Blue Lock - Conqueror!

The whistle blew sharply, signaling the start of the second half. Luna immediately sent the ball to Pablo with a casual yet calculated pass. The World 5, now trailing by two goals, had dropped their air of complacency. Their movements were sharper, their intentions clearer. This time, they weren't playing games. The weight of their pride as world-class players pressed heavily on their shoulders.

Meanwhile, Isagi's team huddled together in their half, their movements coordinated by an unspoken understanding. Isagi's plan was deceptively simple, yet brilliant in its execution. Each player had a clearly defined role, designed to maximize their strengths and challenge the World 5's dominance.

Reo Mikage was the linchpin, the orchestrator. His role as the playmaker meant that the game's tempo flowed through his decisions. Reo's sharp eyes scanned the field, assessing gaps, tracking the movements of both teammates and opponents. With him controlling the rhythm, Blue Lock's attacks gained structure and unpredictability.

On the left wing, Nagi Seishiro stood poised, his expression calm as ever. His task was to exploit the flank, cutting in with his otherworldly ball control to disrupt the opposing defense. Kurona Ranze, stationed nearby, had a unique role that had initially left him puzzled. Isagi had instructed him to "orbit" Nagi—an abstract directive that only made sense once the game began.

Kurona's movements mirrored the planets circling a star. He shifted around Nagi in tight, calculated arcs, constantly repositioning to create passing lanes and options. Whether it was a short one-two pass, a cross into the box, or a deceptive dummy run, Kurona's presence amplified Nagi's potential.

The synergy between them was undeniable. Kurona's tireless motion and spatial awareness complemented Nagi's effortless creativity, making it nearly impossible for defenders to predict their next move.

As Kurona adjusted to his role, his understanding deepened with every passing moment. The "planetary motion" around Nagi wasn't just a strategy—it was a rhythm. Each step was precise, each movement purposeful, creating a gravitational pull that drew defenders in and left gaps for others to exploit.

While Isagi and Rin played freely on the front to score.

Pablo, holding the ball just past the halfway line, scanned his options. Instead of driving forward into open space, he opted for a sharp, low pass to Adam on the right flank. Nagi, reading the play, lunged in an attempt to intercept it. But Adam, with his imposing frame and raw power, brushed Nagi aside with ease, maintaining possession as the ball settled under his control.

With the ball at his feet, Adam surged forward, his strides long and unrelenting as he closed in on the penalty area. Each step was forceful, his physique practically daring anyone to stop him. Kurona, tracking back, glanced at Adam's relentless approach. The sheer weight and momentum of Adam's charge made Kurona hesitate. He wisely backed off, knowing he'd risk injury or a futile challenge if he tried to engage directly.

Adam's pace quickened, his sheer presence enough to part defenders like waves before a ship. But standing in his path, unyielding, was Reo. Calm yet tense, Reo's sharp violet eyes locked onto Adam's form.

Adam barreled straight toward him, refusing to alter his course. His confidence in his physical dominance was evident in every stride. Reo seemed to falter for a split second, stepping aside to give Adam an open lane. A flicker of nervousness crossed his face, but it was all part of his trap. Adam, thinking Reo had crumbled under pressure, pressed forward without hesitation.

Suddenly, with a precision that mirrored Isagi's earlier play, Reo sprang into action. He extended his foot with careful timing, aiming for the ball in a delicate, calculated motion. The move was risky, requiring flawless ball control and unwavering focus.

Reo's foot connected with the ball, nudging it slightly. For an instant, the ball shifted out of Adam's path. But Adam, with his acute awareness and sheer athleticism, reacted instantly. He planted his foot firmly, stabilizing himself, and regained control in the blink of an eye.

Isagi, observing the sequence from just outside the box, broke into a sprint, angling himself to cut off Adam's next move. But Adam was already preparing his strike. His position was perfect—just within his ideal range.

Drawing his leg back, Adam unleashed a thunderous shot. The ball streaked through the air, a blur of power and precision. The goalkeeper dove, arms outstretched, but the shot was unstoppable.

The net rippled violently as the ball smashed into it, the sound echoing through the stadium.

The scoreboard shifted once more.

Blue Lock: 3 – World 5: 2.

Adam stood tall, his gaze cold and resolute. Despite Reo's valiant effort, it wasn't enough to halt the juggernaut. But Reo clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. This was far from over.

Reo had known this moment would come, yet as the reality unfolded before him, doubt still lingered in the back of his mind. Alongside Nagi and Kurona, he couldn't fully believe that victory against the World 5 was within their grasp. Sharing the field with those towering giants of skill and talent was an honor in itself—a chance to stand on the same stage as players who seemed to operate in a different dimension. Yet, as Reo watched Isagi hold his ground against these monstrous opponents, a faint sting of envy and frustration prickled at his chest. That same sting ignited a spark of determination. They couldn't just give up—not yet. They had to try.

Isagi had been blunt about the harsh reality of their situation. 

"Defending against these guys is near impossible" 

He'd said, his tone resolute yet realistic. There was no room for doubt in his voice, only an audacious plan: to pour everything into the attack. If they could score five goals before the World 5 could retaliate, they just might have a chance.

And now, with their team holding the lead, Reo found himself daring to hope. Isagi had been the key to their progress so far, scoring a brilliant hat trick that had brought them to this precarious advantage. Every move Isagi made seemed to defy logic, his ability to read the field and orchestrate plays elevating the team in ways Reo hadn't thought possible.

Reo's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Isagi, the fire in his eyes blazing like a beacon of hope. The odds were stacked against them, but Reo wanted to believe—no, he needed to believe—in the overwhelming talent of Isagi Yoichi. If anyone could defy the impossible and lead them to victory, it was him.

The kickoff began with Isagi, who calmly sent the ball back to Reo. The World 5 players, sharp as ever, quickly caught on to what was unfolding. Luna, in particular, read the situation and darted forward, leaving his position to close in on Reo, intent on cutting off his passing options.

However, Luna didn't lunge immediately. Instead, he moved strategically, shadowing Reo and blocking his passing routes with calculated precision. Reo, with a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, glanced ahead. Things were unfolding exactly as Isagi had predicted. Luna understood the play and was responding accordingly—but that was precisely what they had planned for.

Instead of passing, Reo did the unexpected. He began dribbling directly toward Luna, a bold move that caught the World 5 player off guard. Luna's confident demeanor faltered for a split second as he tried to process the deviation from his expectations.

Reo closed the distance, the ball seemingly glued to his feet. He attempted a few feints, trying to gauge Luna's reaction. But just as Luna inched dangerously close, ready to pounce, Reo made his move. With a deft tap, he nudged the ball to his left.

Luna's eyes widened in shock as he saw Kurona now in possession of the ball.

'Wha…? Wasn't this runt supposed to circle around that white-haired kid?'

Luna stood frozen for a moment, bewildered. He had been so certain he'd decoded Isagi's play—so sure he'd anticipated their every move. But it seemed he was wrong.

Meanwhile, Reo didn't pause to savor the moment. Moving past Luna, he linked up with Kurona, who performed a smooth one-two pass with him, their movements fluid and synchronized. They surged forward, leaving Luna behind.

For a brief moment, Luna watched their interplay, a sigh escaping his lips. Then, with determination rekindling in his eyes, he began his run, determined to chase them down.

Up ahead, Reo was faced with Adam, who stood firm, ready to defend. At the same time, Kurona found himself marked by Loki. Both players were fast, and Loki's primary focus was clear: neutralize Kurona's play at all costs.

The stage was set for the next move, and the tension crackled like electricity through the air.

Reo, however, appeared completely unfazed. His composure was unwavering as he feigned a run to the left, drawing Adam's attention. Predictably, Adam shifted slightly in response, biting on the feint. That momentary move was all Reo needed—a sliver of a gap, the exact opportunity he had been waiting for.

Reo seized the opening. Using the outside of his left foot, he struck the ball, sending it soaring into the air. The movement was effortless yet deliberate, the ball spinning as it arched into the sky with a graceful yet dangerous trajectory.

The stadium seemed to hold its breath as all eyes followed the ball's path. It wasn't just a random strike; the trajectory was intentional, a calculated move with a single, unmistakable target.

It was heading straight for Nagi.

Nagi sprinted forward, his movements fluid and purposeful as he made his way from the right wing. His sharp gaze locked onto Reo, who was in possession of the ball. Anticipating the opportunity, Nagi adjusted his run, angling toward the box at just the right moment.

Reo's pass soared through the air, precise and direct—a technique he had learned by carefully observing Isagi. It wasn't a pass steeped in layers of hidden complexity, as Isagi's often were, but rather a straightforward delivery with one clear objective: to reach its target. Despite lacking the enigmatic quality of Isagi's playmaking, Reo's execution was more refined than ever. It was better than his previous attempts, and for now, it was exactly what the team needed.

Everyone watching knew that Reo's ability to replicate was remarkable, but it had its limits. He could only mimic up to 99% of what he observed, and Isagi's moves often transcended 100%—imbued with the intangible spark of intuition and creativity. Still, for Reo to come this close was nothing short of extraordinary.

The ball descended toward Nagi, perfectly aligned with his run. As he approached, his focus never wavered. But just as he closed in, a formidable figure emerged to challenge him—Silva.

Silva, having been outmaneuvered once before by Nagi's impeccable first touch, was determined not to fall victim to the same trick twice. His sharp eyes tracked Nagi's every movement, his body poised and ready to intercept.

Nagi sprang into action, his body propelled upward in a desperate attempt to outmatch Silva. He knew this clash would be a grueling one—Silva's sheer physical prowess was overwhelming, his explosive leaps and raw strength on another level. But Nagi wasn't one to back down; if he was going to claim this moment, he'd have to earn it against a titan.

Silva, like a predator seizing its prey, launched himself skyward with unparalleled athleticism. His towering presence loomed over Nagi as his muscular frame powered through the air. Nagi strained every fiber of his being to contest the play, but Silva's dominance was absolute. With precision and force, Silva made contact first, his forehead striking the ball with a resounding thud that echoed through the field.

The ball soared downfield with purpose, and waiting to meet it was Pablo. He wasted no time, pivoting sharply to assess his next move.

But as he turned, Pablo's gaze locked onto a familiar figure—Isagi. Isagi had been shadowing the play, sprinting along the flank in anticipation of a pass that never came. Now, with the ball at Pablo's feet and Nagi neutralized, Isagi's steely eyes glinted with determination.

Pablo felt a surge of tension ripple through him. Isagi had been a relentless force all game, his performance nothing short of extraordinary. His precision shooting, tactical brilliance, and unyielding defense had left even the best players reeling. Luna—despite his flamboyant flair—had been dismantled in a manner that bordered on humiliation.

Yet, despite witnessing Isagi's brilliance firsthand, Pablo refused to fully accept it. How could someone so young, a mere high schooler, command such mastery over the game? 

It defied logic, and to Pablo, it felt easier to dismiss it as luck—an anomaly that would soon collapse under pressure. 

Pablo moved ahead but as he closed in on Isagi he felt chills, Isagi's form seemed to have improved from the last one he kept against Luna, It seemed much more resolute with no opening, His instinct screamed that the ball will get stolen once the distance between them is closed, Pablo instinctively struck the ball before reaching Isagi.

Isagi's calm focus noticed it but Pablo was a little further and even with his quick reaction, He couldn't stop the pass which went toward Loki.

Pablo didn't feel ashamed at running away from Isagi, He wasn't well gifted with physique and was more of a playmaker, Defenders were always on to him and his way to keep playing was his dribbling but in that movement, He knew he wasn't a match for Isagi in one-on-one, He wasn't chicken to not accept reality and although he passed in the instinct of fear of losing the ball, It didn't bother him as it was proper action against Isagi.

Pablo surged forward, his strides quick and purposeful as he approached Isagi. Yet, with every step, an unshakable unease crept into his chest. Isagi stood there, his posture unyielding, his eyes fixed and calculating. There was something about him—something sharper, more refined than the last time Pablo had seen him square off against Luna. His form exuded an aura of complete resolve, a presence so commanding it was suffocating.

As the distance between them closed, Pablo felt it—an instinctual warning that screamed in his mind. Every fiber of his being told him that if he dared to confront Isagi head-on, the ball would be ripped from his control. His dribbling, his sharp footwork—none of it seemed adequate against the steel wall that Isagi had become.

Panic wasn't something Pablo was accustomed to, but in this moment, his body moved before his pride could stop it. He struck the ball with force, sending it rocketing toward Loki before Isagi could pounce. The pass was precise, as it always was with Pablo, but the decision to make it wasn't born of strategy—it was born of fear.

Isagi's gaze didn't falter. His calm focus caught the sudden shift in movement, and his body reacted almost instantly. He lunged toward the ball, but the gap was too wide—Pablo had acted just in time. The pass sailed past Isagi's reach, curving toward Loki, who was already preparing to take control.

Pablo exhaled sharply, his chest heaving as he stood his ground. His thoughts raced, yet there was no shame in his heart. He wasn't delusional about his own abilities—he wasn't the strongest or the fastest, and his physique didn't grant him the luxuries some players enjoyed. What he did have was an undeniable skill as a playmaker, a knack for slipping through defenses and setting up his team.

This time, however, he had been forced to concede a battle before it had even begun. Isagi's presence had demanded nothing less. Pablo knew he wasn't a match for the high schooler in a one-on-one situation. It wasn't cowardice—it was pragmatism, an acceptance of reality.

'I didn't lose' 

Pablo thought, straightening his back as he watched Loki maneuver into position. 

'I acted. That's what matters.'

Though the instinct to avoid Isagi had stemmed from fear, it didn't feel like a failure. Instead, it felt like the right move, a calculated decision in the heat of the moment. And for Pablo, who thrived on turning instinct into opportunity, that was all that mattered.

Loki didn't waste a moment. The instant the ball was at his feet, he took off, his blistering speed turning the field into his personal playground.

As he closed in on the edge of the box, he spotted Luna making his move—a shadow at first, then a lightning-fast presence near the goal. Without hesitation, Loki delivered a perfect pass, threading it past Rin and Reo, who scrambled in vain to intercept.

Luna, already in position, greeted the ball with ferocity. His shot was a masterpiece of power and precision, slamming into the back of the net before Blue Lock's defenders could react. The stadium roared as the scoreboard shifted: 3-3.

The World 5 had equalized.

There was no celebration from them, no overconfidence. Instead, their expressions hardened with purpose. The playful arrogance they had showcased earlier was gone. They were taking this match seriously now, and their focus was clear. They had identified the linchpin of Blue Lock's team—the one they needed to neutralize: Isagi Yoichi.

From the sidelines, Isagi could feel their gaze, their collective intensity directed squarely at him. He knew what this meant. They recognized his potential, his ability to change the tide of the game. Yet, it was equally clear that they didn't see him as their equal—not yet.

'Not there yet' 

Isagi thought, clenching his fists. He could feel the gap, the immense divide between himself and these world-class players. But he also felt something else—something more profound. 

He was closing that gap.

Isagi's strength was in sheer athleticism, Playmaking and individual flair. But there was still a flaw—his understanding of the game's grander strategies wasn't fully developed.

The World 5 capitalized on this. Their experience and composure on the world stage made it easy for them to predict his moves, to outplay him in critical moments. Isagi wasn't there yet, but they could see it—the relentless climb he was making. It wasn't just potential; it was inevitability.

But for now, the game was theirs to control. The World 5 had decided: if Isagi wanted a taste of the world stage, they would give it to him—all of it, all at once.

The stakes had shifted entirely. For World 5, this was no longer about the prize money or a casual exhibition match. Their pride as professionals was on the line now. They were seniors, veterans of the sport, and losing because of underestimation or reckless play would be a blemish they couldn't afford.

Their focus sharpened. The respect they had initially withheld from the Blue Lock players was now directed toward Isagi Yoichi, the player who had forced them to take this game seriously. His vision, his adaptability, and his unrelenting drive were undeniable. They had to acknowledge his abilities and devise a way to neutralize him.

Among them, Luna felt this challenge most personally. Isagi had humiliated him earlier in the match, and the sting of that encounter lingered. His pride demanded retribution. As the game pressed on, Luna's grudge against Isagi burned brighter. He wanted another one-on-one with the young upstart—this time to crush him decisively.

Meanwhile, the ball was back in Blue Lock's possession. It was their kickoff, a critical moment with the score tied at 3-3. Isagi stood over the ball, his expression calm but intense. His eyes scanned the field, analyzing every position, every possibility. The last two attacks they had launched had crumbled under the World 5's relentless defense, and the professionals had countered with a goal of their own each time.

The pressure was suffocating, but Isagi thrived under it. His heart pounded not with fear but with excitement. This was where he wanted to be—at the center of the storm, with everything on the line.

He turned his head slightly to the left, his gaze meeting Nagi's. They didn't need words; the look they exchanged spoke volumes. A silent understanding passed between them—a play, a plan, a chance. Nagi nodded subtly, his normally laid-back demeanor replaced by a flicker of determination.

As the whistle blew, Isagi started the kickoff. He tapped the ball forward, sending it into the path of Kurona, who immediately darted forward. Kurona moved with purpose, weaving through the midfield with nimble footwork. His role in this play was clear, and he embraced it with full focus.

Luna, sensing the danger, surged ahead to block Kurona's advance. The tension crackled as the two players closed in on each other. But Kurona, quick and composed, didn't falter. With Luna's attention locked on him, Kurona delivered a sharp pass to the right.

The ball zipped through the air, bypassing Luna entirely. The recipient was waiting, poised, and ready: Rin Itoshi.

Rin darted forward, the ball at his feet, weaving past defenders with effortless grace. The field stretched wide in front of him, but a looming figure blocked his path—Adam, the towering powerhouse of the World 5. Adam didn't hesitate. He charged directly at Rin, his intent clear and forceful. For a brief moment, Rin hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing his usually sharp gaze. But then his peripheral vision caught Reo on the left, perfectly positioned for a quick one-two.

Yet, Rin's pride held him back. He didn't want to pass.

Defending, shooting, creating plays—Isagi was dominating the match. He had already scored a hat-trick, his every move drawing the attention of the World 5. Meanwhile, Rin had done nothing. No goals, no impact. It gnawed at him.

A fire ignited in Rin's chest. He wanted to make his mark, to remind himself and everyone else of his strengths. Fixing his gaze ahead, Rin focused on Adam. The man was a fortress, all power and precision. But Rin wouldn't back down.

He surged forward, charging directly at Adam. The sheer boldness of the move caught Adam off guard for a split second, his eyebrows raising in surprise. Seizing the moment, Rin angled his body and tried to slip the ball past Adam, using the defender's momentum against him.

But Adam was no amateur. His sharp eyes read Rin's movements, recognizing the faint tells in his posture. Predicting the play, Adam shifted swiftly, blocking Rin's path with an imposing presence. Rin, now cornered, had to act fast.

Desperation fueled him. With a fluid motion, he attempted a roulette, spinning around the ball in an elegant dance to evade Adam's charge. Yet Adam anticipated that too. His massive frame lunged forward, one hand reaching out to disrupt Rin's balance as his foot decisively struck the ball away.

The ball ricocheted loose, spinning wildly across the pitch.

But Isagi was ready. Positioned perfectly, as he had foreseen Rin's failure, he intercepted the ball with an effortless grace. Loki, the lightning-fast forward of the World 5, sprinted toward him, reading Isagi's intent and closing in.

'Damm It!'

Rin could only watch as Isagi took control of the game once again, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Isagi sprinted down the right flank, the ball glued to his feet with a precision that made even the seasoned World 5 players cautious. Loki was hot on his heels, relentless in his attempts to steal the ball. Yet, the battle between them lacked the dramatic edge of a clash of equals. Isagi's composure was unshakable, and his movements displayed an effortless control that kept Loki at bay. Every twist, turn, and subtle shift of weight felt like it had been meticulously planned, leaving Loki chasing shadows.

From the corner of his eye, Isagi noticed Adam breaking away from Rin to join the fray. The towering defender charged toward him, his presence a menacing force that could have unsettled anyone else. But Isagi's focus never wavered.

As Adam closed the gap, Isagi executed a move so seamless and instinctual it appeared almost casual. Without even glancing up, he flicked the ball delicately over Adam's head. The motion was fluid, precise, and executed with a confidence that left Adam momentarily stunned.

Isagi's play was entirely his own—unreadable, spontaneous, and impossible to counter. Adam, who had read Rin's earlier attempts like an open book, now found himself caught off guard, unable to anticipate Isagi's next move.

The ball arched gracefully over Adam, using the defender himself as a makeshift barrier to keep Loki from closing the gap. As the ball descended, Isagi dashed forward, leaving both Adam and Loki trailing behind. The space he created for himself was the reward of his quick thinking and adaptability.

Now free from immediate pressure, Isagi shifted his focus toward the goal. Positioned on the right wing with a clear view of the box, he readied himself. The crowd held their breath as he wound up for the strike.

With precise timing and an unerring sense of direction, Isagi struck the ball cleanly. The sound of the impact echoed across the pitch, a sharp crack of intent. The ball soared toward the box, spinning and slicing through the air like a guided missile, every movement calculated to create an opportunity for the Striker he was chosen for now.

The pass was for Nagi. Isagi's powerful delivery sliced through the air like a bullet, carrying an intensity that demanded immediate attention. Silva and Pablo, caught sight of the ball. But the sheer velocity Isagi had imparted left them with only split seconds to react.

Silva moved first, his instincts driving him to action. While Pablo focused on tracking the ball's trajectory to position himself, Silva sprinted toward Nagi, reading the unfolding play. He knew he couldn't intercept the pass—it was too precise, too fast. Instead, Silva gambled on intercepting the ball after Nagi's touch, aiming to cut off any chance for the Blue Lock forward to follow through.

With all his speed and determination, Silva closed in on Nagi from the right, his body coiled like a spring ready to pounce.

Nagi, in stark contrast, was calm—a picture of unshakable focus. His demeanor, usually nonchalant, had shifted to something far more serious. His sharp eyes locked onto the incoming ball, calculating its speed, angle, and spin in an instant.

'I can do that.'

As the ball approached, Nagi made his move. With a fluid leap, he twisted his body mid-air and extended his left leg behind him. The heel of his left foot met the ball in a perfect touch, redirecting it toward his left side with a delicate control that seemed almost effortless.

Silva, charging in at full tilt from Nagi's left, was caught off guard. He had anticipated a touch that would keep the ball in Nagi's path, not one that would deflect it into an entirely different direction. His momentum became his enemy. Unable to stop or pivot quickly enough, Silva stumbled past Nagi, his outstretched leg swiping at empty air as the ball rolled clear of his grasp.

Now free and with the ball securely at his feet, Nagi didn't hesitate. With a single decisive motion, he struck the ball with precision and power. The sound of the strike was crisp and reverberated across the pitch.

The ball rocketed toward the goal, evading Pablo's desperate attempt to block and bypassing the goalkeeper with a blur of motion. It smashed into the back of the net, the ripple of the netting signaling a moment of triumph.

A roar erupted from Reo and Kurona as the scoreboard changed: 4-3.

Nagi, stoic as ever, allowed himself the faintest of smiles as his teammates swarmed him in celebration. Blue Lock had taken the lead.

All they needed now was one more goal to secure the win. The pressure mounted, but the team's spirits soared. Victory was within their grasp.

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[A/N]: What do you think of the Match guys?