Next Day — Principal's Office
Gen stands in front of the principal's desk, hands at his sides.
The principal folds his arms, hesitant.
> "Sakaki… I wanted to inform you before the official announcement.
The new football coach will be Takeda."
Gen blinks.
That name isn't unknown — even someone like him, who never follows rumors, has heard it once or twice.
The principal sighs.
> "I don't know the details. Only that he was… controversial in the past. Suspended by his previous school. Nothing public was ever made official, but… enough whispers."
Gen's voice is steady.
> "Then why him?"
The principal leans back in his chair.
> "Because he didn't come through us. The sponsor arranged him. They insisted. We… didn't have much say. Their goal is to revive the club, and apparently they believe he's the one who can do it."
He pauses, then softens his tone.
> "As captain, I just wanted you to know beforehand. If there are problems later… you come straight to me."
Gen bows lightly.
> "Understood. Thank you for telling me."
He turns and leaves.
The door closes quietly.
---
The principal waits a moment… then turns his head toward the side room — an adjoining space with the door slightly ajar.
> "I told him, just like you said. But I still don't know if this is a good idea. Takeda is… risky. If anything goes wrong—"
A calm voice from inside replies:
> "It won't. I know what I'm doing. Thank you."
The principal exhales.
> "…I don't mind what kind of person he is, as long as he does his duties properly."
There is no reply — just silence, steady and assured.
Afternoon, Principal's Office
The clock in the hallway ticked quietly as Gen knocked once.
"Enter," the principal called.
Gen stepped inside. The principal sat behind his desk. Beside him — standing near the window — was a man Gen hadn't seen before. Neat shirt, jacket, posture straight, expression unreadable.
The principal folded his hands.
> "Sakaki. This is Takeda. He'll be taking charge of the football club from today."
Gen bowed.
"Captain of the team, Sakaki Gen. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Takeda gave a short nod — almost curt, but not rude.
The principal leaned back slightly.
> "I'll be direct. As long as you do your duties, I have no complaints. I only accepted this because the sponsor pushed for it. I'm leaving the students in your care."
Takeda replied, voice flat.
> "Understood."
A pause settled — quiet, but decisive.
Then the principal looked to Gen.
> "Show him around the grounds, then take him to the field. Introduce the club."
Gen acknowledged with another bow.
"Understood."
He stepped back, holding the door open.
"I'll guide you."
Takeda followed him out without a word.
The door closed behind them, leaving the principal alone in silence.
Field
The sound of light footwork and passing drills slowed as Gen approached the pitch with Takeda beside him. The players straightened instinctively. Hina set down her clipboard. No one spoke, but the shift in posture said enough — curiosity, a trace of tension, but prepared.
Gen stopped in front of them.
"This is Coach Takeda," he said clearly. "From today forward, he will be the coach of the football club."
The group bowed in unison.
"Please take care of us."
Takeda gave a small nod in return, hands still in his pockets.
Gen continued.
"Introducing the current members. Third years — Tobita Hayasaka, goalkeeper. Sera Yuuto, midfield. And myself, Sakaki Gen, defence."
Each of them bowed again, voice steady.
"Please take care of us."
"Second years — Kurose Jirō, defence. Renshin Akira, forward."
Another bow.
Gen shifted slightly, turning to the side next.
"First years — Yuki Toma, forward. Domon Akito, defence. They wish to join the team."
Yuki and Domon bowed deeply — more nervous than the rest, shoulders tight.
Takeda looked at them once.
"…You may participate in tryouts."
A quiet exhale rippled through the two first-years.
Takeda then turned lightly toward Gen.
"Tryouts are this evening?"
Gen nodded.
"Yes. After classes."
Takeda gave a low "I see," then looked back at the
group — unreadable, gauging them in silence.
After classes ended, the field slowly filled with students.
About forty lined up — some stretching, some talking, most pretending not to stare at the man standing near the fence with a clipboard.
Takeda didn't introduce himself.
He just stood there.
Expression unreadable.
Hina and Gen sat at a folding table with a stack of forms.
> "Next — name and position."
One by one, students stepped forward.
CB, FW, CMF, GK, DF — the usual stream.
A murmur rose when a tall first-year walked up.
> "Kawabe… GK."
Some of the second-years whispered under their breath.
That height? First year?
Then another figure stepped forward — light step, calm face.
> "Rio Akizuki. Left wing."
The line behind him stiffened.
Two boys did a double take.
> "…That Akizuki?" "Why's he even here—?"