On Monday, after class, Sato and Yuzuki wandered through the school.
"Ugh, we have tests in the first week… I just know I'm going to fail," Yuzuki said, discouraged.
"Come on, it won't be that bad," Sato tried to cheer her.
"Easy for you to say. I can't handle both training and studying…"
"Well… I can't blame you," Sato admitted.
Yuzuki hugged Sato from behind."How do you do it?" she asked with puppy-dog eyes.
Sato smiled. "What do you mean?"
"In middle school, you were always at the top of the class, even practicing every day."
Sato shrugged. "Determination, I guess."
Yuzuki groaned."Isn't there an easier way?"
Sato laughed—just as three adults approached, one carrying a video camera.
"Excuse me, can you tell us where the boys' soccer field is?" one asked.
"Go straight and it's on the right," Sato replied.
"Thanks! Sorry to bother you!"
The three headed off, following her directions.
"Are they scouts?" Sato asked once they were gone.
"Looks like it," Inoue said, approaching.
"Hello, Inoue," Sato greeted.
"The boys are starting to get noticed," Yuzuki added.
"Do you want to watch their practice?" Inoue suggested.
"Yes! Let's go!" Yuzuki bounced with excitement, nearly pushing Sato along.
"Okay, okay!" Sato said, laughing.
The three reached the field, where the team was running at a moderate pace.
"They must have just started practice," Yuzuki said.
The scout who had asked Sato for directions noticed them and approached.
"Sorry to bother you again. I'm Sōta Hoshino, a soccer scout. Since you're here, do you know anything about the players? Anyone in your class, or anyone who's impressed you?"
"I'm afraid I don't know much," Inoue said. "Only Kenji Tanaka. He's in my class, and he's very fast."
"I see…" Hoshino looked slightly disappointed, then turned to the other girls. "What about you?"
"We've seen a practice match," Yuzuki said, hinting that Sato had been there too.
Hoshino perked up. "Really? Tell me more! What impressed you?"
"The match was incredible! The ball moved so fast, individual plays were top-notch… From that moment, I knew this team had something special—more than any team in the last ten years!" Yuzuki said.
"Any players stand out?"
"Not sure… but based on style, number 10—Nishimura—and number 11, Shimizu. Their ball control is amazing."
"You know a lot about soccer… do you play?" Hoshino asked.
"Yes, on the women's team!" Yuzuki replied.
"Interesting…" Hoshino turned to Sato. "And you? A favorite player?"
Sato hesitated. "I… don't know much about soccer," she admitted.
"You watched that practice match. Someone must have caught your eye," Yuzuki prompted.
Sato thought about the two goals Riccardo scored, and the assist after his dribble past the whole team. "Well… maybe number 24—"
Hoshino interrupted. "That's my favorite too!" he exclaimed, almost scaring them. "He's like a tank! His speed and strength are insane for his age! Most players like him lack technical finesse, but not him. He's on the same level as numbers 10 and 11! And he pushed Itsuki Takahashi, future defender of the Japanese national team, to the limit!"
Yuzuki froze. "Itsuki Takahashi… captain of Maebashi Ikuei!?"
"Yes! Didn't they play a friendly against them?"
"Excuse me, who's Maebashi Ikuei?" Inoue asked.
"They won nationals last year… often reach semis or finals," Yuzuki explained.
"Wow… how did it end?" Sato asked.
"An incredible 3-3! Number 24 scored twice, and number 9 scored the third. Only a last-minute penalty let Maebashi Ikuei equalize," Hoshino said.
"I wish I'd seen that…" Yuzuki sighed.
"You'll get used to scouts showing up," Hoshino said, watching the team near Coach Ishii. "After the prefectural tournament, even more will notice. Many of these guys are destined for great careers… I can feel it."