A Ten-year-old boy called Kai Aoyma, who has dreams of becoming a professional footballer. he was the best player for Raizen Fc. He is known for his exceptional dribbling and clinical finishing ability. He was compared to legends like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Neymar Jr.
He came from a poor back ground, He's mother worked as a cleaner in a rich man house. While his father worked as a construction worker. Although they didn't have much, they were still happy.
One day, Kai came back sweating, his boots in his hands. He was back from a match against Tosei Athletic, they won them 4-0. Kai rushed inside, dropped his boots, and ran to the kitchen where his mother was.
"Mom, I scored four goals, and was named man of the match"
"Oh, that great. I'm so proud of you" His mother said
"Thanks mom. Don't you worry, I will become the best player in the world, and I will make you and dad happy" Kai said with determination in his eyes
Kai's mom smiles and continue what she was doing. Kai's father comes back looking tired and weak. He lies down on the sofa, still catching his breathe. He drops his helmet on the table. His wife brings his food and sets it on the table, Kai wanted to tell his dad about his game, but stopped as he saw his dad eating peacefully.
Kai's dad was done eating, Kai sat on the chair watching a football match. He watched the game, like he was on the field playing.
"How was your game today, Kai?"
"It was great. I scored four goals, and I was the man of the match"
"Wow, that's amazing. Keep it up, kid" His father said
"Thanks dad"
"You could grow up to be the next Lionel Messi, and lead Japan to a world cup glory"
"Yeah dad, you bet I will" Kai said filled with confidence
World cup arrives. Japan was facing Brazil. It was the round of 16. Kai and his father watched the game, and hoped that Japan wins. But luck wasn't on their side. Japan faces a huge defeat to Brazil 10-0. Kai ran upstairs to his room, he locked the door behind him, and began to cry.
His father sat there sad and dishearten by the huge loss, he buries his face in his palms.
Kai continued to shine in his club Raizon Fc. He was called the next Messi. He was shorter than his mates, and this made people wander "How old is he?".
His parents took him to the doctor. He was checked, and diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. The doctor told them
"His growth hormone levels are very low, so he's not growing at the normal rate."
"Can I still play football?" Kai asked
"I'm not sure about that" The doctor said
The doctor recommended some medication he had to take, to kick up his hormones. The medication was expensive. It was twice their yearly salary. Kai looked up at his parents, as they frantically checked their pockets for money.
Kai's parents worked hard to save up money for his medications. Everyday Kai would be taking to the hospital. He will be injected on his leg. The pain was too much, but he had to bear it all.
Kai talent grew, and he was known throughout the town. People will stop by, just to watch him play. He dribbled past players, as if they weren't there. The coaches were impressed and praised him a lot, they won so many competitions that came.
Kai's father seek help from the club Raizon Fc, but they declined. Kai's father withdrew Kai from the club. Kai begged his father in returning to the club, but he refused.
"Please dad, I want to continue playing football"
"Son, you can't play there," Kai's father said softly. "They only wanted you for your talent"
Kai stopped begging to return to the club. He started helping his parents in work, and also receive his medications. One day he went to his mother's workplace. He was scrubbing the floors, when a group of boys worked in. Their boots dirty and covered in mud, Kai watched as they pass by, without saying sorry.
"Hey, you just stained the floor, I just scrubbed" Kai shouted, clenching his fist.
The boys turned around, to see who was talking. The tallest one came forward. He's eyes fixed on Kai's. He walked to the spot Kai was cleaning, and stepped on it, making everywhere dirty again.
Kai couldn't take it anymore, he ran towards him and shoved him to the ground, making him to fall. The rest of the boys held Kai, the boy stood up and slapped Kai across the face.
"How dare you, push me. Do you know who I'm" The boy said, right as he was to slap Kai again, his mother came in.
"Please pardon him," she said, bowing her head. "He didn't mean any harm."
The boy smirked and told his boys to let him go. He shoved Kai away, and went out. He turned to his mother, who was already scrubbing. He bent down and joined her, his face full of anger and rage. But kept calm, because of his mother.