# September 13, 2016
#-1. Oahu, Hawaii
#-2. Honolulu, Kahuku CDP
#-3. Kahuku High School
#-4. Cafeteria
Midterms are over, and the school is preparing for a field trip. The destination: Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Dammit, I don't have enough pocket money." "What are you even planning to buy?"
"I don't know. Just... stuff?"
"Moi, hand over some cash."
Marcus asks for money like I owe him. In times like this, the middle finger is the only answer. Here you go, kid. Eat this.
Marcus giggles, seemingly happy about it for some reason. After wiping the cold tomato sauce from my mouth with a napkin, I told my friends not to get too excited. To others, it's a field trip.
"But we're going there to play a game, remember?"
"But we're going to FSE—!"
"Sigh—"
FSE. Fremont Street Experience. A massive shopping mall in Las Vegas. The day after tomorrow, every Kahuku student will fly to Vegas, drop their bags at the hotel, and have free time at FSE from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
That's why everyone is so hyped. We're going to a big mall on the mainland. Hawaii doesn't have anything like that. Sure, there are decent malls in Honolulu, but they can't compare to the mainland—especially Las Vegas.
Anyway, like I said, the football team is there for a game, not a vacation. The school just timed the field trip to coincide with our Nevada away game so the rest of the students can come and cheer for us on Saturday.
For the record, our opponent this time is incredibly strong.
Bishop Gorman High School (BGHS). They've been sending players to NCAA Division 1 for years. Currently, they have prospects ranked in the national Top 100 for five different positions. On the other hand, I'm the only one on our team in the Top 100. Aside from me, Sioele Huamatu is 174th and Loto Huamatu is 309th. Royce and Harmon are ranked past 2,000, and the rest aren't even on the list.
Scouting is difficult in Hawaii, so the evaluation of local players has historically been harsh, but there's no denying we are the underdogs. Am I scared? Hell no. It's the opposite. I see this as a chance to prove myself.
"I heard their linebacker is really good."
"So? You scared?"
"Damn—! That Gatorade guy or whatever is the real deal."
"It's not Gatorade, it's Gaoteote."
"Is he Polynesian?"
"Probably."
Naturally, there are Polynesians on the mainland too. PalaieGaoteote is one of them. Ranked 19th nationally and 2nd at his position, the #1 linebacker in Nevada is already striking fear into our offensive line.
"No need to be scared. He's just another high schooler."
"Shit—I don't think you're the one who should be saying that."
"Right. You should be ashamed."
"Dammit."
Having finished team practice, we continued our chatter in the cafeteria while waiting to start extra training. Since the coaches have to leave the field, we're just killing time talking.
But then...
"Let me join you."
"Are you serious?"
Loto suddenly approached us. Sioele shouted from a distance.
"Loto! What are you doing?!"
But Loto ignored Sioele completely and repeated that he wanted to train with us.
"The next game is important."
"It is for everyone."
"...."
Ahead of our first mainland game of the year, the media said about 220 college teams would be sending recruiters. For us, who already suffer from a lack of exposure, a game on the mainland is a prime opportunity to appeal to more universities. Of course, many NCAA officials have come to Hawaii because of me, but they still doubt how well I and my team can hold up against a top-tier mainland squad.
In that sense, this game was the perfect stage—a test of my potential and the team's.
"I'm not like my brothers. Sioele thinks about taking over the family business if he doesn't make it to the NCAA, but I want football. And for that, team practice isn't enough."
"Loto!! Get over here right now!!"
"FUCK YOU!! I'm not going!!"
Loto turned around and got angry at Sioele for the first time. Everyone was taken aback. But I nodded quietly and spoke.
"Welcome, bro. You're one of us now." "Thanks."
With Loto joining, our morale soared. Sioele stomped away in anger after seeing Loto shake hands with us. Finally, once the field was quiet, I told my friends:
On the 17th, the offense is going to be crucial. I don't think our defense can stop a BGHS offense that boasts the national #2 QB and #8 WR. We have to expect them to score at least 28 points, maybe even 42. And the offense has to put up more than that. It's going to be tough. Really, really tough.
So I kept emphasizing it. You'll be frustrated. You'll be disappointed. It'll be like that for the full 60 minutes.
"That's why it's important not to give up."
We must not quit. We started training under the belief that our offense could tear them down.
"Quick S!! Jerry Double!! HUT!!"
Loto snapped the ball to me and charged into the sled machine. Imagining a real game, I counted two seconds and fired a pass toward Royce. The ball sailed slightly wide. I frowned immediately.
"It's a Quick S, Royce!"
"What?!"
"Quick S!! Remember it!"
You can't bridge a massive talent gap with just a few days of training. But you can make the opponent feel threatened. And if you keep threatening them? You might just get lucky and snatch a win. We desperately needed luck this time.
"HUT!!"
Training continued with higher concentration than ever until the sun went down and we couldn't even see the ball. Two days before leaving for Las Vegas, my heart is pounding.
.
.
# September 15, 2016
#-1. Las Vegas, Nevada
#-2. Bishop Gorman High School
#-3. Football Field
The football team of Bishop Gorman High School, also known as a prestigious Catholic school, has been one of the best in the nation for the last three years. They've won three consecutive state championships since 2013 and two consecutive national titles.
"Everyone—! Assemble—!!"
At the offensive coordinator's voice, the BGHS players gathered. A Black man standing in the center took off his sunglasses. KennethSanchez, the head coach of Bishop Gorman.
"As you all know! This time it's the Hawaii team!"
"...."
"We will win, but I want a decisive victory! Besides, Saturday is a national broadcast! I know some of you are getting hyped, but if you mess this up, I won't let it slide! Understand?!" "YES SIR!!"
Satisfied with the loud, unified response, Kenneth Sanchez nodded and raised his hand. The students joined their hands together.
"On three, Gales. One, two, three."
"GALES!!"
After practice, the principal of Bishop Gorman approached Kenneth Sanchez.
"The boys look in good condition."
"We still can't be careless."
"Haha. I always trust you. So? How's it going?" "Almost perfect."
"Excellent."
KelvinK. Kiefer had changed many things as the principal of Bishop Gorman. He boldly appointed Kenneth Sanchez, who had proven his ability as a head coach, and received praise from parents for creating innovative programs to boost academic achievement.
And now, Kelvin K. Kiefer was looking to add another achievement to his resume.
"If he transfers in January, he can play in matches starting in September. The association confirmed there are no issues." "Dorian is great, but this kid is the real deal." "The more elite quarterbacks, the better."
Last autumn, Bishop Gorman aggressively recruited a quarterback from South Carolina: DorianThompson-Robinson. He's a sophomore QB now. Currently, he's a backup behind the starter, Tate Martell, but he was a prospect destined for national attention once he took the starting job next year.
However, Kenneth Sanchez wasn't satisfied and was looking for a way to transfer Dwayne Moi Stone—to build a truly great BGHS dynasty.
"Is the money ready?"
"We managed to scrape together $200,000." "That's... a bit short."
"We should be able to hit $300,000 soon." "Good. That should be enough."
Using money to recruit high school players is strictly prohibited by the NFHS. However, such things have been commonplace for decades, and there's even an unofficial "manual" on how much to pay based on player ratings and distance. For example, a 4-star middle school graduate moving across two states starts at a price tag of $120,000. And as competition increases, the price naturally goes up.
These secret deals surrounding a student's transfer happened in places like secluded parking lots where there were no CCTVs.
Dwayne Moi Stone is a 5-star recruit. Plus, he has to fly from Hawaii to the mainland. His price tag would normally be $250,000. By adding another $50,000, Bishop Gorman intended to show their resolve to get the deal done quickly.
"But will the boy leave the island?"
"Who knows. But..."
"?"
"No parent has ever failed to crumble before money, Kelvin. As you well know."
"True, that's very true."
The two men smiled like villains at each other. Behind them stood a large cross.
.
.
# 5:00 PM
#-1. Las Vegas, Nevada
#-2. Fremont Street Experience
The journey to Vegas reminded me just how far Hawaii is from the mainland. My god. It took 5 hours and 50 minutes. I haven't even done anything, and it's already 5:00 PM. Still, I'm pushing through because I have things to do.
"Where are you going first?"
"Wait a sec."
"I'm gonna head out on my own."
"What? Really?"
"Yup."
"Moi!"
"See ya later!"
Hanging out with the guys is fine, but it's a waste of time right now. I had to buy gifts for my family who are coming tomorrow night, so I headed straight for Nike. I plan to buy shoes for the men.
"Moi?"
"Yeah?"
"Dwayne Moi Stone. Right?"
"...Do I know you?"
A stranger stood before me, smiling broadly and reaching out his hand. I didn't take it. Instead, I kept a wary eye on him. The man awkwardly withdrew his hand.
"I'm a bit busy right now."
"Sorry. I didn't mean to interfere. Anyway, I'm Grayson Sharp. I do this kind of work."
"...."
betnevada.com. Looks like he's from a betting company. I handed back his business card immediately.
"I'm sorry, but I can't take your card."
"Oh. Am I that untrustworthy?"
"Honestly, yes. We just met, and I don't know what kind of place that is. I don't mean to be rude, but like I said, I'm busy."
"Haha. Okay. Sorry for holding you up."
Fortunately, he didn't seem to want to bother me further. I felt a bit bad, but ignoring him was the right move. I quickly moved to the Nike store I'd scouted earlier and asked an employee to show me some shoes.
"Are these for you?"
"No. They're gifts."
"What are their sizes?"
"Uh—hold on."
I had all the shoe sizes saved on my phone. Grandpa. Dad. Uncles. Nephews. When I said I needed nine pairs in total, the employee's face lit up. I carefully picked out designs they would like.
When I left the store, my hands were already heavy. How was I going to carry the gifts for the women? Just as I was regretting not picking those first, I heard a familiar voice from behind. It was Ms. Macy Young.
"Moi?"
"Oh, thank God."
"?"
I turned around quickly and asked Ms. Macy if she could check my pocket.
"What?"
"I have a paper in there with the gift list for my family."
"Ooo... Kay?"
Ms. Macy carefully reached into my shorts pocket and pulled out the paper. I asked her if she could buy those things for me. I gave her my most charming smile as she looked at me with disbelief.
"Either that, or could you put these on the bus for me?"
"Did you not think about putting them there yourself?"
"I can't open the bus luggage compartment." "Sigh—fine. I'll just buy them for you."
"You know you're a lifesaver, right?"
"Shut it. Where's the money?"
"Oh. Hold on."
I set the bags on the ground and started fumbling through my pockets for cash. But then...
Grab.
"Huh?"
"Moi!"
Someone grabbed a few of the bags on the ground and sprinted away. A thief. It was a thief. I quickly handed the money to Ms. Macy and told her to wait a moment.
"I'll catch him in a second."
"What?"
The situation happened so fast in the mall. The culprit was running ahead, but he couldn't even run properly. Who tries to sprint while carrying three or four bags of shoe boxes? If you're gonna steal, at least be smart and take just one.
Huff—!
Huff—!
Breathing steadily, I sprinted and caught up to him before he'd even gone 50 meters. I tackled him from behind, sending him flying forward.
Thud!!
"Gack!"
The moment I felt the impact, a voice echoed in my head.
『"TOUCHDOWN—!!"』
I reacted without thinking—I jumped up and let out a roar.
"WHOOOOO—!!"
Loud applause and whistles erupted throughout the mall. The man I tackled was rolling on the ground, groaning in pain. Seeing him, I snapped back to reality. Was he badly hurt? Well, whatever.
"Are you okay?"
"Urgh... I need an ambulance."
"I'm a football player. What the hell were you thinking?"
"Football? Dammit! My luck is shit."
"It really is."
Since he could talk, he seemed fine. I shouted to the crowd.
"Could someone call the police?"
Before I even finished, I saw men in uniform running toward us blowing whistles. Mall security? They didn't look like police. They approached and said:
"What the hell is this?"
What does it look like? I caught a thief. I flashed a bright smile, showing my white teeth, at the security guards who were looking back and forth between me and the thief in disbelief. I really liked the expressions on their faces.
.
.
# 9:27 PM
#-1. Las Vegas, Nevada
#-2. Palace Station Hotel
The whole school found out about what happened at FSE because someone uploaded a video to social media. It looked like a tourist was just filming, and they caught the tackle perfectly. Marcus is watching it right now, looking devastated.
"Dammit! I can't believe I didn't see this in person!"
"Moi! Moi! Explain it again!"
"No. Once was enough."
Ignoring Kaonohi, who wanted more details, I reached into the snack bag on my chest.
Crunch.
Crunch.
"Is Moi in here?"
"Yes, Sir."
Suddenly, the Vice Principal appeared at the door and gestured for me to follow.
"Whoo—are you getting an award or something?"
"What do you think?"
As I stepped into the hallway, I saw strangers standing near the Vice Principal. My first thought: did the thief sue me? For being injured? This country is litigious enough for that, so I walked forward cautiously. After a few steps, a man in a suit approached. He didn't look like a cop. A lawyer?
"Are you Dwayne Moi Stone?"
"Yes Sir."
"I'm Toby Hopkins. I'm the Public Information Officer for the City of Las Vegas."
"Public Information Officer?"
"Yes."
"Not to be rude, but why is a PIO here?" "Haha. The Mayor saw your video."
He gave a friendly smile and explained. The Mayor was impressed by the video.
"So he wants to officially commend you tomorrow. We've already notified the school, and the Principal here..."
"Ahem. Vice Principal."
"Ah, sorry. Anyway, the Vice Principal has given his permission. Now it's up to you. Would that be okay?"
An official commendation ceremony. No doubt about it—it's going to be pretty rowdy, right?
"...."
I looked at the Vice Principal, who was sending silent pressure with his eyes to just accept it. Guess I have no choice. I said okay.
"Then I'll send someone tomorrow after your practice."
"You've certainly done your research on me." "Haha. Is there anyone in America who doesn't know you?"
"...I guess so."
Of course, I know I'm famous. I've probably been famous since I was seven. But you don't really feel how famous you are when you live in Hawaii—even with the internet.
"Phew—did I cause trouble?"
"Trouble? Quite the opposite."
The Vice Principal tapped my shoulder with a happy face and left. I decided to worry about tomorrow when it comes and headed back to my room.
My first day in Las Vegas: I caught a thief. And I had no idea just how much of an impact this would have.