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nPreviously, Hiro had struck a deal with Carlos.

nSince they were only granted permission to explore the safer part of the city, Hiro had bribed Carlos to take them to the part of the city where they could experience the culture of the city to its fullest. And for that, they had to delve into the part of the city that was considered forbidden.

nAs they followed Carlos’s lead closely, after a while the scenery around them started to change. Previously they were surrounded by tall concrete buildings, wide paved roads, and rather extravagant-looking places.

nBut right now they passed through rather shabby-looking places.

nThey had entered the so-called slum areas.

n“Hiro…, are you sure about it?” glancing around him timidly, Kaoru asked.

nFor someone his age, he seemed rather frightened. If he had known that they’d be entering such a place he wouldn’t have followed them.

nBut by the time, he was informed about their plans, it was too late for him to back out.

n“Haha…, Kaoru-san, it doesn’t suit someone your age to chicken out,” Tatsuki said cheerfully. “Also, what’s there to be terrified about? It’s not like we’ll get kidnapped or anything,” he added.

nJust at this moment, suddenly a dog jumped out in front of Tatsuki.

nBark! Bark!

n“Ah….!!”

nHe was startled by the sudden appearance of the dog.

nImmediately, he took several steps back as he hid behind Hiro. As for Hiro, he wasn’t startled. Due to his excitement, he had been observing his surroundings. So, he had already seen the dog. Also, the dog was chained.

nSo, while many shouted out of startlement, he remained calm about the situation.

n“Hahaha…., Big words from someone terrified of chained dogs,” Naoto exclaimed, his tone full of mockery.

nAt once as realization struck him, Tatsuki felt embarrassed.

nThen he calmly answered, pretending as if nothing had taken place, “But we still need to be vigilant while walking here.”

nUpon hearing his remarks, others let out a hearty laughter.

n“Hahaha…, Yeah, we need to be vigilant around here. Who knows another dog might jump on us?”

n“We can’t rule out cats too, hahaha…”

nCarlos who was leading the bunch also couldn’t help but break into smiles. Though he understood nothing, he still found their way of conduct funny.

nHe found those bunches extremely amicable.

nThough many of them were already earning big bucks not a shred of arrogance could be seen on their face. They seemed like the type of people who could mingle in any clique.

nWalking along the narrow alleys that at times passed through someone’s front door, Hiro and his friends weaved their way through the alleys. If it wasn’t for Carlos’s guidance they might easily get lost in it.

nOn the far western horizon, the sky had transformed into a fiery pit while the eastern horizon had started to darken.

nSome houses had already lit up while many were following suit. Yet still more and more people were chilling outside. The temperature had dropped, so many people had come out of their houses to enjoy the gentle breeze.

nIt seemed almost everyone in the neighborhood was familiar with Carlos.

nThe greetings didn’t stop no matter where they went. But since they spoke in Portuguese, Hiro and the company failed to understand. They were like circus animals in an exhibition.

nAt times they’d chance upon some local kids playing football in the narrow alley under the streetlight. While at times they’d chance upon some local gangs.

nThose encounters were rather dreadful as every time they’d chance upon those bunches they’d glare at them in an intimidating manner. By no means did they appear friendly.

nIf not for Carlos, who knows what would happen to them?

nThis content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cm.

nBut for some reason, despite the intimidating gaze he would get occasionally, Hiro found the place rather lively.

nThe developed part of the city although it looked extravagant lacked the soul. But here though the place appeared rather shabby, it was full of life. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

n“You’re not uncomfortable, are you?” Carlos asked as he led the way.

n“Uncomfortable? Why would I be? If I had to be honest then I’d say that I was uncomfortable in the hotel than here,” Hiro responded.

nHearing his response, Carlos chuckled as he said, “Hahaha…., You’re quite funny. Many people living here dream of spending a night at the luxurious hotel in which you’re staying but you feel comfortable in such a shabby place.”

nFinally, after walking for a while, Hiro and the rest started hearing some loud noises. It was as if many people had gathered together at a place to do something.

n“We’re getting close,” Carlos said.

nUpon hearing his words, Hiro’s eyes lit up with excitement. Finally, after walking so much they were close to their destination.

nThen as they walked, it got even more noisier. While at the same time, something became visible in the far corner.

nAmidst the dim alleys, a place was dazzling with bright light.

nPointing at the brightly illuminated place, Carlos said with a smile, “We’re here…”

nThe place in front was bustling with life. Sounds of cheers, balls colliding against metal fences, running of people, music, and many other sounds were coming from that place. It was almost as if a party was taking place over there.

nThen as they rounded up the corner, a concrete pitch surrounded by a mesh fence came into their sight. In the pitch, a group of people consisting of both young and adults, male and female was engaging in an intense showdown.

nIt wasn’t just the people present on the pitch but many others were watching the match from the sidelines, cheering and jeering on the players playing.

nThe atmosphere of the place was electrifying.

n“Campo de Santana, here you’ll find people of all age groups playing together in harmony. As you can see, some of these guys are laborers who have returned after a day’s work while some

nare kids who spend their entire day balling”

nCarlos began to talk, introducing the place to Hiro and others.

n“And all those people you see on the sidelines, don’t confuse them as mere supporters.

nThey’re waiting for their turn to play.”

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