Now out of the bright white and blue colours of the national team, Naruto found himself back onto the pressure free grounds of the Studhub Center.
As the afternoon Los Angeles sun, kissed on his sweaty skin, the teen found his hair covering his eyes. Panting heavily, a few weezes escaped his mouth, as he rushed up the bleachers for the twentieth time.
Due to the change of seasons the teen was out of his navy blue tracksuit, now wearing navy blue shorts, kicks, and a blue tank top.
Thirty minutes ago, the pitch below was teeming with his teammates, but with all of them now long gone. He was still here, beginning his journey of following the unorthodox training methods of David Beckham.
"You're endurance and stamina could use some work, kid." David complemented with a grin as he stood infront of the tired Namikaze. "You were slower than my nana, and she's 70 mind you, so how about you give it another go, this time with more, grit."
"Let…me…take a…small…break." The teen replied as Becks raised his hand. "There's no time for such thing. Unless you want to be left behind by those across the pond, that is?"
Naruto could taste the quench of his thirst, opening his dry mouth to say a couple pleas he soon shut it, as he just obliged.
"Alright, then. Thirty trips, no stop, let's go." Becks ordered as he clapped his hands, which was the signal for Naruto to begin.
"Can we please go slow this time…I still haven't recovered from yesterday."
It was early morning of the next day as Naruto took in the cool air. Who trudged onto the pitch, still wearing his training attire. In the background, the Los Angeles skyline just started to blush with the promise of dawn. Becks greeted him with a sharp grin, that only hinted at the atrocities, the teen's body would sadly have to endure today.
"After testing the water with you yesterday, I've came up with a conclusion, kid. We've got to start building from the foundation." Becks explained as Naruto listened attentively. "You're quick for the MLS I'll tell you that, but in Europe you're as fast as a third hand Bettle."
"I mean…I'm not that bad." Naruto replied as Becks simply ignored his comment.
"We've got to get your stamina and endurance, up to par. So if you thought yesterday's training was torture. Today's interval training will be hell for you. Three laps around the entire pitch, sprinting for two thirds and jogging for the final third. Ten rounds. Ready?"
Naruto's muscles already protesting at the mentioned training session had the blond shivering a bit.
However knowing this is what he wanted, the blond gritted his teeth and nodded. The first few rounds felt manageable, the burn in his legs, not as painful as yesterday kept him entertained as he wondered till when will he reach his limit. However, as each lap passed, his breaths grew ragged, his vision began to buckle.
Punchering here and there, a few words of encouragement from Becks allowed him to push further up field. Ignoring the burning sensation of his lungs, only focusing on finishing the task at hand Naruto circled the field for the tenth time, as he didn't waste time collapsing onto the grass in a heap.
Trying to catch his breath with big gulps, Becks approached him with a smile. "Good work," he said, as he knelt to the teen's level and patted his chest.
"You guys…did this…back at Real?"
"Real? We used to do this, back at United's academy." He retorted much to the blond's surprise. "Every day?" he asked as Becks nodded "To be honest with you, this was just the warm up drill. Not the actual training."
"W…WHAT!" the blond wheezed as Becks nodded with a smirk, only for the teen to groan.
"So does that mean, every training session starts like this, for us?"
"Ah huh." the man stated much to Naruto's dismay.
"Alright I think you got enough time kissing the surface. How about giving me some jumping jacks, to lower your heart rate. We'll then move over to the stretches."
As Naruto stretched, his body couldn't help but allow a symphony of aches to escape with each stretch. Becks had him doing yoga poses, even he'd never heard of.
Once time had came for Becks to lay out the next phase, the blond was yearning to kick a ball. "Alright, lad, now we get to the good stuff. Today's the day you start bending it like yours truly."
Hearing those words, a spark ignited in Naruto's eyes. He'd spent countless hours studying Beckham's free kicks, the way he whipped the ball with his foot, defying physics to find back of the net.
Helping him set up a line of mannequins, that mimicked a defensive wall. They spent the next hour working on the drill. Teaching his technique to Naruto, Becks gave him a few pointers that'd work wonders on his game - the proper foot placement, the importance of follow-through, the subtle flick of the ankle that sent the ball curving around the wall.
These three tips were easily grasped by ball, but as always when it came to the practical, it wasn't as simple as understanding the theory.
Frustration continuously mounting with every missed shot. The ball would sail wide, careen harmlessly into the wall, or lack the necessary curl altogether.
Becks remaining the forever patient, continued to offer pointers, repeatedly demonstrating the technique. As their second training session concluded, Becks joked that he'd be on free-kick duty for the foreseeable future as the two would meet again tomorrow.
As the days passed, and they turned to weeks, the matches seemed to act as intermissions as they acted more like distractions from the real fun, which was training with David.
As they went deeper into summer and the season was reaching its climactic end, a pitstop to celebrate Naruto's 17th birthday in the early days of October was in order, as the club hosted a small get together in the canteen for him.
Meanwhile, the two's energetic chemistry from their training sessions ended up seeping into their games, as the student-mentor duo wreaked havoc in the MLS as the Galaxy went on an unprecedented run, that had them clinch the top spot in the Western Conference and book a trip into playoffs.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Naruto connected with the ball perfectly. Watching it rise gracefully, it dipped viciously at the last moment, nestled perfectly into the top corner. A whoop of joy erupted the blond as a mixture of relief and exhilaration cultimated in a bombastic.
"YES!"
"There you go!" Beckham boomed, a wide grin splitting his face. Naruto couldn't help but grin to his mentor. Sure, it took a long time, but the result of his hardworking showing himself led to the blond yearning to learn more from David. "Now, let's see you do it again." He stated as Naruto feeling confident didn't waste a second to take a few steps back.
Wasting away yet another afternoon, on their sessions. Naruto's free kick development was very inspiring.
By the end, he was no Beckham yet, but the ball was starting to obey his will, curling with a satisfying precision. A few professional top bin bangers were needed for the blond to soon take off into an unwanted free kick taker for goalkeeper.
"Alright, Naruto," Beckham said, clapping his hands. "Time to test your skills under pressure." He gestured towards the goal. "Penalty shootout. You versus me."
A playful glint entered Naruto's eyes. "You in goal, Becks? That's not exactly a fair fight."
Beckham chuckled, pulling out a pair of goalkeeper gloves from his backpack. "Never underestimate the reflexes of an old dog, kid. Besides, the goal here is to practice composure. You score, you get a breather. I save, you run the length of the field."
"So basically, the same thing we've been doing these past four months, except we're now doing penalties." Becks nodded as Naruto grinned.
"This'll be interesting."
The next hour was a thrilling back-and-forth. Naruto unleashing powerful shots, for the top corners was caught surprised by Beckham impressive agility, pulling off a couple of spectacular saves. The blond teen fuelled by the desire to avoid sprints, focused on precision as he translated his free kick technique towards penalties.
Finally, he'd clawed back to tie the score.
With sweat dripping down both their faces the pressure was gone. Fighting for bragging rights, Naruto took a deep breath, as he pictured the perfect shot going his favourite spot. With a gliding windup like Ivan Toney, he got Becks to jolt off his line as he used that moment to strike the ball with a controlled power, sending it on a curving trajectory towards the top right corner.
Becks lunging, with his full might, got his fingertips to brush the sphere's leather, but it wasn't enough. The ball nestled into the net as soon a roar of excitement escaped the blond's lungs.
Naruto collapsing to his knees, panted, a wide grin plastered on his face. He'd not only scored, but he'd held his own against a legend.
"Not bad at all, lad." David praised as he clapped for the teen. Getting the ball, he approached the gasping teen as he offered him a hand up. "That was some stellar shooting." He quipped with a look of respect in his eyes.
"I think these sessions are definitely helping me get there." He said getting back up to two feet.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the field, Becks took it as a sign to conclude their session.
"I think that's enough for today, you might as well take it easy till Saturday's game." He concluded as Naruto nodded. As always, his body ached, but the scars from previous sessions had made it more bearable.
"New York won't know what hit them, in this final!" Naruto declared getting a chuckle from David.
Game Day: MLS FedEx Cup- Final
La Galaxy vs New York Red Bulls
"Believe me when I say, we know about Beckham and Namikaze." Landon Donovan, the captain of the New York Red Bulls, and former golden boy of the USA before Naruto stated infront of the press.
It was a pressure-filled afternoon at the New York Red Bulls training center, and with a press conference being held to test the water's of the most anticipated match of the year so far. 'East vs West', as the press nicknamed the upcoming match due to both leaders of the Western and Eastern Conference being in attendance.
The press caught Landon as he was just about to head home.
"We know their schemes, we know their movements on and off the ball, they're not going to beat us." Landon said with confidence, until a reporter spoke up. "Please don't take this the wrong way Landon, but some people believe you're a bit arrogant and that it'll be your downfall in this final, what is your comment on this?"
"Some people? Would these 'some people' be you guys, perhaps? I don't think you understand me, my friend. I'm simply being confident in my abilities as a striker and a captain. I believe that our guys can shutdown the LA Galaxy with relative ease. Why should we be worried about some washed up Englishmen and a babyface still in diapers?"
"Aren't you worried of your comments biting you in the end once, Beckham and Namikaze hear about them?" the reporter asked as Landon scoffed "And allow them to live rent free in my head? Look, I respect the two's game honestly…but the Western conference, isn't as strong as the East. Don't get me wrong, there are some decent players that side, but here." Landon vocalized "We play a different breed of football."
"Soccer." The interviewer corrected only for him to receive daggers from Landon. "Like I said, you're all acting as if there this unbreachable team, and I'm telling you, I've seen their tape. They aren't that much of a threat."
"But the Galaxy have led the MLS in goals, the literal goal difference between your team and theirs is, 16 to LA Galaxy!"
"Inflated. Most of those goals were messly tap ins."
"What about David Beckham who's currently second on the assist charts, even though he arrived halfway through the season? Isn't his creative flair something to be worried about?"
"Like I said…we have that covered. He's not going to get noticed in this game."
"What about Naruto Namikaze? He's literally the most dangerous player in the league right now? Not only he leads the league in scoring, he also leads in assists. Won't his creativity be something to be atleast attentive about?"
"This kid sure has you guys in a daze, hasn't he?" Landon began "He's a great player, sure. But this isn't another Saturday game. Silverware is on the line here, and I've got no use for a runners up medal. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of seeing this kid in the headlines. It's time someone made everyone wake up from this 'fantasy' that you're stuck in." he stated.
"Are you saying all this because his single season is more valuable than your entire three years in the MLS?"
"Oi! I don't like your tone! First of all, just cause he's 30+ for both assists and goals, doesn't mean he's a better player than me. And I'll prove it once I lift the FedEx Cup, and the MLS Cup."
"We'll be sure to quote you on that, Landon." The reporter stated as Landon just got up "Piss off." He told the reporters as he exited the press room.
As the hours elapsed, it was thirty minutes before kick-off, that in the LA Galaxy locker room, Naruto was seen exasperated.
"You better not be joking with Becks!" the blond shouted in excitement as he looked at the cleats in his hands.
"Nope seriously. My representative spoke on your behalf, and Adidas wants you to wear these in the final. They reckon you'd want their sponsorship." Becks explained as Naruto looked down at the black themed cleats in his hands. Embraided with the white three stripe logo for Adidas, the spikes, were coloured red. Giving off an aura that the blond could only explain with one phrase.
"These look sick!" he said excitedly. "Well, try them on then. See if they're the correct size." He stated as the blond didn't waste time putting them on his feet. Tying his laces frantically, he didn't waste time hopping onto his two legs as he felt the soft cushion of the boots.
"So? How are they?"
"It's like I'm standing on a pillow." The blond replied with a smirk "I take it, you like them?"
"Oh yeah…I like them." He smiled as Becks nodded "Then I guess you wouldn't mind campaigning them when you're twenty feet tall, then?" Becks smiled as the blond looked confused. "Wait, there's more to this than me wearing them for the game?"
"Ah huh, Adidas wants you to be their new poster boy. Said once we return to LA, they'd want you to be on a billboard, ASAP. It seems your talent has finally reaped its fruits." Becks smiled as Naruto looked gobsmacked.
"Me…on a billboard." He just couldn't wrap the thought around his head.
[xXx]
"As the ref blows his whistle, off and away we go in this FedEx Cup final!" the commentator boomed, as the New York Red Bulls began passing the ball around.
"Take your time with the build-up!" the Red Bulls goalkeeper vocalized to his defenders as he received the ball. Naruto, who'd wasted no time pressing the goalkeeper, forced the man to quickly clear the ball away from danger.
The stadium atmosphere was way different that usual. With each tackle made, there were comments spewing out of the stands, as their echoes only intensified with each heroic save made by the goalkeeper. Naruto could feel how different the pressure in this game was. How everyone had their eyes glued on the ball, hopping that it would work in their team's favour.
"We're twenty minutes into the game, and so far its been Los Angeles in control of this final. We are yet to see the Red Bulls get an on target shot. Nonetheless, here comes Beckham."
Becks rushing forward from the middle of the pitch, made quick work of a midfielder that tried to tackle the ball way. Passing the ball to the right wing, and making a quick run behind another midfielder, his teammate lobbed the ball back to him as Becks quickly trapped the ball and looked up to see Naruto, who was hinting that he'd be running between the gap of the opposition's right and centre back.
Not wasting time he sent in a through ball ahead of the blond who chased after the ball quickly.
"Oh, that's a nice pass by Beckham, but a dangerous opportunity New York has to falter."
Naruto running after the ball at full speed on the left wing, noted the Red Bull left back running after him. Watching the ball almost head out of play. On the line, the blond arrived to the ball, as with quick instinct, Naruto did a 360 which he started with his right foot, as he flicked the ball away from the lunging defender with his left foot as he found himself into the Red Bull's box.
'Ooh. That was nice.' The linesman for the Red Bulls couldn't help but think, as he watched the blond notice how fully back-pedaled New York's line was as it forced him to look around for any available teammates in the box. On instinct once his eyes saw a white shirt, he lob the ball at the apex of the box as waiting there with nobody around Beckham found himself in a good place to strike for goal.
Exhuming nothing but confidence, with a left foot volley he pimped the ball one time as he sent it towards goal with so much force the Red Bull goalie had no time to react as he watched the ball crash into the top left corner of his net.
"What an absolute beauty by David Beckham! The first strike as expected has come from the Galaxy, in this final!"
Seeing Becks running towards him, and him bringing the stampede that was his teammates Naruto couldn't help but laugh at the sight, as Becks quickly grabbed him by his left hand as he gestured they run to the left side corner flag. Doing so, infront of their fans Becks raised Naruto's hand up into the sky as he pointed at him.
"He's the magician for that goal." Becks stated however the triumphant war cry their fans were doing, they couldn't hear him, as soon enough Becks and Naruto were mobbed by their teammates, as even their goalkeeper ran from his goal, to join in on the celebrations.
Landon Donovan's POV
"I told you. I told you." I repeated as while the Galaxy celebrated their opening goal, watching their goalkeeper also head towards the celebrations, I couldn't help but chuckle to my coach.
Finding myself on the sidelines, I knew we had to discuss a change of tactics. Since the kind of football we were playing now, wasn't going to hold up against LA.
"We need to try my plan, coach. We tried yours but it failed."I pointed out as my manager rubbed his temples. "But your way is too dangerous, Landon. The team could get into foul trouble."
"Coach, in order to win sacrifices have to be made. What are a couple yellow cards going to do? You saw that goal yourself. Both Beckham and Namikaze are dangerous once they're in sync. If we want to win, one of them has to be…dealt with."
Knowing exactly what I was suggesting, coach sighed profusely. "Just only the first half, Landon." He began "But don't rough them up too much."
"Do you want me to save your job?" I asked as him, as this caused him to rub his temple. "Since if I remember correctly you'll need to 'Unleash the beast' whole-heartedly for this to work. So once you give me the go, there's no stopping. From now on, this match will the physical." I pointed out, coach just shook his head.
"Unless, you have other ideas, of course." I smirked knowing how helpless coach was, once his initial tactics were overcome.
"Alright, fine we'll do it your way." He gave up.
"Of course we will. A few bruises never hurt anyone." I replied with a villainous grin, as I went away to tell my teammates the change of tactics.
Once the ref had gotten the LA team to get back onto the field. I looked towards the scoreboard for inspiration.
Goal for LA Galaxy
By David Beckham
21st minute
Galaxy 1-0 Red Bulls
'That lead won't last.' I thought as without wasting any more time, I restarted play and passed to my teammate.
New York Red Bulls Linesmen POV
To linkup play between LA's talents. David Beckham and Naruto Namikaze was something to be impressed by.
Having lost count of how many times these guys had me rushing up the pitch, they were running circles around the Red Bulls. So many times they had them pressing Namikaze. One time they even had three players on him! Not that it helped, since Beckham saw the attempt and he simply set up another attacking teammate who wasn't seen as a serious priority by the opposition.
Matthews, a midfield partner for Beckham didn't waste his opportunity, as trying to increase his team's tally to two goals. The goalie with a heroic save, stopped the ball from going into the bottom right corner, the ball went out of play.
With fifteen minutes having passed since, LA's opener. David Beckham took his place at the corner spot. Keeping my eye on the box, I could see the relentless shoving both teams gave each other. Following the Red Bull defender who was closest to the post, I found myself standing a few metres from David Beckham who shocked me with one question.
"Where do you think, the ball will go?" he asked me as I couldn't help but keep quiet. "Sorry?" I asked as he pointed for the ball. "Where do you think I'll send it in?" he asked once more. Seeing he was trying to do some small talk, since my co-worker, the referee hadn't yet blew his whistle, I guessed.
"Towards Namikaze?" I watched as the Man United academy graduate just smirked at me. "You're goddamn right."
BRRRR!
Without wasting time, Becks ran towards the ball and curled it into the box. Based on it's trajectory the ball, was going further from all the madness infront of goal. To my surprise no one got to the far post delivered ball, as it sailed past everyone and got out for a Red Bulls throw in. 'Wait…did Beckham over hit the ball?' I thought, as the Red Bulls didn't waste time continuing play.
Going with the backline, it was at that moment, that I noticed there was a Galaxy player still in the box on his knees. Getting the referee's attention, I motioned to the player as he didn't waste time to blow his whistle.
Reader's POV
"And the ref blows his whistle to pause play…it seems there's a Los Angeles player feeling pain in the box and it seems to be…Naruto Namikaze!"
The blond was having a hard time breathing, as he held tightly his solar plex. When the ref arrived to him the blond couldn't help but wheeze.
"Are you alright, lad?" the ref asked as Naruto looked up to him.
"S-some one hit me in my…midsection." He explained as the ref not seeing anything asked who was it.
"I…I don't know…everything happened very quick. I was about to run to the farside of the box, until I got hit." He added as the ref just signaled for the Los Angeles medical staff.
As the medical staff rushed to the blond's side, the ref told them of the blond's situation. Naruto being helped to get up, walked off the pitch, as he was attended to on the sideline.
"Are you having a tough time breathing?" the male medic asked as the blond nodded. "Who ever did it…knocked the wind out of me." Naruto replied. "Well take your time getting your breath back." The blond nodded, as he was handed a bottle of water.
As the blond was on a small break, Los Angeles had to endure with ten players.
Landon Donovan being a menace, used this as the perfect opportunity to begin attacking.
As a Red Bull midfielder brought the ball up the field, Landon called for the ball as he quickly received it. Not wasting time, he took it to the Los Angeles defense.
Showing no mercy, he passed two Los Angeles players, as he looked towards goal, and hit the ball 30 yards out.
"Donovan from far! GOAL! Stunner absolute stunner!"
"Ah…crap." Naruto muttered underneath his breath, as he saw the New York team celebrate. Not wasting time the teen hopped on his two feet. "How are you feeling?" the male staff asked "Just a bit wheezy…but I'll be fine." The teen replied.
"Just make sure to take it slow." The medic asked as the blond nodded.
For the rest of the first half, the game was a change of possession between both teams, as Naruto sadly couldn't keep up with Beckham's passes. As the ref blew for half-time, the teen used the opportunity to get his breath back.
"I like what we're doing out there guys, great work, great work. But it still isn't enough. Donovan's been hounding us in the final third, if we take him out, it's the only way New York's offense will crumble, so defense I need you guys to pick up the pace." Charlie demanded as in the background Naruto was being tended to.
"The second half is our half guys. So go out there and show our fans how much you want it!"
Coming out of the tunnel, both teams took their positions as Naruto was allowed to start off the second half. "Come on guys, let's do this!" Naruto clapped his hands, as he fired up his teammates. Feeling satisfied he passed the ball to Beckham, as the New York Red Bulls wasted no time rushing in for the ball.
David Beckham's POV
The second half began quickly. Not wasting time, I had my midfield partners supporting the attacking line, as I brought the ball into the opposition's half.
Dribbling past a couple players, I aimed to feed Naruto with every opening I got. But the kid seemed out of it, since the Red Bulls had him locked down. With each pass it'd either end up being a goal kick since he couldn't catch it, or the opposition would intercept the ball.
I decided to change the tempo.
Working with my teammates we tried to get the Red Bulls to commit with to the ball with the intention of reeling them out of their positions. However every time Naruto received the ball, a cynical foul would sent him crashing to the ground. At first I thought it was just a mistake, but when he was sent to the floor three more times and the ref only gave the New York players yellow cards, my frustration grew as much as the names in the ref's notebook.
It was clear that Naruto was being targeted, but for somereason the ref was to oblivious to see it all infront of him.
The kid seriously was trying everything to get open, pushing harder with each run, he tried to make something happen that would allow us to score.
With my passes constantly reaching their mark, time would tick by in the background, as Naruto would begin weaving through defenders, in an enchanting dance, but the Red Bulls defense, emboldened by Donovan's tactics, only resorted to more fouls.
The tension in this game was seriously cutthroat. As with only twenty minutes remaining in the second half, a bone-jarring tackle from Donovan sent Naruto sprawling. This time, the referee saw it, but the receiver of the Red card was shocking.
Reader's POV
"Wait! What do you mean, that card is for me!? What did I do?" Naruto asked as the ref had shown him red. "You've been constantly diving, throughout the match, we don't need that sort of behaviour." The ref explained as Naruto couldn't help but look shocked.
"Diving!? He almost took my leg off!" the blond whinned as in the background Donovan could be seen smirking. Beckham, ever the calming influence, tried to reason with the ref, but the man was stubborn about retracting his card, officially ruling Naruto out of the game. "I'm sorry kid, you're going to have to get of the field." Becks told the blond who was still shocked. "But Becks, you know me…I don't dive, those were real tackles. It should be Donovan getting the red card not me."
Becks agreed by nodding, but sadly they were powerless against the referee's judgement.
"I'm sorry kid." Becks hummed as Naruto couldn't help but grind his teeth. Being shooed off the field, the blond passed his team bench on the way to the tunnel. Charlie looked mortified but he murmurmed that they would talk about it later.
Mopping his way to the locker room, the teen in utter frustration took off his boots and shouted his lungs out. Flinging his boots all over the place, by mistake he ended up hitting the tv screen imbedded into the wall.
Grabbing his head by frustration, the blond sat down behind his locker.
Back on the field, once the final whistle blew. The Galaxy lost. Dejected teammates slumped onto the pitch, the trophy presentation a blur of red and white for the Red Bulls.
Later, in the locker room, a heavy silence hung in the air. Becks, his voice low, addressed the team. He acknowledged the frustration, the blatant fouls, but emphasized the importance of discipline. His gaze met Naruto's, a mix of disappointment and understanding.
"We win and lose as a team," Beckham said finally. "In defeat, we learn one of the harshest lessons in football." his words offered a sliver of hope, a reminder that this wasn't the end, but a harsh lesson.
"I guess there goes our 'invincible' and double win season." The blond pointed out as Becks nodded. "It looks like it was never meant to be."
Author Announcement!
Greetings, everyone I hope you are well but I want to inform you all that next chapter. We will finally head for Europe.
However, I want your opinion for I'm at a crossroad on how his journey to the top should go, so in the reviews tell me which road would you like to see.
A. Naruto being bought by a top Premier League team like Man U, Arsenal etc.
B. Naruto starts from the bottom like all prospects from the Americas and he plays in Portugal for one of it's big three clubs (Porto, Benfica or Sporting).
So tell me which one you prefer, since my personal favourite is option B, since him getting playing time, is more realistic. Nonetheless, thanks for reading this dumpster fire of a story made by an untalented writer.
Alas, I bid you all a fabulous Summer vacation.