Chapter 85: The Match is About to Begin!

For Hirotoshi, this match was definitely a lucrative business. Just the ticket sales alone would bring in a substantial profit.

However, what would bring in the greatest revenue was not the ticket sales for this match, but the chain of commercial reactions that would follow after the game.

With Sae representing the U-20 team in this match, it meant that they might participate in other domestic competitions in the future, capitalizing on their influence. This was an effortless task for Hirotoshi.

Using resources to promote a star player and then exploiting their commercial value for profit had always been Hirotoshi's approach.

Moreover, in Hirotoshi's mind, the guys from the Blue lock were in no way comparable to the U-20 team. They would undoubtedly be easily defeated, allowing Hirotoshi to legitimately put a stop to this absurd plan.

He believed that Ego and the others were simply wasting money and wouldn't bring any returns.

"I can't wait," he said impatiently.

.....

Audience Seats.

Although the match was still some time away from starting, there was hardly an empty seat in this area. The spectators were discussing the upcoming game.

"What's the level of the players from the Blue lock? I haven't heard much about them."

"I heard that Kira Ryosuke seems to have been recruited as a representative for the U-20 team this time."

"Kira Ryosuke? That player who performed well in local matches? Well, it sounds decent, but there are plenty of players like him in the country. There's no comparison to Sae."

For the audience, whether it was the Blue lock or Kira, they didn't care. Their sole focus was Sae.

Some even believed that the other players in this match were just there to accompany Sae.

"Riko, you're not the one playing, why do you look so nervous?"

Junpei turned his head to look at the person next to him, Riko. Today, their group from Seirin had come to watch Kira's match as well.

"N-No, it's nothing."

But at this moment, Riko couldn't help but feel excited. Her breathing became a bit rapid, and she held her phone, sending words of encouragement to Kira.

Deep down, she was also very eager to see Kira's performance on the field.

Because in all the time she had known Kira, she had never seen him play in a match before.

"We're really lucky that Uncle Aida managed to get us tickets. Otherwise, as high school students, we wouldn't be able to afford them."

Teppei, who was beside them, smiled and said. He then turned his head and looked around. Aida Kagetora's seat was still empty.

"Where did Uncle Aida go?"

"He said he saw an old friend and went to chat with them for a while."

Riko answered.

"Oh? Uncle Aida's friend?"

"Yeah, it seems like a coach from some football club. He used to be a professional player too, but I don't know much about him. I think his surname is Fukuda."

....

At the same time, the U-20 team members had already arrived in the locker room, making their final preparations before the match.

Sae finally joined the rest of his teammates, but throughout the process, he didn't engage in much communication with them.

There was no need to. These people didn't hold any value in terms of communication.

"Kira, are you nervous about facing your former comrades as opponents?"

Oliver, who was changing clothes nearby, smiled and looked at Kira .

I wouldn't say I'm nervous, but rather more excited," Kira replied while taking off his shirt and putting on the specialized jersey for the match.

"What about them? What do you think they feel?"

"Perhaps they have the same anticipation as I do," Kira answered with a smile.

He understood the personalities of the Blue lock members. They were definitely not the type to fear challenges.

According to Ego's words, when they faced Kira, they might even provoke more miracles.

While conversing with his teammates, Kira took out his phone, which displayed several messages sent by Riko, filled with words of encouragement. A smile appeared on his face.

At the same time, he opened his system interface.

[Host: Kira Ryosuke]

[Competitiveness Points: 10]

[Current Skills:]

[Thunder Breath - Total Concentration Breathing LV 5 MAX]

[Thunder Breath - Thunderclap Flash LV4 Proficiency: 29.4% ]

[Thunder Breath - Rice Spirit LV4 Proficiency: 100%(Upgrade: 200 Points)]

[Thunder Breath - Thunder Swarm LV3 Proficiency: 100%(Upgrade: 150 Points)]

[Thunder Breath - Distant Thunder LV3 Proficiency: 21.1%]

[Transparent World LV2 Proficiency: 11.3%]

During these three weeks, Kira's training had never been interrupted, allowing him to further improve his skills.

Not only did he significantly enhance his proficiency in other abilities, but he also raised his Total Concentration Breathing level to the highest LV5. Now he could maintain a constant state of Total Concentration Breathing.

Despite having three weeks to train and accumulating more points through exercises each day, the total number of points was still insufficient due to unlocking more skills and the expenses associated with the practice space. Kira decided to use his points to upgrade Transparent World.

The proficiency of Transparent World increased at a much slower pace compared to other skills, and the cost of leveling it up was also very high. However, Kira was well aware that it was worth it.

"Players, please proceed to the corridor and wait."

As the sound of the announcement echoed, Kira and the others left the locker room and headed to the waiting corridor.

Just as Kira stepped out, he saw another pair of individuals arriving at the same place.

Deep blue jerseys.

The Blue lock.

"Kira, long time no see!"

Yoichi and the others spotted Kira and immediately greeted him.

"Yeah, it's been a while. I didn't expect that we would become opponents this time."

Kira smiled and exchanged a handshake with them. Although they were on different teams now, their relationship was still amicable.

"Are we going to be opponents again this time? But this time, the victory will surely be ours."

Meguru placed his hands behind his head and said with a smile.

"We will definitely win."

Nagi's gaze was serious, devoid of his usual laziness.

"Kira, let's have a fair and decisive match!"

Rensuke smiled and bumped fists with Kira.

"Sure, but I'll give it my all to win the match."

Kira responded with a smile. As he looked at the people in front of him, he could see the determination in their eyes, filled with fighting spirit. There was no trace of fear. He also noticed that Yoichi, who used to have a somewhat frail physique, had become much stronger.

He could imagine how much effort they had put in during this period.

"So, that's Kira? He looks quite ordinary."

On the other side, the Karasu Tabito stood at a distance, carefully observing Kira. They hadn't faced him before, so they were curious about him.

"I have a feeling that it will be a very intense match."

Yukimiya Kenyu, wearing glasses, said with a confident smile on his face.

"We shouldn't underestimate the opponents."

Otoya Eita said calmly.

"Seriously, seriously, it would be better if I were sent directly to the field. I can't wait to get on the stage!"

Shido Ryusei acted nonchalant, showing no regard for the opponents.

On the other side, Itoshi Rin stared intently at his older brother, Itoshi Sae.

However, Sae didn't even spare him a glance and walked straight to Kira's side.

"It's time to get ready."

"Yeah."

Kira nodded and returned to his team, preparing to participate in the entrance ceremony.

"Darn it..."

Rin muttered under his breath, his anger rising once again.

This time, the two people he most wanted to defeat were both in opposing teams, presenting an opportunity for his revenge.

It was an excellent chance for him to prove himself in front of tens of thousands of people!

He clenched his fist, with the sole thought of defeating these two individuals in his mind.

....

"Please welcome the players from both teams."

Although they were still in the corridor, Kira could clearly hear the sounds coming from the stadium. Following the team, they passed through the gate and entered the field.

Cheers erupted instantaneously.

It felt as if they had entered a different dimension. The voices of the surrounding spectators were overwhelmingly loud, resembling a chorus of thunderbolts. They were dressed in clothes of different colors, like a rainbow in the stands.

"Itoshi Sae, Sae!"

Even though they were far away, Kira could clearly hear the audience shouting Sae's name.

In their eyes, everyone else in this match was just a backdrop for Sae.

Kira would naturally change their perception.

Amidst the roaring crowd, there was a continuous sound of camera shutters and flashing lights. The viewership of this match had skyrocketed, and discussions about it on the internet seemed to have exploded.

"Well, this highly anticipated battle that has captured the attention of the whole country is right before us. The stadium is packed. How do you see it?"

"This can be described as the greatest battle! How can we describe this scene? After all, Sae is about to make his appearance! The whole world is watching!"

In the live broadcast studio, two commentators were actively introducing the situation of the two teams.

"The U20 team consists of some familiar faces, including Aiku Oliver, Darai Miroku, Neru Teppei, Nio Kazuma, and .....(skip).... This time, there is a new member, Kira Ryosuke. But the most important thing is that the U20 team possesses the world-renowned superstar, Itoshi Sae!"

"The Blue lock's lineup includes Itoshi Rin, Gagamaru Gin, Niko Ikki, Aryu Jyubei, Bachira Meguru, Chigiri Hyoma, Karasu Tabito, Otoya Eita, Yukimiya Kenyu, Nagi Seishiro, and Isagi Yoichi. These names might be unfamiliar to the audience, but it's worth noting that among this team, Itoshi Rin is Sae's younger brother. It seems that these brothers find themselves on different sides this time. It's quite curious whether Itoshi Rin's ability can measure up to his brother's..."

"The match is about to begin, with the Blue lock taking the first kick-off. Get ready, dear audience! Let's wait and see!"

The commentators effortlessly stirred up the emotions of the entire audience, causing the entire venue to erupt in thunderous cheers. Those who couldn't make it to the venue were glued to their TVs, computers, and phones, eagerly anticipating the start of the match.

Yoichi took a deep breath and stood at the center of the field.

He never imagined that one day he would set foot on such a prestigious stage...

Nervousness, excitement, and exhilaration mixed together, causing Yoichi's heartbeat to accelerate suddenly.

"How boring."

At that moment, Rin walked out from behind Yoichi and firmly tapped the back of his head, bringing his wandering thoughts back in line.

"What are you afraid of, idiot?"

"I'm just excited beyond measure."

Yoichi smiled and looked at Rin beside him.

"No matter what, we must win this match."

Rin had a serious expression, and his gaze immediately locked onto the other half of the field.

Both Kira Ryosuke and Itoshi Sae were there.

No matter what, these two had to be defeated.

At any cost.

"That's right, we must win, no matter what."

Yoichi responded with the same determined tone.

...

"This time, Kira is our opponent."

In the Blue lock's bench, Rensuke couldn't help but make a sigh.

"It's good that they're our opponents. That way, we have a chance to defeat Kira. Besides, there are countless people who desire revenge against him."

Reo, also a substitute, spoke slowly. His gaze firmly fixed on Kira.

He longed to fight alongside Nagi and defeat Kira.

Behind them, someone clenched their fist, veins popping on his forehead. It seemed that he were filled with immense anger because of their substitute status.

His desire for revenge against Kira was stronger than anyone else's.

Baro Shoei.

At this moment, as the coach, Ego looked at the field expressionless.

"It's about to begin."

...

As the whistle signaling the start of the match sounded, the cheers of the audience reached its peak!

"Go!"

The Blue lock team completed the kickoff and charged towards the half where the U20 team was located.

They had to give it their all!