章 47: Chapter 47 : A Bold Challenge!

The stadium buzzed with electricity as the spectators struggled to process what had just transpired. The World Five—players revered as titans in the realm of football—stood frozen, their expressions a mix of disbelief and awe. Meanwhile, the Blue Lock team erupted in celebration, their cheers echoing like thunder across the pitch. The unthinkable had happened. Nagi Seishiro, the prodigious yet seemingly indifferent talent, had just outsmarted a world-class player and scored a goal that would be etched into his memory.

Nagi's chest heaved as he was swarmed by Reo and Kurona near the goalpost, his gaze fixed on the ball nestled in the net. A moment ago, he had executed a move so precise, so audacious, that even he struggled to believe it. It wasn't just skill—it was the spark of something new, something awakened within him. His mind replayed the sequence: the perfect pass from Isagi Yoichi, deliberately aimed to force him into an impossible position. Yet, in that impossibility, Nagi had found clarity. He had controlled the ball with exquisite precision, shifting its trajectory mid-air to bypass the towering presence of Silva. The result? A goal that shattered expectations.

As the realization set in, Nagi turned toward Isagi, who stood a few yards away, his face alight with a triumphant grin. It wasn't luck or coincidence—it was Isagi's doing. Before kickoff, Isagi had pulled Nagi aside, his voice steady and resolute.

"Get in front of the goal, in the best position possible. I'll get the ball to you"

He had said with unwavering confidence.

At the time, Nagi had simply nodded, trusting Isagi's vision despite not fully grasping its depth. But now, in the wake of the goal, he understood. Isagi's pass wasn't a gamble; it was a calculated masterpiece designed to push Nagi beyond his limits.

Nagi clenched his fists, his heart pounding with a mix of exhilaration and newfound determination. This wasn't just a goal—it was a revelation. For the first time, he felt alive on the pitch, as though the game had opened up before him in a way he had never experienced. His potential, once dormant, was now roaring to life.

The air around the World Five grew heavy with tension. Their expressions darkened, and a creeping unease settled over them. What was happening? Were they actually losing? The question nagged at the edges of their thoughts, one they couldn't shake despite their efforts to rationalize. After all, they were facing high school kids—unpolished, inexperienced, and leagues below them in reputation. Yet, the scoreboard didn't lie. They were behind by a goal.

It wasn't just the fact that they were losing; it was how it had happened that unsettled them. The goals had come so quickly, so unexpectedly, that they'd barely had time to process the plays before the ball was in the back of the net. These Blue Lock players weren't playing like a team in the traditional sense. Their movements were chaotic, individualistic, and seemed disjointed at times. But then, as if by some unspoken signal, they would suddenly converge with a level of coordination that caught the World Five off guard. The unpredictability of their actions was impossible to keep up with, let alone counter.

It wasn't as if the Blue Lock team was objectively better than them—far from it. The World Five were stronger, faster, and more experienced in every measurable way. But the high school players didn't need to be better. They thrived on the element of surprise, forcing the World Five to confront plays they couldn't predict. Every goal scored so far had been less about power and precision and more about catching them unprepared, exposing weaknesses they hadn't even realized existed.

And now, the stakes couldn't be higher. If Blue Lock scored again, the unthinkable would happen—the World Five would lose. That realization hung over them like a storm cloud, its weight amplified by the terms of the contract they had signed. The deal had seemed straightforward at the time: 100 million yen just for showing up and 1 million yen for every goal scored. But the fine print was now glaringly obvious. If they lost, they would walk away with nothing—not a single yen. Worse still, they'd be obligated to play against the next group of kids for free, bound by the ironclad terms of the agreement. Refusal wasn't an option; it was written into the contract, and they couldn't wriggle out of it.

Their pride as professionals was one thing, but the financial blow and the humiliation of losing to a group of teenagers gnawed at their composure. They exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence eroding with every passing second. For the first time, the idea of losing seemed not only possible but imminent.

The Blue Lock team stood on the opposite side of the pitch, their energy electric, their eyes burning with the determination of underdogs who had tasted the thrill of upsetting the giants. And in the center of it all stood Isagi Yoichi, his sharp gaze and commanding presence making it clear: they weren't done yet.

Silva threw his head back and let out a booming laugh that echoed across the pitch.

"Hah! And here I was thinking this trip would be a waste of time! Haha!"

His voice carried a mix of amusement and disbelief, his shoulders shaking as he continued to laugh.

He had understood the stakes all along but hadn't taken them seriously. To him, this match had initially been a dull formality—an easy payday for minimal effort. After all, extra income never hurt. He had figured he would play for a bit, score a couple of flashy goals, and walk away with a fat paycheck. But now, as he looked back at the past few minutes, it was absurdly clear how wrong he'd been. Not only was this match far from boring, but it had also become a genuine challenge. He never thought he'd see the day when he, Silva, would be pushed to the brink by a group of high schoolers. And the possibility of losing? It was almost too ridiculous to be true.

The other members of the World Five began chuckling as well, catching Silva's infectious laughter. It wasn't the laughter of mockery or disdain—it was the kind that came from realizing how hilariously unpredictable life could be. Each of them had been caught off guard in ways they never imagined.

Loki, the lightning-quick forward who prided himself on his unparalleled speed, had been stopped dead in his tracks by Isagi's calculated maneuver—a single hand, a single read, neutralizing his greatest strength.

Luna, the magician with his silky dribbling, had been humiliated by Isagi's nutmeg, not just physically but verbally as well, his pride stung by Isagi's sharp tongue.

Silva himself, the tank of the team, had been overpowered by Isagi.

Adam, caught off guard by Isagi's unpredictable play, unwittingly positioned himself in the path of his teammate. By stepping forward, he effectively became a wall, offering Isagi the perfect opportunity to exploit.

And then there was Pablo, who had hesitated in the face of Isagi's imposing stance, opting to pass instead of challenging him in a one-on-one duel.

These moments—each completely unexpected—had turned their assumptions upside down. It wasn't just humbling; it was downright hilarious in retrospect. Here they were, world-class players, reduced to looking like amateurs by kids who weren't even professionals yet.

Silva's laughter died down as he smirked, his competitive spirit reignited.

"Alright then"

He muttered under his breath, rolling his shoulders and stretching his neck. His voice turned resolute.

"Let's get serious."

"You're right"

Luna chimed in, his usually calm demeanor giving way to an edge of determination. He walked toward the center circle, his eyes blazing.

"No more games. Time to shut them down."

Pablo followed, a playful yet steely glint in his eyes.

"Yeah, the interns are acting up. Gotta put them in their place."

He said in a sing-song voice, though his intent was anything but lighthearted.

Loki, Silva, Luna, Pablo, and the final member of the World Five exchanged looks of mutual understanding. They hailed from different countries, spoke different languages, and had wildly different playing styles. But in that moment, their individualities melted away, and they felt closer than ever. Their pride, their camaraderie, and their shared love of the game all aligned, forging a unity they hadn't felt in years.

"Let's crush them"

Silva declared with a grin, his tone brimming with both respect for the challenge and determination to reclaim their dominance.

The whistle rang out sharp and clear, signaling the kickoff. Luna wasted no time, sending the ball to Silva with a quick and precise pass. Despite being a goal down, the World Five exuded an air of confidence, their movements calculated and deliberate. They didn't panic—they knew where the real threat lay. It wasn't the Blue Lock team as a whole. No, this match felt like The World Five vs. Isagi Yoichi.

Silva charged forward like an unstoppable force, his sheer presence carving a path through the midfield. His focus was unshakable, his every step measured. Yet, standing directly in his way, as if scripted by fate, was Isagi Yoichi. The boy's eyes locked onto Silva's, his expression unwavering.

"Need a challenge? How about me?"

Isagi taunted, his voice calm yet sharp, like a blade drawn under the moonlight. His words were bait, a trap for Silva's pride.

Isagi knew his teammates couldn't match the World Five head-to-head. If the ball left Silva, it would move faster and with more precision than anyone on Blue Lock could handle. It was up to him to disrupt their rhythm, to force an error. Yet, he also knew Silva's composure was dangerous. He couldn't afford to provoke him into passing too quickly.

For a moment, Silva's face didn't change. His smirk deepened, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Nice try, kid"

He muttered under his breath. Without hesitation, Silva surged toward Isagi, not allowing the taunt to faze him.

Isagi felt a moment of relief. Good. He still has his pride.

But just as Isagi stepped in to intercept, the ball was gone. Silva had feigned his approach and, with a smooth touch, sent the ball flying left toward Julian Loki.

Loki took off like a jet, his speed undeniable. Isagi spun on his heel, already reading the play, but before he could act, Loki, in a flash of brilliance, redirected the ball further left to Pablo. The precision of their passes felt like poetry in motion, a rhythm that was impossible to stop without disrupting the entire melody.

On the far left flank, Pablo received the ball with a flick of his foot, his balance immaculate. But before he could advance, Rin Itoshi stepped into his path.

Rin's gaze was sharp, calculating, and unyielding. He had been waiting for this moment. For too long, the match had revolved around Isagi. Rin, the self-proclaimed genius, wanted his chance to shift the tide. This was his moment to shine, to prove his worth.

Pablo approached Rin, his movements light and fluid. He wasn't just testing Rin; he was toying with him. A quick nutmeg followed by a graceful rainbow flick drew gasps from the spectators. But Rin wasn't shaken. His recovery was swift, his reactions precise. Like a shadow, he mirrored Pablo's every move, refusing to give him an inch of space.

Pablo wasn't cornered; in fact, he was far from it. He had enjoyed his duel with Rin but knew when to move on. With a flick of his foot, he lofted the ball into the air, sending it up front toward Silva, who hadn't yet scored in this match. Pablo's grin widened as he watched the ball arc through the air.

'Your turn, Silva.'

Silva was ready. Towering and formidable, he positioned himself perfectly for the aerial duel. But there was one problem: Isagi Yoichi was on him like a shadow. Despite his lean frame, Isagi's strength was astonishing, rivaling and even surpassing that of Adam and Silva. Every push, every nudge from Silva was met with equal resistance. Isagi's muscular build, though not imposing at first glance, held surprising power, and it was proving to be an obstacle Silva hadn't anticipated.

Silva gritted his teeth, trying to shrug off Isagi's relentless marking. The pressure was suffocating, but Silva had unshakable faith in his heading ability. No one could beat him in the air—or so he believed. As the ball descended, Silva braced himself, feeling the tension of the moment. But then, something changed. The pressure from Isagi suddenly vanished. The weight against him disappeared, as though Isagi had backed off entirely.

Silva smirked inwardly.

'He's given up. He knows he can't stop me.'

Without looking to confirm, Silva leaped, his timing impeccable, and sent a powerful header toward the goal. The ball soared, cutting through the air like a missile aimed straight for the back of the net. But just as the ball was about to cross the line, another head intervened—a flash of white and lavender.

Bang!

Reo Mikage had appeared out of nowhere, leaping higher than anyone had anticipated. His timing was perfect, his positioning flawless. The ball ricocheted off Reo's head and away from the goal. Silva's eyes widened in disbelief, his momentum carrying him forward as he landed hard on the ground.

Reo's expression was calm yet sharp, a knowing glint in his eye. He had been reading the play from the start, analyzing the World Five's movements to identify the most dangerous threat. Silva's header had been that moment, and Reo had acted without hesitation.

The ball spun away from the goal and landed near Kurona, who had been waiting for this exact scenario. Before anyone could react, Kurona controlled the ball with precision and immediately sent a swift, low pass upfield. His target was clear: Isagi Yoichi.

Before the moment Silva took his leap, Isagi had already made a decision. He had seen Reo moving toward the danger zone, his instincts sharp and his movements deliberate. It was a gamble, but Isagi chose to trust in Reo—the evolving "Chameleon" who had proven time and again that he could adapt and deliver in the most critical moments. With that trust, Isagi made his move, leaving Silva behind to prepare for the counterattack.

The gamble paid off. Reo's interception was flawless, and Kurona's quick thinking ensured the ball was now in Isagi's control. Isagi took off with explosive speed, his calm demeanor betraying none of the pressure he felt. His focus was absolute, his mind already calculating the next steps.

But Isagi's choice to leave Silva hadn't gone unnoticed. Adam, Luna, Pablo, and Loki—all four of them had caught the subtle shift in his movement. It wasn't something Isagi tried to hide; in fact, it was deliberate. The World Five had come to learn one irrefutable truth during this match: when Isagi Yoichi did something unusual, it was never without purpose.

"Don't let him through!"

Adam barked, his voice cutting through the field. The other three nodded in silent agreement. They couldn't afford to leave Isagi unattended, not anymore. Whatever he was planning, they had to stop him before it could unfold.

Adam was the first to close in, charging at Isagi with the intent to reclaim the ball. His towering frame and aggressive approach made him an intimidating presence, but Isagi didn't even glance in his direction. It was as if Adam wasn't there at all. With a swift and forceful nutmeg, Isagi slipped the ball between Adam's legs, leaving him stumbling and grasping at the air.

Isagi continued forward without missing a beat. He remained focused, his eyes fixed on the goal. Before he could gain momentum, Loki appeared in a blur of speed, his unmatched acceleration cutting off Isagi's path. Loki's sudden presence might have flustered anyone else, but not Isagi. Instead, a smile began to creep onto his face, slow and deliberate. It wasn't directed at anyone in particular—it was the expression of someone utterly engrossed in the game, relishing every moment.

Loki lunged, attempting to intercept the ball, but Isagi responded instinctively. With a flawless roulette, he spun past Loki in one smooth motion, leaving the speedster behind. Loki wasn't done yet, though, and he immediately turned to pursue, his relentless pace allowing him to stay close. While Loki's efforts succeeded in momentarily slowing Isagi, they did nothing to shake his control over the ball. Isagi's movements were fluid, his touch precise. It was as if the ball was an extension of his body.

But the moment Loki fell a step behind, Luna came in, leaping forward with a calculated challenge. Luna's determination was evident—he wouldn't let Isagi humiliate him again. Yet, as he approached, his worst fear came to life. In one deft motion, Isagi nutmegged Luna for the third time in the match.

The ball zipped through Luna's legs, and Isagi breezed past him, the same smile still on his face. It wasn't a taunt; it wasn't even meant for Luna. It was a smile of pure joy, of someone lost in the flow of the game. For Luna, however, it was infuriating. He grit his teeth in frustration, turning to give chase, but Isagi was already gone.

Isagi pushed forward, the goal within sight. Around him, the Blue Lock team sprang into action. Nagi sprinted down the left wing, his graceful strides making him a constant threat. On the right wing, Rin surged forward, his sharp eyes scanning for an opening. Kurona weaved in and out of Isagi's path, circling him like a satellite, offering passing options at every turn.

But Isagi didn't even glance at them. He didn't need them—not for this. His vision of the play was crystal clear, and his instincts screamed at him to seize the moment himself.

Isagi surged forward, each step calculated, his eyes locked on the goal. Pablo, positioned deeper, was reading the situation intently. While Loki had managed to slow Isagi momentarily, Pablo anticipated that the next critical moment would depend on Isagi's decision-making.

'He's not passing… or is he?'

Pablo thought, his mind racing. The Blue Lock team had built their momentum on unpredictability, and this could very well be another feint—drawing defenders in only to unleash a sudden, game-changing pass.

But despite Pablo's analysis and doubt, Isagi's intention was clear to himself: I'm going for the goal.

Meanwhile, Silva, after his earlier failed attempt at scoring and witnessing the chaos Isagi was creating in the midfield, abandoned his position on the flanks. His instincts as a seasoned player kicked in—if Isagi intended to push through on his own, the only way to stop him was to meet him head-on. Silva surged back toward the defense, cutting across the field to intercept Isagi's trajectory.

Now, Loki was shadowing Isagi closely, his speed a constant threat. Silva was closing in fast from the right, reading the play and aiming to cut off Isagi's advance entirely. The pressure was immense, and the space around Isagi shrinking rapidly. But Isagi, calm as ever, wasn't fazed.

Just as Silva prepared to converge and Loki pressed closer from behind, Isagi made his move. Instead of continuing forward, he abruptly cut inside and came to a stop, letting Loki's momentum carry him forward.

Loki, caught off guard, darted ahead to block a nonexistent path. In that instant, the field seemed to pause, a sharp intake of breath hanging in the air. Silva and Pablo both readjusted, Waiting for Isagi to make a move.

For the first time during this duel, Isagi's eyes locked with Loki's. The world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them, and the intensity of the moment was palpable.

"Hey"

Isagi said, his voice calm yet filled with an electrifying edge.

"We're the same age, right? Let's have a fair duel."

The words were simple, but they carried weight. Loki, who had been relentlessly pursuing Isagi, faltered for a brief second—a momentary flinch that revealed his surprise. He wasn't expecting Isagi to address him directly, let alone with such a competitive tone.

Isagi's expression wasn't that of someone feeling pressured or cornered. Instead, his face held a smile, one that brimmed with excitement and anticipation. It wasn't the smug grin of someone trying to taunt his opponent, nor the overconfidence of someone who underestimated his rival. It was a genuine smile—the smile of someone reveling in the heat of battle, yearning for a challenge that could push him to his limits.

Loki's sharp instincts picked up on something deeper. Isagi wasn't just playing to win; winning, at least for the moment, wasn't his primary goal. What drove Isagi now was the sheer intensity of the game, the thrill of pitting himself against the best and finding out how far he could go. The pure, unfiltered passion of an Egoist burned in his eyes.

Loki took a moment, his sharp mind piecing together the challenge Isagi had thrown at him. When it finally clicked, a smirk began to stretch across his face.

'So, that's how it is, huh?'

Loki thought, Unlike the methodical, win-at-all-costs approach he typically employed, this was different. Challenges like this weren't something he sought out, but they were certainly something he wouldn't shy away from.

Raising his left hand, Loki signaled his teammates to hold back. The gesture was clear—don't interfere. This was no longer just a game strategy; this was personal.

Loki could feel the sheer intensity radiating off Isagi, an almost tangible heat that pressed down on him. It wasn't oppressive; it was exhilarating. Loki didn't want to crumble under that pressure—he wanted to rise to it, to meet it head-on. He was a player who thrived on the thrill of the moment, and now, with the stadium holding its breath, he felt alive in a way he hadn't in years.

"You got it, buddy!"

Loki called out, his voice carrying a mix of confidence and excitement. He didn't even realize that he had acknowledged Isagi as his Rival at that moment. His grin widened as he dropped into a stance, his body coiled like a spring, ready to explode into action. This wasn't just another match anymore; this was a duel, pure and simple.

The stadium's focus zeroed in on the two players. The energy in the air was electric, a tangible charge that seemed to ripple through the two of them.

In the conference room, where high-ranking spectators and executives were gathered, the tension was equally palpable. One by one, they stood, their eyes glued to the big screen, unable to contain their excitement.

Even Ego, usually indifferent to the spectacle of the game, allowed a rare smile to creep across his face as he watched the duel unfold. Still, he remained seated, his hands clasped under his chin, observing with keen interest.

Anri, however, wasn't as composed. Her hands trembled slightly as she gripped her tablet, almost dropping it in her excitement. The intensity of the moment was too much, and she could hardly tear her eyes away from the screen.

On the field, Loki waited, his sharp gaze locked onto Isagi. He wasn't just reacting anymore—he was anticipating, prepared for anything Isagi might throw at him.

And Isagi? His smile remained, unwavering, his focus unbroken. This was it—the ultimate test of his abilities, a chance to push himself to his absolute limit against a rival who wouldn't back down. The stage was set, the stakes higher than ever. All that was left now was to see who would come out on top in this thrilling clash.

Loki's mind raced, each potential move of Isagi playing out in his head.

'A nutmeg? A rainbow flick? Some crazy move?'

The possibilities were endless, and the uncertainty gnawed at him. His body tensed, ready for anything. But in the midst of this mental chaos, the excitement surged within him. This was what he lived for—the thrill of facing someone who could push him to the edge.

Then, without warning, Isagi made his move.

The ball flicked into the air with a crisp, deliberate motion, sending it spinning towards Loki. It wasn't a standard pass or dribble—no, this was a statement. A challenge. The flick had a backspin on it, sending the ball floating toward Loki's chest, positioned perfectly to stay just beyond his reach but not far enough to be out of contention. It hovered between them, the distance perfectly balanced.

It was a challenge, clear as day.

Take it if you can.

The message was unmistakable: whoever moved first, whoever dared to take the initiative, would claim the ball. It was the kind of audacious move that could only be made by someone who wasn't just playing for victory, but for the thrill of the game itself.

The World 5 players stood frozen for a split second, their shock evident. They had always known Isagi was talented, even nearing their level, but this… this move? It was something else. It wasn't just skill. It was an act of boldness, a daring statement that he was beyond their grasp, almost looking down at them with this flick.

The Blue Lock players, on the other hand, were no less stunned. Rin, in particular, felt his heart skip a beat. He knew exactly what that flick meant. He'd seen it before, experienced it firsthand. It was the ultimate challenge—a test of reflexes, precision, and nerve. And as much as Rin had been impressed by Isagi's growth, he couldn't help but feel a certain thrill coursing through his veins as well. This was the kind of play that tested everything.

Loki, now fully understanding the gravity of the situation, felt his blood start to boil. A challenge like this was a gift and a test all at once. His competitive spirit ignited, and with his body already primed, he surged forward, his focus sharp as a blade.

Isagi, equally fired up, mirrored Loki's movements. Both players launched themselves toward the ball in perfect sync, blurring into motion. The tension in the air was almost suffocating as the two collided at full speed, eyes locked on the prize.

The players, the spectators, everyone held their breath. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated competition—two players, both in their prime, battling for dominance in a split-second decision.

Would Isagi's audacity be enough to claim the ball? Or would Loki's instincts and reaction speed outpace him in the ultimate test of skill and nerve? The outcome of this duel hung in the balance, and no one could tear their eyes away from what was unfolding before them.

The first one to reach the ball was...