"Pass me the ball," I said to my teammate, realizing that I was currently unmarked and had an opportunity to make a play. My teammate responded by executing a long pass aimed at me as I sprinted down the field. Without even looking at the ball, I relied on my instincts and skill to perfectly trap it as soon as it appeared in front of me.
My adrenaline was pumping, and I was determined to score a goal. I continued running towards the other team's goal, but soon encountered a midfielder running at me. Thinking quickly, I feigned a move towards his direction before abruptly changing my footwork and redirecting the ball. I successfully evaded him and kept pushing towards the goal, fueled by a fierce determination.
Seeing five players converging on me only made my smile widen. I nutmegged the first player, effortlessly executed a Ronaldo chop to evade the second one running beside me, and then pretended to go left. The defender fell for the deception and moved left, while I swiftly changed direction using a soft chop move. With a quick glance, I noticed one of my teammates free on the left lane, so I sent a curving shot towards him.
Though he barely managed to reach the ball, he maintained his momentum and sprinted down the left side of the field until he reached the corner kick area. He paused for a moment before delivering a long pass into the penalty box. Surprisingly, none of his teammates were there to receive the ball, leaving only a defender from the opposing team. It seemed like the chance would be lost, but as the ball descended, I appeared and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot, aiming for the left corner of the goal.
The goalkeeper stood no chance as the ball sailed past him and found the back of the net. A smile spread across my face as I witnessed the score change: Teshima High School 2, Ichina High School 1. My teammate rushed towards me, jumping on me in celebration, while someone affectionately rubbed my hair.
"Great job, Nakada," the teammate who provided the assist praised. Grinning at the compliment, I joined in the celebration of my goal before returning to my position on the field, ready for the kick-off.
The opposing team started their play by passing the ball among themselves, gradually advancing towards our goal. Observing their movements, I could anticipate their strategy as their strikers infiltrated our side of the field. As the ball circulated among their players, my blue eyes took on a strange blue glow, and everything seemed to slow down. I could hear only the rhythm of my heart beating in my chest, and my vision became extraordinarily acute.
I sprinted towards where the ball would be, intercepting it with surprise. Ignoring the bewildered midfielder, I immediately turned and accelerated towards the opposing team's goal. Dribbling in and out of defenders and midfielders, I left them in my wake as I ran at full speed. When I found myself within 25 meters of the goal, I unleashed a powerful left-footed strike, channeling all my strength and skill into the shot.
As the ball left my foot, an image of Messi appeared behind me, mirroring my movements perfectly. The ball hurtled towards the right corner of the goal at an incredible speed. It seemed destined to go wide, but thanks to the precise curve I had imparted on the shot, it found its way into the back of the net.
"Goal!" exclaimed the commentator as the ball hit the back of the net. The score now stood at Teshima High School 3, Ichina High School 1. "At only 15 years of age, this young man has scored a hat trick in the final and has secured his team a place in the
national tournament. Unless the opposing team has more to offer, it looks like the end of the line for them," the commentator remarked.
A soft smile graced my face as I felt the surge of dopamine and experienced a rush of pleasure throughout my body. The match continued, with me dominating the field as if I were a professional playing against children. It was a one-sided massacre.
When the final whistle blew, the scoreline read: Teshima High School 7, Ichina High School 1. I had managed to score a double hat trick and provided an assist for my teammate. As the match concluded, I made my way home discreetly, avoiding the journalists as I wasn't ready to engage with them just yet.