intense, piercing stare as they walked by, their eyes entirely locked on Japan U19s.
The Japan U-19 boys didn't flinch for a second. They met the glare head-on, their countenances hardening with grim determination.
Not a single word was uttered, but an unmistakable, silent challenge instantly passed between the two sides.
Watching them disappearing down the corridor, Rensora let out a quiet breath. "Qatar U-19... Our opening opponents, and undoubtedly the toughest in our group."
Haruma watched them retreating with sharp and cold eyes. Right beside him, Kurogami mirrored his intense glare, silently absorbing the challenge head-on.
"They've won the U-19 Asian championship four times," Rensora continued, his voice completely steady. "Meanwhile, we've only lifted the trophy twice." A confident smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "This match is going to be interesting."
As the Qatar U19 finally vanished into an adjacent room, the heavy atmosphere broke when Coach Kento stepped into the space.
"Alright, boys!" he called out, instantly commanding the attention of the entire squad.
Standing before the assembled squad, Kento announced, "You all did excellent. The shoot is officially wrapped up, so we're heading back. Wear your hoodies, you can get changed once we arrive at the hotel."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the group as everyone nodded, immediately busying themselves with pulling on their extra layers.
Kento then walked over to Haruma and extended a hand. Haruma clasped it tightly and pulled himself up, putting his weight back on the ground while still favoring his leg with a slight, noticeable limp.
"How's it feeling now?" Kento inquired, looking down at the ankle.
Haruma offered a reassuring smile and gave a firm nod. "Much better… Kento-sensei, I'll play the opening match, right?"
Kento's gaze darted around the room, completely avoiding eye contact as he stammered, "Umm, only if you're at a hundred percent. For now, just rest up and keep the pressure off that poor ankle."
He forced a breezy, casual smile before quickly pivoting away, shifting his attention back to the rest of the squad and clapping his hands to give out further instructions.
But Haruma remained completely frozen in place, standing in absolute silence…
The football rested silently on the pitch until Kabuto, clad in his training kit, sprinted forward and launched it into play. Instantly, the entire Japan U-19 squad erupted into motion, fully immersed in a high-intensity practice match while Coach Kento patrolled the sidelines, barking out tactical adjustments.
The ball soared toward Nagisa, who brought it down with brilliant control before driving forward. Sweat glistened on his forehead as his eyes darted across the pitch, searching for an opening. Suddenly, Arata lunged in from behind with a sliding tackle, but Nagisa sensed the challenge just in time, slipping a precise pass forward to Sam, who immediately turned upfield to keep the momentum alive…
Inside his room, Haruma was seated on the edge of the bed with his bandaged ankle resting on the floor.
He then slowly lifted the heel just enough to feel the joint work. The movement was small, controlled, but the stiffness answered with a dull pull that made him pause for a second before continuing.
He repeated it, slower this time, letting the ankle carry a little more each time without forcing it. The discomfort stayed, but he didn't stop, he just adjusted around it, and after a few reps, he stopped, flexed the foot once, then let it rest again, breathing steady as the room stayed quiet around him...
Under the floodlights, the squad moved across the training ground in synchronized walking lunges, every player fully locked into the warm-up. Kabuto, Koujin, and Gaku maintained flawless form, while Jiho powered through each step with fierce, almost excessive energy.
Nearby, Kurogami, Raya, Nagisa, Senji, Sam, and Takezu stayed completely composed, their movements precise and controlled. Jotaro, Izaya, and Ryota showed signs of strain, but they gritted their teeth and pushed through the burn.As for the rest of the team, they followed suit without complaint. The steady rhythm of boots pressing into the turf echoed across the quiet field…
Inside the pitch-black room, Haruma stood near the wall, lightly resting his fingers against it for balance. He slowly shifted his weight onto his injured ankle.
A dull, immediate pain flared through the joint. His jaw tightened and his breath caught, but he refused to step back.
The ankle trembled under him, completely unsteady, testing his resolve with every passing second. Still, he forced himself to stay up, adjusting his posture to handle the pressure instead of fighting it.
After a few tense moments, the shaking eased slightly. The pain wasn't gone, but he had it under control.
He finally stepped back, taking sharp ragged breaths, his eyes wide and burning with a fierce determination to get back on the field…
The next morning, bright sunlight streamed into the Japan U-19 hotel, where the entire squad had crowded into Haruma's room.
Haruma was propped up against the headboard, watching silently as the doctor worked, pressing gently along the outer ligament. Next came a slow, careful rotation, moving the foot inward, then outward, measuring the joint's stability.
Kento and Raon stood right by the bedside, watching the examination with steady eyes.
Applying pressure to the side of the ankle, the doctor asked, "Any sharp pain?"
"Just a dull tightness," Haruma replied.
With a short nod, the doctor moved to the next step, wrapping a cold compression sleeve around the joint. The sudden chill made Haruma draw a quick breath, but he kept perfectly still.
The doctor then tested light resistance, pushing the foot outward while Haruma held his position firm. No wobble, no hesitation.
"Good," the doctor muttered, stepping back. "It's stabilizing."
The doctor stepped back, snapping off his gloves.
"Stick to rest and control movements only. No heavy load yet."
As the doctor spoke, a heavy silence fell over the room. One by one, the players turned their eyes to Kento.
Looking completely serious, Kento glanced up at the doctor.
"Is he fit enough to play in tomorrow's match?" he asked.
The doctor shook his head without hesitation. "I'd say no. There's no doubt he's recovering much faster than I expected, but it's still too soon. My recommendation is that he continues to rest."
Hearing this, Kento let out a heavy sigh and nodded in agreement. Looking a little downcast, Raon stepped forward to see the doctor out.
Once the door clicked shut, a heavy silence settled over the room. The players stood in quiet disappointment, the weight of the doctor's words sinking in.
Kento remained perfectly still with his arms folded, staring down at the floor as if running the math on their options.
On the bed, Haruma's face was completely blank, masking whatever emotion he felt. He just stared down at his bandaged ankle with a cold, quiet disgust.
Staring at his foot, Haruma said, "Kento sensei, don't let anyone outside this room know about my ankle."
His words brought a wave of confusion to Kento and the rest of the players.
"Why?" Kento asked, furrowing his brows.
Haruma spoke firmly, "I don't want anyone to—"
"Got it!" Kurogami interrupted before Haruma could even finish, instantly drawing everyone's eyes to him.
Looking completely confident, Kurogami nodded gently, his eyes locked with Haruma's who was looking back at him, a silent understanding passing between them.