The tension from the 1v1 showdown still hung thick in the air as the players filed back into the main hall. Ryoma Saito's victory over Kaede Arata had earned him a new wave of attention. Whispers followed him, some admiring, others envious.
"Did you see that volley? Saito might actually have a shot at making it to the top," one player murmured.
"Yeah, but don't forget—Kaede didn't even break a sweat. He's still the one to watch," another replied.
Ryoma ignored the chatter, his mind replaying every moment of the match. The volley that had secured his victory was risky, almost reckless, but it had worked. For now, that was enough.
---
Ego Jinpachi's face appeared on the screen, his grin as sharp as ever.
"Congratulations to those of you who advanced. But don't let victory blind you. The road ahead is steep, and only those willing to climb will survive."
The screen flickered, revealing a new challenge: The Shadow's Game.
"Football isn't just about scoring goals," Ego began. "It's about understanding every inch of the field, every movement of your opponent, every opportunity to strike. In this challenge, you will be tested not as the star, but as the shadow."
The room buzzed with confusion.
"The rules are simple," Ego continued. "Each of you will be paired with a partner. One will play as the striker, while the other acts as the support. The striker must score, but the shadow determines whether they succeed or fail. Learn to manipulate the field from the shadows, or watch your dreams crumble."
---
Ryoma's name appeared on the screen, paired with Hiroto Matsuda.
"Looks like we're working together again," Hiroto said, offering a quick nod. "I'll take the striker role for the first round. Let's see if you can handle being the shadow."
Ryoma raised an eyebrow. "You're that confident?"
Hiroto smirked. "Just don't drag me down."
---
The match began on a small, enclosed pitch. Ryoma and Hiroto faced off against two players they hadn't encountered before—a hulking defender named Takeshi Koga and a nimble playmaker named Riku Harada.
From the whistle, Ryoma moved into position, analyzing the field. His job wasn't to score—it was to create the opportunity for Hiroto to strike. It was a shift in mindset, but one Ryoma knew he had to embrace.
Takeshi immediately zeroed in on Hiroto, using his size to shut down any direct attempts. Meanwhile, Riku controlled the pace of the game, disrupting Ryoma's attempts to gain control of the ball.
"They're good," Hiroto muttered, frustration creeping into his voice. "Koga's like a wall, and Harada's reading everything we do."
Ryoma narrowed his eyes. "Then we'll have to break the pattern."
---
Ryoma began to move unpredictably, cutting across the field to draw Riku's attention. His movements created openings, forcing the defenders to shift their positions. With a quick pass, Ryoma sent the ball to Hiroto, who finally had space to take a shot.
The ball soared into the net.
"1-0," Ego's voice announced. "Hiroto Matsuda scores. Ryoma Saito proves his worth as a shadow."
---
The roles switched, and it was Ryoma's turn to play as the striker. Hiroto adjusted seamlessly into the shadow role, using his technical skills to draw defenders away from Ryoma. But Takeshi and Riku quickly adapted, doubling down on Ryoma and shutting down his options.
Ryoma felt the pressure mounting. Every pass was intercepted, every run blocked. His frustration grew as the defenders forced him further from the goal.
"Calm down," Hiroto called out. "You're trying too hard to break through them. Use me."
Ryoma took a deep breath, regaining his focus. Instead of forcing a direct attack, he began working with Hiroto, creating small, subtle plays that pulled the defenders out of position. Finally, as Hiroto drew Riku away, Ryoma saw his chance.
With a sharp cut to the left, Ryoma broke free from Takeshi and unleashed a powerful shot. The ball slammed into the net just as the whistle blew.
"2-0. Ryoma Saito and Hiroto Matsuda win."
---
As they walked off the field, Hiroto clapped Ryoma on the back. "Not bad. You're not just a solo player after all."
Ryoma smirked. "Don't get used to it. I'm still a striker at heart."
---
Ego's face reappeared on the screen. "The Shadow's Game has revealed a harsh truth: many of you lack the awareness to control the field. Those who failed are now eliminated. To the survivors—congratulations. But remember, the only way to win in Blue Lock is to dominate every aspect of the game."
---
Author's Note:
Teamwork in Blue Lock? Who would've thought! What did you think of Ryoma's performance as the shadow? Will this new challenge make him stronger, or is it just a distraction from his ultimate goal? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for the next chapter!