The Rise of the Iron Wall!-Chapter 45: Kumiko at Higo’s House

Fifteen minutes later...

"Thank you for the food!" Three people clapped their hands loudly, making their silent prayer with a solemn expression, before picking up their chopsticks.

It was night already, and Higo was fortunate that his mom was already back home. It was also a nice surprise that Kumiko joined them for dinner here, as not only Higo was able to enjoy spending a little bit more time with her, but his mother was also always treating the girl like her own daughter.

Yeah, Kumiko indeed had to stay here for a while, since both her parents had to go out for a while for a work matter. They texted the girl earlier at noon, asking her to head into Higo’s residence for a while until they were back at around midnight, since they had already talked to the boy’s mother.

It was clear at this point that this was not an unusual commotion in this household.

Of course, Higo would be stupid to refuse that. I mean, a chance to spend more time with his crush? There was no way in hell he would miss that!

The only downside, though, was the teasing and knowing smirk that his mother sent in a not-so-subtle manner, which only embarrassed him more in front of the giggling girl. So, here she was, joining the fun at this small dinner table.

"Mmm! Minami-obaasan, this grilled fish is so good! So crispy!" Kumiko’s eyes were shining as she tasted the food. "It goes well with the miso soup as well! You really outdone your past self, Obaasan!" The girl’s praise was sky high.

"Really?! I know someone will be able to appreciate the progress I made! Unlike a jerk who is too insensitive to understand how to compliment others..." Minami sent a stinky glare to Higo.

The boy raised both hands immediately, surrendering himself to his mother’s mercy. Still, it was indeed a major improvement, especially since a month ago, his mother couldn’t even cook an instant noodle without turning on the automatic fire alarm system in the house.

Yeah, that was how bad she was a month ago. Honestly, Higo couldn’t help but wonder, how did she survive before he and his big sister stepped up for the kitchen work?

"Anyway, how is your day?" Minami suddenly asked, leaning forward with both hands supporting her face from falling to the table as she looked at them eagerly. "Based on your expression, it should be a good win, right, Kumiko-chan? So, why is it that my little boy is this gloomy? Did someone bully him or what?"

"No, not really, Minami-Obaasan." Kumiko smiled. "Indeed, we won 3-0, and Ryukkun was not being bullied there. He just has a lot on his mind right now, and that’s why he has been quiet since coming back here."

Minami was alarmed when she heard her son was not okay, but at Kumiko’s silent signal—she shook her head so strongly that it looked like her neck was about to get snapped, which scared the shit out of the mother—the older woman finally was finally willing to let her future daughter-in-law handle this matter.

"So, 3-0? Not bad! That means you are advancing through the third round, right?" Minami applauded happily. "Does that mean you will have a game in your school again?"

"Yup, and if we manage to advance one more time, the semifinal of the tournament will be held in Sapporo Dome! We will play there!" Kumiko dropped the bomb, enough to shock the pair of mother and son.

"That Sapporo Dome? The one where the Nippon-Ham Fighters are playing?" Minami whispered in disbelief. Higo also had a similar reaction here, too dumbfounded by the revelation.

The Nippon-Ham Fighters referred to the local baseball team that played in NPB, the professional baseball league in this country. While the Higo family didn’t really know a lot about football, they still knew something about baseball. Well, all the people in Japan knew about it. This was the country’s most popular sport, so sometimes, they still had time to watch the local team playing, even though it was just on television.

And now... Kumiko told them that Higo had a chance to stand on that stadium?!

"Yup, that Sapporo Dome!" Kumiko chirped happily. "Every year, we will have at least four games being played there. Two semifinals, one to fight for third place, and one for the grand final. Last November, we were able to play there, and even though the final result was far from what we would like, we hope to replicate it this year, and maybe even go further to play in the national tournament."

After listening to the explanation, Minami nodded rapidly, her breath heavy. It was clear at this point that she was excited, probably imagining her son standing on that stage or something like that. Hell, she was even more excited than Higo, as the boy himself, other than being stunned by the stadium that he was going to play in, didn’t see it as a big deal.

Unfortunately, his mother, with her hot-blooded teenager heart, would never leave him alone after getting that image inside her head.

"Okay, I decide!" Suddenly, the woman slammed the table, her eyes burning with spirit and a hint of mischief.

"Decide to... What?" Higo looked at his mother warily.

"When you are going to the semifinal, I will go together and support the team there! Oh, I cannot wait for that to happen! Shall I make a banner to show my support? How about a giant flag? Oh, wait! I should’ve contacted the other players’ parents! I am sure they will be ecstatic with this idea!"

She said when, not if, as the woman was confident that Hakodate Nishi would be able to beat the opponent in the third round later. It was just a blind confidence, because she herself didn’t know anything about any single team in this tournament other than Hakodate Nishi. Hell, if not for her son being there, she wouldn’t even know that a football team existed there.

...Well, not that bad, maybe. After all, Kumiko dropped by from time to time to talk about her progress with the team, so she was bound to overhear at some point.

Still, Higo appreciated the concern, though, even as he felt the corner of his mouth twitching when he saw his mother’s impulsive side like this.

’Here we go again... Now, I have to explain to Oneechan when Mom starts to nag her later... Man, what a hassle...’