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Chapter 387 Rising pressure

But upon seeing the expression on Manager Haruki\'s face, no one could muster the courage to move from their seats.

He didn\'t appear angry. In fact, his face bore a solemn look. However, there was something unsettling in those calm eyes; a stillness that hinted at an impending storm.

At this moment, after witnessing those set of calm eyes many unilaterally agreed in their hearts that trouble was about to befall Akutsu.

"Sorry... sir," Akutsu mumbled as he struggled to stand, "I... overslept today"

Manager Haruki however didn\'t say a single word and patiently waited for him to finish. Akutsu kept on apologizing nonstop.

Finally, only when he stopped did he open his mouth, "I think I was clear about this meeting. Or did you not understand what I said earlier in the day?"

"No, sir, you were very clear," Akutsu replied, his voice tinged with timidity.

"You\'re one of our starting players; you should be setting an example for the others. Yet, arriving late to the meeting for an important match suggests that you\'re not even serious about it," Haruki said calmly, without raising his voice. "Or are you perhaps really not serious about the match?" he added.

Faced with Manager Haruki\'s pointed questions, Akutsu found himself unable to respond. Even if he answered honestly, it would feel like arguing with the coach.

The room\'s silence grew heavier with each passing second. The other players sat frozen with their eyes darting between Akutsu and Manager Haruki.

Was he getting scolded? He couldn\'t even tell since it didn\'t even feel like scolding. Yet still for some inexplicable reason, he felt quite disheartened upon hearing those words. Those words penetrated deeply, deep into his soul.

Why was he getting so worked up over such a trivial matter? And, it\'s not like he arrived halfway through the meeting either.

Such thoughts found their way to his head as he remained unresponsive. He couldn\'t even bring himself to look straight. All he could do right now was to ardently listen to his nagging with his gaze lowered.

Seeing his apologetic stance, Manager Haruki felt like he had said enough. Any more than this then he might be going overboard.

Manager Haruki then took a step closer, his gaze never wavering. "We all have off days, Akutsu. But showing up late, especially today, undermines the team\'s morale and the hard work everyone has put in. You need to reflect on your commitment."

Feeling the weight of Manager Haruki\'s words, Akutsu nodded. "I\'m sorry, sir. It won\'t happen again," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Manager Haruki\'s stern expression then softened slightly. Though his eyes remained the same.

"As long as you understand, I\'ll let it slide this time. You\'re a valuable player, Akutsu. Don\'t let your actions suggest otherwise," he spoke sounding rather gentle than before.

Then he turned to address the rest of the team. In a rather commanding tone, he continued, "All right, let\'s refocus. We have a crucial match ahead. So, everyone needs to be at their best, both on and off the field."

As he said those words, everybody straightened their body as they darted their eye away from Akutsu, toward the projector ahead.

"You too Akutsu, take your seat," saying so, he turned around.

Akutsu was well aware of Manager Haruki\'s personality. And thus he didn\'t bear any grudges against him.

A moment ago, though he felt quite annoyed about the nagging he received. But now upon hearing those words of concern, he realized that it was his own mistake and Manager Haruki was just trying to maintain discipline in the team.

With peace of mind, he then took his seat and participated in the meeting.

Then the discussion began in full swing. At first Manager Haruki showed them the data he had collected.

While playing the matches of the opposing team, he pointed out several strengths and flaws in the gameplay of the opposing team. He also encouraged active participation from the players as he asked for their opinions frequently.

And no matter how insignificant their opinions were, he didn\'t demean any of them. Instead, even when somebody\'s opinion sounded completely foolish, he always replied, "I\'ll take it into consideration"

Manager Haruki always encouraged his players to speak their minds. It wasn\'t anything new. And it was probably one of the reasons why his analysis session always remained fascinating for the players.

From there they learned quite a lot.

And as the session neared an end, he announced the starting squad members that\'d be participating in tomorrow\'s match.

The squad announcement however left many utterly shocked.

"How could it be?"

"Is this the correct list?"

"Perhaps there\'s something wrong with it?"

"Coach..., there seems to be some kind of mistake in it"

Many raised questions upon seeing the list. Most of the players in the list were pretty much expected but the absence of Akutsu from the list didn\'t sit well with them.

The very person responsible for this mass reaction was utterly speechless at the moment. Unable to find his name on the list, he couldn\'t bring himself to ask the reason why he was left out.

Fixedly staring at the screen with his eyes opened wide, he remained seated in his seat.

"Silence!!"

Manager Haruki\'s commanding tone resonated in the room, causing everybody who was being noisy to shut their mouth.

As everyone shut their mouth, a dreadful silence enveloped the room while the players looked at their manager with a fear-

stricken look.

"Are you unsatisfied with my decision?" Manager Haruki asked straightforwardly, looking in the direction of Akutsu.

Did I get found out?

Looking at Manager Haruki\'s determined eyes, Akutsu couldn\'t help but wonder.

Though he didn\'t want to admit that it sucked to sit out, he knew that it was a wise decision considering his discomfort.

"No sir, I believe you\'re right," he answered honestly.