Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093087122434729/episodes/16818792436619290209
Even though he was only an elementary school student, he had outstanding physical abilities and a keen sense of the game.
When he joined our team, he was such a talented player that in just two months, he pushed aside his teammates who had been playing for more than three years and became a regular player.
“Hey, Ren. Teach me what you did just now.”
And he loved soccer more than anyone else. That atmosphere was there even back then.
Now, as in the past.
＊＊＊
I’ve been playing with Ren longer than anyone else. Since we first started, in fact.
That’s why I understand Ren’s style better than anyone else.
He’s always clever. Not only does he choose the option that’s most likely to score, but he also maintains his concentration like a man possessed until the final whistle blows, demonstrating overwhelming courage and thinking ability.
“Well…”
In the midfield, Ren receives the ball slightly to the left of the center line, shakes his head twice, and surveys the entire court.
Ren is undoubtedly considering at least three options. That’s why there’s a moment of hesitation.
“Hey, Ren. It’s been about two years since we last played one-on-one…”
“No, no, we’ve played a few times just for fun, right?”
“Hmph, that doesn’t count.”
Right? Or left?
He observes with the utmost care.
Ren can control both feet at the same level. From what I saw in the previous match, he doesn’t seem to have lost any of his skills.
“Ah, this is fun, Ren!”
“Well, yeah!”
Ren’s left foot crosses the ball.
It’s one-on-one. That was the signal to start.
“Here we go!”
He extends his foot. Reflexively.
In soccer, there are three options for defense in such a situation.
One is to take the ball purely by individual skill. Another is to block the opponent’s path and wait for support from teammates.
And the last one. That’s the goal.
“I won’t let you go, and I’ll take the ball!”
Stopping the opponent’s feet and going for the ball itself. That was my choice.
“I knew you’d do that. You’re greedy, aren’t you?”
The timing was perfect. Even I had to admit it.
But as always, this guy…
“I never thought I’d end up fighting you like this, someone who doesn’t usually play defense.”
“!”
His right foot suddenly appeared from behind his left foot, as if hiding it.
He rolled the ball with the sole of his foot and moved it behind him. He trapped it between the insides of both feet, and then…
“Heel lift!”
He lifted the ball onto his heel and kicked it upward. It arced over his head.
“! Haha! That’s amazing! That’s amazing! Ren!”
I was completely caught off guard. By the time I turned around, Ren had already accelerated and slipped past me.
I would have to chase after his back.
But.
“feet! Mine are faster!”
I planted my toes firmly and spun around, scraping the ground.
In a pure sprint, I’ve never lost to Ren.
That’s where the opportunity to win lies.
“—You’d do that, wouldn’t you?”
“! Seriously?”
Heel lift. It’s a beautiful dribbling technique. I myself had somehow come to believe that.
After all, it’s a bit too much to expect to kick the ball that far in such an awkward position.
However,
“You two are the best combo!”
“──Thank you, Aota-san. …Hayami-san! I’ll pass it back!”
By passing through Taito once, he guides my gaze and expands my options further.
Damn it. At this point, I’ve already lost. With Taito and Ren together, there’s no way I can defend alone.
“Please! Buy me some time! Until I get back!”
I’ll leave it to my teammates.
It’s okay. No matter how many points they score, I’ll score that many back.
＊＊＊
It’s all or nothing. Somehow, the heel lift worked. And the thoughtful Amagami’s support.
It’s okay, we can win.
“Alright! Count on me!”
As I drew the defender’s attention, I noticed the forward who had just broken free from his mark at the corner of my eye.
It’ll go through. Without a doubt.
I kicked the ball and sent it flying.
The ball rolls slowly toward his feet.
“Nice!”
He immediately goes into shooting form.
There’s only the goalkeeper in front of him, no defenders blocking his path.
“—Aota. Let’s get that first point first.”
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