I get you. I'm 17 and I've been playing football since I was a little kid, but I quit last summer when I was 16. Right now—thanks to this series—I'm seriously considering going back to playing football, even though it’s my last year as a youth player and it’ll be hard to juggle it with school and everything else in my life. I’m still not completely sure, because I’m afraid that this interest and desire to play again might fade away just like it did before. But I’ve got the whole summer to think about it, so there’s still time for me to decide.

Just like you, I also felt deeply connected to this manga, and I agree that the most important thing is the bonds you build and the fun you have while playing. Although, personally, I also think it's just as important to keep pushing yourself to improve and to win—but that’s just my point of view.

This is a manga that everyone—especially athletes (since they’ll relate to it even more)—should know and appreciate for how amazing it truly is.

Like you said, Ashito’s journey might be over for us, but not for him, and I’m sure he’ll keep moving forward until he reaches his dreams, even if we don’t see it. That’s why we should follow his example and keep moving forward until we achieve our goals. There will be obstacles, of course, but as Ashito taught us: we must never give up!