Chapter 86: The King of One-on-One? Sorry, You're Not Qualified!

"The Blue lock team has adopted a 4-5-1 formation, which seems to be a more conservative defensive counter-attacking style!"

"And the U20 team is using a 4-3-3 formation. As expected, Sae, who has been highly anticipated, serves as the absolute midfield core. However, it's worth mentioning that this time, the main striker of the U20 team, Shuto, has been shifted to the wing, with the newcomer Kira taking the center-forward position. What do you think about this, Mr. Natsuki?"

"Perhaps U20 also sees this match as a training opportunity. Although Kira has shown good performances in local matches, it remains a question whether he can make an impact in such an important game!"

In the commentator's booth, two well-known football commentators were providing commentary. Meanwhile, on the field, the Blue lock team had already initiated their attacking charge.

Yoichi, the ball control, swiftly advanced while constantly surveying his surroundings.

They weren't using the traditional 4-5-1 formation. In the attack, Rin served as the absolute core, with Nagi and Yoichi forming a triangular organization around him for the offensive play. Tabito, who was positioned as a defensive midfielder, immediately dropped back to form a three-man defense with Ikki and Jyubei, while the full-backs Hyoma and Meguru pressed forward to participate in the attack.

This super offensive formation could only be used because the Blue lock team consisted entirely of forwards!

Their goal was to seize the initiative by outnumbering the opposition with attacking players, increasing their chances of success.

In any competitive sports event, the team that scores first can gain an advantage and significantly boost their team's morale.

Yoichi swiftly dribbled the ball, and someone stood before him.

Kira Ryosuke.

"Come on, Yoichi."

At that moment, Kira had also entered a highly focused state. Although he consistently held the top position in the Blue lock team with an absolute advantage, he knew he couldn't let his guard down.

The members of the Blue lock team had an unparalleled desire to win, and they might be able to unleash powers surpassing the original work.

And only by giving it their all could they show respect for this match, their opponents, and their teammates.

"You've gotten faster, and your ball control has improved significantly since the last time we faced each other, Yoichi. You've put in a lot of effort during this period."

Kira said with a smile.

"That's all for the sake of defeating you."

A smile appeared on Yoichi's face as well, and in his eyes, Kira could see the reflection of his face

And the entire stadium.

'Kira possesses terrifying speed and a keen sense for detecting flaws in dribbling movements. Based on the previous footage, almost no one could get past him in a 1v1 situation. For me now, it's absolutely impossible to get past him. It's the lowest success rate option. I should try to avoid direct confrontations with Kira as much as possible!'

Rather than sticking to the ball, Yoichi made an instant decision and immediately passed the ball to Meguru on the other side.

Their first offensive tactic was to launch an attack before the U20 team could fully react. They absolutely couldn't afford to waste any time!

They had to score the first goal!

"Shoot!"

Meguru, upon receiving the ball, immediately became excited and sprinted forward at the fastest speed even with a defender closely marking him. However, Meguru effortlessly evaded the opponent with almost perfect footwork and completed the breakthrough!

"What?!"

"This move?"

"Is he really a high school player?!"

A wave of astonishment erupted from the spectators, and the commentators were equally surprised:

"The number 8 player from the Blue lock team, Meguru, has demonstrated exceptional dribbling skills, easily bypassing the defender! Fantastic!"

"Come and find out who can perfectly coordinate with my actions!"

Meguru continued his advance. More defenders had come to provide support, attempting to block him outside the penalty area.

However, his breakthrough had already torn through the U20 defense!

A smile blossomed on Meguru's face as he noticed a figure appearing beside him.

Yoichi!

"So, it's you after all! Let us dismantle the U20 team entirely!!"

Meguru delivered a high cross, the ball taking on a peculiar trajectory towards Yoichi

But at that moment, a figure suddenly stood between the ball and Yoichi.

Like a venomous snake that discovers its prey and launches a fierce attack!

Aiku Oliver!

"How?!"

Yoichi stood there dumbfounded, completely taken aback by Oliver's unexpected appearance in that spot.

However, with his terrifying jumping ability, Oliver successfully intercepted the ball. Fortunately, the ball didn't fall into the hands of other defenders but was cleared out of bounds.

"Was I read? No, whether it's running or passing, they should all be flawless. He wasn't marking me. Anticipation? No... in the instant he took in everything in front of the goal, he made his judgment! Vision, intellect, physical ability, just how strong is this guy?"

Yoichi couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

"Oliver, Oliver!"

The entire stadium began echoing Oliver's name. As the captain of the U20 team, he also had considerable fame.

"Just now, Oliver impressively completed the clearance. He truly lives up to his reputation as the captain of the high-speed counter-attack team! It's truly exhilarating!"

With just one move, the atmosphere in the entire stadium reached its climax, and the commentators were filled with excitement.

At that moment, Oliver turned his head and glanced at Yoichi from the corner of his eye.

"Number 11 from the Blue lock team, I won't let any of your players score in front of me again!"

"Again?"

Yoichi was momentarily stunned, then immediately realized the meaning behind Oliver's words.

Earlier, a member of the Blue lock team had scored against his defense.

And there was only one person it could be.

Kira!

During their daily team training, Kira was practically unstoppable, easily tearing through the proud defense line of the U20 team.

But that didn't mean Oliver was weak defensively; it was just that Kira's offensive abilities were too terrifying.

Oliver could easily shut down the Blue lock team's attacking options.

Moreover, Yoichi had watched the U20 match footage, and Oliver was clearly even more formidable than what was shown in the recordings.

Did he also improve himself during this time?

However...

This only made Yoichi even more excited.

If Kira could penetrate Oliver's defense, then he would strive to reach the same level.

With the collective strength of the entire team, they would pierce through Oliver's defensive line!

"Sorry, but we will definitely blast the ball into your goal."

Yoichi revealed an excited smile and issued a challenge to Oliver.

"Oh, bring it on."

Oliver smiled and replied. He could also sense a strong desire to win from Yoichi.

"It seems Kira was right. The Blue lock is filled with hungry individuals. This is getting interesting."

After the out-of-bounds ball was thrown, the Blue lock team reorganized their offense.

After several passes, Yoichi realized it was difficult to directly break through Oliver's defensive area from the front.

They would have to find a breakthrough from the side.

Observing the positions of everyone on the field, Yoichi noticed that Eita, who was supposed to break through from the right side, was tightly marked by Miroku, leaving no space for a breakthrough. After thinking for a moment, he decided to pass the ball to Kenyu on the other side.

"Is it finally my turn?"

Kenyu's face lit up with a smile as he securely received the ball and immediately surged forward.

Kenyu possessed incredible speed in dribbling and breaking through, making him the strongest 1v1 breakthrough player in the Blue lock team.

Of course, this was under the assumption that Kira was excluded.

At the moment Kenyu touched the ball, Kira had already come over to provide defensive support, standing in front of Kenyu.

"I heard you're the true No. 1 of the Blue lock. I'm looking forward to facing you head-on."

Kenyu smiled and looked at Kira, exuding confidence in his gaze.

During the previous internal selection match in the Blue lock, he had used his excellent 1v1 ability to toy with Rin, and Kenyu believed he possessed the strongest one-on-one skills.

So he wanted to have a direct confrontation with Kira and see who the true king of one-on-one was.

"Our styles of play should be quite similar, relying on speed and strength. However, in this aspect, I can confidently say that I'm the best in the country."

Kenyu continued, having studied some of Kira's game footage and knowing the opponent's common attacking techniques using speed and physical qualities for forced breakthroughs, a style that closely resembled Kenyu's own playing style.

For Kenyu, Kira was like another version of himself.

Defeating him would be highly rewarding!

"Perhaps, but there's still a fundamental difference between us. This style of play is your only trump card, while it's just one of many weapons in my arsenal and even as just one of those weapons, its sharpness far surpasses your trump card."

In response to Kenyu's provocation, Kira calmly retorted.

"You dare to say that!"

In the next breath,Kenyu was already in motion!

Leaning his body forward, he used his foot to flick the ball, testing Kira's balance, and then explosively burst into his fastest speed to make the breakthrough.

At this moment, Kenyu was like an arrow released from a bow, aiming straight for the heart of the U20 team!

"What speed is that!? The number 5 from the Blue lock has displayed an incredible breakthrough ability! It seems like the new member of the U20, Kira, is completely unable to stop him!"

The commentator exclaimed in awe.

"It seems you're not as impressive as you think."

Kenyu looked to his side, but Kira was nowhere to be seen. It appeared that he had already been left behind.

However, just as Kenyu was feeling proud of himself, a terrifying chill suddenly emanated from his other side.

"Where are you looking?"

Kira's voice rang out.

"What?!"

Kenyu was dumbfounded, momentarily stunned by the sudden voice.

He had clearly left Kira behind, so why did he manage to catch up...

What kind of terrifying speed was this?!

"No, Kira hasn't lost his position... My goodness, he just caught up with Kenyu from behind with an even faster speed! Is he really that fast?!"

The commentator's voice trembled. Kenyu's speed alone was enough to astonish him, but Kira's speed surpassed even that.

"That Kira is so amazing?!"

"Too fast, isn't he?!"

"What a monster!"

The spectators were also shocked by the scene before them. They never expected that Kira, who was stepping onto a big stage for the first time, would display such an exceptional level of performance.

"Such frightening speed..."

Even Junpei pushed his glasses and his voice quivered slightly.

Back on the field, Kira and Kenyu were locked in a fierce battle.

However, Kenyu wasn't about to give up easily. He pushed himself to accelerate even more and used his superb ball skills to keep the ball tightly under his control, leaving no opportunity for Kira to take advantage of.

But...

If it was just at this level, Kira had a way to break through.

At this moment, Kira further concentrated his mental strength, keeping his eyes fixed on Kenyu.

The spectators' cheers gradually faded, and Kira's ears were filled with silence.

At the same time, it felt as if the movements of everyone on the field were gradually slowing down, and the rise and fall of their chests when they breathed became clearly visible.

The Transparent World!

Empowered by Transparent World, Kira could see Kenyu's movements clearly.

Kenyu's ball control was excellent, making it nearly impossible to steal the ball from him in a 1v1 situation.

However, at this moment, with the aid of Transparent World, Kenyu's movements were full of openings!

It was in that split second when he lifted his leg!

Kira suddenly lowered his center of gravity, forcefully turned his body, and swiftly hooked Kenyu's football with his left leg, just like a harpoon catching a fish, accurately sending the ball flying!

Successful interception!

The moment the interception was completed, Kira immediately stopped using Transparent World. This ability consumed too much mental energy, and he couldn't sustain it continuously. Each usage required a certain amount of time to rest.

However, this time, the use of Transparent World had achieved its effect.

"No way! Kenyu was defended in a 1v1 situation? And he was intercepted so forcefully?!"

Tabito, a member of the Blue lock, stared in disbelief. He had witnessed Kenyu's strength, and without a doubt, he was at the top level within the Blue lock.

But in front of Kira, he was no match.