Blue Lock, I, Kira Ryosuke, Obtain Thunder Breathing at the Start

And Rice Spirit can also be combined with Thunderclap and Flash. Under high-speed movement, it can also perform flashy dribbling moves that ordinary defenders absolutely cannot keep up with.

"Rice Spirit can be combined with Thunderclap and Flash. Under normal circumstances, it should already possess excellent dribbling ability. Although it is less affected by Total Concentration Breathing itself, if it were combined with Thunderclap and Flash in that state, it should be able to create some unbelievable dribbles and goals."

Kira Ryosuke muttered to himself, "But if all three skills are used in combination, the physical consumption will surely become even greater. Training in this space should also help strengthen my stamina."

Wasting no time, Kira Ryosuke immediately focused his attention on training.

He opened the system interface, placed several moving dummies in front of him to simulate defenders, and then quickly dribbled the ball forward.

Total Concentration Breathing, Thunderclap and Flash, plus Rice Spirit!

Kira Ryosuke charged towards the goal at incredible speed. He gently trapped the ball between his feet and flicked it up into the air—

Then he shot!

The ball shot into the goal like a cannonball, with pinpoint accuracy!

"It really works!"

Kira Ryosuke clenched his right fist and nodded forcefully.

Using breathing techniques to increase his physical strength for duels, Rice Spirit's agile footwork for dribbling and changing direction—and finally, Thunderclap and Flash to finish.

Rice Spirit made Kira Ryosuke's shooting point more flexible, creating more shots that completely surprised defenders.

Since this combination was feasible, Kira Ryosuke began practicing again.

Just as he told Ego Jinpachi, all he pursued was victory, and winning this match against X was just the beginning.

Kira Ryosuke wanted to keep winning, to win continuously.

An hour passed quickly. Without the limitation of stamina, Kira Ryosuke's training efficiency increased severalfold. In one hour, Thunderclap and Flash and Total Concentration Breathing gained over 20% proficiency, while Rice Spirit's proficiency also exceeded 40%.

[Time's up. Returning to the real world.]

The moment the timer above the field hit zero, the scenery around Kira Ryosuke changed again.

In an instant, he was back in the Blue Lock training grounds.

Kira Ryosuke quickly took out his phone. Just as the system had explained, time in the Combat Space was independent. No matter how long Kira Ryosuke spent inside, to everyone else, he hadn't made any other moves.

"If I upgrade Rice Spirit, I should be able to further improve my dribbling proficiency and diversify my moves. In a sense, this is what they call 'ball control'."

Kira Ryosuke mused, and at the same time, prepared to try the newly combined moves again in real life.

However, after completing the combination of moves, a noticeable soreness struck him again, even more severe than after using Thunderclap and Flash in a match. Kira Ryosuke had to rest for a bit and do some stretching exercises.

"As expected, if all three moves are used simultaneously, the soreness becomes more pronounced... Improving their proficiency and strengthening my physical fitness remain the top priorities. I'll add some extra training later."

Just as Kira Ryosuke was about to continue training, someone approached him from behind.

Chigiri Hyoma.

Although Blue Lock was filled with male players, Chigiri Hyoma possessed delicate beauty surpassing that of women. He also had long hair, making him look like a real girl. He had a somewhat reclusive and self-willed personality, and was nicknamed "Ojou-sama" (Princess) by others in the team.

"You're still practicing? Kira."

Chigiri Hyoma walked up to Kira Ryosuke and asked curiously.

"Yeah, just doing some specialized stamina training before bed."

Kira Ryosuke replied. He looked at Chigiri Hyoma, sensing that the other person seemed to have something to say to him.

"Is that so? Kira, you're truly talented and hardworking."

Chigiri Hyoma pursed his lips, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

He had once been the ace player of his high school, possessing unparalleled speed. However, after an injury, he lost the courage to run again, and his heart became clouded.

Although Chigiri Hyoma believed he had lost his passion for football, he still responded to the invitation from Blue Lock, holding onto that small spark within.

During the matches, he didn't compete for the ball and was content to stay back on defense, playing passively throughout the entire game—but after seeing Kira Ryosuke's sprinting figure, the spark in his heart seemed to burn even brighter.

Chapter Twenty-Nine: If You Give Up, Why Did You Come Here

That rapid charge, just like his past self. At least in that moment, Chigiri Hyoma truly felt the urge to play football again.

This feeling was like a seed being planted, making Chigiri Hyoma curious. He thought he might be able to learn something from Kira Ryosuke and regain his former state.

"Ojou-sama, weren't you also a once-in-a-generation genius player?"

Kira Ryosuke said with a smile.

"You've heard of me?"

Chigiri Hyoma's eyes widened in surprise. In less than a year, he seemed to have been forgotten by the world. No one noticed his once glorious past, and it seemed no one in Blue Lock noticed his existence either.

"You were the star player for Logikushitsu Industrial High School, known for your incredible speed, but then you got injured..."

Kira Ryosuke naturally knew this information.

"You haven't shown much performance in Blue Lock. Is it because of the injury? Logically, your injury should have healed long ago. But it was an injury that could have ended your career. It must be because you're very conscious of your past injury, and there's a hurdle you can't overcome in your heart, right?"

Chigiri Hyoma hesitated. He hadn't really wanted to talk about this matter, but facing Kira Ryosuke's question, he finally nodded, because the other person had indeed hit the nail on the head regarding his inner feelings.

"That's right... I feel like my path in soccer is basically over."

"Do you really believe those words?"

Kira Ryosuke smiled and patted Chigiri Hyoma's shoulder.

"If you were really ready to give up soccer, why would you have come here?"

"I just..."

"Whether or not you seize an opportunity is up to you."

Kira Ryosuke shifted his gaze to the field.

"But if you want to give it another shot, you can just say what you're thinking directly. As long as you feel you're ready."

Actually, most of the members of Team Z were good guys. Even Raichi Jingo, who had the foulest temper, was straightforward. Kira Ryosuke usually got along well with them and considered Team Z as his team. If they needed any help, Kira Ryosuke would lend a hand.

They had put in the effort, and it was only natural that they should be rewarded.

On the other hand, helping them not only improved team cohesion but also allowed Kira Ryosuke to gain more Combat Points. Combat Points were related to the strength of opponents and teammates; the stronger they were, the more Combat Points Kira Ryosuke earned.

"Want to practice together? We can see how your body has recovered. Maybe you'll be able to get back on the field soon."

Kira Ryosuke patted Chigiri Hyoma's back again.

Chigiri Hyoma thought for a moment before agreeing.

"Yeah."

For the first time since arriving at Blue Lock, the usually expressionless boy showed a smile.

At this moment, outside Blue Lock, at Aida's home.

Aida Reiko had completely buried herself under the covers, her head hidden by the pillow.

Everything she had said to Kira Ryosuke had been overheard by everyone present... but that wasn't the main point!

The crucial thing was that she had been mistaken for Kira Ryosuke's girlfriend!

Her attempts to explain had been useless. If, someday, the other members of Blue Lock were granted leave... wouldn't this rumor spread like wildfire!

"Will this cause any trouble for Ryosuke...?"

Aida Reiko's face turned bright red, her slender, fair legs kicking on the bed as if swimming.

"I wonder how Ryosuke is doing... And scoring ten goals, that must be quite difficult..."

"Our semester is starting soon too. There will definitely be a lot to do with the Seirin basketball club. Should I show Ryosuke around Seirin then...?"

"Sigh, I'll definitely be busy then... But when exactly will Ryosuke be able to get out?"

Blue Lock, Monitoring Room.

"Ego-sensei, how do you feel about the first selection round?"

Teieri Anri returned to the room after finishing a press conference, asking Ego Jinpachi.

"Everything is proceeding smoothly."

Ego Jinpachi, while eating instant noodles, stared intently at the screen, watching a replay of a certain match.

It was the game between Team X and Team Y.

"Perhaps a monster has really infiltrated Blue Lock."

Ego Jinpachi said.

"Who?"

Teieri Anri frowned, looking puzzled.

"You'll know when the time comes."

Ego Jinpachi bit into his noodles, his eyes still fixed on the screen.

"Oh, right. The Football Association chairman said that we could add a bit more to the budget."

Teieri Anri remembered something and said to Ego Jinpachi.

"But there must be conditions, right? After all, for him, soccer is just business. That's why this country's soccer is rotten to the core. Without changing that, winning the World Cup is impossible."

Ego Jinpachi's expression didn't change.

"Tell me, Anri, what does he want?"

"Just the footage from the first round of matches."

Teieri Anri took out a USB drive.

"I heard that a very important person is interested in our Blue Lock project..."

Soon, another three days had passed.

For the past three days, Kira Ryosuke has been using the 10 Combat Points he earned daily to exchange for practice time in the Combat Space, gaining extra training hours.

Kira Ryosuke currently possesses three skills. Having too many skills means he would need more time to practice and increase their proficiency, which would actually hinder training efficiency and accelerate the consumption of Combat Points.

Therefore, Kira Ryosuke believes that at this stage, it's best to maintain his current three skills. He'll exchange the 10 points earned daily for practice time in the Combat Space to improve their proficiency. Once their proficiency reaches a certain level, he'll use the large amount of Combat Points earned from matches to upgrade them, which is already a considerable expense.

After these skills reach a certain level, Kira Ryosuke plans to unlock more.

As the matches in Blue Lock become more intense, the Combat Points earned from each match should increase, making it not too late to unlock other skills then.

Chapter 30: I'll Guard the Rear of the Team

During this time, Kira Ryosuke has also been leading tactical drills with the rest of the team. In the eyes of the others, Kira Ryosuke is an absolute training maniac.

They have truly come to see Kira Ryosuke as their team's leader, believing he can lead them further.

"Yesterday's third match is also finished. Team W defeated Team X 4-1."

There is still an hour before the next match begins, and everyone is in the locker room preparing. Kira Ryosuke is briefing everyone on the situation in Blue Lock.

Team X losing to Team W was within expectations. Team X only had Barou Shoei with relatively outstanding abilities; the others simply couldn't go far. Furthermore, after their crushing defeat against Team Z, the mindset of the others completely collapsed. Coupled with Barou Shoei's frustrated performance in the first match, the entire team fell apart.

This team is basically destined for elimination. Barou Shoei can only rely on his status as the team's top scorer to advance to the next round.

"Our next opponent is Team Y. Although they suffered a crushing defeat in the first round, it doesn't mean they are a weak team. While Oogawa Hibiki appears to be the main offensive point, Niko Ikki is the most crucial player, don't forget."

Kira Ryosuke continued, "They've already lost one game, and losing another basically means elimination. So, Team Y will definitely fight with everything they have in this match, and we cannot afford to be complacent."

"Is Niko Ikki really someone we need to worry about?"

Kunigami Rensuke, standing nearby, sounded a bit confused.

"Looking at the footage, although he didn't score, every time there was a threat on offense, it was entirely from Oogawa Hibiki."