Chapter 460: The Last Meeting - The Girls’ Hard Work!
A Player Development Report
Ryusuke Higo – Goalkeeper – Hakodate Nishi – 181 cm/72 kg – Tactical analysis: 5 stars at shot-stopping scenario, 5-stars at commanding the backline, 5-stars at game-reading ability, 5-stars at reflex, 2-stars at receiving a pass, 2-stars at being under pressure with a ball in his feet, ...
The list was so long that it lasted for more than 6 pages. Not only were there so many data points, but more descriptive information was also given, like his personality, his willingness to build relationships, his stubbornness, and so much more.
This also stated his weakness clearly, from his being too thin to support his body, his lack of ability to control the ball with his feet, his decision-making that sometimes looked so outrageous, and some things that even Higo himself didn’t know about. The good part, though, was that the report also included the recommendation for training to solve this situation.
The report also didn’t stop just like that. It showed the result of his medical test on the first day, from something that Higo knew well enough, like height and weight, to those alien-like terms that he decided to skip for Kumiko to explain. Some dietary recommendations were also written there, complete with the specific training menu to help him strengthen his body.
Everything was so comprehensive that Higo couldn’t help but be in awe and frustration.
’What the hell... She has done this from day one, observing everything in the camp, while also doing all the tasks that were given by the coaching team. Is she getting slave treatment or what here?! This is ridiculous!’
Higo knew that just a report about himself would take a long time to compile, and now, he witnessed 33 similar reports around, all having a different identity. This was definitely not something a normal human being could pull off in ten days.
Some of the guys also realized the gravity of the file they read right now. Their gaze moved to the girls, gratitude mixed with shock and guilt turned into a complexion.
"I think you guys know what the report means, right?" Kageyama-sensei asked. "This is not just personal guidance for you after the camp is over, but also a perfect resume if you need a club or an agent to help you get a better situation. I have already put my signature on all of those reports, so you can say that they are my personal recommendation. At least, this should have some gravity in the local community."
He spoke it so casually, but everyone knew how big a deal the coach’s name was. After all, even if he just handled the junior team, it was still the national one, the Young Samurai. The federation’s name, complete with the country’s backing in it, was enough to make anyone tremble.
Now, he basically told them that they had this kind of endorsement? Who would dare to reject them in the future?!
"Yeah, I know you will focus on that part, but first and foremost, don’t forget those who work harder than anyone else to finish that report." Kageyama-sensei brushed off the gratitude gazes he received from the players. "Both Aizawa-san and Shishida-san have basically pulled an all-nighter since the first night they arrived here, working so hard to compile this data from observation, discussion, and scientific analysis with our team. Show some respect to those two."
All the eyes turned to the girls instantly, enough to make those two squirm uncomfortably. The boys knew that they must have something special to be chosen here, but so far, all they had done in the camp was help with little mundane tasks during the training session, like...
Helping them understand what the coach wanted.
Timing and taking notes for every training session.
Communicating almost everything with the coach.
Cleaning the mess after the day was over.
And now, this report...
Somehow, remembering all the girls had done in this camp, they all couldn’t help but feel guilty. They seemed to take those things for granted, only just now realizing how hard Kumiko and Sakura Aizawa worked for the team. Without them, everything might still be able to run, but things wouldn’t go as smoothly as they have in the last ten days.
Then, without even being commanded to, Ito rose from his chair, followed by the rest of the team simultaneously.
"THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK!"
33 heads bowed instantly, catching the girls off guard. Kumiko was a little bit better, since she was getting used to this kind of gratitude. However, poor Sakura Aizawa, it seemed she was so used to the work behind the scenes and received nothing in return, that the fact people could show such a strong reaction to her work was enough to make her cry.
"N—No, guys, this is something I should do." She said in a quiver while trying her best to hold back the tears from falling.
"Yes, but we still have to show our appreciation here," Ito replied solemnly, still not lifting his head. "It is our negligence that we have never noticed your hard work, and for that, we apologize deeply to you girls. You are also a part of this team, and we will forever be grateful, not just for the report, but also for every support that you have given us so far."
Seeing that Sakura Aizawa was unable to speak anything else, Kumiko finally stepped forward, giving a slight nod at Kageyama-sensei before saying, "Everything is received. Now, please sit back in your own spot. The meeting is far from over."
Those words were like an order, and the boys followed them immediately. However, it was clear that the light shone differently in their eyes right now. If before, they were just interested in them as girls, now, they were also full of gratitude.
"It is good that you finally notice their effort. Remember, you will never be able to fight alone. Don’t forget those who help you behind the scenes."
"YES, SENSEI!"
Kageyama-sensei nodded, satisfied with their reaction. However, his tone turned solemn once again, as this time, he finally talked about what everyone had been waiting for.
"33 players... Only 23 remaining for the World Cup... So, how will I choose the team?"
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