Chapter 4 Football 04 The Son of God
In a lavish conference room, an investment promotion meeting for the "Blue Prison" project was being held in a tense but orderly manner.
Anri Teihara, a former football player, is now standing in front of the screen doing interest analysis that has nothing to do with football.
She was presenting the project's blueprint to the entrepreneurs, tycoons, and football association representatives in attendance.
"Everyone, please look at this report." Anri Teiko pointed to the data on the screen, her voice clear and strong.
"These figures not only record the financial status of the football industry in various countries, but also reveal the huge driving force of football on national economies."
"Although Japanese football has made some progress in recent years, compared with those football powerhouses, our economic benefits still have a lot of room for improvement."
Despite her responsibility to attract investment, Apricot Tsubasa's eyes remained firm, and her love and confidence in football were undiminished.
She continued her analysis: "As we delve deeper into these data, an exciting prospect gradually unfolds before us—if Japanese football can reach the top of the world and become a true football powerhouse, it will bring immeasurable economic benefits to the country."
The woman sitting in the center of the conference table gently put down her pen, her gaze lingering on Anri Tei for a moment before she said calmly, "Ms. Tei, I appreciate your enthusiasm. But as a businesswoman, I'm more concerned with the return on investment."
"Why did we choose 'Blue Prison,' a project that is still in its infancy and has a long payback period, instead of the mature U-20 or U-18 national teams that have already yielded visible returns?"
The football association's special advisor, Hirotoshi Buran, chimed in, "The chairman is right; this is ultimately a business."
"Furthermore, the U-18 national team already has a talented player, and his addition will undoubtedly take our possession-based football to the next level. Perhaps we can discuss this more practical topic?"
This caught the president's attention. "Okay."
After hearing this, Anri Tei-ei straightened up and said with a firm gaze, "Everyone, I understand your concerns. But please believe me, once the 'Blue Prison' project is launched, it will bring unimaginable returns to everyone here."
"This is not just a football project, but a great plan that can lead Japanese football to the world."
Bu Luan Ying Hongjun didn't care about Di Jinxingli's words at all; he just thought she was ridiculous.
He'd seen too many cases where people kept promising to make Japan number one in the world, only to find out it was all a scam to swindle money.
While the plan does have its merits, he remains pessimistic about Blue Prison.
It wasn't that his opinion was too absolute; it was his thought after glancing at the first page of the player roster in the proposal, which was the list of players for Team V.
Aside from Rin Itoshi and Hatsumi Nishioka, who sounded familiar to him, he had never even heard of the other V team members.
After all, for a small country like Japan, any slight achievement will be widely publicized by the news media, and not being able to name someone means that you have no ability or talent.
"Sorry, I'm not interested in projects that don't show results," the president said casually, leaning back on the sofa.
Scams that use the guise of ideals to solicit investment are outdated.
If you talk about ideals in everything, you'll end up losing a fortune.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense.
"Sorry to interrupt your conversation," the dark blue-haired boy said as he opened the conference room door.
The boy's dark blue hair was slightly curled and swayed gently in the wind, making him look both casual and carefree.
Just moments ago, Bu Ran Ying Hongjun was lounging lazily in his chair, but he immediately stood up. "Jung-kun? What are you doing here?"
"middle."
The president looked at the boy at the door.
“
My aunt... and Hongjun Consultant. I'm here to invest.
Amano Minaka looked at Tei Eri standing in front of the screen and said, "I will personally sponsor 'Blue Prison' with one million euros in exchange for three people to enter the youth training camp."
"But the project has already started, I'm afraid..."
"Just find three guys to fight us 1v1, defeat them, and then replace them, right?"
Amano Minaka said seriously, "Since you've chosen the selfish idea of 'building the world's number one striker by stepping on the dreams of 300 players,' you should also be prepared for failure, right?"
Upon hearing this address, Hirotoshi Furuya paused for a moment, but he couldn't worry about that now. He quickly walked up to Amanomichi.
He had read the project proposal for Blue Prison and knew how terrible the living conditions were; it was definitely not a place for an outstanding athlete.
Bu Luan Ying Hongjun said in a panic, "Aren't you supposed to be competing? How can you go to such a messy place?"
"It's alright." Amano Minaka has already read the random reply.
The president looked at Amano Minaka with a puzzled expression, "Naka, aren't you a member of U-18? How come..."
Amano Minaka turned her head and said awkwardly, "Because I wanted to see the high-tech equipment in 'Blue Prison,' I heard it's all imported high-quality stuff."
All of them are imported high-tech instruments... Are they really idealists?
"I see," the president replied thoughtfully.
“How can a good football player train in a place like that?” Bu Ran Ying Hongjun suggested, “If all else fails, we can buy it after their plan fails.”
Seeing the nervous look on Hirotoshi Furano's face, Ten no Michū chuckled and asked, "Has Consultant Hirotoshi read the project proposal?"
Bu Luan Ying Hongjun nodded. "I've seen it. What's wrong, Lord Zhong?"
"The person in charge is Huixin Shiba."
These words immediately drew the attention of everyone present.
Hui Xin Shiba, a teammate of the genius world's number one striker Noel Noa. Although he has now disappeared from the public eye, he was still the only Asian on the World Cup winning team.
Bu Ran Ying Hongjun also knew him, and could only awkwardly say, "So it's Huixin-kun."
No wonder Zhongjun chose to participate in the seemingly unreliable Blue Prison project.
Eishin Jūhachi was Amano Minaka's mentor in soccer. Although they had broken ties, they were still teacher and student, and Amano Minaka would still help him if he could.
but!
What kind of bewitching potion did Huixin Shiba give Zhongjun? They haven't seen each other for a year, yet Zhongjun still thinks about him.
It's definitely business competition!
Bu Luan Ying Hongjun gritted his teeth as he recalled the details of the 'Blue Prison' project.
If that project is implemented, it might actually be able to rival our U-18.
“Zhongjun can’t be away from the team for too long, after all…” Bu Luan Ying Hongjun tried to dissuade him.
One million euros?
After weighing the options in her mind, Miyako Koki finally agreed.
After all, the Blue Prison is short of money in every area, but the one thing it doesn't lack is players.
If U-18 players could replace a group of mediocre players, then a large amount of money could be more accurately invested in talented players.
“Okay!” Di Jinxingli nodded.
But Luan Yinghongjun wouldn't have it, "Zhongjun..."
Amano Minaka interrupted Hirotoshi Furani, "We'll withdraw then. But, Hirotoshi, have you forgotten what you promised me before?"
Bu Luan Ying Hongjun sighed and said to the woman, "Miss Di Jin Xingli, if you can't produce results, you'll have to take full responsibility."
Upon hearing this, Anri Tei-ei secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then said seriously, "I firmly believe that Eishin Shiba can train a player who can lead our country to win the World Cup."
"I want exclusive sponsorship." The chairman's words were as sharp as an icicle. "One billion, Miss Di Jin, do you think that amount is acceptable?"
The air in the conference room seemed to freeze. The wealthy businessmen looked at each other, secretly making their own calculations.
This figure represents a huge investment for many of them.
However, what they knew even more clearly was that President Himuro's judgment had always been spot-on. Without exception, every project she selected achieved tremendous success and yielded extremely high returns.
"President, this isn't how you make money," a businessman said cautiously, trying to break the silence.
“Of course, we should all unite to do things that benefit the country,” another businessman chimed in.
Since President Himuro made such a request, she must have her reasons. But they were not willing to give up this lucrative opportunity so easily.
Such opportunities don't come around every day.
"To be honest, I used to be a football player too," the portly businessman said with a sigh, stroking the armrest of his chair.
...
A fierce business dispute ensued.
Wealthy businessmen expressed their opinions and views, trying to persuade Chairman Himuro to lower his demands or get a share of the profits.
Ultimately, it was decided that the chairman would contribute the majority of the funds, with other wealthy businessmen jointly contributing to raise the 1 billion yuan.
The meeting ended quickly, and the businessmen moved to another conference hall for the next round of negotiations. Meanwhile, Ying Hongjun and Di Jinxingli held a press conference.
“Heavenly Lord, you…” Anri Teihou was momentarily at a loss for words. “What about the other two… Shall I have a staff member take you there?”
"No need, I'll wait for you here. After all, I also want to see Teacher Jinba."
Anri Tei asked incredulously, "You're his student?"
The name Ten no Michū seems familiar.
“Miss Teijin Anri, I will increase the funding allocated by the Football Association to the Blue Prison project to the maximum. Please take good care of Zhongjun during this time,” Bu Ran Ying Hongjun said solemnly, holding her hand.
As Anri Tei recalled Hirotoshi Furani's actions, a thought flashed through her mind: "Is Tenno Mikoto the genius you just mentioned who can make Japan the world's number one?"
Upon hearing this, Tenno Minaka smoothed his bangs upwards and said with a smile, "Consultant Hongjun always gets such an embarrassing nickname."
Seeing the boy sweep his bangs up to reveal his full face, Anri Tei-ei finally remembered who he was.
The "Son of God" on the football field.
Although his playing time was short, his powerful skills and arrogant demeanor left a deep impression on Anri Tei, who was still playing football at the time.
Or rather, anyone who has watched Tenno Minaka's matches would believe that he could lead Japan to the world number one spot.
Unfortunately, news of Amanomi's death soon followed, causing widespread regret. People felt that heaven was jealous of talent and that it was unfair for a genius who had not yet shown his full potential to die so young.
"Aren't you... dead?"
Realizing what she was about to say, Bu Luan Ying Hongjun quickly changed the subject, "Ms. Di Jin Xingli, the press conference is about to start, we need to hurry over, otherwise those reporters will definitely write nonsense."
"Okay, sure."
Time was of the essence, so Anri could only nod and then say to Minakata Amano, "Stay here and don't wander off. It wouldn't be good if you got lost."
After saying that, the two left in a hurry, leaving only Tenno Minaka in the conference room.
The wait was too long, so Tenno took out his phone and took a picture of the proposal with the word 'Blue Prison' written on it behind him, and sent it to someone across the ocean who had read it but never replied.
[China: Select the world's best striker from 300 players.]
[Chinese: Your passport seems to be expiring soon, right? Want to come take a look? Maybe you'll pass me the ball again.]
Ten no Michū looked at the read status in the message chat and frowned helplessly.
The encounter between Amano Minaka and Itoshi Sae was not pleasant; they had previously been on the same team. Of course, the older Itoshi Sae was the striker, while Amano Minaka was merely his striker substitute and midfielder.
Even though their relationship wasn't great, it didn't stop Amano Minaka from sending messages to Itoshi Sae during holidays, although most of the time she would just read them but not reply.
[Chinese: It seems your younger brother is there too.]
Finally, the white dialog box moved.
[Sae Itoshi: You're still alive. I thought you'd rot and stink along with this country.]
[Itoshi Sae: Passing you the ball? I'd rather die than do it!]
Amano Minaka wanted to send him a message, but found that Itoshi Sae had already blocked her.
Suoh Hyo-hee finished his daily football training, his jersey soaked with sweat, and walked into the meeting room with slightly heavy steps. His face showed a hint of fatigue, but more so, confusion and bewilderment at the news he had just heard.
Amano Minaka sat opposite him, her fingers gently stroking the gears on the necklace.
Suoh Hyoki sat down, his fists clenched tightly on his knees, his fingertips turning white from the force. "One million euros, is it really worth it?" He lowered his eyes, his voice low and full of doubt, "And he's injured too."
"Geniuses have their privileges. As for whether they deserve them, you'll know once you meet them."
Amano Minaka held up the pendant, sunlight filtering through the gaps in the gears. He frowned as he tossed the gears into the trash can.
"Miss Teijin has come to pick us up." Amano Minaka stood up, her tone tinged with anticipation. "Has Ryosuke not arrived yet?"
Suoh Hyoki also stood up, his green eyes staring blankly at the discarded gear, a feeling he couldn't quite describe welling up inside him.
"He'll be here soon."
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