NIKE -Blue Lock-

Victory's sluts

I'm sorry but I love this chapter's title.

The mansion

"Ah, capo. Come in, come in, make yourself comfortable."

Sae followed his manager into the imposing neoclassical villa, his teal eyes mesmerized by the overwhelming display of wealth and elegance.

Everything was so perfect: from the entrance through the gate to the orderly pebbles forming the path to the mansion's porch.

It seemed absurd and almost a mockery that this was just a temporary villa, purchased for a very short stay in Japan.

"Boy, what a pleasure to see you again." the accented voice caught his attention, and the midfielder's teal eyes shifted from the living room window to the man.

The astonishment that was already hidden behind his indifferent gaze vanished completely. The old man smiled, an arrogant and disdainful grin accompanied by a haughty look that seemed to boast about something.

"You don't look too good." the Italian stated, the comment a pure and spiteful reference to when the boy had called him
plastic man.

He's the kind of person who holds onto grudges like they're collectibles.

Sae didn't respond, simply looking elsewhere and letting his poor and desperate manager apologize for his immature behavior.

"Forgive him, he's been more stressed than usual lately." the manager pathetically asserted, visible beads of sweat on his temples.

The last thing he needed was to be at odds with the most influential sports manager of the era.

The Italian man raised an eyebrow, the crooked smile still present on his face. That day, Sae noted, it seemed impossible to annoy him or disrupt his good mood.

His cruel eyes shifted briefly to the boy, noticing the pronounced pallor and the contrasting dark circles under his eyes.

"These young people today have such fragile hearts..." the old man remarked shrewdly, almost amused, then turned his attention to the someone who considered himself a colleague.

"...but I understand since I also manage a similarly young one."

Giraud Babadie let out a laugh, waving a hand in front of his face. "No need to be modest, sir. I doubt Nike is one with a fragile heart as you say."

At the mention of the champion's alias, Sae's eyes automatically shifted to the pair of adults, his pupils fixed on the girl's manager. His eyelids widened slightly when he saw that the man's gaze was already on him, and he perceived a level of malice and sadism in that seemingly normal look.

The man smiled, his eyes still on Sae.

"You're right, my friend. Nike doesn't give me such problems..." his words carried more weight than they seemed to, and although Sae didn't know why, he felt their full impact.

The host looked away, and his knowing smirk was replaced by a welcoming smile.

"I'll show you the house. There's still some time left before the game starts." he offered, a normal act in the customary Italian hospitality, gesturing down the first of many corridors.

Giraud smiled, eager and grateful to see with his own eyes one of the many villas of one of the richest men in the world. He immediately walked forward, admiring the numerous portraits and photos of the famous manager with other celebrities.

The name or face of Nicole Vinciguerra never in sight apart from the numerous trophies and awards.

Sae, less enthusiastic, followed a few steps behind his manager. But just before crossing the threshold of the first portico, a heavy and warm palm rested on his chest, halting his lazy walk.