Chapter 614: Let’s Go!

Soon after the training began, Hiro trained even more seriously than ever with the quest in hand. Every drill was like a matter of life and death to him. After all, he was pitted against one of the finest players in the world.

So, he couldn’t afford to be careless or train half-heartedly.

Even though he had proven himself on the home stage, it didn’t guarantee him the spot in the starting eleven.

Given Nanami’s character, he wouldn’t flinch to drop even a world-class player well-liked by the people if he displayed poor performance in training.

He believed the person who didn’t take training seriously lacked the resolve to perform under pressure.

With Hiro performing competitively, it was inevitable for him to clash with a few other players. And that’s what happened during the training.

He clashed with a lot of players.

Especially, the one in a similar position.

Finally, after about three hours, the session came to an end. Battered and exhausted, many collapsed on the ground the moment the session ended.

Panting heavily, they lay on the ground.

Numerous exhausted bodies lay scattered around the pitch, their hearts thumping, and their panting creating a collective harmony of drums. It was like the battlefield after the end of the

war.

Even Hiro with his monstrous endurance was on the ground looking seemingly battered.

Drenched in sweat, he was trying to stabilize his breathing, “Huff! Huff!”

Huff! Huff!

Panting heavily, Yamada turned to look at Hiro, ‘He was clearly lacking in a few aspects but he could even rival Kante with that endurance. Even in the club, only a few handful could outlast him in terms of speed and endurance.’

Witnessing Hiro’s relentless chase firsthand, Yamada couldn’t help but admire Hiro. Having trained with the likes of Mbappe, and Vinicius, Yamada could tell that Hiro was indeed someone extraordinary.

Before he held some doubts regarding him. However, now after witnessing the performance of Hiro firsthand, he couldn’t help but view Hiro in a different light. freewēbnoveℓ.com

He could see the ethereal spark of a star in the making in him. If polished well, he might go to become one of the greatest in the world.

However, it was still too early for him to conclude.

After all, there are many examples of a one-season wonder.

Sweeping his gaze, Nanami curled his lips slightly, revealing a satiated grin. Then he composed himself, “Well done everyone. In today’s session, I could truly feel your enthusiasm.”

With their energy drained, the players could barely bring themselves to respond. So, they responded in a rather reluctant manner, “Thank you for the hard work.”

Nanami then left the pitch while discussing some matters with his staff. All along the training, he had been noting down something on the handbook he carried.

Well, their condition was already being monitored.

It took them a while to recover. Finally, after resting for a while, a few of them began to depart while the others continued to rest and chat.

Hiro couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation. He heard them saying that despite the session being intense, they enjoyed the session.

The rush of adrenaline they felt during the training, they couldn’t stop themselves from talking about it.

Hearing their conversation, Hiro couldn’t help but recall the training session. The hard collision, the intense duel, and the chases, he couldn’t help but smile when recalling the events.

Catching a glimpse of Hiro’s expression filled with amusement, Naoto said, “There’s a masochist among us.”

“Who me?” Tatsuki pointed at himself with a rather dumbfounded expression.

Hiro could tell that it was intended for him.

Naoto smacked his forehead lightly and shook his head, “Yeah, how could I forget that there is another one here.”

For a while, it got cheerful around them. Laughing and joking, they talked among themselves, forgetting their exhaustion.

********

After about more than half a month.

“Team Japan is departing for the USA today. Will they be able to perform well?”

“Coach Nanami says that he is confident in his team and he claims that the people can expect great things from the team.”

The whole media outlet was buzzing with the news regarding Japan’s departure and the entirety of the nation was in an upheaval.

People of different ages could be heard talking about the World Cup and the atmosphere around the country had gotten festive. Especially, the football enthusiasts, they were enjoying this moment more than others.

The talk regarding the World Cup had become the talk of the town.

In a rather quiet room, a middle-aged man could be seen seated in front of a television with

his back slumped. His dark eyes remained fixated on the screen.

“So, they are departing huh?” He mumbled softly, his voice barely audible.

Before him, the television screen displayed the departing figure of the national players who were heading to the USA for the World Cup.

The tournament was going to be held in three countries: Mexico, Canada, and the USA.

“Oh here comes Hiro, the youngest MVP winner the J-league history.”

The announcement rang, catching the attention of the individual slumped before the television. Immediately, his eyes constricted upon seeing the figure of Hiro.

Just like others, he was dressed in the colors of Japan.

With his dark tousled hair rustling with the wind, he walked. Although he looked indifferent, there was a certain gleam in his eyes that hinted at his sharp focus.

“You can do it, son,” Takashi mumbled, his eyes moist.

Though he appeared to be on the verge of tearing up, he was smiling. At the moment, seeing his son on the screen, he was overwhelmed by the feeling of pride and elation.

He began to recall the time when they made a bet right in that same room. It was the year 2014

and he and Hiro were watching the World Cup final.

Now, Hiro was on his way to represent the nation in the very tournament.

Memories flooded him while he remained seated on the couch staring at the screen before

him.