Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 18.5

–May 2028.

Augsburg, SGL Arena.

A historic final night.

Among the group of veteran local supporters was an elderly couple.

They each had an old red and green scarf wrapped around their necks.

The two have supported Augsburg for many years.

He always shouted at the front lines, and continued to come to this seat no matter how many times he lost.

The grey-haired man took off his hat with trembling hands.

He gently holds the hand of the petite woman standing next to him.

“It feels like a dream…”

“We’re in the Champions League…”

The woman said nothing, just wiped her eyes.

The two of them were quiet, just quiet, their shoulders pressed together.

—————————————————————————

There was a group gathered in a corner of the stadium’s back stand.

“Did you see that header?”

“My boy did it!”

“…Your name is Naoe Ren, right?”

In his hands was an old white cloth and a red and black spray can.

“I’m glad we made it in time. Tonight–we’re going to celebrate!”

“‘REN’ alone is enough! Let it resonate throughout the world!”

Awkward alphabet.

–《REN》

The excitement that enveloped the stadium did not die down even after the game ended.

Everyone was putting their arms around each other, singing, and raising their beers.

Cars passing by honk, nd flags flutter from balconies.

“Philippe! Lopez! Kemmer! Weidemann! Friedrich! Naoe! It’s Champions League!”

“We made history!!”

Joy, enthusiasm, and a true sense of pride.

A future that was unimaginable just a few years ago.

At this very moment, the city of Augsburg was alive.

and,

The young men spoke as they folded up the worn banner.

“Ren, you might be able to travel the world.”

“We were the first to shout, ‘REN!'”

“I’ll never forget this night”.

Laughing and crying.

They disappeared into the night.

Meanwhile, in Japan.

Late at night.

Several particularly eye-catching articles appear on the smartphone timeline.

[Augsburg qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history – winning goal by Naoe Ren]

On social media, the tags #NaoeRen #StillHunter #CLParticipant were trending.

Fans were flooded with comments.

“Naoe, you’re amazing after all…”

“He was a talented player even in his youth days, but I never thought he’d make it this far.”

“Ever since I won the Newcomer Award, I’ve thought I have a lot of room to grow.”

“Just call the A national team!”

On the other hand, there were some calmer voices.

“They’re a mid-level Bundesliga club, and he hasn’t played every game, so I’ll have to wait and see how he establishes himself as a member of the national team.”

“But this performance is the real deal. His speed of decision-making and range are particularly impressive.”

“Just because someone plays overseas doesn’t mean they’ll be pampered right away, but Naoe is getting stronger.”

In the highlight video,

He calmly took his position, read the ball perfectly, and smashed it in with his header, a feat that was repeated over and over again.

It’s modest, but it has a definite presence.

That message was conveyed.

Once shining brightly in the J-League,

A boy who was expected to have a bright future on the youth national team,

Finally, we have stepped into the “next stage.”

It was a night that was felt by soccer fans all over Japan.