The next morning, Rikuo was determined.
He had told his father that today, he would train in the same group as the Japanese national team players he had seen with him at the stadium, like Minato.
Once he arrived at the training center, Rikuo ran into Senda, the old man who had brought him here in the first place.
"Haha, you again, old man Senda."
"Of course, kid. I told you, I'm always working in the shadows to help the club.
You really think the coach suddenly decided on his own to call you up as reinforcement?" the old man said with a sly smile, laughing softly.
"So it was you… I was thinking that in Group 2 there were still older players who could replace Mei."
"They may be older, kid, but you are more talented. And I trust that training with Group 1 will push your level even higher. You'll grow by being surrounded by their intensity."
"Is it really that different, old man? Training before matches with Group 1?
Before that, we still played opposition matches against them. I thought I was already used to it."
"Hahaha, kid. You know it, and I know it you're good. Very good, actually.
But pre-match training is different. You'll train with pros who prepare as if they're facing a top team in the league. It's not the same. You'll see."
"Hmm, alright. I'll head in then. I saw Taku going inside, I'll talk to him for a bit.
See you later, old man Senda."
"See you, kid," Senda replied, then chuckled to himself.
"Since when did this kid start calling me old? I'm not that old…" he thought.
A few moments later, inside the locker room, the players were getting ready.
Some were being treated by the physios, others were doing small mobility exercises in their corners.
Takuma and Rikuo were talking quietly on their side.
"Hmm… hey Riku, don't you think there's something wrong with the board?" Takuma said, rubbing his chin.
"What problem are you talking about?" Rikuo replied with a confident smile.
"Well, can't you see it? You're listed in Group 1 today. You think it's a mistake?" Takuma asked, curious.
"A mistake? I don't know… we'll see on the pitch," Rikuo said, keeping his smile.
"You're hiding something. Something changed since yesterday…" Takuma concluded.
It was time to head to the field and meet the coach.
"Good morning everyone. We have three days left before our first league match.
I hope you all understand how important it is to win this first game to start the season well,"
Coach Sato said.
"Yes, coach!" the players replied in unison.
"Good. Before we begin, I want to inform you of a change in today's groups.
Mei felt muscle discomfort last night and is undergoing medical checks today to determine the injury. That's why he's absent."
The players began whispering among themselves.
"Damn, Mei is important for team morale. He's Minato's substitute."
"Who's going to replace him, you think?"
"Probably Haruto, right? He's one of the veterans. He was a starter just last season."
"No, you think it's the kid we saw on the board? I thought it was a mistake."
All the murmuring players' eyes slowly turned toward Rikuo and Haruto as the coach continued.
"Please pay attention. This is important. Focus," Coach Sato said firmly.
"Due to Mei's injury, as shown on the board, Rikuo will be part of Group 1 in his place. Stay focused and integrate well."
The players were shocked.
Seeing the serious and cold coach take the time to promote a young player like Rikuo was something new for the club.
Then a voice broke the tension.
"Perfect. There you are, little genius. I'll help you if you can keep up with my pace."
It was Minato. He knew Rikuo's talent and had no doubt he would reach this level quickly.
"Hahaha, that was fast, kid. I'm waiting for your passes, you know," Rivelinho added, laughing.
"Well, it didn't even take you two weeks to join Group 1," said Hirohito, the captain.
"Here I am, seniors. I'm looking forward to training directly with you," Rikuo replied, determined and confident.
"Alright, let's go. As usual, laps around the field. We don't waste time," Coach Sato ordered.
Takuma ran up beside Rikuo and whispered to him.
"So that's why you were so confident in the locker room.
Damn, I'm jealous, Riku. I hope you stay in this group until I catch up to you, my friend," he said, patting Rikuo's shoulder.
"Of course, Taku. I'll be waiting for you.
This is the big league for me now, haha but it's only the beginning. Don't worry."
Training was about to begin.
And Rikuo didn't know it yet, but the intensity the pros bring before official matches is no walk in the park.
The reality was about to hit him harder than ever.