Chapter 642: Round of 16 V


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    Watching the individual who had been performing like a beast for them until now get substituted, they couldn''t help but feel sad.


    While most people were unhappy to see him leave, some were relieved that he was being reced.


    Especially, the opposing fans. They were d to see him leave. Finally, the thorn that prevented them from winning the game was out of their way.


    Until now, Hiro had been a huge pain in their ass. Time and again, he had prevented their team from building their momentum.


    Be it Hiro''s speed, dribble, passes, or interception, he was exceptional in today''s match. Even the sole goal, the opposition had scored was due to him.


    And they naturally recognized him for the performance he had put on.


    Hence, right now, upon seeing him leave, they couldn''t help but feel relieved. Some had even started to feel optimistic.


    "What are you doing grieving? We should cheer on him for the performance he has put on until now. Come on, get up," one of the fans stood, suggesting the person before him cheer on Hiro now that he was getting reced.


    He was a blond-haired boy in a in blue T-shirt.


    While the old man beside him encouraged him to put on a brave face, he found the moment saddening. With eyes full of moisture, he remained seated.


    It was during the middle school year when Hiro came to his aid.


    "You can be who you want to be, Masao."


    Those were Hiro''s words.


    Before he met Hiro, he used to be a timid boy who was often bullied. And in the darkest of his moments, Hiro had entered his life like a savior.


    While the people around him were starting to apud, Masao lifted his head to look at Hiro. ''You haven''t changed at all.''


    ''Everywhere you go, you keep influencing the people around you.'' Masao smiled, his moist eyes glistening with happiness.


    It had been long since he hadst seen Hiro in person. Having transferred to the USA after being selected for a cultural exchange program, he had thoroughly lost contact with Hiro.


    But he hadn''t forgotten Hiro even for a moment.


    Even though the moment didn''tst long, he cherished the bond.


    The moment he learned that Hiro would being to the USA, he was extremely overjoyed. However, he couldn''t muster the courage to face him.


    Well, unlike him, Hiro had be a big shot. So, even if he wished to meet him, would Hiro even want to meet someone like him?


    After all, unlike Hiro who was an important figure in his life, he was nothing but a mere insignificant character in Hiro''s life whom he would have most probably already forgotten.


    Even though they lived in the same world, they belonged to an entirely different world.


    Nheless, he was ted to see him here.


    However, he couldn''t refrain from recalling the events that had transpired in their lives upon seeing him. Even more so now that he was exiting the pitch.


    But Masao couldn''t help but feel d about deciding toe here.


    Previously, he hesitated to go to the match.


    With eyes on the verge of tearing, he stared at Hiro. Then he stood, his lips curled into a smile. From deep within a feeling of warmth swirled inside him.


    He could tell that he was d to be here.


    The old man standing beside him felt confused seeing the reaction on Masao''s face. He felt perplexed but he didn''t dislike the reaction he witnessed.


    ''This young man must be a great supporter of Hiro.'' He thought looking at Masao.


    On the pitch, upon hearing the thundering round of apuse reverberating in the stadium, Hiro halted. He lifted his head to look at the stands.


    The moment he turned to look at the stands, he was taken aback by the sight he witnessed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A sea of supporters had stood to cheer him, showering him with apuse. The sight of those spectators was one to behold.


    Mesmerized and touched by their support, Hiro froze in his ce for a moment before he lifted his hand to apud.


    To show his appreciation, he walked out of the field pping.


    "Have you ever seen a sight like this before? I bet you haven''t seen such a sight in a long time. The entire stadium is on their toes to appreciate the young sensation as he walks out of the field."


    "Just from their response alone, you can figure out how much this young man means to them. I have nothing but admiration towards this kid who has been performing even better than most veterans here despite being the youngest," thementator was full of praise.


    Enjoying their send-off, Hiro advanced.


    Now that the stadium has started to cheer him, even the opposing yers couldn''t help but apud him.


    Though they suffered greatly at Hiro''s hands, they weren''t particrly hostile to him. And now that he was leaving, it wouldn''t hurt to show some admiration, would it? However, it didn''t mean that everybody cheered on him. Most of them refused to cheer on him.


    Perhaps it was the ovation he received from the opposing yers and the fans that made the moment even more special.


    How many yers would receive such an ovation from the opposing side when they''re losing? "Haven''t you be a fan favorite?" Daichi Kamada who was recing Hiro said to Hiro the moment they bumped their fist.


    "All the more pressure on you senior," Hiro chuckled beforeing out.


    "Don''t worry. Leave the rest to your seniors."


    With determination ring in his eyes, Daichi said with conviction.


    "Good Luck," Hiro wished them luck.


    Immediately after Hiro was substituted, the match resumed. While on his way to the seat, the


    others patted him and thanked him for his performance.


    Daichi and the rest kept their word as they sessfully managed to retain their lead


    throughout the game.


    Beep!


    Finally, the referee blew his whistle signaling the end of the game.


    The match ended with the sole goal scored by Hiro.


    Japan 1-0 Croatia.