My uncle is Filippo Inzaghi

Author's Note: For this story, the characters' names have been adapted to French. mc's father is french-chinese while his mother is italian 

June 29, 2012

Milan, Italy

Vismara Sports Center, Medical Department

"Doctor, how is my son doing?"

A middle-aged man of Asian descent asked with a worried expression.

Casapa Marino, the chief medical officer of the Vismara Sports Center, frowned, making the two middle-aged men and a young man next to him even more anxious.

"Doctor Marino, will I keep growing taller?" 

Louis Dupont's voice trembled with uncertainty.

Louis, born on May 30, 1995, was 17 years old and already stood at 6'2 ft. While tall for his age, it wasn't unprecedented. However, six months ago, he was only 5'6 ft tall. A growth spurt of 20 centimeters in such a short time was alarming.

Louis's father, Jean Dupont, originally from Guangdong Province, was deeply worried. If diagnosed with gigantism, Louis's football career—and even his life expectancy—could be in jeopardy.

Six months ago, Louis was a rising star at AC Milan's youth academy at the Vismara Sports Center. His speed and sharpness in play caught the eye of his uncle, Filippo Inzaghi, the head coach of AC Milan's youth team. But this sudden growth spurt changed everything. His speed diminished, his balance altered, and his ball control deteriorated. Coaches began to doubt his future in football.

"Don't worry," Dr. Marino finally said. "Based on the examination, it seems your height will stabilize at 6'2."

Louis sighed with relief. 

"6'2," Jean murmured as they left the medical department. "None of our ancestors have been this tall."

Feeling a weight lifted, Louis joked, "Dad, are you sure we don't need a paternity test?"

Jean chuckled, "Even if we did, you'd still be my son. You look just like your mother."

Father and son felt much lighter, grateful that at least Louis's health was no longer in question.

At that moment, a mechanical voice echoed in Louis's mind.

"[Filippo Inzaghi's Goal-Scoring Instinct Module] Fusion Progress: 100%!"

Louis's thoughts raced. Half a year ago, he had received a mysterious [Football Bond System], which claimed to boost his football abilities. The first module he received was his uncle's goal-scoring instinct, but the integration process had been slow. It coincided with his growth spurt, leading him to suspect a connection.

"100% fusion... does this mean I fully inherit my uncle's abilities?" Louis wondered, checking the system.

__________

Family Bond: Filippo Inzaghi's nephew 

Bond Acquisition Module: Goal-Scoring Instinct 

Fusion Progress: 100%

__________

Over the past six months, following his uncle's advice, Louis had been training to adapt to his new body and transitioning to a striker role. Progress was slow but promising. Inzaghi saw potential in Louis, noting his sharp instincts and agility.

"You should watch videos of my games," Inzaghi said, patting his nephew's shoulder. "Becoming a poacher could secure your place in professional football. With your height, if you work on your physicality and heading, you might surpass me one day."

"I just want him to be healthy," Jean interjected. Professional football seemed secondary to Louis's wellbeing.

Jean had a backup plan. If football didn't work out, Louis could always go to college and eventually take over the family's successful leather shoe business in Europe. Louis might not become a football star, but inheriting a prosperous business was not a bad alternative.