First Touch

## Chapter Information

### Novel Chapter(s)

Chapter 1

**"First Touch"** (ファーストタッチ, *Fāsuto Tacchi*) is Chapter 1 of the *Ao Ashi* series, written and illustrated by Yūgo Kobayashi and based on a concept by Naohiko Ueno. This chapter was published in the 6th issue of *Big Comic Spirits*' 2015 series.

## Summary

After a violent outburst at one of his middle school team's final football matches, aspiring player, Ashito Aoi, reflects and puts his skills to the test when a top youth team coach approaches him and invites him to the Tokyo City Esperion tryouts.

## Synopsis

A boy named Ashito Aoi scores a hattrick after two Baishinji Middle School defenders fail to defend the shot. The Futami Middle School's assistant coach appears to comment on Ashito's tactical skill and technique, but the coach insists that the only thing that matters is his scoring ability. The Baishinji Goalkeeper then walks up to Ashito, commenting on his untied shoes. While Ashito is tying his shoes, the Goalkeeper starts to criticize how selfish Ashito is and how that caused him to leave his old football club. Ashito does not seem affected, but after the Goalkeeper blames Futami Middle School's playstyle for being centred around Ashito, he appears to be more disturbed than before. After the Goalkeeper calls Ashito and his teammates "Foolish", "Idiots", and "Monkeys", Ashito headbutts the Goalkeeper, which surprises his mother, Noriko Aoi, who's watching the stands. He gets red-carded and sent off.

After the match, Ashito's mother scolds him after giving up her time to watch him. His coach then tells him that Dogo High School's principal came to watch Ashito but did not give him a recommendation after he deemed Ashito's headbutting "immature". It is later revealed that Futami lost the match 4-6, which led to them failing to qualify for the Four Provinces Tournament.

Tatsuya Fukuda (who was also in the crowd) seems to be talking to Hana Ichijo about his current trip in Ehime when Ashito approaches Fukuda after running for two hours. After Fukuda compliments his physicality, Ashito collapses.

In Ashito's dream, he recounts his first session with his Futami teammates, including calling himself the "reincarnation" of Ronaldo and Mark van Basten. This caused his teammates to laugh at his arrogance and ego. But after showing his abilities, his teammates accepted him.

After he wakes up, he sees Fukuda playing football on the beach. Impressed by his ball control, Fukuda tutors him to improve his first touch.

The Futami coach informs Shun (Aoi Ashito's brother) that Ashito has gone missing, but his mother seems more worried about her missing pouch. It is revealed that despite the headbutting incident, his teammates are highly grateful to Ashito and are all searching for him. His mother, still angry at Ashito, tells Shun to let him be and leave him alone. The Baishinji Goalkeeper and his parents then appear at the front door of the Ashito's.

We then cut back to Fukuda, commenting on how bad Ashito's skills are and how he doesn't have a hotel to sleep at. He has second thoughts about how Ashito might not have enough ability to perform complex skill moves. He asks Ashito questions about his match against Baishinji, but Ashito tells him to stop talking so he can continue to focus on learning how to improve his first touch.

We then go back to the Goalkeeper apologizing for his actions. It's revealed that while he blamed Ashito's teammates, he also insulted Ashito's financial situation and mother. Ultimately, his insults about his mother caused Ashito to headbutt him. The Goalkeeper formally apologizes to Shun and Noriko.

The scene changes back to Ashito and Fukuda again. This time, however, Ashito is trying to visualize how his last goal wasn't a coincidence but a goal that every person in the team contributed to. Ashito thanks his teammates for accepting such a short-tempered person into their club and helping him love football. Fukuda, however, seems more surprised that he remembered the position of all 22 players on the pitch.

After the sound of a dog barking wakes him, he finds Ashito still practicing first touches. Surprised that he was up all night, Ashito notices him watching and tells him that he has "gotten the hang of it". He then collapses again on the beach. Fukuda finally introduces himself to Ashito. He explains that he is the Youth Coach of Tokyo Esperion FC, and his ambition is to build a club that can beat clubs like Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Milan. Fukuda then invites Ashito to partake in the entrance exams for Tokyo Esperion.

## Highlights

* Ashito headbutts an opponent.
* Ashito loses his high school recommendation.
* Ashito meets Fukuda.
* Fukuda teaches Ashito first touch.
* Ashito is "missing."
* Headbutted opponent apologizes to Ashito's family.
* Fukuda is surprised at Ashito's good memory.
* Fukuda invites Ashito to Tokyo City Esperion FC.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

* Tatsuya Fukuda *(Debut)*
* Ashito Aoi *(Debut)*
* Baishinji Middle School Goalkeeper *(Debut)*
* Futami Middle School Coach *(Debut)*
* Futami Middle School Assistant Coach *(Cameo)*
* Noriko Aoi *(Debut)*
* Shun Aoi *(Debut)*
* Principal Kijima *(Cameo)*
* Hana Ichijo *(Cameo)*

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *Ao Ashi Chapter 1* – Comic Natalie