Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 26

–April 2028, Japan.

2nd leg at WWK Arena.

This night, too, was an unusually lively event in Japan.

[Naoe Ren vs Onizuka Hayato] Round 2.

The live commentary, the studio, and social media all focused on this showdown.

[Real-time reactions during the game]

⚽️30 minutes into the first half──Ren scores the opening goal after a side change!

“Woohoo! Naoe, that’s seriously amazing!!”

“Naoe is on edge today.”

“Maybe a miracle will happen from here…!”

⚽️Onizuka was brought in in the second half.

“Here it comes… Onizuka’s pressure.”

“But good luck, Naoe! You two are amazing.”

⚽️The match ended 1-0 (lost 2-4 on aggregate).

“Damn it… But I’m proud.”

“I didn’t win, but this is the first time I’ve seen Naoe like this.”

“Augsburg was a really good team…”

On social media,

#Naoe Ren #Miracle of Augsburg #White Night

There are hashtags like,

Along with voices praising Onizuka’s star performance, there was also an abundance of praise for Naoe and Augsburg.

–And then, Augsburg.

The stands at WWK Arena.

In an atmosphere as hot as that of the final game, the supporters stood up and applauded the players.

The group of middle-aged people in the back stands was particularly vocal.

“See, you saw our Augsburg?”

“Did I lose? It doesn’t matter! I’m back as the world champion with my head held high!”

An elderly couple wearing old scarves also quietly wiped away tears.

“You’ve shown me a dream…”

“Yeah, that’s more than enough.”

——————————————————————————-

After the season ends.

Everywhere in Augsburg, people were heard reflecting on this season.

A cafe in front of the station, a bench near the stadium, and an old pub.

“It’s unbelievable… that we’re playing against Real Madrid in the Champions League and that we’ll be going there again next year.”

“And what’s more, Naoe, a Japanese man, was in charge of the midfield and performed so well against the world champion…”

The man spoke with a flushed face.

Someone is sipping their beer with deep emotion.

“He gave hope to Augsburg.”

However──

Along with hope, there was also a shadow quietly creeping up.

As soon as the off-season began, rumors about the transfer market began to fly.

Captain and defensive mainstay Philip, whose contract expires this summer, is close to a move to a Premier League team.

Key winger Lopez, whose contract is also expiring, wants to return to his home country.

German powerhouses Bayern Munich and Dortmund, as well as Premier League teams, are said to be interested in Fudorikh, a midfielder who plays in the same role as young ace Weidemann and Ren.

Ren has also received contact from clubs both in Japan and abroad.

“…Are you leaving again?”

“I came all the way here…”

“But there’s the Champions League.”

“The salary is in a different league and offers are coming from clubs that can play in the Champions League.”

“It seems that Ren has also received an offer.”

In a corner of the cafe, young supporters had their heads down.

“But, Ren…”

“Ren still has a few years left on his contract, so I think he’ll give it his all here.”

Everyone nodded at those words, as if seeking some small bit of relief.

The miracle may not last.

nevertheless.

In this city,

Quietly, surely, hope was lit.

On the exterior wall of the WWK Arena,

A poster that someone had left hanging was swaying in the wind.

[REN──UNSERE STILLE KRAFT]

–“Our Quiet Power”

The letters, shining through the spring light,

It shone gently and powerfully, symbolizing the past two years.