Chapter 571: Trophy
The players, too, couldn't help but smile, their heads held high despite the loss. Seeing the trophy brought great jubilation.
Supporters rose to their feet, waving flags and scarves as the mood in the stadium became celebratory. Flashes from cameras lit up the venue, and the air buzzed with anticipation.
Though the team hadn't won the day's match, they had won the war - and now, all eyes were on them as they prepared to lift the trophy that signified their dominance throughout the league.
The entire stadium lit up with jubilation.
The moment they had been awaiting had finally come. Announcements kept reverberating throughout the stadium.
The league officials worked steadily as they set up the stage in the middle of the field, preparing for the championship ceremony. The entire stadium was alive with murmurs of anticipation.
Soon, a few distinguished figures of the league stepped onto the podium, ready to congratulate the players who had fought their way to the top over the course of a long season. Despite his season being cut short by an injury, Hiro had managed an extraordinary feat - securing the top scorer award with 27 goals to his name. His nearest competitor trailed by nine goals, a testament to the sheer dominance Hiro had displayed on the pitch.
The crowd, aware of Hiro's achievements, buzzed with excitement and admiration as his name was mentioned over the stadium speakers.
You could hear Hiro's name being mentioned in almost every part of the stadium.
The Kawasaki players began making their way to the stage one by one, a line of proud faces receiving their medals. The officials greeted each player with a handshake, handing them their medals with words of praise and gratitude.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric. Fans waved banners and flags, chanting the names of their heroes. Even though their team had lost the match, it felt like a night of pure celebration, a culmination of all the hard work and sacrifices the players had made over the season.
As the queue moved forward, it was finally Hiro's turn to step up. His presence commanded attention, his achievements speaking louder than any injury could diminish.
In today's ceremony, he was the only person who wasn't dressed in a jersey.
Just as Hiro stepped up to receive his honors, something magical happened in the stadium.
All of a sudden, the crowd roared as his name echoed throughout the stadium.
"HIRO! HIRO! HIRO!"
Thousands of people called his name.
Upon hearing his name being called out, Hiro paused to look at the stands. There he witnessed many people on their toes.
They all stood to cheer him. Waving their banner and cheering passionately.
Even the opposing players who had left the pitch a moment ago were present i the pitch. They all looked at him, applauding him.
Hiro was overwhelmed by the sheer support he was shown. His heart pounded as he felt his breathing getting heavier.
Overwhelmed by the massive support, he even got goosebumps.
Even so, he composed himself. The support he received was massive and the pressure he felt was huge. Any sixteen-year-old would probably faint if they were in his foot.
Hiro walked with a calm but confident stride toward the podium. Even though he had just recovered from a serious injury, he wore the expression of someone who knew his worth and had nothing left to prove.
But it was still, the beginning. Hiro was well aware that this achievement was only the starting point. Carrying the hopes of the supporters, he would have to deliver even more amazing performances in the coming season.
The upcoming season would be grueling.
The league official who handed him his medal smiled warmly, extending a hand. "It's been a pleasure to watch you play this season," the man said, shaking Hiro's hand firmly. "It's a bit unfortunate about the injury, but even so, you've already made your mark. Without it, I have no doubt you'd have shattered even more records."
Hiro returned the handshake with a humble nod. "Thank you for the kind words," he responded. "It's been an honor to contribute, and I appreciate the faith everyone has in me."
As he moved along, medal gleaming around his neck, the stadium erupted in applause once again. The fans knew that, despite the injury, Hiro was the heartbeat of the team - a player who, in just a few short months, had dominated the league and carried his team with unmatched brilliance.
If given enough time, he'd surely develop into one of the greatest players in the history of Japanese football.
However, a lot still doubt if he could be the best player in the world.
After all, even Son Heung-Min couldn't manage to do that. So, expecting such a milestone from a kid who was just rising into the ranks wasn't feasible.
Nonetheless, some people wished for it to happen- a player from Asia winning the Balon d'Or was still a dream of many.
As Hiro rejoined his teammates, the crowd's cheers swelled, and the players began to position themselves around the massive trophy that awaited them at the center of the stage. The anticipation was palpable.
The captain of Kawasaki Yasuto, a person with short stature stepped forward, grasping the trophy's gleaming handles as the players huddled close. The trophy itself was a masterpiece - a shield-like design, its silver surface shimmering in the floodlights, adorned with engravings that celebrated the league's long-standing history.
The stadium fell into a moment of hushed anticipation, a brief pause before the inevitable explosion of joy. Then, in one sweeping motion, the captain raised the trophy high into the
air.
The stands erupted into thunderous applause and cheers, the sound swelling through the night as confetti cannons burst in a shower of gold and silver, raining down on the jubilant
players.
Hiro, standing amongst his teammates, couldn't help but smile as he looked around. This was the culmination of everything they had worked for the sweat, the sacrifices, the countless
hours of training. His injury may have taken him off the pitch earlier than he had hoped, but tonight, that didn't matter. The title was theirs, and this moment was just as much his as it was anyone else's.
As reporters and photographers crowded the stage, flashes of cameras lit up the scene. The players took turns lifting the trophy, embracing one another in a celebration of brotherhood
and triumph.
But amidst the jubilation, there were moments when Hiro could see the questions forming in the eyes of the media. He could sense that the reporters were eager to ask about his injury, his decision to keep playing through the pain, and — perhaps most of all-why he chose to continue playing despite his father's recent health scare.
That matter although settled hadn't been erased entirely.
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