The Road to the Promised Land: Chapter 43

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== The Right Question to Ask ==
Thursday May 2
Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Japan
11:25 AM (3:25 AM BST)
In the Japanese mid-morning hours that followed the match between Bayern Munich and Manchester United, Nana came back to the hospital to see if there was any improvement on her mother's condition. Nana had been doing regular visits every day since she arrived in Japan. Unfortunately, Mrs. Mishima's condition had not improved one bit. Nana and Dr. Kanno were having a little chat as they looked at Mrs. Mishima from outside the room.
"I wished that we had better news about your mother's condition. No improvement at all, as always." Dr. Kanno said.
"Still, I have to hope something comes up." Nana replied.
"By the way, have you been eating properly?"
"I must say that I skipped a few meals since I arrived in Japan. It's a tough time for me mentally."
"I know it's difficult, but you need to eat in order to remain in top shape for the moment you will return to competitive sports."
"I know. There is something that has been bothering me very recently though." Nana said.
"What is it?" Dr. Kanno asked.
"When you meet people who have a relative in a coma, do many of them find themselves in a dilemma between staying alongside their loved one and going back to work?"
"I have seen a number of cases like that. Why?"
"As much as there is a part of me that wants me to stay alongside my mother, another part of me really wants me to fly back to Manchester so I can help my teammates."
"I see." Dr. Kanno said.
"What do you usually tell to those people?" Nana asked.
"Unfortunately, this is not something that I can give advice on. Each person copes differently in such a situation. I wished I could help, but that is beyond my field of expertise."
"I understand."
"Perhaps someone you know better might be a good person to talk to. I mean someone other than family, that is." Dr. Kanno said.
Then Nana dug within her thoughts as to whom she could try speaking to. Seconds later, she found the answer to that particular question.
"I think I know who might help me. My former coach and his wife, who is a clinical psychiatrist, might be able to help." Nana replied.
"Well, try your luck with them for the time being."
"I will. Thanks, Kanno-sensei." Nana said.
Nana was on her way out when Dr. Kanno stopped her.
"Oh, Mishima-kun..."
"Yes?" Nana asked.
"Eat something before you go anywhere. You look awful." Dr. Kanno said before Nana nodded in agreement.
Some time later in the early afternoon, Nana left the hospital with the need to ride her bicycle in the streets of Kamakura. Wearing shades and an Irish-style flat cap hiding her ponytail, Nana relied on those to conceal her identity to local Kamakurans as she rode her way from the hospital towards Enoshima High School. After a ride worth a few dozens of minutes, Nana finally arrived outside the grounds of her former high school.
"Well... I'm back. Good old Enoshima High School." Nana said to herself.
Having stopped riding her bicycle by the fence next to the outdoor clay field, Nana took a look at the activity going own over there. An entire class was playing soccer as part of their physical education class. Girls were playing on one half of the clay field while boys were playing on the other half. Looking at the young teenagers playing 5v5 matches, Nana started reminiscing the past.
"It feels as if it was yesterday. That time... when I volunteered to play against the boys; it was in my first year."
Then Nana remembered every detail of the time when she got through an entire group of 5 male players to score a spectacular solo goal. For a moment, she saw memories unfolding before her eyes. She and Kakeru were playing against the group that had their friends Kouta Nakatsuka and Michirou Takase on that day.
'Kakeru kicked the ball off to me. I skipped past 2 boys and let Kouta fly himself into the ground. Then I pushed the ball through Takase's legs after I used Kakeru as a decoy...'
Finally, Nana saw that old memory unfold again when the current player with the ball arrived in front of the goalkeeper.
'And lastly, I looped the ball above the last guy and into the goal. It looked so easy, but I never thought for once that it would be.' Nana thought.
While the current boys celebrated a goal on the pitch, Nana also remembered the overall mindset she had at that time, shortly before she would face Mina Meier and the SF Frankfurt team back in the days.
'At the time, I didn't tell Kakeru that I became a Nadeshiko Japan player. I thought that the pressure and the media scrutiny would be too much to handle just like it was in America because people saw me as a genius. But everything turned out to be good for us in the end because we worked hard together to be where we are now.'
While Nana was lost in her memories, the school's middle-aged gardener walked up to the other side of the fence. He didn't like strangers to stand too close to the school's grounds.
"Hey! Be on your way if you have no business here! This is no place for strolling around, and even less for stalking around." the gardener said.
"Oh, sumimasen (sorry). I'm leaving." Nana said before she got on her bicycle and rode away.
After Nana left, the long-time Enoshima High gardener was about to go back to his own duties. However, he turned around for a moment, wondering if there was something familiar about the woman he just saw.
"Who was that? Could she be... Nah, it must be my imagination." the gardener said.
As Nana stopped her bicycle ride a few streets away from the school grounds. She started wondering what she should do next.
"How should I meet Iwaki-sensei now? I can't get through the front door; I'd be spotted. Think, Nana. Think." Nana said out loud to herself.
Nana was thinking about what way she could meet with Teppei Iwaki without gathering any unwanted attention that would spoil the secrecy behind her time in Japan if she was spotted on the main school campus. Then she remembered that the Enoshima High School coach/teacher could seldom hold a training session on the beach standing the closest to the school.
'I really wonder if he would take the team to train at the beach after school today.' Nana thought. 'That would be easier for me. Let's go over there later on.'
During the middle of the afternoon, Nana rode her way around town. By the time that students were dismissed from classes at 3:30 PM, Nana made her way towards Katase Higashihama Beach. Having arrived at a position where anyone could have a good view of the beach, Nana waited for some time, hoping that the current crop of Enoshima High School players would be training on the beach between 4:00 PM and short of 6:00 PM. When the clock reached a little over 4:00 PM, she saw a group of 20 high school students dressed with their swimming trunks, sleeveless tops, and wearing either orange or white dibs on.
"There they are. Iwaki-sensei is with them." Nana said.
Watching from afar, Nana saw that the occasional beach soccer training session was still as intense as it has always been with teams of 5 players each and one goalkeeper at the lone set of improvised goalposts on the sand. Under the watchful eye of Teppei Iwaki, the current Enoshima High School boys came up with their share of bold tackles, strong and fast passes, and some acrobatic shot attempts.
"Things haven't changed and yet it is still doing wonders for them. Playing on the beach is always good for the sake of pushing away fears of injury that could come from playing on hard and grassy surfaces."
The context of playing in the sand was both an excellent workout and a preparation for situations where dealing with adverse pitch conditions would become necessary. For a good amount of time, Nana was impressed by the quality displayed by the players on the beach.
"Only the future will tell how good those players will be, but they are already ahead of where we were in the days as a bunch of energetic players." Nana said with a smile.
The beach soccer training session carried on until the clock came short of 6:00 PM as expected; it was already dusk over Kamakura as the sun was expected to go below the horizon by 6:28 PM. Teppei and his boys were set to carry the equipment back to school before they would go home for the day.
'I think it's the right time for me to send a text to Iwaki-sensei.' Nana thought.
Nana texted her message straight to Teppei. In the distance, Teppei noticed the vibration coming from his own mobile phone to indicate an incoming message.
"I wonder who that is." Teppei said to himself.
Then Teppei opened up the screen on his mobile phone before he read Nana's message: "Nana Mishima here. I see that beach soccer still works well with the current crop of students. They are a really good group."
Realizing that the message strongly implied that Nana was in Kamakura, Teppei texted back to ask where his former student exactly was.
"It's nice to receive news from a former student. Where are you right now?"
"My presence in Japan must remain a secret except to people to whom I want to talk to, but I really want to seek some advice from you and from your wife. There was an accident involving my family; that is why I'm here." Nana texted back.
"Think you can make it to our home for dinner? I will tell Ayaka that you're coming. We'll have all the time we need to talk later." Teppei texted.
"Sure. Where and when? I will ride on bicycle from where I am to there." 
"Try to make it a little around 6:45 PM. I'll give you the address."
"Thank you. Send it." Nana wrote.
After receiving the address on Teppei's last text message, Nana called home to tell her father about her plans for the evening.
"Nana, what's up?" M. Mishima asked.
"I just got in touch with Iwaki-sensei, Dad. I'm asking for some words of advice from him and from his wife, so he said that we can talk after dinner. I just wanted to let you know that I will come home later in the evening." Nana replied.
"His wife... Ah, the one who was Kakeru's psychiatrist back in the day, right?"
"Yeah, that's her. I'm hoping to find a few answers to a few questions with their help."
"That's fine with me. Just stay safe out there, alright? Make sure nobody else recognizes you as well."
"I will, Dad. I promise."
"See you later, Nana." M. Mishima said.
"Thanks, Dad. See you tonight." Nana finished.
After Nana ended the call, she got on her bicycle and then started riding her way towards the address that was previously given by Teppei. The Iwakis' family house was located in a different part of the city, in-land and away from the coast. After a ride that took quite its share of time, Nana finally arrived in front of the house at 6:41 PM. Surprisingly, the architecture for the Iwakis' house was fairly reminiscent of the Aizawas' family house.
"Well, let's do this." Nana said to herself.
Nana stepped forward to ring the doorbell. Seconds later, the door opened up with Ayaka Iwaki (née Mine) answering at the door. Although Ayaka was around 10 years older than Nana, the former didn't appear to have aged much since the days when they first met during Nana's time as a middle school student.
"Mishima-san! Nice to see you!" Ayaka greeted.
"Ayaka-sensei. It has been quite some time." Nana replied.
"Teppei called me and said that we would be expecting you. What brings you here, so far from England?"
"Something happened, and I wanted to ask both you and your husband for advice." Nana said.
"We will have plenty of time to talk about it later. Come in."
"Hai."
Nana followed Ayaka inside the house. For a few seconds, Nana looked at the surroundings inside the house.
"Nice place you have." Nana said.
"Yes. It's a good house for a new family." Ayaka replied.
"That's right. By the way, where is your son?"
Then a toddler-aged child walked in to join Ayaka in the living room.
"Mama, Mama." the young toddler said.
"There you are, Noboru-chan!" Ayaka replied as she picked up the toddler in her arms.
"How old is he now?" Nana asked,
"He's 19 months old. I'm enjoying every single moment of motherhood." Ayaka replied.
"Wow. He has really grown up since last year. I remember that he was still an infant during the time of the World Cup. He can already walk and talk now."
"Time sure flies quickly."
"Mama?" Noboru asked.
"Oh, this is my friend Nana. Say 'hi' to her, Noboru-chan." Ayaka replied to her son.
Then Nana moved closer to Noboru's face with a smile.
"Hello, Noboru." Nana said.
"Na-na?" Noboru replied, slightly confused by the similarities in sound between the two words.
"He must be confused by how close 'Mama' and 'Nana' are." Ayaka said to Nana.
"I can imagine." Nana chuckled.
Then Ayaka turned her attention towards her son.
"Want to play with Totoro?" Ayaka asked.
"Toto!" Noboru replied.
Ayaka let Noboru go the the nearby couch, where a plush toy shaped as the famous character Totoro was lying on it. For the time Noboru was playing with the toy, Nana and Ayaka also sat on the couch to continue their conversation.
"How is work since you became a mother?" Nana asked.
"One of the greatest things I've learned from Teppei is how to think outside of the box in the line of work. Since I got pregnant with Noboru, I've been doing psychiatry consultations through webcams with all of my patients. So you could say that I'm working from home for the hospital in quite a very non-conventional way for my domain." Ayaka replied.
"That's impressive. I'm quite surprised that the hospital allowed you to do this."
"They sure didn't want to lose my expertise just because I was about to become a mother. So we sat down and then found that common ground to make a deal. To be honest, my patients also enjoy doing those consultations online so they can avoid the hassle of making a trip to the hospital for a consultation as well. All I have to do is to keep the log updated, e-mail it to the hospital, and then I would get my paycheck. It's good money and everyone is happy. Besides, my baby's worth it."
"How is your husband coping with his new status as a retired player after the World Cup and after the last J-League season?" Nana asked.
"Very well, I say. He always enjoyed coaching and teaching at Enoshima, even when he was a player. So he has everything he needs to cope very well with retirement." Ayaka replied.
"I can't wait to see him soon. I just hope he is not caught up too much into paperwork at school."
"For that, I'm not too worried." Ayaka said.
Then the front door opened as Teppei made his way home at last.
"Tadaima!" Teppei said.
"Papa!" Noboru said as he ran to greet his father.
"Hi there, Noboru-chan!" Teppei picked up his son in his arms with a smile.
"Okaeri (Welcome home)." Ayaka said.
"Nice to see you, Iwaki-sensei." Nana added.
"Nice to see you too, Mishima-san." Teppei replied. "I came by the grocery store to buy a few things since I knew you would be our guest tonight."
"That's really good. I will help Ayaka-sensei with preparing dinner." Nana said.
"Thank you, Mishima-san." Ayaka replied.
A few hours later, Nana and the Iwakis finished dinner. Then Noboru was put to bed before the real conversation could take place between all adults in the house.
"Noboru is sound asleep now." Ayaka said.
"That's good. Finally, we can talk." Teppei replied before he turned towards Nana. "So, Mishima-san, can you tell us what brought you back to Japan so close to the end of your season?"
"My... My mother has had an accident in the late evening on last Saturday. She got hit by a sleeping driver in a truck, and... she has not woken up from her coma since. I learned the bad news just after we beat Manchester City." Nana said.
"My goodness!" Ayaka exclaimed in surprise.
"I'm deeply sorry, I really am. If only I knew..." Teppei said.
"There was no way you would have known. Except for me, my dad, my agent, the police, the medical personnel at the hospital, and now you two, no one else knows about my mother being the victim in that accident. Everything has been kept secret and will stay that way to protect our family's privacy unless we choose to go public." Nana said.
"And so you flew back to Japan after you received the bad news, right?" Ayaka asked.
"I took a private jet on Sunday morning in Manchester. Then I flew all the way to Japan; it was Monday morning here when I arrived. It was really sad to see my mother hooked up to all of those machines to keep her alive."
"It's really sad indeed. Now I understand why I didn't see your name when I read the match report of the game between your team and Bayern Munich this morning." Teppei said.
"I guess that the physician treating your mother is Tetsuya Kanno. Has he told you if he was optimistic about your mother?"
"Kanno-sensei said that the odds that she would wake up are lesser than 40%."
"We're deeply sorry for you, Mishima-san. If there is anything we can do to help, we will do our best. Anything." Teppei said.
"In fact, I came here to ask your take on something." Nana replied.
"Go ahead." Teppei said.
"We're listening." Ayaka added.
"I watched the match in the middle of the night. It was really tough for me to watch the last 20 minutes or so because my team was struggling to create anything against Bayern. Since this morning, only one question keeps on coming back in my mind. What should I do? Should I stay with my mother here in Japan or should I go back to my teammates who need me at this moment?"
Then silence occupied the living room for a few seconds as the answer to the question was all but a simple one.
"That's a very difficult question to answer, Mishima-san." Teppei said.
"Now that is a big dilemma." Ayaka added.
"I know. That is why I wanted to hear your opinion. If you were in my shoes, what would you do and why?" Nana asked.
"Well... I was never confronted to such a situation as a player. So I'm not really sure what I would have done, but I have to say that I would aim for decisions that would leave as less regret as possible." Teppei replied.
"But how would I know which decision would lead me to have less regret compared to the other one?"
"Well, I never said that you would find the answer right now. You need to thoroughly assess all of your options, and then do what you feel is both right and leading to less regret." Teppei said.
"Was there a decision that you regretted more than anything else because you didn't assess all of your options before?" Nana asked.
"One in particular... When I was a first year student at Enoshima High School, I was reckless when I took on against Enoshima SC and then all the way to the regional championship. I got a number of muscle injuries, but I chose not to take better care of myself because I wanted to prove doubters wrong. It was that poor decision when I look back because I had to put a stop to my own dream of becoming a professional player." Teppei replied.
"Things turned out for the best in the end though since you played as a professional player, Iwaki-sensei."
"Sure, but it took me 10 years to recover both physically and mentally before my old sports physician made me realize that I could still become a professional player. Only then things started to work out for the best. I did tryouts, then I signed a professional contract, then I was chosen to play for Japan in 2 World Cups, and then I managed to live my dream while also teaching teenagers the same passion. I could have lived my dream a little longer if I was not as reckless."
"I see." Nana said before she turned towards Ayaka. "What's your take, Ayaka-sensei?"
"I will try my best as a psychiatrist. First of all, we have to lay down all facts that are meaningful to both options here. On one side, your mother is your first and your biggest fan. So she definitely counts a lot for where your own path has taken you thus far." Ayaka said.
"If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have played in that boys' team back in elementary school and I wouldn't have met Kakeru on the first day with them. She has always been so supportive for me. She always believed that I can break any barrier, and she was right."
"Now I understand what your mother really means to you."
"She is almost everything, Ayaka-sensei." Nana said.
"Very well. Now let's lay down the facts on the other side." Ayaka replied. "Bayern beat your team yesterday, but you also saw that Kakeru-kun and your teammates were struggling without you on the pitch. Because of that, there is a part of you who wants to help your teammates as much as any of them would have helped you. Are you feeling somewhat guilty that you were not there for them?"
"Now that you put it that way, I have to say yes. Short of winning the World Cup, winning the Champions League in Europe would also be something big for any soccer player. So I feel like I'm letting down my teammates when they needed my help so deep in the knockout stages, so close of making such dream near a reality. I'm deeply torn between my choices, I really am." Nana said.
Then Ayaka assessed the totality of what Nana has said thus far before giving a tentative answer.
"Hmm... There are strong cases for both sides of the coin. Even I would have a tough time sorting myself out in a situation like this. However, I wonder if the question you must ask yourself should be formulated differently."
"How?" Nana asked.
"Just as Teppei said, what matters most is about which decision would bring a lesser share of potential regrets. That would be the question I would ask myself. Think for a moment about what are the upsides and downsides for either choice you have, and try to weigh them in." Ayaka replied.
Nana tried to think for a few seconds about everything that had been said in order to find a hint of a solution. However, she was not able to find the solution to her dilemma no matter how hard she tried.
"On one hand, I could stay with my mother until there is something new in her condition, but I could end up regretting the fact that I let my teammates down while they are struggling. On the other hand, I could decide to go back to England, but I could regret leaving Mom because I don't know if this could be the last time I will ever see her." Nana replied.
Nana let out a sigh.
"I really don't know what to do." Nana said.
Then Nana felt that it was better to end the discussion for now.
"I guess I won't be able to find an answer now anyway. I should go home and think about it."
"Of course, Mishima-san. Sleeping on the idea after you go home would be a good idea as well." Ayaka said.
"Perhaps you will find out an answer tomorrow or very soon after. I'm sorry that we couldn't be of any further help." Teppei added.
"Regardless of what I will choose to do, I'm really happy that you took the time to talk with me. Thank you, both of you." Nana said.
"I hope you will eventually take the best decision for you, Mishima-san." Ayaka replied.
"And if you have more questions along the way, you know where you can join us." Teppei added.
"I will call you back if I feel the need to. I promise." Nana finished.
Then Nana left riding on her bicycle and on her way back towards her house. She didn't quite have the definitive answer she was hoping to find yet, but there was plenty of food for thought at the moment. Nana felt that it could take a little bit of time to absorb everything that Teppei and Ayaka told her before a decision could be taken in either direction.
Friday May 3
The Mishimas' House, Kamakura, Japan
8:30 AM
Nana slept through the night at her old house, hoping that she would make up her mind about what to do next. However, she was still as undecided as ever in the following morning.
"So how was the meeting with the Iwakis yesterday?" M. Mishima asked.
"Productive with plenty of food for thought, but I still need time to digest everything." Nana replied.
"So what are you doing now?"
"I will go out to pay my respects to an old friend of mine... the only big brother I ever had." Nana said.
"Oh, I see. I'm sure that Suguru-kun would appreciate."
"Hopefully, I may have a clearer mind after visiting him."
"Hopefully. Be careful out there." M. Mishima said.
"As always." Nana replied.
Nana walked her way from home to the cemetery where the Aizawa Family grave could be found. On other times, she would come there only to pay her respects to the late Suguru. However, Nana was hoping that an answer to her dilemma would somehow show up for this time even if it meant talking out loud and thinking all by herself in the cemetery.
"Hi, Suguru-san. I wished I came here more often in recent years."
Nana knelt to pray for a couple of minutes in front of the grave.
"When my mom had that accident, I came back as soon as I could. The thought of losing her is just..." Nana said before she sobbed. "Sorry, Suguru-san. A part of me says that I should stay at my mother's side until she wakes up... if she ever wakes up. But a different part of me says that Kakeru, Yusuke, and all of my teammates need my help more than ever, especially so close to the end of our season. I'm really torn."
Nana looked at the grave, thinking about the conflict she is currently facing.
"What should I do, Suguru-san?" Nana asked out loud.
"Well, that's not the right question to ask yourself." a voice said.
Caught off guard by the reply, Nana turned around to look for the source of those words. Knowing that the voice was already familiar, she couldn't believe it when she saw who actually said the words.
"Suguru-san!"
Suguru's spirit was walking among the tombstones until he arrived right next to the Aizawa Family grave.
"Sorry for spooking you like this. Other than Kakeru, you're the only living person who actually saw me like this. I guess you must be something special if you're able to see me." Suguru said.
"How can this be?" Nana asked. "I always thought you were..."
"Inside Kakeru's heart? Yes, a small part of me was... more active until he grew to become such a fine player that I can let him do everything on his own." Suguru replied. "But, of course, the biggest part of me remains here in Japan."
"When was the last time Kakeru saw you?" Nana asked.
"Outside Old Trafford back in February; that was the first time in years. He saw me alongside the 8 players who lost their lives as a result of that plane accident in 1958." Suguru replied. "But, well, I'm not here to talk about that. I understand that your mother had an accident recently. Tell me what happened."
"She was walking back home in the evening when a truck hit her. The driver was asleep at the wheel. Mom has been in a coma since, and the doctors are not optimistic about her chances of survival."
"I see. So I guess you're torn between staying at your mother's side and going back to help your team, am I right?"
"Yeah." Nana said.
"Like I just said, that's not the right question you have to ask for yourself." Suguru replied.
"What is it then?" Nana asked, confused.
"It's more about what your mother would have wanted you to do. If she was here right now, what would she have said to you?" 
"Huh?" Nana didn't know how to answer.
"Think for one second: What did your mother always wanted you to become as a person?"
"She... she wanted me to grow and become a top soccer player. She always believed in me. She always believed that I would become a better person if I played in a team since I was born an only child."
"Which leads to..." Suguru said.
"She would want me to come back to Kakeru, Yusuke, Noriko, and the other players so we could all win together." Nana replied.
"There it is."
"But..."
"There's nothing left you can do but to keep hope alive for your mother. However, the right thing to do is to move forward and to focus on what you can control ahead of you." Suguru said.
When those words came up, she felt an echo from something Kakeru said back in September when he quoted a patient at the hospital where both Kakeru and Nana were working in.
"One can cherish fond memories of the past, but has to move forward in order to live without regrets and to do what's best for the time that is given to each of us." Nana said, remembering the quote.
"It's one way to put it, yes."
"I really wish it was this easy, Suguru-san. I don't know what to do if that could the last time I ever see my mom." Nana said.
"If that can help you to make your decision, there is a way for me to save your mother. But you will have to trust me."
Nana was surprised to hear those words, but a small light of hope suddenly began to glow in her heart.Hey brother! Do you still believe in one another?Hey sister! Do you still believe in love? I wonderOh, if the sky comes falling down, for youThere's nothing in this world I wouldn't do."What do you mean?" Nana asked.
"When people fall into a coma, their souls don't leave their bodies for good and run free like I did when I died; they are in 'limbo.' It's a no man's land... a world of infinite subconscious where souls can be trapped." Suguru replied. "It would be a difficult task if I go there. My soul could be trapped there forever as well since I don't have a body."
"No, don't... Even if it was possible, it would be too dangerous for you." Nana said.
"If that is the price to pay to save a life, then I accept it. I will do everything I can to find her in there so I would bring her back for you. In a way, you're my sister. I always saw you like another young sister I would have liked to have. For you, there is nothing I wouldn't do for you even if the world collapses around. Just believe in me."
"Suguru-san... I really didn't want to ask the impossible from you. But since you're willing to do so, please find her. Mom is a huge reason why I made it so far, and I really don't want to lose her." Nana said.
"I know. Please help my brother and his friends for now. Even if you don't see me, I will always help you out." Suguru replied.
For a moment, Nana's thoughts revisited all the moments Suguru spent with her like a big brother watching over her and Kakeru from their elementary school days up to middle school. For some reason, she felt that everything would be alright with Suguru helping out.Hey brother! There's an endless road to rediscoverHey sister! Do you still believe in love? I wonderOh, if the sky comes falling down, for youThere's nothing in this world I wouldn't do.Ah, ah, ah.What if I'm far from home?Oh brother, I will hear you call!What if I lose it all?Oh sister, I will help you out!Oh, if the sky comes falling down, for youThere's nothing in this world I wouldn't do.Smiling at the thought that Nana had already made her decision at that particular moment, Suguru's spirit started walking away.
"Wait!" Nana called out. "Thank you... for showing me a way."
"No. Thank you for taking care of my brother so well for all of those years and for living the same dream together." Suguru replied.
"Hope I will see you again."
"We will, Seven. Stay strong, always." Suguru finished.
Finally, Suguru's spirit vanished out of sight. Although everything seemed unreal for a moment, Nana felt that all doubts have gone away; the dilemma that she was confronted to was no longer standing in her way. She promptly took her smartphone and called home.
"Nana?" M. Mishima asked on the phone.
"Dad... I've made my decision. I wished I could stay at Mom's side, but I can't let Kakeru and my teammates down right now. I... I also wished there was a better way to tell you this." Nana replied
"No, you're right. I... I know that your mother would have wanted you to give everything for them, so I support your decision. Is there something else I can do?"
"Just come to the hospital. I'll meet you there." Nana said.
"OK, I'll see you at the hospital."
"Thanks, Dad." Nana finished.
Then Nana ended the call before she dialled Miwa's phone number.
"Nana?" Miwa asked at the other end.
"It's me, Miwa-san." Nana replied. "Are you doing anything right now?"
"As far as you mean stuff for my clients, not really. Why?"
"I have made up my mind about what I will do next. I alone will fly back to Manchester tomorrow, but I want to sort out a few things first. I want you to stay in Kamakura to keep tabs on my mother's situation after I'm gone. Can you meet me to the hospital within the hour?" Nana said.
"OK, I will be there." Miwa replied.
"Thanks, Miwa-san. See you there." Nana finished.
Nana ended the phone call. Within the next hour, Nana, M. Mishima, and Miwa arrived at Kamakura General Hospital. Then they met with Dr. Kanno at his office in the trauma center.
"I guess that you have made your decision, Mishima-kun." Dr. Kanno said to Nana. "Otherwise, all three of you would not be here altogether."
"That's exactly it." Nana replied.
"I'm listening."
"Kanno-sensei... After what you've said to me, I sought advice and opinions from very trustworthy people. I had plenty of think about. But in the end, I was led to remember something that Kakeru... my fiancé shared with me once. He said that I can all cherish all the fond memories of the past, but I have to move forward in order to live without regrets so I can make the best of the time that is given to me." Nana said.
"Nana-san..." Miwa softly said.
"By that, it also means that I have to focus on what I can control ahead of me. As much as I would feel sad to leave my mother, what happens to her from now on is not something that I can control. But on the other hand, I can still do something for Kakeru and for my teammates. If I don't try to help my team, I know that my mother would be disappointed. I would come to regret a lot if I don't help them knowing that I could have made a difference or, at least, tried my best doing so. If she was awake, she would tell me to go back to Manchester for the sake of the only brothers I have now."
There was silence in the office for a few seconds.
"Those are words of great wisdom, Mishima-kun. I don't think I would have said those better following your decision. We will take great care of your mother with all the best people and the best resources for as long as she will need to, I promise." Dr. Kanno said.
"Thank you, Kanno-sensei." Nana replied.
"Thank you." M. Mishima and Miwa added.
"I have one request that I would like to make." Nana said.
"Go ahead." Dr. Kanno replied.
"Since all rooms have television screens, could you make sure that the nurses will be leaving the TV on in my mother's room when my team plays?" Nana asked. "If I have to, I will pay myself for any subscription to sports channels. My mother always found a way to watch all games, and I hope to play some time next week."
"Well, I'm sure we can get everything sorted out. I will do my best to get the word with the people who are responsible for dealing those requests." Dr. Kanno replied.
"I can help for that as well. I will stay in Japan with the family." Miwa added.
"Thank you." Nana said before she turned towards her father. "Dad, I also want you to do something for me."
"What do you need?" M. Mishima asked.
"Whenever we play, I would really like it if you could watch our games with Mom at bedside. Since you're still granted compassionate leave, I think you can do it, right?"
"Those are usually played deep in the night here in Japan, Nana. I would love to be here, but I'm not sure if the hospital would allow me to..." M. Mishima said.
"You don't have to worry about that, Mishima-san." Dr. Kanno replied to M. Mishima. "For as long as we know at what time the matches start, we can let the night shift team know that you would arrive if you choose to come by."
"The hospital can do that?" M. Mishima asked.
"Absolutely." Dr. Kanno replied.
"If you say so... I will."
"Thanks, Dad." Nana said.
"Anything else you want us to know?" Miwa asked.
"Because millions of people are speculating as to why I didn't play the most recent game and why I will not play against on Saturday, I was thinking of settling the matter myself by going public about what happened to my mother." Nana replied.
"When?" M. Mishima asked.
"There is a press conference on Monday a little over 4:00 PM in England; that should be a little over midnight on Tuesday in Japan when we will begin. If one of the reporters asks me about why I was away, I will say what I have to say while asking for everyone to respect my family's privacy."
"I agree with Nana-san. From a public relations' point of view, solving this matter quickly would allow Nana not only to end all speculations but to shift the focus back on the match against Bayern." Miwa said.
"I think that's the best thing I should do with the media. Any objections?" Nana asked.
Everyone remained silent, which meant that no one disagreed at all.
"Well, I guess we're set now." Miwa said.
Then everyone got off their seats.
"Good luck for whatever comes next, Mishima-kun." Dr. Kanno said to Nana.
"Thank you for everything, Kanno-sensei." Nana replied. "Before I leave, I would like to take a moment with my mother alone. I need to talk to her."
"I knew you would ask me that as well. I will let you have your moment with her."
Dr. Kanno led Nana to Mrs. Mishima's room before he left both women alone with the door closed behind. Finding her courage, Nana walked up to bedside before she started talking to her mother.
"Mom... The last time I came talking to you, I told you that winning would be meaningless if you're not here to see me, Kakeru, Yusuke, and all of my friends do it. I was wrong." Nana said.
Then Nana held her mother's hand.
"I was wrong because I lost sight of why you wanted me so much to join that boys' team so many years ago. You knew that the best way for me to become a stronger and a better person was to play in a team, alongside brothers that I would never have otherwise. I'm really sorry for forgetting about it in my sadness. Now I know what I have to do. I will fly back to Manchester as soon as I can, and I will help my teammates the best way I can to the very end. I know you would have told me the same if you could talk to me just now."
The heartbeat monitor indicated that Mrs. Mishima's heart was beating a little faster for a moment. One could have thought that she was reacting somewhat to her daughter's words, but it was nothing major as far as everyone was concerned. Nana wiped out a few tears in her eyes realizing that she was almost done with the talk.
"I met Suguru-san today... He promised me that he will find you and bring you back to us. As for me... Mom, this is not my farewell to you. You will wake up, you will get better, and we will enjoy more time together as mother and daughter. We will talk to each other again, I swear. Stay strong, Mom."
Then Nana gave a goodbye kiss on her mother's forehead before she finally walked out of the room. A few minutes later, Nana, her father, and Miwa made their way to the hospital's parking space.
"You'll be OK?" Miwa asked.
"I feel a little better now." Nana replied.
"So when will Nana fly back to England?" M. Mishima asked.
"First of all, I need to make a few calls. I will call the pilots of the private jet to tell them that you could fly in the morning. There should be enough time for them to have a flight plan." Miwa replied.
"They're still in Japan?" Nana asked Miwa.
"As far as they are concerned, yes. I will also notify the club people in Manchester that you will fly on your way back to Manchester tomorrow. I have to wait until 5:00 PM here, which means 9:00 AM in the UK, so I can call the people at their office."
"That's really good to me." M. Mishima said.
"Nana-san, you better write to Kakeru-kun and to your friend Noriko that you will arrive some time on Saturday in the UK." Miwa said.
"I was thinking about that. Will do." Nana replied.
Then Nana and M. Mishima went back home for the rest of the day while Miwa went back to her office to make a few phone calls. In the following hours, Nana packed her luggage ahead of the private flight that would be later set to take off in the following morning. At that moment, Nana had her eyes set on what was ahead of her.
Saturday May 4
The Mishimas' House, Kamakura, Japan
8:10 AM
In the following morning, Nana was packed up and ready to leave the house. The morning sky was already clear and sunny over Kamakura as Nana was about to set course towards Haneda Airport in Tokyo. All she had to do was to wait for Miwa to arrive with the car for transportation.
"There she is." M. Mishima said.
"On a good time." Nana added.
Just as it was done when Nana returned to Japan, Miwa chartered the car with a private chauffeur to make the drive between Kamakura and the airport.
"Ohayou, Miwa-san." Nana greeted.
"Ohayou, Nana-san." Miwa greeted back.
"I will take care of the luggage for you." the chauffeur said.
"Thank you." Nana replied.
As the chauffeur loaded up Nana's luggage into the back of the car, Nana was in for one last chat with her father and Miwa altogether.
"Does Kakeru-kun know around what time you'll be expected to arrive?" M. Mishima said.
"Yeah, I already wrote a text message to him. He and Noriko will come to pick me up in the middle of the afternoon over there." Nana replied.
"I also wrote to Kakeru-kun to confirm the details. He will be there." Miwa added.
"That's very good."
"After Miwa-san drops me at the airport, she will come to assist you in everything you need, Dad. I won't be alone with Kakeru and my friends being there to help." Nana said.
"Nana-san is in good hands with Kakeru-kun, Noriko-san, and Saeki-kun. I couldn't have asked for a better entourage for her at this time."
"Very well. This is where you take on your journey again, Nana. No matter what happens, give it all out there on the pitch like you always did." M. Mishima said.
"I will do it and then we will win, Dad. I promise." Nana replied.
Then Nana hugged her father, who returned the hug.
"I will pray for Mom every day. I hope she will make it back to us." Nana said.
"I know you will. So will I. Now it's time to go." M. Mishima replied.
Nana turned on her heels and made her way alongside Miwa to the car. Then the car was off on a ride that lasted a little longer than an hour between Kamakura and the airport. From there, Miwa escorted Nana to the same private jet that took her to Japan less than a week ago. Then Nana and Miwa bid goodbye to each other before Nana went on board of the private jet, which finally took off from Haneda Airport around 10:05 AM Japan time.
Following the same flight path as in the previous weekend but in the opposite direction, the private jet flew a little less than 7 hours before it made a refuelling stop in Astana, Kazakhstan. Then the plane took off for a final trip from Astana to Manchester for less than 6 hours. At some point during the final flight, Nana watched the match between Everton and Manchester United (Premier League match 37, May 4) on the TV monitor. The match had started since 12:30 PM in the UK.
Rob Hawthorne: Manchester United are so close to the 3 points, but Everton are mounting the pressure.
Manchester United were 1-0 in front through a goal from Anthony Laurent in the 54th minute of a tightly contested game at Goodison Park. The Red Devils were within distance of a victory that would set a nearly insurmountable gap in the Premier League title race. The match was entering stoppage time with Everton pushing more attacks forward in search of an equalizer.
"Come on, guys." Nana said.
Rob Hawthorne: Seamus Coleman... long ball across for Digne...
From the right side inside the Manchester United half, Seamus Coleman kicked a long ball that destined to arrived on the side of the Manchester United penalty area, on the opposite flank. When the ball reached Lucas Digne, the French left-back whipped a first-time left-footed aerial ball in front of goal.
Rob Hawthorne: Lovely first-time ball... CALVERT-LEWIN!!!
English striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin threw himself with a diving header to fire the shot into the back of the Manchester United goal, in front of the famous and noisy Howard Kendall Gwladys Street End. Neither Jan nor the Manchester United defenders could stop that shot.
Rob Hawthorne: IT'S 1-1! There could still be a twist in the title race! Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the substitute, has levelled it for Everton. And Manchester United may not be crowned champions yet!
While the vast majority inside Goodison Park celebrated a late equalizing goal, the Manchester United players and supporters inside the stadium looked in disgust. Meanwhile on the plane, Nana reclined into the back of her seat, sighing in disbelief.
"That's ridiculous! We were so close of extending that lead to 6 points before Arsenal would play." Nana said to herself.
After the goal, United tried pushing for a late winner. However, Everton gathered all of their players behind to defend their own goal. In the end, the result remained the same at the final whistle.
PEEP PEEP PEEEEEEEEEP!!!
Rob Hawthorne: The final whistle. Manchester United could have extended their lead to 6 points at the top of the table before Arsenal would play later today, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin has salvaged a draw for Everton in stoppage time. It is a point that extends the gap to 4, but the Gunners can't be written off yet. If Arsenal can beat Cardiff City later today, that gap would be narrowed down to 1 single point in favour of Manchester United at the top. This title race may well go down to the wire. The final score at Goodison Park: Everton 1-1 Manchester United.
'There is no way Arsenal will drop points at Cardiff. Araki and his team will eat that relegation fodder alive.' Nana thought. 'We lost a big opportunity to put the title race to bed today.'
Later, the private jet landed at Manchester Airport a little over 4:00 PM. As soon as Nana entered the terminal, she looked up to her smartphone for updated scores in the Premier League's ongoing matches at that time.
"Cardiff City already losing 0-3 to Arsenal. I knew that would happen *sigh*." Nana said to herself.
Nana went through the airport customs before she picked up her own luggage at the baggage claim area. Then Nana made her way into the terminal's Arrivals level, where she saw Kakeru and Noriko already waiting for her.
"Kakeru..." Nana softly said.
Kakeru and Nana's gazes met. Neither said a word, but they were definitely glad to see each other again.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Go to her." Noriko said.
"Yeah, for sure." Kakeru replied.
Then Kakeru walked his way towards Nana before he greeted her with a big hug.
"Welcome back, Nana! I really missed you." Kakeru said.
"I really missed you too. You promised you'd be the first to greet me on my return, and you kept your promise. Thank you." Nana replied, tears coming out of her eyes as she returned the hug.
"Anything to keep a promise to you, I would have done it."
"I'm really sorry I took so long before I decided to come back here." Nana said.
"No, it will be OK. It was a difficult decision, but I'm glad you're here so we can get things done together." Kakeru replied.
"Together indeed." Noriko said.
Then Noriko walked up to greet Nana.
"Welcome back, Nana." Noriko said.
"Thanks, Noriko." Nana replied before she told about the scores. "We drew against Everton, and Arsenal are beating Cardiff City right now."
"I know, Nana. We know." Noriko said.
"It seems we always play for teams doing things the hard way, Kakeru and I."
"That's the story of our club too, but we can still come on top."
"Noriko is right; we're still in control of our own destiny in the League. You're back when there is something that can still be done, and that's all it matters now." Kakeru said.
"Thanks, guys." Nana replied before she embraced both Kakeru and Noriko.
At that moment, the rest of the Manchester United team showed up. The scene brought a few more bystanders pulling their smartphones out to take pictures and videos of Nana's reunion with her teammates.
"Welcome back, Witch." Matthias greeted.
"What? How? I thought you would be back to Carrington now." Nana said.
"Well, 'Fury' through his girlfriend Noriko told us that you would be at the airport around this time. So we thought it would make more sense for us to be here." Nikolaj replied.
"Better for us to be here than thinking too much about the points we dropped." Yusuke added in Japanese.
"Guys... I only wish I found answers to my questions sooner so I could come back to help earlier." Nana said.
"There is nothing to be sorry about. For you to be back here now, it means you have a lot of strength." Andrew replied.
"If you suffer, we will suffer together with you to the very end. We stick together like a family." Matthias said.
"Guys... Thank you." Nana replied.
Then Nana gave a friendly hug to each of her teammates, one by one. Although results have been harder to come by for the team, having the Little Witch back with the team was the best news they could get at that time.
"I guess people from the outside will start asking questions about your absence very soon now that they have seen you at the airport today." Noriko said to Nana.
"If they do, I will answer to them with nothing but the truth."
"What does that mean?" Kakeru asked.
"You'll find out on Monday." Nana finished.
After the whole team left the airport, Nana was driven home by Kakeru and Noriko. Meanwhile, some media outlets picked up the story about the scene involving Nana's return to Manchester. Not knowing why Nana missed the last 2 matches, people speculated all kinds of theories to explain her absence without actual facts to support those theories. But as Nana told to her father, she was soon going to break the silence behind her week-long absence.
Monday May 6
Aon Training Complex, Carrington, UK
4:11 PM BST (12:11 AM Japan time)
The good news for Manchester United was that Kakeru was able to work his left ankle in the gym both on Saturday and on Sunday, mainly thanks to his phenomenal levels of physical recovery. Then Kakeru was able to train with the rest of the team on the pitch on Monday. Nana also returned to full training with the team on that same Monday as well. Following the training session, Andrew Butler had plans of including both Kakeru and Nana in the 18-man squad for the upcoming match against Bayern Munich. However, the Boss was not going to confirm his intentions in public at all.
After the afternoon training session, a press conference was going to be held at 4:15 PM in front of all journalists covering the match. In the context preceding a Champions League match, the Manchester United manager would be accompanied by a player to answer questions. This time though, Nana insisted to be the one on the podium alongside Andrew.
"Are you going to be OK?" Kakeru asked Nana.
"A little jittery, but I will be fine." Nana replied.
"You know, I could go out there and answer their questions for you." Matthias said.
"Thanks, Skipper. But this is something that I have to do alone; I will put all speculations to bed once and for all. I already said to my dad that I would do it."
"She will be fine. It's better that she gets that off her chest now." Kakeru supported Nana's case.
"Fine. I won't be far behind if you need support." Matthias said.
"Be true to yourself." Yusuke added.
"Thanks, Skipper. Arigato, Yusuke." Nana replied.
"Well, let's get this show on the road, Mishima. Let's not make the herd wait any longer." Andrew said.
"Yes, Boss."
Andrew, Nana, and head of football communications Karen Shotbolt walked their way into the press conference room. A large gathering of journalists, mainly from England and Germany, were already waiting. After the 3 Manchester United representatives took their respective seats on the podium, Karen made the presentations.
Karen: Good afternoon. The manager and Nana Mishima are here to take your questions on the game. If you can put your hand up.
Then the question period started with the first reporter asking his question.
Reporter 1: Andrew, can you give us an update on fitness for Kakeru Aizawa? And with or without him, what approach will you take to overturn the 1-3 deficit?
Andrew: Kakeru Aizawa trained today with the lads. He had a good training session, but I think it will come down to a decision before the match. We are monitoring his fitness level very closely, and you will be informed in due time if there is an update. As for the approach... well, we have to win the match above anything. Being down 1-3 is not ideal before we play the second leg, but we can do it. Of course, we need the first goal. If we can stay in the match long enough and that one goal is all it takes, then anything can happen. It is a difficult task against a really strong team, but we know we can perform against any club. Regardless of what happens tomorrow night, this is our last home match in Europe for this campaign – the one before the very last home match in our season. We will come out there to play the match as if it was our very last, and we will leave everything on the pitch.
Reporter 2: This is a question for Nana. After the Manchester derby, we were told that you were granted permission to leave the club for personal reasons. Hence you missed the last 2 matches in which United couldn't earn a win. Do you want to share an explanation about those reasons if you feel comfortable to speak about it?
Nana: Well... Before I give an explanation, I first want to apologize to all Manchester United supporters who have been left with doubt, speculation, and other kinds of theories behind my absence. Second, fans deserve to hear the truth from me right now.
Nana took a deep breath before she finally started providing the explanation.
Nana: Right after we won the Manchester derby, I was informed that my mother had an accident that put her into a coma. It happened some time before the match started. My mother's condition remains critical, but the doctors in Japan are doing their very best to keep her stable. I call every day in Japan for an update, but she has not woken up since the accident. I flew back to Japan as soon as I could after last Saturday's game. My mother is my first and my biggest fan since I was a child. So I had to be there for her. Now you know the reason, and I will take this opportunity to ask everyone to respect both my family's privacy and my own in such a difficult time.
There was a heavy silence in the press conference room for a short moment before one reported finally decided to carry on.
Reporter 3: Nana... I don't think we need to go back on what you've just said. However, what exactly make you decide to return to Manchester when you and your family are still enduring such a difficult time?
Nana: I have to say that I was in a dilemma after I saw my teammates defeated by Bayern Munich in the first leg. There were lots of mixed emotions for me. On one side, I wanted to stay at my mother's side not knowing if I would ever talk to her again. On the other side, I wanted to help my teammates in a time of need. I was asking to myself: "What should I do?" I sought advice from a number of people, especially those who have known me since I was a teenager. Then an old friend of mine said that it was not the right question for me to ask. The right question was about what my mother would have wanted me to do if she was with me right now. Because I was born an only child, my mother always wanted me to enjoy being a part of a team so I can grow both as a player and as a person. When I found my answer, I knew what I had to do. I promised to my mother that we would talk to each other again.
Watching from the backstage corridor outside of the press conference room, Kakeru was watching the press conference.
'Who is that old friend she was referring to?' Kakeru asked in his thoughts.
Back to the press conference room:
Reporter 4: Andrew... Now that Nana Mishima has returned to the team, does that mean we can expect her to be in the squad for tomorrow's game?
Andrew: Nana had to shake off the jetlag after the long flight she took between Friday evening (UK time) and Saturday afternoon. She trained with the rest of the team today – the first time since before the City game. Again it may be a matter of a last-minute decision before the match, but I'm not closing the door on any possibility at all.
Reporter 5: Andrew... People at Old Trafford were used to great European nights under Sir Alex Ferguson. They haven't been spoiled in recent years when it comes to top European competitions. How would you use past history of the club to be an inspiration to the players?
Andrew: Of course, history is always something we can look for inspiration at this club. But our main focus is to score 2 goals and then not concede an untimely goal if we want to survive. Still, we know that overcoming a 2-goal deficit to win has happened in the Champions League in recent years. Just a couple of years ago for example, PSG won the first leg 4-0 before Barcelona came through by winning the second leg 6-1. That's football. We know that we can do it. Coming back from a 2-goal deficit is something we have done before. The players have been fantastic at home this season. We've beaten Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus, and Real Madrid at home, all of which we are given the belief that we can do this as well.
Then a German reporter asked the next question about how United would try to break Bayern Munich's defense.
Reporter 6: Toru Asuka and Karl von Seckendorff have been a big reason why Bayern Munich limited Manchester United to a single goal in the first leg. They are said to be currently the best pair of central defenders in all of Europe. What would you do to beat them?
Andrew: There is no doubt that Asuka and Von Seckendorff are fantastic defenders. They saved Bayern a number of times because they know what to do under each set of circumstances. However, it is our job to keep attacking the back 4 until we find gaps to exploit. It's a big task for our forwards, but they will have help with Nikolaj Kristiansen making his return from suspension tomorrow night. We lacked a little something when we needed to pile up the pressure on the Bayern defence last time, but we will be going for it.
Then another German reporter asked the following question.
Reporter 7: You said about Kristiansen making a return tomorrow, but there is no certainty about whether or not Kakeru Aizawa or Nana Mishima will see some action. No need to remind everyone here that Aizawa and Mishima have been vital elements to your team's good fortune in this season. Considering that uncertainty and the result in the first leg as well, would you say it is extremely difficult of a mission for Manchester United?
Andrew: Of course, it is a more difficult mission. But there is never such thing as "mission impossible" if that is what you were implying. You know that's quite bad luck to think something is mission impossible.
At that moment, several people in the room burst into laughter.
Andrew: As I said here earlier, we have to score the first goal. After that, anything can happen. It's as simple as that. There will be a tactical game, but it will also be a mental game. Goals can easily change the narrative of any match. If we score the first goal, then we will start to believe even more while they might start to doubt themselves.
Then an English reporter had one last question for Nana to answer.
Reporter 8: My question is for Nana Mishima. Mina Meier said after the first leg that she wished she could play against you on the big stage. If you are going to make the squad tomorrow night and then be called upon to play against her, what kind of emotions would be going through your mind? How would you deal with the situation?
Nana: I can't say if I will be in the squad tomorrow night because I have missed a lot of training sessions in the last week. That decision belongs to the manager, and I will accept whatever he will choose to do with me. But if the opportunity of facing her arises, then I will meet the challenge and then find a way to beat her to make my team win. I know that my mother would have said to me: "I'm always with you no matter what. Everything will be OK." No matter what happens tomorrow, I will carry my mother's words in my heart just like I have always done since I was a child.
Kakeru appreciated Nana's recent reply to that question.
'Very well said, Seven. I hope you will have the opportunity to play.' Kakeru thought.
All the way in Japan, M. Mishima and Miwa were watching the live press conference as well. They both smiled when they heard Nana's reply to that question as well.
"She's doing great with those comments." M. Mishima said.
"I feel the same. It will be very difficult to justify leaving Nana out of the squad when her presence alone could inspire anybody on the team." Miwa replied.
"You think she will make the squad in time?"
"I'm convinced she is already in." Miwa finished.
After that last question addressed to Nana, a few more questions were asked to Andrew about how where the pressure stands ahead of the match, about how the upcoming match against Bayern could have an incidence on United's momentum before the final match of the Premier league campaign, and about the kind of mistakes United will need to correct against Bayern. Then the press conference ended with Andrew and Nana leaving the podium; it was 4:34 PM.
"How was I?" Nana asked Kakeru.
"You were pretty good."
"You really mean it?"
"Of course, I do. You were awesome." Kakeru said before he hugged Nana.
"Thanks, Kakeru." Nana replied as she returned the hug.
"You did the right thing. Even if you don't play, I think what you said to the media will inspire everybody." Yusuke said.
"Thanks, Yusuke."
"If I was the manager, you would definitely be in my squad tomorrow. The players would be really happy to see you back on the bench at the very least." Matthias said.
"Like any proud athlete, I would love to play. Still, I will trust the Boss on this one." Nana replied.
"I will keep on vouching for you, Witch."
"Thanks, Skipper."
"We would do with a good rest tonight. Then off to work tomorrow." Yusuke said.
"By the way, Seven, who is that old friend you were referring to in your comments?" Kakeru asked.
"I will tell you about it someday, but not today. We have a job to do tomorrow." Nana replied.
"Oh... Well, OK." Kakeru finished.
In the late afternoon, the Manchester United players were allowed to go home. Since the match against Bayern was set to be played in the evening of the following day, players were allowed to sleep at home for the upcoming night. Then the team would meet up at the Lowry Hotel after breakfast on the day of the match. Regardless, the match was set to be an uphill battle.
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