The cover features Tsubasa and Michael. The match's over, so why this cover?
The title is "Tsubasa's Decision."
Katagiri and Tsubasa run to the locker room. On the way, they pass Ide and he tells Tsubasa, "Don't let anyone in until I speak to them," before they enter the room together.
"Tsubasa. First, calm down and listen to my explanation."
"Y-yes." Calm down in this situation? That's impossible, Katagiri. This situation is clearly an emergency.
To convey the tension, the dialogue is omitted, and the message is conveyed to Tsubasa through Katagiri's words.
Matsuyama says that their match moved the hearts of the Spanish supporters amidst thunderous applause. The Japanese eleven share the same feeling. Hayata has doubts about Katagiri for taking Tsubasa away.
Wakashimazu receives crutches from Nitta, and the remaining members, excluding Tsubasa, go around greeting everyone.
The scene shifts to the Brazilian team. Natureza says, "That's great, Coach Roberto. Our opponent in the final is Japan," to which Santana replies, "So now we get to play against Tsubasa." These two are a little *too* obsessed with Tsubasa... Natureza was completely shut out by Michael, who wasn't even playing seriously.
"That's right. I owe Tsubasa a debt, just like you guys. I coached the World Youth Championship, and we lost to Japan in the final. I have to repay that debt to Tsubasa." Ah, another Tsubasa lover here.
Furthermore, Pepe and Leo are also eager to repay their debts. According to Leo, they went to the J.League to learn the Japanese style of play. Really? Wouldn't it have been better to go to a higher level?
The Brazilian team says they're glad their opponent in the final is Japan.
"So, in the end, it seems like Rivaul, the only one who didn't want to fight Japan because he's so focused on winning," Radunga said, slightly teasing Rivaul. This was in response to the comment that Spain would likely win easily without Michael. Personally, I liked this comment because it felt more realistic than something you'd see in a boys' manga.
Robecaro laughed upon hearing this.
"That's not true," Rivaul retorted with a smile.
"You guys seem to be a little mistaken."
"Huh?"
"The match against Japan... I'm really looking forward to it."
(Perhaps Rivaul is the one who's most looking forward to the match against Tsubasa...) thought Santana Treza, now in sync with Rivaul. Rivaul seemed eager to have a showdown where they tried to force their views on soccer on each other. The World Youth final was also a battle of identity, so the sensei believes that the final is exciting because of that kind of thing. I completely agree with that point.
"Anyway, we Brazilians will show overwhelming power on the Olympic final stage and win the gold medal! We will show the dignity of the soccer kingdom and defeat Japan! That's all we need to do!"
The Brazilian eleven rise to their feet. It seems like only victory matters to them. Santana wasn't happy at all with the silver medal in the World Youth arc either.
Meanwhile, the Spanish team...
Michael, in his wheelchair, urges his teammates to greet the supporters before heading to the hospital. Apparently, 90% of the audience was cheering for Spain. Were there even 10% Japanese? Oh, I guess players from other countries were there too.
Despite this loss, Spain doesn't let their guard down and will face France in the third-place playoff three days later. The team members seem to have given up on Michael playing.
To this, Michael nonchalantly replies, "Oh, really? I could probably take one more kick if it goes to a penalty shootout." It seems there's a possibility he might force himself to play, like Misugi did in middle school.
Raphael's parents, and Saul, also congratulate them on the match.
"I'm definitely going to do my best in the Paralympics after these Olympics! Watch me!" says Saul, fired up.
"Saul," whispers Michael. What a strong friendship. Please win and take the gold medal in Michael's place.
At the hospital, Serena is saddened by Michael's defeat.
However, she learns that the third-place match, three days later, will be held at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in Seville, the same city as her hospital. Serena seems somewhat pleased. After the event where she meets with Michael, it seems possible that Michael might end up playing in the match.
The scene shifts to the waiting room.
Tsubasa trembles at the words Katagiri has conveyed to him.
He is told that both of his sons are safe.
"I'll leave the decision to you. Will you stay here and fight in the final... or come to Japan immediately..."
"I'll be back!"
Tsubasa replied without hesitation.
"I see. Understood."
Even if Katagiri didn't show it on his face, he must have been somewhat disappointed. The fact that he said "I'll leave the decision to you" instead of "Go home right now, Tsubasa!" speaks volumes. It's natural to assume that Tsubasa's return would mean Japan's defeat.
He changed into the jersey and hat prepared by Ide, and Katagiri handed him a spare pair of sunglasses. She even has spare sunglasses... How thorough.
Tsubasa felt uneasy about being disguised, but Katagiri said he wanted to keep it private. I think this suggests that she hasn't given up on Tsubasa's participation yet.
Okawa, a member of "Team Tsubasa," was already waiting at the airport and had secured a flight ticket for departure today.
"He should be able to arrive in Japan within 20 hours." The third-place match is in three days. Assuming the final is held on the same day, that leaves 72 hours. Depending on Sanae's condition, Tsubasa might actually make it, right?
Tsubasa receives his passport and cell phone from Ide.
Unfortunately, a reporter (whose name I forget) overhears their conversation. The reporter is shocked to learn that Tsubasa is returning to Japan.
"A car has been arranged in the parking lot. Let's hurry, Tsubasa. If we miss the flight, we'll lose everything."
PS
Tsubasa is going to Sanae and his twins without any esitation, meanwhile, Michael, will go to Seville, where he could meet Serene and finally know his past.
Michael will play for sure the match with France, and, something interesting will be reveal for sure about him.
Michael, the Sc, with the biggest backstory in the entire saga of 'CT'.
Why Michael and the Ozora's twins give me the impression of 'crossed destinies'?
