Chapter 39: Team V's Strength
Beeep.
Back on the pitch. Team Z's ball.
Although everyone in Team Z was still stunned by Nagi's talent, now wasn't the time for admiration. The match was still ongoing, and the score was tied. All they could do now was continue executing yesterday's tactics.
Isagi knew every second from now on was crucial. After receiving the kickoff pass from Kira, he quickly organized the attack. Constant passing, movement, and support.
Kira was also actively looking for space in the final third, seeing if he could combine with Isagi for a brilliant play to answer that last goal.
Of course, Team V weren't fools either. Team V's three forwards, besides Nagi, Reo and Zantetsu constantly pressed forward, heavily disrupting the passing between Team Z players.
21st minute of the first half.
Finally, Isagi found Kunigami, who was left unmarked, and sent a long pass. Kunigami, understanding the intent, controlled the ball quickly and began his drive forward.
Kunigami's [Goal Formula] was a long-range shot from about 28 meters out. Gritting his teeth, he charged forward madly with the ball. He was getting closer and closer to his shooting range. As long as he reached that zone and took the shot, Kunigami was confident he would score.
10 meters!
6 meters!
3 meters!
About to enter his shooting range…
Suddenly.
Thump!
A loud noise came from under his feet. Kunigami's heart sank. He hadn't taken the shot. So that sound… could only mean he'd been tackled!
Reo's tackle!
Kunigami stumbled, almost flying into the air—an instinctive reaction after the tremendous force from the tackle. It was a perfect tackle that won the ball cleanly!
"Holy shit." Kira couldn't help but utter the expletive. 'This Reo's defense is also this excellent? The timing of his tackle is almost on par with Barou's from before.'
Thump!
Reo kicked the ball forward several meters and began sprinting. Kunigami, stumbling and unable to steady himself, turned to chase but couldn't even touch Reo's jersey.
"Stop right there, you bastard!" Kunigami couldn't hold back his anger and started sprinting.
"Yo, quite the explosive power. Those muscles aren't just for show…" Reo actually trash-talked back to Kunigami while dribbling forward.
This made Kunigami see red. Gritting his teeth, Kunigami actually increased his speed, gradually catching up to Reo.
At this moment, Reo showcased his talent. He showed no panic whatsoever and directly took a shot. A long pass while running at full speed?
Kunigami looked in surprise at the ball's trajectory. 'Is this guy's fundamentals this solid? The path isn't deviating much.'
"Stop him, Raichi! Igaguri!" Isagi shouted anxiously. It was the same long pass as before. If Nagi controlled the ball near the penalty area again, the goal would be in danger again.
Raichi and Igaguri clearly understood the danger of this ball. "Raichi, you go near the goal! I'll try to stop him first!" Igaguri unusually voiced his own idea.
In such situations, instead of both players double-teaming, it was better for one to press and the other to cover, allowing for more stable defense.
Raichi nodded. He never expected this Igaguri to have some sense at a critical moment. So he obediently positioned himself further back, ready to provide cover.
"This ball… it's even higher than the last one?" Igaguri looked up in shock, realizing the incoming ball was even higher than the previous pass. 'There's no way the opponent can receive this, right?' Igaguri couldn't imagine a scenario where this ball was controlled.
However, the next second… that very scenario unfolded before his eyes.
Seishiro Nagi, this time, actually chased the ball forward a few steps, then turned his back to the goal. He pushed off with both feet, his 190 cm frame leaping, his whole body leaning back in a backward arching motion!
As the instep of his right foot appeared high in the air, the football arrived perfectly!
Bicycle Kick!
The ball, struck by Nagi, accelerated! And slammed into Team Z's net.
Team V takes the lead, 2–1.
The Team Z players stood dazedly in place, not moving a muscle!
"Great!" Reo shouted from the distance!
Team V players began to cheer; this goal was way too cool.
In contrast, the Team Z players were utterly stunned.
'Is this guy even a high schooler? This kind of talent and ball feel? This is a goal you'd rarely see even in the top five leagues globally, right? Are we, Team Z, supposed to beat guys like this? How is that even possible?'
Inevitably, the Team Z players felt somewhat disheartened. After all, the talent gap was right there.
For the entire first half, Team Z had few real attacking chances. Kira, up front, had barely touched the ball. Their defense had been torn to shreds.
If they couldn't stop the opponent's attacks, even with a striker like Kira, they would lose this match.
"Dammit! That white-haired guy is so annoying! How does he have so many all sorts of tricks…" Raichi gnashed his teeth in anger.
"Namu-san… Maybe we should just play casually. We've already qualified anyway. Playing against this guy feels like it'll make us question our life choices…" Igaguri was ready to throw in the towel. 'What happened to the spirit of never giving up, monk?'
"Don't give up! We haven't used our 'weapon' yet…" Isagi said meaningfully, glancing towards Chigiri on the wing.
Igaguri and Raichi both nodded. 'Right! Their own genius hadn't even started yet!'
Beeep.
No time to dwell on the last conceded goal.
Isagi's mind continued analyzing. *As long as Chigiri tears open the flank, drawing defenders… Kira will definitely find the gaps. Team Z still has a chance to win!*
Thump.
Isagi Yoichi aimed for the wing and sent a pass. "Chigiri, it's up to you!" Igaguri shouted, hoarse.
"Leave it to me!"
Long hair flowing in the wind! Hyoma Chigiri launches!
"From now on, I'll use my speed to break this disadvantageous situation…"
Chigiri's feet seemed to sprout wings as he chased down Isagi's pass.
"A vertical pass. Watch the inside flank, intercept it! Zantetsu!" Reo saw through all of Isagi's intentions. Almost half a second later, he was already shouting from the side, conveying his instructions.
Chigiri suddenly felt a gust of wind behind him. 'Someone caught up? Impossible, right? He's faster than me?'
Chigiri couldn't believe it. But the fact was, a figure ran side-by-side with him for two seconds before instantly overtaking him. He reached the ball and controlled it first!
Kira, watching from afar, was inwardly shaken. 'It's been too long since I read the manga. I forgot how Team Z won this match… but Chigiri lost in a speed contest? How is that possible?'
Kira even began to doubt his memory. 'Did Team Z not win this match in the original? If even Chigiri was being suppressed, Kira would have to act ahead of schedule.'
After winning the ball, Zantetsu didn't hesitate for a moment, turning and passing. He was looking for their playmaker, Reo Mikage.
"You guys mark Nagi! I'll take Reo!"
Isagi moved out early. His intention had been seen through by Reo. 'This guy… he probably has vision no less than mine or Niko's. And even more terrifying, he's more well-rounded than Niko. His speed, dribbling, shooting are all top-class! Can I really stop him?'
Sweat beaded on Isagi's forehead, but he still met the challenge.
Just as Isagi thought he was about to face Reo in a one-on-one battle…
Reo instead played a lateral pass. The ball went to Zantetsu's feet on the right flank, who had followed up.
Crap!
Isagi Yoichi quickly turned his head, checking his teammates' positions. Everyone's attention was on Nagi. Zantetsu was completely unmarked.
----
For every 100 total Power Stones, I'll drop another +1 bonus chapter!
If you're enjoying the story and want to read future chapters early, just search "Demonic_Fiction" on "P4trƐon" (link in the synopsis)
I've just started a new fanfic called Marvel: Emissary of Death. Feel free to check it out on my profile, you might really like it.