SailorStar9: Nya? Chapter 9 goes up and only one review. No one else is reading this fic? *Munches fish burger* Ah...nothing like a good meal, wouldn't you agree, Saladin?
Saladin (Big Boss): Call me John.
SailorStar9: Nah, professional courtesy and all...besides, Saladin just sounds cooler. (Snorts) Funny, never thought I'd ever stomach Kakashi.
Big Boss: He's not that bad, especially with teriyaki sauce.
SailorStar9: Lord Quadros, love your work. That said, let's get this show on the road!
Disclaimers: I own nothing, well except the pairing.
Chapter 10: To Gather Before The Goal
"Great, I see the goal." Mamoru headed straight for the goalpost. "Take that!" he fired a long shot. "What?" he gaped when Tsubasa once again blocked the shot.
"Tsubasa!" the goalkeeper beamed.
On the bench…
"That is Tsubasa." Roberto noted.
On the field…
"Damn!" Mamoru cursed. "Let's take the ball from him."
"Yes!" the Shutetsu players charged to reclaim the ball.
"Oda!" Tsubasa passed the ball to his teammate, after feinting past the Shutetsu players.
With Oda leading the attack, Ryo and Masao followed closely behind.
Outside the stadium…
Misaki had arrived at the gates. "Eh? It's still a draw?" he blinked, noticing the scoreboard.
On the field…
"We have to attack again and again." Teppei led the team's assault. "Go!" he fired a long shot, only to have Tsubasa block the attack once again, sending a long pass to Ryo.
On the stands…
"Oh, him!" Misaki recognized Tsubasa. "If he's here, then that means…" his eyes turned to the bench, spotting Roberto and Ami.
On the bench…
"Yeah, that's good." Roberto encouraged.
On the stands…
"Superb." Misaki gaped. "Huh? He's Tsubasa?" he echoed, hearing Tsubasa's name shouted from the spectators.
On the field...
"Damn!" Mamoru cursed. "We have to at least score one goal. After all, we only have one player for an opponent."
"We won't let you score." Ryo promised, leading the attack.
"Okay." Mamoru dodged the charging Ryo, passing the ball to Teppei.
"Go!" Teppei fired his shot, only to have Tsubasa intercept once again.
Mamoru and Tsubasa fought for the ball in the air, with Tsubasa winning the fight.
"Tsubasa…" Mamoru growled as Tsubasa once again blocked Teppei's shot.
On the bench…
"Good, the strategy is working as planned." Ami nodded in satisfaction.
"So, this is your plan?" Roberto noted.
"Yes." Ami replied. "In the first half, I placed Tsubasa in defense and we have managed to prevent them from scoring. The victory will be decided in the second half. Well, that is provided nothing changes…" she turned a look at the fuming Genzo.
On the field…
"What are you doing, everyone?" Genzo barked.
"Damn…" Teppei hissed, having reclaimed the ball. "I'm the best center-forward of Shutetsu, and I haven't scored yet. How embarrassing. This time… let's go!" he paused in front of the penalty area, ready to fire his shot when Tsubasa slide-tackled him, snatching the ball away and kicking the ball into the goalkeeper's hands.
"Sorry, Tsubasa." Masao apologized. "You have to do everything, cause we're not strong enough."
"What are you saying?" Tsubasa chided. "You are all doing your best, ain't you? Everything is fine, our defense is doing their job. And also, anything could happen at any time, even I could make a mistake. Fight everyone!" he told the team.
"Yes." The team nodded.
"I'll do my best." Masao promised.
On the stands…
It's not an error to make Tsubasa play as a sweeper. Misaki mused. They're doing their best to prevent them from scoring, and they'll probably attack during the second half. Furthermore, I don't think that Tsubasa is as weak as the other players.
On the field…
"Guys, you're attacking in too much of a monotonous way." Genzo barked. "Where has your formation gone? Tsubasa is the only opponent. Have a look at yourselves."
That's right. Teppei mused. We rushed our play and completely forgot our regular playing pattern. With a unison nod, the Shutetsu trio restarted their combo.
Here they come. Tsubasa noted as Teppei, Mamoru and Taki took center-stage.
We got him. Teppei grinned, his timing passing having prevented Tsubasa from claiming the ball.
"Oh no!" Tsubasa gasped when Mamoru took possession of the ball.
"We did it!" Mamoru fired his shot.
On the bench…
At this distance and his left foot… Ami thought, the calculations churning in her mind. "Keeper, D6!" she called. "Hands to C5!"
On the field…
"On it!" the goalkeeper jumped to the allotted spot, both hands catching the ball successfully.
On the bench…
"It was really good." Roberto was impressed at Ami's accuracy.
On the field…
"Damn…" Taki cursed. "It wasn't supposed to be like this."
"We didn't score a goal." Teppei added.
What's happening? Takasugi Shingo wondered. This is not good. They're starting to doubt themselves. And turned to Genzo.
It's not only because of Tsubasa that we aren't scoring. Genzo realized. This isn't the same team as before; they have without a doubt, become stronger in ball control. And furthermore, they seem to have fun when playing. Those two things seem linked. Is it because of Hongo Roberto's training that they've come this far? And also, the strategy to put Tsubasa as sweeper, is it also him?
On the bench…
That's really good. Roberto thought. Continue playing like that. If we manage to defend until the end of the first half, we can win this match.
On the field…
"Ishizaki!" Tsubasa reclaimed the ball, firing a long pass to Ryo.
"Ok!" Ryo claimed the ball and charged into the Shutetsu field. The first half is almost over. He thought. If we manage to score now…
"Leave it to me!" Genzo ordered as Takasugi returned to his position.
"Ishizaki!" the Nankatsu team gasped in warning as Genzo dashed out of his post.
"What?" Ryo gaped when Genzo slide-tackled the ball from his feet.
"Tsubasa!" Genzo hollered and fired a long shot straight towards Tsubasa. Attack, Tsubasa. He challenged. Attack.
Tsubasa looked at the ball on the field, remembering his own challenge. "This… a challenge from Wakabayashi." And turned to the bench.
On the bench…
No, Tsubasa. Roberto shook his head. Don't let him provoke you.
On the field…
"Let's go get the ball from him." Teppei remarked, the referee already looking at his watch.
"Tsubasa, Shutetsu is attacking." The goalkeeper warned.
"Tsubasa, what are you doing?" Oozora Koudai hollered from the stands. "Go! Attack Tsubasa. Attack."
"Oh, Dad!" Tsubasa beamed. "Got it."
"He'll see what happens when you take your eyes off the ball." Teppei promised, closing in.
Damn… Taki took over once Tsubasa dodged Teppei.
Feinting Taki, Tsubasa took off into the Shutetsu field.
On the bench…
"Tsubasa, the strategy…" Roberto gaped.
"Should have figured something like that would happen." Ami muttered.
On the field…
"Good." Genzo returned to his post.
On the stands…
"Yes, keep going like that." Koudai shouted.
"Captain." Roberto turned.
"Uncle." Ami blinked in surprise.
"Roberto." Koudai stated. "Tsubasa's style isn't a defensive soccer type. It's a soccer type that scores goals. Ami, you of all people, should know that. Even if you have a strategy, let him attack this time."
"Knowing him like I do, even if I tell him to stop, he won't do it." Ami grinned. "Guess I'll have to alter the battle plan then."
On the field…
What speed. Taki tried to catch up to Tsubasa who had entered the attack zone.
On the bench…
Well, attacking is also a way to defend. Roberto mused as Ami reformed her plan on her clipboard. Now, we just have to wait, it's sink or swim.
On the field…
Come! Genzo stood ready. I've gone through intense training for this. "Okay, come! This trajectory…!" he gaped, recognizing the ball's course after Tsubasa fired his shot, his fist barely blocking the ball, and causing the ball to bounce into the corner.
Superb. Tsubasa was stunned. A right-handed keeper shouldn't have been able to block such a shot.
Damn! Genzo slammed a fist on the grass. I couldn't catch it.
Taking the corner, Tsubasa readied the corner kick.
Tsubasa will take the corner? Genzo thought as he readied to defend. Will he attempt to score directly?
Okay… Tsubasa focused on the ball and fired his shot.
"I'll get it." Ryo dashed forward.
"I got tricked." Genzo realized. "It's a centering for Ishizaki." And ran out to intercept when the ball curved into the net. That trajectory again? He wondered and dived after the ball. The ball hit the goalpost and Genzo caught the rebound ball.
The referee's whistle sounded, signaling the end of the first half.
"Captain…" Mamoru started, the team clustered around the goalkeeper.
I was completely beaten. Genzo growled.
"That was close, Tsubasa." Ryo remarked.
"But this is the first time that Shutetsu haven't managed to score despite their attempts." Masao pointed out.
On the bench…
That's what he's really like. Ami mused. To use a curved ball that he's barely mastered at the last minute. But the curve was a bit too pronounced. Mental note: add curved ball training to his regime, even though he'll kill me.
"That was close, Tsubasa." Koudai voiced from the stands.
"Papa!" Tsubasa beamed. "You came back today?"
"Yes, does that surprise you?" Koudai joked.
"Of course." Tsubasa replied. "You never call to tell me when you're coming back."
"Tsubasa, that's your dad?" Ryo blinked.
"Yeah." Tsubasa nodded. "He just came back today."
"Everyone, you played well in the first half." Roberto stated.
"Thanks." The boys chorused.
"But thanks to a certain someone, I have to modify the strategy…" Ami gave her cousin a joking glare.
"She's talking about you." Ryo prodded.
"I'm sorry." Tsubasa chuckled.
"In fact, I also sometimes ignored the instructions of my coach." Roberto admitted
"Eh?" the group gaped.
"And it sometimes happened to be more effective than the coach's strategy." Roberto added. "Listen carefully everyone; soccer is a game that has to be played according to instinct. From now on, your own judgment has to be the most important."
"Yes." The boys chorused.
"That's right." Koudai agreed. "When someone is only following instructions, they don't allow themselves to improve."
"Yes." Tsubasa nodded.
"You…" Natsuko complained. "It's been a long time since we've seen each other and you're already abandoning me?"
"Oh yeah, that's right." Koudai remembered. "If you win this match, my wife will cook some delicious steaks for all of you."
"Ah?" Ryo echoed. "Really?"
"Darling, did you see how many they are?" Natsuko inquired.
"Isn't it a good idea?" Koudai chuckled. "It's worth at least that."
"Mrs. Oozora, I'll also get one, right?" Roberto prodded.
"Even Roberto now…" Natsuko sighed. "Fine. We'll probably be in the red this month, but never mind."
On the Shutetsu side…
"Listen everyone." The Shutetsu coach told the team. "Today's Nankatsu team isn't the same as before. Put your arrogance aside and stand on your guard during the second half."
"Yes." The team chorused.
"Please." Genzo muttered. "Guys, a goal. Score a goal."
"Captain…" Mamoru gaped.
"I won't ask you for big goals, like 50 goals." Genzo admitted. "But please, score a goal."
On the Nankatsu side…
"Okay, it's time." Roberto stated, looking at her watch. "You understand? If you see an opportunity, don't hesitate."
"Yes!" the team chorused.
"And remove the ankle weights, guys." Ami added.
"Finally!" Ryo whooped, causing everyone else to chuckle as they knelt to pull off the weights before heading out to the field.
"Don't be too happy just yet, Ishizaki." Ami stated. "Remember my rules."
"What?" Ryo complained, remembering Ami's term if they took off the ankle weights; for every time the weights were removed, an additional 1.5 pounds would be added to each of the weights.
"Rules are rules, Ishizaki." Ami reminded.
"Oh man." Ryo muttered.
"Tsubasa." Koudai started. "I'll watch you from the stands. Listen, do your best to win. Your father hates losers."
"Don't worry, Dad." Tsubasa assured. "I won't lose."
On the Shutetsu side…
"Fight, Shutetsu." Genzo barked.
"Okay, let's go." Teppei declared, the team heading out. This is the first time that the Captain is asking this of us.
We have to… Mamoru promised.
By any means… Taki swore.
Score a goal. Takasugi finished, the team taking their positions.
On the field…
"Wow, they look determined." Ryo noted. "Okay, let's do this too. Fight!"
"Yeah!" the team chorused.
"Okay…" Ryo started off.
Okay. Mamoru and Teppei shot off, tackling Ryo and claiming the ball.
"Everyone, let's move back." Tsubasa instructed. "Hurry!"
"There!" Ryo quickly caught up. "We need to clear the ball!"
At that, the Nankatsu defenders managed to get the ball off-side, resulting in a throw-in for Shutetsu.
"Damn…" Teppei cursed. "That was close."
They are really pumped. Ryo mused. Thank god for Ami's ankle weights, otherwise we wouldn't be able to match them speed-to-speed.
"Taki, let me take the throw-in." Takasugi called.
Takasugi, you… Genzo wondered.
"Takasugi will take the throw-in?" Tsubasa blinked.
Captain, watch this. Takasugi promised. "Go, I'm centering!" he declared and tossed the ball into the field.
"Tsubasa, we're counting on you." Ryo remarked as Tsubasa took off after the air-borne ball.
"I won't lose." Mamoru, too, chased after the ball. "I am the best jumper in Shutetsu." The two players fought over the ball in the air.
Teppei pushed Masao aside and claimed possession of the ball.
"Oh no!" Ryo gasped as Teppei headed towards the goalpost, both Tsubasa and Mamoru on the grass and Teppei fired his shot.
On the bench…
"F5, F4!" Ami instructed.
On the field…
"Damn…" Teppei cursed, when his shot was caught accurately by the goalkeeper.
That girl… Genzo turned a look at the girl genius on the Nankatsu bench. How was she able to…
Back in the present…
"Tsubasa's parents are…" Genzo trailed, remembering the motherly Oozora Natsuko.
"Yeah, I know what you mean." Ami chuckled. "Married for more than a decade and they still act like newly-weds. But really, what's up with you males and your prides? Wait, don't answer that; I don't think I want to know."
"Nymph, let's just say it's a guy thing." Genzo grinned, nuzzling her neck.
SailorStar9: And the match heats up. Will things finally get in gear? Or will Shutetsu have the final win?
Eva: You really enjoy leading people on don't you?
SailorStar9: (smirks, giving a mock bow) Guilty as charged. R&R!