Chapter 17: "Team Z vs Team X Pt. 2"
Signaling the start of the match.
Isagi Yoichi burst forward.
His eyes were sharp.
Scanning the field for any threats or openings.
Almost immediately, three players from Team X surged toward him.
Their formation tightening to corner him.
"Three on one already?"
Isagi thought.
"They're relying on numbers, but..."
He pivoted sharply, dragging the ball behind him.
And using his body to shield it.
The first defender lunged in.
But Isagi feinted left before slipping past on the right.
The second player was faster.
Cutting off Isagi's next move.
But Isagi was already thinking two steps ahead.
He flicked the ball lightly over him.
Slipping through like water.
The third defender tried to angle his body to block Isagi's path.
But a quick look revealed what he needed—a lane to pass.
"Bachira!"
Isagi sent a quick pass to the left.
And like a blur, Meguru Bachira was there.
Bachira danced past another defender.
Twisting and turning with playful precision.
His dribbling forced two more Team X players to converge on him.
"Back to you, Isagi!"
Bachira sang as he flicked the ball into open space.
Isagi sprinted into the gap.
Picking up the ball seamlessly.
Now with fewer defenders ahead, the field opened.
As Isagi advanced, he calculated the best path forward.
He spotted Ryosuke Kira.
Making a diagonal run to draw defenders away.
Isagi seized the opportunity.
Faking a pass to Kira, Isagi instead cut inside.
Exploiting the confusion among Team X's defenders.
"Kunigami!"
Isagi called out, passing to him at the edge of the box.
Kunigami turned.
And unleashed a thunderous shot toward the goal.
The Team X goalkeeper dove desperately.
Barely managing to parry the shot.
But the ball rebounded into the center of the box.
And there was Isagi.
He had already anticipated the trajectory.
Positioning himself perfectly.
Without hesitation, he struck the ball cleanly.
Sending it soaring into the top corner of the net.
Goal!
1-0
The monitor flashed brightly.
Displaying Team Z's score.
The team erupted in cheers, their momentum undeniable.
Isagi raised his fist.
He had scored the opening goal.
…
From across the field.
Shoei Baro stood with his arms crossed.
His sharp eyes narrowing as he observed Team Z.
Celebrating their first goal.
His team had been dismantled.
And he didn't like it.
"Pathetic."
Baro muttered under his breath.
…
The whistle blew again.
Signaling the restart.
Team X stood ready at the center circle.
With a flick of the ball forward, the game resumed.
And Baro immediately took control.
His commanding presence.
Was enough to send a wave of unease through Team Z.
Isagi stood at the forefront.
Ready to intercept.
As Baro approached.
Isagi stepped into his path.
Arms spread wide to block any possible advance.
But Baro's eyes burned with disdain.
"Get out of my face."
He growled.
"I'll fucking end you."
In one swift motion.
Baro performed a precise heel kick.
Sending the ball arching over Isagi's head.
At the same time, he feinted to the right but burst to the left.
With explosive acceleration.
Leaving Isagi frozen for a moment.
"Kuon! He's heading your way!"
Isagi shouted.
Quickly recovering and sprinting to rejoin the defense.
Kuon immediately adjusted his position.
"Okay, I've got it!"
He called back.
Imamura moved in from the side.
Forming a two-on-one.
"Don't worry! With both of us, he's not getting through!"
Baro smirked.
His sharp eyes catching every movement.
As Kuon and Imamura closed in.
Baro made his move.
With an elegant and unexpected nutmeg.
He threaded the ball cleanly through Kuon's legs.
Dashing past both defenders before they could react.
"What the—?!"
Kuon spun around.
Shocked by Baro's precision.
Imamura tried to pivot and chase.
But Baro's sheer physicality and speed kept him untouchable.
He bulldozed his way forward, unrelenting in his drive toward the goal.
Next in line was Raichi.
Who charged at Baro with the tenacity of a bull.
"You're not getting through me!"
Raichi roared, lunging for the ball.
But Baro's strength was undeniable.
He used his body to shield the ball.
And spun around Raichi effortlessly.
Leaving him stumbling.
"Ugh, damnit!"
Raichi growled.
Scrambling to recover.
But he couldn't keep up with Baro's pace or raw power.
Now, Baro was bearing down on Gagamaru.
The only obstacle left between him and the goal.
Gagamaru braced himself, lowering his stance.
His instincts screamed to stay on his toes.
And react to Baro's next move.
Baro's eyes locked on the goal.
He drove the ball forward.
And unleashed a devastating shot.
Gagamaru dove, extending his body fully.
But the ball soared past him like a missile.
Slamming into the back of the net with a deafening thud.
Goal!
1-1
The scoreboard updated.
Baro stood tall.
His piercing gaze scanning Team Z.
"Remember this, amateurs…"
He paused.
"Peasant trash like you… are no better than the ball I kick."
"After all, on this pitch… I am the one true King."
Team X erupted into cheers around him.
"Nice one, Baro!"
One player shouted.
Another chimed in.
"Hail King Baro!"
The words stung as Team Z began to unravel.
Raichi was the first to break.
"What the hell was that, Gagamaru? Aren't you supposed to stop the ball?"
Gagamaru's eyes narrowed.
And he snapped back.
"Oh, shut it! He walked past you like it was nothing!"
The tension rose as Kuon stepped in.
Raising his hands.
"Enough! Calm down, both of you. The score's still tied—we're not losing!"
Kira, standing nearby, nodded.
"He's right. We can score again next round. Don't lose your cool."
But before anyone else could speak.
Isagi's voice cut through the chaos.
Firm and commanding.
"That's enough."
The team turned to him in surprise.
"Arguing amongst ourselves won't get us anywhere,"
Isagi continued.
"If you guys want to win, get back to your positions."
He paused, his voice dropping a notch.
But carrying even more weight.
"If not… then get the fuck out of here."
Raichi opened his mouth to retort.
But then he caught the fire in Isagi's expression.
He hesitated, then clenched his fists.
And shook his head.
"Tch. Fine,"
He muttered before turning and stomping back to his spot.
One by one, the others followed.
As the team returned to their positions.
Kira approached Isagi with a grin.
"Wow, Isagi! I didn't think you had that in you!"
Bachira leaned in from the side.
"Yeah! That was kinda scary but super cool!"
Isagi didn't respond.
His gaze fixed on the field.
His mind was racing, piecing together a strategy.
Then it hit him.
Baro was their anchor.
"If we isolate Baro—stop him from scoring and disrupt his ability to defend—the rest of Team X doesn't stand a chance."
His lips curled into a smile.
"Without their King, the peasants fall apart."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone