Chapter 1: Prologue
"Don't push too far forward! Stay in line! Good! Spread out to the sides!"
A young player skillfully evaded the opposing full-back and immediately sent in a cross.
The ball curled beautifully into the box.
The opposing goalkeeper rushed out and punched it away with his hands.
The trajectory was good, but since the ball had been sent into a crowded area, it was difficult for a teammate to receive it.
Still, it was not a bad attempt.
Kai clapped and shouted for his players to stay focused until the end.
"Press hard! Don't let them pass! Yes! Nice!"
After a strong high press, a young player intercepted the ball and sent it into the corner of the net.
It was already the team's fifth goal.
As expected of a team that was dominating the youth league, today's match was another high-scoring affair.
Kai gave a thumbs-up to the celebrating young players and casually put both hands into his pants pockets.
The game was completely one-sided.
Like fish trapped in a fish farm, the opponents were relentlessly beaten down.
Kai's tactics were simple.
Fast passing, constant movement, and an organic, creative attacking build-up.
"At first, they all struggled, but now they've adapted quite well."
He recalled how much effort it had taken to ingrain this possession-based football into their minds and bodies, starting from the defensive zone.
The players were lost, and the results were terrible—if not for his impressive career, he would have faced strong protests from the parents.
But Kai pushed forward with determination.
After all, build-up play was now the foundation of modern football.
If they didn't master it properly, they would struggle not just in Europe but even in the domestic league.
There was a reason people said that when young players entered the professional league, they had to learn everything from scratch.
Kai wanted to change things from the ground up.
He wanted to pass on everything he had learned from his experience in European football to the next generation.
Fortunately, the kids trusted him and followed his guidance, which had brought them this far.
"If I didn't have my career, this wouldn't have been possible."
Kai watched the kids play happily and smiled bitterly.
Beep! Beep beep!
Full-time. 5-0.
Kai praised his players while also pointing out areas for improvement.
"Your movement is still too chaotic, so try to be more efficient."
"Yes, coach!"
"You rely too much on long passes. While accurate long passes are good, your success rate isn't very high. So for now, focus on short passes and actively use your teammates."
"Understood!"
"Alright, everyone! Good work today. Pack up, get your icing done if needed, and go home. Make sure to read the materials I gave you, and I'll see you in two days."
"Yes, coach!"
"Coach!"
"What is it?"
The kid scratched his head and smiled sheepishly.
"Hehe… Can I get your autograph?"
The other kids rushed over with papers and pens, also asking for signatures.
Kai happily obliged.
"Did your parents ask for it?"
"More like my dad."
"What's your dad's name?"
"Riku Amamiya."
"Here you go."
"Thank you! My dad is a big fan of yours!"
"Really? He should've asked for it sooner."
The kid scratched his head again.
"Actually… I didn't know who you were until recently."
"That makes sense."
These kids were only 16 years old.
When Kai was at his peak, most of them hadn't even been born yet.
The kid's eyes sparkled as he continued.
"I happened to see some videos of you playing the other day."
"Oh? What did you think?"
With a dreamy expression, the kid spoke.
"It was dazzling. I couldn't believe Japan had a player like you. Really… truly incredible."
"Yeah! In video games, your stats seemed too high, but after watching the videos, I get why!"
Kai chuckled.
"Is that so?"
"Coach! I always knew! I knew you were an amazing player!"
"Yeah! They just weren't paying attention! How can you play football and not know about Kai Arata?"
"Well, I suppose…"
"Alright, enough talking! Hurry up and clean up."
"Yes, coach!"
Kai left the post-match cleanup to the coaching staff and returned to his office.
"'Dazzling,' huh? That's true."
A bitter smile formed on his lips.
Like the kids had said, Kai's playing career had been dazzling, sensational, and full of promise.
At the age of seven, he moved to England with his parents and joined Arsenal's academy.
Labeled a football prodigy, he rapidly advanced through the youth ranks.
At 16 years and 103 days old, he became the youngest player to debut for Arsenal in the Premier League.
During the 2011-12 season, he played 22 matches, recording 6 goals and 10 assists, winning the Young Player of the Year award.
In the 2012-13 season, he helped Arsenal secure a league and FA Cup double.
He played 50 matches, scoring 17 goals and providing 24 assists.
He became the first Japnese player to win the Premier League's assist title.
Dubbed the "Japnese Zidane," he was selected for the Japnese national team.
In the 2013-14 season, he won a second consecutive league title and was named Premier League Player of the Year.
53 matches, 18 goals, 16 assists.
An unstoppable rise.
"In the 2014 Brazil World Cup, we reached the quarterfinals."
At just 18 years old, Kai's performances earned widespread praise.
Like his nickname, the "Japnese Zidane," his elegant playmaking mesmerized European football.
Unlike traditional playmakers, who were often small and physically weak, Kai combined graceful technique with a tall and strong physique, never shying away from physical battles.
Passing, tempo control, ball progression, creative vision, directional changes, exceptional technique, ball retention, and shooting ability—his play was reminiscent of Zidane.
Of course, there were differences.
Zidane had been criticized for his defensive shortcomings, but Kai displayed excellent defensive awareness.
In terms of technical skill, Zidane had the edge.
In terms of defense and stamina, Kai had the advantage.
That was the objective evaluation from football experts.
"I thought I was at the top."
But his flight didn't last long.
During the 2014-15 season, disaster struck.
While progressing the ball, he suffered a horrific tackle that shattered his ankle.
His bone was visible through his torn skin.
"…"
Kai collapsed in agony and was stretchered off with an oxygen mask.
The injury was so severe that many believed he would never fly again.
But he refused to give up.
He was still young, and his future was bright.
After a grueling rehabilitation, he made a miraculous return 18 months later.
However, he had lost his touch.
He struggled in physical battles he once dominated.
Lacking confidence, the passing lanes he once saw so clearly were now hidden from him.
The artistic elegance of his play had vanished.
"I had to change my style."
Gone were the dazzling dribbles and tricks.
Instead, he adopted a stable, solid approach, orchestrating play from deep.
His performances improved, and his confidence returned.
He believed that if he adapted, he could still compete.
But then came another injury.
This time, a torn ACL.
Once again, he endured surgery and rehabilitation.
Painful, grueling days.
Kai refused to break.
Though everyone thought he was finished, he returned once more.
He changed his playstyle yet again, making his game simpler to avoid injuries.
And it worked—this time, he stayed on the field longer.
Though no longer spectacular, he remained effective.
But injuries continued to haunt him.
A shin injury.
A hamstring tear.
Injury. Rehabilitation. Injury. Rehabilitation. Injury.
His body was breaking down, and his love for football was fading.
Eventually, at just 28 years old, he retired.
Despite protests from those around him, his mind was made up.
He was exhausted.
After retiring, he trained as a coach at Arsenal.
He quickly proved his abilities and gained recognition, nurturing young talents.
Now, he had returned to Japan, dedicating himself to developing Japnese football.
As he reminisced, a wave of regret washed over him.
If only I hadn't been injured.
But the past was unchangeable.
Kai shook his head and turned to a football research paper on his computer.
His inbox had 49 unread emails.
Among them, a peculiar one caught his eye.
[Do you wish to turn back time?]
There was no sender.
A prank email?
The subject felt oddly personal, making him uncomfortable.
But deep inside, he had dreamed of this countless times.
"If I could, I would."
Without hesitation, he clicked the email.
Suddenly, an intense light blinded him.
Kai lost consciousness.