**JANUARY 23, 2025 - DAY AFTER DEBUT**
**KUROSAWA KAITO'S APARTMENT, VALDEBEBAS, MADRID**
**10:47 AM**
---
Kaito woke to sunlight streaming through the gaps in his apartment's curtains, the brightness stabbing through his closed eyelids with enough intensity to drag him from sleep despite his body's protests. For a disoriented moment, he couldn't remember why every muscle in his body ached with the particular deep soreness that came from sustained physical exertion beyond normal training loads.
Then memory returned in a rush.
Yesterday. The match. His professional debut. Seventy minutes played for Real Madrid Castilla. A penalty won. Chances created. A 2-0 victory secured.
His first professional match was complete, and he'd survived it.
Kaito opened his eyes fully and stared at the ceiling of his small Madrid apartment, processing the reality that he was no longer just a prospect or a potential talent. He was now a professional footballer who'd actually competed at this level and contributed to his team's success. The transition from theoretical possibility to concrete reality felt surreal even twelve hours after the final whistle.
His phone lay on the nightstand where he'd left it before falling asleep at approximately 22:30 last night, exhausted from the day's physical and mental demands. He reached for it now, his arm protesting the movement with stiffness that confirmed he'd need to follow Dr. Ramírez's recovery protocols carefully today.
The screen lit up showing **10:47 AM** and an absolutely overwhelming number of notifications:
**247 UNREAD MESSAGES**
**63 MISSED CALLS**
**412 SOCIAL MEDIA NOTIFICATIONS**
Kaito sat up slowly, his lower back complaining about the movement, and began scrolling through the accumulation of digital communication that had arrived while he'd been unconscious. The messages fell into several categories—family and friends from Japan celebrating his debut, football accounts analyzing his performance, media requests for interviews, and an increasing volume of transfer speculation that he hadn't expected to see this quickly.
The most recent messages were from this morning:
**CHEMA (09:34):** *Buenos días hermano! Hope you're recovering well. Rest day today but Dr. Ramírez wants everyone at Valdebebas at 14:00 for recovery protocols. Don't be late.*
**MOM (09:12 - Japan time 17:12):** *おはよう,カイト.ゆっくり休んでね.無理しないで.愛してる.* (Good morning, Kaito. Rest well. Don't push yourself too hard. Love you.)
**ASENCIO (10:23):** *Recovery session at 14:00. Mandatory ice baths and massage. Also Raúl wants to see you in his office at 15:00. Nothing bad, just feedback on your debut. See you there.*
The mention of a private meeting with Raúl caused a small spike of anxiety despite Asencio's reassurance that it was routine. Feedback could be positive or critical, and even though Kaito had received a 7.5 rating from the official club assessment, there were certainly areas where he could improve that Raúl would want to address.
But that was hours away. Right now, his body demanded attention.
Kaito stood slowly, testing his legs and finding them functional but noticeably fatigued. The deep muscle soreness was most pronounced in his quadriceps and hamstrings—the major muscle groups that had been stressed most during seventy minutes of sprinting, changing direction, and the constant small accelerations that football demanded. His left ankle, where Santos had caught him with the challenge that led to the penalty, had some residual tenderness but no significant pain or swelling.
Nothing injured. Just tired. Exactly as expected after a professional debut.
He moved through his morning routine with the careful deliberation of someone whose body was operating at reduced capacity. Shower first—warm water rather than the cold shock treatment he'd used yesterday morning, because today was about recovery rather than activation. The hot water felt incredible against his sore muscles, the heat promoting blood flow and beginning the process of flushing out the metabolic waste products that had accumulated during yesterday's exertion.
While showering, Kaito's mind wandered to the match itself, replaying key moments with the critical eye that came from years of studying his own performances. The penalty he'd won had been the highlight—his movement into the box, the awareness to recognize the space, the contact from Santos that resulted in the spot kick and red card. That single play had changed the match completely, giving Castilla both a goal and a numerical advantage that made the second half significantly easier.
But there had been mistakes too. The shot that hit the post in the fifty-eighth minute still bothered him—with better placement, that becomes his first professional goal instead of a near-miss. Several passes had been slightly overhit or underhit, forcing teammates to adjust rather than arriving perfectly at their feet. His defensive positioning on two occasions had been poor, leaving Chema isolated when Talavera attempted counter-attacks.
Professional football was a game of percentages and margins. Being good enough wasn't sufficient at this level. Excellence required addressing the small mistakes that separated decent performances from truly outstanding ones.
After showering, Kaito prepared a light breakfast following the recovery nutrition guidelines Dr. Ramírez had provided. Nothing heavy—his digestive system was still recovering from yesterday's stress just as his muscles were. Toast with peanut butter for easily digestible carbohydrates and protein. A banana for potassium to help prevent muscle cramps. Orange juice for vitamin C and simple sugars to replenish glycogen stores. A protein shake to provide amino acids for muscle repair.
He ate slowly while scrolling through his phone, this time focusing on the messages that actually mattered rather than the noise from strangers and media accounts:
---
**[FAMILY MESSAGES]**
**MEI (09:45 - Japan time 17:45):** *Onii-chan! Everyone at school is still talking about you! My homeroom teacher asked if you could send a signed jersey for the classroom! Can you?? Please??? 🙏⚽*
**MIO (09:47 - Japan time 17:47):** *I showed everyone the video of you winning the penalty and they all screamed! You're famous now! When are you scoring a goal though? That's what we're all waiting for! 💪😊*
**MOM (10:15 - Japan time 18:15):** *カイト,今日はゆっくり休んでね.無理は禁物よ.体が資本だから.愛してる.* (Kaito, please rest well today. Don't overdo it. Your body is your capital. Love you.)
Kaito typed quick responses to his sisters—promising Mei he'd look into getting a signed jersey but making no guarantees about when, and teasing Mio that goals would come when they came. To his mother, he sent reassurance that he was following all recovery protocols and felt fine physically.
The time difference made real-time communication difficult—it was currently 10:53 AM in Madrid, which meant 6:53 PM in Kawasaki. His family would be finishing dinner about now, his mother probably cleaning up while his sisters worked on homework or whatever activities twelve-year-olds engaged in during Sunday evenings.
---
**[TEAM MESSAGES]**
The Castilla group chat had been active overnight:
**MARVEL (08:12):** *Great win yesterday everyone. Clean sheet feels good. Now we rest and prepare for next week. Mandatory recovery at 14:00.*
**GONZALO (08:34):** *Two goals feels nice but we have 17 matches left. Stay focused. Long season ahead.*
**NICO PAZ (09:01):** *Good performance from everyone. Enjoy the day off but be ready to work Monday.*
Kaito noticed that Nico's message was professional but noticeably brief. The Argentine midfielder had come off the bench in the sixty-second minute and played well, earning a 7.0 rating, but he'd still lost his starting position to Kaito and that competitive tension was evident in the carefully measured tone of his communication.
Professional courtesy masking personal disappointment. That was how these situations worked.
---
**[SOCIAL MEDIA - NOTABLE MENTIONS]**
Against his better judgment, Kaito opened Twitter to see what the wider football world was saying about his debut. The analytics were staggering:
**#KurosawaKaito** had trended in both Spain and Japan for over twelve hours, generating more than 180,000 tweets globally. The reactions ranged from enthusiastic praise to measured analysis to outright skepticism:
**@RealMadridJapan:** *黒澤海斗のデビュー戦,7.5/10の評価!PKを獲得し,チームの勝利に貢献!次は得点を期待!🇯🇵⚪ (Kurosawa Kaito's debut, 7.5/10 rating! Won penalty, contributed to team victory! Next we expect goals!)*
**@TacticalAnalystES:** *Kurosawa showed exactly why Real Madrid invested €10M. Decision-making was mature, technique was clean, positioning was intelligent. The miss that hit the post was unlucky—different day that's a goal. Promising debut. 8/10 potential if he continues developing.*
**@CastillaWatcher:** *Kaito's passing accuracy: 89% (54/61 passes completed). Created 3 clear chances for teammates. Won penalty that opened scoring. For a 15yo debut those are elite numbers. Real Madrid's scouting department strikes again.*
**@SkepticalFan88:** *Everyone hyping Kaito but let's be real—he played 70 minutes against a 10-man relegation team and didn't even score. The penalty was soft too. Let's see how he does against actual quality opposition before calling him the next big thing.*
**@LaLigaExpertEN:** *Perspective: Pedri's debut for Barcelona at 17 - rating 6.5. Gavi's debut at 17 - rating 6.0. Camavinga's debut for Real Madrid at 18 - rating 7.0. Kurosawa at 15 getting 7.5 is genuinely exceptional. Stop underrating this performance.*
Kaito closed the app after a few minutes. The praise was nice but ultimately irrelevant—external validation didn't improve his actual ability. The criticism stung slightly but wasn't entirely wrong—he hadn't scored, and while the penalty decision was correct, it wasn't like he'd created the goal through pure individual brilliance.
What mattered was continuous improvement, not what strangers on the internet thought about his performances.
---
**[11:24 AM - UNEXPECTED NOTIFICATION]**
Kaito's phone buzzed with an email notification from an unfamiliar sender:
**FROM:** Eduardo Martínez - Real Madrid CF Player Management
**SUBJECT:** Meeting Request - Agent Assignment
**PRIORITY:** High
*Dear Kurosawa Kaito,*
*Congratulations on your successful professional debut yesterday. Your performance demonstrated the quality that convinced our club to invest in your potential.*
*As you continue developing your career at Real Madrid, the club has determined that you require professional representation to manage the increasing commercial and contractual demands that will arise. Per your current contract stipulations, Real Madrid CF has the right to assign an agent to represent your interests until you reach 18 years of age, at which point you may choose your own representation.*
*We have assigned Jorge Castillo of Castillo Sports Management to represent you effective immediately. Jorge has extensive experience managing young talents and will handle all contract negotiations, commercial opportunities, and media obligations on your behalf.*
*Please attend a meeting Monday, January 24th at 11:00 AM at Valdebebas - Building C, Conference Room 3 to meet Jorge and discuss the management structure going forward. Your mother's presence via video call has been arranged if she wishes to participate.*
*Best regards,*
*Eduardo Martínez*
*Director of Player Development*
*Real Madrid CF*
Kaito read the email twice, processing the implications. An agent. Professional representation. The club was formalizing his status as a professional athlete with commercial value and contractual obligations that required expert management.
This was both exciting and slightly overwhelming. At fifteen years old, he'd just had his first professional match yesterday, and already the infrastructure of a professional career was being built around him—agents, contracts, commercial opportunities, media obligations. The machinery of modern football was engaging, and he was no longer just a talented prospect but an actual commodity with market value that needed to be protected and maximized.
His mother would need to be informed. This was the kind of decision that affected his entire family, not just his individual career.
Kaito typed a quick email response confirming his attendance at Monday's meeting and requesting that his mother be included via video call, then sent a message to his mother explaining the situation in Japanese:
**Kaito:** *ママ,レアル・マドリードが正式にエージェントを付けてくれることになりました.月曜日に会議があります.ビデオ通話で参加できるそうです.詳細は後で電話で話します.*
(Mom, Real Madrid is officially assigning me an agent. There's a meeting on Monday. They said you can participate via video call. I'll explain the details when we talk later.)
The response came within three minutes, despite it being early evening in Japan:
**MOM:** *分かった.月曜日,仕事を調整して参加します.エージェントについては慎重に判断しましょう.愛してる.* (Understood. I'll adjust my work schedule to participate Monday. Let's be careful about the agent decision. Love you.)
His mother's caution was understandable. The football world was full of stories about young players being exploited by unscrupulous agents who prioritized their own commissions over their clients' long-term interests. But if Real Madrid was assigning this agent directly, presumably they'd vetted him thoroughly and ensured his incentives were aligned with the club's interests rather than opposed to them.
Still, vigilance was wise.
---
**[12:08 PM - NUTRITIONAL RECOVERY LUNCH]**
Following Dr. Ramírez's recovery day meal plan, Kaito prepared a light lunch that balanced his body's nutritional needs with the reality that his digestive system was still recovering from yesterday's stress:
- Grilled chicken breast (lean protein for muscle repair)
- Sweet potato (complex carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores)
- Mixed vegetables (vitamins and minerals to support recovery)
- Greek yogurt with berries (probiotics and antioxidants)
- Plenty of water (hydration remained critical)
He ate slowly while watching highlights of other Primera Federación matches from yesterday's matchday. Atlético Madrid B had won 3-1 away, their young striker scoring twice and looking extremely dangerous. Sevilla Atlético had drawn 1-1 in a scrappy match with lots of fouls and defensive play. Barcelona Atlètic had lost surprisingly 2-0 to a mid-table opponent, their promotion push suffering a setback.
The updated league table showed Castilla had consolidated second place, now eight points behind leaders CD Badajoz but maintaining a comfortable three-point cushion over third-place Atlético Madrid B. Seventeen matches remained in the season—if Castilla could maintain their current form, automatic promotion to Segunda División was highly achievable.
That was the goal that mattered more than individual statistics or ratings. Team success enabled individual opportunity, and getting promoted meant better competition, higher visibility, and faster progression toward the ultimate objective of breaking into Real Madrid's first team.
---
**[13:42 PM - DEPARTURE FOR VALDEBEBAS]**
At 13:42, Kaito packed a small bag with the essentials for the recovery session—comfortable clothes, shower supplies, his phone and charger—and headed down to the building's lobby where Juan would be waiting with the Mercedes.
The driver was punctual as always, the black car idling at the curb at exactly 13:45.
"Buenas tardes, Kaito," Juan greeted him warmly as he opened the rear door. "¿Cómo te sientes hoy?" (How do you feel today?)
"Cansado pero bien," Kaito replied in his improving Spanish. Tired but good. "Muchos músculos doloridos." (Many sore muscles.)
"Es normal después de tu primer partido profesional. Espera hasta que juegues tres partidos en siete días—entonces realmente sentirás el cansancio." (It's normal after your first professional match. Wait until you play three matches in seven days—then you'll really feel the tiredness.)
Juan's perspective as someone who'd been around professional football for decades was valuable. He'd seen hundreds of young players navigate this exact transition from prospects to professionals, and his casual observations often contained more practical wisdom than formal coaching advice.
The drive to Valdebebas took twelve minutes through Madrid's Sunday afternoon traffic, which was lighter than weekday congestion but still substantial enough to require Juan's expertise in navigating optimal routes. Kaito spent the journey reviewing the email about tomorrow's agent meeting and trying to formulate questions he should ask to ensure this arrangement actually served his interests.
When they arrived at Valdebebas at 13:58, several other black Mercedes and personal vehicles were already parked—his teammates arriving for the mandatory recovery session. The training complex looked different on Sundays compared to normal training days. Quieter. Less frenetic activity. Most of the youth teams weren't training, and the first team had the day off after yesterday's match, so only the Castilla squad and essential staff were present.
Kaito thanked Juan and made his way toward the Castilla facilities, his sore legs protesting the walk but functioning adequately. As he approached the entrance, he noticed Chema and Marvel standing near the doorway engaged in conversation with someone Kaito didn't recognize—a middle-aged man in expensive casual clothing who carried himself with the particular confidence of someone accustomed to navigating professional sports environments.
"Kaito!" Chema called out when he spotted him. "Come meet someone."
Kaito altered his trajectory toward the group, curiosity overriding his desire to get inside and begin the recovery protocols.
"Kaito, this is Jorge Castillo," Chema said, gesturing to the well-dressed man. "He's an agent who represents several players at Real Madrid. Jorge, this is Kurosawa Kaito—our new Japanese midfielder."
Jorge extended his hand with a professional smile that seemed genuine rather than purely transactional. He was perhaps in his early fifties, with graying hair styled impeccably, wearing designer casual wear that probably cost more than Kaito's entire current wardrobe combined. His handshake was firm but not aggressive.
"Kurosawa-san," Jorge said, pronouncing the Japanese honorific correctly with only slight accent interference. "A pleasure to meet you. I watched your debut yesterday—very impressive performance for someone so young. You should be proud."
"Thank you," Kaito replied, maintaining professional courtesy despite having no context for why this particular agent was at Valdebebas on a Sunday. "I appreciate that."
"Actually, I'm glad I ran into you before our official meeting tomorrow," Jorge continued, his Spanish smooth and practiced. "The club assigned me to represent you effective immediately. I know this is sudden, but I wanted to introduce myself informally first so tomorrow's meeting feels less intimidating. Professional representation can seem overwhelming when you're fifteen, but I assure you my job is to make your life easier, not more complicated."
So this was the agent Real Madrid had assigned. Meeting him a day early was actually helpful—it gave Kaito time to form a first impression before the formal business discussion tomorrow.
"I received the email this morning," Kaito confirmed. "My mother will be joining via video call for tomorrow's meeting. She'll want to understand how this arrangement works."
"Of course, of course. I wouldn't expect anything less from a responsible parent." Jorge's expression remained professionally pleasant. "I've represented several young players from international backgrounds—Japanese, Brazilian, Argentine—and parental involvement is not just welcomed but essential. Your mother's presence ensures transparency and builds trust."
"What exactly does an agent do for someone my age?" Kaito asked directly, preferring honest questions to pretending he understood something he didn't.
"Excellent question. At your current stage, my role is primarily protective and organizational. I handle all contract negotiations with Real Madrid to ensure your interests are represented fairly. I manage commercial opportunities—endorsements, media appearances, social media partnerships—to ensure they don't interfere with your development or exploit you financially. I coordinate with the club on your training schedule, medical care, and housing to ensure you're supported properly. And I serve as a buffer between you and the media circus that surrounds Real Madrid, so you can focus on football rather than constantly fielding interview requests and commercial pitches."
That actually sounded valuable rather than intrusive. Having someone handle the administrative and commercial aspects of his career would free up mental energy for training and matches.
"Do you have other clients at Castilla?" Kaito asked.
"Two currently—though I can't disclose who without their permission. Client confidentiality is sacred in my business. But yes, I'm familiar with the Castilla environment and Raúl's development philosophy. I also represent three first-team players, which gives me excellent access to Real Madrid's decision-makers when we need to negotiate on your behalf."
Before Kaito could ask another question, Marvel interrupted: "Jorge, we need to get inside for recovery protocols. Dr. Ramírez gets angry if we're late."
"Of course, of course." Jorge stepped aside to let them pass. "Kaito, I'll see you tomorrow at eleven. My daughter Sofia will also be at the meeting—she's interning with my agency while studying sports journalism at university. She'll help with some of your social media management and media coordination. Enjoy your recovery session."
The three players headed inside, leaving Jorge to whatever business had brought him to Valdebebas on a Sunday.
"Jorge is good," Chema said once they were out of earshot. "Professional, honest, doesn't try to move his clients around for commission money. If Real Madrid assigned him to you, they trust him."
"That's reassuring," Kaito replied. "I was worried about agent horror stories."
"Those happen, but usually with independent agents who don't have club relationships. Jorge depends on Real Madrid trusting him, so he can't afford to screw over their prospects. His incentives are aligned with yours."
They entered the locker room, where most of the squad had already assembled in various states of preparation for the recovery session. The atmosphere was relaxed compared to match days—players in comfortable athletic wear rather than training kits, conversations casual rather than tactically focused, the pressure of competition temporarily absent.
Dr. Ramírez stood near the entrance with her ever-present tablet, checking off names as players arrived.
"Kurosawa, on time as always. Good. Locker room briefing in five minutes, then we begin recovery protocols. Today is ice baths, massage therapy, and light stretching. No actual training—your bodies need rest, not additional stress."
Kaito moved to his locker and changed into the comfortable shorts and t-shirt appropriate for recovery work. Around him, teammates were engaged in the same transformation, the professional routine of athletes managing their bodies with the care that high-performance competition demanded.
At 14:03, Dr. Ramírez called for attention, and the squad gathered in a loose semicircle around her.
"Good afternoon everyone. Congratulations on yesterday's victory—professional performance from start to finish. Today we focus on recovery so you're ready to resume full training tomorrow. The protocols are as follows:"
She consulted her tablet, reading from the prepared schedule:
"Fourteen hundred to fourteen-thirty: Ice bath therapy. Ten minutes per player, rotating groups of four. This reduces inflammation and accelerates muscle recovery.
Fourteen-thirty to fifteen-thirty: Individual massage therapy. Our physiotherapists will work on your specific problem areas—any muscle tightness or minor strains from yesterday's match.
Fifteen-thirty to sixteen hundred: Guided stretching session. Light flexibility work to maintain range of motion without stressing tired muscles.
Sixteen hundred: Dismissed. The rest of today is yours to rest at home. Sleep well, hydrate properly, eat clean. Tomorrow we resume full training at ten AM."
She paused, making eye contact with several players.
"One more thing. First team has injury concerns in midfield—Camavinga and Tchouaméni both dealing with minor issues that may keep them out for the next week. This means several of you may be asked to train with the first team later this week to provide depth. If you receive that call-up, treat it as the opportunity it is. Show Ancelotti and the coaching staff that Castilla produces players ready for higher levels. Questions?"
The room erupted with excited murmurs—training with the first team was the dream for every Castilla player, the tangible evidence that your development was progressing toward the ultimate goal.
Kaito felt his heart rate increase slightly despite the tiredness in his body. This could be his opportunity to train alongside Modrić, Bellingham, Valverde—the players whose level he aspired to eventually reach.
But first, recovery protocols demanded attention.
---
**[14:08 PM - ICE BATH THERAPY]**
The ice baths were exactly as unpleasant as Kaito remembered from yesterday's post-match recovery. Large tubs filled with water and ice, the temperature maintained at approximately four degrees Celsius—cold enough to provide therapeutic benefits without causing actual harm.
Dr. Ramírez organized them into groups of four for efficient rotation. Kaito's group included Chema, Antonio David, and one of the substitute forwards. They approached the ice baths with the universal reluctance of athletes who knew this was necessary but deeply unpleasant.
"Every time I think I'm used to this, I'm wrong," Antonio muttered as he lowered himself into the first tub, his face contorting with discomfort as the cold water enveloped his legs.
Kaito took the tub beside him, forcing himself to sink down until the water reached his chest. The cold was immediately overwhelming, his body's every instinct screaming to get out, but he controlled his breathing and focused on the timer Dr. Ramírez had started.
Ten minutes. Just ten minutes of controlled discomfort for accelerated recovery.
"First match soreness is always worst," Chema said from the tub on Kaito's other side, though his own face showed he wasn't enjoying this any more than the rest of them. "Your body isn't used to ninety-minute intensity yet. After a few matches, recovery gets easier."
"How many matches before it feels normal?" Kaito asked through chattering teeth.
"Maybe ten? Fifteen? Everyone different. But your body adapts. Is impressive how much human body can endure if you ask it to consistently."
The ten minutes passed with agonizing slowness, each second feeling longer than the last, but eventually Dr. Ramírez's timer sounded and they were permitted to exit the ice baths. The relief was immediate and profound—stepping out of the frigid water into the relatively warm locker room air felt almost euphoric despite the temperature being objectively cool.
Kaito toweled off quickly, his skin reddened from the cold exposure but his muscles already feeling noticeably better. The inflammation and soreness that had been pronounced this morning was reduced, the therapeutic benefits of ice bath therapy evident despite the discomfort required to achieve them.
---
**[14:38 PM - MASSAGE THERAPY]**
The massage therapy was significantly more pleasant than the ice baths.
Real Madrid employed three full-time physiotherapists for the Castilla squad, all of them expertly trained in sports massage techniques designed to address the specific muscular issues that footballers developed. Kaito was assigned to Carlos, a physiotherapist in his thirties who'd been working with Real Madrid's youth teams for over a decade.
"Lie face down on the table," Carlos instructed in Spanish that he spoke slowly enough for Kaito to understand. "We'll start with your legs—hamstrings, quadriceps, calves. Tell me if anything is particularly tight or painful."
Kaito complied, lying on the padded massage table while Carlos began working on his right hamstring with firm, practiced pressure. The sensation was intense but not painful—deep tissue massage that targeted the knots and adhesions that had formed during yesterday's exertion.
"Your hamstrings are very tight," Carlos observed, his fingers probing the muscle fibers with expert precision. "This is common for midfielders who do lots of sprinting and direction changes. We need to address this now before it becomes a chronic problem."
For the next forty-five minutes, Carlos systematically worked through every major muscle group in Kaito's legs—hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, calves, even the smaller stabilizing muscles around his ankles and knees. The pressure was sometimes uncomfortable but never crossed into actual pain, and by the time the session ended, Kaito felt dramatically better than he had this morning.
"Hydrate well tonight," Carlos advised as Kaito sat up from the table. "Massage releases toxins from muscle tissue into your bloodstream. You need water to flush them out efficiently. And if you feel any sharp pain in the next day or two—not soreness, actual pain—you come see me immediately. Don't try to train through injuries at your age. Your body is still developing."
Professional care and expertise, ensuring that young talents didn't destroy their bodies through inadequate recovery or ignoring warning signs.
---
**[15:37 PM - GUIDED STRETCHING]**
The final component of recovery protocols was a group stretching session led by one of Dr. Ramírez's assistants. Twenty players arranged themselves on yoga mats in the training room, following along as the assistant guided them through a comprehensive flexibility routine.
The stretches were familiar from daily training but performed with extra care today—hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, groin, lower back, shoulders. Each position held for thirty seconds, no bouncing or forcing, just controlled elongation of muscle fibers to maintain range of motion.
Kaito found the routine meditative, the repetitive movements and controlled breathing creating a mental space that allowed his mind to wander without stress or pressure. His body felt significantly better than it had this morning—the combination of ice baths, massage, and stretching had addressed the immediate soreness and stiffness, leaving him tired but functional rather than actively uncomfortable.
At 16:02, the session concluded and Dr. Ramírez dismissed them with final reminders about hydration, nutrition, and sleep.
"Rest well tonight. Tomorrow we resume full training. Some of you may receive calls about first team training—if you do, consider it an honor and a test. Perform accordingly."
The squad dispersed, most heading to the showers before leaving for their homes or accommodations. Kaito grabbed his bag and checked his phone, finding a message from Raúl's assistant:
**María (15:47):** *Raúl's 15:00 meeting with you has been rescheduled to 16:15 due to a phone call running long. Please wait in the player's lounge. He'll come find you.*
So the feedback session with Raúl was still happening, just delayed slightly. That was fine—it gave Kaito time to shower and mentally prepare for whatever critique or guidance the coach wanted to provide.
---
**[16:14 PM - MEETING WITH RAÚL GONZÁLEZ]**
Kaito sat in the player's lounge—a comfortable room with sofas, a large television, and various amenities designed to give players a place to relax between training sessions. He'd showered and changed back into his casual clothes, his body feeling remarkably recovered considering how sore he'd been this morning.
At 16:16, Raúl appeared in the doorway, having changed from his coaching attire into a casual Real Madrid tracksuit. The legendary striker carried his ever-present tactical tablet and wore the expression of someone who'd just finished a long phone call and needed a moment to mentally transition to the next task.
"Kaito, sorry for the delay. Come to my office."
Kaito followed Raúl down the corridor to the coach's private office—a modest space that reflected the man's no-nonsense approach to his work. Tactical boards covered the walls, a desk held multiple monitors displaying match footage and statistical analysis, and a large window offered views of the training pitches.
Raúl gestured for Kaito to take a seat, then settled into his own chair and pulled up something on his tablet.
"First, congratulations again on yesterday. You handled your debut professionally and contributed to the team's success. The 7.5 rating you received was fair and accurate—good performance with room for improvement."
"Thank you, míster."
"Now, let's discuss what went well and what needs work." Raúl turned his tablet so Kaito could see the screen, which displayed a tactical analysis program showing various statistics and heat maps from yesterday's match.
"What went well: Your positioning was intelligent throughout. You understood when to occupy the half-space, when to drop deeper to help Chema, when to push higher into attacking areas. Your pass completion was 89%, which is excellent for a debut. You created three clear chances for teammates with progressive passes. And obviously, you won the penalty that opened the scoring. These are all positives."
Raúl swiped to a different screen showing different data.
"What needs improvement: You took only two shots in seventy minutes. For a number eight with your technical quality, I expect more shooting from distance to test goalkeepers and create secondary chances. Your defensive work rate was good, but your positioning when we lost possession in transition was sometimes poor—twice you were caught too high up the pitch, leaving Chema outnumbered. And while 89% pass completion is excellent, several of your passes were safe rather than progressive. I need you to be braver with the ball. Take risks when the situation warrants it."
Kaito absorbed the feedback, recognizing the accuracy of each point. The shot that hit the post had been one of only two attempts he'd made all match—he needed to shoot more frequently from good positions. And his defensive positioning in transition was definitely an area that required work.
"Understood, míster. I'll work on these areas."
"Good. Now, something else—you'll likely be called to train with the first team this week. Camavinga and Tchouaméni both have minor injuries that may keep them out for upcoming matches. Ancelotti wants to see some of our midfielders to assess potential call-ups if necessary."
Kaito's heart rate spiked despite his attempts to remain calm. Training with the first team. The opportunity he'd been hoping for.
"When?" he managed to ask.
"Probably Wednesday or Thursday. You'll be notified officially tomorrow evening. When you go, remember several things: First, you're there to learn and observe, not to prove you're better than Modrić or Bellingham. Humility and eagerness to learn are what Ancelotti values in young players. Second, the intensity will be significantly higher than Castilla training. These are world-class professionals preparing for Champions League and La Liga matches. Match their work rate or you won't be invited back. Third, ask questions when appropriate but don't interrupt sessions. Modrić in particular is excellent at mentoring young midfielders if you approach him respectfully."
"Yes, míster. I understand."
"One final thing." Raúl's expression became more serious. "I've heard rumors that other clubs are interested in taking you on loan for the second half of the season. Real Sociedad in particular has apparently made inquiries. These rumors will likely intensify after your successful debut."
Kaito nodded, having seen similar speculation on social media this morning.
"My advice is simple: ignore all transfer speculation until and unless the club officially informs you something is happening. Don't let agents or media create distractions from your development. You're exactly where you need to be right now—getting minutes in competitive football, training at the best facilities in the world, learning from coaches who understand how to develop young talents. A loan might seem attractive because it promises more playing time, but playing time in a worse environment doesn't necessarily accelerate your growth."
"I won't let it distract me," Kaito promised.
"Good. Now go home, rest well, and be ready for full training tomorrow at ten AM. We begin preparing for next Saturday's match against Atlético Madrid B. That will be significantly harder than facing Talavera—they're third in the table and fighting for promotion just like us. You'll need to be at your best."
Kaito stood to leave, then hesitated. "Míster, thank you for trusting me to start yesterday. I know it was a difficult decision with Nico having performed well all season."
Raúl smiled slightly. "It wasn't difficult at all. You earned it through your training performances. Merit determines selection, not politics or reputation. Continue earning it, and you'll continue playing. That's how it works here."
---
**[16:47 PM - DEPARTURE]**
Kaito left Raúl's office feeling both motivated and slightly overwhelmed. Training with the first team. Transfer rumors intensifying. Next match against tougher opposition. The pace of professional football was relentless—barely a day after his debut, the machinery was already moving toward the next challenge.
Juan was waiting in the parking area with the Mercedes, ready to drive him back to his apartment.
"Good recovery session?" the driver asked as Kaito settled into the back seat.
"Very good. My legs feel much better than this morning."
"Wait until you play three matches in a week. Then you'll really appreciate Dr. Ramírez's protocols."
The drive back to his apartment took fifteen minutes through Madrid's Sunday evening traffic. When Kaito arrived at his building at 17:04, he thanked Juan and made his way up to his small studio, his body tired but his mind racing with everything that had happened today and everything approaching in the days ahead.
Tomorrow: Meeting with Jorge Castillo and his daughter Sofia to discuss agent representation.
Tuesday: Full training resuming.
Wednesday or Thursday: Possible first team training.
Saturday: Match against Atlético Madrid B.
The professional football schedule was unforgiving in its intensity and pace.
But Kaito was ready.
Or at least, he would be.
---
**[19:23 PM - EVENING ROUTINE]**
Following Dr. Ramírez's recovery day guidelines, Kaito prepared a proper dinner—grilled salmon for omega-3 fatty acids that reduced inflammation, brown rice for complex carbohydrates, roasted vegetables for vitamins and minerals. He ate slowly while watching highlights from today's La Liga matches, studying how professional midfielders at the highest level positioned themselves and made decisions.
After dinner, he spent thirty minutes foam rolling his legs despite them feeling much better, maintaining the recovery protocols even when they seemed unnecessary. Prevention was easier than rehabilitation.
At 20:15, he video-called his mother and sisters, updating them on the recovery session, the upcoming agent meeting, and the possibility of training with the first team. His sisters were predictably excited, asking dozens of questions about whether he'd meet Vinícius or Mbappé. His mother was more cautious, wanting details about the agent before she agreed to anything during tomorrow's meeting.
"We'll be careful," she promised. "Your career is too important to trust to someone we don't know. But if Real Madrid assigned him, that's a good sign. They have incentive to protect their investment in you."
By 21:00, exhaustion was overwhelming the mental stimulation of the day's events. Kaito prepared for bed early, following Dr. Ramírez's recommendation of at least nine hours sleep on recovery days.
He lay in his small bed, staring at the ceiling of his Madrid apartment, and allowed himself a moment of reflection on how dramatically his life had changed in just one week.
Seven days ago, he'd arrived in Spain as a prospect with potential but zero professional experience.
Yesterday, he'd completed his debut with a 7.5 rating and a penalty won.
Tomorrow, he'd meet his new agent and take another step into the infrastructure of professional football.
This week, he might train with Real Madrid's first team.
Saturday, he'd face significantly tougher opposition than his debut had presented.
The journey was accelerating, each day bringing new challenges and opportunities that demanded his absolute best effort.
But that was exactly what he'd come here for.
Kaito closed his eyes and let sleep claim him, his body recovering, his mind already processing the lessons learned and the challenges ahead.
Tomorrow would bring new tests.
And he would be ready.
---