Chapter 4: An Invitation
Hokkai High School vs. Hyogo Mikage Shihan
Added Time.
Near the end of the second half, an equalizing goal was scored, and 5 minutes of extra time were added.
Both teams became more desperate.
They had everything to play for, and neither wasn't willing to settle for a draw. The tension in the stadium was noticeable. The crowd held their breath as the clock ticked down, waiting to see who would emerge victorious.
Both teams settled for an attacking approach, leading to an intense and thrilling end to the match. But this made their defense vulnerable. In the final seconds, Murano's team regained possession and went for a last-minute goal, but Hyogo's goalkeeper made an incredible save to secure a draw for their team. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
The opposing team, Hyogo Mikage Shihan, then launched a counterattack, took advantage of their defensive frailty, and succeeded in drawing a foul about 25 yards from the goalpost. Hajime Nishioka, also known as "Aomori's Messi," a boy of small stature but with exceptional ball control, stepped up to take the free kick.
The crowd held their breath as Hyogo Mikage Shihan's player stepped up to take the set piece. Murano joined the defensive line, standing ready to deflect any incoming ball.
With short, light brown hair and choppy bangs that reached his eyebrows, Murano thought about where he had seen the person taking the free kick. He had a familiar look about him, even though he couldn't recall ever seeing him before.
The opposition player then took a deep breath and prepared to strike the ball with all his might. The goalkeeper on Murano's team looked determined to stop the ball from going into the net.
Pa!!
The ball then sailed over the wall of defenders and curled up into the top corner of the net, scoring a stunning goal. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, amazed by the skill of the young player. Once again, the goalkeeper was left helpless and unable to stop the ball.
Score: 3-2
Finally, in the last few seconds of the game, a goal was scored, and Hyogo Mikage Shihan emerged as the winner. The stadium was rocked by the cheers of the winning team's supporters, while the dejected fans of the losing team slumped. The victorious team rejoiced in their well-earned triumph, thrilled at their achievement. Meanwhile, the losing team retreated to their locker room, dejected and defeated. Some fans consoled each other, while others left in silence.
This marked the conclusion of a spirited contest that left both teams feeling a range of emotions. Although the winning team rejoiced, they understood they would need to play their next game with the same intensity. For Murano's team, it also marked the conclusion of the competition; they left the court with their heads held high and proud of their work.
Murano wasn't satisfied, though; he thought there was more he could have done to help the team succeed. He vowed to put in more effort and use the system to improve as a player. Murano made a mental note to review the game tape and evaluate his performance as he shook hands with the other players and said his goodbyes. He understood that self-analysis was essential to honing his abilities and strengthening the team in upcoming contests.
He lingered for a little while longer to hear his coach's motivational speech before leaving the stadium. "Even though we lost today, that doesn't necessarily mean we are a weak team!! Be pleased with your work. We will grow from our mistakes and be better prepared next time! Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is fatal; rather, what counts is the courage to move forward." Murano was inspired and determined to put in even more effort for the next tournament.
He stormed off, walking home with a defeated expression as he remembered the memories he had acquired. He died today, after all. He went for a long walk to get his mind off things before going home. He got to his house just as the sun was setting. He was still moping over his defeat but was now inspired to work harder and smarter.
He pushed open the door to his house and shouted, "I'm home!"
He then removed his shoes and walked forward to the living room.
"I was able to attend the game with your dad. Murano, you did well." His mother smiled as she said this.
"Oh," Murano uttered. He was surprised by that because he had no parents in his previous life to support him or be proud of him.
Murano's parents gave their son a lot of encouragement. They always made sure to support him by showing up to his games. Murano felt appreciative and loved as a result. He wished his previous life's parents had been there to support his career.
"By the way, son, you have received a letter from the Japan Football Association." It was enthusiastically announced by Murano's father.
"Huh", Murano mumbled in surprise as he took the letter from his father's hand. He opened it, and his eyes widened in disbelief.
'Player Improvement Project'.
He smiled brightly, which his parents questioned, as they were curious.
"It's an invitation to try out for the national youth football team!" he responded.
In his previous life, he had read something that made him realize that might not be the case. It was an invitation to Blue Lock. Blue Lock was a revolutionary soccer academy that promised to create the world's best striker. But he had never expected to receive an invitation himself. After all, Blue Lock was just a sports manga he read.
He was both excited and nervous about what this invitation could mean for his soccer career. That was when he recalled the player who had scored the winning goal.
It was Aomari's Messi from the Blue Lock manga he read.
Reassembling the puzzle, he realized that he has been transmigrated into the world of Blue Lock.
Now, he has to work his way up as a youth player to fulfill his dreams.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Luciffero
Luciffero Thank you for reading it up to this point. I appreciate your support.
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