Chapter 434 Kawasaki vs Kobe IX

Chapter 434 Kawasaki vs Kobe IX

Playing a swift one-two pass with Roberto, Hiro easily got through their defense. However, Kenji had already anticipated his moves.

But that didn't stop Hiro from advancing. Though he was met with Kenji, he continued to accelerate. Kenji continued to track him, limiting his space to operate. Just then as he approached the edge of the box, he accelerated along the flanks.

'So, you're going for a cross?' Kenji analyzed as he stuck with him.

All of a sudden, Hiro paused as he swiftly changed his direction. Kenji however, couldn't react on time and fumbled. Taking advantage of Kenji's dispositioning, Hiro then struck the ball with his other foot.

Being able to use both his legs, he had the freedom to move however he wanted. So, unlike other players who had to find a perfect stance to shoot, he could shoot from any angle at any time.

It was obvious to Kenji that he wouldn't make it in time. But still, he wasn't willing to accept. So instead, he jumped forth as he tried to somehow obstruct the ball with his head. He might not be able to make it, nonetheless, he had to try.

So, he did whatever he could.

Even so, despite his efforts, he still couldn't reach the ball. The ball simply glided past his head. As it glided past Kenji, it curved toward the top corner.

The opposing keeper could vividly predict the trajectory of the ball. But, his positioning was rather terrible. He had come out too far. And, there was only so much time for him to fix his positioning. Yet still, the ball wasn't completely out of his reach.

He could still make it. So, before shooting himself, he accelerated slightly to increase the power of his jump. Taking advantage of the inertia, he dived with his arms stretched.

Only when he made his jump did he realize that there was something wrong with the ball. It wasn't as fast as he had previously assumed. And for a moment, it occurred to him as if it wasn't even a shot aimed at the post.

It appeared more like a pass.

But who could jump such high?

As the team celebrated, Hiro glanced at the stands. In the VIP section, he noticed the club president and higher-ups, their expressions a mix of pride and relief. Even the president of Vissel Kobe, couldn't help but applaud the brilliance of Hiro's play.

"How much would it cost for us to buy him?" he inquired.

"Who, Hiro or Tatsuki?" his delegate seated beside him asked.

"Why would we need another young striker? We already possess an exceptional one. Obviously, I'm asking about Hiro," he said.

"Will they even be willing to sell him in the first place?"

"Everything has its price. There's nothing in this world that can't be bought with enough money." the president replied.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Shun was watching the match on TV with growing excitement. He was thrilled by Hiro's spectacular performance.

Back on the pitch, the game resumed with heightened intensity. Vissel Kobe, stung by the goal, launched a series of counterattacks. Their effort however was thwarted by the combined effort of Naoto and the defenders of Kawasaki.

"Stay tight! Mark your men! No gaps!" Naoto's voice cut through the noise, his leadership shining through.

Though he had managed to keep the ball away from the post, due to the barrage of attacks the opposing players were hauling his way, Naoto was starting to grow a little anxious. Even more, so as the game approached its ending.

As the match entered its final phase, managers of both teams made use of their substitutions. They could no longer, remain patient.

The final minutes were a blur of desperate attacks and valiant defenses. Opposing players became even more desperate to tie the scoresheet. While Hiro and his teammates tried to defend their lead to the best of their abilities.

Exhaustion gripped the players of both teams. Even so, none slowed down.

When the referee finally blew the whistle, signaling the end of the match, the scoreboard read 2-1 in favor of Kawasaki. The victory was theirs.