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nThe stadium burst with energy as the players walked out of the tunnel. The cheer grew louder while at the same time, many Japanese players of Japan felt an oppressive aura grip their hearts.

nEspecially the new recruits.

nThey couldn’t help but feel anxious. Even though they had already experienced the stadium atmosphere, it was unlike before. If the previous energy of the stadium could be compared to a spark of lightning then what they were experiencing at the moment could only be described as the rumbling of thunder.

nAs for Hiro, he remained unfazed by the electrifying atmosphere of the stadium.

nThe opposing side had the home advantage. But he couldn’t be bothered by their advantage. After all, he had a quest to complete. So while walking down the field, he kept pondering about the quest given by the system.

nAs they say, opportunity and danger go hand in hand.

nThough they lacked supporters on the field it wasn’t the case when it came to supporters off the field as right now many people in Japan were watching the match with utmost focus.

nEspecially people closely related to Hiro.

nEven Hiro’s mother watched the match on the screen despite her husband’s condition. However, precisely because of her husband’s condition, she couldn’t bring herself to smile even when seeing her son on national colors for the first time.

nBut ignoring him wouldn’t do him justice either. After all, he had sacrificed much to be there. So as a parent, she at least had to watch him play.

nAs the camera turned to Hiro, her eyes glistened with joy. But her face struggled to display the feeling that she felt.

nIt was a moment of pride. Yet she was unable to express her emotions.

nJoining her hands, she thought, ‘Just why god? You know how much Takashi had been looking forward to seeing his son represent the country. Yet today when his wish is finally getting fulfilled he can’t even watch. Just why are you so cruel?’

nOn such an auspicious occasion why did a calamity befall her family?

nShe was in turmoil as she felt a mix of frustration, grief, and joy. More than anything else, she felt utterly helpless at the moment.

nAfter a while, as both sides took their position on the field the match began.

nBeep!

nMaeda initiated the kickoff by passing the ball to Ryo.

nNo sooner had the match begun than the opposing forward started to chase after the ball. As for their wingers, they nimbly spread forward.

nSince they had the home advantage, they were in no rush to score a goal. Also, it was a friendly match, so aggressive pressing from the beginning wasn’t needed.

nBut Hiro had some other plans.

nPrecisely because the opposing team was relaxed, he could catch them off-guard by initiating a swift attack.

nSo even before he got the ball, he signaled Tatsuki to go for the run.

nThen as he got the ball, he immediately lobbed it above the head of opposing players, launching straight into the opposing defensive third.

nUpon seeing the ball soaring above their head many opposing players started to panic. Their heart raced as they tried to process the sudden charge.

nThe game had only started. And it had only been ten seconds at most. Yet he was already attacking. Isn’t this too ridiculous?

nTheir heart raced for a brief moment as they steadily retreated.

nHowever, upon noticing the trajectory of the ball they became at ease. Many assumed that their keeper would easily collect the ball since they failed to see the acceleration of Tatsuki so they slowed down their movement.

nIf only they were vigilant they might have noticed the runup of Seko.

nAlas! They were too lax to notice the sprint of Seko. After all, it hadn’t even been that long since the game started so why would someone play aggressively from the beginning?

nSoon the expression on their face changed as Tatsuki emerged in their line of sight. But no sooner had he appeared than he disappeared as well.

n“Watch out”

nMany exclaimed in fright as they tried to warn their teammates.

nUpon noticing him, some of the opposing players tried to stop him on his track. But he was too tricky for them to stop.

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nTatsuki snaked his way around the players, skillfully evading every obstacle coming his way. The opposing keeper was in a dilemma. Should he leave his post to clear the ball or should he trust his defenders to do the job?

nIt wasn’t only the opposing keeper who was in a dilemma. It was the same with the opposing defenders as well. Since they had been caught off-guard they were having trouble deciding whether they should withdraw or wait.

nAmidst their confusion, Tatsuki moved like a breeze as he made his way to the opposing defensive third without losing his momentum.

nThough he had changed his direction multiple times to avoid the opposing players, he hadn’t lost his momentum. There were instances when opposing players tried to intentionally bump against him to stop him.

nBut he was like a slippery eel that couldn’t be caught.

nAs the ball descended, Tatsuki controlled it flawlessly. At this moment, he was at the edge of

nthe penalty box. The angle to shoot from there was rather tight.

nBut he noticed that the keeper was rather dispositioned.

nShould he shoot immediately or should he try to find a better shooting angle?

nIf he delayed, he would most probably lose this opportunity. But if he couldn’t shoot

naccurately then also he’d blow this chance away.

nWorse, he had to take the shot with his weak foot.

nBut he could sense the opposing defender right behind him. So if he delayed any further, he might probably lose the ball.

nEven though he had managed to control the ball, he wasn’t in a favorable situation.

nImmediately after controlling the ball, he stretched his leg to shoot the ball. The opposing keeper was dispossessed so, even if he tried to save the ball, he wouldn’t make it in time.

nWith that thought in mind, he shot the ball.

nThe ball as it left his feet glided straight toward the post, unimpeded.

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