Chapter 34 – Trouble In Paradise

Team Z retired to their locker room, drenched in sweat, wiping down their faces and bodies with towels. Some players headed straight for the showers, eager to rinse off the exhaustion of training, while others lingered, cooling down and catching their breath.

"Kunigami, are you alright?" Isagi asked as he approached, concern evident in his tone. "You didn't seem as energized during practice."

Kunigami hesitated before responding, offering a weak smile. "Oh? Yeah, I'm fine, Isagi," he replied, dodging the question. "I guess I'm just more tired than usual after yesterday's match and the celebration."

Although Kunigami provided an explanation, the unease in his demeanor didn't go unnoticed. His teammates exchanged glances, clearly not convinced. But sensing that Kunigami wasn't ready to open up, they chose to let it slide for now.

"Well, if you need to talk, we're here," Isagi said, offering a reassuring smile. "We're all in this together."

"Thanks, Isagi," Kunigami muttered, appreciating the gesture, even if he wasn't ready to talk about what was really bothering him.

After their showers, the members of Team Z dispersed into their individual routines during this rare moment of rest. Some players gathered in the sleeping quarters to play video games, others headed to the media room to watch match footage, while a few went straight to the cafeteria to refuel.

Kira made his way to the cafeteria, ready to consume his daily protein intake. He tapped his ranking badge at the food monitor, and soon a tray emerged containing a 250-gram yakiniku set with a bowl of rice, a side salad of carrot and cabbage drizzled with vinegar, and a bowl of miso soup. A 750-milliliter bottle of water completed the meal.

Tray in hand, Kira scanned the room for an empty seat. His gaze landed on Kunigami, who was sitting alone at the farthest table near the wall, chewing his food slowly, seemingly lost in thought. Kira made his way over and casually took the seat opposite him.

"Hey, Kunigami," Kira greeted, "Mind if I sit here?"

Startled out of his contemplation, Kunigami looked up, swallowing his bite before answering, "Eh... sure, go ahead." His voice stuttered slightly, and he mentally scolded himself for being so disconnected from his surroundings.

Kira sat down, setting up his meal. He pulled out his phone and began searching for a football match to watch, settling on a classic 2012/13 clash between La Réal and FC Barcha—an iconic El Clásico showdown. Kira propped his phone against his water bottle, clapped his hands together in a brief prayer of gratitude for the meal, and started eating, eyes glued to the screen.

Kunigami couldn't slip back into his thoughts now that there was a distraction in front of him. The Spanish commentary echoed through the air as Kira watched Messi's mesmerizing dribbling run. Kunigami couldn't help but notice how even during moments of rest, Kira was still consumed by football—watching matches, studying techniques, and improving his game.

'He fills every moment of his day with football,' Kunigami thought, chewing on his food. 'Doesn't he ever get bored?'

Kunigami reflected on Kira's consistent high performance, even during practice. 'I guess that's why he's always a level above everyone,' Kunigami realized. 'Raichi even asked for his help with defense before the Team W match...'

Kunigami's thoughts spiraled as he reconsidered his own performance. His goal-scoring in Blue Lock had been far from satisfactory. Despite countless hours of training, his results on the pitch weren't translating well. Across the three matches they had played, Kunigami had only managed to contribute one goal. For someone aspiring to be the top striker, it wasn't enough. He needed to improve.

Kira might have the insights Kunigami needed to grow as a striker. He couldn't let this be the end of his football career. 'I'm going to be a hero!'

"Kira-san," Kunigami began, his voice tentative. Kira hummed in acknowledgment, though his eyes stayed glued to his phone, focused on the thrilling match unfolding on the screen.

"How do I get better at scoring goals?" Kunigami asked, his voice carrying a hint of desperation. "My form has been poor since my first game, and I want to improve!"

Kira barely glanced up, too engrossed in Messi's run. "You already know your weapon—use it," Kira said, casually chewing his food, his excitement clearly more invested in the match than the conversation.

"It's not enough," Kunigami replied, frustration seeping into his voice. "I've been practicing my positioning, pace, and shooting, but I need something more—a new weapon in my arsenal."

Finally, Kira paused the video and looked Kunigami in the eye. "Your left-footed shot is already a weapon that could take you to the world stage," Kira said, his tone calm. "Be creative with it."

Kunigami frowned, unsatisfied with the answer. He knew that to truly excel, he had to find his own path, but he was reaching the end of his patience. "Please, Kira-san! I need more than that. Can you teach me a technique? Something that can help me control my power better when I shoot?"

Kira chewed thoughtfully, considering Kunigami's request. "What will you give me in return?" he asked, a small smirk playing on his lips.

Kunigami's mind raced, realizing he had nothing to offer. He considered his food but quickly remembered that Blue Lock's staff advised them never to skip meals. Frustration mounted as Kunigami realized he had nothing of value to trade.

Suddenly, an idea struck him—if he couldn't offer anything, maybe desperation would work. Abandoning all pride, Kunigami threw himself at Kira's feet, wrapping his arms around his leg and pleading shamelessly.

"Please, Kira-san! You're my only hope!" Kunigami cried, hugging Kira's right leg tightly. "PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!"

"What the—Get off me!" Kira yelled, startled by the unexpected gesture. He struggled to push Kunigami away, but Kunigami clung on, refusing to let go until Kira gave in. "Oi! Stop being creepy and take the rejection like a man!" Kira snapped, trying to shake him off. "What kind of hero begs shamelessly like this?!"

What followed was a comical scene as the players from Team Z and other team, who were now entering the cafeteria, watched in stunned silence. Kunigami's desperate antics had everyone staring, unsure whether to laugh or cringe at the bizarre sight unfolding before them.