3. Itoshi Rin’s Comment Awakens Bachira Meguru

One day, Bachira observed Rin practicing alone with laser-sharp focus, precisely directing the ball toward the goal. Cautiously, Bachira approached Rin, hoping for a chance to join the training session. Although Rin was initially annoyed by Bachira’s presence and asked him to leave, they eventually ended up playing soccer together.

After their joint practice session, Rin made a comment about Bachira’s dribbling, which was filled with energy and seemed as if he was wholeheartedly enjoying the game. However, Rin also pointed out that Bachira appeared afraid to play as an individual, as though he was searching for someone’s presence in his game.

Bachira was stunned when Rin pointed out that, deep down, he was actually searching for someone while playing soccer. This revelation left Bachira in awe, as it was the first time someone had ever voiced that observation. Bachira felt that Rin understood the “monster” within him—an imaginary friend possessing extraordinary soccer skills that played the game perfectly according to Bachira’s wishes. This imaginary friend seemed like a player with exceptional individual talent.

Rin, however, was bewildered by Bachira’s strange talk of a monster within him. Rin believed that Bachira had been consumed by a foolish fantasy, which made his soccer style look cowardly and weak. Despite this, Rin still encouraged Bachira to continue having fun playing with the monster inside him. Meanwhile, as Bachira indulged in his “silly monster,” Rin was determined to become the number one soccer player in the world.