The Rise of the Iron Wall!

Chapter 278: The Opponent’s Strength

Strength...

At the end of the day, this was probably what mattered the most. After all, a huge amount of supporters didn’t mean anything if the team itself was not that good. However, all the Hakodate Nishi players weren’t confident that it was the truth, especially since Kumiko herself said that Toin Gakuen was a traditional powerhouse in the country.

"I don’t know specifically about their players and who we have to keep an eye on, but I have heard about their achievement in the last Inter-High," Kumiko answered. "They had just gotten a breakthrough in the last tournament, finally passing the third round for the first time in history. Unfortunately, in the semifinal, they got beaten by Hamamatsu Kaisekan from Shizuoka, the team that ultimately won the entire tournament."

"So, we are going to face a team that is in their current best state in their hometown, huh? As if things could be more hellish than this..." Fujinaga snorted sarcastically.

"Well, it could be, depending on your perspective," Kumiko replied nonchalantly. "Out of all their players, I only know one, and his name is Naoya Takahashi, the team’s captain and a senior-year student. He is also the number 7 of the top 100 players ranked by the JFA two months ago. You know, the list that put Ryukkun as the 97th?" She asked the others.

"Ah, that list..." The others nodded in understanding. However, a second later, they all widened their eyes in surprise. "Wait, that list?! You mean to tell me that he is the number 7?!" This time, Higo was also surprised. After all, he only tried to remember the top 5, but who would’ve thought that the team’s first opponent would be the number seventh?

"Yup, and he also has a cool nickname." Kumiko nodded, scrolling through her phone as if trying to find something. "Ah, here he is! The Yokohama’s Tekko, or Iron Hull, for his gritty game style, unlimited stamina, and wide-range coverage. Here, he basically runs more than 10 km on average, probably even closer to 11 or 12 km per game. His defensive range is so wide that people said he could do everything alone on the back."

This time, Fujinaga and Kazawa whistled appreciatively. "So, the seventh number of the top 100 is a fucking defensive midfielder?" Those two asked, intrigued. Well, they were the players who were in the same position, so it was no wonder both defensive midfielders would show an interest here.

"Yeah, and while there is no information about his offensive ability, as a butcher, you can expect everything good on him," Kumiko answered. "He is fast and decisive, his technique is clean, he is strong as a healthy bull, and well, his running average is so high, the highest among all the players in the tournament last summer. He is a tireless engine who doesn’t know how to stop, basically."

Well, hearing this, Kenji and Hiroshi looked at each other for a moment, their eyes burning in determination. After winning against Sapporo Otani, their confidence really soared to the point that they weren’t afraid to meet anyone right now. If anything, they treated this Naoya as a challenge, wondering whether they would have a chance to break through his defense or not.

"As for any detailed report, unfortunately, I don’t have one here, but don’t worry, after this training session is offered, I will start gathering all the records of their game." The girl said. "Before that, though, you guys need to start training! Come on, time will not wait for anyone here!" She clapped loudly.

"Again?!"

"Oh, come on! Can we take a little break?!"

"Shishida-senpai, you are evil!"

Well, even though they all groaned indignantly like this, not a single one of them backed down from the instruction. If anything, knowing their next opponent only made them more motivated than ever. Kenji and Hiroshi, especially, were oiling their machine well, wanting to prepare themselves against the best defensive midfielder in the country.

"Shit, Kenji! How could your dribble be more disgusting than before?!" Jun panted heavily, still holding his knee after getting his ankle broken by Kenji’s swift fake movement.

"Hahaha! That’s because you pay too much attention to Hiroshi-senpai, Jun-senpai!" Kenji grinned happily. "This means 3-1 for me, right? Come on! You owe me a carton of strawberry milk!"

Seeing the harmonious scene in front of her, Kumiko was also relieved here. Moreover, she was so glad that Jun started to come out of his shell. After all, the boy was so depressed after she replaced him in the first half of the final for his terrible performance, and even though the girl had already talked about this matter with him, the boy still found it difficult to accept everything.

’At least, the team is willing to integrate him back into the team here, which is good...’ She muttered under her breath.

Time also passed so quickly, and with the winter break finally arrived, the team could finally start to put their focus fully on the opener of the National Tournament. Kumiko also got busier than ever, preparing for the logistics to go to Yokohama for at least two weeks.

Unlike when they went to the Sapporo Dome or even Niigata, where they only needed a bus, this time, Yokohama was too far for them to use that. No, they had to travel by plane, which only made everything, from the ticket to the hotel, more complicated.

Of course, Higo also couldn’t escape from the hectic schedule here. Besides training with the team, he still had to go to the boxing gym at least three times a week. Even though the problem itself hadn’t really appeared in the last few weeks, Miyashi still insisted that he come.

"Come on! You are so thin and weak, no wonder you get intimidated easily! Let’s train a little bit more! It will not make you stronger physically, but it will make you tougher when making a risky decision!"

At least, that was what Miyashi said. Higo was still skeptical about that, but the boy had to accept it even though the medicine was so bitter.

Time passed so quickly here, and before anyone noticed, they were finally at their final break before the national tournament, New Year’s Eve.