It was obvious Yukinoshita Yukino had gone through the documents more times than she could count.
As she spoke with Shirase, she didn't even glance down. From that thick stack, she laid out the key points smoothly, covering every relevant detail about the opposing team without missing a beat.
Watching her analyze with that effortless confidence, Yuigahama Yui's eyes shone with open admiration.
Even Nakano Itsuki's impression of her shifted. She murmured, "No wonder they call her a genius. With presence like that… we can't compete."
Nino bit her lip. She's insanely strong—maybe even stronger than Ichika.
The only thing still propping up her confidence was her pride in her cooking.
But remembering Yukinoshita's "all-around genius" reputation, even that felt a little shaky.
When she finally wrapped up, Yukinoshita took a sip of water, then looked seriously at Shirase. "My conclusion: if the soccer club could go back two years—if you and Hayama Hayato had joined then—you might have stood a chance against this team."
Shirase studied the photo of number 7. "So you don't have much faith in us now?"
"Correct." She nodded. "Right now, aside from Kojima-sensei, most people probably aren't confident. Even your own teammates likely have doubts."
"But the more people doubt us," Shirase said, smiling, "the sweeter it'll be when we win."
Yukinoshita paused. His easy confidence was oddly contagious.
And, admittedly, he was handsome.
Her tone softened a shade. "If I'm blunt, you're probably the only one who can genuinely contain their number 7."
"In other words, he can't contain me, but I can contain him. That sounds like good news to me," Shirase said, upbeat.
Yukinoshita's smile was faint. "I admire the confidence, but that's not quite what I meant. I meant—"
"Our club as a whole is way behind, right? We reorganized this year; they're title contenders. Even if I'm exceptional, I might not flip the match by myself." Shirase finished for her.
"Mm." Her agreement was quiet but firm.
Shirase gathered the files and photos, murmuring, almost to himself, "You're smart—I'll give you that. But matches aren't decided on paper."
He stood, adding, "Ordinary players, an ordinary team, ordinary strength—none of that matters as much as wanting to win, stubborn grit, and the fire you feel in a fight. Everyone on our team has that."
Yukinoshita stared for a beat, forgetting to reply.
Shirase turned to Nino, who'd gone thoughtful. He smiled. "You agree, right?"
Nino's cheeks warmed; she ducked her head. "O-of course I believe in you. I don't even know the other team—why would I root for them?"
Shirase flashed Yukinoshita another grin. "See? Someone still has faith."
Yukinoshita pressed her lips together and looked away. "Maybe I judged too soon. The official matches are months off. If you all keep working, you might achieve something. There's a Chinese proverb—'A sword's edge is forged by a thousand hammerings, and the plum blossom's fragrance—'"
"The plum blossom's fragrance comes from the oil cells in its thin-walled tissue," Shirase cut in smoothly.
Silence.
Judging by her look, she wanted to punch someone.
After five seconds, she shot him a withering glance. "I'll come watch your match when the time comes."
"Lucky you—you'll get to witness our win," Shirase said lightly. He paused. "And thanks. This intel is really useful."
He gave Yuigahama a polite nod and followed the two Nakano sisters—both wearing complicated expressions—out the door.
"Shirase-san just now…" Yuigahama began, eyes wide.
"He was very charming, wasn't he?" Yukinoshita said with a small laugh.
Yuigahama blushed hard. She had thought exactly that.
Yukinoshita kept her calm smile. "I thought so too. I almost found myself captivated."
"Eh?" Yuigahama stared.
Yukinoshita met her look evenly. "Still, we'll only know whether he's just blindly confident when we see the results."
"I don't think he was bluffing…" Yuigahama mumbled, not noticing Yukinoshita still watching the door, something subtle flickering in her eyes.
...
On the way back—Nino and Itsuki stayed quiet. The two kept sneaking glances at Shirase, clearly wanting to say something.
"If you've got questions, ask," Shirase said, noticing.
They exchanged a look. Nino cleared her throat. "You're under a lot of pressure, aren't you?"
"A bit, but it's fine," Shirase said easily. "I'm good at managing it."
Nino shifted, cheeks pink. "Well… if you ever feel overwhelmed, you can talk to me—um, to us. Any of us five would listen and help you relax."
Itsuki giggled, earning a light kick from Nino, then quickly added, "Right! Don't bottle it up. As your friends, we're here."
"Thanks, but I'm really okay," Shirase said warmly.
Seeing his steady smile, Nino relaxed and muttered, "That Yukinoshita… she's impressive."
Shirase feigned surprise. "Oh? You admit that? I thought you'd be complaining about her by now."
---
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