Isagi stood at midfield with his foot on the ball, staring at Ryan Hoshino's utterly calm expression, a face so composed it looked like nothing in the world could shake him.
Completely different from his usual unserious, playful self.
He really feels different from usual…
So this is what he's like when he's serious?
As expected… he's insanely strong.
Facing this kind of Ryan… we're definitely going to lose, right?
We'll be completely crushed by him… without mercy.
"They're really amazing…
I guess that's why they're ranked so high.
But… why am I getting more excited instead…?"
A green flame ignited within Isagi's pupils.
Under such overwhelming pressure, he felt no discouragement
only pure exhilaration, enough to curl his lips into a smile.
This is the kind of challenge I want.
Only like this can I keep evolving.
I'll devour you, Ryan.
The one who becomes the world's No.1 striker… will be me.
Bachira was influenced by Isagi's change, flames rising in his own eyes.
"Exactly! It's because we can't beat Ryan that it's worth trying!"
"Yeah… soccer really is fun," Kunigami agreed, his always-calm eyes now rippling with movement, a black flame burning within pure fighting spirit.
"I feel kinda left out…
Why are all of you getting so pumped up?
But seeing you guys like this… I guess I can't just let myself fall behind."
Nagi watched his teammates grow more excited instead of discouraged after conceding two goals.
Meanwhile, he alone stayed the same
which only made him feel more out of place.
On the White Team, they weren't getting cocky despite being two points up.
"Hoh? So they got fired up instead?
Not that it matters," Aryu said, still full of self-admiration.
"Because the brightest person on this field… is moi."
"Aryu, get back to your position! We're about to restart!"
Chigiri scolded sharply.
"Feels like Chigiri's gone from spoiled princess to naggy mom…"
Kunigami commented.
Back when he first joined Team Z, Chigiri acted entirely on his mood, a willful young lady type.
But after meeting someone even more willful and free-spirited
Ryan Hoshino
He gradually turned into a mom-type caretaker.
It wasn't obvious at first, but after they formed the three-man unit, the change became more and more noticeable.
Chigiri sighed helplessly.
"What choice do I have?
One teammate's a narcissist, one's a muscle-brained oaf, and one's the most irresponsible, childish idiot imaginable no, worse than a kid.
If no one steps up, this team would've collapsed already."
"Who're you calling a muscle-brained oaf?
I might visit the gym often, but it's not like I go all the ti "
Kunigami stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing how nonsensical he sounded.
Chigiri facepalmed.
Looks like Kunigami really had been training too much.
At the front, Ryan uncharacteristically said nothing.
He simply stood there silently.
Chigiri looked at him, worry replacing any relief.
Ryan wasn't acting "normal"
he was acting inhuman.
How to describe it…?
He looked more and more like a god.
No emotion.
No expression.
Eyes focused solely on the ball.
But Chigiri thought calling him a god was too generous.
Ryan still slacked off whenever he wanted.
His defense depended entirely on his mood
sometimes he'd protect the goal spectacularly, saving them at the last second,
but how they even ended up in danger before that…
was better not asked.
Red Team kick-off.
After Isagi passed the ball to Nagi, his brain began operating at full speed.
We can't beat them in individual battles.
Kunigami's insane jumping ability was locking down Otoya's movement.
Bachira was being chased by Chigiri
even if he got past him, Chigiri's speed would immediately catch up.
Nagi was being man-marked by Kunigami's brute strength.
Even his signature shielding moves were useless
Kunigami would just break through Nagi's arm control with raw force.
Ryan's defense was mood-based.
If he wanted to defend, Isagi had no chance.
So Isagi could only bet Ryan wouldn't bother.
If Ryan didn't care
Isagi would be unmarked.
That was their chance.
To avoid isolation, they needed to stay within 15 meters of each other,
forming a moving triangle to break the White Team's defense.
Nagi as the pivot.
Using passing to guide their triangle shape toward the goal.
Meanwhile Isagi roamed outside, ready to pounce.
But
No one could hold the ball for more than a moment.
Every player could only touch it once.
Otoya, Bachira, and Nagi followed the plan.
With sharp passes, they advanced the ball toward the penalty box.
"Be careful," Chigiri warned.
"They're getting into form."
"I'll stylishly stop them," Aryu replied.
Bachira passed to Otoya.
Everyone thought Otoya would take the shot
but he instead sent the ball into the open space before the goal.
It's Isagi.
Isagi burst forward toward the ball.
Just as I predicted.
Kunigami's marking makes shooting difficult,
so Otoya would pass to the open space.
And that open space
that's for me to score from.
I saw it all
"Is that all you've got?
I thought you'd show me something interesting.
Turns out you're mediocre, Isagi.
Your eyes are garbage.
Go back and train them properly."
Isagi's pupils quaked.
Because right in front of him
Ryan Hoshino stood there.
"RYAN!?
No way
When did he get here!?
He's standing exactly on my scoring point
The scent of a goal…
It's gone…"
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