Chapter 26: "Don't Skip Legs!"
The rhythmic sound of weights clinking filled the air.
Sweat glistened on the faces of Team Z members.
As they pushed their limits in the gym.
Isagi was mid-rep on squats.
His legs burning but his focus unwavering.
Kunigami stood nearby.
His broad frame steady as he counted Isagi's reps.
"That's it, Isagi. Keep that form tight. You're doing great."
Isagi gritted his teeth and powered through.
Lowering himself into another squat.
4 hours in the gym had taken its toll.
But he wasn't about to stop now.
Beside him, Kira and Raichi were equally focused.
Their bodies moving in sync with the routine Kunigami had designed.
It wasn't just any routine—it was Kunigami's brutal workout.
Known across Team Z as the ultimate test of endurance.
Kunigami had naturally taken the lead on physical training.
With the highest fitness level in the team.
His advice was sought out by everyone.
Now, Kunigami's strict regimen had become part of their daily grind.
At first, only Kira and Raichi could keep up with Kunigami's insane pace.
And even then, it had been a struggle.
Isagi's fitness lagged behind back then.
But after devouring Baro's talent, everything changed.
Isagi was no longer just keeping up—he was thriving.
Kunigami glanced over.
As Isagi finished another set.
"You've come a long way, Isagi."
"I didn't think anyone would be able to match us this fast. Impressive."
"Damn right!"
Kira added.
Clapping Isagi on the back.
"It's great having you in this group. Feels like the competition just got a little tougher."
Raichi, of course.
Couldn't let the praise slide.
"Tch. Don't get a big head, Isagi. I mean, are we even sure you're, uh... natural?"
He smirked, eyes narrowed playfully.
Isagi wiped the sweat from his brow and laughed.
Not taking the bait.
"Relax, Raichi. All that matters is I'm not lagging behind anymore. Those days are gone."
And they were.
His physical fitness, once a glaring weakness.
Had transformed into one of his greatest strengths.
While only a select few in Blue Lock could rival him now.
The majority couldn't even come close.
"Alright, last set!"
Kunigami announced.
His voice cutting through the chatter.
"Let's finish strong, guys. Then leg day is over."
The group groaned in unison.
But didn't hesitate to line up for the final push.
As Isagi dropped into his last set of squats.
He felt every fiber of his muscles working.
Stronger and more efficient than ever.
His body was evolving.
"Just a few more days…"
He muttered.
Lowering himself into another rep.
A little more training, and his body will fully assimilate with Baro's talent.
When that happens... his stats will reach a whole new level.
…
"Isaaaaagi~!♪"
Bachira's playful voice cut through the air.
As he sprinted after Isagi.
"You're not getting away with that ball!"
The indoor training field buzzed with energy.
As Team Z divided into two groups for an intense 5v5 match.
On Isagi's team were Kira, Imamura, Kuon, and Chigiri.
While Bachira's team consisted of Kunigami, Raichi, Naruhaya, and Gagamaru.
With Lemon assigned as the coach in the match.
The scoreboard read.
2-3
With Bachira's team leading.
The pressure was mounting.
Isagi is keeping the ball close.
As he dribbled toward the opposing goal.
His focus was sharp.
Feet moving in precise, calculated steps.
From the corner of his eye.
He noticed Naruhaya stepping into his path.
Determined to block him.
Isagi didn't flinch.
A quick feint to the left and a burst of speed to the right.
Left Naruhaya spinning in place.
"Not happening!"
Isagi already moving past.
But then, like a shadow appearing out of nowhere.
Kunigami closed in.
His towering frame was impossible to miss.
And before Isagi could fully react.
Kunigami stretched out a powerful leg.
Snatching the ball cleanly.
"That's too bad, Isagi."
Kunigami said with a grin.
Passing the ball quickly to Bachira.
"Damn it!"
Isagi muttered under his breath.
Scrambling to recover.
Bachira, now in possession, wasted no time.
His movements were fluid, almost dance-like.
As he advanced toward the goal.
But Kuon and Imamura were ready.
The two defenders closed in.
Cutting off his angles and forcing him to pass.
"Raichi, heads up!"
Bachira called.
Sending the ball toward his teammate.
But before Raichi could get to it.
Kira dashed in.
Intercepting the pass with impeccable timing.
"Got it!"
He shouted.
Immediately launching a long, precise pass toward Chigiri.
The ball soared over the field.
Landing perfectly in Chigiri's path.
His eyes gleamed as he bolted forward.
Leaving everyone else in the dust.
He reached the goal area in seconds, his speed unrelenting.
Only Gagamaru stood between him and the goal.
With a determined look, Chigiri took his shot.
The ball flying toward the net like a bullet.
Gagamaru, with his instincts as sharp as ever.
Leaped toward the ball.
His outstretched hand made contact.
Deflecting the shot to the far corner of the field.
The ball rolled toward the empty space.
Seemingly out of reach for everyone.
But then, like a bolt of lightning.
Isagi appeared out of nowhere.
His positioning was perfect, his timing impeccable.
"You're done!"
He shouted.
Striking the ball with powerful precision.
The shot was unstoppable.
Gagamaru, still recovering from his previous save.
Couldn't react in time.
The ball hit the back of the net with a satisfying thud.
Goal!
3-3
"Let's go!"
Imamura shouted.
Pumping his fist in the air.
Isagi stood with a triumphant smile.
Catching his breath as his teammates rushed to celebrate.
"Nice save, Isagi!"
Chigiri said.
Giving him a high-five.
Kira then jogged over.
"We've made a comeback! Let's keep this momentum going!"
Isagi agreed.
Wiping sweat from his forehead.
…
The whistle blew again.
With only 5 minutes left on the clock.
Determined to reclaim the lead.
Kunigami surged forward with the ball.
His powerful strides exuding confidence.
Team Isagi scrambled to form their defense.
And Imamura was the first to confront him.
"You shall not pass!"
Imamura declared.
Positioning himself firmly.
Kunigami smirked.
"Think again."
With a quick shift of his body.
Kunigami dribbled past Imamura effortlessly, left him tumbling.
Isagi was next.
Eyes locked on Kunigami.
Kunigami attempted the same move.
But Isagi matched him step for step.
His agility and newfound physical strength.
Allowed him to mirror Kunigami's movements perfectly.
"Tch!"
Kunigami clicked his tongue.
Realizing he couldn't break through.
Forced to act quickly, he passed the ball to Raichi.
Who was positioned further up the field.
"Raichi, it's yours!"
Raichi received the ball cleanly and pushed forward.
But Kira appeared almost instantly, blocking his path.
"Out of my way!"
Raichi barked.
Trying to muscle past Kira.
Kira remained calm.
His stance unyielding.
"Not happening."
He replied coolly.
Keeping Raichi locked in a stalemate.
Frustrated, Raichi searched for another option.
And spotted Naruhaya nearby.
With no other choice, he passed the ball.
Naruhaya caught it cleanly and charged toward the goal.
The path seemed clear until Chigiri zipped in from nowhere.
Stealing the ball in a flash of speed.
"Too slow."
Chigiri whispered.
His blazing pace taking him away from Naruhaya.
But Bachira had anticipated this.
With a mischievous grin.
He intercepted Chigiri with a perfectly timed tackle.
Snatching the ball.
"Thanks for the delivery, Chigiri!"
Bachira teased as he sprinted toward the corner of the field.
Nearing the edge, he prepared for his signature shot.
"Not this time, Bachira!"
Kuon shouted as he threw himself into position.
Bachira's shot was powerful and precise.
Aiming for the far corner of the goal.
But Kuon, with impeccable timing.
Intercepted just enough to alter the ball's trajectory.
It ricocheted off the pole and rebounded into the air.
Isagi had been watching closely.
Calculating the ball's path.
Moving swiftly, he chested the ball down and scanned the field.
"This is it."
Spotting Kira sprinting toward the midfield by the center.
Isagi made a decisive long pass.
The ball soared over the opposing team.
Landing precisely in Kira's path.
Kira trapped the ball skillfully and sprinted forward.
Most of the opposing team was behind him.
Giving him a clear path to the goal.
Gagamaru braced himself.
Adjusting his stance as Kira approached.
Kira, with precision and poise.
Unleashed a powerful shot aimed for the corner of the net.
Gagamaru dove.
But he was just a second too late.
The ball slammed into the back of the net.
Goal!
4-3
"Pip, Pip, Piiiip!"
The timer whistle blew sharply, as the timer had ended.
Signaling the end of the match.
With Isagi's team for the win.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone