After a good night of rest, a new day began for young Rikuo.
Before going to the club, he had to stop by a café in the city to meet an agent who wanted to sign him.
While walking toward the café, he passed a man running as if he were late for an appointment.
"Hmm… people are always in a rush in the morning.
Good thing I have my dog to wake me up if my alarm doesn't ring," Rikuo thought.
When he arrived at the café, he saw a man waving at him from a table.
"Over here! Over here! Amada!" the man shouted to get his attention.
Rikuo felt a little embarrassed.
"Haha… wow, That's not very discreet" he said with a nervous laugh as he walked over to the table.
As he sat down and looked at the man and his outfit, something clicked.
"Wait… you're the guy I saw running like crazy earlier," Rikuo said.
Yes the man who had been running to avoid being late was actually the agent Rikuo was meeting.
"Oh really? I didn't even notice you, haha. Funny coincidence," the man replied.
"I thought I was going to be late, but I guess I made it on time," he added, scratching the back of his head with a smile.
"There's no way you could be late… the meeting was at 9:30 am and it's only 9:15 am" Rikuo whispered to himself.
It was a strange first meeting.
"Well then, jokes aside, let me introduce myself.
I'm Honda Hideo, the agent who contacted you from Rising Pro Agency."
"Oh, nice to meet you, Honda."
"Please, call me Hideo. I prefer something more relaxed, haha."
"Alright then, call me Rikuo. That works for me," Rikuo replied.
"Good, Rikuo. To be honest, I didn't know who you were a week ago.
I saw your name on the list of new Japanese professional players and decided to look into you.
Your profile really caught my attention."
"It caught your attention? How so?"
"Well, usually in Japan, players turn pro through an academy here, or after graduating from university.
Many Japanese players came through university like Kaoru Mitoma, for example. You probably know him."
"Oh, you mean the Japanese player who became famous in England? Yeah, I know him!"
"Exactly. And usually, before becoming professional, players already have agents who guide them and connect them with clubs."
"Oh, I didn't know that. But I've had agents contact me in the past," Rikuo said.
"I see. That's exactly why you intrigued me.
You came out of nowhere, and suddenly you're a professional at one of the biggest clubs in Japan Tokyo CF.
That's not nothing. I had to investigate."
"Then I learned that you're French-Japanese, and that in France, people who really know football already knew you.
I even watched some videos from international youth tournaments."
"I didn't even know those videos were visible from here," Rikuo said with a humble smile.
"Of course they are. The Japanese youth teams also played in those tournaments sometimes.
And I watched your clips you were amazing!
I'm not saying this just to flatter you. I'm serious.
I've followed football since I was a kid, I'm over thirty now, and I can tell you're going to become a very big player in this beautiful sport !"
The man spoke with excitement and a big admiring smile.
"Thank you, that really means a lot.
Even today, most people don't know about my past in France, haha.
But yes… I have to admit, I was really, really good," Rikuo said proudly and happily.
"So here's what I propose: sign with our agency, and we'll find you the perfect contract for a talent like you. I guarantee it."
"Hmmm… honestly, this might sound strange, but I won't hesitate," Rikuo said.
"Then what's your answer?" Hideo asked, clearly stressed.
"I'm going to say yes."
"Incredible! You won't regret this choice, Rikuo!" Hideo said, jumping with joy.
Rikuo laughed. He found Hideo really funny and liked his personality.
"I said yes because I trust your eye for good deals.
After all, you spotted me that already says a lot, haha.
And honestly, I don't really want to waste time thinking about money.
I'd rather leave all that to you and focus on playing football."
"You're absolutely right, Rikuo.
Alright then, let's sign this contract and go do our first job at the club!" Hideo said, excited.
"Get in my car it's parked right across the street.
My colleague brought it since I came on foot, hehe," Hideo added cheerfully.
"Wow, you've got a really nice car, Hideo! That's the latest Mercedes."
"Haha, of course! Our agency always provides comfort for our players.
My colleague will be driving."
"Nice to meet you, Amada-san. I'm Aiko Tanaka, Honda-san's colleague. Please, have a seat," she said politely.
The ride was short, and Rikuo and his agent Hideo soon arrived at the club center.
They were called into the office of the sports director of Tokyo CF.
The office was modern, simple, but impressive.
Trophies and framed jerseys of club legends decorated the walls.
The sports director, a friendly foreign man in his fifties, welcomed them with a smile.
"Rikuo, congratulations again on joining us.
You've shown exceptional qualities on the pitch these past few days.
It's time to talk about your first professional contract."
"I'm the sports director, Miguel. I'm Portuguese, and I've been living in Japan for over 20 years," he added with a laugh.
"Nice to meet you, sir. You already know me, but I'm very happy to finally meet you," Rikuo said.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Miguel. I'm Rikuo's agent, Honda Hideo from Rising Pro Agency but please, call me Hideo."
"Perfect, Hideo. So you're well accompanied, Rikuo, haha.Alright, let's begin."
Rikuo felt a wave of nerves mixed with excitement.
This was official now.
It was no longer a test or a dream it was real.
The director placed a thick folder in front of him and began to explain…