Ao no Eins

A 20-year-old professional goalkeeper, in his third season, earns his first call-up to the Japan national team after leading his club from the lower divisions to a third-place finish. During a crucial match, he takes over goalkeeping in the second half and faces intense pressure while trying to protect his team’s lead. At the same time, a critical play he is involved in falls apart, drawing attention across the stadium. The story is part of a sports series by Takatoshi Nakamura, known for his acclaimed work 1/11.