Fourth Stage

As Team Red celebrated their hard-fought victory and advanced to the next stage, Karasu remained still, processing what had just transpired. Despite the shock of the loss, the weight of Shiro's words began to sink in: he had been chosen.

Karasu slowly stood up, his expression a mixture of disbelief and determination. His teammates, Otoya and Yukimiya, walked silently to the door, their defeat weighing heavily on their minds. Karasu watched them for a moment, but then turned his focus back to Shiro and his team.

Shiro, Hiyori, and Kurona, having already taken the first steps toward the next stage, turned to Karasu as he approached them. Shiro gave a small, approving nod, signaling that Karasu was now part of their team.

"Welcome to Team Red," Shiro said, his voice steady. "You've got what it takes. Now, let's move forward."

Kurona and Hiyori offered encouraging smiles, though the latter's face remained serious. Karasu, still processing the sudden shift in his fate, nodded silently. He had been selected not just for his skills, but because Shiro had recognized his potential—something that, even in defeat, ignited a new fire within him.

As Karasu joined their side, Team Red now had four players. They walked toward the next stage with renewed determination, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. The stakes were higher, and with Karasu now among them, they were more confident than ever in their ability to succeed.

As Team Red arrived at the fourth stage room, they quickly scanned the large screen that displayed the progress of all the teams. Not surprisingly, Rin's team had already reached the fourth stage, standing as the first and only team to advance so far.

With the knowledge that they still had 24 hours to cool down and prepare for the next match, Team Red decided to take advantage of the time. They were exhausted from their intense match but knew they needed to stay sharp for the challenges to come.

Karasu, still getting used to the dynamic of his new team, was joined by Hiyori and Kurona as they made their way to the bathroom. It felt odd, yet refreshing, to be in a space with his new teammates. He had always been a solitary player, but now, after being chosen by Shiro, he was beginning to feel a sense of belonging.

Meanwhile, Shiro took a separate path, heading into another bathroom to take some time for himself. Despite the victory, he was already thinking ahead, reflecting on what had transpired during the match and how he could further improve.

In the bathroom, Karasu, Hiyori, and Kurona leaned against the walls as the steam from the hot water filled the air. Hiyori was the first to break the silence.

"So, Karasu," Hiyori said with a light grin, "how does it feel to be on the winning team?"

Karasu smirked, running a hand through his damp hair. "It's different," he admitted. "But I'm not here to lose again. I'm not going to let Shiro's team down."

Kurona, who had been silently listening, nodded in agreement. "You've got potential, Karasu. Just keep up with us, and we'll be unstoppable."

The three of them shared a brief moment of camaraderie, the quiet understanding of what it meant to be part of a team finally sinking in. Meanwhile, Shiro, in the other bathroom, stood under the water, his mind already on the next match, plotting his next move.

He decides to open the system to claim his reward and increase his stats.

Sports Gatcha System

Name: Asura Shiro

Age:16

ABILITY

Roberto Carlos's left foot power[85%]

Quaresma's shooting ability[74%]

Zlatan Ibrahimović's acrobatic ability[90%]

Ambidextrous [90%]

Zidane dribbling ability [95%]

Inzaghi's Spacial awareness [75%]

Ronaldinho's Brazilian Flair [75%]

Bergkamp's ball control[95%]

Ronaldo shooting range[70%]

FUSION WEAPON

Superior two guns volley[95%]

Sniper shot[85%]

Empty slot

STATS

Speed - S-

Shooting- A-

Pass- C+

Dribbling-S-

Defending- D+

Physic- S-

Trait

Genius

Egoist

Superior Athleticism

Skill Dribbler

Speed Demon

Points- 0

Luck Points- 0

Stats point- 0

Skill ticket

Store

Closing his system, Shiro closed his eyes and enjoyed his bath.

A day later, as the clock ticked closer to the moment when the next match would begin, Team Red found themselves growing restless. The excitement of their previous victory was still fresh, but the waiting had left them with little to do. The thought of facing Rin's team loomed large, and the uncertainty of when the next match would start began to feel like a test of patience.

Karasu, still trying to get used to the new team dynamics, looked over at Hiyori and Kurona. The three of them were sitting in the fourth stage room, idly passing the time. The screen was still showing Rin's team as the only other team to have made it to this stage, and they knew it was only a matter of time before they would face them.

"I can't believe we're just waiting here," Karasu muttered, kicking his foot against the ground in frustration.

Hiyori, who had been leaning back in his chair, suddenly straightened up, glancing at the others. "It's not just about the waiting," he said, his eyes focused on the screen. "We need to be sharp for when Rin's team steps up."

Kurona nodded, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a hint of excitement. "Rin's team is the real deal. We can't underestimate them."

Shiro, who had been silent until now, stepped into the room, having just finished his own preparations. He looked over at his team, his expression unreadable. "Let's not waste any more time thinking about it. We'll face them when they're ready. But for now, we need to stay focused."

The tension in the room was palpable, the anticipation of their upcoming match mounting as the hours passed. It was only when Shiro walked over to the corner and glanced at the wall, noticing a blank sheet of paper, that he spoke again.

"Hey, let's do something to pass the time," he suggested, picking up a pen. "We've been sitting here long enough, might as well make something useful out of it."

Karasu raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Shiro grinned. "A game plan for Rin's team. Might as well start thinking ahead, right? We need to know what we're up against."

The others nodded, understanding the need to keep their minds active and sharp. As Shiro began to scribble down ideas for their approach, it quickly became clear that Team Red wasn't just waiting for Rin's team; they were already planning how to defeat them.

Meanwhile, Rin's team, having completed their own preparations, were no doubt just as ready. The stage was set for an intense showdown.

An hour later, Team Red made their way to the field where their match against Rin Itoshi's team would take place. The field was pristine, with a smooth surface that allowed for quick footwork and sharp movements. The anticipation was thick in the air as Shiro, Kurona, Hiyori, and Karasu approached the field, ready for their next challenge.

Rin Itoshi's team, composed of Meguru Bachira, Aryu, Tokimitsu, and Rin himself, were already on the field, warming up and mentally preparing for the upcoming match. They looked focused, with each player exuding confidence. Rin's team was known for their speed, adaptability, and sharp intelligence on the field, and Shiro's team knew they would have to be at their best to stand a chance.

Shiro, as always, was calm and collected. He glanced at his teammates, a slight nod acknowledging their readiness. His mind was already in the game, mentally preparing for the strategies he would need to employ to break through Rin's team.

"Let's keep it tight, stay focused," Shiro said, his voice steady, as they took their positions on the field.

Kurona, always the tactician, nodded. "They're quick, especially Bachira and Tokimitsu. We'll need to keep our spacing tight."

Hiyori looked eager, his eyes scanning the opposing team. "I'll do what I can to disrupt their passes. We can't give them any room to maneuver."

Karasu, who had been absorbing his new teammates' strategies, added, "I'll cover the wings, keep them from exploiting the space."

As they stood on the field, Rin Itoshi stepped forward with his trademark calm but intense gaze. "Ready to test your limits?" he asked, his voice cold yet confident.

Bachira, the unpredictable dribbler, flashed them a playful grin. "Let's make it a good match!"

Aryu, with his sharp mind and quick decision-making, stood poised and ready to spring into action. Tokimitsu, with his easygoing attitude, appeared to be the most relaxed, but his focus on the game was razor-sharp.

The whistle blew, signaling the start of the match. Both teams immediately sprang into action, with Shiro's team quickly establishing their pace. The field was theirs to command, but Rin's team was known for their speed and coordination. Every pass, every movement, every decision would count in this battle for supremacy.

The match had officially begun.

Team Red:Shiro,Karasu,Kurona, Hiori

Team White:Rin,Bachira,Tokimitsu,Aryu

The match began with the ball at Rin Itoshi's feet. His sharp, calculating gaze met Shiro's, and a cold smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Don't give me too much space," Rin warned, his voice icy yet confident. "You're on the battlefield."

With those words, Rin's foot made contact with the ball, sending it hurtling toward the goal with incredible speed. His shot was precise, cutting through the air with the power and accuracy that made him one of the most dangerous forwards in Blue Lock.

Shiro, fully aware of Rin's ability, shifted into his flow state, the moment slowing down around him as his body reacted instinctively. His eyes narrowed, focusing on the ball's trajectory. As it neared the goal, Shiro surged forward, ready to make the critical decision.

Kurona, standing a little off to the side, quickly positioned himself, anticipating Rin's strike and ready to intercept any rebound or assist. Hiyori, ever the strategist, moved to create space and support Shiro, who was preparing to react to the challenge.

The ball hit the target zone with power, but the challenge was just beginning. Shiro's team had to anticipate Rin's relentless drive and counter the lethal force he brought to every match.

The match was moving at a blistering pace. Karasu, sensing an opportunity, swiftly took control of the ball and set off on a counterattack. His eyes locked on Tokimitsu, who was closing in, using his imposing physicality to try and snatch the ball. However, Karasu was too quick. With a well-timed backheel pass, he sent the ball to Iori, who was ready to capitalize on the momentum.

Hiori's vision was clear as he spotted Kurona making a run, and without hesitation, he lobbed the ball toward him. Kurona, however, was met with an unexpected obstacle—Bachira, who expertly blocked his path and denied him the chance to strike.

But Kurona wasn't disheartened. He quickly repositioned himself, finding a gap in the defense. With a swift touch, he sent the ball back to Karasu, who now had a clear view of Shiro making a break toward the box, Rin hot on his heels. Karasu sent a precise cross into the air, the ball arcing perfectly towards Shiro.

Rin, relentless as ever, tried to close the gap, attempting to disturb Shiro's run. But Shiro, with his flow state activated, was too focused. Rin's efforts were ineffective as Shiro smoothly adjusted his stride. With a sharp turn, Shiro performed a spectacular scissors, sending Rin off balance before unleashing a volley toward the goal.

The ball rocketed toward the net, but Aryu, using his height and reach to full advantage, leapt into the air with his long legs and intercepted the shot just in time. As he landed back onto the ground, he couldn't help but smirk, his voice loud enough to echo across the field.

"I am quite flashy today," Aryu declared, his tall figure and quick reflexes proving once again that he was more than capable of handling the pressure.

With the ball now in his possession, Aryu set himself up for the next move, ready to continue the fight against Shiro's unstoppable team. The battle on the field was far from over.

As the match raged on, Aryu sent a quick pass to Bachira, who charged up the field, dribbling past Kurona and Hiori with his signature flair. He surged toward the end of the pitch, ready to send a dangerous cross into the box for Rin, who was again sprinting down the left side. But just as the cross was about to come in, an unexpected sight appeared.

Shiro, with his heightened awareness in the flow state, leaped into the air, intercepting the cross mid-flight. His body twisted in perfect coordination, and with a graceful touch, he controlled the ball effortlessly, sending it to Karasu to initiate the counterattack.

Shiro stopped momentarily to assess the situation, his presence on the field like a storm waiting to break. Tokimitsu, realizing the threat, lunged to close him down, hoping to slow Shiro's momentum and allow Bachira and Rin to get back into defensive positions. But Shiro was unpredictable. In a flash, he shifted left and right, feinting in one direction before spinning past Tokimitsu at a blistering speed. Tokimitsu, unable to react in time, found himself a step too slow as Shiro accelerated past him.

Karasu, seeing Shiro's break, immediately sent a perfectly timed cross toward him. Shiro, now open and with only Aryu to block him, set himself up. The defense was scrambling, but it was too late. Shiro was already in motion, his body flowing in sync with the ball as he prepared to strike.

It was a moment of pure, calculated brilliance, the kind of play that only someone in Shiro's state could pull off. The goal was in sight, and the tension on the field grew palpable.

Shiro made a sudden feint to the left, attempting to trick Aryu with a fake shot. However, Aryu, staying alert, didn't fall for it. In response, Shiro quickly executed a Cruyff turn, smoothly shifting the ball behind his standing leg and rotating his body to face the opposite direction.

Then, with a swift sombrero flick over Aryu's head, he created the space he needed. Now with a clear line to the goal, Shiro took his shot. He sent a powerful volley toward the net, his precision and timing perfect. The goalkeeper couldn't react fast enough as the ball flew past and into the net, scoring the first goal of the match.

Shiro's teammateswatched in awe, impressed by the brilliance of his move. The match had only just started, but Shiro had already made a statement—his skill was a force to be reckoned with.

Score:1-0