Chapter 387 Rising pressure

Chapter 387 Rising pressure

Even though the fall wasn't very impactful, the loud sound it generated echoed through the silence of the room, drawing everyone's attention. Almost every eye present in the room turned towards them with a mix of curiosity and concern evident in their glances.

Witnessing the mishap, many felt the urge to assist. They then helplessly looked toward Manager Haruki as if they were seeking his permission to act.

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.

"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.