Chapter 4: The Future Starts Here
June 7, 2017 – Camp Nou, Executive Boardroom
The boardroom was silent as a freshly printed contract slid across the polished table.
Noah Marlowe stared at it.
It wasn't just paper. It was power. Authority. Ownership of the next chapter in Barcelona's legacy. And yet, the air in the room remained thick with skepticism.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu sat with arms crossed, flanked by two legal advisors and a club vice president. "We've never done this before—handing full tactical authority to someone with no top-flight coaching background, no license, and no previous ties to the club."
Noah didn't flinch. "And you've never needed a visionary more than you do right now."
Bartomeu leaned forward. "You'll have three months. That's all the margin I can give. If the players revolt or the results collapse, we terminate with cause."
"Understood."
"You'll have full access to the first team, La Masia, and the scouting department. But final transfer budgets must be cleared through me."
"Fair."
"You won't speak to the press unless cleared by PR."
"I won't need to speak," Noah said calmly. "My tactics will."
There was a moment of hesitation. Then Bartomeu tapped his pen.
"Then welcome to FC Barcelona, Coach Marlowe."
Noah picked up the pen, signed with one stroke, and slid the document back.
[System Notification: Contract Secured. Tactical Authority Unlocked.]
Two Hours Later – La Masia Youth Complex
Noah walked through the glass entrance of the academy, dressed in his official navy Barça track jacket. This time, no one questioned his presence. Staff moved out of the way. Youth players looked up from training drills with awe.
He was no longer a rumor.
He was their head coach now.
Inside the scouting lab, youth director Xavi Roca rose as Noah entered. "So they actually signed you."
"They did," Noah said. "Now let's get to work."
Scouting Room – Tactical AI Activation
AI TACTICAL SYSTEM: SCOUTING INTERFACE ACTIVE
Search Parameters:
Age: 10–17
Tactical Intelligence potential: 85+
Technical floor: Tier 1
Club affiliation: Not Real Madrid
Future Peak: 2022–2025 elite projection
The screen lit up with faces and stats.
Confirmed Targets:
Pedri González – Age 14, Las Palmas youth
Gavi Páez – Age 12, Andalusia local circuit
Jamal Musiala – Chelsea academy
Lamine Yamal – Age 9, Barcelona-born talent
Florian Wirtz – Germany, U15
Noah scrolled calmly. "I don't want to react to the transfer market in five years. I want to own it now."
Roca leaned over. "We're not allowed to poach too young."
"I'm not poaching. I'm planting seeds." He clicked Pedri's file. "Start negotiations discreetly. Before Madrid or City come sniffing."
Scene – Remote Call to Las Palmas
An older sporting director appeared on video.
"Pedri?" the man repeated, confused. "You're seriously calling about that boy?"
"I want to initiate early scouting rights and academy access," Noah said. "And I'll fund educational support for his family."
"That's unusual."
"Trust me," Noah replied. "He won't be unknown for long."
Back at La Masia – Observation Balcony
Noah stood overlooking the academy pitch as U14s ran positional drills.
"Which ones are mine?" he asked Roca.
"None yet."
"Then give me a year. And I'll give you five legends."
The AI whispered:
[Long-Term Plan Activated: LA MASIA REBIRTH]
Scouting: ONGOING
Global Youth Anchor Points Secured: 3
Recruitment Status: Stealth
Noah's gaze drifted to a shy boy doing solo touches on the far sideline. His balance, awareness, and left foot stood out even from this distance.
"Who's that?"
"Yamal. Lamine Yamal," Roca replied. "He's nine."
"Sign him to a development contract," Noah said instantly. "Now."
Evening – Email to Bartomeu
To President Bartomeu,
I've begun restructuring La Masia's talent pipeline. Early targets include Pedri (Las Palmas), Gavi (Andalusia), Wirtz (Germany), Yamal (Catalonia), and Musiala (Chelsea).
No Real Madrid prospects will be touched. We build our own.
You asked for long-term stability. I'm giving you a ten-year legacy.
– Coach Marlowe
Final Scene – Training Pitch at Sunset
Noah stood alone, the pitch empty beneath a violet sky. He looked down at the AI Tactical System, glowing softly.
"The future's quiet right now," he murmured. "But it won't stay that way."
The system responded:
"La Masia is awake again, Coach."
He turned and walked back into the building.
The future had begun.