Chapter 568: Final match of the league
Chapter 568: Final match of the league
Their reaction didn't surprise Hiro. After all, it was well within his expectations. Then he slowly removed the mask and said, "Then what about now? Do you still doubt the credibility of my words?"
"What? It's Hiro!"
Upon the revelation, the surrounding was plunged into turmoil as the kids exclaimed deep shock in their faces. Their eyes opened wide, their mouth agape, and their entire being shook with a mixed feeling of surprise, joy, and disbelief.
Immediately, they ran to Hiro and surrounded him. Wearing an exhilarated expression, they clung to him as they began to ask for his autograph. Many asked him to sign their jerseys while many begged for a photo.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
The uproar immediately caught the attention of other passersby, raising their curiosity.
"What's happening over there?"
Intrigued by the commotion before them, they got closer to inspect. Just as they got closer, at the center of the crowd, they caught a glimpse of Hiro.
"IT'S HIRO!" one of the individuals shouted.
Immediately after that, more and more people rushed to the scene. Hiro, however, remained calm despite the pressure.
"I tell you all. Senior Endo is one of the finest keepers I've seen," Hiro continued to vouch for Endo even while receiving their request.
Endo could see through Hiro's intention. The reason why he was vouching so dearly for him was to help him build his reputation.
Since Endo had to retire early, he didn't have the opportunity to build his reputation. So, there'd definitely arrive a time when he'd get questioned for his lack of achievements.
But with such great words from him, it'd help him establish his prestige in the squad.
This would definitely make his work a lot easier.
Seeing through Hiro's intentions, Endo couldn't help but feel thankful to him. There wasn't any need for him to go out of his way to say those words.
"Thank you, Hiro," Endo whispered as he expressed his gratitude.
********
In a stadium teeming with passionate fans, the match was in full throttle. The thunderous roar of the crowd echoed throughout the arena, vibrating through every corner and crevice.
"Come on, let's go!"
"Push forward, now!"
The tightly packed stands were alive with the electrifying energy of the supporters. On the field, the team clad in blue and black stripes surged forward in attack, while their opponents, dressed in red, desperately fell back to defend.
At the moment, Hiro was seated in the VIP lounge, observing the game from the stands. He had a solemn look on his face and his eyes that were looking at the field was full of unwavering focus.
"Can they take advantage of this opportunity?" Eric who was seated right next to him asked.
Since it was the final game of the season and he had some free time, Eric had returned to Japan. So, at the moment, he was accompanying Hiro.
Hiro calmly swept his gaze before answering, "The opposing number four would likely interrupt the play."
"Number four?" Eric darted his gaze to find the opposing number four.
He wasn't anywhere close to the ball. So, it was highly unlikely that he'd intercept. Eric, upon seeing the positioning of the aforementioned player didn't believe that the play would get interrupted.
So, he spoke with confidence, "No way. It'd lead to a goal."
"Let's see," Hiro mumbled.
Eric although skeptical about Hiro's claims, fixedly stared at the pitch, observing the movement of the players with unwavering focus.
On the field, Ericson passed the ball to Shota. Shota making use of his quick feet got passed his marks and then made a brilliant through pass to the flanks.
The winger who had been awaiting the pass easily collected the pass. Then with a burst of speed, he charged forward without stopping.
Until now, Eric couldn't see any possibility of the opposing number four intercepting the pass. This further bolstered his confidence. And he couldn't help but look at Hiro with an expression that oozed unwavering confidence.
"See, I told you," he remarked confidently.
Just then the sudden disappointed sigh coming from the stand caught his attention. So, he immediately rolled his eyes to the pitch.
Indeed as predicted by Hiro, the ball was with the opposing number four. He couldn't understand how it all happened.
So, feeling puzzled by the scenario, he turned to look at Hiro.
With a puzzled expression, he said, "What happened? How did he get the ball?"
"The opposing number four tricked everybody. He made it seem as if he couldn't mark Tatsuki. But he had intentionally left him unmarked. So, when the opportunity arrived he bore
his fangs that he had kept hidden until now," Hiro calmly answered.
Capitalizing on the opportunity, the opposing team immediately launched a counterattack, catching the players of Kawasaki off-guard.
The counterattack ended with a goal as they took the lead in the game, disappointing almost the entirety of the stadium.
In today's match, the supporters of Kawasaki completely overwhelmed the visiting
supporters.
The goal scored by the opposing team sent ripples throughout the stadium as the opposing fans burst out of excitement. Their collective energy surged, muffling the disappointed sigh
of the opposing fans.
Cheering on their players, they expressed their emotions fully.
Even so, Hiro didn't look worried. Calm and collected, he continued to observe the celebration
of the opposing players.
"Aren't you worried?" seeing him unfazed, Eric couldn't help but ask.
"Why should I be worried?" Hiro responded calmly.
"Your team is losing and only fifteen minutes are remaining on the clock," Eric said.
"A lot could happen in fifteen minutes," Hiro responded with the same calmness as before.
Eric could only agree with him. After all, it was as he said, a lot could happen in fifteen
minutes.
"Well, even if they lose this game, you have already won the league. But for the opposing side, their future depends on it. So, it's only natural for them to play with such intensity," Eric
added.
Kawasaki had already won the league. So, this match was of little to no importance to them. But for Sapporo who were battling relegation, this match was of utmost importance to them.