CHAPTER 54: FROZEN FLAME

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Far from the serene beaches of Japan, in the vast expanse of Russia, an air of anticipation and unease hung over the landscape. The Russian countryside stretched out under a blanket of frost, with towering pine trees standing sentinel against the biting cold. In stark contrast to the tranquil scenery above, deep underground lay a bustling hive of activity: the secret base of the Orion Organization.

Hidden beneath layers of reinforced concrete and state-of-the-art security systems, the base thrummed with the low hum of machinery and the focused murmurs of its occupants. The Orion Organization's underground headquarters was a marvel of modern engineering—a sprawling complex filled with cutting-edge technology, strategic planning rooms, and training facilities that could rival any military installation.

In one of the largest conference rooms, a group of legendary soccer players, each a towering figure in the sport's history, gathered around a sleek, round table. The room was bathed in a cool, sterile light, reflecting off the polished surfaces and the numerous monitors lining the walls, each displaying real-time data and maps of global soccer activities.

At the head of the table stood Froy, the current leader of the Orion Organization. His presence commanded respect, and his sharp eyes scanned the faces around him, each a seasoned veteran of countless matches and strategic endeavors.

"Thank you for gathering here, everyone," Froy began, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of urgency. "I've called this meeting to discuss critical matters related to the upcoming World Soccer Tournament. But before we delve into that, let's get a status update on our preparations."

Nosaka, known for his strategic brilliance, leaned forward. His calm demeanor belied the intense focus with which he always approached these gatherings. "So far, everything is proceeding smoothly. Each country is currently holding its national tournaments to select its representative teams. However, we've noticed something unusual. There have been reports of children going missing and then reappearing a few days later as if nothing had happened."

Froy frowned, his mind racing through the implications of this information. "How many children have gone missing so far?"

Nishikage, a silent figure who had been closely monitoring the situation, spoke up. His voice was deep and resonant, carrying the weight of his years of experience. "There have been fifty reported cases worldwide, with most of the incidents occurring in European countries."

Froy nodded, his expression thoughtful. "This is troubling. We need to understand if these events are connected to our tournament or if there's another force at play."

Turning to Gouenji, the esteemed chairman of the Japan Soccer Youth and a respected figure in the world of soccer, Froy asked, "Gouenji-san, have there been any unusual occurrences in Japan?"

Gouenji, always composed and thoughtful, took a moment before responding. His eyes, filled with a depth of experience, met Froy's. "There have been no such incidents that I'm aware of. Our national tournament is set to begin in two months, and so far, everything is progressing as expected."

The room fell silent as the members absorbed this information. The stakes for the World Soccer Tournament were high, and any disturbance, no matter how small, could have far-reaching consequences.

"Thank you, Gouenji-san," Froy said, appreciating the reassurance but still concerned about the broader picture. "We need to keep a close watch on these disappearances. Let's ensure that our teams are prepared for any eventuality. The safety and well-being of the players and audience must be our top priority."

Ichihoshi, always vigilant and analytic, leaned forward. His voice, though calm, carried a sense of urgency. "I've already enlisted some of our allies and disciples to investigate these disappearances. However, there are some countries we haven't been able to reach due to their secluded nature and no connections at all."

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