In Germany, Hamburg training Ground.
"I'm officially transferring to Munich."
"Karl-Heinz, you're leaving Hamburg for Munich?" asked Wakabayashi, surprised.
"No way. You're a product of our youth academy." said one teammate, visibly shocked.
"You've been here since you were a kid." another added.
"Karl-Heinz Schneider the striker, and Wakabayashi the unbreakable wall—you two made Hamburg unbeatable in the youth leagues. We dominated and won every trophy thanks to you guys."
"What you're doing is betrayal." another player muttered bitterly.
Schneider stayed calm.
"Hmm. The Munich management simply values me more. They're offering me a Bundesliga debut next season. My jersey might change, but I won't. My only goal remains the same, to be number one in the world. Nothing more, nothing less."
"That's my ambition too." Wakabayashi replied firmly.
"Let's do it one last time, Wakabayashi." Schneider grabbed a ball.
"With pleasure." Wakabayashi headed toward the goal and took position as Schneider placed the ball just outside the penalty area.
"Genzo Wakabayashi, the prodigious goalkeeper—he hasn't conceded a single goal from outside the box all season. Will Karl-Heinz Schneider be the one to break through that wall?" commented a player on the side.
"Here I go." said Schneider.
He struck the ball hard. It began to accelerate, faster and faster… until it looked like a flaming fireball hurtling through the air.
Meanwhile in Shizuoka.
"It's the fifth day of training camp for the U-15 team, and I'm already noticing clear progress." said Misugi, observing the players running drills.
"Indeed. They've been improving steadily thanks to our mini tour against high school teams across the country. Now, it's time for our preparation tour in Europe, just ahead of the U-15 tournament in France." said Coach Mikami.
"Misugi, you were recovering well and I planned to let you play… but your condition has slightly relapsed. You won't be able to fully participate as a player. That said, I appreciate you volunteering as assistant coach. You can still make an impact, feel free to give me your insights." said the coach.
"Yes. Actually, Shin suggested I should come as assistant coach. I'll do my best, Coach Mikami." Misugi responded.
"Good. Stop running!" Coach Mikami called out to the players, gathering the team.
Misugi quietly thought to himself. 'Without Tsubasa due to his injury, and Shin and Wakabayashi still with their clubs, the European tour will be missing something important...'
In Germany.
"He scored. Schneider made the shot." said a teammate.
"I accept defeat." Wakabayashi said calmly.
"You'll reach the top too, one day. And on that day, we'll settle things once and for all." Karl-Heinz replied with a respectful nod.
"When are you leaving for Munich?" asked Wakabayashi.
"Right after the friendly match against your Japanese teammates." Schneider responded.
Later that day.
"Mom, I went to see Dad today." Karl-Heinz said during dinner with his mother and little sister.
"Big brother…" said his sister, Marie, softly.
"The day after tomorrow, at 3 p.m., I'll play my final match wearing the Hamburg jersey. Will you and Marie come watch?" he asked.
"I'd love to!" said Marie with a smile.
"Karl, why did you go see your father?" their mother asked, her expression stiffening.
"I asked him to come to the match." Karl-Heinz replied. "Please, Mom… do it for Marie and me."
"I'm sorry… but I'll be busy with work." she said, turning her head away sadly.
"Mom!" Marie called out, but their mother quietly left the table.
The next day.
"We're finally in Germany." said Ishizaki.
"First, we're heading to Hamburg's training center." said Coach Mikami.
Later.
"There are so many fields here!" Ishizaki exclaimed, gripping a fence and looking around.
"Unbelievable… Wakabayashi has been training in a dream environment like this for the past three years." said Soda, amazed.
"Exactly, guys." said a voice behind them.
"Wakabayashi! I was hoping we'd run into you!" Ishizaki said with a smile.
"You all look in good shape." Wakabayashi replied calmly.
"Genzo." said Coach Mikami, stepping forward.
"Mr. Mikami, it's a pleasure to see you again." Genzo said, respectfully removing his cap before putting it back on.
"You've grown, Genzo. I've heard all about your achievements from Japan." said Mikami, who had previously been Wakabayashi's personal coach when he was younger.
"Yes, and I'm glad to see so many players from the old Shutetsu squad in the national selection." Wakabayashi responded.
Then, with determination in his voice, Hyuga stepped forward and said.
"Wakabayashi… My first goal has always been to surpass every striker, but I've got another one, scoring a goal against you from outside the penalty area."
Wakabayashi chuckled slightly, then got serious.
"Hyuga… Honestly, without Orochi and Tsubasa, you guys don't stand a chance against us." he said bluntly.
"What!?" the Japanese team exclaimed in shock.
"In any case, good luck tomorrow." Wakabayashi added, extending his hand to Hyuga.
But Hyuga swatted it away, feeling insulted.
"Wakabayashi… I'll be the one to test just how far you've come in Germany." Hyuga muttered before walking off.
The next day, Hamburg, Germany.
"There are so many people." someone in the stands said.
"Well, of course. Kaiser Schneider is playing his last match for Hamburg today." another spectator replied.
On the Field.
Coach Mikami stood before the Japanese U-15 team, ready to deliver his final words before kickoff.
"You're about to face some of the best Europe has to offer. For our national youth team, this is your true baptism of fire. Give it everything you've got."
'This friendly match is crucial for our preparations for the U-15 Junior Tournament in France.' Hyuga thought, his eyes fixed on Wakabayashi standing confidently among the opposing players. 'We have to return to Japan undefeated. So prepare yourself, Genzo Wakabayashi.'
Suddenly, the stadium erupted.
"He's coming!"
"It's him!"
"Look, Schneider's here!"
The crowd buzzed with excitement.
"There he is," said Coach Mikami, eyes narrowing slightly. "Karl-Heinz Schneider."
"Defenders." he added firmly. "don't give him even a centimeter of space."
"Understood!" the players responded in unison.
"Karl-Heinz Schneider… Germany's number one striker." Hyuga muttered, tightening his fists.
In the distance, hooded.
"Let's see."