The first part of the event goes off without a hitch, though it quickly becomes obvious who has gone out for runs and who settles for fun.
You’re happy to see that Enatsu Mari can count herself among the former, she easily completes the course set out by the coach.
Even the ball control portions like dribbling, passing, and such are easily accomplished.
@YaBoiGhoulman3: huh, she’s actually not bad
@Keyszz1: most of them are clowns though
@moderator: You’ve been unmuted.
@flatjusticewarr412: thanks
@flatjusticewarr412: enatsu girl seems fast, plenty of stamina
@flatjusticewarr412: wish she would use it to ride my DICK
@flatjusticewarr412:
@moderator: Sigh
@yuukioniisan: h-hayai!
@Cezar44: Wish me luck bros
@NikoPanda87: ?
Watase Yoko completes the course without too much difficult as well, the length of her legs provides her with great strides that cover ground easily.
You didn’t figure her much of an athlete, but it seems like she does engage in some of exercise as she seems to have stamina to spare.
Some others like Daigo Naomi and Ensumi Miyako…
Well, let’s just stay they tried their best.
Everyone completes the training course before long and with that – the warming-up is done.
As the clouds above give way to open skies, the temperature climbs another few degrees.
You check back with Kuno Hina, to see if she’s willing to participate, but she reluctantly informs you that she isn’t feeling any better so far.
In fact, she’s getting worse.
You tell her to wait inside the club’s meeting hall.
At least they’ll have air-conditioning there.
Enatsu Mari walks up to you, somewhat at a loss, “What do we do now, manager-san?” she asks.
The practice-match will be played on a half-field since you only have a small number of players.
Though they may have watched a game or two, plenty of the girls have never really seriously played a soccer match themselves.
Therefore, rules like “offside” will be done away with.
In conclusion – Youth Soccer, but with a goalkeeper.
Something that simply wouldn’t work with fewer players than that.
“Do we skip the match?” asks Enatsu, disappointment clear on her face.
The coach walks over, “Do you have a substitute?” he asks, “I’d play myself, but it wouldn’t exactly be fair. Besides, I’m already the referee.”
“Uh, well…” you say, glancing at your surroundings.
There’s nobody else here but you and the cameraman.
Enatsu looks at you with pleading eyes.
----------------------------------------
Cut to the locker room.
You stand amidst a collection of soccer uniforms, most of them sized for teenage girls.
But that’s not even the worst part.
All the idols came here today fully ready to exercise.
You didn’t. This wasn’t part of the plan. You aren’t prepared.
“It’ll be okay…” you tell yourself, “I can layer some shirts…yeah…”
----------------------------------------
Painfully aware of the overly tight clothing, you make you way to the practice field – eyes downcast.
“I’m happy we get to play together, manager-san!” says Enatsu, her face all smiles.
You nod reluctantly, “Y-yeah,” you say, pulling at your shirt, “This is the best…””
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/98051531-4b1c-43e6-b9b1-a53c8a348dde.jpg]
Enatsu balls her fists, “Together, we’ll be unstoppable, we’ll both be forward and pass the ball between us, and then ping-ping-bang…and then… GOAL!!!”
She then turns towards you, a grin on her face and hands raised up, “You want to be right forward or left for--”
“I’m the goalkeeper,” you say, interrupting her.
Enatsu deflates like a balloon, the excitement gone.
“It’s just that, the, uh, the girls should be the star of the show, right?” you say, “I’d just get in the way. And I didn’t get to warm-up and stuff…”
“But I wanted to play with you…” says Enatsu.
“I’m sorry, Mari-chan,” you say, patting her head, “I’ll support you all from the goal, okay? Show off all you like!”
This seems to bring some fire back to Enatsu, “Umu!” she says, balling her fists, “I’ll win!”
Both teams take their respective sides of the field.
Side one: Nagata Miho (Goalie), Enatsu Mari, Miyata Maru, Miyata Mine, Maeda Rei.
Side two: Ensumi Miyako (Goalie), Watase Yoko, Handa Ako, Takashima Niki, Daigo Naomi.
There’s the sharp smell of grass, a soft breeze sweeps across the field.
You reach for the set of goalkeeper gloves and don them, looking towards the field.
As you do, you notice the camera is faced right at you.
----------------------------------------
There’s a momentary crackle on the broadcast as another audio source cuts in.
The cameraman gives a thumbs-up to a pair of men sitting at a desk in some faraway booth.
From the way they operate the various buttons and dials in the booth, it's clear that they’re professionals, but both are dressed in casual wear for today’s event.
The first man runs a hand through his slicked back, black hair and leans in towards a microphone.
“Welcome one and all to this practice match between the idols of the Matsuno Inc Idol Agency!” says the man, “I’m Kubo Juzo and I’m here with my good friend: Jin Gaho.”
“Pleasure as always, Kubo,” says Jin, “We’ll be commentating the match today!”
“Just having these girls play in total silence would be a bore, wouldn’t it, Jin-kun?” replies Kubo.
“Huhu, I wouldn’t know about that, Kubo,” says Jin, chuckling to himself.
“Ooooh, bold words for a man whose wife listens to all his broadcasts!” replies Kubo.
“Urgh! Ehum… Today’s match will be played on a half-field with youth soccer rules. Meaning four players and one goalie on each side,” says Jin.
“They sure are taking it easy, aren’t they, Jin?” says Kubo.
“Well, they wouldn’t their make-up to run. Would they?” says Jin.
“Ah, I do guess so. They’re idols after all. Have to look perfect for the camera!” says Kubo,
“But being a divorced man myself I have no problem admitting that this is a feast for the eyes!”
“Oh, looks like we have a last-minute replacement,” says Jin, “Kuno Hina has retired, seems like she was feeling a bit under the weather.”
“Under the weather, indeed, Jin! The sun that is! All that healthy sunshine must’ve been too much for the pale girl,” replies Kubo, “Who is replacing her?”
“Hmmm,” says Jin, “A member of the staff it seems. Can we get a camer…? -- Oh, there she is now!”
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
“Would you look at that. Women like her remind me why I blew up my marriage with an affair,” says Kubo, chuckling, “I hope she can bring something to the table to help her team out!”
“Well, I can think of two things, at least,” replies Jin.
“Ha! Your wife is gonna tear you apart, Jin.” replies Kubo.
“That she is, Kubo, that she is,” replies Jin.
@yuukioniisan: too old
@BlueOcean123: isn’t that Kaiba’s manager?
@Idolmaster33: MY GOD
@SkullsSkullsSkulls95: yeah, she was in the first stream and at the hand-shake event
@flatjusticewarr412: UUNNNMUUUUTTEEE MMEEE
@flatjusticewarr412: …oh nice
@moderator: Last chance before perm ban
@flatjusticewarr412: okay okay
@Notesandboats32: marry manager-san
@Napgang333: cherish manager-san
@flatjusticewarr412: HAG
@flatjusticewarr412:
@moderator: Goodbye
Kubo noisily clears his throat, “Ehum. Looks like the coach is serving as the referee for this match, he’s bringing the ball to the middle of the playfield.”
“Half the playfield, that is,” says Jin, “Coach fishes a coin out his pocket. The cheerful orange-haired girl and the tall one approach…. err….”
There’s a brief rustle of paper.
“Enatsu Mari and Watase Yoko, that is,” says Jin, “Coin-flip is happening… Judging by how Enatsu Mari is bouncing up and down, I’ll assume that she won. Her side will be kicking off.“
“Miyata Maru and Miyata Mine walk up, seems like they’ll kick-off,” continues Kubo, “Enatsu herself stands ready to dart deep into the opposition’s side. Maeda Rei, the girl with the pink hair and the scowl, does likewise on the opposite end of their side.”
“No defence at all, it seems. That’s a bold strategy, Kubo. Let’s see if it works out for them,” says Jin, “And… Kick-off and game on!”
“After a quick back-and-forth between the twins, the ball is pelted to the outside where Enatsu Mari manages to stop it inches from going out of bounds. Enatsu gets the ball under control…. looks at her options… but there’s no time!” says Kubo.
“A literal demon storms across the field! Daigo Naomi is racing in, little plastic wings bouncing up a storm!” says Jin, “Those things won’t last until the end of the match, I tell you. …Oh, there they go. One wing hangs limp. Daigo Naomi stops her assault to fix her costume. She may be crying.”
“Offering Enatsu Mari a free pass – which she happily takes. She’s gaining ground!” says Kubo.
“More defenders run up. This may be because they feel particularly competitive or maybe because they spotted their goalkeeper, Ensumi Miyako, napping,” says Jin.
“Napping?” replies Kubo, incredulously.
Then the camera pans to Ensumi with her back propped up against one of the goalposts, eyes closed.
“Strange, but true, Jin,” continues Kubo, “Even though this match has been anything but a snooze thus far. I can honestly say I’m seeing plays I wouldn’t witness anywhere else.”
“Handa Ako runs up. Determined and ready,” says Jin, “Making a beeline towards Enatsu Mari!”
“Er… That’s one slow bee, by God,” says Kubo, “That girl has no stamina. Enatsu easily runs the ball past, leaving Handa Ako behind to lean on her knees – out of breath.”
“With the goalkeeper abducted to lala-land, only Takashima Nikki stands between Enatsu and the goal!” says Jin, “Enatsu approaches… and runs past! Takashima even gave a little wave.”
“She might not know what’s going on, but she sure is friendly!” says Kubo, then pausing briefly, “Where is Watase Yoko during all this?”
“Hmmm,” says Jin, “It appears she’s currently in a shouting match with Maeda Rei. Judging by the state of Watase’s jersey it seems like some shirt-pulling has been going on which was more important to Watase than the actual game – apparently.”
“Such accidents happen in the heat of battle,” says Kubo.
“I don’t think it was an accident, Kubo. Look at Maeda Rei,” says Jin.
“Boy, she looks smug. By God, not an ounce of regret,” says Kubo.
“Watase Yoko looks understandably ticked off, but since they’re doing nothing but shouting, the referee is waiting for the current play to end before intervening,” says Jin, “Which brings us back to Enatsu Mari and an open goal.”
“Wonder why she doesn’t just kick it in from a distance?” says Kubo.
“I suppose she’s just as confused by what’s happening as the rest of us. She’s just walking the ball while keeping an eye on the fight between Watase Yoko and Maeda Rei. I think she’s expecting the ref to stop the game,” says Jin.
“What a kind-hearted girl,” says Kubo, “Reminds me of my own daughter.”
“Oh, right. How is your daughter, Kubo?” asks Jin.
“I have no idea. I haven’t seen her in years. Just one more thing my ex-wife took during the divorce,” laughs Kubo.
“Er…. Oh! It seems like Enatsu’s hesitation is going to cost her! Daigo Naomi has cast her broken wings aside, but even without them is flying across the field!” says Jin.
“Unshackled and unchained. Daigo Naomi is moving at breakneck speed. If she’d save her breath for running instead of this strange monologue she’s shouting, then she’d be even faster!” says Kubo.
“Alarms set in for Enatsu, she begins to dribble the ball towards the goal, but a confrontation seems unavoidable as Daigo closes in!” says Jin.
“We’re finally playing soccer!” says Kubo, leaning in towards the microphone, “A head-to-head!”
“Enatsu’s dribbling speed isn’t bad by any means, but there’s still no way that she’ll outrun Daigo while keeping careful control of the ball. Now, how will Enatsu defend?” roars Jin.
“She opts for a hard stop, using her body to shield Daigo from the … and Daigo blazes past…right into the dirt,” says Kubo, disappointed, “Too much momentum combined with a sharp turn – down she goes.”
“Worst attempt at a somersault I’ve ever seen. The field’s caretakers must be in agony as large chunks of grass go flying. Let’s just hope she isn’t hurt too bad,” says Jin.
“Enatsu is wide-eyed with concern, but Daigo seems able to get up,” says Kubo, “Her face set with the shaky grin of recent head trauma.”
“What a durable girl. This combined with the smack she made during her introduction makes me think this sorta thing might happen a lot,” says Jin.
“And now we… oh, wait. Enatsu’s turning towards her own goal. The blonde goalkeeper is making all kinds of hand gestures,” says Kubo.
“Isn’t that nice,” says Jin, “She’s got a sort of soccer mom vibe going. Or like an older sister, encouraging her sibling. In any case, Enatsu seems to understand and punts the ball into the goal. It easily rolls past Ensumi Miyako dozing in the goal. Turning her dreams into nightmares.”
“I doubt she cares,” says Kubo.
“Yeah, you’re probably right. One - nil, in any case,” replies Jin.
“Oh, the camera sets back to Watase Yoko and Maeda Rei. Whose battle seems have to concluded,” says Kubo, “Whatever battle that was.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure what happened, but it seems like Maeda has lost. She’s beet-red in the face and can’t seem to find any words to defend herself,” replies Jin, “She appears to have dropped her previous attitude and it was picked up by Watase Yoko.”
“Hold on… what’s this? In a startling development, it appears that they’ve managed to wake up the goalkeeper,” says Kubo, “The ball returns to the middle and we might actually start the game for real, but the side wearing the pinnies is behind by one goal. Let’s see if Watase Yoko and the others can claw their way back.”
----------------------------------------
“Watase Yoko and a slightly bruised Daigo kick-off, with Watase taking the ball,” says Jin, “Maeda comes to defend…. but is stopped in her tracks with a …glare?”
“Teenage girl soccer is truly in a league of its own,” says Kubo, “Amazing. Luckily the twins have shown up and are on the attack.”
“They contest Watase from both sides. Doesn’t seem like there’s much thought put into this attack, there’s just trying to separate the ball from Watase. She’s defending valiantly but is forced to pass to Takashima Nikki. Who watches the ball roll by. Daigo is there though, running after it,” says Jin.
“Such a hard-working girl,” says Kubo, “But also one that will soon find out this game is supposed to last forty-five minutes.”
“She got the ball though,” says Jin, “And she’s dribbling it the distance. Both of the twins have retreated back to defend, and Enatsu is opting to cover Watase, but it’s a tale of David versus goliath. Watase’s large frame can easily block off Enatsu. Handa Ako is slowly joining the offensive. Takashima Nikki appears to have found a four-leaf clover.”
“Daigo is closing in on the goal, but the way forward is blocked by the Miyata girls and, beyond that, the diligent office lady that probably wasn’t expecting to be where she is now,” says Kubo, “She has no choice but to pass, ri-- Err… It seems Daigo is giving some kind of speech. It’s hard to make out from here, but she’s clutching her right leg and phrases like 'Tremble, mortals' are being used.”
“With a final battle-cry, she shoots!” says Jin, “Ah, nicely blocked by Miyata Mine’s chest.”
“I’m not sure that was intentional,” says Kubo, “But the ball bounces off. Watase Yoko breaks away from her guard and zips towards the ball with Enatsu Mari following close behind!”
“Both the Miyata girls are distracted. Maru is consoling her sister, Mine, who appears to be in pain and clutching the… uh… left side of her chest!” says Jin.
“Watase Yoko is closing in on the goal, using her long arm to easily keep Enatsu Mari at bay,” roars Kubo.
“The goalkeeper is frozen in place! What will she do?” adds Jin.
----------------------------------------
Oh, no. Somebody is approaching your goal with the ball.
The one you’re defending. How could this have happened?
You don’t know a lot about soccer, but you recall from the few matches you’ve watched that goalkeepers often move towards the opposing player to reduce the size of the target – the goal.
The closer you are, the smaller the goal behind you.
But… this requires you to run towards the enemy.
@YaBoiGhoulman3: goalie that’s afraid of the ball rip
@sparkl3s698: no… I don’t think that’s it…
@strawb3rrri3sx3: she didn’t plan to play today, right?
@Notesandboats32: RUSH OUT COME ON
@BlueOcean123: DON’T DO IT AAAAAAAAAA
@Rowboats1293: welp, she’s choking
@speakaaaa: DON’T LET THEM SCORE
It’s a far safer move to remain in place. Yes.
Even if that means Watase will have an easier time to score.
Enatsu did score that strange goal just now, so you’d be even at worst.
But she worked hard for it.
Furthermore, it does appear the opposing team has shaped up a bit.
Ensumi has woken up. Handa Ako is learning ways to play that don’t tax her stamina as much.
Even Takashima Nikki is slowly figuring out what’s going on.
What to do…