Chapter 26 – Half-time Drama

Team Z's locker room was buzzing with conversation as the players discussed strategies and improvements for the second half. Amid the chatter, Kira, visibly irritated, confronted Chigiri about his poor performance in the first half. The Wanima brothers had gotten into Chigiri's head, mocking him with the nickname "Glass Prodigy," and his movements on the field had become hesitant, allowing Team W to exploit him.

"Oi, princess! What got you so scared of those annoying twins?" Kira asked, his voice sharp with frustration.

Chigiri dodged the question. "It's none of your business. I've got it handled."

"It is my business since we're not winning," Kira shot back, his tone growing harsher.

Isagi, understanding Chigiri's situation from their previous conversation in the video room, decided to step in. "Chigiri, don't listen to them," he urged. "I don't know much about your past or your injury, but that doesn't matter now. Everything can be reborn in a goal!"

Kira, clearly annoyed by Isagi's words, swung his hand and scuffed Isagi on the head. "Don't talk like you know anything," Kira said, his voice full of irritation.

Rubbing his head, Isagi continued to speak to Chigiri. "I came here to change myself. So should you."

Chigiri sat silently, taking in Isagi's words, contemplating whether he should continue playing or just give up.

Seeing the hesitation, Kira laid down an ultimatum. "If you keep hesitating, then I'm putting you out. You won't be playing in the second half."

Chigiri's head snapped up in shock. He stood up and pointed at Kira, protesting, "You can't do that! How would you play with just ten people? You're sabotaging yourself!"

Kira, now standing right in front of Chigiri, stared him down menacingly. "I'm sabotaging us by letting you play. Haven't you realized yet? The Worst Type Of Player Is The One That Drags Everyone Else Down."

Chigiri froze under Kira's intense gaze, remembering how Kira had once ruthlessly ended another player's dream during the entrance test. Kira's tone became even darker. "Since you have nothing at stake, you should just stop playing football now. I'm being merciful, getting you out of the game so you can buzz off!"

The room fell into an awkward silence. The previously energetic atmosphere in the locker room had shifted to one of tension and unease. Chigiri bit his lip, trying to hold back his frustration. He knew arguing with Kira would be pointless—Kira was stubborn and held sway over the rest of the team, who followed his plans during the game.

Just as Chigiri was about to respond, the intercom buzzed, and Ego's voice filled the room. "Unfortunately, unless it's an injury or a reason that violates Blue Lock's policy, you cannot take players out of the game. So, Kira, you're going to have to play with every player you have."

A tense silence followed Ego's announcement. Kira clicked his tongue in frustration and glared at Chigiri. "If you cost us this game, I'll make sure your football career is truly over."

Raichi, sitting by himself and watching the drama unfold, took a sip from his drink. He couldn't help but think that Team Z was full of colorful personalities. 'Kira says that phrase again to players who don't focus on football—'nothing at stake'—what does that even mean?' Raichi pondered, trying to make sense of Kira's cryptic words. Raichi shook his head, 'I don't have time to waste on useless thoughts,' He told himself, determined to move forward.

Raichi found himself deep in thought, replaying his mistakes and missed opportunities from the first half. He was frustrated—everything he'd trained for seemed useless against Raito's unpredictable skillset. Every trick he'd learned while guarding Kira didn't apply to Raito, and the goal he'd let in was a glaring reminder of his failure.

'I have to make sure Raito doesn't get into position to score again.' With renewed focus, Raichi resolved to mark Raito so tightly that he wouldn't even have space to maneuver.

As Raichi made his personal decision, Kuon addressed the room, trying to snap the team out of the tension. "We're going to have to put another mark on Raito," he said, pulling everyone's attention back to the game. His suggestion served as a welcome distraction from the drama that had filled the locker room moments ago. "Raito's one-on-one abilities are too strong for one player to handle, especially since we're all forwards."

Imamura, playing as right back for this match, agreed immediately. "Yeah, I can drop back from my roaming in the midfield to provide support."

Gagamaru, still haunted by the image of Raito's shot slipping just beyond his reach, chimed in as well. "He's dangerous, no doubt. If you guys can buy me more time to set up, I know I can stop his shot."

But Raichi wasn't having any of it. "He's mine!" Raichi shouted, his voice firm and full of conviction. "He won't get another shot off in the second half!"

Kuon raised an eyebrow and calmly countered, "But Raichi, he already scored a goal on you. We can't take any chances here."

"I said he's mine! You guys will butt out of this," Raichi snapped back, refusing to let go of his pride and determination to handle Raito himself.

An argument broke out, with Raichi stubbornly insisting that he could stop Raito on his own, while Kuon and the others tried to reason with him. The back-and-forth debate grew more heated, with neither side willing to relent. Time ticked away as the argument stretched on, consuming the remainder of the halftime break.

The tension hung in the air, unresolved, as half time is finally over.

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The second half began with Team Z launching an aggressive attack, eager to break down Team W's defense. While their defensive strategies were in disarray due to Raichi's stubbornness, their offensive mindset was clear—attack, attack, and attack relentlessly to force a breakthrough. There was no room for hesitation; they needed to be bold and press forward.

Kira quickly got hold of the ball, initiating the play. He exchanged a quick one-two pass with Naruhaya, driving the ball up the middle. Three defenders converged on him, ready to trap and shut him down. But before they could close in, Iemon made a deep run into the midfield, positioning himself as an option. Kira swiftly passed to Iemon, who was instantly surrounded by two defenders.

Iemon, however, was unfazed. He turned his back to them, using his body to shield the ball. His strong frame kept the defenders at bay, leaving them struggling to push him off.

"Gah! This guy… why is he so strong!?" one of the defenders grunted, straining to find a way past Iemon.

"Shit! His hands are trapping us in between the ball!" the other defender added in frustration.

Iemon's physical strength was one of Team Z's key assets. Despite not being the fastest player on the field, his powerful build made him a formidable presence in moments like this, when holding the ball and creating space for his teammates was crucial. With two defenders occupied by Iemon, the rest of Team Z had the freedom to move and find openings to exploit.

"You won't move me with that pitiful strength," Iemon said calmly, barely acknowledging their attempts to dislodge him.

All Iemon had to do now was hold the ball long enough for his teammates to get into position and find the perfect pass that would lead to a goal. The pressure was on Team W as Team Z's attacking momentum surged forward.