Chapter 18:The Path to Greatness

The atmosphere in the Blue Lock facility was electric as players buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming matches. Ego stood at the front of the meeting room, a sly grin on his face as he prepared to unveil the results of the sixth match of the stratum.

"Attention, everyone!" he called, his voice echoing off the walls. "It's time for the moment you've all been waiting for—the rankings!"

The players turned their attention to the large screen as the results flashed before their eyes. The excitement was palpable, but a tense silence fell over the room when Ego announced, "All teams are currently tied, except for Team V and Team Z, who are in first and second place respectively."

Gasps filled the air as the players absorbed the news. Team Z had been putting in the effort, but to be acknowledged as a top contender was exhilarating. Kira felt a sense of pride swell within him, knowing he had played a significant role in their success.

Ego continued, "Team Z has moved up the rankings. You are now ranked 233-244 as a team, with individual placements as follows. Isagi, your new rank is 234." A murmur of approval went through the group as they learned their positions.

"And now for the crucial piece of information," Ego added, tapping the screen to highlight a specific player. "The striker whose goals have been most valuable for the team will be at the top of the chart. Congratulations to Kira, who is now ranked 233!"

The room erupted into applause, everyone cheering for Kira's accomplishment. He grinned widely, but a fierce determination flickered in his eyes. Ego was quick to temper the celebration, urging them to score even more goals if they wanted to maintain or improve their ranks.

"Now listen up! You have less than a day until your next match against Team W. It's time to focus," Ego said, the screen behind him changing to a countdown clock.

Analyzing Team WGathered in the video room, Team Z focused intently on the footage of their next opponent. The tension was palpable as the players settled into their seats. Kira took the lead in the analysis, clicking through highlights of Team W's past matches.

"Easier said than done," Kira interjected, folding his arms as he observed the clips. "That kind of connection—like the Wanima Twins—only comes from years of playing together."

He took the remote from Kuon and pressed a button, bringing up the profiles of Team W's key players. The screen displayed two boys with identical spiky hairstyles: Wanima Junichi, who had fierce eyebrows, and Wanima Keisuke, who sported a dragon-style haircut and a wide grin.

"Their specialty is combination plays," Kira explained. "Their closeness and timing make them formidable. Individually, they aren't as strong, but together, they're a nightmare."

"I think we can separate them," Isagi suggested, leaning forward in his seat. "If we manage to mark one of them closely, we can disrupt their plays."

Kira nodded, but he knew it wouldn't be that simple. "Not just them," he added, bringing up another profile. The screen showed a young blond-haired player with dark roots and silver limbal rings in his brown eyes. "This is Raito Fuwa. His movements in the final third create constant headaches for any defense."

Raichi stiffened at the mention of Raito's name, memories flooding back. "That guy… he's trouble," he muttered.

"Combine him with the Wanima Twins, and we have a trio of threats to handle," Kunigami summarized. "We need a solid defensive strategy to counter their strengths."

As Kira led the discussion on how to approach the match against Team W, Raichi spoke up, eager to contribute. "If we can force Raito into empty spaces, we can neutralize his impact," he suggested.

"Exactly," Kira agreed, and the team rallied around him, ready to strategize.

Training Regimen: Focus on ImprovementAfter the strategy meeting, the team headed to the training field. Kira set the tone, pushing everyone to give their all. They practiced offense and defense tirelessly for two straight days, each player determined to hone their skills.

Raichi, fueled by frustration, chose to shadow Kira during every drill. He saw Kira as both a challenge and an opportunity to improve. The tension was thick between them, with Raichi trying to anticipate Kira's moves.

"Let's see if you can keep up!" Kira teased, weaving the ball skillfully between his feet as they practiced their drills.

During one drill, Kira made a quick break toward the goal. Raichi desperately tried to keep up, but Kira sidestepped him effortlessly, sending the ball soaring into the net. Raichi groaned, frustrated at being outplayed yet again.

"Ahh, come on! You gotta be kidding me!" Raichi exclaimed, slumping to the ground.

"Guess you need to work on your defense," Kira replied with a smirk, giving Raichi a playful nudge. "You're too predictable."

Isagi watched from a distance, feeling a mixture of admiration and envy. He knew he needed to step up his game if he wanted to contribute to Team Z's success.

Moments of ReflectionLater that evening, as the team wrapped up their practice, Isagi found himself alone in the monitoring room. He replayed footage of his previous goals, seeking to understand what made them successful.

As he watched himself score against Team Y, he recalled the feeling of euphoria that surged through him. But now, uncertainty crept in. Doubts whispered in his mind, reminding him that luck might have played a part in his success.

"Was that really a fluke?" he muttered to himself, frustration boiling over. "Everyone else is improving… what about me?"

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Chigiri stepped in, his expression serious. "Can't sleep?" he asked, taking a seat beside Isagi. "I get it. You want to be better, don't you?"

Isagi nodded, looking up at Chigiri. "I just… I feel like I'm falling behind everyone else. What's your weapon?" he asked, curious.

Chigiri hesitated before answering. "I'm still figuring that out. My ACL injury… it changed everything for me."

"Don't let it hold you back," Isagi urged, remembering their earlier conversation. "You're talented, and I believe in you!"

Chigiri sighed, a mix of gratitude and frustration in his eyes. "Thanks, but you don't know the fear of losing everything I've worked for," he said quietly.

Isagi couldn't let that be the end of their conversation. "You're right, I don't. But we can't give up on our dreams. Not now."

Chigiri's gaze softened. "You really believe that?"

"Absolutely," Isagi replied with determination. "I won't throw away my dreams, and I don't think you should either."

The two sat in silence for a moment, contemplating their ambitions. Isagi felt a renewed sense of purpose; he wouldn't let fear dictate his future.

The Intercom AnnouncementSuddenly, the intercom blared to life, disrupting their moment. "Hello, you unpolished gems!" Ego's voice echoed through the hall. "It's time for the rankings update. Get ready to feel the pressure."

"Great," Isagi muttered, glancing at Chigiri, who rolled his eyes.

"The sixth match just finished," Ego continued. "Here are the standings." The screen flickered to life, displaying the results:

Team V: 6 points, +12 Goal DifferenceTeam Z: 5 points, +9 Goal DifferenceTeam W: 3 points, -1 Goal DifferenceTeam Y: 3 points, -10 Goal DifferenceTeam X: 0 points, -3 Goal DifferenceEgo surveyed the players, watching their reactions. "Some of you have moved up, while others have dropped down," he said with a smirk.

The team's spirits rose at the sight of their name in second place, but Raichi's disappointment was palpable. "Tch, I went down?" he grumbled.

"I dropped a little, too," Kunigami noted, looking at the rankings.

"Finding your weapons was only the first step," Ego explained, crossing his arms. "If you stop after that, your potential will be wasted. The next step is to polish your weapons and make them stand out."

Embracing IndividualityEgo turned his gaze to each player. "Each of you has different abilities, so the methods to improve will vary. Your weapon can turn 'Zero' into 'One.' Now figure out how to multiply that 'One' to make it even stronger. Find the plays only you can make. Stand out! Talent is just a lump of ore—if you don't smelt and polish it, it will remain worthless."

His words resonated with the team, sparking determination in their hearts. They understood what was at stake—their dreams, their future, and their chance to become the greatest strikers.

As the meeting concluded, the players left the room, energy coursing through them. Kira felt a surge of motivation; he was determined to lead Team Z to victory. With every practice, every match, and every moment spent with his teammates, he would strive to sharpen his skills and help them grow stronger.

Back on the training field, Kira set his sights on dominating the game against Team W. He would not only focus on his performance but also lift up those around him. The bonds they forged and the hard work they put in would be what truly defined them.

The team gathered once more for a final training session before their match, a fierce resolve gleaming in their eyes. The countdown was on, and they were ready to face the challenge head-on, united and determined to rise in the rankings. Together, they would discover the true potential that lay within each of them, preparing to showcase their skills and fight for victory.