This team talk was also the last one they would have before boarding for Yokohama tomorrow, so Kumiko took advantage of it by talking about everything her players needed to know about the opponent. She put more detail in each one of the Toin Gakuen’s players, highlighting their characteristics so that the players could anticipate it.

The meeting ran for at least three hours, with a reported detail by the girl that was enough to dumbfound everyone else here. It was clear that she put all her heart and soul into researching this, and honestly, this was enough to make them feel like they won the first half of the game already.

"Damn! If we lost the game with all the intelligence in our hands, it is either that we are idiots, or we are that weak, never in between!" Denki spouted in awe.

"Don’t jinx us like that!" Makino slapped the boy on the back quite hard. "Still, you are right. If we couldn’t win with this intelligence in our hands, that would be so embarrassing!"

Even though the others didn’t really say anything, it was clear from their eyes that they were in agreement here. Kumiko was so satisfied when she saw their expression, but she still couldn’t help but remind them here. "It is okay to be confident, but don’t let this turn you arrogant. Remember, we are the weakest team in this tournament; we don’t have any right to underestimate our opponent."

This time, the players twitched the corner of their lips unconsciously. It seemed Kumiko still held a grudge against the Daily Sports for being put as the weakest team in the tournament. Not that they could blame her, since one of the reasons that outlet put was due to Kumiko being too young, while also highlighting her female gender, completely dismissing all of her effort to be there.

"Don’t worry, Kumiko-senpai, we will smack that Daily Sports’s face hard in the next game!" Kenji grinned. "Just sit still and let your boy handle this matter!"

After this meeting, the players all went back to their homes, getting ready for their departure tomorrow. Higo and Kumiko were also the same since they themselves still wanted to make sure nothing was left behind.

The next day, Higo woke up quite early, right before the sun rose high enough in the sky. The air was quite cold, and most of the people in this city should still be under their blankets right now. However, it seemed he wasn’t even the earliest riser in the building, as he could smell the nice savory taste of miso soup even from his room.

"Mom? Why are you waking up this early? I thought you went back quite late last night." The boy blinked in surprise.

"Good morning to you, too, Ryukkun." Minami didn’t even turn around from the kitchen as she greeted him. "As for why I wake up this early, why do you think it is? Of course, it is because of you, Silly..."

Higo could feel his heart warm when he heard this. The boy knew that his mother had just come back from her work at around midnight, and yet, she still woke up this early, knowing that today was a big day for him.

"So, how are you feeling?" Minami asked while serving Higo a bowl of warm miso. "Nervous?"

Higo opened his mouth, wanting to make a funny remark with a grin about how relaxed he was. However, his mouth stopped in the last second, and the boy realized that his hand was shaking slightly. He took a deep breath, saying, "It would be a lie if I said I am not, right?"

"Yup!" The mom nodded before serving one bowl for herself. "Still, nervous is good. At least, that means you treat this thing seriously. Even the most veteran player in the world would be flustered for a second when they arrive at the big stage. Only a fool who overestimates themselves will not be nervous, and usually, they will be the one who falls the hardest on the stage."

Higo nodded silently, taking note of everything that his mother said. Even though the woman didn’t really know a lot about football, at least her wisdom as an adult would be useful in this case.

"Anyway, I don’t really care about your preparation for the game, because I know you will do well," Minami added. "However, make sure that you will not cause any trouble, okay? Always listen to what Kumiko-chan said, and I want an update call every night."

"Yes, Mom..."

"Also, I have called Aya-chan before, and she said that she could be there for your first game, so expect her presence on that day."

"Wait, really?" Higo blinked in surprise. "Aya-nee is going to be there as well?" This time, there was a hint of excitement in his tone.

Well, the boy couldn’t help it here. It had been a long time since he met his sister, and when the boy heard that she wouldn’t come back for the New Year holiday, he was quite disappointed. Now, in a foreign land where he would need a familiar face to support him, the big sister was about to come for emotional support, so there was no way he wouldn’t be excited for the news.

"Yup! She said that it was only one and a half hours from her place to Yokohama, so she could spare her time to go and watch your game. So, don’t embarrass her too much, okay?" Minami smiled teasingly.

"Me? Embarrassing her? It should be the opposite, right?" Higo snorted.

They chatted again for a moment, and the only thing that stopped their conversation was when the door was knocked on from the outside. Higo rose immediately, knowing that it was Kumiko who was trying to pick him up.

"Come on, Ryukkun! The bus is already at the school!" She called.

"Okay, okay! Wait a second!" Higo ran back to drag the luggage from his room. "Mom, I have to go first. Take care of yourself, okay?" He hugged her tightly. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"You as well, my boy!" Minami rubbed his hair fondly before kissing his cheek affectionately. "Don’t be too pressured by everything there, and whatever happens there, don’t forget to have fun!"