My system allows me to copy talents

Chapter 439 Soccer Challenges

As he settled onto his seat opposite Suzuki, he felt the weight of the expectation pressing down on him. He was no longer just Hiro the talented teenager; he was Hiro the national team prospect, Hiro the giant slayer who had toppled league giants like Vissel Kobe.

Finding out about his appearance on the show, he had trained himself to remain calm. But still, when he swept his gaze around, he felt a little intimidated by the audience.

It wasn't his first time being in front of the people. In fact, the number of audiences present in the studio at the moment couldn't even compare to the number of people in the stadium.

Yet still, he couldn't help but feel a bit iffy.

It wasn't the audience but the show's aura that made him feel a bit uncomfortable.

Then as he settled, the interview began.

Suzuki's questions were insightful yet entertaining, covering everything from Hiro's early days in football to his recent heroic performances on the field, and his call-up to the national team.

Hiro answered his questions with pride and humility, all the while acutely aware of how his words might be perceived.

Midway through the interview, Suzuki announced a twist. "Now, Hiro, we know you're incredible on the pitch, but how about showing us some of those skills right here? We have a few soccer challenges lined up for you!"

Hiro had been expecting it. So, the announcement didn't surprise him. Instead, he felt quite relieved upon hearing the announcement. This, at least, was familiar ground. It wasn't an uncharted territory.

The crew quickly set up a mini-soccer field in the studio, complete with targets and obstacles. The efficiency with which the crew members set the stage mesmerized him.

'I wonder how much they have trained to be able to operate with such quick precision' Hiro thought as he looked at the staff members with a mix of curiosity and awe.

In no time, they set up a stage for him to showcase his ability.

"So, shall we witness the brilliance of Hiro firsthand?" Suzuki said while looking at him. It was almost as if he was looking forward to it.

The audience let out an excited roar as they responded to Suzuki.

The first challenge was a target practice, where Hiro had to hit specific spots on a goalpost from varying distances.

To him, it was a child's play to hit those targets.

"Now then before we kickstart the challenges, shall we make some bets to make it even more entertaining?" Suzuki announced.

'Huh! Bet?'

Hiro was surprised to hear the mention of the bet. What kind of bet was Suzuki talking about?

But it didn't take long for him to figure out what he was talking about.

"I'm sure you lot have downloaded our app. So, I want you to open it and place your bet. The one lucky winner who manages to guess correctly will receive a prize. So, be sure not to mess it up," Suzuki announced enthusiastically.

It was an era of technology. So, it'd be rather strange to collect the bet in the old-fashioned way. By the looks of it, it seemed as if the thing regarding the bet was pre-planned.

As soon as they heard his announcement, they immediately began to place their bet. After all, if they guessed correctly, they'd receive a prize.

While the audience became busy placing their bet, Hiro glanced backstage, searching for Ayumi. He hadn't been informed about the bet. But she must have been informed about it. So, why didn't she inform him?

However, as he turned to look at her, he found her as clueless as him.

But what does it matter anyway? It's not like he was the one to give away the prize.

The thing regarding the bet was rather simple. The audience had to place their bet on how many targets he'd hit accurately.

"Can I warm up a bit?" Hiro asked.

The audience was taking way too long. So, he was getting bored awaiting the challenge to begin. After all, he had the ball in his feet.

"Sure, go ahead," Suzuki gave his approval.

While the audience took their sweet moment to place the bet, Hiro started kicking the ball. He purposefully missed the targets so as not to obstruct the challenge. He didn't want to ruin it before it even began.

This action of his, however, misled the audience into thinking that he wasn't in good form today. After seeing him miss, how could they bring themselves to place their bet confidently? Even those who had already placed their bets began to have doubts.

"It doesn't look like he'll hit many today"

"I shouldn't have placed my bet hastily"

Worried cries resounded as many of them regretted their decision.

"Times up everyone," Suzuki announced. "Now then, shall we see how Hiro performs today?"

As he announced, he turned to look at Hiro, "Are you ready, Hiro?"

Hiro nodded, "Umm"

Then he assumed his position. The entire audience's focus converged on him as he took his position. Some were anxious, some worried, and some confident, there were all kinds of faces in the audience.

But Hiro wasn't bothered in the slightest.

The bet they had placed on him, didn't amount to anything to him.

Confidently, he glanced at his targets as he prepared to shoot. It was just a simple drill, so he wasn't going to use his skills. To hit those targets, he didn't need to rely on the system. He could manage it all by himself.

And, even if he were to miss some, what would it matter?

It's not like he got any reward or anything.

Bam!

The first target was the top right corner. He had to slot the ball in the top right corner. And he nailed it perfectly.

The audience cheered as he made the first target.

Then second, third, fourth, and so on, he nailed every single one of it precisely without missing any. Surprised, and stunned, the audience could only look at him with eyes full of awe.