The aftermath of the dribbling gauntlet left the players in a daze. The top ten names, displayed on the leaderboard, were the only ones guaranteed safety. Ryoma Saito's name proudly stood in 2nd place, just beneath Kaede Arata.
Kaede, as calm and composed as ever, walked past Ryoma with a faint smile. "Good effort. But if that's the best you've got, you're going to struggle."
Ryoma clenched his fists, his competitive spirit ignited. "We'll see who's struggling when this is over."
---
Ego Jinpachi's face reappeared on the screen, his unsettling grin as sharp as ever.
"Well done to those of you who survived the dribbling gauntlet. But as always, survival in Blue Lock is fleeting. The next challenge will strip away any comfort you've earned."
The screen flickered to reveal the next task: 1v1 Battles – The Ego Showdown.
"In this round, you'll face each other one-on-one," Ego explained. "Defender versus striker. The goal is simple: dominate. Outscore your opponent, or you're eliminated."
---
The players were divided into pairs, with each match assigned a separate pitch. To Ryoma's surprise—and annoyance—his opponent was none other than Kaede Arata.
Kaede gave him a casual wave as they approached their field. "Looks like we're getting to know each other sooner than I thought."
Ryoma smirked. "Good. Now I can show you what I'm really made of."
The referee blew the whistle, and the match began.
---
Kaede started with the ball, and Ryoma immediately felt the difference. Kaede's dribbling was fluid and unpredictable, as if he could read Ryoma's every move. He slipped past Ryoma with ease, his body language so subtle it was impossible to predict.
Within seconds, Kaede fired the ball into the net. "1-0," he said, his tone almost mocking.
Ryoma gritted his teeth. "You're not unbeatable."
He restarted with the ball, charging down the field. Kaede shadowed him, his presence suffocating. Ryoma feinted left, but Kaede didn't bite. He tried to cut to the right, but Kaede blocked him with surgical precision.
"Tch," Ryoma muttered. He adjusted, using his speed to create space before firing a long-range shot. The ball soared past Kaede and into the net.
"1-1," Ryoma said, meeting Kaede's gaze.
Kaede raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Not bad. Let's see if you can keep it up."
---
The game escalated, both players pushing each other to their limits. Kaede's precision and control clashed with Ryoma's speed and adaptability.
By the final minute, the score was tied at 3-3. Ryoma had the ball, his pulse pounding as he faced Kaede one last time.
Kaede stepped forward, his eyes calm but focused. "This is where I win."
Ryoma's grip on the ball tightened. "Not if I have anything to say about it."
He surged forward, his movements sharper than ever. Kaede moved to block him, but Ryoma anticipated it, spinning away with a sudden burst of speed.
As he approached the goal, Ryoma felt Kaede closing in again. He had no choice but to act quickly. With a flick of his foot, he lobbed the ball into the air and launched himself upward.
It was a risky move—a midair volley—but Ryoma's determination outweighed his doubts.
The ball connected perfectly with his foot, rocketing into the net just as the whistle blew.
"4-3! Ryoma Saito wins!" Ego's voice echoed across the pitch.
---
Ryoma collapsed onto the turf, his chest heaving. Kaede walked over, his expression unreadable.
"Impressive," Kaede said, extending a hand. "You're better than I thought."
Ryoma took the hand and pulled himself up. "You're not bad either. But I told you—I'm not going to struggle."
Kaede smirked. "We'll see. This was just the beginning."
---
Author's Note:
The clash of egos begins! Ryoma secures his first major victory, but how will Kaede respond in the challenges to come? Leave your thoughts below and stay tuned for Chapter 6!