The air inside Blue Lock was charged with electricity. Two matches were set to decide which teams would advance. In one corner, Kuroka Bachira's Team prepared to take on Toma Iguchi's Team. In the other, Daichi Kurogane's Team stood without an opponent, waiting for their challenge against Kuroka's team.
This wasn't just another round. It was a proving ground for beasts.
Match 1: Kuroka's Team vs. Toma's Team
The whistle blew, and the game began.
Toma's team came out swinging, determined to disrupt Kuroka's dominance. But Kuroka, with his Tyrant King aura, immediately seized control.
Kuroka Bachira was everywhere, directing the flow of the game like a puppeteer. His curved shots and precise passes carved through Toma's defense.
By his side, Kaito Isagi played with ferocity, constantly stealing possession and driving the ball forward. His Final Smash shot grazed past the goalkeeper, slamming into the net with unrelenting power.
"Damn it!" Toma growled, rallying his team to push harder.
But the infighting between Kuroka and Kaito added a layer of unpredictability. Every time Kuroka dominated the ball, Kaito would cut in, trying to one-up him.
Their rivalry gave Sora Himekawa the perfect opportunity.
Sora, often overshadowed by Kuroka's overwhelming presence, bided his time. As the defenders focused on Kuroka and Kaito battling for control, Sora slipped through unnoticed.
The final play was pure chaos. Kuroka and Kaito collided while trying to take the shot, leaving the ball loose.
Sora pounced.
With a calculated strike, he sent the ball flying into the goal.
The whistle blew.
Final Score: 4–0
Kuroka's team had crushed Toma's, but the cracks in their teamwork were evident.
Kuroka's golden eyes gleamed as he turned to Kaito. "Don't get in my way again."
Kaito snarled, but Sora stepped between them. "Both of you, shut up. We've got one more game."
Match 2: Daichi Kurogane vs. Kuroka Bachira
There was no time for rest. Kuroka's team, still simmering with tension, lined up against Daichi Kurogane's team.
But there was a twist.
Daichi's team had no prior match. They had been given a bye, and the reason was clear: Daichi Kurogane was an absolute monster.
As the whistle blew, Kuroka smirked. "Let's see what the 'weakest link' can do."
Daichi's response was a thunderous charge.
The Battle Begins
Kuroka immediately took control of the ball, but Daichi was already on him. Their clash was a sight to behold. Kuroka's finesse and control met Daichi's raw power and speed.
Kuroka attempted his signature curved shot, but Daichi anticipated it, deflecting the ball with a perfectly timed block.
"Not bad," Kuroka sneered.
Daichi counterattacked, slicing through the midfield like a predator. His awakening had unlocked not just strength, but a predator's instinct. He saw every opening, every weakness.
"Kaito! Stop him!" Kuroka barked.
Kaito charged in, his Final Smash shot primed. But Daichi didn't back down. With a single touch, he dodged Kaito's tackle and launched a shot from midfield.
The ball flew like a missile, slamming into the net.
1–0.
The Tyrant Awakens
Kuroka wasn't about to let Daichi steal the spotlight. On the next possession, he unleashed his full arsenal. Stepovers, feints, and precise passes overwhelmed Daichi's team.
With a lightning-quick bicycle kick, Kuroka tied the game.
1–1.
But Daichi didn't flinch. His calm, focused demeanor unnerved Kuroka's team.
Kuroka growled, "This guy… he's on a different level."
The game devolved into a brutal back-and-forth. Kuroka and Daichi traded goals like heavyweight boxers exchanging punches. Each strike was more powerful than the last, each play more desperate.
As the clock ticked down, Kuroka's team launched one final assault. Kuroka, Kaito, and Sora worked in perfect harmony, combining their strengths to break through Daichi's defense.
But Daichi refused to be outdone. He intercepted the final pass with a stunning leap, turning the tide once again.
The Final Whistle
When the match ended, the score was deadlocked.
Final Score: 5–5.
Both teams collapsed onto the turf, drenched in sweat.
Ego's voice echoed through the stadium.
"A tie. Both teams advance."
Daichi's chest heaved as he locked eyes with Kuroka.
"You're strong," Daichi admitted.
Kuroka smirked. "So are you. But don't think this is over."
As they walked off the field, both teams knew one thing: the real battle was yet to come.
"Who's the next opponents?" Sora say's
Little did they know what was next