Capítulo 16: Chapter 16 : Team Z Vs Team Y
Team Z walked confidently toward the training ground, the anticipation palpable as their match against Team Y loomed. As they stepped onto the field, their eyes were drawn to the players of Team Y standing in formation on the opposite side.
Isagi's gaze locked onto Niko, the so-called "second Isagi." He studied him intently, curious if Niko truly had the capability to manipulate the field as effectively as Ego desired from a striker.
'It's still my body'
Isagi mused.
'I'd like to experience playing like that at least once.'
While he mulled over these thoughts, the whistle blew, and every player moved into their starting positions. Isagi, stationed in midfield, observed Team Y's formation with a calculating eye.
As Okawa kicked off, sending the ball to Niko, the latter began orchestrating the game. Okawa moved steadily toward Team Z's defensive line, positioning himself to strike. Niko's passes were precise, distributing the ball smoothly among his teammates. When the moment was right, Niko launched a lofted pass toward Okawa, who broke free from Team Z's defenders.
'Score it, Okawa!'
Niko thought as he watched Okawa position himself for a clean one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
But his confidence was shattered.
Flashback: The Night Before
During the formation discussion, Isagi had given clear instructions.
"Gagamaru, your primary job is to cut off any passes to Okawa. Team Y will rely on lofted balls to exploit his positioning. Use your height to block every one of them."
"Got it!"
Gagamaru had replied enthusiastically, practicing his leaps to prepare for the match.
Present
"What!?"
Niko exclaimed as Gagamaru leaped into the air, his imposing frame intercepting the ball with a powerful header.
"Good job, Gagamaru!"
"Nice block!"
The ball dropped at Chigiri's feet, and he quickly passed it forward to Isagi, who wasted no time in sending it to Bachira on the right flank.
"Break their defense!"
Isagi commanded.
"Aye aye, Commander!"
Bachira replied with a grin, weaving through two defenders with ease. His playful demeanor didn't diminish the sharpness of his moves.
Scanning for options, Bachira noticed that Kira and Kunigami were closely marked. Team Y's defense had clearly prepared for the threat posed by the two strikers.
"Ah, you want it here, right?"
Bachira's eyes flickered with excitement as he spotted Isagi making a run toward the penalty box.
He delivered a beautifully curved pass, and Isagi, relishing the chance to receive such precision, smiled as the ball arrived perfectly at his feet. Without hesitation, he unleashed a shot from 43 meters out, aiming for the top-right corner of the net.
The goalkeeper dove instinctively to his left, reading the trajectory, but the sheer speed and accuracy of the shot left him grasping at air.
The ball hit the top corner with a satisfying thud against the net.
The field went silent for a moment as everyone, including Niko, stared in disbelief.
"What the heck are you doing? That shot was so obvious!"
One Team Y player snapped.
"Ha! Then why don't you try stopping it next time?"
Retorted another, frustration mounting in Team Y's ranks.
Niko stepped in, silencing the arguments, but the damage was done. Team Y's confidence had taken a hit.
Meanwhile, Team Z erupted into cheers, swarming Isagi in celebration.
"That was terrific!"
"I knew you could do it, but from that distance? Unreal!"
As his teammates showered him with praise, Isagi refocused quickly.
"Alright, back to your positions"
He urged, though he made sure to stop and clap Gagamaru on the back.
"Great interception, Gagamaru. That play made it all possible."
Gagamaru nodded, proud of his contribution. The team reset with newfound energy, ready to dominate the match.
Isagi's faith in Gagamaru's defensive abilities allowed him to focus entirely on the offensive front. As Team Y restarted the game, they slowed the tempo, trying to settle into their rhythm.
Niko, however, was already hard at work, scanning the field with calculating eyes. The unexpected formation change from Team Z was throwing his strategy off balance. He had anticipated them sticking to their previous setup, but now he had to adapt on the fly.
For now, Niko chose observation over action, passing the ball to a teammate on the left flank. Team Y's player faced Naruhaya, who quickly stepped up to challenge him. Despite Naruhaya's effort, his smaller frame was no match for the opponent's physicality, and the ball carrier pushed past him.
Anticipating this, Isagi had already made a run toward the left flank. The moment Naruhaya was beaten, Isagi slid in with a clean tackle, knocking the ball loose and sending it rolling back to Naruhaya.
"Attack!"
Isagi shouted as he got back on his feet.
"Don't need to tell me twice!"
Naruhaya replied, taking off down the left wing. He shifted from his position as a left midfielder to a left winger, catching Team Y off guard.
Kunigami and Kira immediately began their runs, charging forward with intent. The sight of both strikers in full stride sent Team Y into a scramble to reinforce their defensive line.
Naruhaya wasted no time and delivered an early cross into the box. The ball sailed beautifully, aimed perfectly between Kunigami and Kira. Kira grinned as he leapt for the header, confident that this was his moment to shine and finally prove his worth.
But just as Kira prepared to connect with the ball, a shadow loomed over him.
"What the hell!?"
Kira exclaimed as he saw a leg stretch impossibly far to intercept the cross.
It was Niko.
The interception was masterful. With his sharp awareness, Niko had anticipated Naruhaya's cross and moved decisively, altering the ball's trajectory and saving Team Y from conceding a goal.
However, Niko's focus on the play blinded him to another threat.
Isagi.
Isagi had read the entire sequence—the cross, Niko's interception, and where the ball would land. While everyone else was caught reacting, Isagi had already positioned himself to claim the loose ball.
The ball fell to his feet, and with a calmness that belied the intensity of the moment, he controlled it.
'This... this "chessboard football"... it's something that can only happen here in Blue Lock. And I love it!'
With a determined smile, Isagi looked up, ready to capitalize on the chaos he had orchestrated.
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