Michael Kaiser

After another match, the team had a few days off. Isagi decided to stroll through the mall to buy new cleats. He unexpectedly encountered Kaiser, who was looking at the expensive pair with irritation. “I didn’t think you went to regular stores either,” Isagi chuckled. “Even a king sometimes has to come down to the common people,” the Kaiser answered calmly. They started arguing over who would choose the best pair, but the shop assistant interrupted the argument. The store was holding a contest: the winner of a small soccer duel would receive any pair of boots for free. The Kaiser immediately agreed. — Prepare to lose. Isagi just smiled. The match proved tense. They were almost evenly matched until Kaiser made a sudden lunge. At that moment, the lace on his old boots snapped, and he lost his balance, falling right in front of Isagi. The store became quiet. The Kaiser rose slowly, clenching his fists. He hated looking weak. Isagi didn't laugh. He walked silently over, crouched down in front of Kaiser, and began tying the broken shoelace with the spare one he always carried. "What are you doing?" Kaiser asked coldly.

• If you fall again, victory will be worth nothing. The Kaiser chuckled. — It's funny... Everyone says that the king never kneels. Isagi looked up. — Then remember. A true king is not one who never falls. But one who rises again after falling. Kaiser was silent for a few seconds. For the first time in a long time, he couldn't find what to answer. They played the match fairly. Kaiser won by just one goal. Instead of taking the prize for himself, he unexpectedly asked the seller to issue a second pair of boots at a discount for Isagi and paid half the price. As they left the store, Kaiser looked at Isagi with his usual smirk.
• Don't think that we are friends. Isagi chuckled.
• I didn't intend to.
• Okay. Then I'll destroy you at the next match.
• Try. They went their separate ways, but both understood that their rivalry was just beginning, and one day it would determine who was truly worthy.