CHAPTER 43 — "The Final Countdown to Ten"
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February 11, 2020 — One Month to Ten
The São Paulo mornings were warm, filled with sunlight reflecting off the sprawling cityscape.
Árman, now 9 years and 11 months old, moved through life with the same calm, gentle maturity he had shown for years—but with a quiet anticipation bubbling just beneath the surface.
School was routine. Football training remained intense but measured. Modelling assignments were spaced to allow for both rest and growth.
His parents noticed subtle changes:
His posture was more composed.
His expressions were sharper, thoughtful.
His attention span seemed longer than ever.
And yet, he still laughed like a normal child when playing with his cousins:
Lorenzo Duarte — Age 10
Thiago Duarte — Age 10
Emilia Duarte — Age 9
Despite being slightly younger than his cousins, Árman's quiet wisdom often guided them.
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⚽ FOOTBALL — PREPARING FOR U-15
The next few weeks were focused on preparing him for promotion to U-15.
Ball control drills were sharpened.
Passing sequences became more complex.
Strategic positioning and movement were introduced.
Though the exercises were more challenging, Árman completed them effortlessly.
His coaches began whispering:
> "By the time he's ten, he will be ready for anything we throw at him."
"His composure, intelligence, and physical ability… it's beyond any kid his age."
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📸 MODELLING — LAST PROJECT BEFORE TEN
Even during this period, Árman continued modelling—but selectively.
One high-profile shoot for Dolce & Gabbana Kids
A commercial campaign for Nike Brazil
Editorial coverage for Vogue Kids South America
Each shoot confirmed what the world already knew:
He was incredible on camera, naturally graceful, and mature far beyond his years.
Despite his rising fame, he remained humble.
He never demanded attention.
He smiled softly, acknowledged everyone politely, and never overstepped.
Photographers often whispered:
> "He's like an artist in motion. And he's just nine years old."
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👨👩👦 FAMILY — STRENGTH IN SUPPORT
At home, life was peaceful but intentional:
Leo, his father, encouraged him quietly in football while ensuring he remained humble.
Isabella, his mother, supervised rest, meals, and skincare for shoots, but emphasized inner growth.
Grandparents, both Azevedo and Duarte sides, nurtured his emotional and mental growth.
Árman still spent time with his maternal cousins, but he began showing more independent thinking, reflecting his internal maturity.
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🌙 NIGHTTIME — REFLECTIONS
At night, he often returned to his private dimension:
Sat on his throne.
Reviewed his skills.
Ran simulations in his mind for football, modelling
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March 17, 2020 — The Eve of Ten
On this evening, the atmosphere in São Paulo felt almost sacred to him.
He reflected on the past nine years:
All modelling projects completed
Football skills developed
Academic achievements mastered
Physical growth steady
Emotional intelligence deepened
He whispered quietly:
> "Tomorrow… everything begins. The U-15 promotion. The medical check-up. The next chapter of my life."
He smiled softly.
He felt calm, confident, and prepared.
Not proud. Not arrogant. Just… ready.
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🌙 FINAL NIGHT BEFORE TEN
He lay in his bed staring at the ceiling, thinking about:
How far he had come
How much he had learned
The adventures yet to unfold
And, as always, he spoke to his system:
> "System… I'm ready for the next step."
The system's soft, bell-like tone replied:
> {Master, you have grown well. The next stage awaits you.}
Árman closed his eyes.
Sleep came easily.
Tomorrow… he would turn ten.
Tomorrow… he would be promoted to U-15.
Tomorrow… the world would truly begin to see how extraordinary he was.