Supervising the Japan U-20 team under the Japan Football Association was a responsibility that you shouldered alone. Although you did not bear the duty of coaching the plethora of players, you still were held accountable for certain tasks. Recording the growth of players, organizing public conferences, managing negotiations revolving matches, along with plenty of other things just scratched the surface of your role.

Conversing with the coach of the team was routine, relaying information about certain players and their progress was simply just another assignment to you. The conversation carried its typical professionalism, nothing seeming out of the ordinary to you. As the players continued to warmup in the indoor field, a voice reverberated intensely throughout the air. Turning your head in the direction of the shout, you notice a soccer ball rapidly approaching in your direction. With the force it was struck with, its velocity was something that you could not avoid. Your body froze, fearing for the worst.

Suddenly, number ten, or Sae Itoshi flashed before your eyes. In an instant, the ball was returned with a single blow. It was soon caught by number two, or Oliver Aiku. The situation rendered you immobile, the sheer comprehension of it seemed impossible to you. Sae had reacted at a speed that seemed inhuman, it fascinated you. These players always left you in awe, however, he had always left the biggest impression on you.

“Don’t just stand there when you see a ball coming at you.” he monotonously began, his aquamarine irises peering at you from over his shoulder. If anyone was going to change the soccer industry, it’d be him.