Chapter 458 Training match

Chapter 458 Training match

The training was unlike anything they had experienced before. It didn't make sense for newcomers to go up against the starters. Shouldn't it be the opposite? The newcomers should be paired with the starters for learning experiences. While one team was overflowing with experienced players the other was filled with inexperienced players. "Play well. Who knows your evaluation might depend on it?" Nanami casually dropped a hint, further adding a touch of flare. It was already difficult enough for their side with their current roster. But upon his mention of evaluation, it further fueled the opposing side to take this match even more seriously. Well, how could they relax when their spot was in jeopardy?

Beep!

The match began. Tominaga played the ball back as he initiated the kickoff. Immediately, Tatsuki rushed ahead like an enraged bull chasing after the ball. A moment ago, he appeared sleep-deprived, yawning all the time. But now, he seemed to be full of energy. It was like he was pretending. Even so, against his fearsome onslaught, Kenji Fujimoto, one of the veterans representing their team kept his cool as he swiftly avoided his tackle with ease. Already 35 years of age, he was one of the oldest players in the camp. They started strong. But as the match progressed their flaws started to become evident. Compared to the opposing side who was used to playing as a single unit, most of his teammates played selfishly. They were desperate to procure results. It might be due to Nanami's earlier statement. But because of the disharmony in the team, they started to struggle. Even the veteran players were rendered useless due to their selfishness. Frowning, Nanami watched the players, "Sigh~ As expected."

He thought about it deeply as he moved along the field.

Unable to find any answers, he could only choose to give up. After all, he had a much more serious matter in his hand which required his utmost attention. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted. For most of the game, Hiro had gone unnoticed today. But his lack of presence didn't stop the opposing players from marking him. Constantly right from the start, he had been marked. They tailed him as if they were his shadows. Even so, he had made him available. And, he continued to do the same. In the 32nd minute, he tricked his marker and broke free to receive the pass. Making his run, he called out to his teammate for the pass.

"Pass!"

He was wide open. Though not in a suitable position, he was open to receiving the pass. But instead of passing him, his teammate crossed the ball inside the box, supplying a risky pass to Tominaga. Tominaga leaped, trying to head the ball. However, he fell short as the opposing Daiki Shimizu headed the ball away. Hiro could only click his tongue in frustration. If only he'd have passed the ball to him, he'd have created some chances. Having analyzed the field, he knew that the cross wasn't going to work. So, he could only choose to give up and try to open a path for himself. It wasn't the first time, he was ignored today. He had been ignored a lot. How could a mere marker keep him from reaching the ball? Having mastered his off-the-ball movements there was simply no stopping him. But when your teammates don't pass you the ball how are you supposed to deliver?