Chapter 2:
The sun peeked through the grey clouds of Düsseldorf. Streets were quiet. Spring was here, but it still felt cold.
Haru sat alone on a bench, watching kids play football at a park nearby. He wasn't part of the game. He didn't mind.
His eyes followed every pass. Every mistake. Every movement.
Not with judgment—just... curiosity.
He could see what others couldn't.
Who was holding the ball too long.
Who missed the best pass.
Who was wasting space.
He wasn't playing. But in his mind, he was part of it all.
Someone sat next to him. A tall man, serious face, dark jacket.
"Your name's Haru, right?"
Haru looked at him. "Yeah."
"I'm Kiyoshi. Coach. I've watched you for a while."
"You see the game differently."
Haru stayed quiet.
"You've never played in a club," Kiyoshi said. "You're not registered anywhere. You're just… watching."
Haru looked back at the field. "I don't like teams that don't work together. I don't want to be part of that."
Kiyoshi nodded. "Good answer. That's why I want you to come to Berlin."
Haru turned to him. "Why?"
"There's a project starting. Only the best minds and talents will survive. You won't just play football. You'll fight to become the best. With others. Against others. Alone, sometimes. Together, sometimes."
Haru didn't say anything. He watched a boy miss a simple pass.
"I'll go," Haru finally said.
Kiyoshi stood up. "Train leaves tomorrow."
Haru looked up at the sky.
He didn't smile. He didn't feel scared.
Something inside just... clicked.
This was the start.