"Although the Blue Lock substitutes managed to equalize after coming on, Ryōsuke Kira scored again shortly after the second half began, giving his team the lead and completing his hat-trick!"
The commentator's voice boomed through the stadium as thunderous cheers and applause erupted, the crowd chanting Ryōsuke's name in a deafening crescendo.
The moment after he scored, every major TV station began replaying close-up shots of his spectacular goal.
On social media, the reactions were immediate!
"That goal was just too amazing! I'm an instant fan!"
"I saved the GIF — I can't believe we have a player of this caliber!"
"Did anyone else hear that loud bang? Was that from the shot or did the broadcast equipment malfunction?"
The buzz was everywhere, with "Ryōsuke", "U-20", and "power shot" trending across all social platforms.
At the hotel, Julian's phone lit up with messages from his club teammates.
"Insane, absolutely insane. I can't believe this country has a player of this caliber!"
"What was that shot all about?"
"Fuck, that was incredible!"
These world-class players had only started watching after hearing Julian's comments. Though they'd initially dismissed the match as pointless, Ryōsuke's earth-shattering shot had left them in awe.
"Julian, that Blue Lock thing you did during the off-season — that's what this is, right?" One teammate asked.
"Yeah."
"Have you met this... Ryōsuke Kira player?"
"Of course, I've even played against him." Julian replied with a smile, "In fact, I haven't managed to beat him yet."
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"So this is Kira..."
The previously energetic Blue Lock members fell silent.
Ryōsuke's goal had demonstrated his incomparable ability — this was the true gap in skill level.
Despite Ikki and Reo's best defensive efforts and multiple layers of coverage, he tore through their defense with overwhelming individual prowess.
He was, without question, a monster.
"Sae Itoshi read Niko and Mikage's movements perfectly." Yo Hiori observed seriously from the substitute bench, "Even though they could predict Kira's receiving range, the physical gap was too wide. Sae simply had to pass to areas beyond their reach, and Kira's superior speed did the rest... Two defenders weren't nearly enough!"
Ryūsei sat slumped on the ground, dazed.
Even he couldn't have executed the shot Ryōsuke just made. The difference in ability was absolute.
But that only made things more interesting.
"Amazing, I see now." Ryūsei, who had never admitted defeat to anyone from Blue Lock — not even to Rin — had always believed himself the strongest.
Yet Ryōsuke had made him acutely aware of an even more terrifying presence above him. Rather than discourage him, this only ignited his competitive spirit further.
"That shot was incredible! Absolutely incredible!" After coming to his senses, Ryūsei jumped up excitedly, staring intently at Ryōsuke, "How did you make that shot?! You're really something else! Why haven't I faced you before?! I've got plenty of 'moves' I want to show you too!"
"Can't you talk normally for once?" Ryōsuke sighed with slight exasperation before quickly retreating to defend in his own half.
Blue Lock's earlier goal had succeeded for two reasons: Ryūsei and Shoei's unique playing style had caught U-20's defense off guard, and they had capitalized on a quick counterattack while many U-20 players were still pushed forward.
Now that their playing style had been exposed and quick counterattacks were no longer possible, their previous tactics wouldn't work.
Blue Lock completed the kickoff and launched another attack.
With Meguru substituted off, Yoichi dropped back to midfield, taking over the organizing duties that Meguru and Rin had handled.
Using his Metavision, he carefully analyzed the field. U-20's defense had become more compact and organized than before.
Fatigue was also setting in. Maintaining his Metavision required intense focus while processing constant information — a significant mental drain.
Still, he forced himself to push through the exhaustion and search for openings.
Their old approach wouldn't cut it anymore — they needed to find a way to disrupt U-20's defensive formation.
After some buildup play, he spotted a chance and quickly passed to Shoei on the wing. At least Shoei's aggressive attacking style could draw the defenders' attention!
Upon receiving the ball, Shoei burst forward like a bulldozer, his powerful physique and impressive speed generating tremendous momentum.
But this time, his advance met resistance — after just a few steps, a familiar figure blocked his path: Ryōsuke Kira.
"Baro, pass the ball!" Yoichi called out as he sprinted nearby.
He had passed to Shoei hoping to draw Ryōsuke's defensive attention, and now that it worked, a quick pass would let their less-pressured teammates attack with better chances!
But Shoei didn't budge.
"Shut up! I'm not passing to you, Isagi!" He snapped without hesitation.
"What are you doing, Baro! This is such an important match!" Yoichi shouted angrily.
He knew Shoei was individualistic, but he'd expected more restraint in such a crucial match, especially after failing his previous attack. Yet here he was, still being stubborn.
Though they'd spent three weeks in special training together after the first selection round, Yoichi still couldn't understand this wild card of a player.
Shoei completely ignored Yoichi's words, his attention locked onto Ryōsuke.
Having lost to him twice before, Shoei burned for revenge.
"Kira, this time I'll definitely beat you and make you my servant! I'll show you who's the true king of the field!" Shoei snarled through gritted teeth, his eyes blazing with fury.
The memory of Ryōsuke's humiliation fueled his rage.
"The last two times, weren't you all talk too? Have you forgotten how those turned out? Every time you talk big during the match, then rage helplessly after it's over." Ryōsuke's reply came with a casual smile.
"I'll kill you, you bastard!" Shoei's eyebrows twitched violently, veins bulging on his forehead as rage consumed his expression.
After three weeks of hellish training, he finally had his chance for revenge against Ryōsuke — and he wanted to tear him to pieces!
Today, victory was absolute necessity.
"Aaargh!" Shoei burst forward, attempting to overwhelm Ryōsuke with raw power.
Despite towering over Ryōsuke and possessing Blue Lock's peak physical abilities — further enhanced by training — he couldn't budge his opponent.
{T/N: Ryōsuke has 181 cm (5'11"), while Shoei has 187 cm (6'2")}
It was like charging into a boulder; his opponent remained immovable.
"Damn it!"
But Shoei wasn't just a brute force player. When the physical confrontation failed, he immediately switched tactics.
He planted his right foot firmly, maintaining his balance while preparing to pivot around his opponent.
But his intentions were too obvious. Ryōsuke read his movement instantly and, being faster, seized the opening during the turn to steal the ball!
Shoei lost his balance and tumbled to the ground.
"You idiot!"
Yoichi cursed, desperately chasing after the ball, but Ryōsuke had already launched a perfect long pass that arced right to Shūto's feet in the forward position!
A breakaway!
Reo arrived just in time, immediately mimicking Oliver's movements to pressure the opponent's shooting space.
Shūto was forced to take the shot!
The moment the ball left his foot, Gin dove desperately outward, catching the dangerous shot just in time.
Though Shūto's individual skill was impressive, Reo's pressure had affected the shot — forcing an attempt that lacked both speed and accuracy.
"Damn it!"
He punched the air in frustration while Gin clutched the ball tightly to his chest.
"Good thing it wasn't one of Kira's shots..."
"Nice save!"
Ikki called out in praise from the side, though he knew all too well how dangerous that shot had been...
Shoei's lost possession had allowed U-20 to launch a threatening counterattack.
He glanced at Reo, who was already drenched in sweat despite having just entered the game.
Defending against Ryōsuke and mimicking Oliver's movements had drained Reo's stamina significantly. In this short period, he had expended far more energy than Ikki.
Now they had no choice but to commit everything to defense — Ryōsuke had elevated the threat level of the entire U-20 team.
Ikki could only hope that Yoichi and the others could create something on offense. If not, Blue Lock's team would soon be completely worn down.
Blue Lock restarted play, and the ball quickly came to Yoichi's feet.
Shoei immediately signaled for the ball, but this time he completely ignored him.
"This won't work — if we keep going like this, it won't work!" Yoichi had realized the fundamental problem.
Playing this way, they would never defeat Ryōsuke. This was an incredibly important match, and Yoichi refused to accept defeat.
He scanned the field intently, searching for any opening.
"We'll bypass Baro for now. Shidō's in the middle, and though Kira's on the other side, his defensive range is massive. A direct pass won't work... unless..." Yoichi's eyes locked onto something, his gaze intensifying.
Earlier, Sae's passes had deliberately exceeded the defenders' reach to create opportunities.
Could he replicate that strategy?
Sae used his Metavision to deliver perfect passes — perhaps he could apply the same principle.
Then again, Rin's puppet football might work better — pushing teammates beyond their usual limits.
Could this be the key to maximizing Ryūsei's attacking potential?
Though Rin and Ryūsei clashed in personality, their playing styles could actually complement each other.
An idea crystallized in Yoichi's mind. It was extremely risky, but they had to force the issue. Victory was non-negotiable.
Without hesitation, he launched a long pass toward empty space.
"Did he make a mistake?" Oliver watched, puzzled by the seemingly directionless pass.
But across the field, Ryūsei's eyes widened, his face splitting into an excited grin.
"I see, Yoichi! You've set the stage for me — and I'll gladly make my entrance!"
He charged toward the open space!
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