The sun was barely up when the Sporting academy buzzed with unusual energy. Word had spread like wildfire—the Portugal U17 National Team scouts were attending training. Some players laughed it off. Others sharpened their focus, trying not to seem like they were trying too hard.
But for Tobi, it was different.
This wasn't just a chance—it was redemption.
---
Eyes on Him
Coach Mendes pulled Tobi aside during the warm-up.
"They're here for two players. You and João," he said quietly. "Show them why they came."
Tobi nodded.
His chest tightened. The system pulsed faintly behind his eyes. He could feel its presence—like a second heart.
> [NEW SCOUT EVENT DETECTED]
— National Team Evaluation: Technical, Mental, Leadership, Team Impact
Bonus Objective: Become primary focus of U17 Head Scout
Tobi stretched in silence, feeling the eyes in the stands. A man in a red Portugal tracksuit watched closely, arms crossed, face unreadable.
He wasn't just playing football anymore.
He was auditioning for the world.
---
The Jealousy Grows
Not everyone was happy.
"Look at him," muttered Marco, a tall center-back with sharp eyes. "Two months ago he was a nobody. Now he walks like Cristiano."
Tobi heard it. Let it slide.
But João, his usual midfield partner, didn't.
"Jealousy looks good on you, Marco," João snapped, voice sharp. "Too bad your positioning doesn't."
Tobi chuckled quietly, grateful. Still, the whispers stung more than they should've.
Fame—even in its earliest form—was isolating.
---
System Activation: Pre-Match Scan
> [FOOTBALL SYSTEM – Pre-Match Analysis]
Mood: Slightly Anxious
Confidence Buff: 10% (due to family support)
Environmental Modifier: 5% stat boost (playing in familiar training ground)
Suggestion: Trigger "Family Anchor" trait at kickoff for +5 to mental stats
Tobi accepted.
If he was playing for anyone—it was for them.
---
Training Match: The Test
It was a closed-door scrimmage—green vests vs. white vests. Tobi played center-mid with João again. From the first whistle, his mind locked into rhythm.
Minute 3: He read a pass before it left his opponent's foot and cut it off cleanly.
Minute 7: A through ball to João sliced the field in half. Assist. Goal.
Minute 13: Marco tried to dispossess him with a two-footed slide. Tobi sidestepped it and nutmegged him. The crowd gasped.
> [Skill Activated: Snap Vision]
— Enhanced field awareness for 10 seconds
> [New Trait Progressing: "General on the Pitch" – Lead Your Team to a Win Without Coach Intervention (2/3)]
But it wasn't just about the highlights.
Tobi dictated the tempo. Slowed it. Sped it up. Recovered balls. Never lost his head.
---
At the Edge
Late in the second half, a heavy tackle from Marco sent Tobi sprawling. No foul. No apology.
He got up slowly.
Blood on his sock.
But no fear.
He called the ball. Again. And again. He didn't retaliate with aggression—he did it with dominance. With class.
---
The Call
After the scrimmage, while everyone sat panting under the Lisbon sun, Coach Mendes approached with the man in the Portugal tracksuit.
"Oliveira," Mendes said. "Come here."
Tobi stood. Tried not to look nervous.
"This is Manuel Dantas," Mendes said. "Head of youth recruitment."
The man offered his hand. Tobi shook it, firm.
"We've been watching you," Dantas said, his tone clipped but curious. "Not just today. Your derby performance. Your progress. Your intelligence."
Tobi said nothing, only nodded.
"We'd like to bring you into the U17 national training camp next month. Full call-up. You'll get your kit in the mail by Monday."
Tobi's knees almost buckled.
"Yes," he breathed. "Thank you, sir."
---
Telling His Family
That night, back in the dorm, Tobi video-called home.
"Leonor!" he shouted. "Guess who's playing for Portugal!"
She squealed, knocking over a bowl of cereal.
His mother leaned in, mouth open. "No."
"Yes."
Marta covered her mouth with one hand, her eyes welling. "Oh meu Deus... Tobi."
"I told you," he whispered. "I told you I'd make it back."
They didn't need to say more. The silence was full of everything they had been through—and everything they were building.
---
System Update
> [FOOTBALL SYSTEM – Weekly Update]
✅ Objective Completed: "Be Selected for Portugal U17"
+2 Trait Points Earned
New Trait Unlocked:
— "Captain's Aura": Increases team morale when leading by example
Market Value: €300,000
Reputation: Rising Star – Portugal Youth
New Goals Available:
— Start in U17 Friendly Match
— Get First Youth International Assist
— Scout Interest from Foreign Clubs (England, Spain, France)
Tobi stared at the numbers. His worth kept rising.
But more than anything, he felt like someone had finally opened the door to the world he'd died trying to reach.
---