(POV Chikaru's Father)

While I was finishing up some paper work, I realize I need to take a break. So I lean back in my chair, take off my glasses and rub the bridge of my nose. Then suddenly there is a loud:

SLAM

The sound of the front door is heard in my ears. He's back early...

"DAMN IT!" screams my son

"If you break something or punch another hole in the wall..." I put my glasses back on and put away all my papers into a drawer except for a certain letter.

"I get it, I get it." I hear the heavy footsteps of Chikaru going up stairs

"Son come here!" I yell to my son as his thudding stops and starts to grow louder

"Yes, father?" as Chikaru steps into my office with a deadpan expression. I can't believe he's showing me this disrespect!

"Sit down, son." He slowly moves to the chair in front of my desk and drops onto it folding his arms

"If this is about me quitting football, then forget it." His piecing eyes staring at me through his red locks

"I've let this go on for too long. I heard you got kicked for the football team right before going to nationals-"

"I was doing my JOB, scoring goals! It's not my fault that everyone can't keep up. I am not dumbing down MY football to let others play."

I let a sigh slip though my lips. "Listen, If you didn't have another opportunity, this would be the last straw and you'd be done with this silly sport."

Chikaru was about to protest me when I held up a hand. When he sat back, I slid a letter toward him.

(POV Chikaru)

My father slides this letter toward me, I pick it up with caution, and study it before I open it... wait it's already opened?! I quickly look up at the man who tries to crush my football career daily.

"Yes, I already looked at the letter's contents. I had to make sure you weren't doing more disappointing actions behind my back." As he states this, he pushes his glasses further up on his nose, making a glare in the glass.

I glare at my father, and proceed to re-open the letter and pull out the contents. It's from the Japan Football Union?! Reading who it's from gets me excited and quickly skim the rest of the letter.

"SYOUJI CHIKARU-SAMA

YOU'VE BEEN SELECTED FOR A SPECIAL PLAYER TRAINING PROGRAM

We hope this letter finds you in good health as- A bunch of pleasantries - We want to invite you to take part in this program where you will hone your skills as a football player. Enclosed is the meeting place and time where you will learn more about this program. We hope to see you there!

JAPAN FOOTBALL UNION"

"You said I had another opportunity. Is this it? This special player training?" I ask as I toss the letter back onto my father's desk.

"Indeed, but the letter states the Union must have the parent's or guardian's approval for you to participate." Oh Wonderful.

"So is this the part where you want me to get down on my knees and beg 'Oh father! Please let me go! I just don't know what I'd do if I didn't take part in this program!' is that what you want? Well it's not happening." I lean back in the chair and glare at my father.

"As much of a display that would be, no. Instead, I propose an offer. I will sign my approval of this program for you, if when this program does not work out, you will drop this silly fantasy of becoming a professional football player for good." Father leans forward and places his intertwined hands on the desk.

Slamming my hands on his desk and yelling, "THIS IS NOT SOME SILLY FANTASY!"

"Do not raise your voice, I am trying to have a civil conversation with you for once. I am giving you a chance to go forward with my full support, and if it does not work out, I want you to focus on something more practical. If you do not accept my offer then you may continue on your own, without this program. I believe I am being completely reasonable in light of your past transgressions with that Burai boy."

"Don't you dare bring up those lies!"

"How can I not?! You almost got expelled thanks to your short temper! And you couldn't even prove your innocence because you were off on your own, making so you didn't have an alibi!"

With all the anger and rage building up inside me, I leaned over his desk and grabbed the shirt of my father who couldn't believe his own son. "I told you!-"

Father immediately grabbed my wrist causing me to stop.

...

The tension could've been cut with a knife as my red eyes stared directly behind his glasses into his pale blue orbs.

...

Finally the silence was broken with a sigh from him. He released his grip and sat back down.

"You are right, I went too far. I am sorry. But I am stern on my proposition, I advise you to consider it."

"Fine. I accept your terms. I'll drop football IF I don't succeed in this program." I hold my hand out for him to shake.

"Very good." He grasps my hand in a firm handshake. "Then you have my full support. I do wish for you to succeed my son. I hope you come out of this program a better man, whether that is as a football prodigy or someone with a new outlook on life." This is what shocked me, he had never told me that before.

I, however, will not fail.

Time skip to the day of the meeting

(POV Burai)

As I'm walking to the meeting place, I wonder why I was chosen to take part in special training. Not like I'm gonna pass on free training from Japan's football union though.

"HEY! Burai!" I turn around an notice two familiar faces, One tall boy with navy spiky hair and another with curly brown hair.

"Jirou! Touya! What are you guys doing here?" I ask as they jog to catch up then slow down to match my walking pace.

Touya speaks with great enthusiasm "Probably the same as you! We both got invited to participate in this training program." Jirou nods his head confirming what Touya said.

"Oh wow, I guess they are just inviting anyone and everyone huh?" This causes both the giant and the brunette to frown. "Kidding, Kidding! I'm excited to do this with some people I know!"

"I know what you mean!" The Navy haired boy exclaims but that's when all three of us stop as we notice a certain red-haired boy standing in front of the building we are supposed to meet at.

Touya moves closer to us and whispers "What is he doing here?! I thought he was kicked off the team!?"

"He was, but that doesn't mean the Japan Football Union can't invite him, Touya." I answer him as I move toward the newcomer. "Hey Chikaru! So you were invited here too?"

The red-haired striker turned his head to side eye his former teammates "Get out of my face. I don't need trash like you slowing me down again." As soon as he insulted us, he left to the inside of the building.

"I CAN'T STAND HIM!" Jirou exclaims. "Who does he think he is?! Noel Noa?!"

"It's alright, Jirou. Let him be, hopefully we don't run into him again." Touya calms the angered giant.

"Let's head inside guys, we don't want to be late." Why can't I understand you Chikaru? What happened to you? I always heard about you being the best at our school before I came.

(POV Chikaru)

"Luckily they didn't follow me. Just seeing them pisses me off." Now it's time to see what this is about, because I can't afford to fail.

After all, this is my last avenue.