It has been six months since Sae has gone. At last, he understood why things were not going well. Neither their coach nor his other teammates have the slightest idea of Rin's image of play in his head.
If it was Nii-chan, he would have made a pass here....
He thought so many times during today's practice. He jumped out in front of the goal to a position where I said, "Here!" but his teammates were like, "Huh?" "There?". Also, Their coach would scold him when he needed to, saying "Rin! What are you doing! Watch the ball properly!"
I could have just scored directly now,!
Even when he gets a pass, his timing is a step or two behind. He didn't realize it because he was doing combination plays with Sae for so long, but it is because Sae is a genius that Rin can share his image with him. Even in a high-level club team, no one could handle Rin's moves. That's why Rin's the only one that feels left out. He recalls a conversation with Sae.
"... What will you do when I'm not around?"
"I don't know but, I guess I'll look for a replacement."
At that time, he said it without thinking, but now he understands. No one can replace Sae. That's why as soon as there were no last passes from Sae, Rin couldn't score a goal anymore.
What should I do.....
On the way home from practice. As he walks along the road by the sea, he lets out a sigh. He sits down by himself at the embankment where Sae and him used to eat popsicles. The sun has set so early that the sky is already turning dark blue. The monotonous sound of the waves makes him feel sad and depressed. Ah, if only Niichan was here.....I could have scored as many goals as I want...
The Itoshi Brothers are invincible. With Sae gone, he doesn't think he would be able to play so well. No matter how much he practices and improves his shooting accuracy, it is meaningless if he can't score in a game. A striker who can't score is not a striker.
Come to think of it, my first goal was also a pass from Niichan...
He remembers being taken to a game by Sae a long time ago. Rin was still small, playing monsters and hero toys all the time, but Sae was already famous as an "8-year-old soccer prodigy". On the field, Sae did a great job.
"Stop him! What the hell's with this guy!?"
"Get everyone over there!"
Opposing players who are much bigger than Sae try to stop him from dribbling. Then, he quickly overtakes them then Twack! he shoots. His opponents were like "He got us!" while his allies are "You're amazing, Sae!". After watching Sae's games several times, Rin became fascinated with soccer, or rather of Sae's play.
That day. Rin was waiting for the game to end while playing with monsters and hero toys on the side of the field, but before he knew it, he was glued to Sae's play. The whole opposing team was trying to stop Sae, but they couldn't, they were so busy to properly deal with him.
Me too... I wonder if I could be like him...
He wants to be strong and cool like his Niichan. He clearly remembers thinking that. In the second half of the match, Sae, who was being marked by two opponents, slipped out to the side with his splendid dribbling. From there, he made a high pass to his teammate in front of the goal. It was a brilliant side
"You're in front of the goal! Burst in!", the coach shouted.
"Can't reach "
"I can't do it, Coach...!"
However, his teammates couldn't keep up with him at all, and they could only look away at the ball. Into a space where no one else is, just before it falls. This ball..... It's a pass. It went into the goal. It was Rin who kicked it. That was his first ever goal.
...It went in.
He didn't know what happened, but the next thing he knew, he was jumping into the field and taking a direct shot. Suddenly, a little kid broke into the game and kicked the ball, causing a commotion among the players.
"Hey, who's this little prick!"
"Damn prick! Don't come in here on your own!!"
Rin knew that he was not allowed to enter the field during the game. But his body reacted on its own. To the pass of his Niichan. His Niichan came to him with a frightening look on his face.
"I'm sorry... Niichan, I...."
This is bad. He's gonna be mad because I interfered with the game. That's what he thought, but.....
"You're amazing, Rin."
With a grim face, Sae patted his head.
"Play soccer with me. You can be the best, next to me."
Rustle rustle.
"...Okay."
He was so happy to be praised by his super cool Niichan. From that day on, Sae and Rin's dreams were set. Sae is the best striker in the world and Rin is the second best striker in the world. Then, to win the World Cup. Sae has already taken a big step towards that dream.
And yet, I am.....
He feels he is regressing rather than stepping back.
...Don't give up while I'm gone.
He thought he heard Sae's voice.
"I won't give up," he says to Sae, who is far away across the sea. But, what should he do? Rin, who is still eleven years old, doesn't know. Looking at the night sea, Rin let out another big sigh