Because he had already seen that Kira Ryosuke had charged toward the edge of the penalty area!
Niko Ikki ran with all his strength, trying to complete the interception before the ball hit the ground!
But in terms of speed, Niko Ikki simply could not catch up!
"Faster, faster!"
Niko Ikki clenched his teeth, completely ignoring the soreness in his legs. His mind was blank, and he no longer had the strength to keep using Superior Vision. He bet everything he had on his legs!
No matter the cost, he had to stop this ball!
That was the only thought left in his mind!
But the ball was getting farther and farther away. Niko Ikki's efforts were destined to bear no fruit. Itoshi Sae's pass seemed to be mocking his mediocrity.
"I, stand firm!"
Just as Niko Ikki fell into despair, an even taller figure suddenly charged in from the other side.
Ariko Juubei!
Ariko Juubei did not possess an ability like Superior Vision, but he judged the situation on the field by observing Niko Ikki's movements.
When nearly everyone believed that Itoshi Sae would choose to shoot, Niko Ikki ran outward—he had figured out the purpose of Itoshi Sae's pass.
And Ariko Juubei chose to trust Niko Ikki, betting his own movement on Niko Ikki's judgment!
That was why he was able to get there first and intercept the ball before Niko Ikki arrived.
"I can intercept it—"
"No, that's not right!"
Niko Ikki, who had just smiled at Ariko Juubei's timely arrival, immediately realized something was wrong.
The ball's trajectory had changed!
A backspin ball!
This was a trap!
That had not been a pass for Kira Ryosuke!
Although Kira Ryosuke had indeed run into an extremely dangerous position, Itoshi Sae had actually used him as bait, deliberately