A/N
Hello, guys!
Here's another chapter for you. This one's a little shorter, and the match is pretty basic, but trust the process I promise things will start picking up soon.
Thanks for sticking with me, and I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 4 – UEFA Youth League
Players darted across the field, passing drills transitioning seamlessly into tactical exercises. The academy had set its sights on a goal, winning the 2015/2016 Under 20s UEFA Youth League, the ultimate proving ground for Europe's elite youth teams.
Naruto stood at the edge of the pitch, the coach laid out the game plan for their next match against Manshine City U20. The absence of Sae, now training with the first team, left a noticeable gap in the lineup. Without their star striker, the team's dynamics were shifting and all eyes were turning to Naruto.
"Uzumaki," the coach called, gesturing for him to step forward. "With Sae out, you're our central figure in attack. I want you leading the front and dictating play. Understand?"
Naruto straightened, his blue eyes gleaming with determination. "Got it."
The coach's gaze lingered for a moment before he continued. "Manshine City plays a three centre back formation. They're not star-studded, but their defence is disciplined and physical. Breaking through won't be easy."
Naruto nodded, already visualizing the game in his mind. The names rattled off earlier, Driver, Swift, Busby, Rook were etched into his brain. Each would play a key role in the tight defensive system Manshine City employed.
"We'll target the spaces their wing backs leave open when they push forward," the coach said, pointing to the tactics board. "Uzumaki, you'll need to exploit those gaps and link up with the wingers. And when you see an opening take it."
As the team moved into a scrimmage, Naruto felt the weight of leadership settle on his shoulders. Sae's absence left a void, but it also left room for him to shine. He wasn't just a supporting player anymore he was the player others looked to.
Naruto quickly asserted himself, dropping into pockets of space to receive the ball and orchestrating attacks. His tactical vision, honed over weeks of practice, allowed him to spot openings Manshine City might leave. He barked orders to his teammates, calling for runs and switches that disrupted their defensive shape.
During one play, Naruto received the ball at the edge of the box, pivoted, and sent a perfectly timed through pass to the winger. The cross came in moments later, and the forward nodded it home. Naruto grinned, his confidence growing with every successful play.
"Good!" the coach shouted from the sidelines. "That's what I want to see, Uzumaki. Keep it up!"
The day before the match, Naruto sat in the video room with the team, watching footage of Manshine City U20. Their defensive shape was compact, anchored by their centre backs, Busby and Young, with Driver shielding them as a defensive midfielder. Their wing-backs, Swift and Arthur, were quick and aggressive, often pushing high up the pitch to join the attack.
Naruto leaned forward, studying the movements of each player. Swift's overlapping runs on the right opened space behind him, while Arthur's tendency to drift inside left gaps on the left flank. The key to breaking them down would be timing exploiting those spaces before Manshine's centre-backs could adjust.
"They don't have stand out stars," Naruto said to himself, "but their teamwork is tight. If we don't stay sharp, they'll shut us down."
The Re Al Academy team bus pulled into the bustling lot of Manshine City's stadium, the rhythmic hum of the engine coming to a halt. Outside, fans gathered, their cheers echoing in the crisp air. Banners waved high above the crowd, the names of Manshine's top players painted boldly across them.
Inside the bus, the players were quiet, their faces a mix of focus and anticipation. Naruto sat by the window, his chin resting on his fist as he watched the scene unfold.
This was it... and he was ready.
Kaiya Riku leaned over from the seat across the aisle, smirking. "Look at all this. They're treating Manshine like they're already champions."
Naruto turned, his blue eyes gleaming with determination. "Then it's our job to remind them they're not."
Kaiya chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Spoken like a true striker."
The coach stood at the front of the bus, clapping his hands to draw their attention. "Alright, everyone. Listen up. This is a big match, and we've prepared for this. Stick to the plan, stay disciplined, and don't let the pressure get to you."
The players murmured their agreement, a buzz of energy running through the group. Naruto exchanged a glance with Kaiya, the unspoken understanding between them clear. They were ready.
As the players filed out of the bus, the noise from the crowd grew louder. Manshine City's fans were passionate, their chants ringing through the air as the Re Al team made their way toward the stadium entrance. Naruto adjusted his bag on his shoulder, his gaze steady as he took in the atmosphere.
Kaiya walked beside him, his trademark grin intact. "Smells like confidence out here," he said, his tone teasing. "Or is that just their arrogance?"
Naruto smirked. "Doesn't matter. Confidence won't save them when we're on the field."
Ahead of them, the captain barked orders to keep the team moving. "Stay focused. Don't let the crowd get to you."
Naruto glanced up at the towering structure of the stadium, the roar of the fans vibrating through the air. For a moment, he allowed himself to feel it—the magnitude of the moment, the weight of the expectations.
Then he pushed it aside, his focus narrowing to one thing... the game.
In the Locker Room, the players changed into their kits. Conversations buzzed around the room, but Naruto stayed quiet, putting on his kit, with the number 7, felt heavier than usual, but it wasn't a burden.
It was a challenge.
Kaiya plopped down on the bench beside him, lacing up his boots. "Think they've figured out how to stop us yet?" he asked, glancing at Naruto.
Naruto shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Nah, I'm here remember."
Kaiya laughed. "Fair point."
The coach entered, his clipboard in hand and a focused expression on his face. He clapped once, drawing the team's attention. "Alright, everyone. Listen up. we know what Manshine will do. They're physical, disciplined, and they'll try to shut us down early."
He pointed to Naruto. "Uzumaki, you're central. You'll dictate the pace and feed the wingers. Look for gaps in their formation and exploit them."
Naruto nodded, his mind already visualizing the play. "Got it."
"Kaiya," the coach continued, turning to the winger. "You'll be our outlet on the left. Use your speed to stretch their backline."
Kaiya gave a thumbs up. "Count on me."
The coach's gaze swept over the team. "This won't be easy, but we've trained for this. Stick to the plan, trust each other, and play with everything you've got."
Minutes later, the team stood in the tunnel, the distant roar of the crowd growing louder with every passing second. Naruto adjusted his shin guards, his blue eyes narrowing as he focused.
This was it the moment they had worked for...
Kaiya nudged him lightly. "You good?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah. Just thinking about how good it'll feel to score the first goal."
Kaiya smirked. "You better leave me an assist, Uzumaki."
The referee signalled for the teams to line up, and the players stepped forward. As they stepped onto the pitch, Naruto scanned the opposition.
Manshine City's players moved with confidence, their defensive unit standing tall as they exchanged final words. Goalkeeper Rook, wearing in a bright green kit, stood between the posts, barking orders to his backline.
The whistle blew, and the game began...
Manshine City's defensive discipline was immediately evident. Their three centre back formation absorbed pressure with ease, while Driver patrolled the space in front of them, cutting out passing lanes and disrupting Re Al's rhythm.
Naruto found himself tightly marked, with Busby and Young taking turns shadowing his every move. He adjusted quickly, dropping deeper to link up with the midfield. It wasn't glamorous, but it gave him time and space to analyse the defence.
Midway through the half, Naruto spotted his opening. Arthur, Manshine's left wing back, had pushed high up the field, leaving a gap on the flank. Naruto drifted wide, calling for the ball. He took it on the run, cutting inside and slipping a pass through to the forward, who struck it cleanly but Rook made a brilliant save.
"Stay sharp!" Naruto shouted, clapping his hands as he jogged back into position. "The gaps are there. We just have to take them."
The second half began with Re Al Academy pressing harder, their passing sharper and their movement more deliberate. Naruto led the charge, orchestrating attacks and exploiting every weakness Manshine City showed.
In the 60th minute, Naruto received the ball near the halfway line. He turned quickly, driving forward as Swift sprinted to close him down. Just as Swift lunged for the tackle, Naruto flicked the ball past him, leaving him scrambling.
Naruto surged toward the box, his eyes scanning for options. Busby stepped out to challenge him, but Naruto feinted right before cutting left, leaving the defender flat footed. He wound up and struck the ball cleanly, sending it curling toward the top corner.
Rook dove desperately but couldn't reach it. The net rippled, and the stadium erupted.
Naruto raised his fist, letting out a triumphant yell as his teammates swarmed him. "Let's go!"
The scoreboard read 1-0, and the clock ticked into the final ten minutes of added time time. Re Al held the lead, but Manshine City wasn't backing down. Their relentless high press pushed Re Al's defence to its limits, and every clearance felt like a temporary reprieve.
Naruto stood near the halfway line, his chest heaving as he scanned the pitch. His mind raced as he analysed the game. Manshine's three centre-back formation had proven stubborn, but their desperation to equalize was creating gaps. The challenge now was exploiting them before time ran out.
"Stay focused!" Naruto shouted, clapping his hands to rally his teammates. He was already thinking two moves ahead, his vision locking onto Manshine's vulnerable flanks.
In the 85th minute, Manshine committed too many players forward, leaving their backline exposed. Re Al caught a cross and launched the ball upfield. Naruto sprinted into space, his body moving on instinct as his eyes darted across the field.
Arthur, charged to intercept him, but Naruto anticipated the move. With a deft touch, he flicked the ball over Arthur's head, leaving him scrambling as Naruto surged forward.
Busby and Damon, converged on Naruto, their imposing presence daring him to challenge them head-on. Naruto slowed his pace slightly, drawing them closer, before playing a quick one-two with Kaiya.
The return pass put Naruto just outside the box, with Damon lunging in for a tackle. Naruto sidestepped smoothly, creating just enough space to look up and assess his options.
Naruto approached the ball with purpose, his right foot striking it with the outside edge. The shot spun violently, curving outward before bending impossibly back toward the goal.
The crowd gasped as the ball soared through the air, defying physics with its trajectory.
Rook, dove desperately, his fingertips brushing the ball but it wasn't enough. The shot dipped sharply, nestling into the top-right corner of the net.
For a moment, the stadium fell silent, the sheer audacity of the goal leaving everyone stunned. Then, an explosion of cheers erupted, the roar of the crowd echoing through the night.
Naruto stood frozen for a split second, his chest heaving as the realization hit him. He had done it. He raised both arms triumphantly before sprinting toward the corner flag, sliding on his knees as his teammates swarmed him.
"Uzumaki!" the announcer's voice boomed. "What a goal! A Trivela an absolute masterpiece!"
The cameras zoomed in on Naruto, his grin wide as he pumped his fist toward the stands. The crowd chanted his name, their voices blending into a single, unified cheer.
The last few minutes were a blur of defensive heroics as Re Al held on to their lead. When the final whistle blew, the team erupted in celebration, their victory over Manshine City securing their place in the next round of the UEFA Youth League.
Naruto walked off the pitch, his head held high as the crowd continued to chant his name. His performance had cemented his place as a rising star, and the whispers in the stands and press boxes all centred on one thing
The Uzumaki Golden Trivela...
In the locker room, Naruto sat quietly, replaying the goal in his mind. His teammates buzzed with excitement, but Naruto's thoughts were already on what came next. The golden light wasn't just a coincidence it was his formula, his signature.
The next day again, Naruto had seen the articles about him. As he leaned back, his phone buzzed with notifications. Messages flooded in from fans, friends, and family, all celebrating his incredible performance.
In a few days, he would turn 15. It was hard to believe how much had happened in the past year. From leaving Japan to joining Re Al Academy, forging a rivalry with Sae, and now making a name for himself on the European stage it felt like a lifetime compressed into a handful of months.
The soft glow of his phone caught his eye. Without thinking, he reached for it and scrolled through his contacts until he found the name Mom. He hesitated for a moment before hitting the call button.
The phone rang twice before a familiar, warm voice answered. "Naruto! Finally, you call. Do you know how long it's been?"
Naruto grinned despite himself. "Sorry, Mom. Things have been… busy."
"Busy, huh?" Kushina's voice was laced with mock sternness. "Too busy to call your own mother?"
Naruto chuckled, sitting up. "Alright, alright. You got me. I've been terrible at keeping in touch."
Kushina's tone softened, her warmth cutting through the distance between them. "I'm just teasing. It's good to hear your voice, sweetheart. How are you?"
"I'm good," Naruto replied, leaning back against the headboard. "Tired, but good. We won our match against Manshine City, and I… scored twice."
Kushina's excitement was immediate. "Naruto, that's amazing! Your dad and I saw the highlights. That second goal the Trivela, right? Everyone at the office couldn't stop talking about it."
Naruto felt a surge of pride but tried to downplay it. "Yeah, that one. It felt good."
"Good?" Kushina scoffed. "You were incredible! You should see how many times your dad has replayed that clip. He's practically memorized it."
Naruto laughed. "Sounds like Dad."
After a moment of comfortable silence, Kushina's voice turned more thoughtful. "You know, your birthday's coming up tomorrow. Fifteen already. Can you believe it?"
Naruto smiled faintly, his chest tightening at the thought. "Yeah. Feels weird. Last year, I was still in Japan, playing pickup games in the park. Now I'm… here."
"And making us prouder every day," Kushina added gently. "Naruto, I know we don't say it enough, but your dad and I are so proud of you. You've worked so hard to get here."
Naruto swallowed the lump in his throat, his voice soft. "Thanks, Mom. That means a lot."
Kushina's tone lightened again, her warmth filling the silence. "So, any plans for your birthday? Do they do anything special at the academy?"
Naruto shrugged, even though she couldn't see him. "I don't know. Probably not. It's just another day."
"Not to us," Kushina said firmly. "Even if we're far away, we'll be celebrating for you. And I'm sending you a package, so keep an eye out."
"Really?" Naruto's voice perked up. "What's in it?"
"You'll see," Kushina replied, a mischievous edge to her tone. "It's a surprise."
For the next few minutes, they talked about everything and nothing Naruto's training, his parents work for the first time in weeks, Naruto felt grounded, the pressure of his rising fame and relentless schedule momentarily fading.
"Before I let you go," Kushina said, her voice softening again, "I want you to promise me something."
"What's that?" Naruto asked.
"Don't forget to take care of yourself," she said. "You push yourself so hard, and I know how much this means to you, but… you're still my little boy, no matter how big your name gets."
Naruto's chest tightened again, but he forced a smile. "I promise, Mom."
"Good," Kushina said, her voice brightening. "Now, go get some rest. You'll need it for whatever big match you have next."
Naruto chuckled. "Thanks, Mom. Love you."
"Love you too, Naruto."
As the call ended, Naruto set his phone down and stared at the ceiling again. The conversation had left him feeling lighter, his mother's words echoing in his mind. For all the noise and chaos of his new life, moments like this reminded him of where he came from and why he worked so hard.
"Fifteen," Naruto muttered to himself, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Guess I've got a lot more to prove."
He closed his eyes, the weight of the day finally giving way to a sense of calmness, as he drifted off to sleep.
Naruto stirred awake, blinking at the sunlight streaming through the curtains of his dorm room. His body still felt heavy from training, but something about today felt different.
Then it hit him his birthday...
He grabbed his phone off the nightstand, the screen lighting up with notifications. Messages flooded in, starting with the most familiar names -
Mom - Happy birthday, Naruto! We're so proud of you. Your dad and I sent something, let me know when it gets there!
Dad - Happy birthday, son. Keep working hard we're behind you all the way.
Reo - Happy birthday, Naruto! Heard you're causing waves over there. Try not to get too full of yourself.
Naruto chuckled at Reo's message before scrolling further, his finger stopped when he spotted one from Mikasa .
Mikasa - Happy birthday, Naruto. Hope you're not causing too much trouble over there.
His lips curled into a grin. He had been meaning to call her anyway, and this seemed like the perfect excuse.
Before he could hit the call button, there was a loud knock at the door. Naruto opened it to find Kaiya, leaning against the doorframe with a crooked grin.
"Happy birthday, Uzumaki," Kaiya said, tossing a small, brightly wrapped package into Naruto's hands. "Figured I'd stop by before training."
Naruto blinked at the package, then back at Kaiya. "You didn't have to do this."
"Yeah, well, don't make a big deal out of it," Kaiya said, brushing past him into the room. "I already feel weird about it."
Naruto sat on the bed, tearing into the wrapping paper to reveal a sleek black cap embroidered with the Re Al Academy crest. His grin widened as he turned it over in his hands. "This is actually pretty cool. Thanks."
"Figured you'd like it," Kaiya said, flopping into Naruto's desk chair. "Don't lose it. That's limited edition merch."
Naruto laughed, setting the cap on his desk. "So, did you stop by just to give me this, or...?"
Kaiya smirked, his sharp eyes glinting. "And to remind you to stay sharp. You might've scored a few good goals, but I'm still the better player."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, his grin turning competitive. "Better player? That's cute, Kaiya. You're just mad I'm stealing your spotlight."
Kaiya snorted. "Stealing? Please. Enjoy your birthday, Uzumaki. You'll need the ego boost."
As Kaiya left, Naruto couldn't help but laugh to himself. Their dynamic was as competitive as ever, but there was an undercurrent of camaraderie that made it clear Kaiya respected him even if he'd never admit it outright.
Naruto picked up his phone and dialled Mikasa's number. It rang a few times before her calm, familiar voice answered.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Mikasa," Naruto said, his tone light. "Got your message. Thanks for the birthday wish."
"Of course," Mikasa replied. "Reo mentioned it. Figured I'd say something."
Naruto leaned back against the wall, a grin tugging at his lips. "You didn't have to, but I appreciate it. So, what's up? How's Japan?"
"Same as always," Mikasa said, her tone even. "School, training, and watching Reo act like he owns the world."
Naruto chuckled. "Sounds about right. Bet he's still bragging about being the best at basketball?"
"Yep, that's him for you," Mikasa replied, a faint smile in her voice.
There was a comfortable pause, and Naruto decided to steer the conversation. "So, you've been keeping up with my matches?"
"Reo sent me a few clips," Mikasa admitted. "That goal against Manshine was... impressive."
Naruto felt his chest swell with pride, but he kept his tone casual. "Just wait. I've got a lot more coming."
"I'll hold you to that," Mikasa said, her voice soft but steady.
Naruto grinned. "You better. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks. It means a lot."
"Anytime, Naruto," Mikasa said. "Happy birthday."
"Thanks, Mikasa. Talk soon."
As the call ended, Naruto leaned back, staring at the ceiling with a contented smile. Something about talking to Mikasa always left him feeling grounded.
After the call, Naruto opened Instagram, scrolling through his notifications. His profile was buzzing with activity, his follower count climbing steadily. When he reached the top of his profile, the number made him pause.
20,561 followers.
"Not bad," Naruto muttered to himself, scrolling through the comments on his latest post. Fans praised his performance against Manshine City, with some even calling him the next big thing.
GoldenBoots - Uzumaki is the real deal. Japan's future looks bright.
Ballers20 - First Sae, now Uzumaki? Unreal talent coming out of Japan.
FootballKing21 - That curve though. Kid's a prodigy.
Naruto's grin widened as he switched to Sae's account...
The older player's profile boasted 120k followers, a painful reminder of just how far Naruto still had to climb.
"Still way ahead of me," Naruto muttered, his grin turning competitive. "But just wait, Sae. I'll get there and then I'll pass you."
At the catheter, players chatting loudly over their meals. Naruto sat at a table with Kaiya and a few other teammates, their plates piled high after a gruelling morning training session. The TV mounted on the wall displayed highlights from the ongoing UEFA Youth League, but it was the news that came next that captured everyone's attention.
"Next week's featured match: Re Al U20 versus Paris X Gen U20," the announcer's voice boomed. "The two teams sit at the top of their group, but only one will take the lead."
The screen shifted to showcase highlights of Julian Loki, Paris X Gen's prodigious forward. The boy moved like lightning, cutting through defences with ease and scoring with a precision that left keepers helpless. The clip ended with Loki celebrating, his signature smirk filling the screen.
Naruto's jaw tightened as he watched. Loki wasn't just any player. The French forward was a rising star, considered one of the best players of their generation and he was around Naruto's age.
Kaiya whistled, leaning back in his chair. "Loki's no joke. You ready for this, Uzumaki?"
Naruto smirked, masking the tension building in his chest. "I'm always ready."
The next day, the team gathered in the video room for a strategy session. The head coach stood at the front, pointing to a tactics board as he addressed the players.
"Paris X Gen is one of the strongest teams in the competition," he began. "And the backbone of their attack is Julian Loki."
He pressed play on a video, showing Loki receiving the ball in midfield, beating three defenders with quick, fluid dribbles before slotting the ball into the net. The next clip showed him scoring from outside the box, his shot curving impossibly into the top corner.
"Loki is fast, technically gifted, and has a knack for finding the back of the net," the coach continued. "Our goal is to neutralize him. But don't underestimate the rest of their squad. Their midfield is disciplined, and their defence is compact. Breaking through won't be easy."
Naruto leaned forward, his eyes glued to the screen. Loki's skill was undeniable, but he wasn't intimidated. If anything, the challenge fuelled his competitive fire.
The coach turned to the team. "Naruto, you'll play centrally this time, linking up with Kaiya on the left and our striker. Your vision will be critical in breaking down their defence."
Naruto nodded, his mind already racing with ideas. "Got it, Coach."
The week leading up to the match was gruelling. Every training session was focused on precision, speed, and tactical awareness. The players worked tirelessly to sharpen their movements and tighten their formations, knowing they couldn't afford any mistakes against a team like Paris X Gen.
Naruto threw himself into the sessions with everything he had. He practiced his passing until it felt instinctive, drilled his finishing from all angles, and studied Paris X Gen's defensive patterns late into the night. The pressure was mounting, but Naruto thrived under it.
"You're obsessed," Kaiya said one evening, watching as Naruto practiced free kicks alone under the lights.
Naruto grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Kaiya smirked, crossing his arms. "Just don't burn yourself out before the match. Loki's going to be a handful, and we'll need you at your best."
"I'm not worried about Loki," Naruto replied, his voice steady. "I'm worried about winning."
As the match drew closer, the buzz around it grew louder. The timing of the game primetime in Europe and the evening in Japan meant that eyes would be watching. The media hyped it as a clash of prodigies, with headlines like -
"Naruto Uzumaki vs. Julian Loki - Who Will Shine Brightest?"
"Paris X Gen and Re Al Academy Face Off in Youth League Showdown"
"Japan's New Rising Star to Take on France's Golden Boy"
Naruto's phone buzzed constantly with messages and notifications. Fans from Japan flooded his account with support, their excitement palpable in their words.
RisingNarutoFan - Naruto, show the world what Japan can do!
Hiddenleaf21 - Take Loki down, Uzumaki!
SamuraiNinja - You've got this. Make us proud!
Naruto couldn't help but smile as he read the messages. The thought of people in Japan staying up to watch him play filled him with pride and a sense of responsibility.
The night before the match, Naruto called his mom. Kushina answered immediately, her voice warm and full of energy. "Naruto! How's my superstar doing?"
Naruto laughed, leaning back on his bed. "Doing fine, Mom. Just a little nervous."
"Nervous? You?" Kushina teased. "You've never been nervous about anything in your life."
"This is different," Naruto admitted. "It's a big match, and everyone's watching. I don't want to mess up."
"You won't," Kushina said firmly. "You've worked too hard for that. Just do what you do best, and everything will fall into place."
Naruto smiled, her words easing some of his tension. "Thanks, Mom."
"And remember," Kushina added, her tone playful, "whether you win or lose, you're still our boy. But you should definitely win."
Naruto laughed. "I'll do my best."
As Naruto lay in bed, his mind wandered to the match. He thought about Julian Loki the way the French forward moved, his sharp instincts, his ruthless finishing. Loki was a star, no doubt about it. But Naruto wasn't about to back down.
He closed his eyes, visualizing the game. He saw the ball at his feet, the golden light appearing before him, guiding him to goal. His chest tightened with determination.
"This is my chance," he whispered to himself. "Time to show the world who I am."
Chapter 4 – UEFA Youth League End
A/N
That's the end!
Sorry for the short chapter. I will start showing more football and less slice of life stuff.
Next chapter is going to be a banger!
Naruto vs. Loki
Naruto finally gets his eyes... if you know, you know!
I'll answer reviewers in the next update.
As always, thank you for reading.
Until next time,
Byebye!