My system allows me to copy talents

After hearing all those offers, Hiro found choosing even more troublesome. He sat there pondering about the offers. The decision he made right now would affect his future.

Thinking about his future, he found it even more difficult to decide.

He raised his head to look at the screen. He had a rather solemn expression. Before deciding, he thought of asking her about her opinion too.

“What would be the best option?” Hiro asked.

Upon being asked, she paused to look at him.

“Hmm,” she pondered, “Honestly if you are looking for global recognition then Nike would be more viable. But if you are looking for something long-term then you should renew your contract with Mizuno. I’m just saying. The final decision lies with you.”

Hiro carefully considered her opinion before deciding. For some reason, he found it more interesting to create a brand than to join an already-established brand.

Recognition wasn’t the only thing he cared about. He wanted to work with someone who valued him and shared the same beliefs.

“Yeah, let’s renew the contract,” Hiro said softly. His expression looked at much more ease right now.

Though she agreed with him, Ayumi couldn’t help but feel curious about his decision. She knew his ambitious nature. So, she couldn’t help but feel curious about his decision.

If he wanted global recognition, he should have accepted the offer of the giants. But he rejected their offers without even any hesitation.

She couldn’t tell if it would be a good move or not.

“Are you sure?” she couldn’t help but ask. She had to confirm if he was sure about it.

Hiro nodded, his lips curling into a soft amiable smile, “Yes, I’m sure. Let’s renew the contract. I think as a Japanese, I should promote the home brand.”

“Don’t you agree?” he added, a playful smile adorning his visage.

Well, if he decided then she didn’t have any other complaints. She believed that it was better than other deals.

“Yeah, you’re right,” she said, her expression cheerful. “Then I’ll contact the headquarters and initiate the contract talks. I’ll mail you the contract details later.”

With that, the matter regarding his brand endorsement was sorted. In the end, Hiro decided to renew his ongoing contract with Mizuno rather than accept the offers of other industry giants.

********

Red Bull Arena, Leipzig

The stadium was a cauldron of emotions, the cacophonous buzz of the supporters shaking every nook and canny of the stadium.

The sea of supporters clad in red and white striped jerseys, now more ecstatic than ever could be seen singing cheerfully. Their eyes glistened with confidence as they cheered, waving their banner.

After their recent league performance against their rival Real Madrid where they managed to steal the victory, they had grown even more hopeful of the team.

“Welcome everybody to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League. Today, Atletico Madrid will be facing against RB Leipzig. Both of these two teams have performed exceptionally in the group stage and have made it this far.”

“Especially, Atletico Madrid, having defeated the likes of Napoli, PSG, and Ajax, they must be brimming with confidence. Not to mention their latest league fixture with their rival Real Madrid where they managed to steal a victory in the very last minute of the match all thanks to their newest signing, I could see why these Atletico supporters look so ecstatic today.”

“But will they be able to manage to pull a victory this time too?”

“It would be difficult after all, they’re playing in the home ground of RB Leipzig who have been equally impressive. In their last ten matches, they haven’t even lost a single game. Even with their lucky charm, it won’t be simple to clench a victory from the mouth of the bulls.”

The commentators were equally excited about the match and they couldn’t stop talking about it, making the atmosphere even more tense.

Even inside the locker room, Hiro could palpably feel the growing tension in the air. For some reason, it felt as if he could hear the chants of the supporters outside.

The others around him were much more relaxed. They were leisurely talking with each other as if it wasn’t anything special.

But to him, this moment was special.

It was his first time playing in a Champions League match. Even though he was benched, Hiro knew that he would be getting the chance to play.

He glanced at his hands, he could clearly spot his veins.

His hands were as pale as paper, his skin like an unpolished white jade. His fingers were rather

slender and long as if they were suitable for playing guitar.

However, he could spot a lot of calluses and bruised marks.

Although slender and long, his hands were rough as if he had been working in the fields. Those were the hands of a man who had pushed himself beyond his limits.

Alvarez who had finished tying his laces found Hiro sitting in the corner all alone, staring dazedly at his fingers. He could tell that he must be feeling anxious.

Even though he looked calm on the outside, he could tell that a storm was raging inside him.

Well, he couldn’t be blamed after all, he wasn’t debuting in an easy match. To debut in the knockout stage of the Champions League, even big players would feel anxious.

Though he was older than Hiro, he never felt like talking to somebody immature. It felt oddly soothing to talk to him. It was as if he could understand him.

Hiro also talked about their budding superstar Mateo Gomez. At first, Alvarez couldn’t

believe that he had already the pitch with him.

Mateo had been growing at an impressive rate and he was already predicted as the next

successor of Messi. Having shared the field with him in the national team, even Alvarez didn’t doubt about the credibility of him being the next Messi.

Only this year, he had moved to Liverpool.

Alvarez stood up and slowly walked to Hiro. Hiro even though lost in his thoughts could sense

the presence of Alvarez closing on him.

Now, his senses were much more heightened than ever before.