"You must bow lower! Respect is key here!"
respect is key? I thought it was me
"It's not just about you. It's about everyone around you too. Now bow again, but lower."
how much lower can I go? my knees hurt
"As low as you can go! You're showing respect to everyone. You need to understand that."
well do you want me to stick with this look? because I look ridiculous
"Just do it. It's important for your image."
image? what are talking about? I'm here to play football not to act like a clown
"If you want to play football here, then you need to respect the culture. It's not about being a clown, it's about being a good ambassador for your team."
ah, so we going back to that now? so does everyone here hate me already?
"No one hates you. They just expect you to adapt to their culture. It's nothing personal."
that's pretty sad if you ask me... all these people trying to bring me down. like who do they think they are? Huh? tell em....tell them jackass!
"Look, I get it. You're frustrated. But I'm just trying to help you. No one is trying to bring you down. This is just how things are done here. And if you really want to succeed, you'll learn to adapt."
thanks but I don't need help. My life is perfect just the way it is. if only those damn reporters could stop hounding me about every little thing I do, I'd be set!
"I understand that the media can be tough on you. But they are just doing their job. It's all part of the package when you become a famous athlete. The best thing to do is to ignore them and focus on your game."
ignore them? Are you outta your mind!? it's their job to report on me 24/7, there's no escaping that. so I might as well embrace it, right?
"Embracing it might not be the best approach. You don't want to give them any more ammunition than they already have. Just focus on your game and let your skills speak for themselves. If you keep performing well on the pitch, the media attention will eventually die down."
why does it always die down though? is it just until something new comes along to replace me?
"It's not just about something new coming along. The media will always be interested in famous athletes. But as long as you keep delivering results on the field, they will continue to follow you. It's all about consistency and proving yourself."
...oh, now that sounds exhausting. but isn't there an easier way to make them stop bothering me?
"There isn't an easier way to make them stop bothering you. Fame and media attention come hand in hand. The best thing to do is to embrace it and use it to your advantage. Show them that you're a class act both on and off the field, and they will start to lose interest in any negative stories."
...but...that means I gotta act like a role model!? ugh, that's boring...
"Boring? Being a role model doesn't have to be boring. You can still have fun and enjoy your fame while doing it. Just remember to always conduct yourself in a professional manner, especially when representing your team and country. It's not that hard, I promise!"
fine, what if I said you could tag along? maybe then they won't suspect anything?
"Hmm, that's actually a good idea. As long as they see that you're hanging out with me and not some shady characters, they will view you in a more positive light. Plus, I can show you some of the best places to hang out in Japan."
oh yeah? well let's go then...lead the way...sigh...just don't lead me into trouble okay, jackass?
"Don't worry, I'll keep you out of trouble. I know all the best spots in Japan. We'll have a great time together!" smiles warmly
whatever dude... I guess I can trust you, for now... Lead the way. Let's go have some fun!
starts walking, excitedly showing the way "Alright, follow me! First stop, we're going to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market.
mmm..... fish? I'm not hungry.... but sure.... I guess... lead the way man...
"We're not just going to get food. We're going to catch the freshest sushi you've ever had! Trust me, it'll blow your mind."
sushi? wait...did you say fresh? does that mean raw? ewwww!
"Raw sushi may not be for everyone, but trust me, it's absolutely amazing when done right. I'll make sure you have the best experience possible.
listen up, Fresh Boy... you're gonna eat what I eat. How about we split a big plate of fried chicken and leave the sushi crap for you. Got it?
looks disappointed but nods "Alright, if that's what you want, we can get some fried chicken instead.
ok. we head inside the building and find a table, I plop myself down in the seat with an annoyed expression. sighing once I stare at the menu board. well? what are we waiting for? I slide over a card use this.....I don't know what kind of crappy exchange rate they got going on in this place but pay with the card.
pauses for a moment, looking thoughtful "I have a better idea. Instead of using your card, why don't I treat you to lunch today? It's my way of saying thank you for letting me show you around. Plus, it'll be more fun that way." smiles
um....thanks man... you sure? ok... whatever....I guess.
"Great! Now that that's settled, let's order some delicious food!" grabs the menu and starts enthusiastically pointing out different dishes
just don't try to make me eat anything weird....like....you know... alive or moving... or worse yet, raw or bloody or some shit like that.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure none of the food we get fits into any of those categories. Only the freshest, tastiest dishes will make it to our table!" smiles reassuringly
uh-huh... the fried chicken should fit into the 'delicious' category so I'm ok with that... I lean back in my chair, folding my arms and closing my eyes until then, K-Man...you can entertain yourself if you feel like it. I'm watching the game. I open my phone and log into the ESPN app, turning on the global news broadcast.
"Sure thing! While you watch the game, I'll go ahead and place our order. Don't worry, I'll make sure everything is perfect!" walks up to the counter, speaks in fluent Japanese to the waiter Waiter: "Sure, what would you like?"
..... I scroll through the game highlights on my phone but raise an eyebrow at Mahiko after hearing him speak in his native language. did you just order for me?
"Oh, uh...yeah, I did. I figured it would be easier to order for both of us. I hope that's alright!" blushes and smiles nervously
um...I appreciate it, but next time tell me before you start ordering stuff for other people. I mean, what if you ordered me a bunch of cow parts or some shit? ewwww!
"Ah, I apologize if I made you uncomfortable. It was my intention to surprise you with a special treat, but I understand that it may have been unsettling. Next time, I'll definitely ask for your preferences beforehand." bows slightly in apology