章 19: Connections | Munchen's Arc #1

"Are you uncomfortable with saying what your weapon is? I guess that's natural since we might become enemies in the future. I won't press the matter." Said the redhead, acting innocently and maintaining the same expression throughout.

Dennis cursed in his mind about the guy pretending to hide something from him. He was going to press the issue no matter what because it was such an obviously asked question. So, instead of keeping it hidden, Dennis spoke out.

"No, I'm not uncomfortable. I'm sure you already know what they are. My state of both mind and body. While the strong body allows me to dominate every physical aspect on the field, my mind stays reassured knowing that I'm capable of doing everything I think of." The German calmly explained,

However, nobody would be satisfied with such an answer, knowing that it is a basic one. In other words, nothing special.

"I also think that you have those traits… but at the same time, I think you are not speaking of everything." Chigiri lifted his eyes from the ground and looked directly into Dennis' blue pair of eyes that contained the calmness of an ocean.

He chuckled in response. "Obviously, that's not the only thing I do. But I at least told you two of my weapons, whereas you haven't mentioned even one of yours. So, let's do it like that, an equal exchange for my answers. Tell me about your weapon." Chigiri may have caught him off guard with his appearance, but he didn't think about the possibility of getting found out himself.

"Normally, I'm not comfortable discussing this, but I had a bad knee injury a while ago that prevented me from playing football for months." Chigiri mentioned this with pain in his eyes—a dead-eye look that you would imagine cartoon heroes having when they lose something precious.

The German looked at the right knee the redhead held dearly, fearing that something like that injury would repeat itself again here in Blue Lock or somewhere else. Chigiri unintentionally revealed his worst nightmare to Dennis. Fear of losing his career with an injury.

Dennis sighed, "That's tough, buddy, because I know of some people who also had knee injuries, but they were phenomenal."

"Really? What are their names?"

"Ronaldo Nazario." Dennis grinned as the redhead deadpanned at him as he said the name. This was one of the most well-known strikers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, but mentioning his name during this discussion would be inappropriate. The guy had two devastating knee injuries that ruined his career. And so the redhead retorted with these facts, even then Dennis had an answer.

"I know that he had two injuries; who doesn't? Nonetheless, he had a better career than most healthy football players. Imagine if Ronaldo wasn't a partygoer and had modern medical industries to help him out. He'd be such a monster."

Chigiri couldn't even imagine the height a Brazilian player would reach if he didn't get such injuries… But the facts remained the same; indeed, even with these injuries, he could hardly recount players that reached the same height as him. People and professional coaches all know the talent he had.

"Did you have an ACL tear? These serious injuries are the reason why people are so afraid of the situation; they blur your mind, making you unable to think properly. You already completed the rehab, so what's happening?"

Chigiri shuddered briefly, "It's... It's because I'm afraid of getting hurt again and losing my dreams."

"Oh, wow," Dennis said, looking at Chigiri. "I haven't heard such a truthful answer in a long time." He wasn't surprised, though. The stress of Chigiri's injury was palpable, and Dennis could relate to the fear of having it happen again. He knew that everyone who had suffered from a serious injury felt the same way.

Chigiri's legs were something special, generating a force and quickness that other players could only dream of. Dennis couldn't help but notice their lightness, despite the impressive speed and agility that Chigiri possessed. He had so few muscles, it was almost as if his legs had been specially built for this purpose.

Footballers' legs were different from those of other athletes. They were strong, built to sprint and endure the full 90 minutes of a match. The explosive power of their legs was one of the defining features of a footballer. However, factors such as a lack of muscle, poor training and nutrition, excessive upper body mass, and a dangerous playing style could all contribute to an ACL tear, which was what Chigiri had suffered.

"I've never had any major injuries," Dennis said, a sense of pride in his voice. "I've always taken care of my body, and it shows." He was indeed abnormal, with a physique that some might describe as monstrous. From a young age, it was clear to everyone around him that he was destined for greatness.

Dennis had learned a lot about injuries from a young age. He knew what to do to prevent them, and what to do if they occurred. "If you've finished your rehabilitation," he said, "you don't have to worry about getting injured again. Just play normally, don't do anything stupid, and you'll be fine." He sighed after saying this but continued shortly after.

"Chigiri, if I'm being honest, most ACL tears aren't the result of the injured person's fault. They usually happen because of a physical confrontation with someone else." In other words, it was usually someone else who caused the injury. "But you stay inactive during the entire game, even when you're not in a confrontation."

Chigiri remained silent, knowing all too well that his fear was the only thing holding him back from playing like he used to. Dennis didn't understand how it felt to live with this fear. He was so strong and so confident that he didn't have anything stopping him from clashing with others on the field.

"This... this is the only weapon I have," Chigiri finally spoke up. "Without it, I'm not the person I used to be." His words were heavy with emotion, and Dennis could sense the truth in them.

Dennis nodded understandingly. "I know how you feel, Chigiri. But you need to remember that footballers have more to offer than just legs. They have a great mind for the game and a deep understanding of strategy. They use everything to their advantage."

Chigiri thought about this for a moment. He knew that Dennis was right, but it was hard for him to see beyond his fear. He had always relied on his legs to get him out of difficult situations and to make split-second decisions that would turn the tide of a game. Without that, he felt lost and unsure of how to proceed.

Dennis put a hand on Chigiri's shoulder. "Let's go to the field; we can talk everything out there like true footballers do."

… … …

Dennis and Chigiri entered the pitch, both dressed in their uniforms, ready for their one-on-one match. The lights in the facility were shining brightly, and the artificial grass felt like freshly-cut one, creating the perfect setting for the one-on-one match.

"You wanted to hear more about my weapon," Dennis started talking after getting on the field, "I'll show you more if you show me more about your own weapon, so that I know you really have it."

Chigiri sighed. 'He doesn't want to make it easier for me, does he?' The redhead had no desire to participate in this game. But his curiosity took the lead. It seemed like the best option to pass on his dream to someone like Dennis.

Chigiri started with the ball, dribbling it with ease past the cones that marked the penalty area. He looked up and saw Dennis sprinting towards him, his long legs eating up the ground. Chigiri's heart rate increased; he knew that he had to be at his best to beat this guy.

'These kinds of people, need stimulation for them to act as they did before,' Dennis reasoned himself, as he approached Chigiri and stole the ball. The German displayed excellent dribbling and a quick mind as he evaded the defender's challenge, literally walking between the two cones and adding a score.

'I really don't have it in me to stimulate someone else when I couldn't even help out my friend with this. Chigiri's recovery is in different circumstances and definitely depends on him, and I have no power to create an environment for him to decide to move forward.'

If it so happens that Chigiri deems his career finally over, it'll really happen, and he will stop playing football. For now, the redhead is persistent and fears losing his dreams but doesn't want to act. 'It'll be too late if he doesn't do anything now.'

Even now, when Chigiri is trying to catch up to Dennis, he can't do so. He is far too quick in this situation, and the opponent can't catch up with half-assed determination. 'I know worse case than Chigiri's… I don't even know if it's worth it for you, but I really want to see your weapon in action. So I'll try.' Dennis concluded.

… … …

The year 2017, Munich - Bastard München Youth Sector.

The complex, built by the German club in 2015, had drawn in a swarm of young talents from all over Europe. With millions of euros invested in its creation, it was a state-of-the-art facility that was highly sought after by aspiring young footballers. And so, in the year 2017, a young boy named Dennis Kemp arrived at the academy with dreams of starting his football career with one of the best youth clubs in Europe.

Dennis was already showing a remarkable amount of skill and promise at only thirteen years old. He was confident that Bastard München's junior team would be the perfect place to kick-start his journey. He was accompanied by his close friend Max, who was also eager to begin the selection process.

Bastard München's talent scouting system was second to none. The academy was connected with various clubs across the city, where scouts would identify the most talented young players and offer them a scholarship that covered almost all expenses. This was the chance of a lifetime for Dennis and Max, and they were determined to make the most of it.

Upon arrival at the academy near the Allianz Arena, the two friends changed into their sports uniforms and began preparing for the selection process. "I'm so nervous," Max said, feeling the pressure of the moment.

Dennis, however, was calm and collected. "We won the tournament; that's why we're here. We already topped others, so there's nothing to fear," he said, trying to reassure his friend.

Max, who was a well-built individual with good physical prowess, was still not feeling his best. Despite being faster and having more endurance than his peers, he was still shorter and lighter. "Yes, but I kind of don't feel well, you know," he said.

Dennis noticed that his friend was not himself and asked, "Why? Something happened?"

Max nodded and explained, "Remember in our last match when I did a cross for you from the right flank? The guy at that time tried to intercept the ball before it launched, but he missed, and you scored the goal. But the thing is, his feet crashed right into my ankle." He pointed to his right foot.

Dennis was shocked that his friend had not mentioned this before. "What?! Why didn't you tell somebody? Are you an idiot?" he asked, his tone a mixture of concern and anger.

Despite the setback, Max was determined to give it his all and prove to the coaches and scouts that he was worthy of a scholarship. And with Dennis by his side, he felt confident that he could overcome any obstacle and achieve his dream of playing for one of the best youth clubs in Europe.

"You know, there weren't many options, right… I think I'll still manage somehow. It's just selections." Max mentioned this awkwardly but still felt sad about his friend's display of irresponsibility in front of him.

Dennis shook his head, "What if it gets worse?"

"No." Max stood up with his boots already tied and his determination peaking enough to conquer a marathon. "I won't let it happen."

'If you injure yourself, Max... I won't be able to help you out anyhow.'

Dennis' time in the academy of a club that is very well known for its rivalry with Berserk Dortmund promised to be, in a sense, unpleasant. Problems started to arise in the beginning, and the next months became more horrifying than anyone could imagine.