The national youth team is two goals down.
But Sae Itoshi isn't panicking. From the moment the team captain, Aiku, threatened him and forbid his players from entering the field, Sae had already foreseen this outcome. However, he had expected to be, at most, one goal behind. Falling two goals behind was the worst-case scenario.
There is still some time left before the 30-minute mark. He decides to do something.
After kicking off, the national youth team's offensive continues without slowing down. Sae stops making quick passes and increases his time on the ball.
In the 27th minute, Sae dribbles through the middle, forming a triangle with Kenyu Chigiri and Gurimu Igarashi. Though it looks like a triangle, it's more of a classic No. 10 approach with Sae as the core. The lack of support from his teammates has forced him into this attacking midfield position. Igarashi and Itsuki Wakatsuki continuously exchange passes around Sae, helping him shake off his defenders.
"You scoundrel brother, we meet again!"
Rin Itoshi has dropped back from the front, his obsession with Sae driving him to confront his older brother.
Sae's expression remains blank. He nudges the ball forward and then bursts out of the scrum like a pink flash, accelerating instantly.
Isagi Yoichi is stunned. He has seen this kind of light many times. It's a special color unique to geniuses; the six best players in the Blue Lock all possess it.
However, of all the people he's seen, the light from Tendou Kageyoshi and Sae Itoshi is the most dazzling.
Rin, of course, isn't going to just stand by. With a focused gaze, he unleashes his full speed to intercept, his eyes and brain working frantically. He watches and tries to read Sae's every move.
But...
"You're still so slow."
Sae finally speaks, and his first words make Rin's heart tremble. The former suddenly stops his forward charge, plants his foot on the ball, pulls it back while turning, and then taps the ball out to the right side. With that, a clean and sharp Zidane spin is complete. It's exactly like the one he performed on that snowy night.
But Rin has also improved compared to a few months ago. He doesn't panic and immediately attempts an interception. However, Sae simultaneously extends his hand to push him away.
"A chance to compete against the genius Sae Itoshi—this is a rare opportunity."
Just as Sae shakes off Rin, Jingo Raichi, the "pest" specialist, swoops in. His excellent spatial awareness allows him to anticipate Sae's next move.
Sae's expression still doesn't change. With a calm and composed demeanor, he seems to see no one in his path.
Tap, tap, tap, tap...
The ball quickly moves back and forth under his feet. While not as fast as Tendou's footwork, it has a captivating rhythm. Raichi can't see through it and doesn't dare to act rashly, afraid of being completely outmaneuvered. He's forced to retreat step by step.
Rin seizes the opportunity to rejoin the attack. Sae glances sideways and uses his heel to tap the ball back, sending it through Rin's legs. Then, he turns again, catches up to the ball, and sprints past. Rin, unable to stop his forward momentum, nearly collides with Raichi and loses his chance to defend.
"So strong!"
Raichi and Rin are both players Isagi respects. But in front of Sae Itoshi, they look like two toys. That perfect control, combining rhythmic changes with bodily movements, proves his experience in La Liga.
"He's our No. 2, and he was so easily shaken off?" Ryusei Shidou's eyes are sharp.
A scene like this is rare. Even players like Yo Hiori and Gin Gagamaru couldn't shake Rin off that easily. The only one in Blue Lock who can consistently get the better of him is Tendou.
"So, does that mean facing him is like facing another Tendou?"
He isn't the only one; the 60,000 spectators also gasp in amazement. This is the Sae Itoshi they came to see.
Tabito Karasu and Hyoma Chigiri step forward together.
"If it's another Tendou, one person won't be able to handle it."
Karasu is very pragmatic; he's not one to pretend. If he can't win alone, he'll work with a teammate.
But Sae is completely calm. He quickly surveys the field...
"The national youth team's offensive is becoming more aggressive."
"That's right, player Sae Itoshi has increased his time on the ball after the kickoff."
"He's already gotten past three players in a row."
"How will he handle the two-man trap?"
"He's passing! A very calm diagonal pass. He's found Sendou Shuto, who's bursting through the crowd!"
"A shot..."
"No! He's been tackled! Player Tendou has appeared at the last moment!"
"It's so despairing. For the national youth team, player Tendou is their Wall of Sighs!"
Whistle!
The referee blows his whistle.
Sendou Shuto falls to the ground dramatically after being tackled, holding his thighs and writhing in pain. The referee looks hesitant. Just as he's about to pull out a card, Tendou grabs Shidou and puts him back on the turf.
Shidou is stunned, then furiously pushes Tendou away. "Don't touch me!"
It's too humiliating. He feels like a baby chick.
Tendou just chuckles, spreads his hands to the referee, and says, "I think he could win an Oscar. His emotional switch from sadness to anger is definitely at the level of a top actor."
The referee can't help but laugh. "Your tackle was too rough. Be careful next time, or I'll have to give you a card."
Then, he says to Sendou Shuto, "Of course, I'll also be watching for diving."
What?!
Sendou Shuto realizes he's been tricked.
The audience in the real world all laugh. Predictably, Real Madrid and Barcelona fans start mocking each other in the comments. They've seen similar scenes in countless El Clásicos. They're all laughing as they watch the once-agonized Sendou Shuto shed his fake act, get back on his feet, and angrily push Tendou away.
Hmph, this kid must have been trained at Real Madrid or Barcelona's acting academy.
Sendou Shuto, of course, has no idea that he has just been collectively ridiculed by fans of both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Right now, he's in a terrible mood. He notices that Sae Itoshi is looking at him again.
Sae hasn't said a word, but Shidou feels deeply humiliated. He thinks Sae is mocking him. In fact, Shidou is not mistaken; Sae looks down on him.
"Defense, passing, and creating chances... if I have to do the final shot as well, then what's the point of you strikers existing?"
Sae looks at his teammates with a blank expression.
"You..."
"It's almost 30 minutes. I have fulfilled my part of the agreement; now it's your turn to keep yours."
His patience has reached its limit. If they won't get off the field, he will. What's the use of a striker who doesn't bring their scoring shoes?
...
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