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nThe opposing fans who had been rather silent for the better part of the game stood up in anticipation. They felt that this was their chance.

nAs for the fans of the Kawasaki, their expression changed drastically as desperation began to kick in.

nThe opposing number 9 sprinted as if he were a horse on steroids, leaving behind every single one of his pursuers. It seemed like he wouldn’t stop until he reached his destination.

nEven Hiro who was seated on the sideline was on his edge.

nDesperation and anticipation collided, creating a tense atmosphere in the stadium. It was like the match had suddenly entered its climax.

nEven though more than fifty minutes were remaining, it felt like the match had reached its climax. Such was the intensity on the field.

nNaoto’s mind raced as he made several calculations in an instant. He could tell that his teammates wouldn’t be able to reach the ball before the opposing number 9.

nSo, he had to take matters into his own hands.

nHence, he rushed to clear the ball. Compared to the speed of the opposing number nine, he was like a rabbit fared against a cheetah.

nIt was a gamble on his part.

nBut considering the distance, he had deduced to have an almost fifty-fifty odds to get to the ball.

nAlso, it was better than waiting.

nIn a while, he proved to be right about his decision to leave the post as he managed to head away the ball.

nHowever, even after he managed to clear the ball away, he still ended up conceding the goal. As he cleared the ball away, unfortunately, it fell on the feet of another opposing player. The player then attempted a shot for the goal from behind the center line.

nAt that point, all it required was accuracy which he didn’t lack.

nFrom a distance, the opposing number eight released the ball. Naoto couldn’t have made that one even if he busted his ass.

nTearing through the air, the ball glided straight into the post.

n“Goal…”

nAt once, the opposing fans jumped from their spot, cheering. Smile on their face and excitement in their eyes, they couldn’t hold back their elation.

nFilled with the cheers of the opposing supporters the stadium became extremely lively.

nShun, however, didn’t celebrate the goal. He just stood rooted at his spot, clapping his hands. You could see a subtle smile on his face he wasn’t celebrating.

nHow could he bring himself to celebrate against his parent club?

nSo, he refused to take part in the celebration even when approached by his teammates. This gesture of his didn’t go unnoticed as many fans took notice of it.

nThey appreciated his modesty.

nEven the opposing fans couldn’t bring themselves to criticize. At the same time, they couldn’t help but envy the opposing team.

nFor a while, the opposing players couldn’t stop grinning. Many of them even wished the game to end immediately.

nUnfortunately, there were still more than fifty minutes left.

nJust as the game was about to resume, the opposing coach signaled something. It was as if he was conveying some secret message to the team.

nKaoru nodded his head as he spread the command to the rest of his teammates.

n“Here it begins,” Hiro murmured to himself as he caught the whiff of their intention.

nHiro was familiar with the concept of “Park The Bus”. It was a strategy often employed by a weaker side when facing against a stronger side.

nAnd now that the weaker side had taken the lead, they wouldn’t let go of the lead. They’ll want to defend this lead with their whole soul.

nKnowing that they’re the weaker side, it would be rather idiotic to go on offense. There are indeed some exceptions to it.

nBut Yokohama who didn’t specialize in offensive gameplay wouldn’t be among those exceptions.

nThe game then resumed.

nAs expected almost the entirety of the opposing players dropped deep immediately. On the sidelines, their manager was prepared to make some substitutions- most probably defensive players.

nJust at this moment, Manager Haruki turned to look at Hiro.

nHe didn’t appear a slight bit flustered. He had that usual calm on his face. But Hiro could tell that he was soon going to be deployed.

nAnd he was more than ready to enter the field.

nJust a word from him and he would start warming immediately.

nSatisfied with Hiro’s determination, he refocused his attention on the match.

n‘With him here, we won’t have trouble breaking your fortress’ Haruki thought as he curled his lips to reveal a confident smirk.

nFor the next few minutes an expected scene played in the field.

nThe opposing players clustered in their half to form an impenetrable fortress, focusing their entire attention on defense.

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nIt appeared that they had given up their ambition to go for another goal.

nThe players of Kawasaki tried every possible means to penetrate the fortress set by the opposing players. However, even after countless trials, they seemed unable to penetrate the sturdy line of defense the opposing team had erected.

nTheir failed effort was starting to hamper the morale of the team. Many young players were starting to show signs of frustration.

n“Just come out of your shell, you damn turtle bastard”

nOne of the Kawasaki players cussed, clearly annoyed by the tactics of the opposing team.

nTheir defense was testing his patience.

nFinally, he had been allowed to display his talent. Yet, he couldn’t bring any results. If it continues, who knows if he’ll get another opportunity?

nSo the stubbornness of the opposing team to come in front was growing on him.

nIt wasn’t just him. A few others were in a similar situation.

nAlmost sixty minutes had already passed. And if it continued they’d turn into a laughing stock. The mighty team from the first division lost against a team from the second division.

nJust ridiculous would it sound?

nThe reporters and netizens would haul them with criticism.

nMoreover, they’d be labeled as a team that couldn’t even manage to win a game against a club

nfrom the second division without Hiro’s help.

nJust then the crowd who seemed to have their vitality until a moment ago started cheering all

nof a sudden.

nJust what caused such a change?

nMany players couldn’t help but feel curious about the sudden cheers.

nCurious, many glanced at the crowd amidst the ongoing match. However, they couldn’t find

nanything in the stands.

nThen they turned to look at the sidelines.

nThere they found Hiro warming up.

nAll of a sudden everything made sense as they saw him.

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