Naruto: Goal! The Dream Begins

by ALWAYSLUVYOURSELF

Naruto Namikaze, an aspiring young teen dreams of one day playing with the giants of Europe. Beginning his journey in his hometown of Los Angeles, he needs to balance the spotlight that comes with the beautiful game, while he tries to grow into the amazing player he was destined to be. A rewrite of the Goal! Franchise exept, there is not a rush and there's character development

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Galaxy's Rising Talisman

5 AM

BRR! BRR! BRR!

A lazy hand quickly jumped out of the blanket and pressed the off button of the loud alarm.

Currently resting in his bedroom, Naruto Namikaze yawned and stretched to the fullest. His stomach filled with butterflies as yesterday he found it hard to sleep.

Today was his first day as a member of the LA Galaxy.

Jumping out of bed, and into his blue slippers, the blond was wearing nothing but his boxers.

Going to the door and turning on the lights, his room soon came into view.

A familiar sight as always.

Like every other upcoming youngster, those he worshipped in football rested on his walls. The posters of Ronaldinho, David Beckham, R9 and Pelé himself.

His room was rather small, only having a study desk beside the door, a window covered in cardboard and a small wardrobe beside his bed, he took his toiletry bag which hanged on its handle and went out.

The hallway was quiet as everyone in the Saint Mark's Orphanage was fast asleep.

Making sure to not wake up his family with unnecessary noise, Naruto arrived at the showers and had a quick wash.

Fifteen minutes later after all his morning rituals were done he returned to the room only to rest his bag on his wardrobe. Taking out the training bag the Galaxy gave him after he signed with them.

He rested it on his bed, opening it with anticipation.

Within the dark blue bag having the emblem of his club, was a tracksuit, standard edition Adidas cleats, a water bottle and surprisingly an Ipod.

'Nice!' the blond thought as he took the Ipod. Checking it out he felt overjoyed when he saw that they loaded music on it.

Skimming through it and finding the song he wanted. The sixteen year old prodigy quickly wore his headsets.

Play Purple, Yellow, Red and Blue by Portugal the Man

All I wanna do is live in ecstasy
I know what's best for me

Not wasting time, the blond began to dress up as the music began to pick up. Quickly wearing his tracksuit, he began to tie the shoelaces of his Converse sneakers.

I can't help it
It's this hopeless itch
I just wanna feel (wanna feel)

Purple, yellow, red and blue

With the tempo high and up. Naruto rose with it from his bed, as he now wore the navy blue tracksuit of the LA Galaxy.

Hoisting his sport bag's strap across his chest, the blond made his way to the door. 'Cleats check…time…' the blond checked his Ipod's time and luckily it was set to local time. '5:31…not bad.' The blond thought as he soon got out of the building.

When I grow up I wanna be
A movie star or on TV

Finding his old bike by the gate, the blond unlocked the lock, and hopped on to it. The morning breeze was very calming. The sun could be seen slowly creating an orange hue above the ocean, and slowly civilians began to rise to begin their day. Naruto jamming on his tone, found himself on the road, to Carson. The location of the Galaxy's stadium…which acted as their training facility.

'Cause workin' just don't work for me
But I can't focus, feeling hopeless
So I'll just sit back, try to relieve

All I wanna do is live in ecstasy
I know what's best for me
I can't help it
It's this hopeless itch
I just wanna feel (wanna feel)
Purple, yellow, red and blue

Arriving at the stadium the blond, met up with security and giving him the details, the man ran a clearance and seeing he was valid the blond was allowed inside. Thanking the man, the teen hopped off his bike, and rolled it to one of the bike stations.

Locking it, he held his gym bag and made his way to the field. There he was met with the sight of his new home.

No longer would he play on the dusty pitch of South Central…he was now a pro.

When I grow up I wanna be
A rich-kid born celebrity
It's not greed but necessity
Now I don't focus on the hopeless
When I look out it's only for me

Deciding to introduce himself to the groundsmen who were currently mowing the field, the teen got to know the pair better as they gave him the best of wishes once they found out he was a pro.

Asking of what he could do in the mean time, the pair told him about the team gymnasium, located in the visitor restricted area.

All I wanna do is live in ecstasy
I know what's best for me
I can't help it
It's this hopeless itch
I just wanna feel (wanna feel)

The entire place was an equipment galore! Treadmills, dumbells, lifting stations, pools and so much more! The blond couldn't believe what he saw, the place embroiled in the Galaxy's themed dark blue colour and gold, the walls held photos of past history moments for the club.

'Let's get to work then.' Naruto thought putting his gym bag down and heading for the treadmills.

Purple, yellow, red and blue

I just wanna be evil
I just wanna be evil
Wanna be evil, wanna be evil
I just wanna be evil

Drenched with sweat and panting frantically. Naruto just laid on the carpeted gym floor.

I just wanna be evil

He was so lost in training he did not notice the sun had just risen. Not only that he didn't feel the pair of eyes that looked at him from the corner of the gym.

A camera had been placed there, and it's feed led right into the office of the team manager. Who at that moment had gotten himself a cup of coffee and was impressed by Naruto's work ethic. "At what time did you say he came in here, Frank?" the man asked the security guard, who'd called him in to ask about Naruto's clearance.
I just wanna be evil

"Around 6 ish, sir." The guard replied, as with a quick flick with his wrist, the manager checked his watch and it read. 8:47.

"So he's been doing this ever since then?"

Wanna be evil, wanna be evil

"Yes sir."

"Well…consider me impressed, Namikaze." The man concluded as his gaze returned back to the screen, watching the blond still catching his breath.

Purple, yellow, red and blue

The after tones of Purple, Yellow, Red and Blue continued to ring out in Naruto's ears as he got out of the gym.

Having been called by a trainer for practise, the teen was guided towards the now cut pitch.

Walking through the tunnel leading to the pitch, the blond saw many people gathered at the centre of the pitch.

All of them chatting with each other and joking around, they soon had their eyes landed on the blond the moment they noticed him.

"Alright, guys let's get to work." Charlie shouted as he blew his whistle.

The new kid, was Naruto's nickname on the first day with the pros. The kid being a blur of motion when it came to footwork, the teen weaved through many of the stations with ease. Being as agile as a salmon skier, shockingly his teammates scrambled to keep up with the new kid.

When the passing drills came, his sharp passes that caught Glen's attention made him gain respect to teammates that received the ball from him.

Most of the players being vets had wide-eye glances.

"This new kid…good." One spoke up. "Yeah like really good." Another added.

"What position does he play?" the latter questioned "I think he's an attacking midfielder." the other concluded.

That nervous energy he had earlier had finally disappated as it all turned into fuel, that made Naruto shine brightly. With Charlie continuing to bark instructions throughout the drills, it all came to a conclusion come 12 PM.

"That's enough for today, guys. Get some rest, yeah." Charlie concluded as he blew the final whistle.

The walk back to the locker room, was quick for the blond, most of his teammates had introduce themselves to him, and feeling a bit more comfortable, most of them were shocked to hear he was only 16.

"He can't be this good, at such a young age! He has to be lying." One teammate gossiped with another.

The blond being the talk of the day, quickly went to get a shower and changed back into his tracksuit. Having collected all of his belongings, the blond stood in the locker room sitting on his chair, that was across his locker. Most of his teammates were wearing fancy attire, chains and everything, while others put back on their wedding rings. At that moment the blond couldn't deny it.

He was living the saying. 'A boy amongst men.'

Having been offered an opportunity to eat lunch with the others, the blond accepted since it'd be great to know his new teammates better. However before he could leave, Charlie asked for him.

"You wanted to see me boss." The blond began as he had opened the office door and saw the manager sitting behind his desk.

"Yes, Namikaze. Come in and close the door." Doing so, Naruto approached the table, as Charlie gestured him to sit down.

"You impressed me today, very much."

"Oh it was nothing sir." Naruto replied.

"Well I just called you in here to say, congratulations. You're on the bench for our Seattle Sounders game on Saturday."

The blond was gobsmacked once he heard this.

"I'm on the bench, already!" Charlie nodded. "You're talent is undeniable and your work ethic is godly. You deserve to play for my team."

"Thanks coach, you won't regret it!" Naruto concluded as he was excused.

"Yes!" Naruto shouted out in the hallway with his fists clenched. He was getting closer and closer to his dream, with each passing day and step.

---

Saturday

"It's that time of the week once more ladies and gentlemen. We are here in the sunshine state of California, for this edition of MLS soccer week 7. We have LA Galaxy hosting the Seattle Sounders. So far the Galaxy's journey this season has been a rough one, only two wins, one draw and three losses, they'd need to pick up mometum if they wish to reach the playoffs." the commentator declared as the players began to walk out of the tunnels.

Naruto's first hand experience of being on the sideline bench for the first time was amazing, he'd never been this close to the action. Wearing his bib, and going on a few warming up sessions in the first half, time elapsed as the Galaxy's defense got broken in the 40th minute leading to a goal for the opposition.

With Manager Charlie going on a crazy speech and demanding success, everyone ended up feeling uplifted since the coach was a great leader...in truth they just didn't want to do 1000 burpees on monday.

"Naruto!" Charlie from the manager box shouted to the blond and motioned to one of the trainers. "Warm up, your going in." the man added as Naruto a bit scared, got onto his two and went to the trainer.

Running up and down for a few times, stretching his muscles very well. He took off his bib as he went to Charlie. Putting his hand around his shoulder, the roar of the crowd intensified as the Galaxy won a free kick, at that time fourth official decided to use the stop of play to introduce the blond. Holding up the electronic board high it red- (green)number 17 in for (red)number 7.

With his stomach filled with nerve-wrecking energy, the blond bounced on the balls of his feet trying to calm himself down. He couldn't believe that a few weeks ago he was playing in the dust pitches of South Central and now he was a pro coming in for his first ever match. His heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs as Charlie, his face etched with urgency, barked final instructions.

"Naruto, listen up!" Charlies' voice was a low growl. "We need fresh legs out there, on the wing. I need you to press high and service our attacker. You got it?"

Naruto with a focused demeanor, nodded curtly.

At that time the commentator's voice boomed for those watching the match on tv. "With a surprise substitution for LA! Coming on to replace the tired Cobi Jones is..." the man flipped through his pages and landed on number 17. "The young...Naruto Namikaze. He's an upcoming talent who was brought up to the first team. This is a big moment for the sixteen year old, getting his first taste of MLS action. The question we have is whether he may be the spark they need to turn this game around?"

The camera zoomed in on Naruto, his face a mixture of determination and raw fear. The crowd erupted in applause for the hard-working Jones who gave Naruto a high five and brought him close. "You got this kid." the man declared as the blond ran onto the pitch.

Behind him, Cobi got props from Charlie as he received a bottle of water from the staff.

Time Elapses

"I'm reading twenty minutes left on my watch...and it still doesn't look good for the Galaxy."

Down on the pitch, Naruto's been in for five minutes and he still hadn't gotten his first touch. For most of that time, Seattle had control of the ball, and constantly pressing the opposition, before he could pounce, they'd always kick the ball away.

However, even if the ball hadn't been on his hand, the blond took the time to analyze his opposition's defense as in all honestly, he saw many holes that could be exploited.

Their wing backs were fast but not fast enough to catch up to his pace. They never seemed to hug the line due to the rigid formation their manager had them set up in, so it allowed him some free room on the wing.

Which would be a very dangerous mistake to make if you leave that much of breathing room for the blond.

A great opportunity soon came about, as with a lob pass, that switched the sides of play. Naruto being on the right wing, quickly chested the pass and nested it smoothly with his foot.

"And it's a switch of sides, to Namikaze. He finally get's his first touch of the ball, what will he now do with it?"

Quickly dashing up field, the blond pushed the ball with each stride, as he got closer and closer to the box. When a Sounder midfielder tried to lunge for the ball, the blond quickly chopped the ball with his right foot to the left for a quick change of direction. Now cutting inside, he felt at ease to take a shoot, but looking up he noticed his distance and estimated he was atlease 30 yards out.

Not trying to get a lecture, he quickly serviced a teammate that played in the midfield, as he used his pace to quickly cut through the centre backs line. Getting a through ball, from him the blond ran up and trapped the ball as he stood inside the box, a few yards above the penalty spot. With the centre backs being on him like flies, Naruto didn't waste time and put his laces on the ball. Aiming for the top left, he hit it with his outside foot.

As the ball crashed into the net, the blond was filled with ecstacy, he wasn't sure if his plan worked but reading the defense, he was surprised that his first attempt worked.

Thinking of nothing, he just ran to the net and took the ball as he got pats from his teammates. All the fans in the stadium were delirios since their team was back on level terms, as they still had time to get another.

"And now with the equalizer from the substitute, Namikaze. LA has a chance to go home with some points."

With the match continuing to progress, Naruto's teammates soon began to believe in him with the ball. Lending him some possession, the blond talent was on display. All of the fans were entertained in those 20 minutes of showing, and no one could deny Naruto Namikaze was a legit star in the making.

"Once more it lands in on Namikaze's feet. He's been tremendously impressive today, what a substitution."

Getting the ball on the right side of the field, Naruto passed to back to the midfielder, as he motioned that they switched position.

Wanting to hit the opposition head first, seeing they'd finally catched on about the right wing. Naruto's teammate simply trapped the ball and left it still as he went to the right wing. The ball being collected by number 17, was then rolled forward straight into attack.

With a Sounder midfielder coming forward to tackle the ball away, Naruto made a quick 360 around the man's attempt, much to the pleasing of the fans. With the ball still on his feet, he made a quick nutmeg on another midfielder, as he soon found himself running towards Seattle's centre back partnership.

Both men seeing the blond, felt that humiliation from him was enough. At the same time they both charged forward, as Naruto was left to do even more magic.

Showing nothing but composure, the blond wrapped the ball with left foot along the heel of right foot, only to scoop it high into the air.

"He does a Rainbow Flick and he's through to the keeper!"

The defenders looking silly, forced their legs to thread back but it was too late. Naruto having zeroed in on the goal, quickly watched as the goalie tried to rush. Seeing him off his line, the blond chipped the ball over him, as with it being high enough, he slowly pushed his head aside as he watched the ball crash into the net.

"Astonishing! Astonishing! Astonishing! Pure class, young man, have a bow, why don't you. He's now two on the day."

Running to the corner flag, Naruto wasn't sure what to do, so he just rested his forearm on the flag as he made a pose. His teammates came in rushing at him as they all jumped and hugged him.

When the chaos soon died down, the fans continued to celebrate in the stands, while on the pitch Naruto not knowing was becoming a favourite.

The Sounders defense seemed to collapse after the second goal was scored, since Charlie seeing how well Naruto created passed decided, to just place him in the attacking midfielder role, which just added more fuel to Seattle's misery as his sharp passes shreaded through their defense like a katana through bamboo.

Constantly knocking on the door, and his teammates missing great chances, the blond got his assist in the 89th minute putting the nail in the coffin and ending the hopes of an equalizer.

BRR! BRR! BRRRR!

"And with the final whistle blown this match comes to an end."

Naruto weaving through the throng of ecstatic teammates, got a high five from Charlie on the sideline as his boots left muddy imprints on the hallowed turf. Just as he was about to enter the tunnel, a steward materialized, with a smile playing on his lips.

"Mr. Namikaze, a moment please? The refereeing team would like a word... if you wouldn't mind."

Naruto blinked, for a moment and then decided to see what was the matter. Approaching the team at the centre of the field, the blond was given props for his performance, as then he was gifted...the match ball?

"Wait? I'm the man of the match?" the head referee nodded. "Congratulations on your performance, kid you came through!"

Being handed the symbol that was reserved for the game's most outstanding player. Naruto had a wide grin, cradling the worn leather ball under his arm, a feeling of surreal accomplishment washed over him. This wasn't just a match ball; it was a tangible reminder of his meteoric rise from an unknown substitute to instant legend.

As he went to the tunnel the fans shouted and washed him great applause, hearing the whistles of approval and the shrieks of the females. The blond just felt surreal, the feeling of being a pro was...something he'd start to enjoy.

"I'M GONNA NAME MY KID AFTER YOU, NARUTO!" one fan shouted on the sidelines as he approached the tunnel. The blond hearing it blushed and smiled. "Thanks!" the blond shouted back as the man feeling surreal that he saw him just gave back a thumbs up.

"CAN I PLEASE HAVE YOUR SHIRT?" one kid fan shouted as now stopping at the tunnel's entrance, Naruto watched as the boy raised his hand out. "Sure." the blond replied taking it off and handing it to him.

"CAN YOU SIGN MY TITS?!" one female fanatic shouted and this just caught Naruto by surprise. "What?-" the blond tried to register the fact as luckily security was an earshot away and heard the request. "Mam, this boy is minor. Please have decency." the man said as he escorted Naruto into the tunnel away from the fans.

"Sorry for the situation Mr. Namikaze." the man said "No thank you, for saving me." the blond replied.

"Good game by the way." the man added as the blond thanked him, continuing his course to the team locker room as they separated, Naruto was then stopped at the door by Charlie. "What are you doing here? The press wants to talk to you, Mr. Man of the Match." the man smiled.

"Really?"

Charlie nodded, "They set up a whole press conference and every thing, they want to see the new star." the man smiled as he showed the blond the way to the conference. Surprisingly the moment Naruto went in there people began shouting for his name, just how crazy was pro football?

As Charlie assured everyone to be silent and have order, going up the podium the two sat down at their designated table as Naruto taking a bottle of water from there drank a bit as he put the bottle down.

"Alright then, first question." the blond stated as then again chaos ensued. "Naruto, how's your first game in the MLS?"

"DID YOU KNOW YOU MADE HISTORY!"

"WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS THIS SEASON?"

"IS IT TRUE YOU'RE ONLY SIXTEEN?"

'Yeah...pro football is insane."

Man Of The Match
Naruto Namikaze: 2 G/ 1 A
Match Rating: 10.0