The same rusted chain Sho envisioned while he was practicing appeared in his dreams, as said chain slowly broke little by little. He reached out for the chain but was forced out of his dreams as light shone through his eyelids.
Sho was awoken by a slight headache. With closed eyes, Sho touched his forehead as he began rubbing his temple.
Dr. Sakuragi: "You shouldn't be touching your forehead let alone waking up, Shihoin-kun."
Sho slowly opened his eyes as they adjusted to the sudden brightness in the room. With his eyes slightly opened, he took in this new environment and quickly remembered what had happened with Junichi.
Sho: 'I guess I'm at the hospital in Blue Lock?"
Dr. Sakuragi: "That is correct Shihoin-kun. You have suffered a small diagonal gash on your left eyebrow. I'd like to keep you here for a week, just to run tests, and make sure you're at 100% for your next match in a week or so. You'll be missing out on a match or 2, but from your latest stats that should be fine."
Sho:"You know how risky that is Doctor? I don't think I can afford missing out on even 1 match after spending 5 points for a premium bed."
Dr. Sakuragi: "Oh worry not, I can always ask Jinpachi-san to refund your points. I'm sure he'll understand and you'll get your 5 points back."
The doctor prepared for a sudden outburst from Sho as he told him the news but was thoroughly surprised by Sho's calmness as Sho began to go over the details in his head. As Sho thought about the best plan, the Doctor interrupted his thought as he said.
Doctor: "Well look on the bright side, by the time you get out of the infirmary, Team W will still have 2 or 3 games left."
With that news Sho raised his finger up against his lips, as the doctor took the hint and stopped talking about Team W, and more about his recovery.
(FLASHBACK)
A tall highschooler with spiky long black hair stood in the middle of an empty practice field drenched in sweat with an excited expression as he looked towards a tablet in his hands.
On the tablet, a video of Team W's first match played against Team Y. Sho piqued the tall highschooler's interest as Sho kicked in between Niko's legs.
???: "I'd fucking end his career."
His ego never let him think otherwise as the tall highschooler with spiky black hair started kicking the ball from 27 meters (88 feet) away.
(FLASHBACK END)
The always frowning highschooler no longer smiled as he stood in the middle of a small cell in a straitjacket, as Jinpachi began lecturing him.
Jinpachi: "Considering that this was your first offense, I'd let you off with a warning but because of the severity of your act, you'll be suspended for the next 2 games."
The once always frowning highschooler stared at Jinpachi after he said those words and let out a sigh of relief as he expected a bigger punishment. He thought about saying something and let his voice out for the first time to Jinpachi.
Junichi: "I'm so sorry. Thank you so much for giving me one more chance, I won't take it for granted."
Jinpachi began walking behind Junichi and loosened the straining straightjacket.
Jinpachi: "Of course. You can spend these next couple of days in Team W's stratum."
Junichi spent a minute getting out of the straitjacket, leaving it behind in the cell. After he walked out of the cell, Junichi went straight to Team W's stratum and began apologizing to his teammates about what happened with Sho as the other player on Team W began getting ready for Team X.
A short highschooler on Team W approached Junichi and overheard him apologizing about beating up Sho.
Random Team W Player: "Hey, asshole you ruined are chances of winning any games now. I hope you get your shit together and help this team win. I'm not ready to leave Blue Lock. Without are top scorer we are bound to lose some matches, but hopefully we'll be able to tie most of em'.
Junichi looked in the shorter highschooler's direction after his sudden outburst and continued to apologize for slimming down their chance of winning the first selection as a team. Everyone on Team W was slightly distraught after learning the news of Shihoin Sho but began walking away from Junichi as they traveled to Team X's field, with hopeful expectations. Before they left Junichi, someone suddenly shouted in his direction.
Another Random Team W Player: "With all your free time you should go clean our room, and repent for slimming down our chances. Let's just hope a miracle happens on the field today and we win. "
After everyone on Team W walked away from Junichi, he took his teammates' words to heart and walked in the opposite direction from them, towards Team W's room.
Across Team W's Stratum, Team X prepared themselves for all of Team W as a tall player with spiky long black hair commanded them.
???: " You peasant trash just need to block other people's shots and stay out of my way."
All of Team X complied with the tall black haired player's wishes as they figured out just how good he was during their first match against Team Z. Everyone followed the tall player's lead as he walked out of the locker room, and into their own field.
Team W was already waiting for Team X as they walked out of the tunnel. After both teams sized each other up, the tall player with long black spiky hair noticed the absence of the top scorer in Team W and the always smiling Junichi. A player on Team X also noticed this and said.
Random Team X Player: "Hey Baro they're missing their star players, I heard both of them got into a gnarly fight."
Baro snickered after his teammate's proclamation and watched on as everyone got in their positions.
Before the game started, Jinpachi got on the intercom and announced the disappearance of both Shihoin Sho and Wanima Junichi.
Jinpachi Ego: "Team W's Wanima Junichi is currently serving a 2 game suspension from upcoming games. Team W's Shihoin Sho is currently being treated for an injury sustained during practice."
Baro sucked his teeth in annoyance as he knew he wouldn't be getting challenged this game.
After the announcement a whistle blew signaling for Team X to start their kickoff.
Across Blue Lock, Sho stared at the flat screen TV placed in front of his hospital bed as it began broadcasting Team W vs Team X's game. His heterochromatic eyes dramatically changed, void of any color as he proceeded to watch Team W get utterly obliterated by Baro Shohei during the first half of the game.
Team W tried to come back from their pitiful performance during the first half, but Team W's efforts were to no avail as the game finished 4-2 In Team X's Favor.
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I re edited this chapter too.
Next Chapter: Resolution