My system allows me to copy talents

453  The dependable one

Kaoru then let out a mouth full of turbid air before frowning, "Huff! It wasn't as easy. My wife was pregnant. So, I had to take care of my family as well. The part-time job felt exhausting. And, I barely had any time to train."

"I almost gave up." he sighed. Truly, he had gone through a lot. Finally, he could see the pain hidden beneath those layers of smiles. Who knew those warm eyes could make such an expression? Hearing about the things he went through, he couldn't help but pity him. This made his journey even more amazing. It was truly amazing how a person who had suffered through such a fate had made it to this stage. His respect for him only grew as he heard him. Truly, he was a person worthy of admiration. "But you didn't," Hiro said, trying to cheer him up. He seemed pitiful when he shared his story. It was almost as if it evoked his hardships. But now, he could tell that he was just like any other person. It's not that he was fine despite going through such hardships. It's just that unlike others he had accepted his fate as it is. His perception was different. Revealing a gentle smile, Kaoru looked at him deeply as he heard him. Looking at him, he couldn't help but ponder why he was sharing his story with him. He wasn't obliged to share with him. Yet for some reason, he found himself sharing his story. Even so, he felt a little lighter after sharing. He smiled and started to walk away without responding. "Let's start," Kaoru said as he flicked the ball to him. Hiro's eyes flashed with determination as he prepared himself for the duel. It was already pretty late. And the moon was already pretty high in the sky. Fireflies roamed around the vicinity, adding a touch of beauty to the already serene night. Surely, it wouldn't just be his build that he needed to be aware of if he wanted to get beat him. His instincts told him that there was more to his ridiculous defending stat.  At first, when he stood in front of him, he swept his gaze through him, trying to find possible openings. But for some inexplicable reason, he failed to see any openings. It was as if there was no opening at all. Slowly, he approached him. He wanted to test him out, so he didn't activate any of his skills. Should I go for a feint? He weighed his options as he got close to him. Meanwhile, Kaoru kept his distance from him. His wary eyes followed the ball. But, he didn't make his move. He patiently waited for him. Hiro found it extremely difficult to see through him. Then all of a sudden, Kaoru rushed toward him without any warning. Just a moment ago, he appeared as if he was analyzing him. Hiro's eyes dilapidated as he saw him. Immediately, he composed himself. However, instead of retreating, he advanced, taking him head-on. Since Kaoru had the build difference, it was only obvious for him to use his advantage. But as he got close enough, he stopped. What was he trying to do? His actions surprised Hiro. But even so, he didn't stop advancing. Using body feints, he tried to get through him. But Kaoru as if he could predict his moves stuck to him like a leech, giving him no space to operate. However, it wasn't enough to make him lose control of the ball. If it had been this easy to snatch the ball away from him, he wouldn't have been regarded as one of the best dribblers in the league. His reputation lived up to itself as he maneuvered himself against the relentless pressure put forward by Kaoru. Even so, he struggled to get through him. Whilst still maintaining the pressure, Kaoru suddenly stuck his leg from behind. In an attempt to win the ball, he collided with him harshly. But it wasn't a foul. He wasn't intending to foul him. In a sport involving physical contact, collisions were unavoidable. It nearly sent him off-balance. For sure, it was a rough tackle. But if that was all that it took for him to lose control of the ball, he wouldn't have been regarded as the best dribbler in the league. Hiro felt the impact. Yet still, he didn't lose possession of the ball. It was as if the ball was glued to his feet. Then in the pretense of falling, he lifted the ball before kicking it slightly in midair, causing the ball to fall behind him. As the ball hovered above him, he quickly turned his body before chasing the ball.

Kaoru had little to no time to react. There was only so much he could do in such a situation. Yet still, he didn't appear panicked. Instead, he seemed as calm as before. He leaned his body a little. Barely enough to get in his way. Hiro collided and lost his footing.  Had he not noticed this change, he might have actually tripped very badly. And, he couldn't even call out for a foul. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Though he somehow managed to prevent his fall he lost his acceleration greatly. Previously, he had vowed not to use his skills. But if he didn't use his skills then he might not earn his acknowledgement and fail the quest. You're indeed as great as they say, kiddo. But, I'll take this one. Kaoru thought as he delayed Hiro. Just as he was about to get to the ball, Hiro left him in the dust. He came like a breeze, swift and silent. He wasn't expecting him to recover in time. But not only did he recover from the fall, he also got through him in the blink of an eye. For a moment when he noticed him rushing past him, his eyes widened in surprise. He wasn't expecting him to recover so fast. Immediately, he gritted his teeth as he tried to outpace him.