In Professor Fryer's office at the sports science laboratory, he presented his latest report to Ethan, Mourinho, and the others.
"After conducting several detailed scans and arranging a second examination, we have unfortunately discovered a very small tumour on Arjen Robben's left testicle.
"It is still at an early stage.
"Fortunately, we recently acquired more advanced equipment. Otherwise, it might have gone undetected."
Professor Fryer sounded relieved despite the seriousness of the diagnosis.
Mourinho and the others were stunned.
Ethan was equally surprised, but he soon remembered that Robben had experienced something similar during his time at PSV Eindhoven.
Had the laboratory discovered it earlier than it would have been found otherwise?
The more Ethan considered it, the more likely that seemed.
New Manchester United's laboratory possessed equipment more advanced than that found in many ordinary hospitals.
Professor Fryer also led a team of specialists whose diagnostic capabilities far exceeded those of a routine examination conducted by a football club's medical staff.
Discovering the tumour at such an early stage was entirely possible.
"Can it be removed?" Ethan asked immediately.
Professor Fryer nodded.
"Certainly.
"It was detected very early, and the operation itself should not be dangerous.
"However, he will need time to recover afterwards."
"That isn't a problem," Ethan replied decisively.
"The only thing that matters is that he recovers fully and returns in the best possible condition."
After considering the situation briefly, Ethan turned to Walsh.
"Contact Robben's father immediately and ask him to come to Manchester as soon as possible.
"We have a responsibility to inform his family first, and then allow them to decide how to proceed."
Everyone agreed with Ethan's decision.
Robben was a New Manchester United player, but this was a serious medical matter involving surgery.
Without his family's involvement, nobody was prepared to act hastily.
Walsh nodded and left to make the call.
"Pete, will the operation have any lasting effect on his body?" Ethan asked.
Professor Fryer nodded.
"There will naturally be some short-term effects, which is why I said he will need a period of recovery.
"I've also noticed that his body has not yet fully developed.
"The English fixture schedule is extremely demanding, and at his age, he should not be carrying too heavy a workload.
"We will prepare a comprehensive and scientifically structured conditioning programme for him."
Ethan felt considerably more reassured.
The laboratory had already demonstrated its value in precisely this kind of situation.
With young players such as Curtis, Essien, and De Rossi, Mourinho planned their playing time according to the laboratory's recommendations.
They were enormously talented, but they were still developing.
Overusing them at such an age could create long-term physical problems.
Robben was in the same position.
In Ethan's previous life, the Dutchman's body had struggled with the intensity of the Premier League schedule, and injuries had repeatedly disrupted his career.
If careful training and sensible rotation during his formative years could reduce those problems, the benefits would be enormous.
The thought of Robben no longer being plagued by injuries filled Ethan with anticipation.
New Manchester United also had several players capable of replacing him while he recovered, including Ribéry, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Palacio.
All three were excellent options and could rotate with Robben once he returned.
"All right, Pete.
"Prepare a detailed surgical plan and a complete rehabilitation programme as quickly as possible.
"Include the physical development plan as well.
"We'll need to discuss everything with Robben's father."
...
The moment Hans received the call from New Manchester United, he travelled to Manchester.
He was a respected football coach in the Netherlands, and the Red Rebels had already invited him to join their academy staff.
Hans had accepted, although he could not begin until his existing contract expired.
As soon as he arrived at the airport, he saw Jim waiting for him with a sign.
The two immediately climbed into an Audi supplied by one of the club's sponsors and drove towards the Newton Heath training complex.
Throughout the journey, Hans repeatedly asked what had happened to Arjen.
Jim could not answer because he had not been told the details.
"What exactly has happened, Mr Yu?" Hans asked anxiously the moment he entered the office.
Ethan calmly asked him to sit down.
He had someone bring him a glass of water and gave him a moment to compose himself before handing over the laboratory report and explaining the diagnosis.
Hans almost collapsed.
He had never imagined that his lively, healthy son could develop cancer.
Even though the tumour had been detected at an early stage, the word itself was terrifying.
"It will be all right, Hans," Ethan said reassuringly.
"I've spoken with Professor Fryer and several specialists.
"They have all confirmed that the tumour is extremely small and still in its earliest stage.
"If it is removed promptly, it should not affect Arjen's normal life."
"Will he still be able to play football?" Hans asked.
As a father, he understood how deeply his son loved the sport.
He already knew that the operation was necessary, regardless of whether Arjen could continue playing afterwards.
Even so, he needed to know the truth before speaking to his son.
Ethan sat beside him and nodded.
"Of course.
"I can assure you that he will be able to continue playing football.
"We have already prepared a complete conditioning programme for him.
"Because he is still young, we do not intend to place too much pressure on him or make him an automatic starter.
"Everything has been planned carefully.
"He will recover, return to training, and continue his career."
As a football coach himself, Hans studied New Manchester United's proposal carefully.
He had to admit that the plan would be extremely beneficial to Robben's long-term development.
The club was not trying to rush him back into the team.
Instead, it was thinking about his future.
"At a time like this, you need to remain strong," Ethan said.
"Go and tell Arjen the truth, then persuade him to undergo the operation.
"The club will cover every expense, so you do not need to worry about that.
"Afterwards, he can rest, recover, and make his return.
"One day, he will become one of the brightest stars in Europe, perhaps even in the world."
Hans pressed his lips together tightly.
Overwhelmed by gratitude, he embraced Ethan.
At that moment, words were not enough.
All he could do was thank him repeatedly.
"Come on, Hans," Ethan encouraged.
The two left the administrative building, and Ethan led him towards the first-team training ground.
Robben was training happily with his teammates.
From time to time, he produced an improvised display of skill that drew cheers from the others.
That only encouraged Cristiano Ronaldo, the more technically flamboyant of the two, to attempt something even more spectacular.
The two youngsters were close in age and constantly competed with one another.
The atmosphere within the first-team squad was excellent.
After training, the players often spent time together in the games room or on the indoor football pitch.
Those were the two most popular areas at Newton Heath.
The club even organised internal competitions to give the players something enjoyable to do away from training and matches.
The training building also contained several other recreational facilities, all specially prepared for the squad and regularly updated.
The players loved them.
When Ethan and Hans called Robben away from training, his teammates immediately sensed that something was wrong.
Their concern only deepened when they later saw him crying.
Had Ethan not been present, several of them might have rushed over immediately to ask what had happened.
After the initial shock and tears, Robben had no choice but to accept the diagnosis.
He agreed to follow the club's recommendation and undergo surgery.
Professor Fryer arranged for the operation to take place at the Royal Hospital.
Beforehand, Robben would undergo a series of further examinations so the surgeons could determine the best procedure.
During that period, Ethan assigned several members of staff to help Hans with every practical matter.
Hans was Dutch, and they were in England.
Many arrangements were easier for local staff to handle.
Both father and son were deeply grateful for the club's support.
Ethan visited Robben in hospital every day.
The players also came regularly, particularly Juninho and Curtis.
As captain and vice-captain, they accepted responsibility for supporting their teammate and helping him through the most difficult period.
...
The operation was scheduled for two weeks later.
On the same day, New Manchester United travelled to London for AFC Wimbledon's first match since the club's formation.
The Crazy Gang hosted the Red Rebels in their inaugural friendly.
New Manchester United did not underestimate their amateur opponents.
Wimbledon played with tremendous aggression and determination, causing the Red Rebels plenty of problems throughout the match.
In the end, however, New Manchester United's superior quality proved decisive, and they won 5-0.
Drogba scored a hat-trick.
Hleb added another goal, while Villa came off the bench to replace Drogba and scored the fifth.
The match formally began New Manchester United's preparations for the new season.
After the final whistle, the players immediately flew back to Manchester and travelled directly to the Royal Hospital.
Robben was deeply moved when he saw his teammates arrive straight from London.
When they comforted him and told him they were waiting for his return, he almost began crying again.
The entire first-team squad, coaching staff, and several club officials waited in the corridor outside the operating theatre alongside Hans and his wife.
When the surgeon finally emerged and confirmed that the operation had been successful, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The team still had training the following morning, so Ethan asked Mourinho to take the players and staff back to Newton Heath.
Ethan and Walsh remained at the hospital and waited for Robben to wake.
During that time, Ethan also arranged for staff to prepare everything Robben might need during his recovery.
What he had not expected was that after leaving the hospital, the first-team players arranged for flowers to be delivered.
Every bouquet carried the name of a different player, along with a handwritten message wishing Robben well.
Even many of the academy players took part.
The sight moved Ethan deeply.
As he looked around the room filled with flowers, he knew that everything he had invested in the club had been worthwhile.
This was exactly the spirit he had always wanted New Manchester United to possess.
Unity, friendship, and genuine human warmth.
When Robben woke and saw the gifts from his teammates, tears filled his eyes.
Hans and his wife were equally overwhelmed by the support they had received, and their connection to the Red Rebels became even stronger.
This was truly Ethan's team.
The club he had always dreamed of building.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)