Isagi, now in possession of the ball, orchestrated the field like a conductor leading a symphony. The positioning of both teams shifted dramatically as Team Z's players surged forward, eager to receive a comfortable pass. Meanwhile, two Team W defenders converged on Isagi, determined to box him in.
The two defenders showed restraint despite their urgency, their movements cautious rather than reckless. They'd studied the footage of Isagi and knew better than to overcommit. Yet, their attempts to steady themselves weren't enough. Isagi's movements were fluid and deliberate, his footwork weaving through their defense and forcing them into a high-pressing game. The disruption left gaps in Team W's formation, which Isagi quickly sought to exploit.
Breaking free of their pressure, Isagi lifted his head and scanned the field. His teammates were all marked tightly, each shadowed by a defender. Kunigami had a muscular opponent clinging to him, matching his intensity stride for stride. Isagi considered breaking through on his own but hesitated. A different plan had taken shape in his mind—a calculated risk.
With precision, Isagi sent the ball to his left. Naruhaya, who had shadowed Kunigami's position, had moved up in anticipation of receiving the pass. For a moment, it seemed as though Isagi had overlooked him entirely, choosing instead to pass to his original position.
'Did he not notice me?'
Naruhaya wondered, his brow furrowing as he glanced back at Isagi.
Chigiri watched as the ball rolled ahead of him, the world around him seeming to slow to a standstill. The ball's pace wasn't sluggish, and it was clear that if he didn't act immediately, it would go out of bounds. For Chigiri, this wasn't just a simple play; it felt like a defining moment. The ball before him was like an outstretched hand, urging him to rise and reclaim his passion.The weight of Isagi's calculated pass bore down on him. The situation wasn't as dire as his mind dramatized, but the stakes felt immense. If he failed here, it might as well signify the death of his football career—at least, that's how Chigiri's fear made it seem. Isagi had bet on this very attitude, the burning determination buried beneath Chigiri's anxiety.
Chigiri's thoughts raced back to Isagi's words in the video room, reigniting his love for football. The ball ahead seemed to call out to him, a beacon of hope. Forgetting his fear of injury, of worsening his leg, he made his decision. Without hesitation, he accelerated.
Chigiri's speed was astounding, a blur of motion as he surged forward from the left-back position. He reached the ball just as it approached the touchline, stopping it right on the edge. Without missing a beat, Chigiri began his run up the field. Team W, though stunned, quickly adjusted, moving to block his path.
But Chigiri was undeterred. With a confident smile, he sent the ball to his right, where another smiling figure awaited. Isagi returned the pass in a quick one-two, their synergy catching Team W off guard. The ball came back to Chigiri, who found himself in the perfect position.
Chigiri struck with precision and power. The ball soared through the air, hitting the crossbar before dipping into the top-right corner of the net. The sound of the ball meeting the net echoed like a statement of intent. Chigiri's goal had breached Team W's defenses in spectacular fashion.
The reactions were instantaneous. Team Z erupted in cheers, while Team W stood in stunned silence. Isagi and Chigiri exchanged a high-five, the sharp clap resonating as the intercom's whistle confirmed the goal.
"He can run that fast?"
"That was amazing!"
Team Z's players, though still in awe, praised Chigiri for his incredible display. The energy was electric, but the intercom's signal brought them back to reality, prompting them to prepare for the restart.
The Wanima twins stared intently at Chigiri, recognition flickering in their eyes. They were facing the same player who had once claimed their spot, and now, his return to form felt like a personal challenge.The match's pace intensified, driven by the relentless energy Isagi brought to the midfield. Though his designated position was CAM, Isagi played deep in the CM role, intercepting passes and dictating the tempo. His defensive contributions combined with his offensive vision made him an omnipresent force. The match quickly became one-sided.
Throughout the first and second halves, the outcome remained unchanged. Team Z dominated with ruthless efficiency, their plays coordinated and bold, while Team W floundered, looking like headless chickens against the ferocious tigers of Team Z. By the end, the scoreboard read 12-0—an unprecedented victory and the highest any team had scored in Blue Lock so far.
Despite the overwhelming victory, Isagi felt dissatisfied with the match. Yet, it wasn't entirely without merit. This was the match where Chigiri finally broke free from the chains of his fear, fully embracing the intensity of football.
Raichi was ecstatic, loudly bragging about his "sexy goal." Isagi maintained his streak of hat-tricks, solidifying his role as a game-changer. Chigiri scored twice, his newfound confidence shining through. Kira, who had gradually adapted to Isagi's pinpoint passes, achieved his first Blue Lock hat-trick, marking a significant milestone in his journey. Bachira added two goals to the tally, while Kunigami contributed one.
After the match, the team hit the showers, their spirits high. With this win, they had cemented their place in the top two of their group, ensuring they wouldn't face disqualification even if they lost the next match. The sense of relief washed over them like the water from the showers.
If their victory against Team Y had brought them together to celebrate their top spot, this win gave them an even greater reason to rejoice. They were now officially qualified, and to top it off, they had enough points to afford steaks for everyone.
The team gathered to celebrate, laughter and camaraderie filling the air. Isagi decided to let himself enjoy the moment with his teammates, embracing the bond they were forming. Even Chigiri joined in the festivities, his newfound confidence allowing him to engage with the group in a friendly and relaxed manner.
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Team V's RoomThe atmosphere in Team V's room was unusually lively. All the members were seated on the floor, forming a loose circle around a bed that served as a makeshift stage. Standing tall on the bed was Mikage Reo, his presence commanding attention. On the same bed, a white-haired boy lounged indifferently, eyes glued to his phone as his fingers tapped away with practiced ease.
Reo, with his characteristic charisma, had just announced a celebratory feast, having brought in an impressive spread of steaks. He leaped gracefully off the bed, two plates in hand, and approached Nagi.
"Hey, Nagi, let's keep scoring goals like these. We've got to taste more of this steak"
Reo urged, a grin lighting up his face.
Nagi barely acknowledged him, his gaze fixed on the glowing screen.
"You and Zantetsu can do that"
He replied nonchalantly, his tone as detached as ever.
Reo's grin faltered for a moment, but his determination remained. He opened his mouth, ready to launch into one of his well-crafted arguments to motivate Nagi. However, the sharp chime of the intercom cut through the room, drawing everyone's attention.
The screen on the wall flickered to life, revealing a familiar figure. Ego Jinpachi's smug expression filled the room, his piercing gaze seeming to judge each player individually.
"Howdy, diamonds in the rough"
Ego began, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"The match between Team Z and Team W has concluded with a scoreline of 12-0, making Team Z the top team in your wing."
The screen shifted to display the updated standings. Team Z had reclaimed the top spot, but this time, the gap was monumental. The first time Team Z overtook them, Team V had brushed it off as a minor setback, quickly regaining their position. Now, however, the sheer difference in points was impossible to ignore.
"Seriously?!"
One player exclaimed, disbelief etched on their face.
"They scored four more goals than us against them,"
Another muttered, frustration simmering in their voice.
Reo's earlier enthusiasm faded as tension filled the room. Though Team V had already secured their qualification, Reo had made it clear that they wouldn't take their final match lightly. They were going for the win, no matter what.
Ego's voice sliced through the silence, sharp and mocking.
"How does it feel to know that the lowest, weakest team in Blue Lock is better than you, huh?"
His words hit like a hammer, shattering whatever complacency lingered in the room. The players bristled, their pride stung by the calculated provocation.
"Your goal here in Blue Lock is to stand at the top and develop an ego. To be an Egoist who can rival the Egoists of the world. You're the final opponent Team Z will face. You were less of a loser than them, but they have evolved while you've stayed the same. Blue Lock doesn't need that.
If you don't go beyond your limits to reach those heights, your football career is as good as dead."
Ego's words hung heavily in the air, a brutal reminder of the stakes. The room was silent, save for the faint hum of the intercom, as each member of Team V grappled with the challenge laid before them. Reo clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes, while Nagi, for once, looked up from his phone, his curiosity piqued. This wasn't just about steak or celebrations anymore—this was about proving their worth in Blue Lock's crucible of ambition.
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