Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 33

──Tuesday, September 12, 2028, after the end of the 2nd round of the Asian final qualifying round for the World Cup vs. Oman

📱 20:57 (during the match, Japan time)

@BlueSamurai_JP

“Ren’s coverage is amazing.”

“Do you have magnets in the ground or something?”

@foot_nation

“Kai cuts the grass and Ren distributes it. I like this middle part.”

@Oman local spectators

“It was too hot on the pitch. But Kai and Ren kept moving for the entire 90 minutes.”

“Onizuka scored a great goal, but the real MVPs are the two midfielders and Tomita.”

🗣 Around the stadium (after the match)

A sports bar near Saitama Stadium 2002.

The crowd was so large that some people were standing.

“Why were you in a place like that, Ren?”

“Didn’t you pick up all the loose balls from the opponent’s crosses?”

“Honestly, I didn’t think Ren would be such an effective player.”

“It may finally be time for Ren to become the central figure in the middle of the season…”

“Also, having Tomita there really changes the way the defensive line moves forward. Takaguchi was good too.”

“The captain’s stability is amazing.”

📰 Next-Morning Sports News (Online)

🗞 “Japan wins three valuable points in scorching hot away game — New playmaker Naoe Ren shines behind the scenes”

“The temperature on the pitch was over 40 degrees, but that didn’t stop him.

“Look at the overall picture and put it out there without hesitation.” His judgment and composure protected Japan’s rhythm.”

🗞 “The silent heart behind the offensive team’s success — Naoe Ren, his presence in the two final qualifying matches”

“While Kusaka and Onizuka are getting all the attention, Naoe’s reputation is steadily rising.

A new generation midfielder who is also praised by overseas media as “a combination of tactical insight and consideration.”

📱 Ren’s smartphone (the next morning)

🔔 Message: Mother

“Ren, there’s been a lot in the news. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

🔔 Message: High school friends (unread)

“That was amazing, but we’ll just have to wait and see. I know you can do it.”

🔔 Social media notifications: Mass tagged posts

“#NaoeRen” “#TheUnsungMVP” “#Ren’sPitchingIsBrilliant”

Ren sat down on his bed and put his phone down.

(Even though there was such a reaction… strangely, my heart is calm.)

There was joy.

But more than that, he felt that he was still just at the “passing point.”

And the next match was already on his mind.

Saturday, September 16th —

Bundesliga Round 3 vs Borussia MG

When Ren returns from the national team, a new “battlefield” awaits him.