My system allows me to copy talents

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? Nôv(el)B\\jnn

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 spoke as if he had already anticipated this turn of events. Then why did he make such a setup in the first place? Judging by his reaction, it seemed as if he was a little hopeful for the situation to turn out against his initial expectations. But since it turned out as he had envisioned, he couldn't help but frown. It didn't take long for the opposing side to take the lead. Capitalizing on the mistake of one of his teammates who was trying to display his ability, Kein Sato initiated a counterattack. It didn't take long for the opposing side to take the lead. Capitalizing on the mistake of one of his teammates who was trying to display his ability, Kein Sato initiated a counterattack. He was the same Kein Sato whom he had faced previously in the match against the U23 team. One of the previous captains of the U23 team. Successfully stealing the ball, he rushed ahead all by himself. Then he made a brilliant through pass to Tatsuki which gave them the early lead. Invested in completing the conditions required to unlock his newly acquired talent, Hiro played rather defensively. So, he couldn't generate as much chances either. 'It won't do' he thought as he realized the gravity of the situation. It was getting increasingly difficult for their side to retain the possession of the ball. And they were losing more and more chances due to it. The harmony on the opposing side was showing no signs of falling apart. It was as if every single one of them knew their responsibility. Let alone fulfilling their responsibility, most of his teammates weren't even making passes. It wasn't just the attackers but the defenders as well. They were finding it extremely hard to cope with the pressure.

Something had to be done. Troubled, he rolled his eyes to the sidelines.

'Can't blame him' he thought as he looked at Nanami's displeased reaction. Then he began to scan the field. As he swept his gaze through the field, he noticed the flustered faces of his teammates. Well, considering their performance it was no wonder that most of them appeared frustrated. But it wasn't the case with the veteran players. 'Does it not bother them?' Noticing their relaxed expression, he couldn't help but wonder. 'Now that I think about it. When did they stop mentoring?' he thought about it deeply. Earlier when they made errors they made an effort to guide them. Later they stopped. But why? Considering their performance, he couldn't help but link it to their stubbornness. I mean who would want to nag someone repeatedly?

But still, something didn't sit right with him. They were also losing. So, why do they appear unbothered?

Do they not care about winning? Or does it not affect their evaluation?

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?