So far Ashito and Hana’s relationship has been really sweet. It’s clear that Ashito looks at Hana as support, unlike with Anri which is more to talk about soccer. There is a connection that Hana formed with Ashito’s family that makes her feel like home for Ashito which is why he wants her support, but not as a replacement for her brother. Of course Hana remembers seeing her brother getting injured, and as a fan, you can only think of the worst.
Fukuda has Kuribayashi coming down to the A team to assist them in some matches against some high school teams. Although Fukuda clearly wants to prevent a possible injury from affecting Kuribayashi. Much like Ashito trying to make an impression on the A team, it is clear Kuribayashi is doing the same with the J-League. Sometimes players need a reminder why they were selected in the first place.
It’s clear in this volume why Yoshitsune compares Ashito with Kuribayashi. When Kuribayashi talks about soccer, he zones out and really gets immersed in it. Though we see that in average conversation he isn’t completely there, while for Ashito we only see him zone out in matches. Still, these two can notice things and anticipate with their vision. It makes a possible pair with these two fascinating.
With the first practice, it is clear that working with the A team won’t be easy. It takes a lot in terms of physical, technical, and mental fortitude. Kuroda and Ashito do a decent job since the former was demoted from the A team before. Though for Ashito his training has been different than you expect going from forward to fullback. Though of course working with the starters is another ball game.
In practice, 10 days later is the most interesting. Ashito wants to work with the starters again. It’s good that he is thinking of an approach rather than going at it recklessly. Though he figures out how the starters are making it work because thinking is important and was something Ashito needed to work on. But now their thinking is automatic, almost muscle memory. Essentially, rather than having to think and then move, what Fukuda wants is for that to be simultaneous. It makes sense why he desires that for Ashito because in sports, the action is live, and a split second can make all the difference.
It’s great to see Ashito making it to the reserves in the lineup. Very curious if he can make an impact or not.
