"You're not just the best Japanese player I've played, you're the best I've ever played," Loki said to Murano.
"Of course, I'm the best. I've consistently shown that. I'm surprised it took you this long to realize," Murano answered with a smug grin.
"I'm glad you're confident in your abilities, Murano. Ego claimed that this was the reason behind Blue Lock, after all. To unleash an Egoist, right? So be proud that you have managed to come this far against us," Loki responded.
"Sure, I want you to get ready for the next phase of the game; because I only need to score one goal. I win if you hesitate for even a moment," Murano replied.
Loki changed the subject by saying, "When I received the call from Ego, I couldn't say no to his request because I was interested in this project and wanted to challenge the players here. The others might be here for money, but I came here to see the golden egoist in Blue Lock."
You said I shouldn't hesitate, and I will say the same to you; so show me what you can do," Loki added.
"Catch me if you can, Murano." Loki smiled as he went back to his team.
Blue Lock
Third Selection
Team Blue Lock 4 - 3 Team World Five
Is this the final saga where Murano's team triumphs over Team World Five, or where Team World Five takes the lead from Blue Lock and controls the game from then on? This would all be decided in this phase of the match, where both teams give their all to secure victory. Team World Five would need to score two goals, while Team Blue Lock only needs one. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on.
Kick-off!!
The match restarted as Loki passed the ball to Blake.
After receiving the ball, Blake sprinted forward and was met by Murano, who made an effort to face him directly.
Blake, who wanted to avoid facing Murano head-on, quickly passed the ball to Silva. The long pass would make its way to the other side of the pitch, to Cevasoz.
Shortly after Blake sprinted past Murano and was in the middle third, Cevasoz, who was being closely marked by Kurona, would make a perfect first touch and then pass the ball back to Blake.
Though it was dangerous to send it to Blake because Murano was covering that side of the pitch, Cevasoz trusted that Blake would be able to handle the situation effectively. Additionally, Blake has yet to score, which is another reason. Blake could blitz the ball into the goal from that distance (31 yards).
Silva would then intercept the ball as he uttered, "Blake, you do have a fear of Murano, right? I'd deal with him for you."
"Y'know, the ball isn't for you, you've scored already, haven't you?" Blake said, looking at Silva disappointedly.
"Fuck this, do you think we're playing here because we're friends? You know we're just here for the money," Silva shouted as he made a run forward.
Shidou managed to get the ball away from Silva while he was speaking and then made a powerful slide tackle. However, the impact of the collision left both players on the ground.
Despite the strong tackle made by Shidou, there was no card or foul awarded since he successfully made contact with the ball before colliding with Silva.
No matter how strong your physique is, you cannot recover from a collision quickly or stop a fall from a collision.
Murano would then pick up the ball after both players had fallen to the ground. Blake, who also wanted to pick up the ball, positioned himself behind Murano and waited for Murano to turn around so he could steal the ball.
Murano slightly looked back as he glanced over his shoulder while attempting to turn around with the ball at his feet. He would notice Blake shifting his body to where he was turning and simply adjust his plan accordingly.
He kicked the ball back with his heel and into Blake's widened legs after faking to turn around. The backward nutmeg was successful as Murano retrieved the ball behind Blake.
Murano, however, was perspiring profusely as his reserve stamina began to diminish as a result of him being in almost every other play on the field.
He raced forward, knowing he had to keep going and give this play everything he had.
He then sent a pass to Kurona and dashed forward to catch his breath before joining the attack once more. Exchanging one-two passes allowed him to maintain momentum and continue his strong performance.
However, Loki was pursuing Murano and would not allow this to go unchallenged. The one-twos ceased as Loki drew near Murano at that point.
He attempted to move the ball mid-run as he approached Murano, but Murano maintained his composure and swiftly flicked the ball to his left foot as he cut through to the left.
100% Godspeed Loki failed, as he lost control and tripped over, causing him to stumble and fall. This was because a sudden change in this state of incredible speed caused him to lose his momentum and control.
After defeating Loki, there appeared to be no one else in the World Five's half of the pitch. There was nobody to stop Murano, so he didn't need to worry. Loki was quickly recovering, so he raced forward until he found himself in a position where he was certain that he could score.
He couldn't miss this chance because the stakes were high in the decisive moment. Thus, he lifted his left leg and aimed for the top corner of the goal, preparing to unleash a powerful strike that would secure victory for Team Blue Lock. The pressure was immense, but he trusted in his power and instincts to make this shot count.
This was it—the moment that Ego jumped into his seat.
"This is the time!" As he knocked Murano to the ground and advanced with the ball, Barou said.
"Barou!" Murano yelled while he was on the ground.
"Just a reminder, we're not friends!!" Barou shouted, his voice full of anger, as he elevated his foot and shot the ball.
...
..
Pa!!
...
..
.
Thump!!
Loki lunged forward and blocked the ball, deflecting it.
"Damn you!" Loki hurriedly moved toward the spot where the ball had landed as Barou uttered those words.
However, Barou could only make out a blur of motion, proving that Loki's 100% godspeed was indeed untrackable. He was taken aback by Murano's ability to catch up and match Loki's speed. Thus, he lagged behind.
Loki was moving in a straight line at 100% speed. After covering some distance, he crossed it to Luna, who was in the final third of the other half.
While the ball was moving in their direction, Hiori was closely pursuing Luna. Blake then went forward to provide support and create space for Luna to make a shot on goal.
This moment proved to be the decisive point as both Shidou and Hiori simultaneously leaped to clear the ball, resulting in a collision that left them sprawled on the ground.
Luna was able to get his head on the ball with a perfectly timed leap, slightly redirecting it towards the goal. The ball would then hit the ground and bounce toward the goal.
...
..
Luckily, Kurona managed to reach the ball before going, as he kicked it away from the goal line.
...
However, the ball unexpectedly, ruthlessly, and even cruelly landed at the feet of Blake, who quickly reacted and fired a powerful strike toward the goal.
This time...crossed the goal line...
Team Blue Lock 4 - 4 Team World Five