Chapter 489: Early attack


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    The stadium burst with energy as the yers walked out of the tunnel. The cheer grew louder while at the same time, many Japanese yers of Japan felt an oppressive aura grip their hearts.


    Especially the new recruits.


    They couldn''t help but feel anxious. Even though they had already experienced the stadium atmosphere, it was unlike before. If the previous energy of the stadium could bepared to a spark of lightning then what they were experiencing at the moment could only be described as the rumbling of thunder.


    As for Hiro, he remained unfazed by the electrifying atmosphere of the stadium.


    The opposing side had the home advantage. But he couldn''t be bothered by their advantage. After all, he had a quest toplete. So while walking down the field, he kept pondering about the quest given by the system.


    As they say, opportunity and danger go hand in hand.


    Though theycked supporters on the field it wasn''t the case when it came to supporters off the field as right now many people in Japan were watching the match with utmost focus.


    Especially people closely rted to Hiro.


    Even Hiro''s mother watched the match on the screen despite her husband''s condition. However, precisely because of her husband''s condition, she couldn''t bring herself to smile even when seeing her son on national colors for the first time.


    But ignoring him wouldn''t do him justice either. After all, he had sacrificed much to be there. So as a parent, she at least had to watch him y.


    As the camera turned to Hiro, her eyes glistened with joy. But her face struggled to disy the feeling that she felt.


    It was a moment of pride. Yet she was unable to express her emotions.


    Joining her hands, she thought, ''Just why god? You know how much Takashi had been looking forward to seeing his son represent the country. Yet today when his wish is finally getting fulfilled he can''t even watch. Just why are you so cruel?''


    On such an auspicious asion why did a cmity befall her family?


    She was in turmoil as she felt a mix of frustration, grief, and joy. More than anything else, she felt utterly helpless at the moment.


    After a while, as both sides took their position on the field the match began.


    Beep!


    Maeda initiated the kickoff by passing the ball to Ryo.


    No sooner had the match begun than the opposing forward started to chase after the ball. As for their wingers, they nimbly spread forward.


    Since they had the home advantage, they were in no rush to score a goal. Also, it was a friendly match, so aggressive pressing from the beginning wasn''t needed.


    But Hiro had some other ns.


    Precisely because the opposing team was rxed, he could catch them off-guard by initiating a swift attack.


    So even before he got the ball, he signaled Tatsuki to go for the run.


    Then as he got the ball, he immediately lobbed it above the head of opposing yers,unching straight into the opposing defensive third.


    Upon seeing the ball soaring above their head many opposing yers started to panic. Their heart raced as they tried to process the sudden charge.


    The game had only started. And it had only been ten seconds at most. Yet he was already attacking. Isn''t this too ridiculous?


    Their heart raced for a brief moment as they steadily retreated.


    However, upon noticing the trajectory of the ball they became at ease. Many assumed that their keeper would easily collect the ball since they failed to see the eleration of Tatsuki so they slowed down their movement.


    If only they were vignt they might have noticed the runup of Seko.


    s! They were toox to notice the sprint of Seko. After all, it hadn''t even been that long since the game started so why would someone y aggressively from the beginning?


    Soon the expression on their face changed as Tatsuki emerged in their line of sight. But no sooner had he appeared than he disappeared as well.


    "Watch out"


    Many eximed in fright as they tried to warn their teammates.


    Upon noticing him, some of the opposing yers tried to stop him on his track. But he was too tricky for them to stop.


    Tatsuki snaked his way around the yers, skillfully evading every obstacleing his way. The opposing keeper was in a dilemma. Should he leave his post to clear the ball or should he trust his defenders to do the job?


    It wasn''t only the opposing keeper who was in a dilemma. It was the same with the opposing defenders as well. Since they had been caught off-guard they were having trouble deciding whether they should withdraw or wait.


    Amidst their confusion, Tatsuki moved like a breeze as he made his way to the opposing defensive third without losing his momentum.


    Though he had changed his direction multiple times to avoid the opposing yers, he hadn''t lost his momentum. There were instances when opposing yers tried to intentionally bump against him to stop him.


    But he was like a slippery eel that couldn''t be caught.


    As the ball descended, Tatsuki controlled it wlessly. At this moment, he was at the edge of


    the penalty box. The angle to shoot from there was rather tight.


    But he noticed that the keeper was rather dispositioned.


    Should he shoot immediately or should he try to find a better shooting angle?


    If he dyed, he would most probably lose this opportunity. But if he couldn''t shoot


    urately then also he''d blow this chance away.


    Worse, he had to take the shot with his weak foot.


    But he could sense the opposing defender right behind him. So if he dyed any further, he might probably lose the ball.


    Even though he had managed to control the ball, he wasn''t in a favorable situation.


    Immediately after controlling the ball, he stretched his leg to shoot the ball. The opposing keeper was dispossessed so, even if he tried to save the ball, he wouldn''t make it in time.


    With that thought in mind, he shot the ball.


    The ball as it left his feet glided straight toward the post, unimpeded.