Chapter 40: The Blueprint

Rahmat sat in his office at Kenilworth Road, the faint hum of activity from the training grounds filtering through his open window. His desk was a battlefield of scattered papers—player reports, match analysis, and the tactical breakdowns he'd been obsessing over. At the center of it all was invisible screen, the Dream Manager System glowing faintly on the screen. It was a tool unlike any other, but it wasn't magic that would keep Luton Town in the Premier League—it was planning, execution, and teamwork.

Rahmat leaned back, staring at the system's interface. The points he'd earned from the Brighton victory were significant, but he'd already spent most of them reinforcing his squad and enhancing the skills of his core players. Now, the challenge was integrating those skills into training schedules without disrupting the team's cohesion.

His phone buzzed, jolting him from his thoughts. The name flashing on the screen was Henderson, Luton's lead scout and someone Rahmat had come to trust deeply. Rahmat picked up immediately.

"Morning, Henderson," Rahmat greeted. "What's the latest?"

Henderson's voice crackled with energy. "Morning, boss. I've been looking into players who can give us that extra edge. With the transfer window open, we've got some decent names on the radar. I've sent you a list—check your email."

Rahmat opened his laptop, toggling away from the Dream Manager System to pull up the email. The list was extensive, divided by position and potential fit for Luton's playstyle.

Potential Signings:

1. Kenta Yamato - Defensive midfielder, age 23, known for stamina and tackling (Japanese second division).

2. Mateo Velasquez - Right-back, age 25, excellent crossing and overlapping runs (Chilean league).

3. Aaliyah Mendes - Versatile winger, age 21, pace and agility (Portuguese league).

4. Tariq Adama - Striker, age 20, raw talent with aerial dominance (Ghanaian local league).

Rahmat's eyes lingered on Kenta Yamato's profile. A defensive midfielder could be the anchor Luton needed to solidify their shape against more aggressive Premier League sides.

"Good work, Henderson," Rahmat said. "Yamato looks promising. How's his temperament?"

"Hardworking and disciplined," Henderson replied. "A bit rough around the edges tactically, but he's coachable."

Rahmat nodded, already imagining Yamato in Luton's setup. "Alright, I'll review the others, but let's prioritize Yamato. Reach out to his club and see if they're willing to negotiate."

"Consider it done."

The call ended, and Rahmat leaned back, his thoughts drifting to the Dream Manager System. It wasn't just about scouting the right players—his existing squad needed to maximize their potential with the skills he'd unlocked.

---

That afternoon, Rahmat called a meeting with his coaching staff. Steve Rutter, his trusted assistant, and Mina, the team's agent, were already seated when he walked into the room. A large whiteboard stood behind them, its surface blank and waiting.

"We're at a critical juncture," Rahmat began, addressing the group. "We've had phenomenal wins, but the league isn't going to stay static. Teams are adapting to us. If we don't evolve, we'll get left behind."

He turned to Rutter. "Steve, I've outlined a new training schedule. I want to integrate specialized drills for individual skills while maintaining our overall team cohesion."

Rutter raised an eyebrow. "Specialized drills? For what exactly?"

Rahmat picked up a marker and began writing on the board, listing each player and their assigned skills:

1. Barou Shoei - Panther Shot (focus on precision and mastery).

2. Aoyama - Spatial Awareness (enhancing field vision and decision-making).

3. Eli Carter - Acrobatic Dribble (tight-space maneuvering and flair).

4. Wakabayashi Genzo - Advanced Reflex Training (reaction speed and aerial dominance).

"These aren't just basic drills," Rahmat explained. "They're tailored to each player's strengths and areas for improvement. For Barou, we'll set up shooting stations with moving targets to hone the Panther Shot. For Aoyama, I want positional exercises where he anticipates multiple scenarios before executing a pass."

Rutter nodded slowly. "It's ambitious, but doable. We'll need to extend training hours for this to work."

Rahmat turned to Mina. "I need you to ensure the players don't get overwhelmed with off-field commitments. Their focus has to be on the pitch."

Mina smirked. "Don't worry, boss. I'll keep the media and sponsors in check."

---

Training in Action

The next day, the team gathered on the training pitch. The energy was palpable as Rahmat outlined the new schedule. Barou stood near the center, arms crossed, his expression one of intrigue.

"Moving targets, huh?" Barou muttered as he approached Rahmat. "You really think this'll make my Panther Shot better?"

Rahmat met his gaze, unwavering. "Not just better. Unstoppable."

That seemed to do the trick. Barou's smirk widened as he jogged off to his station.

The drills began in earnest. Barou worked with Rutter on a series of targets that moved unpredictably across the goal. At first, his shots were erratic, either overshooting or missing entirely. Frustration flickered in his eyes.

"Focus on the movement, not just the power," Rutter advised. "You're trying to hit a bullseye, not break the goal."

Barou gritted his teeth, his determination visible. By the end of the session, he managed to hit three out of five targets with precision, his Panther Shot improving with each attempt.

Meanwhile, Aoyama's drill focused on simulated game scenarios. Cones marked out defensive and offensive zones, with teammates acting as opposition players. Rahmat personally monitored Aoyama, who moved with his trademark composure, scanning the field and delivering inch-perfect passes.

"Brilliant, Aoyama!" Rahmat called. "Keep your head up and anticipate the second wave!"

Wakabayashi's session was equally intense. He faced a barrage of shots from varying angles, his reflexes tested to their limit. Despite the pressure, he made save after save, his movements a blur of precision.

Eli Carter's Acrobatic Dribble was the most dynamic. Paired with Arhan in a one-on-one exercise, Eli showcased his improved flair, weaving past the defender with a combination of stepovers and feints.

Arhan laughed after being beaten. "Alright, Eli, I see you. But don't get too cocky—I'll get you next time."

---

Evening Reflections

As the sun set over Kenilworth Road, Rahmat stood by the pitch, watching his players wind down. The day had been grueling but productive. Barou's Panther Shot was sharper, Aoyama's awareness was even more fluid, and Eli's dribbling had gained a new edge.

Steve Rutter approached, holding a clipboard. "Long day," he remarked.

Rahmat nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Long, but worth it. They're starting to believe in themselves—and in each other."

Rutter glanced at the field, where the players were joking and laughing, the camaraderie evident. "You've built something special here, Rahmat. Let's keep it going."

As Rahmat walked back to his office, his phone buzzed again. It was Henderson.

"Yamato's club is open to negotiations," Henderson reported. "They're asking for a reasonable transfer fee."

Rahmat's smile widened. "Good. Let's bring him in."

The pieces were falling into place, and for the first time, Rahmat allowed himself to feel the weight of what he'd achieved. Luton Town was no longer just surviving in the Premier League—they were thriving. And with the right moves, they might just shock the world.