Chapter 16:The Leader's Instincts and Isagi’s Awakening

As Team Z gathered in the locker room during halftime, the atmosphere remained tense despite their 3-1 lead. Some players were starting to feel comfortable, but Kira felt otherwise. He could sense something brewing on the other side. As the team sat scattered around the room, tired and catching their breath, Kira stood up in the center, commanding everyone's attention. His calm yet authoritative demeanor immediately quieted the chatter.

"Listen up, everyone," Kira started, his voice steady but firm. "We've been doing great so far, but don't get complacent. We've got a solid lead, but I can feel something coming from them. They're not done yet. We can't lose focus for even a second."

Raichi, ever competitive, scoffed from his seat. "We're up two goals, Kira. Team Y hasn't been able to keep up with us."

Kira's piercing gaze silenced Raichi. "That's exactly why they're going to come at us harder. They know it's all or nothing for them now. Desperation can make people dangerous."

The room went silent as the weight of Kira's words settled in. Even Chigiri, who had stayed aloof for much of the game, listened intently.

Kira's eyes then shifted to Isagi, who sat quietly, still reflecting on his own performance. "Isagi," Kira called out. "Have you figured out what your weapon is yet?"

Isagi hesitated, then slowly shook his head. "Not yet…"

Kira, unfazed, continued. "I want you to keep your eyes on Niko. He's their key strategist, and I've noticed something. Your playstyle and his are similar—both of you use spatial awareness to control the field. If you can learn to mark him, you'll find your weapon."

Isagi's eyes widened as the realization hit him. He had been doubting himself, but Kira was right—if he could read Niko, it might lead him to discover his own strength.

"Don't underestimate yourself," Kira added before walking back to his seat. "You've got the instincts. Now use them."

The whistle blew to signal the start of the second half. Team Y, now desperate, pressed forward with renewed aggression. Naruhaya took possession of the ball early on, but before he could push into Team Y's half, a defender from Team Y swooped in and stole the ball cleanly.

"Damn it!" Naruhaya cursed, frustrated by the quick turnover.

The stolen ball was quickly passed through Team Y's midfield until it landed at the feet of Niko. His vision scanned the field for openings, calculating the next move, but before he could act, Isagi had already read the play. Using the advice from Kira, Isagi stepped in and intercepted the pass intended for Niko.

"Not this time," Isagi muttered, locking eyes with Niko.

Niko raised an eyebrow in mild surprise but remained composed. "You think you can mark me for the rest of the game?"

"I will," Isagi shot back, determination flooding his voice. "I'll catch every pass heading your way."

Niko chuckled, almost mockingly. "You've been paying attention, haven't you? Ego was right. Every player has a weapon. Yours is developing, but mine? I've already found mine." He paused briefly, letting the words sink in. "I'm not strong or fast, but I have the eye to see where I need to be. I can position myself perfectly every time. You can't stop that, Isagi."

Isagi didn't respond immediately, but his eyes remained locked on Niko. He knew the truth in what Niko was saying, but he also realized that marking Niko wasn't just about physical ability—it was about anticipating the flow of the game, something Isagi was starting to understand.

As the minutes passed, Team Z and Team Y continued to clash, each side fighting tooth and nail for control. The intensity of the match was palpable. Kira continued to lead Team Z's offense, darting across the pitch with his God Speed Impulse, and expertly using his Ultimate Copy to mirror the techniques of his opponents. His unmatched speed, combined with his near-flawless reflexes, made him nearly untouchable.

On one play, Kira found himself charging toward the goal with two defenders in front of him. He switched seamlessly between Barou's dribbling style and Bachira's unpredictable footwork, pulling both defenders out of position. The gap he created allowed him to pass to Raichi, who immediately pushed forward with Isagi and Bachira.

Kira stayed in motion, his reflexes on full display as he calculated every defender's position. A sudden flick from Raichi sent the ball back to Kira. In one fluid motion, Kira used Kunigami's powerful shooting technique and launched the ball into the net with incredible force.

"Goal! 4-1!" the announcer boomed as the crowd erupted.

Team Y's morale began to waver, but their desperation pushed them even further.

With only a few minutes remaining, Niko approached Isagi again, his expression calm but calculating. "We're nearing the end, but we're not done yet. It's almost time for our last resort."

Isagi narrowed his eyes. "What are you planning?"

Niko smirked. "You'll see soon enough. The signal will be when Okawa gets possession of the ball. After that, everyone on our team will attack with everything we have."

As Niko spoke, Isagi felt a chill run down his spine. The confidence in Niko's voice wasn't just a bluff—Team Y had something up their sleeve.

True to Niko's word, the moment Okawa gained possession of the ball, Team Y's formation shifted. Every player on Team Y surged forward, abandoning their defensive positions in a coordinated effort to overwhelm Team Z's defense.

"They're all going on the attack!" Raichi yelled, trying to keep pace with the sudden change in tempo.

Isagi's mind raced. Niko had warned him about this, but seeing it in action was a different story. Team Y's coordinated offensive push was threatening to break through Team Z's lines, but Isagi couldn't lose focus. He needed to stop Niko and disrupt their strategy.

Kira, sensing the danger, immediately fell back into a defensive position, using his God Speed Impulse to cover ground rapidly. His leadership instincts kicked in, directing the defense and ensuring no gaps were left open. But the pressure from Team Y was immense, and they were getting closer to the goal.

Isagi, fully locked in, followed Niko's every movement. He anticipated where the ball would go next, and just as Niko tried to make his next move, Isagi stepped in, intercepting the pass once more.

"I told you," Isagi said, his voice filled with newfound confidence. "I'll stop every pass coming your way."

Niko gritted his teeth. "So, you've found it. Your weapon…"

Isagi didn't answer, but the fire in his eyes told Niko everything he needed to know. Isagi was no longer just reacting—he was controlling the field.

With only a minute left, Team Z launched their final attack. Kira, leading the charge, used his speed and reflexes to cut through Team Y's defense, passing the ball between Bachira and Raichi as they moved up the field.

But when the ball came back to Isagi, everything seemed to slow down. His vision sharpened, his awareness of the field becoming crystal clear. He saw the opening. Without hesitation, Isagi took the shot.

The ball soared toward the goal, and the stadium fell silent for just a moment before the sound of the ball hitting the back of the net echoed through the field.

"Goal! 5-1!"

As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the match, Team Z erupted into cheers. They had secured their second victory in Blue Lock, with Kira leading the charge and Isagi finally discovering the beginnings of his own weapon.

Kira, calm as ever, walked over to Isagi and gave him a firm nod of approval. "You did good, Isagi. Keep honing that weapon of yours. You'll need it."

Isagi smiled, feeling a sense of pride and relief wash over him. For the first time, he felt like he was starting to understand his place on the team.

But even as Team Z celebrated their victory, Kira couldn't shake the feeling that the challenges ahead would only grow more difficult. The journey through Blue Lock was far from over, and the true tests were still to come.