Blue Lock: Phantom Striker

The echoes of their hard-fought victory against Team V still lingered in the air, but there was no time to relax. Team Z had one more challenge left in the First Selection-Team Y.

Though not as fearsome as Team V, Team Y was still a formidable opponent. They had sharp defensive coordination, a goalkeeper with excellent reflexes, and a counterattack-based strategy that had proven lethal against weaker teams. But for Team Z, there was no turning back now.

The match kicked off with Team Z immediately asserting dominance over possession. Bachira, with his dazzling dribbles, danced through the midfield, creating space. Kunigami stood like a wall, holding off defenders, while Chigiri's presence on the wing constantly threatened Team Y's backline.

And Isagi?

He was hunting.

Every pass, every movement, he analyzed everything, looking for his moment to strike.

Despite their control over the game, Team Z struggled to find the breakthrough. Team Y's defenders were compact, forming a rigid block that refused to let any easy shots slip through.

But Isagi had already seen the flaw in their formation.

They were predictable.

If they were banking on shutting down direct attacks, then he would create a new route.

In the 31st minute, he made his move.

Kunigami received a pass from Imamura and took a step forward. At the same time, Isagi sprinted toward the right flank, drawing his marker with him.

Then, without warning, he cut inside.

Kunigami read the movement instantly and flicked the ball forward. Isagi, now free of his marker, met the ball at the edge of the penalty area.

With a single touch, he adjusted his angle and then fired a curving shot into the bottom-left corner.

The goalkeeper dived.

Too late.

GOAL!

Team Z erupted in celebration as the scoreboard changed... 1-0.

Team Y attempted to strike back, but Team Z's defense held strong. Igarashi and Gagamaru worked tirelessly to shut down any aerial threats, while Raichi's aggressive marking kept their midfield from controlling the game.

Then, in the second half... Chigiri finished them off.

In the 63rd minute, Team Y made the mistake of pushing too many players forward. Their fullbacks had crept up, leaving space on the wings.

Isagi saw it instantly.

The moment he intercepted a loose pass, he sent a long ball forward, straight into the open field where Chigiri was waiting.

With his blinding speed, Chigiri was gone before Team Y even realized what had happened.

One touch.

Two.

Then, with a powerful strike, he buried the ball into the top corner.

2-0.

The match was over.

With their victory over Team Y, Team Z finished at the top of the table. Out of five teams, they stood above everyone, proving that their growth was no fluke.

As they walked off the pitch, exhausted but victorious, a familiar voice greeted them.

"Congratulations, you failures who managed to not fail."

Ego's usual smug tone filled the room as he addressed them through the monitor.

"Now that the First Selection has concluded, allow me to give you some parting wisdom. Training, practice, and competition are vital. But so is rest. Even the best machines break down without proper maintenance. So, for the next week, you're free to leave Blue Lock. But remember, when you return, the Second Selection awaits. And it will be unforgiving."

The players exchanged glances. A week of rest? It felt strange after the brutal training they had endured. But none of them would complain.

Then, Ego dropped the final announcement.

"Now, let's talk about rewards. The top scorer in each stratum will receive ¥300,000. And the top scorer for this stratum is..."

A pause.

Then, Isagi's name appeared on the screen.

The room fell silent for a moment.

Then, cheers erupted.

Bachira grinned, clapping Isagi on the back. "Yo, you're rich now!"

Kunigami smirked. "Better spend it wisely."

Chigiri gave a small nod of approval. "Not bad."

Isagi, still processing the announcement, simply stared at the screen.

"Me...? The top scorer?"

He clenched his fists.

This was proof. Proof that his evolution wasn't an illusion. He had climbed to the top, even among his own teammates.

And he wasn't done yet.

With his ¥300,000 prize in hand, Isagi left the Blue Lock facility for the first time in weeks. The world outside felt almost... foreign. The air was fresher, the streets busier, and the people moved without the weight of survival hanging over their heads.

After taking a train back home, he found himself standing in front of a small yet familiar shop.

And there, in front of it, a young girl stood, her small hands gripping a box full of handmade keychains.

She called out to passing pedestrians, her voice bright yet timid. "Handmade keychains! Please take a look!"

But few people paid her any attention. Some walked past without a glance, while others merely gave her a pitying smile before moving on.

Isagi felt his heart tighten.

She was still trying, even after all this time.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward.

The girl turned at the sound of his footsteps.

For a moment, she blinked.

Then, her eyes widened.

Tears welled up almost instantly as she dropped the box and sprinted toward him.

"Onii-chan!!!"

She crashed into his chest, hugging him tightly.

Isagi smiled softly, resting a hand on her head.

"Miko… I'm home."