My system allows me to copy talents

“Can’t believe we have a Golden Ball winner from here…”

“Even for Hiro, I thought those rumors about him were rather exaggerated. But I know those rumors weren’t just rumors but the truth.”

“Hahaha… True. How can someone be so good at such a young age?”

“Isn’t he like, nineteen?”

“Nineteen, that’s just two years older than me!”

In the training ground, a bunch of youths were discussing the recent event. Some couldn’t believe what Hiro had achieved at such a young age. Some were filled with marvel.

How could someone achieve so much in such a short time?

Talent?

Luck?

Or perhaps both.

Different people had different speculations. However, something among them was common: Hiro was one of the greatest talents the world had ever seen.

To some, he was even the greatest talent of all.

Some people even believed he possessed talent that surpassed Messi.

However, those who had witnessed him perform knew where he came from. Though he was talented, he wasn’t perfect from the beginning.

He had his flaws, but he also had his strengths.

He knew exactly how to utilize his strength effectively.

“He did it, didn’t he?”

While on their way to the training ground, the coaches who had coached Hiro before were discussing his milestone with a proud grin on their faces.

Holding onto the tactical board, Nozomi advanced through the hallway. He didn’t speak much. However, it didn’t mean he wasn’t joyous.

He had remained awake the entire night watching the event. When the award was announced, he felt as if his heart had leapt.

However, right now, one couldn’t even spot a spec of emotion. Though there was a slight grin on his face, he didn’t appear as cheerful as expected of him.

“Yeah, though I knew he was a special talent, but even I hadn’t expected him to achieve such a milestone at such a young age,” Nozomi said solemnly.

“Well, I think even special is an understatement.” The assistant coach paused as if attempting to recall something before proceeding. “People out there are calling him the Greatest Talent Of All Time.”

“The Greatest Talent, huh?” Nozomi took a fancy to the term. He couldn’t help but recall the cherished memories he had created with Hiro.

Then he grinned as he added, “Indeed. That suits him well.”

In his entire career, he hadn’t seen one such player like Hiro. Though there was some polishing needed in the defending aspect, Hiro was indeed one of a kind.

The way he could read the game at such a young age was exceptional. Even a professional would struggle. But Hiro, despite his young age, could move with the fluidity of water.

Soon, the two of them appeared before the training ground.

Nozomi glanced at the pitch, his eyes glistening.

The players had already gathered. However, most of them were halfheartedly warming up. Seeing their halfhearted efforts, he couldn’t help but frown.

“The spark…” He sighed as he frowned.

“Did you say something, coach?” The assistant coach asked.

Nozomi forced a smile on his face as he shook his head, “It’s nothing. Let’s start the training.”

Though he acted fine on the surface, Nozomi couldn’t help but feel hollow inside. The spark he was used to seeing was nowhere to be seen.

In recent times, he hadn’t even encountered one such talent he could be proud of.

Perhaps, he had been swayed by Hiro.

Well, hoping to discover one such talent again on such short notice was foolish of him in the first place.

How can players like Hiro pop out one after the other?

Thinking so, Nozomi consoled himself. He labeled his wishes as wishful thinking. However, he still couldn’t help but feel hopeful every time a new batch of players arrived at the academy.

Even now, he hoped a few of the players would blossom into great assets for the first team.

“Good morning, coach.”

Just as the coaches entered the field, they were met with greetings. While the attentive ones greeted the coaches, the rather lax ones steadied themselves in a hurry.

Even the lax ones were aware of the coach’s authority. Hence, they didn’t wish to challenge their authorities either.

Clashing with the coach was akin to getting sidelined, and most didn’t want one such outcome. Especially, the graduating batch.

Every minute counted.

“Good morning…” The coaches greeted them back.

“Coach, Hiro won the award. I can’t believe we have a Golden Ball winner from our academy.”

No sooner had the coach greeted them than the players began to discuss the Golden Ball. Enthusiasm flashed in their faces as they expressed themselves.

Nozomi looked at their enthusiastic face but still couldn’t bring himself to vibe with them.

‘These bunches are more excited about what’s happening around them than their performance.’ Nozomi sighed inwardly.

He hadn’t seen them this enthusiastic about improving their weaknesses. Whenever the assistant coach pointed out their flaws, most either sneered or ignored.

“Yeah, yeah. Let’s discuss this later. Let’s focus on training for now.” Nozomi tried to change the topic. He didn’t want to waste even more time.

The league was about to end, and his side wasn’t doing well.

With them sitting in the seventh spot, how could he bring himself to cheer up?

From bagging trophies all around to struggling to place in the top four.

From being feared to fearing others.

This team was a shadow of its former self.

Even so, he hoped to come across a good talent in the next season. He still hoped to encounter a good talent to nurture.

Though there were a few notable ones in the present squad, he still couldn’t feel optimistic about them because these talented ones didn’t work hard.

These so-called geniuses just relied on their talent rather than hard work.

One of the traits that made Hiro more formidable than others in the same league was his work ethic. He wasn’t just blessed with talent; he also spent hours honing it.

That’s what separated him from others.

That’s what made him great.