Zenin FC (1)

The next morning, Kenshi woke up at 6 a.m., feeling rested and more energized than ever. As he sat up in bed, gazing out the window, his mind drifted back to yesterday's game. The feeling of outsmarting and humiliating his defenders replayed in his thoughts, but alongside the pride was a hunger to do even more. He could have been faster, stronger. He wanted to see what it was like to dismantle his opponents perfectly—to leave them in awe, with no chance of catching up.

"Kenshi!" his mother's voice called from downstairs, pulling him from his thoughts. Without hesitation, Kenshi sprang out of bed and hurried down the stairs, the memory of the game still fresh in his mind.

Downstairs, his mother had already prepared their usual early morning breakfast. Most days, she was busy working 12-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., leaving Kenshi under the care of a hired caretaker. But on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, her three precious off-days, she devoted all her time to Kenshi.

Lately, though, things felt different. Yesterday's game had been a revelation. Kenshi had shown immense potential—raw talent that few could ignore. And his mother was no stranger to the world of soccer. She had seen it all before, through Kensho Kusuo, her late husband. His extraordinary skills had once caught the attention of scouts, both legitimate and fraudulent. Her heart ached at the thought of Kensho, but she knew that she couldn't let her emotions cloud the path ahead for her son.

Kenshi was special. And if she didn't nurture that talent, someone else would. She was determined to be ready for the day when scouts—real ones—inevitably came knocking. She had already started planning a diet for Kenshi, packed with the right nutrients and minerals. She even created a workout plan, one Kenshi already loved doing, not because it was hard, but because he thrived on the challenge. Just like his father.

[]

Kenshi lifted himself onto the stool and looked at his breakfast: a colorful plate filled with everything his mother carefully prepared to fuel his growing body. There were fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs, providing him with essential protein. A slice of whole grain toast sat beside the eggs; its surface lightly spread with almond butter for a dose of healthy fats.

Next to the toast, a small bowl of fresh fruit—blueberries, sliced bananas, and strawberries—added a touch of sweetness, packed with vitamins to help him stay energized throughout the day. His mother also included a small portion of oatmeal drizzled with honey and sprinkled with chia seeds for fiber and long-lasting energy.

For a drink, Kenshi had a glass of fresh orange juice, rich in vitamin C to boost his immune system, and a small glass of water to stay hydrated.

As Kenshi began to dig into his breakfast, savoring every bite of the eggs and sweet fruit, a sudden knock echoed through the house. Kenshi's mother glanced up, her brow furrowing. It was early for visitors, and unannounced ones were rare.

"I'll be right back, sweetheart," she said, giving Kenshi's hair a gentle tousle before heading to the door.

Opening it, she found a tall man in a dark suit. He had a polished air about him, with sleek sunglasses and a black briefcase. His expression was calm and professional, but his presence felt... important.

"Hello, Ms. Kusuo," he began, bowing slightly in greeting. "My name is Raiden, and I'm a scout for Zenin FC. I apologize for the early visit, but I wanted to speak with you briefly about your son, Kenshi."

Her heart skipped a beat at the mention of her son. A scout? Already? She had prepared herself for this day, but now that it had arrived, old anxieties bubbled up—memories of Kensho and the overwhelming attention he had once attracted. She tightened her grip on the door.

"I'm sorry, what exactly is this about?" she asked, keeping her tone neutral, though her nerves were on edge.

Raiden's smile remained warm, but he sensed her guardedness. "I was at the park yesterday and saw your son playing soccer. To be frank, Ms. Kusuo, what I witnessed was remarkable. Kenshi has an extraordinary natural talent, especially for someone so young. Zenin FC is always on the lookout for promising young players, and we'd like to invite him for a trial."

The mention of Zenin FC rang familiar—one of the top youth soccer clubs, well-regarded for turning raw potential into greatness. But her instincts kicked in. She had heard promises like this before, and some came with strings attached. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and her tone grew firmer.

"A trial?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "And what exactly does that involve? Is there any money involved in this process?"

Raiden's face remained composed, though he seemed to expect the question. "No, Ms. Kusuo. There are no fees for the trial or any kind of financial obligation on your part. Zenin FC covers all the costs for training, uniforms, and tournaments. In fact, if Kenshi were to be accepted into the academy, he would receive full support, including a potential stipend for travel and other expenses. We're not here to profit from your son, I assure you."

Her grip on the door loosened slightly, but she didn't let her guard down completely. "And what exactly would you expect from him?"

"We focus on development," Raiden said earnestly. "At his age, it's about nurturing potential, not pushing too hard. Our program is designed to help young players grow at a pace that's healthy for them, both physically and mentally. We would never put undue pressure on Kenshi—he's still a child, and his well-being would come first."

She took a breath, glancing over her shoulder at Kenshi, still blissfully unaware of the conversation as he ate his breakfast. "I appreciate the offer," she said, "but I need time to think about this. My son's future is my priority, and I won't make any decisions lightly."

Raiden gave a respectful nod. "Of course, Ms. Kusuo. Take as much time as you need. Here's my card," he said, handing her a sleek business card with the Zenin FC logo embossed in silver. "When you're ready, give me a call. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you may have, and we can arrange for a no-pressure trial whenever it suits you."

As Raiden turned to leave, Kenshi's mother quietly closed the door, staring down at the card in her hand. The weight of the decision hung heavily in the air. Money, opportunities, promises... She knew all too well how easily they could blind someone. But Kenshi—her Kenshi—wasn't going to be swept into something without her full understanding of the consequences.

She looked back toward the kitchen. For now, she'd focus on what was in front of her, but the future was looming closer than she'd expected.

Kenshi's mother stood silently in the hallway for a moment after closing the door, Raiden's business card still in her hand. The Zenin FC logo gleamed faintly in the morning light, as if taunting her with the promise of greatness for her son. She walked back into the kitchen, her mind racing. This wasn't just about soccer. It was about Kenshi's future, and she wasn't going to let anyone manipulate him, no matter how prestigious the club was.

She watched her son at the breakfast table, his legs swinging slightly under the stool as he finished his meal, completely unaware of the huge decision looming over them.

Zenin FC... Is this really the right step for him?

Kenshi looked up, his face bright with innocence. "Mom, who was that?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Oh, just someone asking about... some opportunities," she said with a soft smile, trying to downplay it for now. "Don't worry about it, sweetheart. Finish your breakfast."

Her smile lingered, but her mind remained clouded. She couldn't make any rash decisions. If Raiden was being truthful about the lack of financial obligation, that was a relief—but it still wasn't enough. She needed more than just promises and fancy logos. If Kenshi was going to take this path, she needed to see it for herself.

Later that day, after she'd dropped Kenshi off with his caretaker, she sat down at the kitchen table with Raiden's card in front of her. She picked up her phone and dialed the number, her thumb hovering over the call button for a moment before she pressed it.

The phone rang twice before Raiden's voice came through, smooth and professional. "Raiden speaking."

"Hello, Mr. Raiden. It's Ayane Kusuo—Kenshi's mother. I've been thinking about what you said earlier, and I appreciate the offer... but I need to see everything before I make a decision." Her voice was steady, but firm. "If Zenin FC is serious about my son, I want a full tour of your facilities. I want to meet your coaches, see the training environment, and get a real sense of how you handle young players."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, followed by Raiden's voice, still calm and respectful. "Absolutely, Ms. Kusuo. I completely understand your need for transparency. We'd be more than happy to arrange a tour for you—and Kenshi, of course. We take pride in how we develop our young athletes, and I think seeing it firsthand will help put your mind at ease."

"When can we come?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of urgency. She wasn't ready to commit yet, but she wanted to get a clear picture before anything moved forward.

"How does this weekend sound? I can personally guide you through the facilities on Saturday. You can meet the coaches, see the fields, and even speak with some of the other parents. We want you to feel confident in your decision," Raiden offered.

Ayane hesitated for a moment. Saturday. She usually spent her weekends focusing on Kenshi, and this would take up a good chunk of time—but she couldn't afford to let her own caution become an obstacle to his growth. "Saturday works," she agreed. "But make sure we see everything."

"You have my word, Ms. Kusuo," Raiden replied. "I'll arrange everything. I look forward to meeting you and Kenshi again."

After the call ended, Ayane leaned back in her chair, her eyes flicking over to the refrigerator where a photo of Kenshi and his father was pinned—a young Kensho Kusuo, beaming proudly after one of his high school soccer matches. It was a bittersweet reminder of the journey her husband had started but never finished. She wasn't about to let Kenshi walk that same road blindly.

One Week Later: The Tour of Zenin FC

A week had passed since Ayane first spoke with Raiden, and during that time, she had carefully considered the offer from Zenin FC. Kenshi, on the other hand, had been buzzing with excitement. Every day, he would ask his mother when they would visit the "big soccer place," his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Finally, the day had come.

As Ayane and Kenshi arrived at the Zenin FC complex, they were greeted by Raiden, who stood waiting near the entrance, accompanied by several individuals in professional sports attire. This time, Raiden had ditched the formal trench coat and fedora for a more casual look, dressed in Zenin FC's official colors—black and silver—showing that he was now fully representing the club.

"Welcome back, Ms. Kusuo! Kenshi!" Raiden said with a warm smile, extending his hand as they approached. Kenshi shyly waved while Ayane gave a polite nod. "We've been looking forward to this all week."

"Thank you, Raiden. Kenshi's been talking about this non-stop," Ayane responded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'm still not fully decided, but we're here to see if Zenin FC is truly the right place for him."

"And that's exactly why we've gathered the best to give you the full experience," Raiden replied. "Let me introduce you to some of the key people who will be guiding Kenshi's journey, should you decide to let him join us."

Raiden turned to the group standing beside him. A man in his late thirties stepped forward first, his hair slicked back and a sharp, calculating look in his eyes. He wore a whistle around his neck and carried a clipboard under his arm.

"This is Coach Haruto Ishida," Raiden began, gesturing toward the man. "He's our head youth coach and the one who would personally oversee Kenshi's development. Coach Haruto is one of the most experienced youth trainers in the country, known for his ability to nurture raw talent."

Haruto extended his hand to Ayane, his grip firm and confident. "Ms. Kusuo, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about Kenshi's performance on the field last week. If what I've been told is true, he has some extraordinary potential."

Ayane nodded, impressed by his professionalism but still cautious. "Thank you, Coach. I appreciate your interest in my son, but as you can understand, I need to see how things operate here."

"Of course," Haruto said with a slight smile. "I wouldn't expect anything less. We'll show you everything today."

Next, Raiden introduced a tall, athletic woman with short hair and an intense gaze. She wore a Zenin FC tracksuit, her posture as sharp as her tone when she spoke.

"This is Coach Yumi Nakamura," Raiden said. "She specializes in strength and conditioning for our youth players. Kenshi's physical development will be just as important as his technical skills, and Coach Yumi will ensure he's building the strength, agility, and endurance needed to compete at the highest levels."

Yumi gave a quick nod, her expression serious but respectful. "I've worked with a lot of talented young athletes. We take a holistic approach to training here—mentally, physically, and emotionally. If Kenshi joins us, I'll make sure he's not just a skilled player, but a well-rounded athlete."

Ayane acknowledged Yumi's words, her interest piqued by the well-rounded approach. "It's good to know that the focus isn't just on the technical side."

"And lastly, this is our youth development manager, Akira Fujimoto," Raiden said, introducing a middle-aged man with graying hair and a calm demeanor. He had an air of quiet authority and wore an understated smile.

Akira stepped forward and greeted Ayane with a polite bow. "Ms. Kusuo, I oversee the entire youth program here at Zenin FC. My job is to ensure that every young player's journey is aligned with both their personal goals and the club's philosophy. We don't believe in rushing talent. Kenshi's development will be carefully managed, at a pace that's right for him."

He then looked down at Kenshi, who was standing quietly beside his mother. "And Kenshi, you're already showing a lot of promise. But remember, even the best players train hard every day. Are you ready for that?"

Kenshi nodded eagerly. "Yes! I want to get better!"

Ayane chuckled softly at her son's enthusiasm, but she quickly turned her attention back to the adults. "I appreciate all of your introductions. Now, I'd like to see what all this talk is about. Can we begin the tour?"

"Absolutely," Raiden said. "We'll start with the training grounds."

[]

The group made their way through the complex, starting with the outdoor fields where several youth teams were already practicing. The grass was perfectly maintained, and the players moved with a precision that spoke of discipline and quality training. Coach Haruto explained the layout of the fields, noting that the youth teams were given access to the same training facilities as the senior squad. "We want our youth players to get used to the professional environment early on. This field is where Kenshi would spend most of his time developing his core skills."

Next, they visited the indoor training center, where Coach Yumi took the lead. The space was filled with state-of-the-art equipment: resistance machines, treadmills, agility ladders, and various stations designed for strength training. "We focus on building the body just as much as the mind," Yumi said as they walked past a group of players lifting weights under a trainer's watchful eye. "Kenshi's still young, so we won't overload him, but we'll start building his foundation early."

Ayane nodded, carefully absorbing all the information. She appreciated that they weren't going to push Kenshi too hard right away.

They moved on to the recovery and rehabilitation center, where players relaxed in massage chairs and dunked their legs in cold tubs after grueling sessions. Coach Haruto pointed out the importance of recovery in preventing injuries. "We take care of our players here. They need to recover properly so they can keep improving without setbacks."

Finally, they entered the strategy room—an area lined with whiteboards and digital screens where players analyzed game footage. Akira took the lead in explaining this part of the training. "Soccer isn't just physical, it's mental. We teach our players to study the game. Kenshi will learn not just how to execute plays, but why certain strategies work. We want our players to think on their feet, not just react."

After the tour ended, Raiden brought them back to the lounge where they had started, offering Ayane and Kenshi a moment to reflect. "This is everything Zenin FC has to offer," Raiden said. "We understand that this is a big decision, Ms. Kusuo. But I hope what you've seen today has reassured you of our commitment to Kenshi's development—both as a player and as a person."

Ayane sat quietly for a moment, glancing at Kenshi, who was still wide-eyed from the tour. He was practically bouncing with excitement, ready to jump onto the field right then and there. She could see the hunger in his eyes, the same hunger Kensho once had.

"This is an incredible facility, I'll admit," she said, looking back at Raiden and the coaches. "I've seen how professional and structured everything is here, and I can tell you're serious about nurturing talent. But I want to make one thing clear: Kenshi is still a child. I don't want him pushed too hard too fast or made to feel like he's carrying the weight of the world. His happiness comes first."

Coach Haruto nodded. "We understand. His development will be handled with care."

Ayane took a deep breath and smiled. "Alright. I'm willing to give it a try. But we'll be taking it step by step."

Kenshi's face lit up with joy, and Raiden's professional smile softened with satisfaction. "We're honored that you're trusting us with Kenshi's future, Ms. Kusuo. Welcome to Zenin FC, Kenshi."