Shingo Aoi, known internationally as Rob Denton or Terry Denton in some translations, hails from Gifu Prefecture, Japan. His football journey began at Nakahara FC in elementary school, progressing to Nakahara Middle School where he wore jersey number 12. Aoi displayed remarkable ball-juggling prowess during middle school, clinching a national title by defeating the Tachibana twins. Yet, he grew envious of Tsubasa Ozora's football success, valuing competition over technical spectacle. This rivalry deepened when Nakahara lost 11-0 to Tsubasa's Nankatsu Middle School in a friendly; Aoi bypassed every Nankatsu player except Tsubasa himself. The crushing defeat nearly drove Aoi to quit football, but Tsubasa personally urged him to continue. Before departing for Brazil, Tsubasa gifted Aoi three coins (25 cents, 10 francs, and 100 yen) as good luck charms, which Aoi treasured throughout his career.
At 15, inspired by Tsubasa, Aoi moved to Italy to pursue professional football, forgoing high school in Japan. Upon arrival, he learned his contact, relative Mr. Shinnosuke, had died. Struggling to find a club, Aoi was swindled by an imposter posing as an Inter Milan staff member, losing nearly all his money. To survive, he worked as a shoeshine boy and performed street juggling shows. His fortunes shifted when Inter's kit manager, Calimero, witnessed his skills and arranged a trial. During a training match, Aoi scored against goalkeeper Gino Hernandez with an overhead kick (Rovesciata), securing a place on Inter's junior team. Despite relentless bullying from teammates—especially Matteo—and initial exclusion, encouragement from Hernandez and Calimero spurred Aoi to persevere. Through dedicated training with weighted shoes and a vest, he honed his abilities. His defining moment came against AC Milan's junior team: entering with Inter trailing 1-0, Aoi reversed the scoreline and scored the winning goal, earning his teammates' respect and solidifying his position.
Aoi developed an intense rivalry with Juventus' star libero, Salvatore Gentile, who humiliated him in a match and mocked his style. This fueled Aoi's obsession with defeating Gentile, causing him to initially ignore call-ups from Japan's U-20 coach, Minato Gamo, during the Asian World Youth qualifiers. Learning of Japan's desperate situation against Thailand, however, Aoi returned and joined mid-game. Unrecognized by most teammates except Tsubasa, his speed and agility proved crucial in securing victory. He became a key midfielder for Japan, though excessive enthusiasm led to fouls that benched him against China. To overcome Gentile, Aoi refined his signature dribbling move, the Right Angle Feint, guided by Dutch legend Ruud Gullit. He also encountered defender Tomeya Akai during this period, leading to a practice match where Akai neutralized Aoi's attacks, though Inter won through teamwork. Aoi subsequently recommended Akai for the national team.
At the World Youth tournament, Gentile defeated Aoi again at a welcome party using a counter-technique called the Right Angle Defense. Aoi was devastated when Italy lost to Uruguay, eliminating them and injuring Hernandez and Gentile. Kojiro Hyuga intervened, reminding Aoi the tournament surpassed personal rivalries. In Japan's final group match against the eliminated Italy, Hernandez and Gentile played despite injuries solely to face Aoi. Aoi finally surpassed Gentile using an enhanced technique, the Right Angle Tornado Feint, and scored past Hernandez. Gentile acknowledged defeat but vowed their duel would continue. Aoi played a pivotal role throughout the tournament, forming the "Golden Trio" with Tsubasa and Misaki in the final against Brazil, contributing to Japan's victory.
Post-World Youth, unable to secure a spot in Inter Milan's senior squad, Aoi transferred to Serie C1 club FC Albese. There, he befriended Nigerian player Bobang and faced Hyuga, on loan to AC Reggiana. In a critical Serie C1 promotion match, Aoi and Bobang scored to equalize against Reggiana, but Hyuga netted a late winner. Both teams were promoted due to other results. Aoi continued representing Japan, appearing as a reserve in a pre-2002 World Cup friendly against the Netherlands, facing defenders Gustav and Willem. Later, he joined the U-23 Olympic team, participating in matches including the quarter-finals against Germany, which ended 4-4 in regulation. In the "NEXT DREAM" storyline, he plays for Lombardia in Italy, utilizing his speed and stamina to support both offensive and defensive phases.
Aoi's technical repertoire centers on agility and creativity. Signature techniques include the Right Angle Feint (a sharp 90-degree dribble) and the Rovesciata (overhead kick). Variations encompass the Tunnel Rovesciata (a low aerial shot through an opponent's legs) and the Eruption of Mount Fuji (a high clearance kick followed by a sprint). Other documented skills are the Dashing Direct Jumping Volley, Interception Cortina (rapid passing lane disruption), Pressure of Fire (aggressive tackling), and the Triangle Long Pass (long-distance combination with Tsubasa).
Key relationships define his arcs: Tsubasa remains his idol and inspiration; Gentile embodies his primary rivalry; Hernandez serves as a mentor and friend; Bobang acts as his closest teammate at Albese; and Akai transitions from an on-field adversary to a national team ally. A notable verbal tic reflects his relentless style: when operating at peak speed, he often declares, "I'm now in green light," symbolizing unstoppable momentum.