Chapter 40: Chapter 40 : Calculated Chaos: A Symphony of Rivalry
The intercom buzzed sharply, its sound echoing off the walls of the vast, sterile Blue Lock facility.
The first match of the Second Selection 4th Stage was about to begin.
Team Red was the first to emerge. Isagi Yoichi led the way, his focused expression framed by the stark lighting of the facility. Following closely were his teammates: Kurona, light on his feet and ready to outpace anyone; Nagi, appearing as relaxed as ever despite the pressure; and Rin, his piercing eyes locked on the field ahead, exuding a cold intensity that set the tone for their side.
Just as they took their positions, Team White strode onto the pitch. At the forefront was Bachira, his ever-playful grin a stark contrast to the quiet tension surrounding the match. Behind him were Reo, his calculating gaze fixed on Isagi with an edge of determination; Barou, the self-proclaimed "King," radiating authority and disdain in equal measure; and Shidou, brimming with restless energy, as if barely able to contain the chaos within him.
Both teams moved into position. Team White kicked off, with Reo smoothly sending the ball to Bachira before darting forward to create space.
"Let's go, Monster!"
Bachira called, his voice light-hearted as he took control of the ball and drifted down the wing.
Bachira's movements were fluid and free, almost childlike in their joy. But his sharp intent couldn't be missed as Nagi stepped forward to confront him.
"Aha, long time no see"
Bachira teased, pausing briefly with the ball at his feet.
"Same here"
Nagi replied, his tone calm yet firm. Though he appeared indifferent, his body was already positioned to counter Bachira's unpredictable dribbling.
What followed was a battle of skill. Bachira unleashed a series of dazzling feints and footwork, his creativity flowing unhindered. But Nagi's improved defensive instincts, honed through relentless training with Isagi, allowed him to hold his ground.
Bachira's grin only grew wider as he danced through Nagi's defensive efforts. With a final flourish, he unleashed a sharp elastico that slipped the ball past Nagi. The move left Nagi momentarily off-balance, allowing Bachira to surge forward and reclaim the ball with ease.
Once the ball was securely in his possession, Bachira's sharp eyes scanned the field. Spotting Shidou in position, he sent a perfectly weighted pass into his path.
Shidou, already sprinting at full tilt, locked onto the ball's trajectory. He loved plays like these—unpredictable and electric—and Bachira's creative flair only added to his excitement. As the ball soared toward him, Shidou pushed his pace even further, his focus razor-sharp.
Rin wasn't far behind, matching Shidou's run stride for stride. His intention was clear: to intercept the play before Shidou could turn it into something dangerous. As the ball arched downward, Rin made his move.
The ball was high, forcing Shidou to leap for it. Rin followed suit, launching himself into the air to block the ball's trajectory. But Shidou had anticipated this. In mid-air, with an almost acrobatic grace, he flicked the ball with his left foot, narrowly avoiding Rin's outstretched leg.
Before Rin could react, Shidou adjusted his body mid-flight, striking the ball cleanly with his right foot. The shot was powerful and precise, streaking toward the top-right corner of the goal.
Shidou's skills were on full display—his uncanny awareness inside the penalty box, his flexibility, and his sheer physical prowess combined to create a play that left Rin stunned. This wasn't something Rin had imagined facing, and it left him a step behind.
The ball raced toward the net, seemingly unstoppable. But just as it approached its target, another figure intervened.
An outstretched leg deflected the shot, sending the ball veering away from the goal. It was Isagi.
Isagi's timing was impeccable, his movement swift and calculated. Not only had he blocked Shidou's powerful shot, but he had also redirected the ball with precision, sending it toward Nagi in a controlled pass that neutralized the shot's force.
"C'mon, Rin"
Isagi taunted, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Can't you do better?"
Rin's jaw clenched as he landed, his frustration evident. He didn't respond, but the intensity in his gaze spoke volumes.
Shidou, landing a moment later, stood in disbelief. He was certain there had been no one close enough to intervene when he took the shot, yet Isagi had appeared out of nowhere to deny him.
From the sidelines, Bachira's laughter rang out.
"Told ya, didn't I?"
He called, his tone teasing but impressed.
Shidou's surprise quickly turned into a grin, his excitement undiminished.
"Not bad"
He muttered, his competitive spirit flaring.
"Let's see if you can keep up."
Isagi quickly retreated, repositioning himself as the ball moved to Nagi, while Shidou's eyes remained locked on him. The match was heating up, and every player on the field was ready to push their limits.
Nagi surged forward with the ball, his every movement precise yet almost effortless, like a predator stalking its prey. Bachira stood in his path, his golden eyes sharp and calculating, but Nagi was already planning his next move. With a sudden burst of acceleration, he made a diagonal run, veering toward the center of the field. The fluidity of his motion drew gasps from the spectators.
Isagi and Rin were not far behind, their feet pounding the turf at full speed. Their presence loomed like shadows at Nagi's flanks, ready to intercept or support—whichever opportunity arose first. Both were hungry for the goal, their determination burning brighter with every step.
As Nagi's run cut through the defense like a blade, Bachira had no choice but to follow, his focus entirely on stopping the prodigious forward. But in doing so, Bachira inadvertently opened the path for another confrontation.
Waiting just ahead, Reo.
"Not even a hello after all this time, Nagi?"
Reo's voice sliced through the air, dripping with bitterness.
Nagi didn't answer immediately, his gaze locked on the ball as he adjusted his approach.
Reo's expression twisted with a complex blend of resentment and determination as he surged toward Nagi, his every step a declaration of defiance. He wasn't just trying to stop Nagi; he was making a statement.
The tension between them was almost palpable, a silent conversation unfolding in their gazes. Reo's mind raced, the bitterness in his chest flaring up again. Nagi had left him—abandoned their partnership without a word—to team up with Isagi. Reo understood why. He'd seen firsthand the brilliance of Isagi's passing, how it could unlock Nagi's full potential on the field.
And yet, the sting of being left behind couldn't be ignored.
As much as it hurt, Reo's admiration for Nagi remained. Watching Nagi thrive alongside Isagi had fueled his resolve. If Isagi's passes could make Nagi shine brighter, then Reo would surpass him. He would sharpen his own skills until his passes outclassed Isagi's, and he would reclaim the partnership that once defined them.
But now wasn't the time for reflection. Reo's focus sharpened. Nagi was coming at him full force, and he wouldn't back down.
But Nagi didn't share Reo's perspective. His thoughts were elsewhere, rooted in the sting of his recent failures. In the last match—when he, Isagi, and Kurona faced Rin's team—he hadn't been able to make much of an impact. His presence on the field had felt muted, overshadowed by his teammates' brilliance. When he wasn't shining in key positions, Isagi had stopped passing to him altogether.
That memory burned in his mind now. He wasn't just here to play; he was here to improve himself, to demand his evolution as a Striker.
Nagi took a calculated risk. With a flourish, he made a flair pass, his movements deceptively smooth yet audacious. The ball spun through the air, arching toward the open space on his left—the gap Bachira had left in his wake.
Isagi was already there, gliding into position like a phantom. The pass connected seamlessly, and with his signature finesse, Isagi received it gracefully. But no sooner had the ball landed at his feet than a thunderous challenge came crashing in.
Barou.
The tackle was aggressive, almost desperate, but Isagi reacted with instinctive precision. He flicked the ball high, avoiding the oncoming force without so much as a glance. It was as if he had eyes in the back of his head.
Barou skidded past, momentarily brought to the ground by the momentum of his own attack. Fury ignited in his eyes as he scrambled back to his feet, the fire of rivalry blazing hotter than ever.
Barou's animosity toward Isagi ran deep. It was personal. The first selection match against him had left wounds that hadn't healed. Barou, the self-proclaimed "king," had been a prolific scorer, yet he had failed to impose himself against Isagi. Time and again, Isagi had outmaneuvered him, stolen possession, and even humiliated him by replicating Barou's signature scoring style in the most mocking display of mimicry.
To Barou, Isagi was an affront to everything he stood for—a challenger who had stripped away the veneer of his supposed invincibility.
And now, Barou had a chance to reclaim his throne.
Isagi, however, remained unfazed. With Barou chasing after him like a relentless storm, his focus stayed razor-sharp. To his right, Rin was tangled in a battle of wits and reflexes with Shidou. A little further from Rin, Nagi was still marked by the persistent Bachira. Kurona, on the right wing, had slipped through the chaos, waiting in the open, his presence unnoticed by most—except Reo, who now bore down on him like a shadow.
Isagi had options, but instead of playing it safe, he chose to challenge the defense head-on. His right foot sliced through the air, the outside of his boot striking the ball with precision. The pass was sharp, cutting across the field like a dagger as it veered toward Rin.
Shidou, ever the opportunist, anticipated the move and surged forward, trying to intercept. But Isagi's pass had just enough weight to slip past him, reaching Rin behind his advance. The ball's trajectory, however, forced Rin to adjust his momentum. As he steadied himself, the pieces of Isagi's plan began to fall into place in Rin's mind.
Without hesitation, Rin returned the ball to Isagi, a crisp pass that kept the pace of the game alive. Isagi immediately sent it back, threading it with pinpoint accuracy to position Rin in a prime spot for a shot.
But Shidou, with his exceptional speed, was relentless, sticking to Rin like a second shadow. Behind them, Barou closed in on Isagi, his presence looming like a storm.
The pressure didn't faze Rin. Scanning Shidou's movements, he found a gap in the defender's posture—a split-second opening. With a quick adjustment, Rin unleashed a powerful shot aimed for the top-right corner of the net. It was an ambitious strike, taken from a distance, but well within Rin's range and skill.
"Not anytime soon, No. 2!"
Shidou reacted with startling speed, hurling himself into the ball's path just as it soared toward the goal. His unconventional athleticism and explosive agility made the deflection look effortless, the ball ricocheting off his outstretched leg.
"Annoying pest!"
Rin spat, frustration flashing across his face.
He hadn't anticipated such a rapid response. Rin prided himself on his precision and timing, yet Shidou had managed to counter his shot almost instinctively. As the realization sank in, Rin's gaze narrowed, analyzing Shidou's movements with newfound clarity.
It wasn't just speed. Shidou's skills stemmed from something deeper—his bizarre, almost inhuman body mechanics. His flexibility, reaction time, and explosiveness allowed him to pull off feats that seemed impossible for others.
Rin clenched his teeth, his competitive fire reigniting. If Shidou thought he could keep him down, he was sorely mistaken. The game was far from over.
Amid the chaos, the ball, which had been deflected into the air, landed gracefully at Bachira's feet. Positioned right behind Nagi, Bachira's first touch was immaculate, sending the ball forward as he began a dazzling run toward the goal.
Nagi, who had been trailing Bachira, recognized the danger but found himself out of position. Most of the players had shifted into attacking roles, leaving their defensive structure vulnerable. If Bachira continued his run unchallenged, he could score with ease.
Bachira, however, was no fool. As he advanced, he noticed Kurona rapidly closing in with blistering speed, a potential threat to his progress. His peripheral vision also caught Rin, who was retreating at an alarming pace, his instincts sharp and predatory.
With a sly grin, Bachira made his decision. Using a backheel flick, he sent the ball into the space behind him—a tight gap between Nagi, who was closing in from behind, and Kurona, who was now on his left. It was a bold pass, aimed at exploiting the unguarded pocket of space.
The ball slipped through as if it had eyes of its own, threading perfectly past Nagi and Kurona. Both players reacted instantly, but their attempts to intercept failed. Kurona's quick turn was impressive, but it wasn't enough to stop the pass.
The pass was going for Reo who had been at the back.
Their movements shifted in an instant. With just a glance, Nagi and Kurona adjusted their positions. Nagi charged toward Reo, who had positioned himself to receive the ball, while Kurona sprinted to mark Bachira, now shifting toward the left wing.
Elsewhere on the field, Shidou and Barou were both pushing hard toward the goal. Rin stayed glued to Shidou, his every movement mirroring the striker's unpredictability. Barou, on the other hand, found himself locked in a physical battle with Isagi.
Isagi's growth had been a marvel to everyone watching. His physicality—lean yet deceptively strong—had become a significant weapon. Despite his seemingly wiry frame, Isagi could hold his own against powerhouses like Barou and Shidou, a feat that baffled even Ego and Anri. His rapid development in strength and resilience had elevated him to a level that few could rival, making him an indispensable player in any confrontation.
Meanwhile, Reo's mind was working at lightning speed. He assessed the field, quickly analyzing his options. Bachira was a rare breed—an unpredictable team player who blended creativity with a sharp eye for goal. If given the opportunity, he wouldn't hesitate to score. Barou, in contrast, was utterly selfish, unlikely to pass the ball even in an ideal situation. Shidou, while capable of passing, only did so under conditions that suited his ego or strategy.
Reo calculated the risks and decided to play it safe. His plan was simple yet effective: send the ball to Bachira, who was making an aggressive run down the left wing. This would allow Shidou to take the forward position, while Barou held the right wing. The formation of their team was shifting dynamically, evolving with the flow of the game.
Both sides were adapting rapidly, their formations reshaping as if guided by an invisible hand. Every player moved instinctively, finding positions that maximized their chances while countering their opponents. The match had turned into a battle of wits, skill, and instinct, a symphony of calculated chaos orchestrated by raw talent and determination.
The field felt electric, every player a crucial piece in a fast-moving puzzle, with the outcome hanging in the balance.
All eyes were on Reo; to whom would he choose to send the ball? This would be what they would have to adapt to later on.
Reo had already made up his mind as Nagi closed in on him.
For a brief moment, Reo's thoughts drifted. He had spent so much time striving to keep up with Nagi, to stand as his equal on the field. But playing it safe wouldn't get him there. If he wanted to evolve, to reach the level where he could truly share the stage with his partner, he had to take risks. This was his chance to show that he wasn't just a support player; he could be a game-changer.
Facing Nagi, Reo tightened his stance, his determination solidifying into action. Nagi, sharp as ever, studied Reo's body language and quickly guessed the passing route. Without hesitation, Nagi lunged toward the anticipated trajectory, aiming to cut off the pass.
But in that split second, Reo made his choice.
He nudged the ball to his right, a small but decisive move, and with a swift kick, sent it soaring with precision. The ball arced toward the front, where Shidou awaited, his eyes already lighting up with excitement.
"Choosing me! Good choice, Rich Boy!"
Shidou roared, his voice brimming with exhilaration.
The trajectory of the ball was stunning, its speed and angle near-perfect. But for all its beauty, it wasn't flawless. Reo's execution lacked the refined curve and sharpness of a masterful pass. It was, however, unmistakably familiar.
Nagi, Isagi, and Bachira immediately recognized it.
It was the same pass Isagi had performed in the first selection match against Team V—the very pass that had turned the tide in his team's favor. Reo had recreated it, though its brilliance was muted compared to the original. Still, in Shidou's hands—or rather, at his feet—it was a gift brimming with potential.
Shidou's excitement bubbled over as he prepared to make his move. Watching the ball's flight, he adjusted his position, timing his jump perfectly. As he leaped into the air, his body contorted with precision, ready to strike in the most unorthodox yet effective way possible.
But Rin wasn't about to let Shidou have his way.
Rin followed close behind, his movements mirroring Shidou's as they both rose to meet the ball. By now, Rin had grown accustomed to Shidou's chaotic playstyle. The striker's unpredictability was his greatest weapon, but Rin wasn't planning to let history repeat itself.
With the goal looming behind them, Rin wasn't as concerned about Shidou scoring directly. Instead, he shifted his focus to the next potential move. Where would Shidou send the ball? Who would he pass it to?
Even in mid-air, Rin's mind raced, calculating angles and possibilities. The game was no longer just about skill—it was a mental battle, a test of who could anticipate and outmaneuver the other in this critical moment.
Shidou, on the other hand, thrived in chaos. His grin widened as the ball descended toward him, Rin's presence only fueling his desire to turn the moment into a masterpiece. The stage was set, and both players were ready to decide the outcome of this electrifying match.
What Shidou did next left everyone stunned, even Isagi.
As the ball descended, Shidou made an unexpected move. Instead of going for a direct strike, he lightly headed the ball forward, away from the goal that loomed behind him. The action seemed counterintuitive, almost reckless. But Shidou, always a step ahead in his chaotic brilliance, had planned it all.
Because he had jumped first, Shidou descended first as well, touching the ground a moment before Rin. Using that fraction of a second to his advantage, Shidou sprinted toward the ball, effectively creating a pass to himself. His movements were fluid yet unpredictable, his improvisation bordering on genius.
Then, in a feat of athleticism that seemed almost otherworldly, Shidou launched himself into the air once more. Twisting mid-flight, he contorted his body into an impossible angle, aligning his left leg for the shot. With a powerful strike, his foot connected with the ball, sending it rocketing toward the left side of the net.
"BOOM!"
The sound of his strike echoed across the field as he yelled, and the ball soared with incredible speed and precision. It carved through the air like a missile, its trajectory daring anyone to intercept it.
As Shidou descended from his acrobatic maneuver, Rin stood directly in front of him, blocking his line of sight. Shidou couldn't see the lone figure leaping into the ball's path.
"...Unbelievable!"
Shidou muttered as he saw the figure appearing in front of him.
It was Isagi.
With every ounce of strength and determination, Isagi had launched himself into the air, his leg fully outstretched in a desperate attempt to block Shidou's shot. His timing was impeccable, his awareness razor-sharp. But even so, the ball's unpredictability outmatched him.
Isagi's foot grazed the ball, altering its trajectory ever so slightly. Yet it wasn't enough. The ball continued its path, defying every effort to stop it. It struck the inside of the net with a resounding thud, marking the first goal of the match.
The scoreboard now read:
Team White: 1
Team Red: 0
"HELL YEAH!!"
Shidou's voice roared across the field, echoing with uncontainable energy. His face lit up with exhilaration, a manic grin spreading across his features. The goal had been a testament to his individuality, his raw talent, and his audacity. The pass that led to it hadn't been perfect—far from it—but Shidou had turned it into a moment of brilliance.
This was his masterpiece, and he celebrated it with the wild abandon of someone utterly consumed by the thrill of the game. His excitement bordered on primal, his body language radiating a near-euphoric sense of triumph.
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Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone