My system allows me to copy talents - Chapter 775 - 775: The Battle of Friends
Before the match started, both sides lined up for handshakes. Hiro proceeded with calm along the line, shaking hands with his opponents.
He could feel their gaze on him. Though their gazes were filled with admiration, there was something more to it than just admiration.
The burning desire to trample him.
But he didn’t mind them.
“I didn’t think you’d surpass Yamada so soon,” Kubo said with a smile while holding onto Hiro’s hands.
Hiro felt the grip. But he didn’t retaliate.
“Would you believe me if I said I didn’t expect to either?” Hiro responded with calmness.
Though the response sounded sarcastic, there wasn’t even a hint of sarcasm on his face.
However, for some reason, Kubo couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Hahaha… I believe you.”
Though Kubo wanted to chat more, he didn’t have the time to do that. He had to keep moving. Hence, he didn’t speak much and proceeded to advance.
Hiro, too, continued to advance.
Then he reached another familiar face.
The grip tightened as the two of them locked eyes with each other.
“You spaced out before, didn’t you?” said the person before him.
Hiro paused to exhale, then tilted his head.
“You caught me,” Hiro said, his tone gentle.
“Hahaha… I hope to catch more than just your antics.”
Determination flashed past his dark pupils as Shun said those words.
Feeling the determination of his friend, Hiro couldn’t help but feel even more motivated. He stared at Shun, holding his hands firmer than before.
“I’m looking forward,” he said, his gaze lighting up as he revealed a grin.
Beep!
The referee’s whistle split the air.
The stadium pulsed like a living organism as the red and white started the kickoff.
The ball rolled to Hiro. He scanned the pitch, the atmosphere making his senses tingle. He wasn’t new to this sensation, but for some reason, it felt even more different than it used to.
He felt as if something inside him was awakening.
What was this feeling?
He couldn’t comprehend.
Nonetheless, he felt like he could achieve much more.
‘Just like how we practiced.’ Hiro grinned as he accelerated.
The opposing midfield attempted to stop him, pressuring him. However, Hiro tore through their pressing without breaking a sweat.
Just a few simple twists and turns, and he broke through their encampment like a hot knife placed on the butter slab.
The audience couldn’t get enough of him.
Witnessing the maestro on the field brought great pleasure to them. Those moves, those skills, the calm on his face despite going up against multiple opponents, it wasn’t something new to them. This routine was almost identical.
Nonetheless, the more they stared at him, the more their eyes glistened with jubilation.
‘Flared up from the beginning, huh?’ Shun grinned as he prepared himself.
Even though Hiro was his opponent now, he couldn’t help but admire him. The admiration for him had never dwindled; rather, he had grown accustomed to admiring him even more.
While Hiro attacked from the center, Julian buzzed like a hornet on the right side. The towering giant, Alexander, darted from the left.
To stop these two, the opposing defense had to be mobilized, which created a gap in the center.
However, two giants, wearing numbers two and four, remained to deal with him.
Hiro could feel the crowd’s expectations pressing on him. But even the mounting pressure wasn’t enough to bring him to his knees.
He felt calm like he had never felt before.
His heart was tranquil.
Even the towering giants before him failed to intimidate him.
‘Let’s see how much you’ve grown.’
Hiro mused before activating his talent Phantom Steps.
The two giants stepped forward to engage. But before the two could even realize, Hiro vanished from their sight.
Before he vanished, it looked like he was attempting to pass.
But turns out he used both his feet to make it seem like he was passing. First, he struck the ball with his left foot, then followed up with his right to break through the entrapment before sprinting forward to chase the loose ball.
Just as Hiro broke through their defense, his eyes lit up.
The muscles in his leg coiled like a spring before unleashing a powerful shot that sent ripples through the surface of the ball.
BAM!
The ball soared, cutting through the air.
The crowd watched this solo performance in awe, their eyes glistening with bliss.
From the midfield to the opposing box, he had created this chance himself. Even the shot made their hearts pound.
Like the beating drum, their heart thumped.
The ball curved to the top right corner. This looked like one of Hiro’s signature shots. No one knows who started it, but the people had termed this shot, “The Terror Strike.”
Perhaps, it had to do with the power packed behind the shot that evoked a sense of terror in the hearts of those facing it.
Whatever the reason may be, this shot from outside the box has become known throughout the world.
The expression of the fans of red and white changed as the ball soared to its destination. These excited fans were prepared to celebrate.
However, to their surprise, the goal was denied.
With the tip of his fingers, Shun managed to keep the ball from finding the back of the net.
Despite his short stature, it didn’t stop him from making this unbelievable save.
The opposing fans witnessing this surreal save couldn’t believe their eyes. Their eyes widened in surprise and awe while their heart thumped in excitement.
What was that save just now?
How could he make such an impressive jump?
For a moment, it looked like this keeper of theirs was flying.
Even the speed at which he reacted seemed extreme.
Was he the same keeper from before?
The opposing fans found it hard to believe. Nonetheless, they were thrilled to see such an amazing performance from their newest addition.
The crowd roared in excitement, their eyes flared up.
“SAVE!”
The commentator roared.
The entire stadium was thrilled. However, the two people engaged in this performance remained silent, both with an excited smirk plastered on their faces.
