Blue Lock - Conqueror!

Isagi and Shidou strode confidently to the center of the pitch, their presence commanding attention as they prepared for kickoff. Behind them, Hiori, Nanase, and Naruhaya took their positions, their expressions a mix of determination and nervous anticipation. The trio understood the gravity of the moment. Playing alongside Isagi and Shidou—The top two players—was a daunting task. The challenge was not just to keep up but to find a way to contribute meaningfully.

The three exchanged glances, unspoken thoughts passing between them. They had studied the footage. They knew the kind of monsters Isagi and Shidou were—players who pushed the limits of possibility with every touch of the ball. The plan, at least for now, was to start with a cohesive strategy, blending into the duo's rhythm instead of attempting anything too bold or reckless. It was a safer bet, but deep down, they all knew it wouldn't be enough to simply play it safe.

Isagi turned, his sharp gaze locking onto the three behind him. His intense, calculating eyes softened slightly, though the smile that curled his lips was anything but comforting.

"You three,"

He began, his voice carrying a tone that was both encouraging and commanding.

"You must've heard Ego's speech, right? If you're thinking about making this completely cohesive, don't. That won't make the match exciting—not for you, and definitely not for me."

He paused, letting his words sink in, his eyes sweeping over their uncertain faces.

"So try both. Play with assertion and cohesion. Push yourselves. If you hold back, you'll never know how far you can go."

With that, Isagi gave a small nod and turned back to the ball. He nudged it forward with practiced precision, rolling it toward Shidou, who was already grinning with unrestrained excitement. The game was on.

For Hiori, Nanase, and Naruhaya, the message was clear: this wasn't just about keeping up. It was about breaking past their limits. As they moved into formation, their initial hesitation began to fade, replaced by the flickering spark of resolve. If they wanted to make an impact, they would have to seize the moment and match the monstrous energy of the two players leading the charge.

The shrill sound of the whistle had barely faded when Shidou sprang into action. Wasting no time, he took off with the ball, an unrelenting burst of speed that left no room for hesitation. His intentions were clear—he was here to dominate.

Ahead of him, Nagi moved into position, ready to intercept. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, but Shidou didn't seem interested in engaging in a direct face-off. Instead, with a predatory grin, he shifted gears, outpacing Nagi with explosive acceleration.

As he closed in on the next line of opposition, Shidou flicked his right leg outward. With a precise touch using the outside of his foot, he sent the ball flying to his right, a perfectly weighted pass curving toward his teammate.

The recipient was Isagi. Positioned slightly ahead, Isagi was already bracing himself, closely shadowed by Rin, whose sharp, hawk-like gaze betrayed no intention of letting him slip away easily. But Isagi, wasn't fazed. He used his arm to create just enough separation to maintain possession, a subtle yet effective maneuver that left Rin a step behind.

Now it was Isagi's turn to take off. The ball remained glued to his feet as he drove forward, weaving through the defensive line. The taller defenders lunged and reached, but Isagi outmaneuvered them effortlessly, his dribbling a display of both finesse and control.

As the shooting zone came into view, Isagi's focus sharpened. His mind ran through the calculations—angles, trajectories, the keeper's positioning—all in an instant. Without breaking stride, he pulled back his foot and unleashed a powerful strike. The ball soared with pinpoint accuracy, slicing through the air before crashing into the top-left corner of the net.

"Oi! I know you said the quick death, but don't make it that quick! Let's enjoy it more!"

Shidou's voice rang out from Isagi's left, tinged with a mix of amusement and mild annoyance. He had been shadowing Isagi near the penalty area, hoping for a pass that would let him wreak havoc on the goal. That was the entire reason he'd sent the ball to Isagi in the first place. But Isagi, operated on his own wavelength. Without even a glance at Shidou's movement, he had opted to take the shot himself—a blistering strike from long range that found the back of the net.

Shidou let out a short laugh, shaking his head.

"Tch, can't say I'm mad, though. That was one hell of a shot," he muttered to himself. Besides, his positioning wasn't ideal. Isagi's decision to fire so quickly made sense.

Isagi turned to Shidou, his signature smile tugging at his lips, and gave a small shrug as they started walking back to their positions together. Shidou's smirk widened as he slapped Isagi on the back.

"You better make it up to me next time, genius."

Meanwhile, Rin and Nagi stood a few paces away, their sharp gazes fixed on Isagi. The tension in their stares was palpable. Isagi's early goal had thrown them off balance, and now they were trying to assess the best way to contain him.

Rin, however, wasn't merely analyzing—he was fuming. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as his breath escaped in short, irritated huffs. That goal had been a direct hit to his pride. This was supposed to be his chance to surpass Isagi, to claim the top spot. And yet, here he was, trailing behind in the opening minutes of the match.

The referee's whistle cut through the air, signaling the restart. Rin stepped up to the ball, determination etched into his features. With a swift motion, he passed it to Nagi, who trapped it effortlessly. Without missing a beat, Rin sprinted forward, initiating a rapid one-two with Nagi. Their coordination was seamless, the ball zipping between them with precision as they advanced past Isagi, who couldn't get close enough to intercept.

Shidou moved into position, his eyes narrowing as he tried to anticipate their next move. But Rin wasn't about to let the one-two play continue for long. Once the ball was back at his feet, he shifted gears, driving forward with a burst of speed before angling his pass to the right wing.

The recipient was none other than Chigiri, his fiery red hair blazing like a streak of light as he surged down the flank. With his unmatched speed, the field suddenly seemed wider, the defense scrambling to adjust as Chigiri accelerated, the ball gliding along at his feet like it was part of him.

Hiori's eyes had been on Chigiri even before Rin's pass reached him. The speedster's position on the flank wasn't just a threat—it was a promise of devastation if left unchecked. Anticipating the play, Hiori moved swiftly, angling his approach to cut off Chigiri's path or at least force him to slow down.

But Chigiri wasn't the type to hesitate anymore. With a deft touch, he tapped the ball forward, bypassing Hiori entirely. The challenge was clear now—a battle of speed.

Hiori gasped, pushing his body as hard as it could go. But deep down, he already knew the outcome. Against Chigiri's explosive pace, he was outmatched. The gap widened with every stride until Chigiri was ahead, the ball rolling perfectly into his control.

Isagi, watching from a distance, had already foreseen this. His sharp eyes darted between Chigiri and Rin, who had shifted into an unanticipated position on the left. It was a brilliant move—one that only Isagi seemed to have noticed. But with his focus divided, he could act in time to close the distance on only one.

Hiori, now trailing, could only watch as Chigiri entered his shooting range. The speedster pulled back his leg, his body aligning perfectly for a strike.

Chigiri's focus was razor-sharp, his eyes locked on the ball as he prepared to unleash his shot. The shot was unleashed as it was intended to enter the net at the Top-Left corner.

However, his smile as he shot the ball started to dimmish, A leg appeared there right in the trajectory of his shot, Jumping with precise timing.

Naruhaya threw himself into the shot's path. He had played alongside Chigiri before and knew his weapon well. Anticipating this very moment, he had moved into position, determined to block the shot.

For a fleeting second, it seemed like Naruhaya had succeeded. His quick thinking and effort had placed him exactly where he needed to be. But then, the true difficulty of stopping a genius came into play.

Nagi had been watching the entire sequence unfold. His instincts, honed to perfection, led him to this spot to intercept the shot before it got to Naruhaya, as Naruhaya intended to block Chigiri's strike.

With a leap as smooth as it was shocking, Nagi intercepted the ball mid-air, trapping it with immaculate precision. His movement stunned Naruhaya and Nanase, both frozen as they watched the genius at work.

Landing gracefully, Nagi barely hesitated before setting up his shot. With a clean strike, he sent the ball soaring to the right side of the net. The Blue-Lock Man had no chance.

The goal was flawless, a testament to Nagi's ability to turn chaos into opportunity.

Naruhaya knelt on the ground, his frustration clear, but there was also a spark of determination in his eyes. He had come close, closer than ever before. Yet close wasn't enough to match the likes of Nagi.

"Sorry for stealing your goal, Speedster."

Nagi said, his voice calm and unbothered as he turned his gaze toward Chigiri. There was no hint of mockery, just a simple acknowledgment of his intervention.

Chigiri, his fiery red hair damp with sweat, straightened up and fixed his sharp eyes on Nagi. Despite his outward composure, there was a flicker of frustration in his expression. He exhaled slowly, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.

"I don't mind."

Chigiri replied, his tone clipped. He knew the truth—his shot had been destined to fail. Naruhaya had read his move perfectly and positioned himself to block it. Nagi's brilliance had turned what would have been a wasted opportunity into a goal, a stark reminder that even his unmatched speed wasn't flawless. The realization stung, but it also reignited his determination. If his weapon wasn't sharp enough, he would hone it until it was undeniable.

Across the field, Rin's scowl deepened as he observed the exchange. Rin had made the pass to Chigiri after recognizing the potential in his blazing run down the wing. The speedster had seemed like the perfect piece to execute Rin's calculated move and set him up for the finish. Instead, Chigiri had chosen to take the shot himself—a decision Rin hadn't anticipated.

Rin clenched his fists as he replayed the moment in his mind. If he hadn't been shadowed so closely by Isagi, he could have moved in to intercept Chigiri's shot himself. He could have been the one to score. Isagi's persistent presence had shackled him, forcing him to overanalyze and hesitate instead of taking the decisive action he knew he was capable of.

As Rin got back to his position, his mind raced with resolve. He couldn't allow himself to be so reactive. If he wanted to dominate, he needed to assert himself more forcefully. No more waiting for others to align with his plans. He would create his own opportunities, break past Isagi's suffocating defense, and claim the goals he deserved.

Isagi stood in the center circle, calm and composed, the ball resting under his foot, waiting for the game to restart. He didn't seem fazed by the goal his team had just conceded. In truth, he hadn't been trying his hardest. His solo run earlier wasn't to dominate but to gauge the field—observe how the others moved, how they responded under pressure. Winning quickly would be a waste; the real value was in the struggle, the push, and pull of a high-intensity match. That was why he had held back, letting Naruhaya try to handle things on his own and refraining from interfering with Nagi's movements.

Now, as the players reset, Shidou stood beside him, an eager glint in his eyes.

"What's the play?"

Shidou asked, his tone brimming with anticipation. It was clear he wanted more action, something that would ramp up the intensity.

Isagi glanced at him briefly before looking ahead. A small smile played on his lips.

"Go up ahead. I'll get it to you this time."

Shidou's grin widened, sharp and predatory.

"Heh, about time."

As the whistle blew, Isagi nudged the ball forward, beginning the play. He sent a quick, precise pass to Shidou, who immediately returned it and darted ahead, heading straight for the penalty box with unrelenting speed.

Isagi began his own run, his vision already expanding as he analyzed the unfolding movements. Naruhaya was making a parallel run beside him, offering a close option, while Hiori and Nanase sprinted along the wings, stretching the field for support. The defense had become disorganized in the face of their relentless advance, leaving gaps that could be exploited.

Rin, however, was not so easily baited. His eyes locked onto Isagi, watching every step, every shift in his movement. Rin knew better than to overcommit; Isagi was the kind of player who turned even the slightest misstep into a deadly opportunity.

Then, something clicked in Rin's mind as he started to make his next move.

Isagi looked around with no one instantly marking him, a clear path opened before him, the space ahead almost inviting him to make a move. The sheer amount of freedom Team B had allowed him was a mistake—a glaring oversight. With this much room, he had countless options.

His decision came quickly. This time, he would test the striker in front of him.

With precision and intent, Isagi sent the ball forward—not directly to Shidou, but to the left side of the penalty box. The pass was sharp and deliberate, cutting through the air with challenging accuracy.

Shidou's eyes lit up, a wild grin spreading across his face as he immediately understood Isagi's intention. This wasn't a simple pass; it was a challenge. Isagi wanted to push him, to see just how far Shidou could go.

The ball descended as Shidou charged toward it, his powerful strides carrying him to the left side of the penalty box. Rin was trailing behind, his sharp instincts piecing together Isagi's plan, but it was too late.

Shidou leaped, twisting his body mid-air with breathtaking athleticism. As the ball fell into his range, he executed a flawless bicycle kick. The strike was explosive, sending the ball rocketing toward the right side of the net. The goalkeeper barely had time to react as it slammed into the back of the goal.

Shidou landed gracefully, his fiery gaze directed at Isagi.

"That's more like it!" he shouted, his voice brimming with exhilaration.

Isagi also felt satisfied with Shidou's quick reaction to his pass.

"Not bad," he replied, the words carrying a hint of approval.

Shidou, still grinning like a predator savoring his latest kill, made his way toward Isagi with an unmistakable glint of mischief in his eyes. The thrill of the game and his recent goal lit a fire within him, and his body language radiated unrestrained energy. He closed the distance with long, confident strides, clearly intent on dragging Isagi into some over-the-top celebration—or perhaps something even more outrageous, as was his style.

His hand extended, aiming for Isagi's shoulder, likely to clap him on the back or something crazy which would creep the shit out of Isagi.

But Isagi wasn't about to let that happen. Without breaking stride, he shifted his weight fluidly, sidestepping Shidou's attempt. The movement was seamless, like evading an opponent's challenge on the pitch, and it left Shidou reaching out to empty air.

The reason for Isagi's evasive maneuver wasn't simply a matter of personal space; it was a matter of survival. Shidou was, without question, a wild card. His reputation for inappropriate antics and his unpredictably chaotic personality preceded him. They shared a room, after all, and Isagi had learned the hard way that letting Shidou get too comfortable—or too close—was asking for trouble.

Shidou huffed, chuckling to himself as he watched Isagi move away.

"Tch, you're a buzzkill, Isagi. Fine, I'll just score another one to make you come!"

He said with a smirk, already eager for the next challenge.

As Isagi moved back into position, Naruhaya watched them both from the edge of the field. His eyes narrowed as he took in the seamless flow of Isagi and Shidou's play, an almost effortless combination of strategy and raw talent.

'How do they do that?'

Naruhaya thought. The way Isagi and Shidou worked together was unlike anything he'd ever experienced. Their timing was impeccable, their decision-making lightning fast. It was like they were playing in a different dimension.

He felt the sting of frustration well up inside him.

'I can't keep up with that. I can barely touch the ball when they're in full swing.'

But instead of dwelling on the feeling of being outclassed, Naruhaya clenched his fists and forced himself to refocus. This wasn't the time to feel sorry for himself.

He needed to expand his thinking. The game couldn't just be about raw speed or brute strength. Isagi and Shidou had both proven that. It was about anticipation, creativity, and thinking outside the box—finding solutions where none seemed to exist.

'Naruhaya, if you want to make an impact, you have to see things differently. Think bigger. Think beyond just running.'

His thoughts shifted as the ball moved again, but this time, his resolve had hardened. He couldn't afford to be a spectator any longer. He had to evolve. He had to break out of his comfort zone and become something more, something greater.

Rin stood in place for a moment after Shidou's incredible goal, his sharp gaze fixed on Isagi. He wasn't fazed. Not by the goal, nor by the pass that led to it. If anything, it only confirmed what he'd suspected.

'Isagi passed, knowing I'd predicted it.'

Rin replayed the sequence in his mind. His positioning had been deliberate—moving back to intercept the ball was the obvious choice. Isagi must have noticed. Yet, instead of adjusting or hesitating, Isagi went ahead and made the pass anyway, as though Rin's actions didn't matter.

It wasn't just confidence. It was control. Isagi was holding back, testing them, as if the entire match were a game of his design. Rin clenched his jaw at the thought.

'You're messing around, aren't you, Isagi? Fine. Do what you want. But I'll still crush you.'

Determination ignited in Rin's chest. Winning was all that mattered now.

The whistle blew, and Rin initiated the attack. He started forward on his own, his sharp eyes scanning the field.

Isagi moved toward him, cutting into his path. Rin reacted immediately, sending a sharp pass to Chigiri on the wing.

Chigiri wasted no time, accelerating as soon as the ball reached him. His speed was unmatched, but Shidou was already in his path, his tall, imposing figure a wall of raw intensity.

Chigiri didn't flinch. Confidence radiated from him as he tapped the ball past Shidou, turning it into a race for possession.

"Getting cocky with your speed, redhead?"

Shidou's voice carried a playful but dangerous edge.

But Shidou wasn't planning to chase a losing battle. Instead, he used his positioning to block Chigiri's direct path to the ball, forcing him to slow down.

The ball rolled past both players, and it was Naruhaya who seized the opportunity. His anticipation paid off as he intercepted it cleanly. But as Rin moved in to press him, Naruhaya acted quickly, sending the ball to Nanase.

Nanase took control, but Rin's relentless pressure forced him to play it back to Naruhaya. The two began a series of rapid one-twos, working together to keep the ball moving and stay ahead of Rin's aggressive approach.

Isagi, watching the interplay, made his move. He joined the sequence seamlessly, adding a new layer of precision and speed to their passing game.

With the three players now working in tandem, their pace picked up significantly. The ball zipped between them, each pass perfectly timed to exploit the smallest gaps in the defense.

The trio pushed forward, their movements fluid and synchronized, as if they had been playing together for years. The intensity rose with every touch, drawing the attention of everyone on the field.

Isagi didn't want to limit the play to just their quick exchanges. Once he gained possession, he turned his attention to the left wing and sent a sharp pass to Hiori.

Hiori received the ball with a clean touch, immediately accelerating forward. A towering defender stepped into his path, trying to block his progress. But Hiori, with his refined precision and calm demeanor, danced past him effortlessly. His quick footwork left the defender flat-footed, trailing behind as Hiori pushed deeper into the final third.

Meanwhile, Isagi and Naruhaya sprinted toward the penalty area, each making calculated moves. Naruhaya, though not the most imposing player, used his clever positioning to create space. His efforts drew Nagi's attention, forcing the star player to mark him tightly.

Rin, alongside another tall defender, focused on Isagi. Even under such intense marking, Isagi's presence radiated confidence. His body language hinted that he was still in control, still a threat, capable of pulling off a decisive shot at any moment.

Naruhaya's movement had succeeded in easing some of the pressure on Isagi, but the situation remained tense.

Hiori, advancing with precision, slowed slightly, setting up for what looked like a pass. Both Isagi and Naruhaya tensed, preparing themselves. Their eyes tracked Hiori's movement, anticipating where the ball would go.

But Hiori's decision caught everyone off guard.

Instead of sending the ball to the obvious choices—Isagi or Naruhaya—he passed it diagonally behind them, aiming for Nanase.

Nanase's eyes widened in surprise as the ball approached. He hadn't expected Hiori to choose him, but he didn't falter. With a composed touch, he controlled the ball and began to move forward. Yet, the penalty area still felt just out of reach, and he wasn't in a favorable position to shoot.

Rin noticed the shift immediately. Trusting the tall defender to continue marking Isagi, Rin broke off and closed in on Nanase with startling speed.

Nanase hesitated for only a moment, but Rin's presence bore down on him. The pressure was immense, and though Nanase couldn't see it, Shidou and Chigiri were already making dangerous runs behind him. If he didn't act soon, the opportunity would slip away.

'I need to move. Now.'

Nanase made his choice and sent a pass toward Isagi. However, the execution wasn't perfect. The ball veered slightly off-course, allowing Rin to intercept it with a deft touch.

But Isagi was already reacting.

As the deflected ball bounced unpredictably, Isagi adjusted instantly, stepping into its path. His movements were fluid, his timing impeccable. Without hesitation, he struck the ball hard, sending it flying toward the goal.

The shot, fired from the left side of the penalty area, soared toward the top-right corner of the net. The goalkeeper lunged desperately, but the power and precision of the strike left no chance.

The ball slammed into the back of the net with a satisfying thud.

Isagi's second goal of the match sent a wave of cheers from his teammates. Even Naruhaya couldn't help but grin, admiring the sheer brilliance of the play.

The score changed, 3-1!

Rin stood motionless for a moment, his fists clenching at his sides. Despite his best efforts, Isagi had once again proven why he was a force to be reckoned with.

Isagi turned back, his expression calm yet electric, as if to say,

Keep up.

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[A/N]: Chapter 55 : Blue Lock V/S U20 Begins! is available on Pa7r30n-1