Chapter 622: After the Game

"Congratulations!" The moment the call was connected, Higo could feel his ears ringing from the shout on the other side of the world.

It was after the game was over, and even though it should be around midnight already in Japan, Higo still didn’t forget that everyone back home insisted on him giving a call once he was back at the apartment. Right now, he was connected in a four-way call with Kumiko, Minami, and Ayaka, the three most important women in their lives, and they couldn’t help but feel ecstatic about it.

"Wait, how do you know about the result already?" Higo blinked in surprise. "I swear, it has only been thirty minutes, and our social media team is not that fast."

Yeah, as a former keyboard warrior, Higo had already researched the team’s online presence, and while the first team had a strong PR, the second team was far from even meeting the standard.

They would always upload the result of the game a day after that, right when words had already spread on the Internet. Their post was basically just formality to make them look like they were working, while the news element itself had already disappeared since everyone had already known about it.

That was why Higo was startled when he heard those three shout congratulations at him.

"Oh, it is nothing!" Minami beamed in pride. "You don’t know this, but Kumiko-chan and Aya-chan have been joining several online groups for Schalke’s fans, and some who joined the group also came to your game earlier, so the result has been out right after the game is over. Congrats, by the way! They called you the Samurai Duo from Japan! I am so proud!" The mother started gushing over him, enough to make the boy rub the back of his head awkwardly.

"Ahaha... Thanks, Mom, but I just played in the first half, you know? Morita-san is even better than me, winning the Man of the Match award straight away." Higo laughed self-effacingly.

"Bah! Who cares about him?!" To the boy’s surprise, it was Ayaka who answered that. "You are my brother, our family! Why would we care about the other people?! Just having you playing a good game is enough for us!"

Higo was so touched that his eyes went red, slightly teary. Even from afar, his family still showed such unconditional support, even making an effort to join the local community here from their home back in Japan to get the news about him as quickly as possible. Higo couldn’t help but reflect on his life, and while it was far from being perfect, at least his family was always there to have his back, and sometimes, that was the only thing he needed.

"What? Are you crying?" Kumiko couldn’t help but tease him when she saw his reaction.

"Who cries?! This is just the wind!" Higo retorted quickly, wiping away the tears from the corner of his eyes.

"Yes, yes, it is the wind..." Kumiko giggled amusedly without exposing Higo’s little lie. "Anyway, we only know about the score and that you and Morita-san have a great performance. Tell us more about it!" This time, the three women on the screen leaned forward, eagerly listening to Higo’s story.

The boy himself didn’t hold back anything. It was good to have someone eager to listen to his story no matter how mundane it was.

Little did he know, though, that even though Higo didn’t feel anything special in his story, those three women found everything to be fascinating. Kumiko, particularly, was always a football fan from her childhood, so to hear the intricacy behind the professional world seemed unbelievable.

"So, does that mean you have gained your team’s trust?" Ayaka asked after the end of the story.

"Well, I guess so," Higo answered, a little bit unsure. "I mean, the comparison is here, and people also watched my performance. The coach has also promised the first spot as long as I deserve it. However, it is just one game, so who knows what would happen next." He shrugged.

However, his sister only listened to the first part, as she nodded in satisfaction. "Good. At least you have gained a good foundation in this team. Thrive for a better position, but don’t be greedy. Remember, don’t make any stupid decisions. Always discuss it with Fujita-san first, or if you are unsure, talk to us, okay?"

"Yes, Ryukkun! You don’t have to fight alone!" Minami added.

"Don’t worry, Aya-nee, Mom, I am not in a hurry right now. In fact, the best plan for me is just to play as well as possible, making sure everyone in this city knows about me. Only in this way will my chance to play in the first team become more open." Higo smiled.

They chatted for a little bit more, with the three women inquiring more about his daily life. Higo also didn’t forget to ask for the news back home, learning that Makino had just entered Yokohama FC’s roster, being promoted from the young team. This was definitely great news, one that he would celebrate later by sending a quick chat to his former captain.

After the call was over, Higo also didn’t forget to check his group chat, and somehow, the news spread so quickly like a wildfire. At this point, everyone knew that Higo and Morita had just finished their debut in a perfect fashion, and the boys were all congratulating them for the success.

Kawabe: Damn, you two bastards are flying too fast! Wait for me to be there!

Naoya: Tch! What are you talking about? They are flying fast, and you have just been demoted to the junior team again for an indisciplinary action. Can you put your name at the same level as theirs?

Kawabe: What do you mean, Bastard?!

Ito: Anyway, good job, you two. Wait for us there; we will follow your path soon.

Reading all the chats one by one, Higo couldn’t help but smile, his legs kicking the air unconsciously. Still, the little praises from his friends didn’t mean he would be content with his situation right now. No, if anything, the boy was even hungrier than before.

’This is just the beginning. Once I get to the main team and steal the spot for the number one goalkeeper, the whole of Japan would also know my name. That way, no one would dare to put me on the bench again!’