The final match between Class 1-D and Class 2-B, [Soccer], entered the second half. With a commanding four-goal lead, Class 2-B couldn't wait to flaunt their dominance at halftime, sending wave after wave of cheers from their enthusiastic students, creating an overwhelming home-ground atmosphere.
The Class 2-B students, in high spirits, returned to the field laughing and chatting. Their admiration and awe were evident every time their eyes fell on the star of the team, Nagumo Miyabi. Though they'd long heard he was once the ace of the soccer club and had kept up his practice even after joining the student council, rumors were nothing compared to witnessing his play firsthand.
Despite Class 1-D having a few physically impressive students, under Nagumo's command and interceptions, their efforts were like punches thrown into cotton—ineffective. On the other hand, Class 2-B's attacks landed one after another, and Nagumo alone had already achieved three goals and one assist.
"Looks like they've switched players," Kiriyama, the striker, remarked, approaching Nagumo.
"I saw it," Nagumo scoffed. "They're using the same tactic we used—bringing in temporary substitutes. They put in Shibata Sou from Class 1-C, another soccer club member. At best, he's on par with Hirata. And the other one..."
Nagumo narrowed his eyes, brushing aside his golden bangs.
"Kitagawa Ryo from Class 1-B. I've never seen him on a soccer field. Does he think being fast is all it takes to play soccer?"
As someone who'd been the star player since childhood, Nagumo had every reason to be arrogant. Even the talented Hirata had been left in the dust during the first half.
Nagumo had initially planned to sit out the second half after building a large enough lead. But seeing Kitagawa Ryo enter the match, he decided to play on.
To him, Class 2-A lost to Class 1-B only due to technical loopholes and his own choice to hold back in the final matches. He wasn't about to let another underclassman steal the spotlight.
"Just play normally. I'll break through him."
Licking his dry lips, Nagumo readied himself. Logically, he should conserve energy for the afternoon match against Class 3-A. But emotionally, he couldn't stand to lose to Kitagawa Ryo.
Nagumo, though a striker, didn't play traditionally. He preferred to orchestrate plays from just outside the opponent's box, connecting the midfield and frontline with sharp passes and decisive movements. With the match time halved, he had plenty of energy to control the entire field.
The second half kicked off, and Class 2-B immediately resumed their aggressive offense. Through multiple passes, Kiriyama eventually delivered the ball to Nagumo, who had already positioned himself near the box. Hirata rushed to defend but was boxed out by Nagumo's larger frame. Nagumo shifted his weight and prepared to take the shot.
From the Class 1-D stands, even Chabashira Sae, their usually aloof homeroom teacher, had shown up. She didn't expect much from 1-D initially, but seeing them hold Class 2-B to a tie in six rounds had reignited her hopes for A-Class.
But the four-goal deficit in the first half was a harsh wake-up call. As Nagumo prepared to shoot again, her heart sank.
"First time I've seen you so nervous, Sae," said Hoshinomiya Chie, the 1-C homeroom teacher who had been keeping close watch.
"Too bad, looks like they're scoring again."
Class 1-D's goalkeeper wasn't exactly skilled, having been chosen mostly for his size.
"Ryo!"
From the front row, Karuizawa Kei suddenly shouted. Kitagawa, rushing back, leapt into the air like lightning and intercepted Nagumo's shot with a daring header, sending the ball out of bounds.
Cheers erupted from Class 1-D's stands. Chabashira exhaled deeply, slumping into her seat.
"Beautiful defense. Reminds me of myself in my prime," remarked Sakagami Kazuma from Class 1-B, adjusting his glasses.
Kitagawa had made his presence known.
Class 1-D restarted play. Hirata passed left to Kitagawa, who received it calmly. Immediately, three Class 2-B players rushed to him.
But Kitagawa passed quickly to Sudou Ken, who fumbled but managed to kick it to Ayanokoji. Ayanokoji dodged his defender and passed to Kouenji Rokusuke, who was already charging forward.
"Hahahaha!"
Laughing wildly mid-run, Kouenji was double-teamed by Kiriyama and Nagumo. But instead of shooting, he made a no-look pass behind him.
"Kitagawa has the ball!"
Yelled Sakagami from the top row.
The field opened up. Kitagawa charged forward into the empty zone, received the ball unmarked, and with perfect timing launched a powerful shot.
"Boom!"
The ball tore through the air like a cannonball and smashed into the net.
1:4.
Class 1-D's supporters exploded. Even Sudou, usually Kitagawa's rival, tackled him in celebration.
"I'll lead the next attack," Nagumo said flatly.
Despite his pride, he felt the pressure mounting. Kitagawa had changed everything.
Soon after, 2-B regained possession and passed back to Nagumo. He danced around Sudou, sending him sprawling.
Only Kitagawa stood before him.
"Well, if it isn't Nagumo—the guy who got wrecked 7-0 just now," Kitagawa taunted. "Even Meng Huo learned to stay quiet after getting captured seven times. What's your excuse?"
Nagumo ignored him. He spun, launching the ball high—trying to pass to Kiriyama. But Kitagawa leapt higher and intercepted the ball with a mid-air twist, launching it toward Hirata.
Hirata and Shibata advanced quickly. The goalkeeper, faked out by Shibata, was powerless to stop Hirata's shot.
"Trying to foul me?" Kitagawa sneered at Nagumo.
Nagumo said nothing. His desperate grab had failed, and whispers were already spreading in the stands.
Kiriyama tried to defend Nagumo, but the latter threw his jersey at him.
"I'm done. Handle the rest yourselves."
Before leaving, he turned to Kitagawa.
"Three goals, one assist. Beat that, and I'll be back with Class A."
Kitagawa laughed.
"Sure, sure. Blame the team, huh?"
Nagumo left without another word.
With him gone, Class 2-B collapsed. The match ended 6-4, a shocking comeback for Class 1-D, who won the overall match 4-3.
As students celebrated, Nagumo received even worse news:
[Class 1-A defeated Class 3-D with a score of 4-2.]
And Sakayanagi Arisu had chosen her next opponent:
Class 2-A.
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