Six days flew by. Since the moment his parents called the club to confirm everything, Akira couldn't think about anything else. Now, backpack on his shoulders and his heart heavy, he stood at the station, about to leave behind everything he knew.
His mother tried to smile, but her teary eyes gave her away. His father kept a serious face, struggling to hide his feelings. His brother, on the other hand, pretended it was just another ordinary day.
"Here, dummy," his brother said, handing him a small box wrapped in a dark cloth. "Only open it when you get there, okay?"
Akira held the gift tightly, trying to hide his emotions.
"Don't worry... and thanks for everything."
"Go on, son," his father murmured, giving him a gentle pat on the back. "Show them what you're made of."
His mother hugged him tightly, holding on longer than usual.
"Take care, Akira. We'll be rooting for you."
The train whistle cut through the moment. Akira boarded, and from the window, waved one last time. His eyes met his mother's, full of pride and fear at the same time. It was the end of one chapter... and the beginning of something uncertain.
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Arriving in Shizuoka, the air felt different — lighter, busier, more... challenging. As he left the station, he saw a car parked nearby and leaning against it was the man who had given him the card.
"You're Akira Norikami, right?" the man asked with a slight smile. "Hop in, I'll take you to the training center."
"Thanks," Akira replied, getting into the car.
The vehicle drove through the clean, organized streets of the city. Akira looked out the window, soaking it all in. It still felt like a dream.
"Nervous?" the man broke the silence.
"A little…"
"There's a lot of competition. This year, fifty-eight players will try out."
"Fifty-eight?" Akira swallowed hard.
"Yes. Most are seventeen years old, like you. Some come from other regions, and there's even a kid from South Korea. I heard he played in their youth leagues."
Akira looked down at the car floor for a moment. Insecurity tried to creep in, but he took a deep breath.
"Still… I came here to try."
"That's what we want to see. You don't have to be the best now, just show that you have the will."
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Shortly after, the car stopped in front of a modern facility. A tall gate bearing the Saikai FC crest stood before him.
Akira got out of the car slowly. The man opened the trunk and handed him his backpack.
"Go ahead. Your name is already on the list."
Akira stared at the gate for a few seconds. He took a deep breath, stepped forward... then another.
"There's no turning back now."