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There wasn't long to wait until the next match as Jeff's thoughts were left entirely pre-occupied with the football., His explorations of the locality would have to be put on hold this week as the side prepared for the Japanese Cup - and a clash with Montedio, who had been conquered in pre-season.

Matchday 5 Japanese Cup H v Montedio, Leg 1, Wednesday 11th April, 4793

4-4-2: Takehashi; Morikawa, Ricardo Gaya, Saito; Nakajima Zaizan Ruiz Diaz, Segawa; Rodrigo Fujiyoshi

For the crisp night air cup match and Jeff's 5th in succession he agreed with Hiroyuki that this was a decent match to try out a few changes to the line up, and Takehashi earned a first start along with Ruiz Diaz and Segawa, whilst Saito was moved to right back as Jeff dropped a few other first teamers on a night when a few hardy fans still made it out - in fact there were only marginally fewer than the Ardija match.

The match started slower than normal as the shuffled side took time to re-organise to accommodate the player changes, as were on the back foot as Kenji Takehashi and Arriki Afriye created chances, which Norio Takehashi repelled with ease each time. Uriel Perez wasted a few chances to knock in a goal or two for the visitors before the hosts finally took a grip of the match as Juan Carlos Ruiz Diaz and Shinji Fujiyoshi were running onto the ball and sending balls into the area or failing to shoot in time as Vegalta increased the pressure. The pacy runs were also causing the visitors troubles as Montedio picked up yellow cards left right and centre in midfield, felling Jeff's men rather harshly. The best chance of the half probably fell to Fujiyoshi who failed to convert a cross from Rodrigo from 6 yards, as he was showing signs of not scoring this time out - a shocking state of affairs.

In the second half it became an exciting match as chances were flowing from one end to the other as defences sparking furious counter attacks with Zaizan's snap shot from 25 yards the closest to breaking the deadlock, instead striking the right hand upright and flying wide. With 25 minutes to go, Rodrigo took the ball forward once more towards the visitors net, before playing in Ruiz Diaz with a chip pass and the ball was instantly moved wide left to Katsuyuki Saito who had crossed flanks for some bizarre reason. Jeff would have words later. Anyway he re-found Diaz running into the area and a swift cross to nothing found Rodrigo who slammed the loose ball into the net and finally there was a goal. It spawned substitutions aplenty as Yamada, Hosumi and Nakamura all came on to save existing legs and try and extend the advantage. Hosumi and Nakamura did both go very close to making it 2-0 but on each occasion Katsumi Sazuki was equal to their efforts as the cup match ended at just the 1-0, a slender lead to take into the second leg, but a lead all the same.

Vegalta Sendai 1 Montedio 0 Rodrigo 64

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With the tie over, Jeff had looked forward to a relaxing evening, with the 5th win on the trot achieved, but Yoji Iki had other ideas. As soon as head opened the door, taken off his jacket, and prepared a fairly basic meal of pasta rice and tuna in his kitchen, the phone rang mid-dashing-to-toilet-upon-realisation-of-sudden-need-to-pee.

YI: Jeff-San. I regret the late intrusion to your life but I have received an email bid from fellow side Vent Foret Kofu concerning Shinji Fujiyoshi.

JB: Late email!

YI: Yes I work from home too.

'You really don't have a life do you' thought Jeff inwardly.

JB: Ok - well I really don't want to sell him to be honest! Wrong striker bid I'm afraid Yoji-san.

YI: Well they have offered approximately 200,000 pounds. I converted for your benefit whilst you adapt to our currency.

JB: Wow! That's a fair deal... but really I want to build a side for the future. I'd rather work with what I've got and find funds from elsewhere. Sorry.

YI: Ok, Jeff-san. As long as you realise these kind of offers are rare.

JB: Yes I understand. Still no.

YI: Ok. Konnichi wa Jeff-san.

JB: yeah bye.

Jeff muttered as he set the phone down. Idiot, he thought. Who wants to sell a star striker? A businessman who looks first at the figures rather than the playing side. He grinned ruefully whilst musing over the point, before the popping off of the lid on the rice returned his attention to the kitchen, and the hot water alerted him to the now exceptionally urgent need to visit the bathroom.

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Matchday 6 A v Bellmare @ Hiratsuka, Sunday 14th April, Dry

4-4-2: Takehashi; Morikawa, Ricardo, Gaya, Tazawa; Nakajima, Zaizen, Yamada,Kobayashi ; Rodrigo Fujiyoshi.

A changed line up as expected still saw Takehashi retain his place in the side after the Cup victory, whilst the defence was re-organised with Tazawa returning. In midfield there was a return Takahiro Yamada, though this time to central midfield, whilst Kobayashi was back on the right wing again for the toughest match yet, at Bellmare near Tokyo. Their hosts were top of the table and still were yet to concede a goal - a stat Jeff hoped would change on a cool afternoon in central Japan.

Despite the imposing stance of their hosts it was Vegalta who started the brightest, the confidence oozing through their game as swift inter linking passing down the sides set up Shinji Fujiyoshi inside 5 minutes but the on form striker couldn't even test their goalkeeper from 10 yards as a warning shot was fired in the hosts direction. Within a minute and a free kick won 20 yards out by Yamada was struck well by Fujiyoshi and though it found the target, Ito was there to tip it round for a corner as the early pressure continued. However, unsurprisingly the table toppers proved their worth and nearly struck back themselves, but Maezono couldn't finish a decent team move whilst Saketono headed straight at Takehashi. Rodrigo and Moribara exchanged chances, and glances, as tempers seemed to be boiling under the surface and it was lucky only one yellow was shown - to Bellmare's Teriyuki Moniwa after a foul midway through the half left players involved in a daft scuffle - one Jeff didn't approve of.

The match then seemed to explode a few minutes later when Eiji Gaya, acting captain was forced off the field of play injured with Kei Mikuriya replacing him. The foul that led to the injury seemed to fire up the visitors again and a penalty was earned three minutes later when Ito clipped Rodrigo's feet in the area, conceded the penalty and got a red card for his troubles too. The wantaway Brazilian duly saw his spot kick saved by stand in Ohnishi, but moments before the half came to a close and Vegalta made their man advantage count as Zaizan played in Yamada in space outside the area and the midfielder's low pass found Kobayashi on the D, and having engineered a slight gap the midfielder fired in an excellent left foot shot into the top corner of the net, to take the lead.

It was a vital goal, given the chaos of a few minutes earlier and in the second half the added confidence, combined with the despondency of the hosts resulted in a lacklustre second half as Vegalta though on top weren't pressing too deeply. Midway through it and the nail was hammered in though as a roving ball from Koji Nakajima was inch perfect in it's delivery, and Rodrigo made no mistake when connecting with it first to steer it into the net, and at 2-0 away to the previous table toppers, Jeff was now a very happy man. The rest of the game carried on favourably for Vegalta as the defence were more than able to repel the threat from the dis-spirited hosts, as 5 wins on the trot continued the perfect start to life in J-League 2.

Shonan Bellmare 0 Vegalta Sendai 2 Kobayashi 44, Rodrigo 57

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Success on the pitch was certainly aiding Jeff's life off of it too, with him being able to focus on improving his language, even though he decided to content himself with understanding Hiraguna and Katakana for now. The other two could wait. Communication was proving easier amongst his colleagues though conversations were often conducted half in English and half in Japanese for now, whilst Jeff focussed on becoming more familiar with the town of Sendai, and what leisurely activities were on offer, and in some ways it was nice to have that seemingly western aspect. Going to the cinema, albeit to watch Japanese films still brought back that sense of a routine life back in England, as did watching a few select cable programmes. Whilst the majority he still found too hard to understand and appreciate, there were a few small foreign channels around - which undoubtedly included the BBC. It was whilst he was enjoying an episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus that Yoji Iki called him once more concerning Fujiyoshi.

YI: Jeff-San, I regret this intrusion once more but we have received another offer for Fujiyoshi.

JB: With the greatest respect Yoki-San I don't even wish to consider it - he is not for sale and I hope his thus far good form continues long into the season - it is his talent that may help bring about a promotion that this club desires.

[b]YI: [.b] I am disappointed Jeff-San, though I shall of course respect your wishes. Good day.

The abruptness with which the call was ended surprised Jeff -even if the caller was well known for his disdain of time wasters. It was not long after this brief interlude that catching his eye in the twilight of the evening was the sight of a slight yet athletically built young adult rushing past in the shadows. It wasn't the presence of the teenager himself there, for many folk were to be found enjoying the serenity of the night sky in this little locality, but more the old fashioned, uniformed dress that was raggedly attached to his frame, ripped across the chest, and adorned with some form of traditionally colours woven to the sleeves.

The confused manner of the boy who's gaze resembled that of a lost sheep searching for its' shepherd. As Jeff considered approaching the young man to inquire as to his purpose and his origins, the boy turned suddenly began to kick what seemed to be a coke can around the streets - in the fashion that provided the sense this was a newfound delight to the fellow. He soon turned away though and headed out towards the city centre itself. There was something about him that Jeff just couldn't shake off - and his mind began to return to his thoughts of his wanderings when he had first arrived here and his imagination took hold. It kept him occupied for the rest of the night, and it was only the imminent Cup match that restored his thoughts to the job at hand, though it would by no means at all be the last time he came into contact with Ryota Aoki.

retired_mika318

Still loving this Brian. A more than welcome distraction from the turgidity of revision :thup:

retired_embartl

cheers fella, tis a handy excuse for me too tbh

From The Tairomai to Ryota

The decision had been a hard one personally for Tokei, but in the end it had been the pressures from the others which had finally swayed the balance. He knew in his heart of hearts that with a rapidly developing world outside, compounded by the burgeoning desires of the youth to explore that containment was no longer a viable option. It had been easier decades ago when there was little human contact with their clan, but now the growth of the population and the technological advances was ever more impeding on their territory.

There were no other tribes - he knew that now, they were the last, and the idea of risking the disbanding of the Tairomai tugged deeply with him, but in the end he had conceded to the others. He still believed they were giving in to temptation but he kept that quiet. The young would now be shown the world around them on specialised trips to keep them informed. Adults would be permitted to visit the towns once they had passed the acclimatisation period to the more modern culture, though of course as far as possible customs within the tribe would still be met, as would the festivities and celebrations of their community. Their identity would never be destroyed.

As for young Ryota, well - for his family it was a difficult time - not knowing the whereabouts of their son, but the boy himself was fascinated and bewildered by the world around him. He’d swiftly grown used to the startled expressions on the faces of those who saw him, assuming correctly that his dress was out of keeping with normal day-to-day living. It was clear that the fractitious times he learned of the past were long gone for the most part, and in this new modern era the future seemed full of promise. He couldn’t fathom why he had to be restrained so from this world. He did respect his peers and the traditions he had grown up with, but the limitations were just far too restrictive for an ambitious young man like him.

The future for Ryota though was intriguing. It was one thing escaping the protective confines of his previous environment, it was wholly another to move into another – where, to lead a life in the “regular” sense would require far too much paperwork. He was not registered a citizen, he was therefore not registered as present at all in this country. He had no documentation – and although special dispensation had been arranged for the clans presence in their area had been cleared by the government – it had made little provision for the individuals themselves.

Ryota knew nothing of a status of residence (zairyu shikaku), which he would need. Nor was he aware of the procedures necessary to register himself up to welfare services. He did know, thanks to inquiring from a kindly stranger, he needed to visit a kokyo shokugyo antei sho, which was the public employment agency there to deal with finding jobs. However, being for the most illiterate his choices would at first seem quite limited.

That aside he’d learned to become more inconspicuous by purchasing differing clothes, and had after a short while moved out from camping in the woodland, and sheltering in the odd abandoned warehouse, to his own small hut from an unscrupulous city dweller. It was all illegal of course, but neither had a great desire to end the working relationship.

Personally, his encounters with those in the city many had been brief, and occasionally hostile, sometimes mistaken for a vagrant, others for a mad young juvenile dressed arrogantly in pretentious costume. There had been those looking to help, and indeed he’d had offers of cash-in-hand work, but he was still too confused. For meals he kept returning to the woodland, and to some witness’ horror he killed a lamb with a personalised spear for sustenance. However, as the days passed he did gradually take advantage of the paid employment offered to him, and the meals too improved steadily.


He was not naïve enough to be bewildered by the modern bartering system. They were educated in the clan, but early on many a shopkeeper were confused by the boy’s attempts to combine yen and carefully chiselled stones as payment. After one particular encounter with an angry owner, Ryota abandoned this path fairly swiftly. He had of course also run into a foreigner on occasion, including one such fellow who appeared quite intrigued by Ryota’s appearance. It had startled the boy initially; who later learned this fellow was hear to aid the development of soccer in Japan. Soccer – like the other sports, were completely alien to the fellow even if the nature of competition had been grounded into him from an early age.

As a naturally athletic fellow, he had taken, naturally, an interest in the games that were enjoyed by the Tairomai for the various festivals – he had also done relatively well – winning the sprints, and showing an educated mind for analysing the best routes for success. Now though he was delighted to find these new alien sports to acquaint himself with – and where possible, he would sneak into live performances, press his face against the windows of stores which possessed and learn what he could – and it was there, he first dreamt, many years on from the usual fantasies of young stars of earning a living on this stage.

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Matchday 7 Japanese Cup A v Montedio @ Yamagata, Wednesday 18th April, cool, 2800

4-4-2: Takahashi; Morikawa, Mikuriya, Yamaji, Saito; Nakajima, Ruiz Diaz, Hasumi, Nakamura; Segawa, Fujiyoshi

The second leg of the cup match arrived fairly swiftly though as Jeff enjoyed the footballing intensity thus far. He had to make changes, aided by the recommendations of his coaches and physio Masayuki Ito as the Brazilians were both dropped amongst a wealth of changes for the second leg. Ruiz Diaz earnt his second start for the club again as Jeff sought to maintain the winning streak and progress to the next stage of the Cup.

In front of a very empty stadium Jeff's side performed pretty well early on in a close encounter, though that one goal lead always ensured Vegalta were the more composed side. Early pressure from the hosts saw Nishiyama and Uriel Perez feed Edwin with an opportunity ten minutes in, but Hasumi soon responded by finding Shinji Fujiyoshi in space, but the forward's snap volley swerved a yard of the bar as both sides showed their eagerness to attack. Just after the quarter hour, the breakthrough arrived crucially for Jeff's side as Koji Nakajima's corner was only cleared as far as Ruiz Diaz - where the midfielder was waiting 12 yards out to smash it into the net. It established a strong 2 goal advantage and the players were able to relax, even with the expected onslaught from the home side.

In a highly open match chances arrived at either end with almost equal measure though it was the Montedio goalkeeper who proved the busier. Towards the end of the half a period of sustained pressure brought it's rewards however. After successive corners were cleared out, Yamaji collected the ball before finding Morikawa. A short ball to Hasumi preceded a chip ball to Nakamura floating down the left flank before a crossfield 30 yard pass found the superb Nakajima in space. The midfielder sent in a swift low ball into the 6 yard area, and Ruiz Diaz, at the near post, nodded in to effectively seal the tie.

In the second half, the pressure didn't let up on the home side's goal as Jeff saw his side pleasingly try and kill off all remaining hope, but the desperation to score was clearly lacking. The home side's wasn't though and with just over half an hour remaining they reduced the deficit when a barging run from Kenji Takahashi resulted in a goal for Nishiyama. However, thereafter they seemed to run out of steam. Jeff introduced Charlie MIller into the match and with Vegalta keeping the ball successfully a weary home side seemed to lose spirit, and Vegalta were through to the next round.

Montedio 1 (1) Vegalta Sendai 2 (3) Nishiyama 57; Ruiz Diaz 17,41

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Another fine win kept spirits high as the next league match ironically was a home league tie with... Montedio. Before that however Jeff was finding himself dismissing another rumour linking striker Shinji Fujiyoshi with another move away from the club. This time it was Faritmura Ryang from the Sports Weekly publication who was trying to cause trouble within the ranks. As usual the answer was no. Vent Foret would not be acquiring the services of the striker any time soon regardless of the size of the bid and indeed it was killed off somewhat when Vent Foret completed a sizeable purchase of Trinita's forward Yoshiya Tokemura. That afternoon Jeff was present to learn that the club would face Yokohama F Marinos in the next round of the Japanese Cup.

Matchday 8 H v Montedio, Sunday 22nd April dry, 9309

4-4-2: Ishikawa, Morikawa, Mikuriya, Yamaji, Tazawa; Nakajima, Zaizen, Miller, Kobayashi; Rodrigo, Fujiyoshi

In front of a much better crowd this week hopes were high of an 8th successive victory to the season. Having defeated their opponents in both legs of the Cup, and with Montedio lying in 11th spot before the match, all signs were pointing to a home win. Jeff controversially dropped two goal hero Ruiz Diaz for the refreshed Charlie Miller whilst other changes were made merely on slight fitness issues.

From the off the match seemed to begin it's one way traffic. Charlie Miller's trickery was causing all sorts of problems amongst the visitors defence, whilst on the right flank, Kobayashi was relishing his return to the side playing some fine through balls and crosses into the forwards who were both testing the keeper regularly in the half. Rodrigo and Fujiyoshi could both have had a hat-trick easily but Katsumi Sazuki was superb in the visitors goal deflecting every effort, catching half the crosses and generally just irritating the hell out of Jeff.

After a goal less first half the sides returned in the second half and the pattern of the football continued in the same vein as Vegalta, roared on by a vociferous crowd grew ever closer to breaking the deadlock. In 15 minutes, Nobuyuki Zaizen had 4 chances to score - twice denied by Sazuki and twice he missed the target in complete 1 way traffic. However, with time dragging on, the visitors became emboldened. They had nothing to fear from playing further up the field and sadly it merited rewards for Montedio as with their only shot on goal, with ten minutes remaining, when Kurihara and Horii exchanged passes before playing in Arrike Afriyie. Hasumi had a final minute effort tipped over as finally the run came to an end, ironically at the hands of the recently defeated side in the Cup.

Vegalta Sendai 0 Montedio 1 Afriyie 80

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Despite the loss Jeff was continuing to thoroughly enjoy the challenge ahead. It had not worked out in the defeat but the players were still showing the quality to put up a serious challenge for the crown this year. His thoughts were kept highly occupied on the football by the rush of matches which seemed to be at least 2 a week at the current rate, though there was the occasional time to relax with his fellow coaches, and his thoughts still did turn to Ryota Aoki now and then, as he continually thought he'd seen him out the corner of his eye.

Matchday 9 A v AlbireX Niigata @ Niigata, Thursday 26th April 4402

4-4-2: Takahashi; Morikawa, Ricardo Yamaji, Saito; Nakajima, Zaizen, Ruiz Diaz Nakamura; Rodrigo, Fujiyoshi

Continuing with the formation, Jeff tweaked the side a little further as Ricardo, despite his petulant outbursts about wanting to bugger off home, was returned to the side along with Ruiz Diaz who deserved another crack in the side after a concentrated effort in the training on the tuesday. Indeed of all the players, he was showing by far the most desire. With a pleasant persona to boot it was easy enough to include the Paraguyan.

The hosts once more proved tougher than their early league position suggested. AlbireX hadn't won a match until this point and were lying in 11th before hand, but Vegalta were slow to react after their shock loss a few days before as the match exploded with an 8th minute goal for the hosts. Their new 20 year old Bosnian signing Dennis Dindic grabbed his second goal in as many matches when the defence allowed Takada and Kazuaki to set the striker up with far too much ease. Jeff swiftly launched a few native tirades in the direction of the defence - who tightened up after that.

The play of the rest of the half continued to resemble most so far as Vegalta appeared the better side, and at least created the majority of the chances to score from - but poor finishing from Rodrigo and Yamaji in particular saw chances wasted. Kazuaki Inoue's match was ended for the hosts midway through after a crunching challenge from Jeff''s Ricardo left many of the visitors wincing themselves. He was lucky to avoid even a caution in truth. After an exchange of efforts in the latter stages of the half, the whistle blew and Jeff needed to revitalise a side who seemed confused by their own inability to score.

As the players came out for the second period, he hoped they would just keep the pressure up and maintain the pressure, though Ricardo seemed to take it a little too literally as he earnt a volley of boos for another poor challenge - this time leaving Siggy Jonsson in stiches and leaving the pitch injured. Jeff was concerned at this somewhat psychotic approach to the game and subbed the defender - an act which wasn't wise - with the participant removing his shirt and thrusting it angrily in the direction of the dug out before leaving, muttering what were no doubt some Portuguese obscenities.

With the match entering it's final stages Jeff was overcome with a sense of deja vu as Kazuo Yamamoto made it 2-0, once more against the run of play on 75 minutes, when he shot from the edge of the area. Fortunately however his players responded as they needed to and only two minutes later restored hope as the top scorer Shinji Fujiyoshi did what he's paid to do as he ended a fine run and cross from Yamada with a bullet header to reduce arrears. The resulting 13 minutes proved to be a pulsating affair as Vegalta searched in vain for an equaliser but two defeats on the trot, both to struggling sides, saw the leadership relinquished to Bellmare and Jeff, a mite concerned, hoping this was little more than a blip.

AlbireX Niigata 2 Vegalta Sendai 1 Dindic 8, Yamamoto 75; Fujiyoshi 77

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The season's first managerial casualty arrived not long afterwards as, following a resounding 6-0 home defeat to Sagan, the execs at Omiya Ardija parted company with manager Toshiya Miura, a quite glaring example of a results orientated profession. Jeff, decided to pass his spare day watching the reserves with fellow coach Hiroyuki Matsumoto. They fared quite well in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Holly Hock, that also saw defender Eiji Gaya resume full fitness - with a starting place likely for the match on Sunday. However the main attraction was the form of young forward Seiki Aizawa. The 20 year old had been in sparkling form so far with 6 goals in 5 appearances, making a pressing claim for a starting role.

JB: so Hiroyuki, that Seiki - how have you seen him play recently?

HM: He has been superb Jeff-san. Dazzling toes, and with a sharp finish he has potential to do very well. We should watch his progress keenly.

JB: What about Sunday? The first team match?

HM: Very early! That's pressure. Whilst I am sure he would do ok, I would try and check any expectations about what he can do at that level.

JB: Well - let's see, aside from Shinji, the main forwards haven't been on fire. Rodrigo's not doing too bad, but if they're not firing we need a back up, and though Makato Segawa has done ok, he's 26 and I am not so sure. What do you think?

HM: Jeff-san, Makoto hasn't started this season - it does make a difference. I know he is not as good as the other pair but 1 goal from 5 sub appearances isn't terrible.

JB: I just want to give him a chance - a reminded that when he's doing well he will be rewarded. A place on the bench perhaps?

HM: Hmm. I suppose. It cannot do him any harm.

JB: Good. He's a talent. I do believe in incentives as an effective motivator of talent - especially for the younger generations. They need carrots.

HM: Well, on that note may I also suggest a start for Segawa in the near future? He is training well.

JB: Yeah. Maybe - I'll think about it. So, how's the family?