Everyone Was Satisfied with the Roster

Since neither Japan nor America had a match tomorrow,

the only teams in Group E that would continue playing were Serbia and England.

So that evening, most of Japan's middle schoolers stayed in.

After watching the matches, the victorious members of the Japan Team gathered at the hotel to celebrate.

After all, this was their first match in the World Tournament, and they had defeated Serbia, a strong team that ranked among the best in the world.

The middle schoolers were all pretty excited.

They had won, so it was only natural to celebrate a little. But Byōdōin Hōō, the one in charge of the team, had had enough.

Just as the middle schoolers were cheering excitedly, Byōdōin shoved open the door and roared:

"You middle school brats! What are you so happy about? It was just one group match. Do you think you've already won the championship?"

"Getting carried away over a single group-stage victory can be fatal on the world stage."

"Besides, you only beat Serbia by sheer luck. If Tanegashima hadn't been the last one up, do you think you could've won?"

"And even against an opponent like that, you paid a heavy price. Especially you, Tōno Atsukyō. You're not playing in any more matches in this U-17 World Cup. Get your ass back to Japan and rest."

Byōdōin let loose as soon as he entered, leaving everyone in the room so stunned that you could hear a pin drop.

Though Byōdōin's words were harsh, the punishment he gave Tōno was actually meant to protect him.

The examination showed that Tōno's injury wasn't serious, but there was a significant risk it would flare up again.

If he played in the even more intense matches ahead with his leg in that condition, he might suffer further damage.

If