Tsurugi Zantetsu and the others' defense was highly effective, completely blocking Kira Ryosuke's route back on defense.
Even if Kira Ryosuke used his speed to circle around them, he had already bought Nagi Seishiro, Mikage Reo, and the others enough time!
At this moment, Team V's offensive momentum had already burned into Team Z's half!
Chapter 60: No One Can Stop Me! Including You, Kira!
"Don't let them advance any farther!"
Raichi Jingo immediately pressed forward, preparing to intercept Mikage Reo. He had no intention of letting him continue dribbling—
But before he could get close, Mikage Reo had already passed the ball to Nagi Seishiro.
This attack belonged to Nagi Seishiro.
"Don't let him through!"
Naruhaya Asahi blocked Nagi Seishiro's path at top speed. In terms of build, speed, and technique, he was completely incomparable to Nagi Seishiro. But after everything he had endured during this period, he absolutely would not back down in the face of the opposing ace's attack.
Nagi Seishiro's face was expressionless, but as he raced forward, he was like a vicious beast, as though he would devour the small-framed Naruhaya Asahi in the next second.
And Naruhaya Asahi still did not retreat.
"I can take the ball!"
Naruhaya Asahi carefully watched Nagi Seishiro's footwork, searching for his rhythm.
At that moment, Nagi Seishiro suddenly accelerated, forcing Naruhaya Asahi to shift his center of gravity backward—
"Was that the move Kira just used?"
Suddenly, Nagi Seishiro stepped on the ball, sending it back toward his own foot in the opposite direction.
"Is that Kira's dribbling technique?!"
Even though Naruhaya Asahi wanted to return to his defensive position, his center of gravity had already been completely disrupted, and he fell to the ground.
This was the terrifying talent of Nagi Seishiro—a realm of absolute ability that ordinary people could never surpass, no matter how hard they chased after it.
"Stop him!"
The other players on the defensive line immediately pressed forward, trying to completely lock down Nagi Seishiro. But Nagi Seishiro passed the ball to Mikage Reo, who had cut in from the side at the same time.
"Is it Reo?"
"No, wait!"
Isagi Yoichi, who had rushed over to provide cover, immediately realized the problem and hurried toward Nagi Seishiro.
But he was still one step too slow.
It was a wall-pass One-Two Pass!
The instant he passed the ball, Nagi Seishiro cut into position at top speed.
And while everyone's attention was focused on Mikage Reo, he immediately received the ball back!
The ball traced an exaggerated arc through the air, one that ordinary people could never reach.
But Nagi Seishiro was no ordinary person!
Nagi Seishiro leaped high into the air and, like a black hole, sucked the ball beneath his foot while adjusting his body—
Shot!
Goal!
3:2!
The score gap was instantly reduced!
"Damn it!"
Iemon fell to his knees and pounded the ground. On the other side, a rampant expression appeared on Mikage Reo's face once again as he spoke to Naruhaya Asahi, who had yet to get up:
"See that? This is the difference between ordinary people and geniuses! You're completely helpless! We treated the first half as a warm-up. In the second half, we'll make you understand the gap completely!"
Naruhaya Asahi remained silent. Though unwilling to accept it, he had no choice but to admit the truth.
There was an insurmountable gulf between them and the geniuses.
Although Team V was still trailing by one goal, Nagi Seishiro's goal had just caused their low morale to soar again. If this continued, they might really be able to turn the game around.
Just then, a pair of hands helped Naruhaya Asahi to his feet.
"You make it sound as if you're in the lead."
Kira Ryosuke had returned to the backfield. He turned toward Mikage Reo, who was still taunting them, and said:
"Besides, you had nothing to do with that goal just now, did you? From beginning to end, it was all Nagi Seishiro's performance. What role did you play? Anyone could replace you."
Kira Ryosuke responded in a calm tone, and Naruhaya Asahi applauded him inwardly.
"What the hell did you just say?!"
"Isn't it true? From beginning to end, you only relied on Nagi Seishiro. Aside from that, you're useless."
"You bastard!"
Mikage Reo lost his temper again and shoved Kira Ryosuke hard, preparing to pick a fight—
But it was as if he had pushed against a massive boulder. Kira Ryosuke did not move at all. Instead, Mikage Reo lost his balance and nearly stumbled to the ground.
"Yellow card warning!"
The broadcast sounded the instant Mikage Reo made his move. His teammates also came over to persuade him, and only then did Mikage Reo slowly calm down.
Whenever Nagi Seishiro was mentioned, Mikage Reo was almost certain to fly into a rage.
"Go ahead and enjoy your verbal victory for now, Kira. We've completely locked you down, while you have no way to restrict Nagi! We'll turn the score around soon!"
Mikage Reo laughed arrogantly, as if they had already won.
Kira Ryosuke narrowed his eyes slightly and replied calmly:
"Is that so? Then try it. From this moment on, your Team V won't score another goal."
During the match against Team Y, Niko Ikki had said something similar to Kira Ryosuke.
And now, Mikage Reo would merely follow in Niko Ikki's footsteps.
"You..."
For some reason, in that instant, Mikage Reo felt an indescribable pressure emanating from Kira Ryosuke.
It was as if a monster was gradually awakening before him, preparing to choose its prey.
Mikage Reo said nothing more and could only silently retreat to his half.
Kira Ryosuke patted Naruhaya Asahi on the shoulder.
"You defended well just now."
"But I..."
"Keep it up. Get ready. It's our turn again, and victory will definitely belong to Team Z."
Kira Ryosuke's words did not sound like consolation. They sounded more like a statement of something destined to happen.
"Yeah!"
After a moment of silence, Naruhaya Asahi smiled and nodded.
On the other side, Nagi Seishiro watched Kira Ryosuke interact with his teammates, feeling somewhat puzzled.
Nagi Seishiro did not think he would lose this match, because the match tested the abilities of both sides, and the only talented player on Team Z was Kira Ryosuke.
Why did he seem to value those people without talent so much?
Strange.
Nagi Seishiro felt somewhat confused, but he knew he could only ask after the match ended.
Of course, it had to end with his own victory.
Before long, Team Z launched another attack. Just as before, Tsurugi Zantetsu and the defensive line served as sacrifices, completely stopping Kira Ryosuke. They not only blocked the route for receiving the ball but even sealed off his cutting lanes.
On the other side, Nagi Seishiro was left to deal with!
Team Z circulated the ball repeatedly, but failed to find a suitable shooting opportunity. Nagi Seishiro, however, seized his chance, using his absurd technique and physical ability to intercept the pass and complete the steal!
Team V launched another counterattack!
Chapter 61: Kira Ryosuke, What Kind of Monster Are You?!
Mikage Reo, Nagi Seishiro, and the others charged toward the opposing half at top speed.
As they advanced, Mikage Reo glanced at Kira Ryosuke's position from the corner of his eye. Just as expected, Kira Ryosuke was still being held in place by Tsurugi Zantetsu and the others, with no chance to return on defense.
"What was that? Saying you wouldn't let us score another goal? In the end, it was nothing but empty talk?!"
"As long as we score this goal, the score will be completely tied!"
"Once that happens, your advantage will vanish. We'll ride the momentum and take the match!"
A smug smile appeared on Mikage Reo's face as he and Nagi Seishiro sprinted across the field, heading straight for Team Z's goal.
On the other side, Kira Ryosuke also began to move.
"I won't let you through!"
Tsurugi Zantetsu immediately unleashed his astonishing speed, trying to restrict Kira Ryosuke just as before.
Kira Ryosuke's speed had exceeded his expectations earlier, but if it was only short-distance burst speed, Tsurugi Zantetsu was absolutely confident. Even Chigiri Hyoma could not match him.
Kira Ryosuke could not get past his defensive position.
Yet the instant he started moving, he realized that the distance between himself and Kira Ryosuke was widening.
"Too slow."
Only Kira Ryosuke's voice rang beside Tsurugi Zantetsu's ear. At the same time, he seemed to feel the air currents brushing across his face.
"No, that's impossible!"
At that moment, Kira Ryosuke used an even more exaggerated burst of speed and forcibly broke through Tsurugi Zantetsu's absolute defense.
Total Concentration Breathing—and Thunderclap and Flash!
His full-power burst produced an astonishing initial acceleration!
"What kind of speed is that?!"
Tsurugi Zantetsu widened his eyes in shock. He even instinctively reached out to grab Kira Ryosuke, but he could not reach him at all.
Tsurugi Zantetsu had lost at the initial acceleration!
Not to mention the other defenders providing cover. They had not even managed to begin moving.
"No way!"
"He surpassed Tsurugi Zantetsu on the first step?!"
"What a monster! But at this distance, he shouldn't be able to get back on defense! It's too far!"
On the other half, Nagi Seishiro and Mikage Reo had worked together to break into Team Z's territory.
If this ball went in, the score would be tied, and Team V, whose momentum had already risen, would seize the advantage.
Nagi Seishiro continued dribbling forward, and that familiar small figure once again blocked his path—
Naruhaya Asahi.
"I won't let you through."
Naruhaya Asahi spoke with absolute determination.
"Sorry, I don't mean anything by it, but why do people without talent like you still insist on continuing? You can't stop me anyway. If I were you, I would have given up long ago."
Nagi Seishiro spoke with some confusion. At the same time, he had no intention of wasting time and prepared to get past Naruhaya Asahi directly.
He lightly pushed the ball forward with his right foot, effortlessly shifting Naruhaya Asahi's center of gravity, then suddenly used his left foot to tap the ball and change direction.
Cruyff Turn!
The dribbling move was executed too perfectly, and Naruhaya Asahi's center of gravity was shaken once again—
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