Chapter 16: A Shift in Atmosphere (1)

"So frustrating. I can't believe there's still no new signings."

Arsenal hadn't made any new signings since Gervinho.

The only news coming out was about players leaving.

Squad depth was getting worse, and the club's youth-focused recruitment policy hadn't changed.

Filling gaps with young players naturally led to dissatisfaction among the squad.

"We're supposed to be a team aiming for the title, but our squad is getting weaker by the day."

The team's atmosphere was at its worst.

Smiles had disappeared from faces, and more players were beginning to question the club's vision.

Even Frimpong, who was always cheerful, was acting cautiously in training.

"I didn't expect it to be this bad. This is a disaster."

Fabregas, the captain, who was supposed to restore order, said nothing.

He only occasionally gave Kai advice after watching his play.

With the captain staying silent, the veteran players remained passive.

On top of that, Nasri, who had requested a transfer, was stirring up trouble.

To make matters worse, the coaching staff seemed indifferent, trusting the players to figure things out.

Kai let out a deep sigh.

"We need to change the atmosphere."

But there was no clear solution.

He was among the lowest-ranked players in terms of status, along with Frimpong.

Maybe the team would only wake up after a series of losses in pre-season.

Or perhaps they'd have to wait until all the departing players left and a new captain emerged to stabilize things.

While he was contemplating, his phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID, Kai pressed the answer button.

"Yes, Dad? What's up?"

— Are you home?

"I came straight back after training. But aren't you busy right now?"

— It's Monday evening, so it's not as hectic as I expected. Plus, Lionel is handling things well.

("Boss! What do you mean it's not busy?! We're drowning in customers! Hire more staff!")

Lionel's angry voice shouted from the background, making Tetsu Arata chuckle awkwardly as he tried to calm her down.

After the commotion settled, he continued the call with Kai.

— How are you these days? Settling in okay?

"The players have been looking after me, so it hasn't been too difficult."

— No one's bothering you, right?

"Who would dare to bother me?"

— Actually, I was asking if you were bothering anyone.

Kai smirked at his dad's half-joking, half-serious remark.

"Do I seem like someone who would pick on others?"

— Well, I guess not. Anyway, I wanted to properly congratulate you on making it to the first team, but I've been too busy. Sorry about that.

"It's fine. Don't worry about it."

— Still, I feel bad. Now that you're in the first team, my workload has increased a lot.

"It's going to get even busier in October."

— Right. You'll also have school.

Tetsu Arata wanted his son to complete his secondary education, even if he didn't go to university.

Especially since Kai's grades were excellent.

But Kai had no attachment to academics—he wanted to focus solely on football.

— If you really want, I can arrange things with your school so your absences won't be an issue. But playing in official matches might be tricky.

"It's fine. We can deal with that when the time comes. No rush."

After a moment of thought, Tetsu Arata brought up another topic.

— Actually, the reason I called was to ask if you'd consider switching to a professional agent.

"You're quitting?"

— If you don't want me to, I'll continue. But the workload is piling up. Or maybe I could leave the restaurant to your mom and focus on managing you full-time.

In the previous timeline, Kai had never switched agents.

Even after becoming an adult, he had considered finding another agent, but Tetsu Arata refused to let his son be managed by someone else, staying by his side until retirement.

Kai had assumed it would be the same this time.

'But why the change?'

There were many possible reasons.

He hadn't had conflicts with teammates.

He had secured a professional contract through merit rather than luck.

Frimpong's presence.

So many things had changed from the last timeline.

He had altered the starting line, and the future was already shifting.

— I don't want to pressure you… Ha ha ha! I'm not a machine, you know.

His father's voice carried a hint of exhaustion, disguised behind humor.

Kai recalled his dad's perpetually tired face.

There was no need to hesitate.

"Then, please look into some options."

— Really? Are you sure?

"I don't want to be an ungrateful son who overworks his father."

Tetsu Arata thanked him, then quickly listed some agencies.

— Three agencies have reached out.

"Three?"

— ICM, Stellar Sports, and Gestifute—you've heard of them, right?

"Yeah, they're all major agencies."

— Right. They want to meet you before discussing contracts. You can talk to them first and decline if you're not interested.

"Got it. What about the last one?"

— This one's… I've never heard of them before. I couldn't even find much online. The agency is called Sport Cover, and the agent's name is Meïssa N'Diaye. Ever heard of him?

"No."

Meïssa N'Diaye.

Not as famous as Barnett or Mendes, but just as talented.

He had earned his agent license at just 21, setting a record in French football history.

By 2021, he was ranked among the six most influential agents in the world.

'As far as I remember, he was just starting out as an agent around this time.'

For him to approach Kai right from the start?

Truly impressive.

He had targeted a 16-year-old prospect as his first major client.

Kai had never met him personally.

He had simply overheard people talking about him after training one day, and the name had stuck in his mind.

Unlike the ruthless super-agents, N'Diaye prioritized trust with his players.

He kept his client list small and personally handled all negotiations.

His eye for talent was remarkable—every player under his management had immense potential.

He also maintained good relationships with players' families, ensuring their comfort.

'Meïssa N'Diaye…'

Right now, he was just a young predator stepping into the wild.

But eventually, he would prove himself among the super-agents.

Rather than joining a major agency, Kai wanted to talk to him first.

He was curious about N'Diaye's vision.

— Personally, I think Stellar is the best option. Want to meet with them?

"Hmm, I'll think about it a bit more."

— Alright, I was rushing things. Take your time.

The two continued chatting, making up for lost time.

— Oh, by the way, one of your friends stopped by recently. Short, dark-skinned, curly-haired, mischievous-looking kid.

"Oh, Frimpong?"

— Yeah, that's the one. He thanked me for looking after you.

"I've taught him a few things."

Defensive skills, positioning, passing, shooting—some useful tips.

If he absorbed even a bit of it, he'd be a completely different player from last time.

— He was fun to talk to.

"His nickname is The Clown."

— The Clown? That fits him perfectly. He talks well, laughs a lot, and knows how to entertain people. Do you have a nickname, Kai?

"A nickname?"

— Yeah, everyone has one.

Kai hesitated.

He knew what his teammates called him, but saying it out loud was too embarrassing.

"I don't have one yet."

— Hmm. Having a nickname would help you bond with your teammates.

Hearing his dad's concern, Kai smiled.

"It's fine. I've only been in the first team for a week. We'll grow closer as we go through tough times together. A nickname will come naturally."

— That's true. You know, back in my youth days…

His father's old stories never got easier to listen to.

Kai tuned them out and returned to his original problem.

How to change the team's atmosphere.

Then, a sudden idea struck him.

"That's it!"

— Huh?

"Dad, can you handle a bulk order?"

— A bulk order? Of course. How many portions are we talking about?

Kai quickly calculated the number of players and coaching staff.

"Around 40 meals."

— That's totally doable. But why the sudden bulk order?

"I was thinking about having lunch together with the team. If we all eat poke bowls together, it might help lift the mood."

— Hmm, that's a good idea. But won't the club need to approve it? They're probably strict about the players' diet.

"Can you ask the coach for permission?"

— Me? How am I supposed to do that?

"You remember when the coach praised your food? He said that poke bowls, with their fresh vegetables, fruits, and high-quality fish, were the perfect nutritious meal."

Tetsu Arata tilted his head.

— Did he really say that?

"Yes! Just ask him. I'm sure he'll agree."

— Alright, alright. I'll give it a try.

— Boss! What are you doing?! Customers are piling up! Get over here and chop the lettuce!

Lionel's scolding voice rang out again.

Tetsu Arata laughed awkwardly, but this time, it didn't work.

— Looks like I'll be working late again today. Make sure to eat dinner on your own, okay?

"Got it. Don't worry."

After ending the call, Kai started feeling a little hungry.

He opened the fridge.

Inside were the usual vegetables, fruits, and fresh salmon.

But he looked away.

Eating the same thing every day had become dull.

"Today, I'm having meat."

Skipping certain nutrients while growing could lead to imbalances.

For an athlete, that could be fatal.

Kai put away the chicken breast and took out a beautifully marbled piece of beef instead.