NOVEL WEB Chapter 16: A Temporary Goodbye?!
The Round of 16 marked the beginning of the knockout stages, where the stakes rose higher with every match. The most anticipated game was Re Al Madrid Youth vs. AS Roma Youth. Fans and pundits eagerly awaited another spectacle from the unstoppable Isagi Yoichi and Sae Itoshi. This match, however, showcased something even more remarkable: the raw, unenhanced talent of these young prodigies.
The whistle blew, and the game began with a cautious tempo. Roma had studied Re Al meticulously, aiming to disrupt Isagi's and Sae's synergy. They set up a compact defense, man-marking Isagi and pressing Sae whenever he touched the ball.
However, this was a mistake.
10th Minute: Sae received a pass deep in midfield, glanced up, and sent a perfectly weighted lob over Roma's defense. Isagi's run had already begun before the ball left Sae's foot. Timing his movement with perfection, he met the ball on the half-volley and slotted it past the keeper. 1-0.
25th Minute: Roma attempted to counterattack, but Isagi's meta-vision-like instincts saw him intercept the ball in midfield. Without hesitation, he dribbled through two defenders, feinted past a third, and delivered a low cross for Re Al's striker to tap in. 2-0.
Second Half: By now, it was clear Roma had no answers. Isagi and Sae weren't using their enhanced techniques. Instead, they relied solely on their base skills—positional awareness, ball control, passing accuracy, and tactical understanding. Despite this, they dominated completely. Sae's calm distribution and Isagi's unmatched spatial awareness were too much for Roma to handle.
The match ended 4-0, with Isagi scoring two goals and assisting one. Sae delivered two assists and orchestrated the midfield like a seasoned professional. Astonishingly, neither player broke a sweat. Their stamina and composure remained impeccable, leaving fans, commentators, and even their opponents in awe.
Results of the Round of 16Re Al Madrid (4) vs. AS Roma Youth (0)PXG (Paris FC) (3) vs. Chelsea Youth (1)Ubers (Italy) (5) vs. AC Milan Youth (2)Bastard München (6) vs. Feyenoord Youth (0)Quarterfinal MatchupsRe Al Madrid vs. PXG (Paris FC)Bastard München vs. Ubers (Italy)
The results tightened the spotlight on the remaining four teams. Each of the quarterfinal matchups promised a clash of titans, with players from the New Gen XI leading their respective squads.
After their victory, Re Al's manager gathered Isagi and Sae for a private conversation. His tone was somber, and the news wasn't what they wanted to hear.
Manager: "The Spanish Soccer Association informed us that due to age restrictions and visa laws, players under 16 may only remain here under strict conditions. Once you turn 16, it's fine, but for now, you might need to return to Japan for a while. We'll try to pull strings to delay this, but it's not guaranteed."
Isagi and Sae exchanged frustrated glances. The idea of leaving Re Al Madrid, their proving ground, to return to Japan—a country far behind Europe in soccer—was disheartening.
Sae: "So what's the plan? How much time do we have?"
Manager: "You have two and a half years at most. Use it well. The JrCL is your stage for now."
Though annoyed, the duo resolved to make the most of their time. Winning the Junior Champions League was their immediate goal. Japan could wait.
Host: "Isagi, another brilliant performance from you and Sae in the Round of 16. Four goals to nil, and it didn't even look like you broke a sweat. What's your secret?"
Isagi: [smiling] "No secrets, just hard work and trust in my team. Sae and I understand each other's movements like clockwork. It's about playing smart, not just hard."
Host: "PXG awaits in the quarterfinals. Julien Loki will be a tough opponent. Thoughts?"
Isagi: [calmly] "He's strong and fast, no doubt about it. But speed alone won't win. Soccer is about control, and I intend to control the game. We'll be ready."
As the quarterfinals approached, anticipation grew. The world was watching, and Isagi Yoichi had no intention of disappointing. His sights were set on lifting the JrCL trophy and cementing his place as the leader of a generation.