Chapter 570: Season End

Hiro was fascinated by Eric’s proposal. After all, who could resist the temptation of playing for a top team? And Hiro who had been dreaming of playing in one of the top teams wasn’t any different either.

But even so, he had to be realistic.

Sure, with Eric’s help, he might get into a top team. But the opportunity wouldn’t amount to anything if he were simply loaned out.

Top clubs hiring talented young players and sending them on a loan wasn’t anything new in the world of football.

“It’s alluring but risky at the same time,” Hiro answered after pondering deeply.

“Indeed the risk is high,” Eric nodded. “But I can guarantee you, Hiro, I won’t let you sink. If something happens then I’ll immediately come to your aid,” he added, his tone assuring. Most would choose the humble route where the player develops from scratch. But Eric who believed in Hiro didn’t want him to waste more of his time in developing.

Sure, if Hiro chose the humble option, he might go on to be the star of that team.

However, that’d leave him out of the podium for a while. But if he could shine in a bigger team, he’d receive the limelight right away.

It wasn’t the best option.

Seeing the resolve in Eric’s eyes, Hiro couldn’t bring himself to reject the proposal right away, “Can I think on it a little longer?”

Eric nodded, “Yeah, think about it. I’ll be waiting for your response.”

The two then shifted their focus to the match. As the match progressed, the battle became even more heated. The opposing team who were fighting for their spot seemed to have resolved that they’d rather collapse than accept defeat.

So, until the end, they fought valiantly.

Kawasaki, couldn’t penetrate their defense and the match ended with them losing. Beep!

The referee sounded the final whistle, bringing an end to the thrilling match.

At once, as the opposing players heard the final whistle, they erupted in jubilation. Some collapsed on their knees. Some even started to shed tears.

Overwhelmed with happiness, their fans rallied, cheering the players.

“The iron wall they had erected remained unbreached until the end. Sapporo has achieved the unimaginable. They have vanquished the champions to secure their spot in the league.”

The stadium was a cauldron of emotions as the emotions of the opposing fans clashed with the emotions of the home fans.

Hugging and cheering, the opposing players celebrated their victory.

After a little while, Hiro stood to enter the field.

“You’re going?” Eric asked.

“Yeah.”

Then he left the VIP booth and headed to the field. Just as he entered the field, the cameramen followed him.

Noticing Hiro on the big screen, the disappointed fans of Kawasaki were brought back to life. Seeing him, hope was kindled in their heart- with him by their side, they could look forward to the performance of the team next season.

However, Hiro didn’t head straight to his team. Rather he walked to the opposing side.

The opposing players felt confused seeing him walking toward them. They couldn’t see through his intention. Was he there to find trouble with them?

Just as Hiro got close to their captain, he congratulated, “Congratulations on your victory.” Hiro’s gesture confused many. At the same time, it infuriated many of them. How could he congratulate the opposing side after a loss?

Gnashing their teeth, they glared at him with their bloodshot eyes. Even so, due to Hiro’s popularity, they held back from scolding him.

“I’m sure, many of the fans wouldn’t be pleased with such a gesture from Hiro.” one of the commentators commented.

“Indeed, congratulating the rival team after such an outcome isn’t something the fans would appreciate. But you have to remember that Sapporo was battling relegation. So, I can understand why he commended their effort.” another commentator chimed in.

“Now, that you mention it. I think I understand what you mean. It’s only right to commend a performance worth commending.”

Upon listening to the words of the commentators, people couldn’t help but think again. A team battling relegation, defeating the reigning champions to secure their spot in the league. Indeed, it was a praiseworthy feat.

The loss was disheartening but their performance was praiseworthy.

Upon realizing this, the fans stood from their seats and began to applaud. Initially, the applause could barely be heard. However, as more and more people joined in, the sound of the applause increased gradually with time.

Soon, the entire stadium was reverberating with the thunderous sound of applause.

The opposing fans upon experiencing such an honor were brought to tears. They were thoroughly touched by the gesture of the people present at the venue.

The captain of the team, looked back to find Hiro.

If it wasn’t for him, they wouldn’t have been able to experience such honor. Looking at the young boy, he couldn’t help but feel grateful.

At the same time, his respect for Hiro soared, ‘To have such influence at such an age. You’re extraordinary, Hiro.’

After a short while, a group of officials made their way onto the field, carrying the coveted trophy.

Despite losing the match, Kawasaki had already secured the league title, and the post-match celebration was inevitable. The result of the game had no bearing on the pre-arranged festivities, so the team would still be crowned champions.

As soon as the trophy appeared, the atmosphere in the stadium shifted. The fans, who had been subdued by the defeat, began to perk up, their eyes now glued to the silverware glinting under the stadium lights.

The trophy was an impressive sight – a shield-like design, gleaming in polished silver, reminiscent of the iconic Bundesliga trophy.

Its broad, circular shape bore intricate engravings, and the center held an emblem of victory, symbolizing the hard-fought battles throughout the season. The edges were adorned with subtle patterns that reflected both the tradition and prestige of the competition.

As the trophy was paraded towards the podium, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. The earlier disappointment was quickly replaced with cheers and chants, celebrating their team’s triumph over the course of the season.