Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

14 – The Parting of the Boy Known as a God

014

At this moment, aside from Ju Ji-Tae himself, no one would know, but during the first season, Ju Ji-Tae was briefly called a ‘god.’

Not a king or an emperor, but a god.

A god.

What an exalted title.

Even kings or emperors, no matter how remarkable their achievements and impact, would find it challenging, let alone a god.

Of course, not everyone called him a ‘god,’ and it wasn’t something unique to Korea alone.

Starting from the announcer’s proclamation during the season’s matches, it escalated to the point where both broadcasting and newspapers referred to Ju Ji-Tae as a god.

The pivotal ability that granted Ju Ji-Tae such an exalted title was his passing.

Among numerous strengths like dribbling or relieving pressure, his passing was so exceptional that even legendary players couldn’t match it.

From Noble mtl dot com

Just like now.

“Ah, crazy! You missed this! Ji-Tae, sorry! Great pass!”

Park Hye-Chan’s acceleration from the moment he started running until he came to a stop.

The height when he jumped.

The time and direction of the ball’s trajectory.

It all happens in just one moment.

It’s not in the realm of calculations; it’s instinct.

With just a fleeting glance forward, Ju Ji-tae understood everything and, with precise strength, delivered impact exactly where he aimed.

The result was Park Hye-chan’s header.

Though the header disappointingly headed straight for the goalkeeper, it was undeniably a pass that left everyone watching in awe.

Ju Ji-tae shook hands with the apologetic Park Hye-chan.

“Ah, too bad. It was a really amazing pass.”

“It’s okay.”

“It’s okay. You know your passes are crazy, but still, it’s not easy to pull off such a pass. Don’t keep it to yourself too much.”

Even with the seniors’ consolation, Ju Ji-tae merely smiled lightly.

He could afford to do so because it was genuinely okay.

An amazing pass?

It doesn’t excite him; it’s something he can do as easily as eating.

Moreover, right now, isn’t there something more enjoyable than a pass?

Ju Ji-tae’s gaze turned to Houtarou Daisuke, who was still staring blankly at himself.

“Ang Kimoddi~”

“…Iik!!”

Oh, a sharp reaction.

Before entering the game, Ju Ji-tae plans various scenarios.

Plan A, the most likely one, and then Plan B, C for alternative possibilities…

Although he has laid out quite a few plans, the flow of the game usually unfolds according to Plan A, B, or C, given his naturally high football intelligence.

Of course, there are occasional instances where the game takes an unforeseen course.

However, such cases have become rarer over time, as becoming a veteran has endowed him with the ability to guide the flow in unexpected directions.

For example,

“Ang Kimochi Hagu-en~”

“Chikusho!!”

An infuriated Houtarou attempts a dribble but loses the ball.

“Oh, too weak~”

“Hey! Omae!”

“Why is this guy looking for me?”

Angry Hotaru attempted another dribble, only to have the ball stolen.

“Come on, come on, come on~ Hey, Sokomadeda!”

“I-Iik…!! I’ll show you, Kitsama…!”

Once again, enraged Hotaru tried to dribble, but the ball was snatched away.

Ju Jitae grinned contentedly.

“Don’t use such strong words. You look weak.”

“Shut up! Shut up, you idiot!”

This is it.

Provocation works so well. If the passing options were more diverse, I’d be running around sweating, but dealing with an ace who can’t beat my temperament and insists on the ball makes things less bothersome.

Just mark one guy.

“Ah, I see. Your level.”

I was tense, thinking he’s an ace even playing brainlessly, but is this all?

Ju Jitae realized.

Why the name ‘Hotaru Daijobu’ sounded unfamiliar. Even in Europe, he’s acknowledged, so why is he still in Japan?

“The pattern is ridiculously simple.”

His technique isn’t bad. In fact, it’s quite decent, given his innate talent for breakthroughs.

But the pattern is too simple.

Either dribble close or rely on agility.

Compared to the adult stage, what wouldn’t be lacking? Among them, what stands out in youth leagues is the lack of systematic pressure, especially in areas where it’s noticeably deficient compared to the adult stage.

Systematic pressure requires team cohesion, rigorous organizational training, and each player’s spatial understanding. It’s inevitable that this is often lacking in youth leagues.

With weak team pressure, space naturally opens up, and having more space means easier play with speed. That’s why speedy players thrive in youth soccer.

Hotaru probably has natural speed and is a fast grower.

“Seeing that the framework is somewhat complete, there won’t be a dramatic increase in speed. He might have dominated the under-17 stage, but now it’s time to struggle with just speed.”

And it will get even tougher on the adult stage.

Agility is the same. Some are naturally agile and elastic, but having a body that matures earlier is crucial.

However, as with most players who mature early, plays based on an early matured body tend to reach their limits when other players also reach the age of physical maturity.

So…

“Even if it’s acceptable at the youth level, it’s probably okay at the adult level.”

Of course, the standard is the top four leagues.

‘There’s nothing to see. If this guy doesn’t bring a change to the play fundamentally, it’s all over here,’ declared Ju Ji-tae, calmly concluding his assessment.

Determined to score this time, Ju Ji-tae moved.

He had already created three decisive chances, yet he missed them all.

If you keep spitting out the food served to you, you have no choice but to chew it more digestibly.

Ju Ji-tae took the ball and climbed up himself.

Already overwhelming everyone with his skill in handling Hotaru like a child, the player now crossed the half-line with the ball, drawing the attention of all Japanese players—

“Take it with your feet!!”

He precisely threaded the pass through the gaps of the Japanese players.

It was a pass that could easily turn into a goal with just a touch of the foot.

“Wow, a goal! It’s a goal!! Nice pass, Ju Ji-tae!!”

“This crazy guy! How does he manage to pass so smoothly after snatching the ball!!”

Fortunately, it seemed like they could let it go to some extent.

Clapping lightly, Ju Ji-tae turned around, and on the ground, Hotaru sat hesitantly with a look of a lost country on his face.

“Ore wa… kusottare da…!”

It was the moment when Hotaru, who had been challenging relentlessly fueled by anger, finally collapsed.

* * *

“The game begins with the kick-off by the prince of Ganto, Shimitsu Ken!”

The caster Sawamura cheerfully announced.

As befitting a game of the ‘Golden Generation’ that the whole country was watching, the real-time viewership graph displayed on the monitor, unseen by the camera but visible to Sawamura, was soaring into the sky.

“As you all know, Shimitsu Ken, also known as ShimiKen, is a highly regarded striker for Kashima Antlers, scoring 6 goals in the J-League. The samurai blue’s goal-getter, attracting attention even from top European clubs!”

As the excitement of the commentator matched the soaring viewership, intense midfield battles unfolded.

“The fierce pressure from Korea, like Noh Do, but what we see is no sign of retreat! In the spirit of the samurai, the Japanese boys confront without flinching!”

“Look at Yokohama’s Giraffe, Moribayashi Genjin, actively competing! He is vigorously facing Korea’s rough physical play! Ah, this is the Yamato spirit!”

As soon as the game started, both teams engaged in fierce battles in the midfield.

After about a minute of possession struggle, Tabuchi Masahiro, the playmaker for Shikoku, got hold of the ball again.

“Captain Tabuchi Masahiro of Shikoku takes over. He has been steadily gaining experience by playing consistently for Tokushima Vortis in the J2 League. Letting go of the pressure, a long pass~!”

Recognizing the chaos in Korea’s formation from the intense midfield battle, Tabuchi Masahiro’s long pass found Hotaru Daijobu accurately.

“Wow! Nice! A good long pass!”

“Hotaru, Hotaru catches it with a sponge trap and smoothly changes direction! Hotaru Daijobu, pushing straight ahead! The Golden Generation’s top swordsman!”

“Urawa Prince’s dribbling is well-known! Despite Korea’s No. 18 approaching, the Urawa Prince is a man undefeated in 1:1 breakthroughs, a man truly like Yamamoto Musashi! Here we go, here we go, here we go, ohh!!”

While Hottaru advanced, pushing the ball forward with deft flicks, he came face to face with the 18th Korean player, and a brief pause of about 1 to 2 seconds passed. Then, Hottaru accelerated with a splendid step-over, leaving everyone in awe.

“Hottaru, Hottaru Ikimasuyo~~!! …Huh? What’s happening?”

“…Wh-What!?”

With a brilliant step-over that had gained a reputation on the island, Hottaru took a couple of steps before abruptly coming to a halt.

The ball was gone.

“Whoa!? An incredible pass from the 18th!”

From Noble mtl dot com

“Oh, it’s dangerous! They broke through in an instant!”

After successfully snatching the ball, the 18th quickly scanned ahead and sent the ball straight across the field, reaching the frontmost Korean player, but fortunately, the Korean striker missed a crucial chance, averting the crisis.

“Phew, we got lucky!”

“Haha. Hahaha. Korea’s number 18, Juujitae player. He’s indeed not an easy opponent!! But how long can luck favor us?!”

Cold sweat dripped from the foreheads of the casters and analysts, their excitement palpable.

“Um… the crisis started when Hottaru lost the ball. It was a play that didn’t befit a prince like the invincible dribbler Urawa.”

“It’s possible. Losing the ball in a 1-on-1 situation can be attributed to good defense, but in this case, it might be because he hasn’t fully warmed up and immersed himself in the game.”

“Right. Even though we conceded the opening goal to Korea, Yamato’s boys won’t give up. With the support of Japan’s ten swords, they might turn the game around quickly!”

As the casters and analysts fervently conveyed their hopes, a thin stream of sweat started to glisten on their exposed foreheads.

“It’s time to show the Yamato spirit! Hottaru, don’t be discouraged by just one mistake; you need to challenge actively!”

“Whoa!? Again, so soon!? Hottaru easily lost the ball— Oh, another incredible pass!”

“Oh, it’s dangerous! They broke through in an instant!”

Not much time had passed before their sweating foreheads began to shine under the lights.

“Yoshi!! A great pass towards an empty space!! If anyone can make use of his incredible speed, it’s Hottaru, the Prince of Urawa— Huh!?”

“Oh. What a shame. Just a… just a slight difference, and Hottaru is thwarted again.”

“Once again attempting a breakthrough… Oh, taken away once more.”

“It seems some change is needed… Ah…”

“A Yamato man knows when to step back. Hottaru, you need to introduce some changes. Dribbling alone won’t work… Yoshi! Keep making 2:1 passes like this… What!? Is the Korean number 18 a monster?!”

“Uaaaahh—!! Samurai Blue’s desperate situation—!!! Korea’s, Korea’s second goal—!!”

Beyond Sawamura’s vacant gaze, the TV ratings graph plummeted like a cliff.

“…Chikusho.”

The broadcasting mishap was not exclusive to the Korean side.