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nTakeshi felt unwilling to accept the offer presented to him. So, he looked at the manager, expecting a helping hand.

nHowever, upon noticing the manager’s expression, he realized that complaining was futile. He could tell that the manager was helpless.

nHe was well aware that he’d either be loaned out or sold.

nFrowning, he muttered, “Can I have time to think?”

nThe manager nodded, “Take your time, Ono.”

nTakeshi bowed and stood, “Thank you for taking care of me until now.”

nThe manager couldn’t bring himself to respond. He was at a loss for words. He could only look at him pitifully.

nWith the support of his crutch, Ono hobbled out of the office.

n“Just where did it all go wrong?” the manager mumbled while looking at the closed door. By now, Ono had already left the room.

nSagan Tosu had signed him from Kiryu Daichi High School.

nFrom the moment, he made his debut, his impact was evident, eventually earning him the nickname “Adhesive of Sagan Tosu”, for his excellent ball control and ability to connect the passes.

nDue to his immediate impact, he garnered a lot of attention from other clubs. So, the club having no other option had to renew his contract.

nThis led to an increase in his salary. At the same time, the club got the opportunity to increase the amount in his release clause.

nIf it weren’t for the contract renewal, he’d have already been snatched by some other club.

nAlthough the contract renewal prevented the impending problem now it has become a thorn in their path.

nIf they don’t release him, they have to keep paying him the exorbitant salary they have promised him. But if they manage to offload him, they could release the wage cap.

nSo, the higher-ups were desperate to get rid of him.

nEven though the manager thought otherwise he was absolutely helpless. Despite being only twenty-one, he had to go through such harshness.

nRight after leaving the manager’s office, Takeshi phoned his agent.

nThe phone buzzed for a while before his agent picked up the call.

n“Hello, Takeshi,” said the other person on the phone.

nSkipping the pleasantries, he asked directly, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

nThe other person on the phone was clearly aware of what he was talking about. So, he couldn’t bring himself to act confused.

nFrowning, he mumbled, “Kosuke asked me to keep quiet about it until he tells you. So, I couldn’t tell you.”

nTakeshi was well aware of the relationship between the manager of the team and his agent. They were brothers after all. So, he wasn’t surprised when he heard that the manager had asked his agent to keep the matter confidential.

nNeither was he angry at those two.

nHe was aware that with his deteriorating form, he’d get sold or loaned. Also, he was well aware of the club’s recent purchases.

nFrom the moment the club signed a new defensive midfielder and promoted a youth whose position overlapped with his, he was aware that his days in the club were limited.

nEven so, he clung on to the tiniest hope that he wouldn’t get sidelines.

nHowever, right now, everything crumbled apart.

nWith a sunken heart, he ended the call without saying anything more. He had already heard enough. So, he wasn’t in the mood to hear their words of consolation.

nThe decision had to be made whether he liked it or not.

nThe agent felt sad about it. Yet still, he couldn’t bring himself to call him again. Having been his agent for a year, he was aware of his personality.

nHe was aware that he required time alone right now. So, he didn’t try to contact him immediately. But that didn’t mean that he wasn’t going to contact him.

nHe would contact him about an hour later.

nHowever, no sooner had he hung the call than he heard his phone buzzing again. The caller

nwas unknown. Even so, he didn’t feel skeptical about the call.

nAfter all, he receives a ton of calls from an unknown number.

nSo, he received the call, his tone welcoming, “Hello.”

nThe caller asked, his tone masculine, “Hello. Am I talking to Kentaro Kitani?”

nKitani nodded his head, “Yes, how may I help you?”

n“I’m sorry for calling you suddenly. I’m Tatsuru Mokujima, the sports director of Kawasaki Frontale. If you’re available, I’d like to talk about one of your clients, Takeshi Ono.”

nKitani’s face brightened as he heard the words of the caller. His eyes perked up with joy as he asked in a tone full of reverence, “Yes, sir. What would you like to talk about?”

nThey conversed for a while. In their conversation, Kentaro got to know that Kawasaki Frontale was interested in signing Takeshi. This news brought great elation to him and he couldn’t help but feel impatient to share the news with his client.

nAmong the offers they had received this one was the best. However, there were a few conditions. So, he had to talk with his client before deciding.

nImmediately after the call, he dialed Takeshi’s number.

nTakeshi, however, took some time to pick up the call. Finally, when the call connected, he immediately revealed the news to Takeshi.

nTakeshi, overjoyed with happiness couldn’t believe him at first. He even thought that Kentaro was playing pranks on him.

nAfter all, Kawasaki’s interest was a huge deal to him. He had already shared the field with Hiro

na few times.

nBut to be able to play alongside him again, he felt exhilarated about the possibility.

n“Takeshi, but there are a few conditions,” Kentaro’s voice became softer than before.

n“Conditions?”

n“Yes, there are a few conditions. You will be a rotational player,” Kentaro said, his voice sounding a bit gloomy.

nAt this point, Takeshi had expected that if he were going to play for an important team, he wouldn’t get the role of the starting player. So, it didn’t surprise him when he heard the

ncondition.

nThe opportunity was too good to pass.

nSo, despite the condition, he agreed to sign the contract, “I’m ready, Kitani-san. Let’s sign

nthe contract.”freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

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