The days went by, until comes Fall and the qualifying rounds for the Prefecturals began. Even though he's a first year, Chigiri as the ace continuously performs at the matches.
"Dammit… he's fast!"
"What's with him!"
"He can't be stopped!"
Now, there is no match for Lacosute Tech, or rather Chigiri. Instead of teamplay, they were winning almost exclusively through individual play. With Chigiri's overwhelming speed, there was no need for unnecessary strategy. With a single vertical pass, he can cut through the middle of the field and leave the opposing defense behind. He simply kicks the ball into a space and plays at top speed.
"Chigiri...You're just a show-off...!"
No matter how the Wanima Brothers stamp on the ground with frustration, it's Chigiri who is scoring the points. His great efforts made its way to the sports pages of the newspapers.
...This tournament's Dark Horse! Laco Tech's MVP, Chigiri...
...Laco Tech's Undefeated Hat trick Chigiri Hyoma...
Even the local media, closely marked this new high school soccer star.
"If this keeps up, you'll be a super speed rookie even on the Nationals. Please say a few words of your enthusiasm!"
After the game, he was surrounded by TV and newspaper reporters.
"Not really. I mean, I can do more. I'll keep doing my best."
In an interview after scoring a hat trick, Chigiri answered in his usual detached manner. I can do more. I can run more. He doesn't have time to stand still in the prefectural qualifying rounds. What he is aiming for is the Nationals, and after that, even further, the World Cup.
"Kyahhh, Chigiri-kun!"
"He's a genius!"
His good looks also attract female fans. These are truly days of glory and being at the top. However, no matter how much clamor was made, Chigiri never got carried away. Whether they envy him or praise him extravagantly, he's not interested. He was not playing soccer for the sake of his team or his friends, much less to be the center of attention. He truly believes that his future self will become the "world's best striker". That's why he's running. And that future was definitely coming...as should have been.