Suguru Aizawa and Kakeru Aizawa.
The dream of these soccer-loving brothers
was to play in the World Cup together and win.
The older brother continued to improve
and took on the world wearing the blue 10 jersey.
He came to be known as the "treasure of Japanese soccer."
His brother, who frantically tried to catch up,
had almost realized their dreams.
Or so it should have been.
By an unfortunate accident,
the Aizawa brothers arrived at death's door.
Despite desperate treatment,
the older brother would not return.
The younger, Kakeru,
having sustained great injury to his heart,
straddled the boundary between life and death.
There was only one path to survival: a heart transplant.
I kept believing it. My dream. Our dream!
Kakeru received his brother's heart
and his proud will.
To realize their dream, Kakeru ran forward once again.
His life as a soccer player was only just beginning.
Kakeru, having been invited to the
U-16 Representative Training Camp,
appeared to be quite intimidated watching the
top level players of his age group around him.
What's more, he was placed into the
midfielder's position in the selection matches.
Saeki-kun and Araki-san's concerns were
realized as Kakeru was unable to produce any results.
However, in the end he was able to perform
as a forward and remained at the training camp.
He was chosen as a bench member in a
test match against America.
He would finally experience
the world stage, as his brother had.
His jersey was his lucky number: 20.
I believe he will play wonderfully.
It's time for the kickoff.
Do your best, Kakeru!
It's started, Brother.
World Match Debut
It's just like Coach Sakurai said.
Yeah.
They're physically strong and athletic, as well.
If they pressure me like that,
I feel like I'll be easily swatted away.
I'm glad we made it in time.
But it's already started.
But Kakeru isn't on the field yet.
Watch out!
Shima's going to mark him.
Shima-san must have great balance.
He's being pulled by that huge forward,
but isn't wavering at all, while wedging his body against him.
Just watch.
Shima's true colors are about to show.
But a midfielder has appeared in the middle.
And Toono-san, the keeper, is too far to the right!
If he cuts back, we'll be in trouble.
It was a pretty forced shot.
Why didn't he send the ball back
to the wide open center?
It wasn't that he didn't,
it was that he couldn't.
Huh?
What does that mean, Araki-san?
The opponent forward was holding onto Shima's uniform, right?
Yeah. That's almost a foul, isn't it?
Shima let him grab it on purpose and
held his elbow so he couldn't let go.
That's why he couldn't cut back
or send a back pass to his teammate.
He was forced to shoot.
I hadn't noticed.
You can't tell by just looking.
The forward grabbing the shirt stands out,
so they won't call a foul.
Shima's an Aikido master.
He's probably applying those abilities to his soccer defense.
That's really amazing.
This is no time to be impressed.
We might face guys like that in the international matches.
Yes.
Everyone's amazing, Brother.
I want to get out on the field soon.
I want to play representative level soccer.
They're substituting already?
It's an opening test match,
so they're probably allowing more substitutions.
I hope Kakerucchi gets to play soon.
Number 10 is being watched closely.
I feel like I've seen him before.
It's the below top from Kamakura, Sera-kun.
The opponent won't be able to steal the ball from him easily.
I could've claimed that ball.
Their movements are awkward and the
coordination between the sides and the volante is bad.
This is bad. The sides are wide open.
That topknot kid has some pep.
It feels like we're holding on
by his movements and the keeper's saves.
The sides have collapsed.
End of first half.
Against large, strong opponents,
just running around wears you out.
Locker Room
You get it now?
Physicality, athleticism, stamina.
You're losing to America in all of these categories.
I don't want to see that kind of sloppy playing in the second half!
Yes!
I won't lose, Brother.
Like I thought.
It looks like they'll change most of their members in the second half.
Hey! Makki!
Kakeru's not playing yet.
I'll be going ahead.
Yes. Do your best!
Will we have a chance to play?
We will. Absolutely.
Right.
Hurry up and get out here, Kakeru.
Saeki, when you get the ball,
send it to the sides without hesitation.
We'll show them a fast break, right away.
Okay. The volante was holding on to the ball
in the first half and the pace was slowed.
Right.
That's why they were able to put more players on offense
so they could be pulled back immediately if the ball was stolen.
If it continues like this,
no matter how hard Shima-san or Toono-san try,
they'll score a goal, eventually.
No matter what happens, I'm going to be a representative.
If I don't, the world stage will only get further away.
All right!
Nice, Saeki-kun.
Kakerucchi's still not playing?
He will be soon, I'm sure.
Nice, Yusuke!
The defenders are rushing forward!
Now's your chance!
The opponent is preoccupied with Sera-kun,
who played well in the first half.
Araki-san is free.
Like a seal, he doesn't look he can run,
so they're probably just leaving him alone, don't you think?
Mai-chan...
The cross is up!
It's going to Araki-san!
There it goes!
It's still good. All right...
It's getting intense.
Damn. I want to play.
Hey, Hibino. Aizawa.
Yes!
Warm up.
You're in, when the ball goes out.
Yes!
Kakerucchi is starting to warm up.
It's time.
Hibino! Aizawa!
Yes!
Kakerucchi!
Kakeru!
Do your best, Kakerucchi!
You sure are popular.
Huh?
It's not like that!
What amazing teammates. My heart is pounding.
We're going to get that first goal, Aizawa.
Y-Yes.
Aizawa.
Rather than worry about who's around you, go for the shot.
I'll be shooting, too.
Yes, Kazamaki-san!
You're too uptight.
Don't hold us back. I can't stand that.
O-Okay.
I'm counting on you, striker.
Whoa. They're even bigger up close.
Still, I've moved one step closer to my brother's stage.
Brother, I'm going to do my best.
He looks pretty nervous.
He looks so tense, even from here.
Relax, Kakeru.
Catch this, Kakeru.
Welcome to the age division representative games.
A-Already?
That was close.
If I had taken that straight on, I would've been sent flying.
I'll claim this.
I'm a striker!
Go!
Kakeru!
It disappeared?
All right!
A Phi Trick, here?
What was that?
I can do it.
The first goal.
Close, Kakerucchi!
I wonder if he should have brought out
his secret weapon so early.
Damn. Next time, definitely.
You think there's a next time?
Huh?
It may be the U-16,
but that's the American representative team.
It's not a high school prefectural match.
But the Phi Trick worked.
If I get another chance, I'll do it again.
Damn it!
Oh, no!
Watch out!
What?
Nice, Toono!
What's with that keeper?
He went straight for a loop shot!
A loop shot follows a parabolic path,
so if you're close to the opponent,
stepping forward gives you a better chance of reaching the ball.
But you need exceptional reflexes and,
more than anything, courage.
In any case, he's an amazing keeper, right?
Oh, I just remembered.
He was in the inter-highs
and only allowed one goal against our school.
Huh?
Reo and those other players couldn't score more than one goal?
Looks like this might be a chance.
That bed head kid is fast, isn't he?
Go, go, bed head kid!
I don't think that's his bed head...
Araki!
Kazamaki-san... No, I should...
They read his Phi Trick!
Crap!
They stole it back.
Makki is a forward, but he's a defensive genius.
When it comes to age division representatives,
every player should be considered
dangerous in the qualifiers.
Sera!
This looks like it's going to be a tough shot.
Or will he pass it to Araki-san or Kakeru?
He could also send it back to Onimaru-san or Saeki-kun.
A-Amazing.
We did it! The first goal!
He has an impressive kick, to be able to score from that angle.
We had many more young members this year,
but it looks like we'll have a lot of talented high school members.
Do you think this is the influence of Suguru Aizawa?
Undoubtedly.
I can understand why you wanted to shoot.
Araki-san.
But if you go for it, you have to score.
Just getting past the defender is out of the question.
Right.
Kakeru.
What?
No way. Is that all for Kakerucchi?
His Phi Trick was completely read.
You'll have to do something about that before the championships, Kakeru.
You're a meanie, Coach!
Mistakes are not forgiven.
I knew it, but...
All right, Sera.
Araki-san!
Makki! Nice shot!
I stole your limelight.
Who cares?
You better be watching, Kakeru.
Amazing.
I wanted to play more soccer here, Brother.
The opponent's keeper is really something, as well.
It's just about time.
Araki-san.
Sera!
Man, that was close.
What was that just now?
Who knows?
Looks like this will be interesting.
Yes.
In a few years, we might be hearing
the words "golden age" again.
Don't pull any gags on the field.
I knew you'd be there, so I let the ball through.
You liar!
Now I see again just how amazing the world level is.
I couldn't produce any results today,
but I want to play soccer on this stage again.
I'll definitely do it, Brother.
The previous 23 names will be U-16 Japanese representatives.
One last thing.
Your soccer is only just beginning.
The difference in ability between
each of you is paper thin.
To be frank, the U-17s of
the future may consist of different members.
Are you talking to me?
In particular, you'd better lose some weight.
We can't afford to keep you on with that stomach.
G-Got it, boss!
To those who were cut, remember:
The future U-20s, Olympic representatives,
and World Cup representatives, are still completely undecided.
If you understand, then work hard.
And in the end, laugh!
Yes!
I guess this is goodbye.
What does that mean?
Hey, guys!
Let's give Araki a hand to make
sure he can come along with us.
Would you like some?
It's too bad you didn't get picked,
but it's just like the coach said.
Yes.
I just don't feel like this is the last I'll see of you.
What you did today...
It looks like you've got something interesting.
They saw through it right away.
It's probably unstoppable in a prefectural game.
I wouldn't let you get past me, though.
I'll do my best,
so I can stand on the same field as you guys again.
I'm looking forward to it.
Definitely come.
Let's get some sleep.
Yeah.
Hibino.
Let's stick around next time.
Yeah.
My first representative training camp is over.
I wasn't chosen to stay, but I learned so much.
Brother.
Kakeru.
Seven.
Are you worried
that your Phi Trick was read in the test match?
I wonder if I should practice to learn
to use a variety of feints, like you and Araki-san.
Those who use a variety of feints receive the ball
from a slightly defensive position.
Your skill lies in going from zero to top speed quickly
and slipping behind your defender
within the penalty area, right?
Y-Yeah.
Why don't you try polishing those movements?
I'm not sure how to do that.
I have an idea.
Huh?
A new idea to improve my Phi Trick?
I've kept you waiting, my servants!
The U-16 Japanese representative king has returned!
Stop showing off!
What are you doing?
This is an important body to Japan!
Shut up, fatty.
I heard you need to lose weight before
the first match or you'll be cut.
Are you okay, Araki-san?
Did you tell them?
I didn't!
Even the Nadeshiko members know.
Araki-san, you're pretty famous.
Huh?
Tae-san and Mina-san were saying,
"Wouldn't he be cool if he lost some weight?"
Really?
Nice, Seven.
So now you're into it?
Okay, I'll drop it...
It's a rare chance for him to shine.
Let's leave it at that and congratulate him.
You were quite close, too, Kakeru-kun.
Yes, but after participating in the training camp
and playing in games,
I realized that I still lacked strength.
Just learning that was worth the experience.
While I'm gone, take care of the homework
you received at training camp and level up.
Yes.
Assume that they'll come after your Phi Trick
and the weakness you demonstrated in the qualifiers.
Yes.
Let's start practice.
Yes!
Next Episode Welcome Home, Romeo-sama?!
It's autumn.
That means food, art, love.
That's not right!
Fall means the culture festival!
Popular every year, the Soccer Club
will, of course, be participating
in the Enoshima High fall event, the culture festival.
As each club prepares hard for this the event,
this year the Soccer Club will be presenting...!
Next time on Knight in the Area,
Juliet Ryoma Oda Romeo
episode 32:
"Welcome Home, Romeo-sama?!"
This way, master.