Chapter 37: "Team Z vs Team V Pt 1"
A quiet intensity radiating from every player.
No hesitation, no words.
They knew what needed to be done.
Their strategy was no longer a plan.
It was instinct.
Forged through trials and trust.
At the forefront stood Isagi.
His presence was magnetic.
His aura unmistakable.
He was a force that steadied his team.
Under Isagi's leadership.
There was no room for fear.
Confidence flowed through Team Z like a shared heartbeat.
The field grew silent.
Heavy with anticipation.
Then it came.
Footsteps echoed faintly in the distance.
Growing louder with every second.
A chill ran through the air as Team V emerged.
Their arrival shifting the energy of the field.
Tsurugi, Reo, and Nagi led the team.
Their oppressive aura impossible to ignore.
They walked with the air of winners.
Their focus razor-sharp.
But Team Z didn't waver.
Their belief in Isagi.
In each other, was unshakable.
Team V moved into their positions.
Their silence a challenge of its own.
There was no need for taunts or posturing.
Both teams knew what was at stake.
And both knew the answer would come only through action.
…
The whistle blew.
And Team V wasted no time.
With the kickoff.
Reo immediately advanced.
Dribbling with precision as his team spread out strategically.
Seconds ticked by.
And suddenly, Isagi was there.
Cutting off Reo's path.
Reo smirked.
Attempting to maneuver around him.
But Isagi mirrored every move.
Leaving Reo no space to advance.
"Tch."
Reo muttered.
Realizing that he can't get through.
He made a sharp pass.
The ball flew to Tsurugi.
Positioned perfectly on the wing for scenarios like this.
Tsurugi caught the ball.
Prepared to capitalize on the opening.
But just as quickly.
Chigiri appeared before him.
His speed electrifying.
Tsurugi blinked in surprise but wasted no time.
Accelerating to leave Chigiri behind.
It worked briefly.
But the gap closed faster than Tsurugi anticipated.
Chigiri, fueled by his unmatched pace.
Surged forward, overtaking Tsurugi in a flash.
Tsurugi hesitated.
Startled by the sheer speed difference.
And in that moment, Chigiri dove with precision.
Snatching the ball cleanly.
Like a crimson blur.
Chigiri streaked past Tsurugi.
Leaving him behind frozen in disbelief.
The field opened before Chigiri.
His strides relentless.
A quarter into Team V's field.
Three defenders moved to block his advance.
Without missing a beat.
Chigiri made a decisive pass.
The ball soared toward Bachira.
Who had anticipated the play perfectly.
His inner monster had called it.
Chigiri would win that race.
Bachira trapped the ball effortlessly.
But his path was blocked by two defenders.
With an almost playful grin.
He weaved between them effortlessly.
His technique dazzling.
The defenders were left flailing.
And Bachira pressed forward.
Suddenly, Nagi emerged from the side.
His calm expression betraying nothing.
In one fluid motion.
Nagi attempted to intercept.
But Bachira with instinct, reacted instantly.
The ball remained under his control as he laughed.
"You're quite persistent~!♪"
Bachira teased.
Trying to provoke a response.
Nagi, unbothered, continued to press.
His precision forcing Bachira to focus completely.
The battle between them was fierce.
A game within the game.
Bachira managed to hold possession.
"Annoying."
Nagi muttered.
Breaking his calm facade.
With a bizarre movement that defied logic.
Nagi twisted his body and lunged for the ball.
The sheer unexpectedness left Bachira momentarily stunned.
As the ball slipped from his control.
Time slowed, the moment etched into memory.
As Nagi executed the perfect steal.
Bachira recovered quickly, chasing Nagi.
But the tables had turned.
Nagi's composure held firm as he kept Bachira at bay.
Realizing he was pinned.
Nagi delivered a sharp pass to a teammate rushing to support.
The ball changed hands again.
But as Team V's player turned to advance.
A figure appeared out of nowhere.
"Not so fast!"
Raichi roared.
His aggressive tackle overwhelming his opponent.
The ball was his now.
And he charged toward the goal with unstoppable energy.
Near the box, Raichi struck with ferocity.
The ball rocketed forward.
But the goalkeeper dove.
Blocking it with sheer effort.
The deflection was perfect for one waiting figure.
Kunigami.
In the right place at the right time, didn't hesitate.
His strike was clean, powerful, and precise.
The ball sailed past the keeper and into the net.
Goal!
1-0
The stadium seemed to freeze for a second before roaring to life.
Team Z celebrated as Kunigami raised his fist.
Tsurugi adjusted his glasses.
"Well, this was unexpected."
He exclaimed.
Reo remained silent.
His eyes locked on Team Z.
While Nagi simply tilted his head.
Think deeply to himself.
"Hmm…"
On the other hand…
Raichi stomped the ground in frustration.
His voice cutting through the air.
"Damn it!"
His fists clenched tightly.
"I was right there! That goal should've been mine!"
Kunigami jogged over and placed a reassuring hand on Raichi's shoulder.
But before he could respond.
Raichi threw his hands in the air.
"Forget it! I'll get the next one!"
Ignoring Kunigami, as he stormed back to his position.
With a determination that bordered on theatrical.
Kunigami scratched the back of his head.
Watching Raichi march off.
"Well… at least he's motivated."
…
The whistle blew again.
Signaling Team V's second attempt to take control.
This time, Tsurugi was in front.
Exploding forward with blistering speed.
His acceleration was unmatched.
And within seconds, he was at midfield.
Drawing the eyes of everyone on the field.
But Isagi was already one step ahead.
Anticipating Tsurugi's movement.
He intercepted with precision.
Cutting off his path.
Just as Isagi prepared to challenge.
Tsurugi made a sharp pass to his left.
Where Reo had positioned himself with perfect timing.
"Stop him!"
Isagi shouted.
His voice slicing through the tension like a blade.
Kira and Kuon responded instantly.
Closing in on Reo from both sides.
Their swift reaction caught Reo off guard.
He hesitated.
Surprised at how quickly Team Z had adapted to the play.
"So it's you…"
Reo muttered under his breath.
Casting a quick glance at Isagi.
Whose piercing gaze seemed to unravel his thoughts.
Trapped, Reo had no choice.
But to pass the ball backward.
Sending it to Nagi.
Who appeared out of nowhere.
Nagi trapped the ball flawlessly.
His movements as smooth as water.
But Team Z wasn't done.
Naruhaya and Imamura charged at him.
Determined to cut off his advance.
Nagi's reflexes, however, were superhuman.
With a series of seemingly impossible dribbles.
He slipped past them as though they weren't even there.
"What the hell?!"
Naruhaya exclaimed, stunned.
"Don't let him pass!"
Imamura added.
His frustration palpable.
Nagi continued forward, unshaken.
Until Bachira appeared in his path.
The two locked eyes, and for a moment.
It was as if the world had narrowed down to just them.
Bachira's grin widened.
A glint of excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Ready for round two~?♪"
He said.
His voice playful and confident.
Nagi tried to maneuver past him.
But Bachira wasn't budging.
Instead, he began creating feints with an almost artistic flair.
His body moving unpredictably.
For the first time, Nagi looked unsettled.
Unable to predict Bachira's next move.
Then, with a sudden burst of speed.
Bachira lunged.
Stealing the ball cleanly from Nagi's feet.
"Gotcha!"
Bachira laughed.
Spinning around Nagi and sprinting forward.
A defender from Team V rushed in to stop him.
But Bachira danced past him with effortless creativity.
From the corner of his eye.
Bachira noticed Nagi and Tsurugi closing in.
Their plan to trap him clear.
Without hesitation.
Bachira spotted an empty space ahead.
And passed the ball decisively.
The move caught everyone.
Including Nagi and Tsurugi.
Completely off guard.
"What was that?"
Tsurugi muttered, confused.
Then they saw him.
Isagi, as if emerging from the shadows.
Sprinted into the empty space and took control of the ball.
Isagi's eyes were locked on the goal.
And with a quick, fluid movement.
He unleashed a powerful shot.
The ball rocketed toward the net.
The goalkeeper dove desperately.
His fingers grazing the ball.
But it wasn't enough.
The ball slammed into the back of the net.
Goal!
2-0
Team Z erupted into cheers.
Their voices echoing across the field.
Isagi stood calm amidst the celebration.
His sharp eyes finding Reo.
Reo met his gaze.
Glaring at him with intensity.
"He finally figured it out."
Isagi thought.
But then he chuckled softly.
"Well, even if he has… it's already too late."
He turned.
Walking back to his position.
Over on Team V's side.
Reo stood motionless.
His fists clenched tightly at his sides.
Veins faintly visible from the pressure.
His gaze, locked on Isagi's retreating figure.
"...It's time."
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