Stage Three II

"How lukewarm to think you would be excited after scoring such a trashy goal."

"You're relaxing on a battlefield?" Rin said as he moved forward with the ball at his feet.

Our play was broken after Rin dribbled past all of us and scored a spectacular goal, pushing the score to 3-3.

Tokimitsu and Aryu Jyubei managed to silence Murano throughout the whole game, making it easier for Rin to score. This was also due to the fact that Murano was making sure Jyubei and Tokimitsu couldn't make an impact in the game.

The intensity on the field was palpable, as both teams fought tooth and nail for every possession. With each passing minute, the score remained neck and neck, with neither team willing to give an inch.

Rin then repeated his long shot from the goalpost that went into the box. However, it was cleared by Murano, as he foresaw that he might try that again.

"I can see all your moves, don't try that shit again!"

Kurona recovered the ball and then passed it again to Nagi. Jyubei then came over in an attempt to steal the ball, but Nagi tried to hold him off. Jyubei forcefully kicked the ball while it was still in Nagi's feet, sending it to the net. Team Red retook the lead.

Team White 3 - 4 Team Red

Kick-off!!

After being knocked out of the game by Tokimitsu's shoulder charge earlier, Murano recommenced the play as he charged forward.

Tokimitsu soon came rushing forward to intercept Murano's run. However, Murano didn't try to take on Tokimitsu's shoulder charge. Kurona was running alongside him through the middle when he simply flicked the ball to him.

Without pausing, Murano moved past Rin to receive a pass back from Kurona.

Murano quickly released a teaser cross for Nagi in the penalty area.

"Darn!" Murano yelled as he saw Aryu running toward Nagi with a sprint speed, hoping that Nagi would be able to evade him. However, Aryu slid in quickly.

Nonetheless, Nagi maintained a nice posture as the ball started descending into the box. Nagi jumped into the air in response, prepared to connect with the ball, and placed a header toward the goal.

Murano was stopping his run when he believed that Nagi had scored the equalizer. But then, at the last moment, he saw He then witnessed the Blue Lock Man leap high and use its extended fingertips to momentarily push the ball off course.

Team Red regained possession as Aryu Jyubei recovered the ball and made a long cross to Tokimitsu.

Tokimitsu then ran toward the middle of the field while avoiding Kurona. He skillfully swerved around Kurona, displaying his speed and agility, and then fired a shot toward the goal.

The Blue Lock Man, still and all, anticipated the move and made a spectacular dive to deny Tokimitsu's shot. The ball, however, went into the bottom corner of the net, giving the team the winning goal.

Team White 3 - 5 Team Red (Wins)

"Shit, shit!" Murano became frustrated as he watched the ball sail past the goalkeeper. He wept in dissatisfaction, finally losing since being at Blue Lock. The defeat weighed heavily on Murona's shoulders as he reflected on the match. It wasn't just a loss; it was a blow to his confidence and his belief in his abilities.

He had always prided himself on his vision and awareness on the field, but now he questioned if he had judged his abilities correctly. The masterclass performances of the top three players had left him feeling inadequate.

Despite managing to score a single goal, it felt insignificant in comparison to their dominance. Murona could not help but wipe away tears of frustration as he realized that it was all he could do at the moment. Rin's influence had clouded his perception, making him see only what Rin wanted him to see.

Stage Three

Team White 3 - 5 Team Red

"Well, who should we pick?" Jyubei asked.

"I don't know, what about the white-haired one," Tokimitsu suggested.

"He scored the most goals," Tokimitsu added.

"Yeah, sure, having him on our team would be extra stylish," Jyubei said while caressing his hair.

"Hey, you're in!" Jyubei said as he pointed toward Nagi.

"I'm sorry, Murona; I thought I could really find the feeling of my frustration," Nagi said as he walked to Rin's team.

"But I guess I have to go with them, Later Murano," Nagi then headed to the fourth stage with Team Red.

Murano was still; his eyes were closed, and his breathing was shallow as he lay on the ground. Nagi proceeded as he left with Team Red. Murano had just lost a game and was feeling devastated. The last time he lost was in the prefectural semi-finals, and he couldn't blame himself or his abilities for the defeat because he had come in as a substitute.

However, something started to awaken inside of him as he lay there. A hollow fire that had been waiting for a chance to light up.

He glanced around and saw that Kurona was the only person left on the field as his eyes opened.

As he sat up, he recalled the game, frustrated that he had lost. A sense of resolve filled him, as he rose to his feet, his muscles burning with fatigue, but his determination stronger than ever.

"Let's go Kurona!!"

Murano spoke condescendingly as his eyes lit up, prompting Kurona to follow along.

Was this his awakening!? Or Something Else.

The fire within him burned brighter as he thought about an opportunity to crush Rin's team.