The Rise of the Iron Wall!-Chapter 76: Sappotani’s First Attack!

Right after this, the game restarted with a throw-in for Hakodate Nishi’s side. Even though it was in Sappotani’s area, their defensive position had already taken a great shape, preventing any possible leak like the first attack earlier.

So, having no choice, the ball went to the back immediately, letting Makino and Takaaki start organizing the attack again.

This also only lasted for a while, because they themselves were clearly not the type who could organize a possession game. Soon enough, the possession changed, and for the first time in this game, Sappotani High finally had the ball in its feet.

That was when the nightmare came.

Sappotani didn’t really use any sophisticated method. They didn’t control possession for too long, like Engaru High, or use one player as the brain of everything, like Ritsumeikan High. However, they used the most direct, violent way to break through Hakodate Nishi’s defense.

Just a simple one-touch pass.

Yeah, ridiculous, indeed. However, that was the reality.

First, the defensive midfielder controlled the ball, and instinctively, all the Hakodate Nishi players fell back to their own territory, forming a great wall to deter all the incoming attack.

However, it was far from enough, as Kenji Harada, the attacking midfielder, stepped back a little bit deeper to pick up the ball from the center.

Still, this was just a normal operation, nothing threatening yet. However, after this, the nightmarish scene unfolded, one that people would miss if they blinked.

Kenji Harada really showed his incredible vision and first touch ability, as the moment the ball was about to fall at his feet, instead of stopping and controlling it, he just twisted his upper body slightly, launching the ball to the front side without any warning.

Then, Yuwell Carlson also did the same, dropping slightly out of the penalty box to pick up the ball. Jun still guarded him tightly, and the fact that the Swedish boy turned his back away from the goal made him breathe slightly in relief.

Or... that was what he thought.

With the same exact thought, in a different, yet way more elegant path, Yuwell Carlson did exactly what Kenji Harada pulled a moment ago. He didn’t control the ball, but passed it immediately to his teammates. However, to completely fool Jun, he did it with a quick backheel, not even looking at the spot he was aiming for.

"OH! SHIT!"

"THIS IS THE CHANCE!"

"COME ON, KAWANO-KUN! THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!"

The supporters rose instantly when they saw Sappotani’s left midfielder suddenly appear out of nowhere, sneaking into the area that Jun had left behind as the boy got dragged by Yuwell Carlson slightly further.

"SHIT!" Makino cursed. Just within a second, his brain spun fast, with so many complicated scenarios flashing inside his head. ’I cannot go there, or the center will be empty! Hiro? No, he is one step behind! Should I shout at Chibi? No, it will be too late! What to—’

While his mind crashed from thinking so quickly, a blur of movement jumped like a cheetah, startling everyone else. It was Higo, who was already in front of the attacker, who caught everyone off guard.

That attacker, Kawano, was taken aback by the sudden movement, and in an instinct, he kicked the ball quickly even though he wasn’t ready yet. As a result... 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

BAM!

Higo also jumped with both arms spreading wide, and once the shot was launched, it hit his thigh quite hard before finally bouncing far out of the pitch. Seeing this, Higo sighed in relief before getting up immediately, starting to roar at everyone.

"Oi, Teme! What the hell is that?! Why didn’t you move at all?! Don’t just hesitate and stand between the players, you didn’t help a shit!"

"Jun, you are also the worst! It is clearly a bait, and yet, you still got caught in it!"

"Fujinaga, cover the line of pass a little bit tighter, and drop back slightly further! Our defensive wall couldn’t have any leaks!"

"Hori, if you lost concentration again, just say so! I am sure Kumiko-chan will agree with my decision!"

It was a harsh round of critique, one that could discourage them from the game instantly. However, Higo had a valid reason for his crash-out.

Just in ten seconds, the defensive wall they were always so proud of was shattered by the simple combination of a one-touch pass, and once despair knocked on the door, it was the goalie who saved their asses and brought them back to life. They owed the boy one, so letting him vent out was the least thing they could do.

Higo still had his chest rising, feeling his heart was about to collapse. It was a close call, and to make it worse, the clairvoyance ability inside his head only gave a warning right before Yuwell Carlson sent the ball there.

It was a very imaginative passing, but fortunately, he was able to react in time, getting so close to the opponent’s player to block the shot. If he were just a few seconds too late, there would be more room for the shooter to explore, and it would be impossible for the boy to save that ball so easily.

Meanwhile, on the Sappotani’s side, there was a slight disappointment, but no exaggerated reaction could be seen at all. The one who missed the shot, Kawano, just clicked his tongue with both hands on his hips, feeling annoyed that he missed such a good shot.

"Eh, don’t worry too much, Kawano! You will have a chance later." Kenji Harada patted his shoulder firmly.

"Yeah, for now, just watch how we score the goal." Rin Mito, the captain, also rushed to the front, giving his teammate a confident smile as if what he said would be a reality.

Yeah, even with the danger being blocked away, that didn’t mean it was completely gone. No, the save only resulted in a corner kick for Sappotani High, and with the line of tall players on their squad, honestly, this scenario was way more intimidating than anyone could’ve thought of.

"Hey, keep your eyes on the far post! Don’t let anyone sneak from your back!"

"Jun, guard properly this time! We are going to rely on you!"

"Kuroki, don’t go too deep! Just keep yourself in that area and throw the ball away immediately!"

Higo’s voice was echoing throughout the stadium, and somehow, after the last save, he had already made a big impression here. However, most of the Sappotani players just looked at him in disdain, a pebble of grain that would be blown away by the wind soon enough.

Hell, even Rin Mito, the most composed one, sneered inwardly, thinking, ’Do you think with this kind of squad, you have a chance to fight against us in an aerial duel? Dream on!’