Team X's last match

"Looks like it's finally happening." Jude murmured. He slowly stretched his legs while focusing his gaze on the players standing across from him. 

Team V was busy warming up, while Karasu and Hiori were both lazily leaning against the wall.

Jude couldn't hear their conversation but he knew that it was most likely about their strategy for this match. 

Jude felt more anxious than ever. Yet, for the first time, he felt a new feeling burning inside him. A newfound excitement he hadn't felt in a long time. 

His past self might've given up when realizing the challenges up ahead, but now there wasn't any doubt in his mind. 

They will win. 

That was the only option for him, the only reality he would accept. 

After spending so much time in the Blue Lock facilities, training hard each day alongside other players at the top of Japanese football, his mentality evolved. He was slowly becoming the person he always wished to become.

He also improved more than he could've ever expected. 

His overall when he first joined the project was a measly 44, but it was enough for him to walk all over the high school stage. Yet when compared to all the monsters that existed out there, he soon realized that it was nothing impressive. 

Reaching a 52 overall was reassuring, but he knew that it was still nowhere near enough. 

His biggest strength was his [Eyes of the Lord], by peeking at his opponents strengths and weaknesses he was able to come up with the perfect counter and knew how to turn things to his advantage. 

That's what made him into the player he is now. And that's how he was able to beat Team W. 

On paper, they were stronger than Team X. Whether it was individually or even their team play, they didn't lack in any of those fields.

Jude's wit and intelligence was what allowed him to get so far.

But for the first time, it might not be enough. Against a jack of all trades like Karasu, with no apparent weaknesses, he had to adapt. This was the worst type of matchup for him.

Jude had to evolve. Gain a new weapon. 

Karasu probably already had a rough grasp of his abilities. Jude knew that in order to beat him, he had to come up with something that would surprise even Karasu. 

So, with the little time he had, Jude raised as many of his stats as he could. 

His body could already be considered a weapon, and if used well he could hold his own against Karasu. Especially now that Karasu was underestimating him. 

Recently, in his free time, Jude kept reflecting on his own stats. He was facing a new dilemma. 

How to use his 5 pro points? 

Keeping them for when he reached a bottleneck and was struggling with a stat was a viable option. 

But with the incoming threat of Team V, he decided against it. 

He has to use them now if he wants to give himself the best chance. After taking a good look at his stats he came up with a few plans. 

He could use his points evenly to make up for his few shortcomings. Or instead he could dump all his points into his already high stats. 

After deliberating for a bit, he chose to go with the latter. 

He first considered using his points on his stamina, but was quick to dismiss it. His stamina was already at 57. Increasing it any more would be useless if he wasn't able to make use of it. At best, he would be running around like a blind dog in hope to catch the ball, which was obviously not something he would want. 

Increasing either his shot or dribbles were also a good idea, but it wouldn't be enough to take Karasu by surprise. 

After some thought, Jude let out a final sigh of defeat. 

[Acceleration: 53 -> 58]

His top speed was only at 49, it would be considered very great for high school football, most schools' ace's top speed rarely reached above 45. Even in Blue Lock's first selection, Jude's speed was considered above average. Being able to combine it with his already monstrous stamina was the essence of his new weapon. 

And that's how a new weapon was born, made specifically to deal with Team V.

"You better not be spacing out right before our final match, we'll count on you today as well, Mr striker." 

Yanagi came up from behind Jude and slapped his shoulders to wake him up. 

"Don't worry about it, I've never felt more ready than today." Jude flashed an honest smile. 

Far from being an excuse. He felt like his team might be one of the factors leading to his victory. Watching the recordings of Team V only gave him an approximate idea of each player's true level. But having them in front of him was completely different. 

He was able to use his [Eyes of the Lord] and pinpoint everyone's level. 

The only players in Team V who had an overall score above 50 were Hiori and Karasu. 

The others had an average of around 44.

Worthy of being the best of their high schools, but far from being a threat to Jude. 

"It's creepy to see you smile like that." Akira commented with a slight grimace as he stood next to Jude. 

"I would say that it's refreshing, it's nice to see that you finally recovered your usual mood." Miyata said with a warm smile. "Everyone's waiting for you."

Jude followed Miyata's eyes, his eyes widened in surprise as he saw all his teammates gathered together in a half circle. All of them had their eyes glued on him. 

"What-"

Before Jude could finish, Miyata cut him off with a sly smile. "Everyone agreed that the striker was the one supposed to raise the troops' morale." 

"I'm not good at speeches though, can't someone else do it instead?"

"..."

Jude's words were met with a meaningful silence. 

"Alright, alright. I get it." Jude stood up with a sigh and headed to where all his teammates stood. 

They all formed a circle. 

Making the symbolic gesture of putting his hand in the middle, Jude began his final speech. 

"Today is Team X's final match. Most likely the last time many of us would ever play together again, or ever meet." Jude stated in a solemn voice as each of his teammates joined him and added their hand on top of his.

"For Team V today is no more special than the others, it's just yet another match, not even their last. So if we ever lose to them I would never forgive you guys. I know I wasn't the friendliest, nor the kindest, we might've fought a lot at first, but now we're finally a real team. Team X."

"I hope that each of you keep this in mind, I won't allow this team to lose. For the next 90 minutes you're no longer playing for yourself, you're playing for Team X — for Team X's last match!"

"For Team X's last match!!"

Jude's speech was followed by a loud cheer, grabbing the attention of the Team V's players.