Blue Lock: Somehow Igarashi did better than me

We stepped onto the pitch for the second half. Ready to extend our lead further. Team Y walked onto the pitch with a fire in them. They've not given up, it seems. I can see the looks on their faces. Especially on the trio. Even Tokimitsu looked fired up, his face set in a determined expression.

Team Y restarted the second half. The change was noticeable. They weren't fighting each other for the ball anymore. Yukimiya, Nanase and Tokimitsu formed an attacking trio to complete Team Y's 4-3-3 formation.

They formed a triangle passing formation to break through our defense. They attacked on the right flank, to avoid me.

Their precise, lethal passes threaded through empty spaces as they aimed to recreate the first goal, with Tokimitsu in the box and Nanase ready to cross.

I wasn't letting that slide—I stole the ball from Nanase just before his cross.

The priceless expression on Nanase's face was one of surprise. He never saw me coming. 

With the ball now at my feet, I started my run towards the halfway line. Following that, two players from Team Y came towards me, teaming up to stall me while the other players made progress.

Their lousy defending was for naught, however, as I slipped past them. I continued my run and was 30 meters away from the goal.

That's good enough.

[Skill activated: Fa Jin]

[Stats updated:]

SHO: S

I fired a powerful shot that flew beyond the goalkeeper's reach and into the goal.

GOAL!!

Team V - 4

Team Y - 1

I walked back to my position. I noticed the Team Y players had their spirits shattered. Their expression showed a mix of frustration and despair. All except for one, Yukimiya Kenyu. His expression was defiant. Rejecting the undeniable truth in front of him. 

I walked my way over to him. He noticed my approach and tried to cool his features. "Don't bother trying to hide your expressions. I saw them."

His eyes held a fiery passion. "I like that look. That look of rebellion. Defiance. That look that says 'I can still keep fighting'."

"In a shonen anime, you would be the main character who passionately preaches about the strength of friendship. Let's confront the truth."

I leaned closer to him. Our eyes met in a clash of wills. "You're not strong enough. In this world, only the strong decides."

"Keep that in mind, pretty boy. Quit while you're ahead—try modeling instead." I said as I walked away from him.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was the 65th minute of the match and Team Y was only passing in their own half. Most likely want to avoid the goal difference being any wider. I sent a couple of our players to steal the ball, but so far, no dice.

During that lull in play. Yukimiya received the ball. He was silent after what I said, but he seems to have found a revelation. 

He attacked with newfound ferocity, dribbling with renewed energy.

Before, he dribbled like a bird trapped in a room; now, he soars freely, wings spread for the first time.

Yukimiya dribbled past our defenders easily. He didn't even consider passing to any of his teammates. He was trying a solo run. And what a run it was. He was letting his creativity flow like a gushing river. 

Tsunzaki came in front of him, "Don't think I'm going to let you pass that easily!"

Yukimiya responded by lifting the ball and tapping it on the ground. Causing it to bounce just out of each over Tsunzaki. With that, Yukimiya got past our brawniest player. Just outside of the penalty box, Yukimiya unleashed his signature shot in the manga, 'The Gyro Shot'.

The keeper had no chance of saving that and it cleanly went into the back of the net.

GOAL!!

Team V - 4

Team Y - 2

For the first time in this match. Team Y had their hopes rekindled. All thanks to the brilliance of Yukimiya.

Yukimiya walked over to me, looked me straight in the eyes. "I'm plenty strong!"

With that, he walked away. I chuckled—Yukimiya's growing earlier than the canon. Wonder what happens next.

Tsunzaki approached me. "You could've helped with the defence, you know."

I gave him a shrug. "Didn't want to ruin someone's fiery streak. Besides, that's all the goals they get today."

Tsunzaki raised his eyebrows at me, and I gave him a mischievous grin, not providing him more answers.

We restarted the game, and Yukimiya's goal fired up Team Y. They pressed higher, forcing errors and triple-marking me.

This went on for a while—Team Y pressing high, Team V holding back. Then, I jumped into the action.

[Skill activated: One For All]

[Stats updated:]

STR: A

AGI: A

SHO: S

SPE: S

VIS: A

END: S

I broke free from my man-marking, and I received a pass from the fullback. With my enhanced stats, I started zig-zagging through the space in Team Y's defence. My superior speed once again left all the players grabbing air.

I unleashed a shot that sailed into the back of the net without issue.

GOAL!!

Team V - 5

Team Y - 2

After my fifth goal, Team Y dropped their high pressing and went docile again. Except for Yukimiya, of course. He tried to recreate his solo run again, but I was there to stop him each time. Effectively shutting him down.

Due to them being docile, I was able to score one more goal in getting a double hat-trick.

Then, the full-time whistle was blown.

Team V celebrated their first victory in the selection. I looked over at Team Y, and their faces were sullen and downcast. I noticed Yukimiya staring at me. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he refrained. Probably remembering my words to him.

Sure, he proved he could score alone, but he couldn't replicate it. True strength means doing that and more, overcoming any obstacle—that's what I believe strength is. Using the tools and skills to win.

Oh well, I'm just talking out of my ass. But hey, when you're strong, people eat your shit up.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We were in the locker rooms after the match ended. My teammates were celebrating still. Their confidence in passing this selection assured. Can't wait to see what happens to them at the second selection. Or not see them.

Though Tsunzaki seemed less than pleased. He was smiling, but I can see frustration in his body posture. 

[Post-Match Analysis]

Goals: 6

Interceptions: 2

Stamina Management: A

Decision Making: C

Overall Performance: B+

[Performance Reward: Skill Box]

Wait a minute, my decision making is C? But why though. I rubbed my chin in thought. Was it because I just let Team Y score 2 goals? Was that it? Man, if I'd have known, I would've stopped them. Guess I can't be lazy anymore.

Damn, the C evaluation stings though. At least I get a new skill. I watched as the animation plays before revealing my new skill.

[Congratulations to the host for receiving the 'Smokescreen' skill]

Smokescreen (Lv.1): Disappear in the chaos, reappear in control!

(Opponents within 5 meters lose track of you for 3 seconds.) [Cooldown: 2 minutes]

Hot diggity damn. This can help like crazy when I'm being marked. Although I can just break with pure physical force and skill, being a ninja can be way cool.

This is just the beginning. My excitement for what the future brings bubbling inside me.

{Authors Note}

Heyo people, back at it again with another chapter. I tried to dig into the essence of Blue Lock cringe. Let me know what ya'll think and leave a review. Ciao~