Match:Team V vs Team Z
Score:2-4
Time Remaining:35 minutes
The match resumed, and Nishioka seized the ball with an aura that silenced the field. His demeanor was unrecognizable—cold, focused, and unrelenting. Instead of engaging in provocations, he tore through Team V's formation like a storm.
He approached Team V's winger first, dismantling him with an effortless elastico that left the defender grasping at air. One by one, the midfielders fell victim to his dizzying footwork and blistering pace, their attempts to contain him rendered useless.
Sensing the danger, Shiro and Kurona bolted into defensive positions, forming a united front against him. They closed in, pressing from either side, their movements synchronized as they tried to box him in. For a moment, it seemed like they might succeed.
But Nishioka was already ahead of them. With a sudden surge of speed, he slipped between them, executing a smooth nutmeg on Kurona before spinning away from Shiro's outstretched foot. As the two scrambled to recover, Nishioka tapped the ball to the right, drawing the goalkeeper off his line, before flicking it up with pinpoint precision.
In one fluid motion, he leapt and struck the ball with a stunning backheel, sending it soaring past the stunned goalkeeper and into the net. The field fell into an eerie silence, the echo of the ball hitting the net lingering in the air.
As Shiro and Kurona stood frozen, disbelief etched across their faces, Nishioka walked past them with deliberate steps. He stopped momentarily beside Shiro, his gaze piercing, and leaned in just enough for his words to cut through the stillness.
"You think you can escape from hell?" he murmured, his voice low and chilling. "There's no miracle today. You can't escape it. You can only fall deeper."
His words carried the weight of a death sentence, each syllable dripping with confidence and finality. With a smirk barely visible but no less taunting, Nishioka strode back to his position, leaving Shiro with clenched fists and a storm brewing in his eyes.
This wasn't just a match anymore—it was a battlefield, and Shiro knew he would have to rise above everything to change the tide. The question was no longer about skill; it was about who could endure the deepest depths of hell and still claw their way out.
Ego Pov:
Ego leaned forward, his gaze locked on the screen displaying Nishioka's sudden transformation on the field. His smirk widened as he tapped his fingers together.
Anri broke the silence, her voice laced with both awe and concern. "I knew Nishioka was talented, but I didn't realize he was this much of a genius. Look at the way he's evolving mid-match. It's extraordinary."
Ego chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Yes, a genius indeed. But he wasn't this sharp at the start, was he? What you're seeing is a chain reaction—a phenomenon triggered by Shiro's presence. This isn't the first time I've seen it."
Anri turned toward him, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Ego gestured toward the screen. "Nishioka is reacting to Shiro the same way Seishiro Nagi did during the Tokyo Youth Cup Final. That match was Shiro's debut—a stage where he shouldn't have been able to dominate, yet he did. Despite coming on in the second half, Shiro turned the game into his own battleground.
"At the time, Nagi was untouchable. His composure, his genius-level ball control—everything about him was flawless. But when Shiro entered the game, it wasn't just his skill that made an impact; it was his presence. Shiro's relentless attacks, his unpredictable movements, and his sheer audacity to challenge Nagi threw him off balance.
"For the first time, Nagi felt he was losing, not just physically but mentally. That pressure shattered him. But instead of crumbling, Nagi rebuilt himself in real-time, relying on his raw instincts to keep up with Shiro. In that match, Nagi evolved into something greater because Shiro forced him to adapt. That's how Nagi managed to lead his team to victory, but it was Shiro who lit the spark that pushed Nagi to his limits."
Anri's eyes widened as she absorbed Ego's words. "So, Nishioka is going through the same thing now?"
Ego nodded. "Exactly. Shiro's presence demands a response. He's not just another player on the field—he's a force of nature. He forces opponents to confront their weaknesses, to dig deeper, to evolve. Nishioka started this match as a skilled player, but now he's transforming, fueled by the need to surpass Shiro."
Anri hesitated, her voice tinged with concern. "But doesn't that make it harder for Shiro? He's creating rivals who are evolving to beat him."
Ego smirked, his tone unwavering. "That's the point. Shiro's greatest challenge isn't just beating his opponents; it's staying ahead of the monsters he creates. That's why he's here in Blue Lock. He's not just a player—he's a catalyst, a striker who forces evolution. And if he can keep forging ahead, no one will be able to stop him."
Shiro Pov:
Kurona extended his hand toward Shiro, his voice light and teasing as he offered his support. "That was humiliating, huh? Don't worry, we are going to win this match. We just have to work harder."
But Shiro didn't respond. His hand didn't reach for Kurona's, his body remaining still on the ground. His eyes stared into the pitch, unfocused yet burning with something unspoken.
It's happening again, he thought. I'm going to lose again. Just like before. No… not this time. Not again.
A wave of emotion surged through Shiro's chest, stronger than anything he'd felt before. It wasn't frustration or anger—it was something primal. A need. A hunger. His vision blurred as a single thought overtook his mind: I won't let it happen. I'll destroy them.
His heart pounded violently, his breaths shallow and rapid. The field, the players, the game—all of it faded into the background. The only thing that remained was the goal. Victory. And the canvas he would paint with his opponent's shattered resolve.
Shiro slowly pushed himself up, his movements deliberate yet trembling with barely contained energy. He didn't acknowledge Kurona's outstretched hand or his words. His head was filled with a singular focus, an obsession to win and dominate.
Kurona stepped back, sensing the shift in Shiro's aura. There was something terrifyingly different about him now—a cold intensity that radiated like an unstoppable force.
Shiro's eyes locked onto the field once more, his gaze sharp and unrelenting. "This is my game," he muttered under his breath, the words almost inaudible. "No one's taking this from me."
As he took his position, every fiber of his being screamed with determination. The match wasn't over, and as long as he stood on that field, defeat was not an option.
Score:2-5
The match resumed, the ball now at Shiro's feet as he passed it smoothly to Kurona before sprinting toward Team V's midfield. He was closely followed by Nishioka, who was relentless in his pursuit.
Instead of trying to intercept the ball from Kurona, the rest of Team Z dropped back into a defensive formation, clearly aware of Shiro's growing threat. They weren't going to let him take control of the game. They had learned the hard way how dangerous he could be.
Kurona quickly surged forward to support the attack. He glanced up just in time to see Shiro, with Nishioka hot on his heels, racing down the left side of the field.
With a swift motion, Kuroda sent a long cross toward Shiro, the ball soaring through the air with precision. Shiro, now in position, slowed his run and prepared to receive it. Nishioka, seeing an opportunity, pushed his center of gravity against Shiro in an attempt to throw him off balance and disrupt his control.
But Shiro, unfazed by the physical pressure, responded with astonishing calmness and skill. As the ball came towards him, he leapt into the air, using his superior athleticism to maneuver his body mid-flight. With a subtle twist, Shiro controlled the ball with a perfectly executed backheel, cushioning it just enough to maintain possession as he landed, his movements smooth and precise.
The defenders of Team Z could only watch in awe as Shiro, once again, showcased his remarkable ability to stay unshaken under pressure.
Shiro and Nishioka locked eyes as they faced off, the tension thick in the air. The game had shifted into a new phase, one where raw skill and determination were the only things that mattered. Shiro, knowing he had to outclass Nishioka, began his offensive with a flurry of moves.
He started with a couple of stepovers, trying to confuse Nishioka, but the Aomori Messi was too focus. Nishioka read each move perfectly, staying tight on Shiro, his low center of gravity making him almost impossible to shake. Shiro then tried an elastico, pulling the ball in one direction and attempting to flick it around Nishioka. Again, Nishioka's body seemed to flow with the movement, blocking Shiro's way without even thinking.
Undeterred, Shiro shifted gears, throwing in a quick croquetta, using his body to feint left and right, then attempted a roulette, spinning away to create space. But Nishioka, with his impeccable balance and awareness, was always just a step behind, shadowing Shiro's every move. It was clear that Nishioka wasn't going to fall for the tricks.
Shiro's mind raced, realizing that his usual dribbling tricks weren't going to be enough. He needed to take this duel to a different level, one where physicality could break the deadlock. With Nishioka still on his heels, Shiro made his move.
He angled to the left, drawing Nishioka closer, then suddenly used his left arm to push against Nishioka's chest, using his strength to disrupt Nishioka's balance. As Nishioka tried to compensate, Shiro executed a ball flick—a Sombrero flick—sending the ball high above them both.
Shiro swiftly followed the ball, leaping into the space and getting ahead of Nishioka, who was left on the ground. But just as Shiro gained the upper hand and looked to push forward into open space, he was met with a grim reality.
Nine players from Team Z were already waiting for him, closing off his path. They had anticipated this moment, and now, Shiro was caught in a sea of defenders. Even with his superior skills and strength, the numbers were against him.
With his path blocked by the nine defenders, Shiro didn't falter. He'd faced worse odds before. Drawing on his instincts, he weaved through the first defender with a quick flick of his foot, followed by a rapid step-over to dodge the next one. With each move, he seemed to glide past them, his footwork blindingly fast. He powered through a third, using his body to shield the ball, then another swift shift to get past the fourth.
As he advanced, he saw Kurona positioned perfectly ahead. With a quick glance, Shiro saw the opening. They knew each other's game well.
Shiro executed a rapid 1-2, sending the ball to Kurona, who was already calculating the next move. Kurona, with his vision of the field, instantly noticed the gap behind the defense. Without hesitation, he sent a perfect lob over the defenders, the ball soaring just in front of Shiro, perfectly placed.
Shiro's eyes locked onto the ball as it fell toward him, a split-second of focus before he surged forward. The defense was still scrambling, but they couldn't match the precision of Shiro's movement. The ball was his, and with a final push, he sprinted ahead, ready to strike again.
As the ball landed in front of him, Shiro's mind raced, calculating the angle, the speed, and the position of the goalkeeper. The moment was perfect. He saw the goalkeeper rushing out of his cage, trying to cut off the angle. But Shiro had already made his decision.
Instead of taking a conventional shot, Shiro twisted his body and, with a swift flick of his left foot, executed a stunning Rabona lob. The ball flew through the air with a graceful arc, curling over the goalkeeper's head. It was a perfect combination of technique and finesse, the kind of shot that not only defied expectations but showcased Shiro's complete mastery of his skills.
The ball sailed effortlessly into the net, just out of the goalkeeper's reach. The sound of it hitting the back of the net was almost a whisper in the air, a testament to the sheer precision of the strike.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze as Shiro stood still, watching his masterpiece unfold.
Score:3-5
Nishioka Pov:
As the match restarted, Nishioka felt a surge of determination. He quickly took possession of the ball, his eyes set on extending Team Z's lead. But the moment his foot made contact, an overwhelming presence closed in on him. He looked up and found Shiro standing right in front of him, now in a defensive stance, blocking his path.
Nishioka froze for a moment, momentarily stunned. How can this guy be a striker? he thought. This isn't the way a forward should play—yet here he is, standing like an immovable wall. The aura Shiro exuded was suffocating, a relentless energy that made it impossible to simply brush past him. How could someone with such an imposing presence, such a raw, unyielding force, also be a striker? And even more perplexing, how could he show so much dominance on the field?
Nishioka had faced countless strikers, but Shiro was different. The way he stood there, calm yet intense, was like a challenge in itself. How can such a player, someone so physically capable, be so deadly with the ball and still maintain this level of control? It was like Shiro's presence alone was enough to dominate the entire pitch.
Nishioka was starting to realize something: the true danger of Shiro wasn't just his skill, but the way he could control the game without even touching the ball. The striker had become the ultimate obstacle in his path.
Ego Pov:
Ego watched intently as Shiro closed in on Nishioka. A subtle smile crept across his face. Impressive, he thought. This is his response to Nishioka's awakening.
Shiro didn't need to enter some state of flow or awaken some hidden potential. He wasn't driven by a momentary surge of adrenaline; instead, his motivation was unwavering, an unshakable force that pushed him to dominate without hesitation. Ego could see it clearly now—Shiro's presence on the field wasn't just about raw talent; it was about his mental strength, his refusal to back down, his ability to push forward no matter the circumstances.
This is the type of striker we need, Ego mused. The one who can lead Japan into a new era of football. A striker whose motivation, whose determination, doesn't bend. He can inspire and command the game, making everyone around him rise to the occasion. Ego knew, without a doubt, that Shiro was far more than just a talented player. He was a force—a player who could carry Japan to greater heights, all through the strength of his mind and the power of his will.
Shiro Pov:
From the moment I stole the ball from Nishioka, I could feel the surge of energy coursing through me. My body moved instinctively, the physical advantage I had over my opponents propelling me forward. A quick stepover got me past Nishioka, and I dashed down the right side, weaving through the defenders with ease.
My head stayed up as I sprinted, scanning for an option, for someone to pass to. And then I saw him—the right winger, positioned perfectly behind a defender, waiting for the opportunity. Without hesitation, I sent the ball his way. A quick 1-2 between us, and suddenly, I had a moment of clarity.
This was the key. Scoring that first goal, I had triggered something in my teammates. It wasn't just about me anymore—it was about us. The others, who had been lost in their egos and doubts, were now united under one banner: mine. I could feel the change. They were no longer thinking about themselves; they were thinking about how we could win together. This was the turning point.
As I surged forward, the defenders closed in, ready to block my every move. But I knew I had a moment—just one chance to make something happen. With a quick glance, I saw Kurona making a run down the right side, positioned perfectly for a pass. The defenders were watching me closely, expecting a shot on goal.
I feigned a strike, swinging my foot like I was aiming for the far post with a powerful trivela shot. But at the last moment, I twisted my foot, the outside of my boot grazing the ball, sending it in a curving, unexpected direction. The ball didn't head for the net—it arced around the defenders and landed perfectly into Kurona's stride.
The defenders, who were anticipating a shot, were caught off guard, unable to react in time. Kurona was already in position, and without a moment's hesitation, he volleyed the ball into the net, sending it past the goalkeeper who had no chance of stopping it.
Score:4-5
Time Remaining:5 minutes
The match restarted with Nishioka controlling the ball, his eyes scanning the pitch. He quickly linked up with his teammates, exchanging a series of rapid passes as they moved toward the middle of the field. As the ball reached him, Nishioka took control, his incredible center of gravity allowing him to glide through Team V's defense with ease. He danced around one defender, then another, and soon found himself just a few meters from the goal.
Shiho was the last line of defense. He braced himself, determined to stop Nishioka. But despite his efforts, Nishioka's quick dribbling proved too much. In one fluid motion, Nishioka shifted his body, sending Shiho to the ground as he bypassed him.
Just as Nishioka lined up to take the shot, a figure suddenly appeared from his blind spot. Kuroda. With impeccable timing, Kuroda slid in, intercepting the ball with a clean tackle, preventing Nishioka from scoring.
The ball remained in play as it landed at the feet of the team V's midfielder. Shiro, spotting the opportunity, immediately sprinted up the pitch, with Nishioka hot on his heels. The midfielder sent a quick pass to the winger, who began sprinting down the sideline.
With incredible speed, the winger launched a cross toward him, perfectly aimed on Shiro. Shiro expertly controlled the ball, preparing to make his move towards goal. But just as he was about to land and take a shot, a defender charged in from behind. The defender made a rash, illegal tackle, knocking Shiro off balance and sending him to the ground. The whistle blew, signaling a foul and a free kick for Team V in a dangerous position.
Kurona rushed over to help Shiro up, still processing the gravity of the situation. He glanced at the free kick just outside the box, thinking aloud, "How are we going to do this?"
Shiro, with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, turned to him and said, "Not 'we.' You. You'll take the free kick."
Kurona froze, stunned by the unexpected response. "What?" he stammered. "I know you're good at free kick. I've heard the one you did against Saitama Football Club. I know this is well within your range."
Shiro simply smiled, his eyes gleaming with confidence. He patted Kurona's shoulder and said, "Now, do it yourself. Just think about the most efficient play. If you feel like you can take it, do it. If you feel like crossing, do that instead."
Kurona's mind raced. He could feel the weight of Shiro's words. In a way, Shiro was giving him the freedom to decide, but he also knew, deep down, what Shiro was implying. The most efficient play—was to pass the ball to Shiro.
With a quick nod, Kurona took a deep breath, ready to make the decision. The ball was now in his hands—literally and figuratively.
As the game neared its pivotal moment, Nishioka was constantly shadowing Shiro, trying to anticipate his every move. The defenders, aware of Shiro's threat, crowded around him, attempting to box him in and reduce his options. They mirrored his every step, forcing him to slow his pace, their every move designed to neutralize his brilliance. But Shiro, ever the strategist, had something else in mind.
He began to move forward, drawing the defenders with him. They followed, closing in, thinking they had him trapped. But at the last second, Shiro spun back, shifting his position in an instant. The defenders were left scrambling, their movements a half-step behind.
Just as Kurona saw the perfect opening, he launched the ball into the air, sending it soaring toward Shiro. The ball flew overhead, heading straight for him. Without missing a beat, Shiro leapt into the air, his body arcing gracefully as he aimed for the ball.
Nishioka, still in pursuit, could do nothing but watch in disbelief. Shiro's form was flawless, his jump powerful, and as he connected with the ball, it was as if time slowed for a moment. With a clean, controlled bicycle kick, Shiro sent the ball rocketing past the defenders and into the net.
The sound of the ball hitting the back of the net echoed in the empty stadium. For a brief moment, all was still. Nishioka stood frozen, his eyes wide in shock as Shiro, hanging in the air like an angel, scored the decisive goal.
Score:5-5
As Shiro's bicycle kick sent the ball into the net, sealing the goal, the final whistle of the match blew, signaling the end of an intense battle. The draw between Team V and Team Z was officially confirmed.
The players of both teams stood still for a moment, catching their breath after the exhausting showdown. The air was thick with tension and a mix of relief, frustration, and admiration. Team Z, though defeated, couldn't help but acknowledge the extraordinary skill and determination of Shiro and his teammates.
Meanwhile, Shiro's eyes never left the ball that had just found the back of the net, his expression stoic as the realization of their hard-fought draw settled in. Kurona clapped him on the back, a silent acknowledgment passing between the two of them for the effort they had put in.
Ego, watching from his desk, couldn't help but smile at the result. He saw something different in Shiro today—something that would change the future of Japan's football. The match had ended in a draw, but it was clear to him that Team V had been transformed under Shiro's leadership.
And with that, the draw was called, marking the end of a match that had pushed everyone to their limits, leaving the players with much to reflect on.