'This ball... how should I handle it?' At that moment, Seishirō's mind raced as he considered his options.
Agi had told him to use his creativity — but how?
'What a hassle. Do Isagi and Reo have to think about so many things every day?' Seishirō pondered his next attack.
But before he could receive the ball, a figure suddenly appeared, making the interception!
Ashito!
"Huh?"
Seishirō's eyes widened at the unexpected appearance, and Reo was equally stunned by Ashito's interception!
Then it dawned on him — this boy must have developed Metavision, allowing him to instantly predict the target of his pass.
Ashito was now displaying an ability similar to Ikki Niko's in the U-20 Match, his Metavision overlapping with Yoichi's!
What one could see, the other could see as well. While Yoichi and Rensuke formed their team's first line of defense, Ashito served as their second line, preventing any slip-ups!
"Here you go! Yuki-senpai!"
Ashito launched a long forward pass to Kenyū Yukimiya, who was sprinting at full speed toward the opponent's half!
This was a tactic they'd practiced with Ryōsuke — while some players fell back to defend, Kenyū and his teammates would quickly advance, enabling rapid counterattacks!
This strategy perfectly utilized Kenyū's offensive prowess!
In the original story, he had become Yoichi's enemy due to limited playing time. Now, stronger and with guaranteed minutes, he was a vital part of the offense!
Back then, Bastard München had been fragmented, unlike other united clubs. Only the German side had shown such ugly internal competition for possession.
But now, with the two troublemakers benched by Ryōsuke, Bastard München had become truly unified!
Kenyū, employing his Emperor Style, charged into the opponent's half like a bullet.
But suddenly, a fierce red cheetah emerged from the side!
Blue Lock's fastest speedster, Hyōma Chigiri, appears!
His red hair danced in the air like spreading flames as he tried to engulf Kenyū in his fiery presence.
"Kunoichi, you've gotten even faster in such a short time?" Kenyū smiled at him. "But you alone can't stop me!"
He possessed perhaps the strongest one-on-one ability in all of Blue Lock — even Rin would struggle to defend against him.
Kenyū suddenly changed direction, charging forcefully past Hyōma's side!
Unlike Meguru's "soft breakthrough" dribbling, Kenyū's style was more forceful, using his speed and powerful physique to complete the solo play!
He actively initiated body contact with Hyōma, but the moment they collided, something felt off. His opponent's physical strength had grown considerably.
Had his time in Manshine City made him stronger?
Though Kenyū's signature physical play hadn't achieved its usual effect, he maintained the initiative. He stopped abruptly, using his momentum to create space between himself and Hyōma for a breakthrough!
"Kunoichi, you can't defend against me." Kenyū said confidently.
"In a one-on-one, that's true." Hyōma replied with a smile, his delicate features masking the burning fighting spirit in his eyes, "However, against two defenders, you might have some trouble, right?"
"What?"
Just as Kenyū registered these words, a figure emerged from behind him: Haruhisa.
His once-thin frame had filled out, making him even more formidable.
Kenyū spun quickly to shield the ball with his back, but Haruhisa was faster, making his move before Kenyū could react.
Successful interception!
Sharp instincts and explosive movements showcased Haruhisa's excellent defensive abilities.
"As expected of Kuribayashi!"
"This is Esperion's masterpiece!"
"Incredibly mature!"
Online, comments flooded with praise for Haruhisa. As a prodigy and star player of a top club, his popularity soared.
Kenyū spun around at full speed to defend, but Haruhisa blocked his pursuit with a well-timed hand, then burst forward, instantly creating separation.
His fluid movements resembled those of a martial artist, his technique rivaling even Sae's.
"He's so fast!" Kenyū marveled. Haruhisa matched not only his technical skill but his speed as well.
From every angle, he appeared to be a player without weakness.
As Haruhisa charged forward with the ball, Yoichi moved to defend — but couldn't slow him for even a moment.
With a sudden burst of speed and a swift hook of his right foot, he changed direction and breezed past his opponent.
On the field, he was unstoppable.
"Such overwhelming strength!" Yoichi could only watch as the monster forward blazed past him.
Haruhisa emanated a subtle pressure reminiscent of Sae, yet distinctly different.
Unlike that arrogant player's sharp, prominent presence, Haruhisa was like a hidden blade — striking with sudden, immense pressure.
This was truly a masterpiece!
"Don't think you're getting through! I'll kill you!" Jingo rushed forward, determined to deny any space for a breakthrough.
Meanwhile, Haruhisa calmly surveyed the field.
"Time to end this solo run."
Options materialized in his mind: breakthrough, shoot, pass. With perfect composure, he weighed each choice, ready to select the optimal path.
Without hesitation, Haruhisa delivered a pass at a challenging angle directly to the wing!
Seishirō's position!
Though Haruhisa hadn't broken through deeply, his movement had drawn Bastard München's defensive line forward, forcing defenders to cover and creating opportunities for his teammates!
Seishirō leaped high, using his ankle like a magnet to control the ball perfectly in mid-air.
Super trap!
But in that instant, he sensed someone pressing against his back.
Ryōsuke!
"No chance for a shot with such tight defense." Still airborne, Seishirō assessed the situation.
His peripheral vision scanned his teammates' positions.
"Express creativity... creativity, huh?" An idea sparked in Seishirō's mind as he shielded the ball from the defender—
In one fluid motion, he rotated and passed the ball to the sideline farthest from Ryōsuke!
Despite the imperfect pass, a black figure darted forward and masterfully controlled the ball.
"Doctor" Agi!
"Time to begin the diagnosis." Agi accelerated, driving straight toward the inside lane.
Gin and Ranze Kurona moved to double-team him, recognizing from his first touch that this was no ordinary player.
Manshine City's attacking options far exceeded FC Barcha's!
Facing the double-team, Agi remained composed, pivoting slightly to thread a through pass to the center!
Haruhisa was already there!
"Such fluid attacking play — even smoother than my J-League days." Haruhisa remarked coolly, finding himself with a prime shooting opportunity.
But Ryōsuke's remarkable speed allowed him to shift instantly from marking Seishirō to covering Haruhisa.
Yet Haruhisa had already made his decision.
Should he shoot?
No — Ryōsuke's defensive positioning was flawless, and his defensive abilities were legendary based on past matches. Even Haruhisa wasn't confident he could score.
The optimal choice was clear: Seishirō.
These thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant, though his body had already begun moving before his mind finished processing.
Acting as a relay point, Haruhisa smoothly redirected the ball with the side of his right foot back to Seishirō!
The ball soared high and fast — exactly as intended. He trusted his teammate's abilities.
Seishirō leaped again, and despite Jingo dropping back to defend, he couldn't be stopped.
With precise control, he used his chest to cushion the ball mid-air, letting it drop perfectly into shooting position!
"This is my chance!"
In that instant, Seishirō's focus sharpened, and his presence transformed!
❖ Flow! ❖
He twisted in the air, channeling his rotational momentum into a devastating shot toward Bastard München's goal! The power was extraordinary, the threat level maximum.
But standing between the posts was the Guardian Deity himself!
"You won't score on my watch!" Genzō's razor-sharp instincts kicked in as he dove forward, his right hand connecting with Seishirō's shot.
Though the shot carried tremendous force, he wasn't called the strongest goalkeeper for nothing!
Save complete!
In one fluid motion, Genzō's right hand deflected the ball, pressed it downward, and secured it firmly against his chest.
"No way, he saved that?!" Seishirō gaped in disbelief.
"Let me diagnose this, Seishirō — for that play, you score three points."
"Out of five?"
"Definitely not."
"Out of ten?"
"Out of a hundred." Agi's response was immediate, "You hesitated at the start — you should have passed before Ryōsuke came to defend. Your pass was too sloppy; only I could have controlled it. And if Haruhisa hadn't been there as a relay, your scoring chances would have been even lower."
"What a pain..." Seishirō shook his head resignedly.
On the bench, Alexis and Michael nearly jumped to their feet. They desperately wanted Manshine City to score first — not just for the team's victory, but to see Ryōsuke's frustrated expression. Yet neither dared show much reaction, as Noel sat right beside them.
[Manshine City has exploited two defensive errors by Bastard München from the start, launching two dangerous counterattacks. Though Bastard München defended both successfully, the teams have treated spectators to a stunning display of attack and defense from the opening whistle!]
Though the match had just begun, the commentator's enthusiasm was already ignited by the performance.
[We eagerly await a potential direct confrontation between Haruhisa Kuribayashi and Ryōsuke Kira, so stay tuned!]
"So close!"
"Just missed!"
"The chance was there, but Genzō's defense is unbeatable!"
The online audience buzzed with excitement!
"It's our turn to counterattack." Despite Manshine City's breathtaking offensive display, Ryōsuke remained composed.
Reo, Seishirō, and Hyōma had all grown stronger, and with Haruhisa perfectly orchestrating the team's movements, this Manshine City surpassed its previous incarnation.
Yet Ryōsuke was certain they would emerge victorious.
"Let's go."
"Yes!" Genzō's eyes sharpened as he prepared for the goal kick.
Ryōsuke led Bastard München into their counterattack!
❖❖❖
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