Under the pale, cloud-covered sky at Aomori Station, Takao Ryuya stood at the shinkansen platform, bidding farewell to his family. Though he'd already sent most of his belongings to his new dormitory, his bag was still crammed so full it was nearly bursting.
Ryuya was fifteen at the time.
Back in middle school, he had already participated in national-level club soccer tournaments. When graduating, he'd agonized over whether to join a renowned high-school soccer club or to enter a youth team. After much thought, he ultimately chose to join a youth academy.
He believed that to become a successful professional player, it would be better to leave for the big city. Among several offers he'd received, he chose a team in Tokyo, believing it would provide the best path toward his professional ambitions.
Standing in front of his parents, who had come to see him off, he knew clearly they wouldn't get to see each other as frequently as they did now.
