Chapter 534: Emperor''s Cup V


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    The 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.


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


    The 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.


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


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


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


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


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


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


    It was a gamble on his part.


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


    Also, it was better than waiting.


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


    However, 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 yer. The yer then attempted a shot for the goal from behind the center line.


    At that point, all it required was uracy which he didn''tck.


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


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


    "Goal..."


    At once, the opposing fans jumped from their spot, cheering. Smile on their face and excitement in their eyes, they couldn''t hold back their tion.


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


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


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


    So, 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.


    They appreciated his modesty.


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


    For a while, the opposing yers couldn''t stop grinning. Many of them even wished the game to end immediately.


    Unfortunately, there were still more than fifty minutes left.


    Just 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.


    Kaoru nodded his head as he spread themand to the rest of his teammates.


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


    Hiro 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.


    And 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.


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


    But Yokohama who didn''t specialize in offensive gamey wouldn''t be among those exceptions.


    The game then resumed.


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


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


    He 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.


    And he was more than ready to enter the field.


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


    Satisfied with Hiro''s determination, he refocused his attention on the match.


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


    For the next few minutes an expected scene yed in the field.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The opposing yers clustered in their half to form an imprable fortress, focusing their entire attention on defense.


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


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


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


    "Juste out of your shell, you damn turtle bastard"


    One of the Kawasaki yers cussed, clearly annoyed by the tactics of the opposing team.


    Their defense was testing his patience.


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


    So the stubbornness of the opposing team toe in front was growing on him.


    It wasn''t just him. A few others were in a simr situation.


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


    Just ridiculous would it sound?


    The reporters andizens would haul them with criticism.


    Moreover, they''d bebeled as a team that couldn''t even manage to win a game against a club


    from the second division without Hiro''s help.


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


    of a sudden.


    Just what caused such a change?


    Many yers couldn''t help but feel curious about the sudden cheers.


    Curious, many nced at the crowd amidst the ongoing match. However, they couldn''t find


    anything in the stands.


    Then they turned to look at the sidelines.


    There they found Hiro warming up.


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