Kuribayashi’s words after Ashito got kicked out are interesting. As was Fukuda’s intention he wanted to show him a different kind of soccer. It works well to show him what happens when a team plays as one unit rather than a collection of talent. As seen with Ashito & Akutsu where their teamwork and chemistry are not ideal by any means. The fact they continue pushing 5 lanes despite that is insane.
Though for Ashito seeing Akutsu, Kuribayashi and Tripone are transcendent players. Ashito wanted to be at that level, but it was too soon for him and he got burned out. It’s interesting where Akutsu’s feelings are for Taira. In truth he cared for Taira but didn’t want to get ahead of himself. As usual Akutsu’s emotions are what overwhelms him when he sets out to beat Ashito. While it isn’t fair that is who Akutsu is.
Still Taira is carrying himself to Ashito as a way he passes the torch. His conversation with Kuribayashi as well as both Ashito and Akutsu is interesting. It’s the injury that forced his hand at retiring. But in reality it is clear that frustration comes from it. He clearly fell out of love with soccer where at this point leaving the sport is the best call for what he wants. But it is clear he did love it. We can see how much he cares for his teammates, and he wants them to be in a position to succeed.
He knows that both Ashito and Akutsu love the sport from the bottom of their hearts. Carrying on his conversation with Akutsu to become the captain since Yoshitsune is going pro. Though it is curious that Taira mentions he could succeed Kuribayashi. Still it makes the dynamic between him and Ashito very interesting with this development.
Fukuda and Ashito’s mom bid farewell, having both sincerely made their conversation interesting. Fukuda knows that how he pushed Ashito was more for his interest in how much Ashito himself can improve. Having his mom see his breakdown did feel unacceptable since she came to watch her son. Funny enough the two times both in this manga she watched her son he got kicked out. Noriko’s thank you was a pleasant surprise, but she has a point that he broadened Ashito’s horizons. She truly loves her kids because what Fukuda is doing isn’t malicious at all. You could see most parents not thanking Fukuda with that outcome.
Kuribayashi finally goes pro with an actual contract, but it is only valid until he is 18 and is for his benefit. It is mentioned how much of a special talent he is for his age. The goal is to have him go international to Europe to showcase his talents in what Japan can be. It makes sense for both sides. It will be interesting if that will have an effect later in this manga.
Aomori Seiran High School gets the focus. Unlike with the youth teams we saw we can see that their conditions are not very ideal. As Esperion has the ideal weather and conditions for playing soccer in Japan. The snow that Aomori Seiran has is not ideal. Captain Haneda’s comments on them being stronger not better is interesting. More likely the point when things get rough is they are the better team.
Coach Narimiya adds on that youth should be stronger than the high school. However it is the high school team’s duty to push the youth teams to be the ideal since their conditions are usually superior. There should be a reason kids like Ashito seek Esperion over their local high schools.
