Episode 1: The Final Whistle, The New Beginning

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Episode 1: The Final Whistle, The New Beginning

The stadium is packed. A roaring crowd watches as the legendary Akira Hayashi, captain of Velvet Blancos—a world-renowned team often called "The 90th Minute version of Real Madrid"—stands tall at the center of the pitch. It’s the final match of the season, and the score is 3–3. The clock hits 90:00.

With heavy breath and calm eyes, Akira receives the ball at the halfway line. He surveys the pitch. In a flash, he threads a pass to Kaoru, his longtime teammate. Kaoru dribbles through two defenders, then slices a pass to Leo, the lightning-fast winger. Leo spots Akira making a late run, and sends a powerful grounded ball forward.

Akira traps the ball with a smooth flick, takes two steps, and fires—GOAL!

The crowd explodes. Velvet Blancos win. Akira jogs calmly to the corner flag. He kneels… and performs the iconic move he did when he began his career: squatting low with the ball gently tucked beneath his legs. A symbol of beginning and end.

Press Conference

Moments later, in front of flashing cameras and emotional teammates, Akira announces:

"This… is my final game. I’m retiring from professional football."

Gasps fill the room. Reporters choke on emotion. Fans watching at home break into tears. The football world has just lost one of its greatest.

That night, Akira returns to his home. He walks through a dimly lit hallway into a grand room: his trophy cabinet. Champions League, Ballon d'Ors, league titles from Europe, Asia, and America—all except one… the World Cup with Japan.

A New Offer

The next morning, Akira receives an invitation to a press conference in Japan. On stage, he faces a barrage of questions:

"Akira, are you really retiring?"

"Will you stay involved in football?"

"Are you going to buy a team?"

"Will you become a commentator?"

"I bet 500 million yen he’s going to be a manager!"

Akira smirks.

"I have a new project… Project: Golden Hawks."

A Dream Begins

Akira visits his old friend Edward, owner of the fashion brand FENIX EDGE. He shares his dream and hands over his custom jersey design for the Golden Hawks. Edward’s design team gets to work—sleek black and gold kits with a falcon crest symbolizing ambition and precision.

Days later, Edward delivers the complete set to Akira.

The First Recruit

Driving through the city streets, Akira slows near a dusty football pitch. A street match is ongoing. One player stands out—Haruto, a teenage baller with ridiculous skills, wild dribbling, and dangerous speed… but also a massive ego.

After the match, Akira approaches.

Akira: "You’ve got raw talent. Come play for the Golden Hawks."

Haruto: "Nah. I don’t take orders from washed legends. I’m the best."

Akira (smirks): "Cockiness can kill potential. Talent means nothing without growth."

Haruto: "Tch. Whatever. I’m not interested."

Akira drops a ball on the ground. With eyes locked on Haruto, he begins to juggle—effortless flicks, impossible stalls, perfect control. He finishes with a blazing volley into a street goal that bends like magic.

Haruto, speechless, finally speaks:

"…Alright old man. I’m in."

Akira opens his car door.

"Then follow me, Haruto. The Golden Hawks rise now."

Would you like Episode 2 next? We can explore training ground introductions, new recruits, or the first Golden Hawks trial match! 🦅⚽

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