The morning was fresh and bright.
Rikuo stood in front of the large glass doors of Tokyo CF.
His heart was pounding, his stomach tight with stress.
Next to him, Takuma shifted nervously, hands in his pockets, eyes worried.
He turned his head toward Rikuo and whispered:
"I hope we both get in, man…"
Rikuo placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry. We gave everything. No matter what happens, you were incredible."
Takuma gave him a shaky smile, but the tension was still there.
Rikuo took a deep breath.
Today, everything would be decided.
A few minutes later, Rikuo was called into the main office.
Heart racing, he stepped into a large room, simple but elegant.
Behind a desk, the club president watched him carefully.
Beside him, the senior team's pro coach stood with a distant, observant expression, while Coach Kirishima remained slightly to the side—silent, serious, but focused.
The pro coach spoke first, his voice cold but precise.
"Amada, I watched your three days of trials.
You showed raw talent, but also patience, awareness, and calm.
You're intelligent on the field. But be careful… the professional world isn't forgiving.
Your potential is huge, but you'll have to keep working. Always."
Rikuo nodded, fully focused.
He could feel the man's gaze strict, but honest.
Then Kirishima stepped forward a bit, his expression serious but filled with conviction.
"Rikuo… you have something very few players have.
A gift.
The ability to read the game, to create chances where no one else sees them, to change an entire team with your presence.
I have no doubt: you have the potential to become one of the best in the world, and maybe one day wear the emblem of Japan's national team."
The words echoed in the room.
Rikuo's breathing slowed, his heartbeat stronger.
The president finally smiled confident, authoritative.
"Rikuo Amada…
Welcome to Tokyo CF."
The simple word welcome broke three days of tension at once.
Joy and pride surged through Rikuo.
After all the doubts, the struggles, the effort… he had made it.
A few minutes later, Takuma went in.
Waiting outside, Rikuo watched him come out with a huge smile.
"We're both in…" Rikuo murmured, relieved.
Takuma nodded, eyes shining.
"Dude… we did it. Together."
The two friends exchanged a knowing smile, a silent promise for the future.
Rikuo left the office, his legs slightly shaky.
He thought about his mother, his father, and all the moments where he doubted himself. The genius from France became a pro.
Everything had led to this exact moment:
He was officially a Tokyo CF player.
Tonight, he would finally share the news with Takeshi his father.
But for now, he let the feeling wash over him.
The path to the top was starting now.
And for Rikuo Amada, the King of the field, this was only the beginning.