Albert-san was also attracted by the sudden sound from behind him.
The moment he turned his head, Hirata-san leaped up.
As a member of the soccer club, he wasn't just idling his days away.
The countless headers he had practiced to score goals played a huge role at this critical moment.
Hirata-san slammed his head hard into Albert-san's face.
While enduring immense pain, Albert-san's head buzzed, and he fell into a momentary daze, his entire body crashing heavily to the ground.
This was the first time he had been knocked down by Hirata-san.
Horikita-san watched the scene before her in shock.
Even if she hadn't fully understood what happened, she could guess the general situation from Hirata-san's blood-stained face.
But what she never expected was that the giant-like Albert-san was actually knocked down by Hirata-san.
After knocking down Albert-san with one blow, Hirata-san ran towards the small mountain without looking back.
"Horikita-san, help me hold back Yamada-san."
He knew that this blow could not defeat Albert-san at all.
He knew that even if he stopped Ryuuen now, the meaning would not be great. Seeing Horikita-san return, Ryuuen would definitely choose to retreat to avoid meaningless combat.
He knew that D Class, having lost four strongholds and dozens of class points, would see its hard-won confidence plunge into turmoil again.
He knew that Horikita-san was not Albert-san's opponent.
He knew that asking Horikita-san to block Albert-san was irresponsible.
He knew that even if he came before Ryuuen, with his current state, he was no match for Ryuuen.
He knew... he had failed Amane-san's expectations.
"Ryuuen!!!"
Hirata-san's furious roar made Ryuuen involuntarily turn his head.
When he saw the disheveled Hirata-san stumbling and scrambling up the small mountain, he showed a surprised expression.
Then, just as Hirata-san was about to reach the summit, Ryuuen kicked him back down.
Hirata-san rolled three or four meters on the rocky ground and slammed heavily, his entire body curling up in pain.
"Sigh, why are you putting yourself through this? If you were in good condition, honestly, me getting hit a few times by you would be normal. But look at yourself now. Is it worth fighting so desperately for these few class points? Miyako-san has already sidelined you, yet you're still fighting to the death for him like an idiot."
Looking at the stubborn Hirata-san, Ryuuen couldn't help but feel a desire to recruit him. If he could turn Hirata-san... even if he planted a seed in his heart, it would eventually sprout and grow.
Although Hirata-san's abilities weren't particularly outstanding, Ryuuen appreciated his loyalty. Ryuuen knew that such people were harder to turn, but he still couldn't help but want to try.
"It's worth it."
This time, Hirata-san showed no confusion. Struggling to his feet, he scrambled on the ground, using both hands and feet.
Ryuuen's eyes widened.
Someone would go to such lengths for just a few points. If such a person were his subordinate, he wondered how much trouble he would save.
But now, Hirata was his enemy.
"I'll go along with it no matter how many times you come."
Ryuuen kicked Hirata again.
But this time, Hirata held onto Ryuuen's leg tightly.
"That's a bit interesting. Let me see your backbone again!"
Ryuuen reached out, grabbed Hirata's hair, pulled his head up, and then slammed it hard onto the ground.
Thud.
Once.
Thud.
Twice.
Thud!
Thrice!!
Until Ryuuen himself didn't know how many times he had slammed it.
Hirata lay face down on the ground, motionless.
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