"Hana's Recollection" (
Summary[]
As Hana and Anri wait for Anri's bus, they discuss Ashito's similarities to a former player, prompting Hana to remember her admiration for Coach Fukuda. When Fukuda arrives and speaks with them, Anri gets flustered, while Hana reflects on her childhood memories of Fukuda, who would eventually become her stepbrother. She recalls the self-confidence and resolve in his gaze that inspired her. Later, Fukuda, Hana, and Anri head back to find Ashito intensely practicing his receiving technique, having demanded the coaches teach him the fundamentals from scratch. Impressed by Ashito’s dedication, Hana realizes that it’s his unbreakable determination—mirrored in his eyes—that keeps her so invested in his growth as a player.
Synopsis[]
The chapter begins with Hana Ichijō and Anri Kaidō waiting for Anri's bus to arrive. Anri questions Hana about why she is waiting for her. Hana responds snarkily that the Esperion PR Manager Toshimune Mibu begged for her to do so since Anri is the daughter of the Main Sponsor of Esperion, Kaidō Electric and is a VIP. Anri says to Hana that she finally figured out why she is so fond of Ashito Aoi. Anri says that Ashito is a lot like HIM and that Ashito has the same playstyle as that man and she knows how Hana feels. Anri suddenly tries to hide behind Hana as Coach Tatsuya Fukuda walks to the bus stop. He is surprised to Hana here this late and offers to take her home with him. Fukuda notices Anri hiding behind Hana and recognizes her as Denki Kaidō's daughter. He pieces together that Hana came to see Anri off.
Ashito has been training for hours to practice receiving the ball and has yet to take a break or waver in his concentration.
Meanwhile, Anri develops a massive blush and tries to introduce herself but stutters on her name for a bit. As she finally introduces herself to Fukuda, she says it has been a while since they met and compliments Fukuda's coaching comparing it to José Mourinho and says that the 7-a-side teams were splendidly devised. Fukuda says that Mourinho was a player who had an unsuccessful career as a player and says he can't really take Anri's statement as a compliment. Anri tries to apologize but Fukuda says that he is just kidding. As Anri and Fukuda strike off a conversation, Hana remembers the reason she dislikes Anri.
Hana thinks back to the statement Anri said about the player Ashito reminds them both of. She remembers the time when she was a small girl she had posters of a Young Football Star with the name Tatsuya Fukuda. One day, her father introduced her to the woman he wanted to marry. He said that he met her at the hospital and she works as a nurse. Kinuyo Ichijō introduces herself to Hana and then introduces her son, Tatsuya Fukuda, to Hana as well. In the sitting-room, Hana and her Father sit on a couch opposite of Kinuyo and Fukuda. Fukuda says that he is happy that his Mom finally found a good person since he has an offer from a Spanish Team in La Liga and if he just left his Mom alone, he would feel bad. He says that now he can leave in peace knowing his Mom will be okay. He goes on to say that the only reason he his able to play Football is all due to his Mom. Hana is still shocked at meeting her hero, but manages to shyly say, that she likes Fukuda. She remembers that that was the first time she met her Big Brother and the one thing she remembers the most is Fukuda's eyes. She remembers that behind his gentle expression was a gaze that radiated Self-Confidence and Determination.
Sunddenly, Aki Tsukishima runs up to the Fukuda and asks him to go and talk to Ashito. He says that Fukuda is the only person Ashito will listen to. As the Four of them go back to the practice ground, Ashito is still in his Football Uniform kicking a ball at a wall and trying to receive it. Hana questions what Ashito is doing and Tsukishima says that ever since Ashito barged into the Coach's room and demanded for Coach Nozomi Date to teach him how to play from scratch. Nozomi said that Ashito's basics need to taught first before he can learn anything else. Ashito demands for Nozomi to teach him how to receive the ball then. Tsukishima says that after Nozomi showed Ashito how to do it, Ashito has been practicing nonstop and he refuses to go to the dorms. Tsukishima even says that Ashito may even stay out the entire night practicing if they don't stop him.
Hana finally speaks to Anri that the main similarity between Ashito and Fukuda are their eyes. She says that even when both players are cornered, there is a shine in their eyes that will not fade. Hana then says that as long as Ashito has those eyes, she wants to see what player he will become.
Highlights[]
- Anri draws a comparison between Ashito and a former player, sparking Hana's memory of first meeting Fukuda.
- Hana recalls her childhood admiration for Fukuda’s unshakeable confidence and drive, which made a lasting impression.
- Fukuda, Hana, Tsukishima, and Anri discover Ashito obsessively practicing to improve, showcasing his relentless determination.
- Hana acknowledges that, like Fukuda, Ashito’s spirit and potential shine through in his unyielding gaze.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Hana Ichijō
- Anri Kaidō
- Toshimune Mibu (Background)
- Tatsuya Fukuda
- Kinuyo Ichijō (Debut) (Background) (Flashback) (Name Reveal)
- Hana's Dad
- Aki Tsukishima
- Ashito Aoi
- Daigo Benzen (Background)
- Nozomi Date (Background)
Chapter Notes[]
Trivia[]
TBA
References[]
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| Chapters | 23 • 24 • 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 • 31 • 32 • 33 • 34 • 35 • 36 • 37 • 38 • 39 • 40 • 41 • 42 • 43 • 44 • 45 • 46 | Volumes | 3 • 4 • 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episodes | 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 | Seasons | 1 |
| Chapters | 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 | Volumes | 2 |
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