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  The sterile, bright fluorescent lights of the hospital waiting room buzzed with a low, continuous electric hum. In the corner of the room, a television screen broadcasted the breaking news, the volume turned up just enough to echo across the mostly empty chairs. "We are here live at the Tokyo General Hospital," a news reporter announced, her voice tight with urgency. She stood in front of the hospital's main gates, the camera flashing occasionally as the chaotic mob of paparazzi pushed against the iron barriers behind her. "Where Gouenji Shuuya, the legendary Flaming Striker from the football team Kidokawa Fireball, was seen entering earlier today immediately after officially announcing his sudden retirement from professional football." A few patients and visitors sitting in the plastic waiting chairs leaned forward, their eyes glued to the screen. "The exact motives for this unprecedented retirement remain completely unknown," the reporter continued...