Another 143: A dream within reach

JAPAN, TWO WEEKS LATER. JPFA TRYOUTS. THESE TRYOUTS ARE A CHANCE FOR PLAYERS WITHOUT A PRO CONTRACT YET TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF JAPAN'S SCOUTS AND TRAINERS, AND OCCASIONALLY...


Well, here we go... Just like he told me to...

Just heal that leg and go to the JPFA tryouts at the end of January.
My leg should be fine, I can hope for a J2 contract and with the money I can do some trips to the USA...

So, is there any player catching your eye, mister Brown?
I'm not sure, mister Katagiri... I expected something more...

Maybe I can give you some advice, then...
Ah... Mister Brown, allow me to introduce the pride of Japan... The young noble of the field, Misugi Jun...

It'd be hard not to know him, I need someone of his caliber. You aren't under contract yet?
I'm afraid that some... Circumstances will prevent me from playing oversea...

But I believe that guy over there... With the headband... Is exactly what you need. His style is plain, but
don't let that fool you. He can get things done, he's a hard worker, and I can assure you he'll be extremely enthusiast no matter your conditions...

We'll see... Bring him over, Mister Katagiri, I'll talk to him.
...... As you want.

... Care to tell me why you are doing this, Misugi?
I'd like to say because he's one of the victims of the press you're manipulating, mister Katagiri...

Saying his team was lucky I wasn't at my best when we played each other in the prince Takamado cup...
... In order to protect your reputation, the inspiration of Japan's next age, yeah... But it isn't because of that, then?

... It's much more selfish. This way he won't be in my way in the J-League...
I see, so you're saying it's to our advantage...

This is... To protect your reputation... And give you more chances to win the J-League...

You... Matsuyama... Hikaru, right? I'd like you to go speak to mister Brown over there...
Over there? Okay... (Hmmm... He doesn't look like a japanese scout...)

And I strongly... advise you... To accept whatever he's proposing you...
...... (What is this about...)

Come here, boy, I hope you can speak english?
Uh? Yes... A little...

I'm a scout for the Seattle sounders... We want to strengthen our team in the years to come...
!! Y... Yes?

I'll be frank though, we aren't offering you a pro contract, but an athletics scholarship in our
academy, if you succeed in our standardized test beforehand... And even if you do it might be a long way before you can become a pro, but... The opportunity will be there.

I know it's a difficult decision, so take your time and...
Yess! Sankyuu belly macchi!!

............ Maybe you'll have to take extensive english courses as well...

AND JUST LIKE THAT, MATSUYAMA SUDDENLY BECAME THE ONE CLOSEST TO ACCOMPLISH HIS DREAM... ONE, HOWEVER, THAT COULD EXTEND THE TIME HE'D NEED TO BECOME A PRO... AND WOULD HE EVEN BE ABLE TO MAKE HIS DREAM A LASTING ONE?


BECAUSE EVEN IF YOU CAN SOMEWHAT REACH YOUR DREAM, IT CAN BE SHATTERED MUCH MORE EASILY...