Chapter 41 : Primal Confrontation: Evolution in Action

"Great goal, Shidou!" 

Bachira's voice rang out like a bell as he sprinted toward Shidou, leaping onto his back with wild excitement. Shidou grinned wickedly, his energy electric as he celebrated his masterpiece of a goal. His arms shot up in triumph, his smirk brimming with the confidence of a predator that had just tasted victory.

Meanwhile, Reo and Barou's reactions painted a different picture. Barou stood rooted, his brows furrowed, jaw clenched. He wasn't the one to finish that play, and the thought gnawed at his pride. Reo, on the other hand, had an unreadable expression, though frustration flickered in his eyes. His pass hadn't been pivotal; Shidou's brilliance had overshadowed the entire setup. It wasn't teamwork—it was raw, unfiltered genius.

Across the pitch, on Isagi's team, the atmosphere was taut. Nagi and Kurona froze for a moment, their wide eyes fixed on Shidou as if still processing the audacity of his strike.

"That guy's going to be a problem" 

Nagi muttered, his voice unusually firm as his gaze lingered on Shidou. His tone carried an edge of worry, rare for someone so laid-back.

"Obviously" 

Isagi replied, his sharp eyes narrowing as his mind churned, piecing together a counter-strategy. He had only been surprised for a second. He knew Shidou's skillset—his unpredictable creativity and devastating shooting ability—but seeing it in action was another thing altogether. It was a reminder of what they were up against, and it only fueled his resolve.

As they moved back into their positions, a shift in strategy was apparent. Nagi and Kurona switched roles seamlessly. Nagi now shadowed Barou, his tall frame poised to disrupt the King's dominant play. Kurona, agile and quick, took on Bachira, ready to match his frenetic movements with precision. At the center, the air was charged with tension as Rin locked eyes with Shidou, the two prodigies squaring off in what promised to be an intense duel.

Behind them, Isagi and Reo took their places, anchoring the formation. Isagi's eyes darted across the field, already analyzing every possible play. Reo's composure was a mask, but there was no denying the simmering competitiveness underneath.

Rin kicked off, sending the ball rolling smoothly to Nagi. With his usual effortless touch, Nagi controlled it and began his run. His eyes quickly scanned the field, but his focus honed in on the figure blocking his path: Barou.

The last time Nagi had faced Barou one-on-one was back in the First Selection. He'd managed to slip past him then, but he remembered how grueling it was. Barou was a fortress—imposing, relentless, and brimming with pride. Nagi knew this wouldn't be easy, but that only stirred his curiosity.

Barou met his challenge head-on, charging forward with intimidating intensity. His every step screamed dominance, his press suffocating as he tried to impose his will on Nagi. But Nagi didn't waver. If anything, the pressure only fueled him. He wanted this confrontation.

During their last 3v3 match against Rin's team, Nagi had witnessed something remarkable—Rin had entered a "Zone" state. That surreal level of focus and adaptation had come after Rin faced the unrelenting challenge of Isagi's dominance. Watching Rin elevate his game to new heights had left a profound mark on Nagi.

He realized then that to grow, to evolve as a player, he needed to push himself against stronger opponents. And right now, there was no better opponent than Barou.

With determination flickering in his usually nonchalant eyes, Nagi accelerated. He made a few intricate runs, shifting his body to throw Barou off, but it was no use. Barou stuck to him like a shadow, reading his movements, keeping just close enough to pounce. The tension was palpable.

Nagi, ever the creative genius, decided to take a gamble. With a subtle flick, he sent the ball into the air, baiting Barou into action. Barou lunged, eyes locked on the ball, ready to snatch it away. But that was exactly what Nagi wanted.

In a flash, Nagi's heel connected with the ball's underside. With surgical precision, he tipped it against the ground, sending it into a sharp bounce. The ball rocketed upward, soaring over Barou's head like a firework.

Barou's eyes widened for a split second as the ball arced above him. It was a move born of audacity and creativity—a move only Nagi Seishiro could pull off.

As the ball sailed past Barou, Nagi dashed around him, his calm yet intense focus locked on his next move. The challenge wasn't over yet, but with this play, Nagi had just shown that his talents were evolving.

Nagi continued his run, but Barou was relentless. The self-proclaimed King wasn't about to let the play end on Nagi's terms. Like a lion chasing its prey, Barou surged forward, his strides growing longer, his presence looming closer by the second.

Nagi, unfazed, relied on his flair. With a deft chip, he sent the ball arcing backward, bypassing both Barou and the chaos unfolding near the goal. The ball soared through the air with precision, landing squarely at Isagi's feet.

As the ball reached him, Isagi quickly surveyed the field. He noticed Nagi sprinting toward the goal, his intentions clear. But before Isagi could act, Shidou broke free from Rin with a sudden burst of speed. Like a bullet fired from a gun, Shidou zeroed in on Isagi, his explosive energy radiating a clear challenge.

The No. 1 player in Blue Lock versus Shidou Ryusei. It was a duel Shidou had been waiting for.

Reo, recognizing the shift, moved to cover Rin. Though he was still grappling with the complexities of this game, Reo's tactical mind was starting to piece things together. He shadowed Rin closely, trying to neutralize his influence.

Meanwhile, Isagi began his dribble. He noticed Kurona, positioned ideally for a potential assist or even a shot at goal. Passing to him would've been the logical move—Kurona's sharp runs and nimble footwork could easily outmaneuver the defenders.

But Isagi didn't pass. He wanted this moment. A one-on-one against Shidou, a player whose sheer instinct and unpredictability made him one of the most dangerous in Blue Lock.

Shidou closed in, his movements wild yet precise, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Isagi felt the pressure but didn't falter. He angled his body and made a sharp diagonal run, the ball glued to his feet. Shidou tracked him instantly, his reflexes cat-like, his intent laser-focused on stealing the ball.

Isagi shifted direction again, his sharp cuts testing Shidou's ability to react. But Shidou wasn't just keeping up—he was matching every move, his aggression palpable. His instinct-driven playstyle made him unpredictable, and Isagi knew one wrong touch could spell disaster.

The tension between them grew with every step. Isagi's mind worked in overdrive, calculating his next move, searching for the opening that would tip the scales in his favor.

Shidou's leg shot out like a whip, the speed and precision behind his movement unmatched. He was gunning for the ball with feral intensity, his instincts driving him like a predator closing in on its prey. But Isagi wasn't about to let it slip away.

The clash between them only fueled Isagi's excitement, and his competitive spirit ignited. With a flurry of tight movements, he danced just out of Shidou's reach, twisting and turning to keep the ball under control.

When Isagi had his fill of the duel's opening act, he flicked the ball forward, maintaining just enough distance to bait Shidou. His subtle smirk hinted at his intent—it was a provocative challenge.

Rin, observing from upfield, narrowed his eyes. He recognized this move all too well. Isagi had pulled the exact same maneuver on him in their last match, a deliberate taunt designed to test his opponent's limits.

Shidou's lips curled into a wild grin. He wasn't the type to shy away from a challenge, especially one this tantalizing. Without hesitation, he accepted it.

Both players exploded into action simultaneously, their feet pounding the turf as they lunged for the ball. Isagi's touch came first, narrowly outpacing Shidou's lightning-fast reaction. In that fleeting moment of advantage, Isagi executed a lane change, his body shifting seamlessly.

With an audacious flick, Isagi threaded the ball between Shidou's legs—a nutmeg that sent a shockwave of energy through the pitch.

But Shidou wasn't the type to feel humiliated. Far from it. His reaction was immediate and aggressive, his body twisting with animalistic force as he pivoted to chase down Isagi.

Now shoulder to shoulder, the two players raced down the field, the ball still in Isagi's possession. Their strides were powerful, their movements precise, but their clash was more than physical—it was mental.

Shidou's raw instinct and boundless energy clashed with Isagi's calculated precision, creating a dynamic that captivated everyone watching. The stakes were high, and neither was willing to back down.

Isagi performed a sharp chop feint, sending the ball behind Shidou. Shidou reacted instantly, twisting his body to recover, but even his reflexes couldn't compensate for the split-second delay. In that crucial moment, Isagi shifted his weight again, slipping to the left and leaving Shidou momentarily off balance.

Now free, Isagi pushed forward. Ahead of him, players were making their runs toward the penalty area. Team White's defenders scrambled to track their marks, creating a chaotic rush in the box.

Isagi's eyes darted across the field, calculating his options. He spotted an opening and prepared to act, but Shidou was closing in fast from his right, his relentless energy bearing down like a storm.

With finesse and creativity, Isagi pulled the ball behind him with his left foot and executed a dazzling Rabona pass. The ball arced gracefully through the air, spinning with precision as it homed in on its target.

It soared toward the right side of the penalty box, where Nagi was waiting. Nagi had been marked closely by Barou, but he was already playing his own game within the match.

Keeping his eyes locked on Isagi, Nagi knew he had to prove himself worthy of the pass. Without a clear scoring opportunity, Isagi wouldn't take the risk. With subtle brilliance, Nagi feigned retreating toward Barou before darting back into position, creating just enough space.

Isagi noticed the move immediately. Trusting Nagi's intent, he delivered the flair pass without hesitation.

The ball reached Nagi perfectly, and he didn't let the opportunity slip. With impeccable timing, he leaped into the air, leaving Barou behind as if the King's presence was nothing more than a shadow.

Nagi's shot was decisive, his strike aiming for the left side of the net. The ball zipped past the keeper, slamming into the goal with precision and power.

Team Red: 1

Team White: 1

Nagi landed gracefully, his expression calm yet hiding a flicker of triumph. Barou's frustration was evident in his clenched jaw, his pride stung by the play.

Across the field, Shidou stood still for a moment before his lips curled into a grin.

"Not bad, Isagi" 

He muttered under his breath, his excitement only growing.

"Good pass, Isagi."

Nagi approached Isagi with his usual calm demeanor, offering a rare compliment. While Nagi had scored off Isagi's assists before, this pass stood out. Amid the chaos, Isagi had spotted the lone opening and delivered the ball with precision, setting up a perfect scoring opportunity.

As Nagi walked beside him, a thought flickered in his mind. He wasn't consciously comparing, but the difference between Reo's passes and Isagi's was undeniable. The gap in skill was there, and this play only emphasized it. Isagi's pass hadn't just been accurate—it had been exciting, almost daring in its execution.

Reo stood at a distance, watching the two interact. A twisted expression was on his face, but beneath it was a storm of emotions. It pained him to see Nagi, the person he had worked so hard to keep by his side, gravitating toward Isagi.

'…That bastard!'

The words echoed in his mind, but they weren't directed solely at Isagi. A part of him blamed himself. Reo knew he couldn't rightfully complain—he had seen it with his own eyes. Isagi's pass wasn't just better; it was leagues ahead. It carried an excitement that resonated with Nagi, something Reo's current skill couldn't replicate.

Reo clenched his fists, his emotions a mixture of frustration and determination. He wasn't just competing against Isagi or anyone else on the field. He was competing against his own limits, the doubts creeping into his mind, and the fear of being left behind.

This match wasn't just a game—it was a test. Reo felt it in every fiber of his being. If he wanted to stand on equal footing with everyone here—if he wanted to reclaim his bond with Nagi—he needed to prove himself. Not through words, but through his play.

And deep down, he knew: the only way forward was to evolve.

Reo felt a storm brewing within him. For the first time in a long while, his focus drifted away from Nagi. His mind raced as he analyzed the players on the field. He saw it clearly now—what everyone excelled at and what made them special.

Barou's raw power and unyielding dominance. Bachira's mesmerizing dribbling and flair. Nagi's extraordinary touch and creativity. And Shidou's unrelenting instinct and chaotic brilliance.

The reality was suffocating. Everyone here had something that set them apart—a talent that made them shine.

And then, there was Isagi.

The more Reo thought about it, the heavier the weight became. Isagi wasn't just good at one thing—he excelled in every aspect of the game. Shooting, technique, dribbling, defending, strategy—he had it all. How was someone like Reo, who was merely good at everything but not extraordinary at anything, supposed to surpass someone like that?

For a moment, despair clawed at him, but then something shifted.

Reo forced himself to stop thinking about everyone else's talents and focus inward. He wasn't like them, and that was okay. He wasn't some unstoppable shooter or a dribbling magician. But he was adaptable—an all-rounder capable of playing any role.

The realization flickered in his mind like a dim light struggling to grow brighter. He had the potential to make an impact, but how to use it still eluded him. Before he could dive deeper into his thoughts, a voice cut through the air.

"Oi! You two. The vote's gone up by one. I'm with Bachira on stealing Isagi."

It was Shidou. His smirk was wild, his excitement palpable. After seeing Isagi's pass, he could vividly imagine himself scoring from such plays. And their one-on-one earlier? It had only fueled his desire to team up with Isagi.

Bachira's face lit up at Shidou's words. "Yes! Let's steal Isagi!" he cheered, his joy unrestrained. To him, Isagi was the ultimate monster—a kindred spirit he had to play alongside.

Reo and Barou both clicked their tongues in frustration. Neither liked the idea of handing Isagi such high regard, but they couldn't deny the logic. Taking the strongest player onto their side was the best option to win.

"Looks like I'm advancing to the next round either way" 

Isagi said with a teasing smirk, his words aimed at his teammates.

His voice carried a mix of confidence and humor, but it wasn't cocky—it was a subtle challenge. He wanted them to know that no matter how much others coveted him, he was still focused on the game at hand.

Shidou kicked off the play with a sharp pass to Bachira, who received it effortlessly. The intensity of the match had skyrocketed, and Bachira felt every ounce of it in his veins.

A wide grin spread across his face. This was exactly what he lived for. He could already see himself weaving through the defense, carving a path toward glory. But before he could make his move, Kurona intercepted, closing the gap with lightning speed.

Bachira was forced to adjust. He pulled the ball back quickly to evade Kurona's tackle.

"Ah, you're fast" 

Bachira said, his voice brimming with excitement rather than frustration.

Without missing a beat, he performed a scissors feint, his movements fluid as he tried to shake off Kurona. He made a run outside the block, aiming to leave Kurona behind. It wasn't easy—Kurona's sharp reflexes and agility made him a formidable opponent—but Bachira managed to create just enough space to advance.

Then, something unexpected happened.

Isagi appeared out of nowhere, intercepting Bachira's path with impeccable timing. Bachira barely had time to react before Isagi executed a clean steal, taking the ball off his feet.

"Gotcha" 

Isagi muttered, his tone calm yet decisive.

Without hesitation, Isagi sent a precise through pass ahead for Kurona to chase. It was a seamless play, one that showcased Isagi's ability to read the game several steps ahead.

Bachira froze for a moment, stunned. His excitement only grew as he processed what had just happened.

Meanwhile, Kurona blasted down the left wing, accelerating with explosive speed. The ball was already rolling perfectly into his path, and the field was opening up before him.

Isagi's decision to abandon his mark on Shidou had been split-second, but it was calculated. He had noticed Bachira focusing intently on their one-on-one duel and seized the opportunity to exploit it. The gamble paid off, and now Team Red was on the counterattack.

Kurona sprinted down the wing, his pace relentless as he assessed the shifting dynamics on the field. Rin's positioning had subtly altered, but the real change was in the focus of Team White. All eyes, which would typically be locked on Rin, were now trained on Isagi. Kurona smirked inwardly—Rin knew exactly how to use that to his advantage.

Nagi, fresh off his earlier goal, was drawing considerable attention from both Barou and Reo. Their defensive pressure on him was palpable, creating pockets of space elsewhere.

Kurona spotted the opening. Originally, he had planned to take the shot himself, but the window of opportunity was closing fast as Shidou surged toward him with frightening speed.

Without hesitation, Kurona unleashed a powerful pass. The ball cut through the air like a missile, fast and precise. It didn't drop quickly, soaring toward the right side of the field, It was a little far from the penalty box.

There, waiting with his signature calm confidence, was Itoshi Rin.

The ball reached Rin in perfect stride. Without breaking his rhythm, Rin took a single, effortless kick. The ball flew with unerring accuracy, slicing through the air before slamming into the back of the net.

It was a masterpiece of precision and power. Team White stood momentarily stunned, their focus on Isagi and Nagi having left them unprepared for Rin's clinical long shot.

The scoreboard shifted, and Team Red surged ahead.

Rin's expression remained stoic. This was his first goal of the match, and it was a statement, showcasing his ability to take control of a game in an instant.

Kurona jogged back into position, a faint grin on his face. He had seen the opening, trusted his instincts, and played his part. Team Red's synergy was growing, and the match was far from over.

With Rin's goal, Isagi's team took the lead, and the momentum of the match shifted decisively. The tides had turned, and Team White was now grappling with an undeniable truth: they had underestimated Rin Itoshi.

Until now, Rin's role had seemed subdued, overshadowed by the spectacle of Isagi and Nagi's chemistry. But that long-range strike, executed with surgical precision, had served as a brutal reminder of Rin's capabilities. He wasn't just a player on the field—he was a tactician and a lethal finisher, a weapon that could alter the course of the match in an instant.

Team White's players exchanged glances as they moved into position. The realization was unanimous: Rin was a threat they couldn't ignore.

Barou's jaw tightened, his pride stinging from being caught out of position. Reo, always the strategist, began analyzing Rin's playstyle, replaying the goal in his mind. The ball had barely touched Rin's foot before it was in the back of the net. The precision, the timing—it wasn't just skill; it was mastery.

"We can't let him take another shot like that," Reo muttered, his voice sharp as he addressed Barou. "Stay tight on him. Don't give him the space to line up."

Barou clicked his tongue but nodded, his competitive fire igniting. 

"I was going to do it anyway."

Shidou, on the other hand, was grinning ear to ear. His excitement bubbled over as he turned to Bachira. 

"That guy's insane! I gotta score something better now."

Bachira chuckled, his own eyes gleaming with a mix of admiration and hunger. 

"Looks like we've got more monsters to deal with. Let's see who breaks first."

As the match resumed, Team White adjusted their formation. Barou took a more defensive stance, shadowing Rin closely, while Reo positioned himself to intercept any potential through balls. Their focus was no longer divided—Rin had their full attention now.

But on Isagi's team, the atmosphere was calm yet electric. Isagi's sharp eyes scanned the field, his mind working ahead. With Rin drawing attention, he knew it was time to capitalize on the chaos and devise a new strategy to exploit the gaps left in Team White's defense.

For Rin, however, the attention was nothing new. He thrived under pressure, and the moment he felt Barou's presence tighten around him, This was exactly what he wanted—more challenges, more opportunities to dominate.

Team White had recognized Rin's abilities, but stopping him would prove to be an entirely different matter.

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