Proyect: Bland King - Ayanokouji Kiyotaka en Blue Lock

Time: 15 min

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Anri: Did Kiyotaka just-

Ego: Why are you pissing yourself? Is this the first time you've seen him in action?

Embarrassed and enraged, Anri pouted.

Anri: I'm just saying! He just stopped Itoshi Sae's shot!

Ego: This is the first time these strikers are dealing with world-class defenders. Kiyotaka analyzed how Aiku cleared the ball from the penalty box in their failed chemical reaction and adapted it into his play style along with his previous abilities.

Anri: But to be able to see something once and then combine it with other skills to make it even better... I've seen him time and time again do it but that's just-

Ego: Expected. Like I've already said time and time again, his father gassed him up to be a masterpiece and perfect in all facets of his character. From entering the Bland King project to now, he's changed alot, that much is certain. But he still is far from being the striker I want from this program.

Anri: Hm? I don't follow you?

Ego: The question you should be asking instead is whether or not you'll see evolution during this game. Is his ceiling the Bland King he's been till this point, or will he evolve even further, to something I can make use of...to something Japan can rely on.

Anri: You're too harsh. You're just never satisfied.

Ego: Your generation is all too coddled. This match will determine which approach Japanese soccer will take and I placed my bet on us. Our egoists will always deliver.

...

...

...

Isagi: (I'm still missing the piece I need to crack their defense line! Actually, I don't even know what it is that I'm lacking right now. That's just how strong they are... but that doesn't matter. I'm already past that. It's clear what I need to do...)

Kiyotaka and Rin dashed forward as Isagi met their eyes.

Isagi: (Discard all unnecessary thoughts! Concentrate on what I can do right now! Kiyotaka saved us from getting into an early hole. I'm going to use everything I've got and focus only on building my plays with Rin and Kiyotaka!)

Otoya pushed the ball forward, passing it over in the direction of Nagi.

However, it wasn't quick enough as Yagami dashed in between both Otoya and Nagi to snatch the ball right from their feet.

Isagi: Like hell I'd let you!

Yagami: Hm?

*KICK*

Isagi already predicted Yagami's movements, arriving to the spot before he did, right towards Nagi.

{{}}

Ichinose: So he isn't useless after all.

{{}}

Isagi: (He might be fast, got better reflexes than me, and more physical, but I have him beat in football IQ. I reached the pass first!)

A simple first touch and Nagi was off to the races until he was stopped by Itoshi Sae who moved forward to steal the ball from his grasp.

Kiyotaka: Here.

*PASS*

Before Nagi could have the ball taken from him, Kiyotaka made himself available and took the ball from him, dashing right through Itoshi Sae using solely his speed.

{{}}

Hirata: There's Ayanokouji again! He's passed Itoshi Sae!

Kei: Go Kiyo!

Horikita: What is he going to do now?

Sudo: What else? He's gonna pass through everybody!

{{}}

Wakatsuki and Hayate from the U-20 double-teamed him, already knowing of the threat he poses as the team's essential play starter.

Rin pushed forward alongside Isagi, and Yukimiya on the wing.

Looking to his left right to the displaced Sae, he sent a no-look lob pass through both Wakatsuki and Hayate that reached the feet of Rin, now penetrating the penalty box.

Isagi: (There it is again, Kiyotaka's no-look pass!)

{{}}

Horikita raised her eyebrow and looked over at Sudo as did everyone else.

Sudo, embarrassed, muffled his words.

Sudo: W-Whatever, he passed.

Ryuen swinged by and placed his arm around Horikita from behind as Sudo pushed him off her.

Sudo: Hey, what do you think you're doing?

Ryuen: I'm just watchin the game like you guys. Why the hostility? Looks like Ayanokouji is finally in his element.

Kei: Element?

Ryuen: Can't you see from here? He's enjoying himself.

Arisu from her seat remained silent as she meticulously looked through each and every movement Ayanokouji made. She was studying on what kind of play style he adapted to during 'Blue Lock.'

Ichinose looked on, entranced at the sight before her. The crush she thought was gone from her life stood right in front of her, embellished in fans and playing one of Japan's most historic games.

{{}}

Rin didn't revolt at such an opportunity as he pushed the ball even further up. With the Iron Quartet established around the penalty box, dribbling through and inside there would essentially be suicide. So he took a different approach.

He stopped on a dime and faked a long-range shot, fooling Teppei enough to bypass him and right into the angle he was looking for.

Kiyotaka: (Stubborn brother-con through and through. Not even thinking about the best course of action but attempting to one-up your brother. Keep that mentality but remember we're all done if we lose, idiot.)

Teppei: (From there?)

Rin reached the end of the corner of the goal, the same angle Sae took when he attempted his world-class shot that Kiyotaka snuffed out.

{{}}

Kei: From right there?! That's not gonna go in!

Hirata: Itoshi Rin... that's Sae's brother! Damn, Ayanokouji has been playing with some interesting people.

Koenji chuckled to himself.

Koenji: How Egotistical. But, then again, it's still reckless all the same.

{{}}

Rin: (I'll surpass you, ni-san.)

Kiyotaka bolted forward but was guarded closely by Itoshi Sae and Yagami.

Sae: You're not leaving my side.

Yagami: I won't let you score a single time, senpai. You're gonna be exposed as a fraud.

Kiyotaka didn't care for his words as he continued to fight and weave amongst both Itoshi Sae and Yagami.

*SMASH*

Before Teppei could catch up and corner Rin, he launched the ball across the field and in the direction of the goal.

Fukaku: How brash!

*SWAT*

U-20's goalkeeper blocked the shot as it rattles onto the opposite crossbar and into the oncoming chaos of players.

{{}}

Kei: Ah, so close! SOMEONE GET THE BALL!

Hirata: The game's breaking down, it looks like their attacks are working better than before.

{{}}

Niou: NICE SAVE! SECOND BALL!

Rin: TCH

The one who positioned himself perfectly outside the box to control the ball... and change direction... was Yukimiya Keyu himself.

Isagi: (Yukimiya is in position on the left to dribble! It's here! This scenario... is something we practiced in Training camp!)

Immediately, Teppei switched off and guarded Yukimiya.

Yukimiya: You?

Kiyotaka's movements were completely shut down by both Yagami and Itoshi Sae as Isagi took it upon himself to assist Yukimiya.

{{}}

Ike: Looks like Ayanokouji stopped moving. I mean it isn't that surprising. He can't get out of a double team.

{{}}

Isagi: (While Yukimiya takes them on in a 1-on-1, I get within visible range of the defensive line... and by opening up the possibility of me receiving a pass, their split-seconds of hesitation will jam their movements!!)

Isagi charged ahead of Yukimiya, making it a 2v1 surprising Teppei.

Teppei: Ah shit. (Which way?)

But it was too late. Teppei had two choices: React to Isagi and give the way for Yukimiya or react to Yukimiya and allow him to pass to Isagi. He chose to dash at Isagi, which was the wrong choice.

Yukimiya used his street-style dribbling and got past Teppei.

Teppei: (Damn, I reacted too late!)

Yukimiya: Nice, Isagi-kun. I owe you one.

Using his acclaimed gyro shot, it swerved towards the top-right corner of the net but was kicked away by a flying right leg from none other than Aiku, the team's captain.

Yukimiya: Huh?! Even that wasn't enough?!

Aiku: Nice shot.

{{}}

Hirata: They're getting closer and closer.

Kei: But when will they score? Ah mou, this is so intense!

Sudo: Now this is a game! Can't believe we get to watch a game like this in person!

{{}}

Kiyotaka weaved forward but Sae collided with their shoulders alongside Yagami.

Yagami: Just accept your fate. You're not getting past us.

Kiyotaka didn't even entertain his banter with a response. He was all too focused on his current goal, obtaining the momentum.

Niou: LOOSE BALL!!! GET TO IT DARAI!

Darai: Mm-

The displaced ball was chased down by Darai however, Otoya skipped past Darai using his stealth steps, gaining possession of the ball right in the penalty box.

Otoya: Didn't have your eyes on me dumbass? This is what ya get.

Isagi: (A speedy response from Otoya on a second ball near the goal! Also just like in practice! Now that we've broken down our opponent's formation, we can reap the fruits of our labor... our practice is paying off!)

*SMASH*

Otoya kicked the ball right to the goal again.

Niou: NNRRAAAAA!!!

With his hands behind his back and jumping forward, Niou blocked the shot with his face, creating yet another second-chance ball.

{{}}

Ryuen: Kukukuku, that's insane. Really used his head for once, that meathead.

Kei: They just can't score!

Hirata: But the defense is on the ropes!

Sudo: They just keep shooting and their defense doesn't let up!

Arisu's small hands shook a little with anticipation. She was loving every single second of it. Because, aside from Koenji, she knew what was going to happen.

Koenji put his feet on top of an underclassman's head and exalted at the performance he was watching in front of him.

{{}}

Otoya: You've gotta be kidding me, you damn geezer?!!!!

Isagi: (They're so tough... SHIT!!!! The ball is going out of bounds!!!! I NEED TO REACH IT!!!!)

Isagi was too slow, however, and he couldn't reach it in time. The ball inched closer and closer to the back of the line and almost out of bounds.

Nagi dashed forward and reached the ball in time, controlling it. However, he only had a split second to decide what he was going to do. There was no one open. Everyone was heavily guarded.

And then, despite being covered by both Itoshi Sae and Yagami, Kiyotaka's eyes met his.

Nagi: (Alright, I'll put my faith in you, Kiyotaka.)

*PASS*

Before the ball went out of bounds, he sent a cross into the chaos of a dozen players crowding the penalty box. It was tipped slightly by Niou with his head as it ascended even further in the air.

{{}}

Hirata: Where did he pass that? There's no one open?!

Kei had her hands right to her face, the intensity completely destroying her composure.

Maya Sato shook Kei in sheer worry at the sight in front of her.

Sudo: That's a stupid play! No one can even reach a pass that high!

Kamuro looked over at Arisu whose eyes never left the center of her admiration.

Arisu: The only reason Nagi would send a pass like that into the box is pretty simple to figure out. It's for him.

Kamuro: Who's him? And how did you know that player's name?

Arisu: They literally posted the lineups. And besides, information in regard to his teammates can hardly get passed me.

{{}}

Isagi: (Where did Nagi send that pass?! There's no one open! SHIT! I NEED TO REACH THERE! COME ON!)

Aiku pushed forward and guarded Isagi, preventing him from reaching the pass in time.

Aiku: I have you on a short leash like you wanted, kid.

Isagi: (AH, FUCK YOU! SHIT! OUR WHOLE ATTACK... IT'S GONNA BE WASTED!...)

A figure emerged from the chaos as Sae and Yagami's eyes widened. Aiku also tensed up and immediately released his hold on Isagi for a whole sprint towards that same figure. Entranced in a divine aura, a source of sheer enlightenment, he sprinted forward, unparalleled.

Kiyotaka: Why are you panicking Isagi? I'm right here...

Sae: (This monster...)

Yagami: (He broke through?!)

Kiyotaka had dropped back and jumped over the extended feet of both Itoshi Sae and Yagami. Despite using their physicality to box, him in, he just bull-rushed through, almost like he was in a trance. Contorting his body and replicating Shido's own incredible off-the-ball movements, Kiyotaka had beaten his matchups through sheer surprise and technique.

The audience looked in awe as Ayanokouji Kiyotaka did the unthinkable.

Aiku: I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE THE MOMENT I SAW YOU!

Leaping in the air at full strength, he cleared a little over four feet and controlled the shitty pass from Nagi with his chest and descended down with the ball in his possession.

Kiyotaka: (It's too late. No one is stopping me. This is all mine...)

As the ball fell down to his right leg, Aiku extended his foot outward in an attempt to block the shot. But instead of a shot, all that came was a slight tap of the ball to his left leg.

Aiku: What?!

Kiyotaka: You should have paid more attention to my tape. I'm ambidextrous, U-20 captain.

Spinning around in an instant, Kiyotaka used his left leg and smashed the ball in a clean volley from inside the box. It glided right into the left-most corner of the goal, the goalkeeper not even registering the shot fired. Aiku looked on helplessly as Kiyotaka remained emotionless.

Isagi: (How... How could I have forgotten? From day one till now... the most reliable player in Blue Lock... has been you, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.)

---Blue Lock Eleven [1] - U-20 Japan [0]---

Everyone looked on, mixing their different emotions together.

U-20 Japan's coach, Yasumori Hoichi, had no words.

Yasumori: Wha...

Shido, from the bench, couldn't stop himself from smiling. He cackled and rested his arms behind his head.

Kiyotaka: (This is my explosion.)

...

...

...

{{}}

Silence...sheer silence inflicted the stadium at first.

The thousands upon tens of thousands of fans that came to see Itoshi Sae play were confused and bamboozled that a simple no-name player not only blocked their star's shot but also opened up the scoring for the game.

Signs of Itoshi Sae and banners fell down, almost like the atmosphere of the game altered completely. It wasn't supposed to be like this. The Blue Lock Eleven were only there as sacrificial lambs, nothing more.

And yet... it happened. A goal was scored beyond their wildest imaginations. It wasn't the standard tap-in, or flimsy header. It was what you would call a super-goal, created from the all-offense, no defense approach from the Blue Lock Eleven.

Fan: Who was that?

Fan #2: It was their right winger...

Fan #3: Number 30...

Fan #4: I think his name is Kiyotaka...

Fan #5: Never even heard of him before...

Fan #6: Not just anyone pulls off something like that...

Hirata, Kei, Sudo, Horikita, Ryuen, and the rest of ANHS erupted into a series of cheers and applause.

Giving it a couple more seconds, this fact seared itself into the brains of every single life form in the stadium as a flurry of cheers, chants and screams crashed down on the players like an earthquake.

The fans... went into a frenzy. Their arms raised up in cheers. Despite arriving for Sae, a true fan of football, especially for their own nation's football, would go crazy from witnessing a goal in person like that.

FANS: KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA! KIYOTAKA!

The JFU Board members looked on in sheer anger and rage as they smashed their fists into the table before them, almost drawing blood.

Kiyotaka's father stood up from his seat and scrunched his hands slightly, holding in his annoyance.

Atsuomi: It's just a goal. We're barely into the game. A fluke. Nothing more.

Back in the center audience rows, underneath the VIP booth, the cheers didn't wane.

Kei: KIYOTAKA DID IT! LET'S GO!!!!!!

MAYA: YEAH!!!!!

Hirata: What a goal... I don't believe it...

Horikita looked stunned but not stunned enough to at least chant his name, if ever so slightly.

Sudo: LET'S FUCKING GO!

Ichinose couldn't stop herself but cheered and chanted Kiyotaka's name, jumping up and down as Kanzaki tried to calm her down but to no avail. Even he had to step back and soak in the moment he just witnessed in person.

Ryuen couldn't stop laughing.

Ryuen: THE MONEY'S ROLLING IN!!!! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! GO MONSTER GO!!!!

Ibuki pumped her fist out and cheered alongside Ishizaki and even the humble Albert.

Katsuragi: A world class goal... I don't know much about soccer but even I could tell... that was beautiful.

Arisu covered her mouth as she hid her smile.

Arisu: (Football suits you Kiyo. I've never seen you this contempt with yourself. It seems my crush for you is growing even now, fufufu.)

Koenji smiled from his seat.

Koenji: A marvelous finish filled with emotion. You were always so bland before. Now, your face is full of color, Ayanokouji-boy.

{{}}

Niou: TCH

Teppei: Seriously?

Darai: Well, well...

Aiku stood there, smiling.

Aiku: So this is Blue Lock. If you get drawn in... it's destructive indeed.

Isagi, Nagi, Yukimiya, Otoya, Bachira, and Karasu rushed towards Kiyotaka as he remained standing there, soaking in the chants and praise for his super goal.

He never felt this before: sheer gratification. He was an unknown, not even registered in society. His time in ANHS remained the same. Only a handful even knew fragments of the deeds he did back then. And now, in front of a world audience, thousands upon thousands continued to call out his name.

Kiyotaka: (Shido was right. Something like this can get addictive.)

Tereasa: A-AYANOKOUJI KIYOTAKA SCORES A SUPER GOAL... AND THE BLUE LOCK ELEVEN OPENS THIS GAME UP! THE SCORE 1-0!!!!!

Natsuki: WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THAT? WHO THE HECK'S AYANOKOUJI KIYOTAKA?! I'VE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF HIM BEFORE...!

Tereasa: WHAT A SHOCKING GOAL THAT WAS! CONTROLLING THAT DISPLACED PASS AND THEN SWITCHING HIS FEET MID-SEQUENCE AGAINST AIKU, THE CAPTAIN. SPLIT BETWEEN JOY AND BEWILDERMENT...THE CROWD IN THE STADIUM'S LOOKING BIZARRE!!!!

Natsuki: COULD IT REALLY BE?! DID THE BLUE LOCK PROJECT SUCCEED AFTER ALL?!

Tereasa: NOW WITH THIS, WE'RE NO LONGER ABLE TO TELL... JUST WHO ARE THE PROTAGONISTS OF THIS MATCH!!!! KIYOTAKA HAS TORN A HOLE RIGHT THROUGH THE ITOSHI SAE HYPE TRAIN!!!!

Back on the pitch, Kiyotaka remained standing until he could see multiple teammates' faces getting closer and closer.

Kiyotaka: (You serious?)

*TACKLE*

Isagi: Kiyotaka! (We can do it! It's working! Blue Lock can reach the world!!!!)

Gagamaru: NOICE!

Yukimiya smiled, annoyed.

Yukimiya: SHIT...

Otoya: I didn't get to be the hero.

Bachira smiled.

Bachira: This is just the beginning.

Karasu snickered.

Karasu: Hah, freakin' showoff.

Nagi: Nice use of my skills, copycat.

Rin looked on, annoyed but composed.

From the bench, Anri-san pumped her fist in sheer happiness.

Anri: AMAZING! KIYO DID IT... WE'RE ACTUALLY IN THE LEAD! WE CAN ACTUALLY WIN THIS GAME-

Ego sighed.

Ego: Don't get so carried away by a goal, errand girl. If they can create a situation where they've got a 50-50 chance at scoring, our forwards are expected to do that much. It's not a surprise Kiyotaka scored.

Anri pouted.

Anri: (Errand Girl?!)

Ego: Didn't I tell you? Our Players are strong. All the selections I put them through have trained their capacity to improvise. The same effect can't possibly be replicated with a mere construct the government creates.

Anri: Oh! You're talking about that thing you always bring up... the 'chemical reactions' between players, right?

Ego: Exactly. That's also a form of improvisation. It was through Kiyotaka's defensive stop that spurred the counterattack. Rin then took the reins and broke through their defensive formation for the first shot. This brought in the rest of the supporting cast, Yukimiya, Isagi, and Otoya, to take advantage of the kinks and weaknesses. Then, finally, the chemical reaction between Nagi and Kiyotaka was the main act that shut the curtains. This is how our Egoists operate. This is how they will devour the U-20 team.

Back on the pitch, Isagi was pondering in his own thoughts.

Isagi: (That goal just now... it was a toss-up between Yukimiya, Otoya, Nagi, and Kiyotaka. Between those four, they all had the incredible shooting potential to make it happen. Rin broke through the opponent's formation to open it up. But it was Kiyotaka, who stopped Sae's shot and gave us the momentum for our counterattack.)

On U-20's side of the pitch, the players looked amongst each other in surprise and desperation, as their acclaimed defense was shattered right in front of them.

Sae: You better step up your game, captain. We're already in a whole early. Any more than a single goal deficit and I'm quitting.

The rest of the players felt completely disheartened and had desperation written all over their faces.

Itoshi Sae glared over at Yagami until he broke the silence.

Sae: Now's the time to get serious. Did you think I'd tolerate you prancing around like a chicken with its head cleaved off? You know what happens to you if you lose. Just like an empty wrapper, you'll be discarded and joining the rest of the trash. An absolute amateur. That's the extent of your life if you don't impress me.

Yagami slightly laughed to himself only for Sae to bud in again.

Sae: Enough with the act, it's childish. Just follow my lead and earn your way to being my tool.

Rin stood alone as Isagi walked over.

Isagi: Hey, Rin. It's too bad you didn't score. But it was still a great play. Maybe next time, it'll go better...

Rin: Huh? Shut up. You making fun of me or some shit? There's no fucking point unless you score. Kiyotaka got all the glory and that's all there is to it.

Isagi: Um... still. It was thanks to your play that...

Rin: It was also thanks to him that we stopped my fucking brother's shot. And besides, why even bring this up? You were also trying to score yourself, weren't you? You pushed forward when I missed my shot, looking for a chance at the spotlight.

Isagi: And is that bad?

Rin: No, it's great. This distorted relationship of rivals is how you and I should be.

With the first goal scored, everyone lined up in their positions. In the commentary booth, Tereasa announced the resuming of the match.

Tereasa: TWENTY MINUTES LEFT IN THE FIRST HALF! WHO COULD HAVE PREDICTED THIS DEVELOPMENT!

Natsuki: I'M ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT HERE.

Tereasa: THE GAME RESTARTS AT 1-0

...

...

...

The match now restarted with Itoshi Sae dribbling the ball forward, alone.

Kiyotaka dashed forward meeting Sae's approach, only for Rin to push right past him, on a tear.

Rin: Hey now, it's been 25 minutes since the game started. You're not even gonna say hello when it's been so long, shitty bro?

Sae: ...

[[]]

Hirata: Awesome! The two brothers meet!

Kei didn't really care for the duel in front of her. All her being was looking at every movement Kiyotaka made.

[[]]

Ever since his goal, Ike and Shinohara looked on in bewilderment as the fans directed their chants at the player they criticized.

Kiyotaka: (I'll leave him to his own devices. As much as I want to constantly bombard Sae, I know what's at stake here. The moment he messes up... I'll step in...)

Rin snickered and heavily guarded Sae, dashing from left to right with each smidge of ball movement.

Rin: This game isn't for you... it's a game for me to surpass you.

The stadium got to have a look at a clash of brothers never before seen in the sport of Football.

Sae's dribbling was simple, but complex at the same time. He was methodical in his movements and his composure never faltered.

Multiple stepovers causing the ball to twist and turn from side to side like a mirage and a change in speed and feet allowed Sae to bolt through Rin's left side.

Rin didn't let up, however. He turned on a dime and spun around to face Sae face-to-face.

Sae completed a rabona and then switched feet, stealthy sneaking the ball through Rin's feet and past him.

Almost as if he was possessed, Rin lunged forward and shoulder-blocked Sae, allowing him to make up the small gap of space he earned from their dribbling exchange.

Tereasa: AH, WHAT AN ENTRANCING DRIBBLING SEQUENCE!!!!

Natsuki: BUT NUMBER 10 IS KEEPING UP, NECK AND NECK!!!

Yagami bolted forward, signaling over to Sae.

Yagami: SAE-KUN! I'M OPEN-

Kiyotaka: Are you now? Doesn't seem like it.

Yagami's smile became even more decrepit.

Yagami: Ah, fuck off, you failed perfectionist. Couldn't even stop your own expulsion and now you think you can just have the life you want? No, you don't deserve such a luxury.

Kiyotaka twisted around and covered Yagami's front, preventing all openings Yagami had left. He was effectively shut down.

Sae scoffed and continued weaving through Rin's persistent flurries of ball retention.

Isagi: RIN! I'LL BACK YOU UP!!!!

Rin: DON'T GET IN MY WAY, ISAGI!!!! YOU ALL JUST STAY OUT OF THIS!!! THIS IS A FIGHT BETWEEN BROTHERS!!!

Bachira smiled, enjoying the thrilling bout of dribbling before him.

Bachira: Ha! A sibling fight in a place like this?

Niou: At a goddamn national match?! For fucks sake!

Still shoulder blocking each other, Sae and Rin fought for dominance of the ball as Sae flicked the ball farther and farther away from Rin's grasp.

Kiyotaka: (A perfect shoulder block. He reversed his center of gravity to respond to Rin's tackle. He isn't a genius for nothing. As far as I see it right now, his dribbling currently has no holes to exploit.)

{{}}

Horikita: That pair of brothers sure are fighting like their lives depend on it.

Hirata: Itoshi Sae still hasn't used his signature move.

Kei: He has a signature move?

Hirata smiled.

Hirata: There's not many defenders in the entire world who can even see through a stunning dribbling move like his. Let's see how this turns out.

Sudo: It's all so hard to keep up. The ball keeps changing up across his feet. Kinda like when I dribble a basketball.

Horikita: Except when you're doing it, the ball moves in slow motion.

Sudo, embarrassed, murmured in annoyance.

{{}}

Isagi: (Damn, he's shielding the ball and turning! They're just going back and forth!)

Sae stopped and dropped back, sliding the ball close to his dominant foot. Rin wouldn't stop sticking on him like glue.

Kiyotaka: (That's no good. If you're standing too close to him, he's just going to pick you apart and shoot the gap.)

Mesmerizing touches from his right leg to his left created a long series of afterimages, where Rin pondered slightly on which side he needed to cover.

Rin: (RIGHT or LEFT?)

Sae: So long as you're still hung up on being my 'brother'...

In one singular motion, Sae completed a perfect cross-elastico, nutmegging Rin and leaving him in the dust.

Sae: ...you'll never be able to surpass me.

Kiyotaka's eyes widened, gathering all of the intel he possibly could after his exchange.

Kiyotaka: (A cross-elastico. Not bad.)

Tereasa: HE'S THROUGH!!!! ITOSHI SAE'S BROKEN THROUGH THE MID-FIELD!!!! ROUND ONE OF THE BROTHERS' SHOWDOWN GOES TO THE ELDER!!!

{{}}

Ryuen: Fuck, that was an incredible dribbling move.

Ibuki: I couldn't even tell where the ball was until it went through his brother's feet.

Kei, looking on at the sight, saw Kiyotaka's eyes, scanning everything. She never really saw him so focused in her entire life. She could tell he was going to do something.

{{}}

Itoshi Sae advanced forward into a stretch of open field.

Karasu maintained his position and keeping an open mind.

Karasu: TCH, win, ya moron...goddamn eyelashes.

Sendo, Yagami, and Chou pushed forward to assist Sae in any way possible. All of them, except for Yagami, were sweating profusely, using every ounce of their being to get open and attempt to tie the score.

Karasu: (This isn't good. We'll just have to hold the li-)

Kiyotaka: Hey, kidnapper. It's my turn.

Sae stopped his advance as Kiyotaka pushed through and stood in his way, leaving Isagi to cover Yagami.

Sae: Try to keep up.

{{}}

Kei: Kiyo's guarding him!

Hirata: Ayanokouji vs. Sae!

Ike looked on alongside Shinohara in sheer bewilderment.

Arisu, who sat comfortably in her seat, paid close attention to the screen, particularly on Kiyotaka.

Arisu: (What will you do now with your acquired information? Will you stop his attack before it even materializes?)

{{}}

Sae stepped over the ball and spun to the side, accelerating forward.

Kiyotaka kept standing in front of Sae's approach, making sure he kept into account each of every segment of his dribbling and analyzing exactly what makes it so lethal.

Completing a roulette and a series of fake outs and delayed swings of the ball, Sae and Kiyotaka almost felt like they were dancing across the field, not leaving any openings.

Chou: (Hold on a second, Sae can't get past him?)

Using the same move he pulled off against Rin, he dropped back and turned on a dime, the ball flicking across his feet and spun around. Another cross elastico in quick succession followed.

Kiyotaka: (Right there...)

Unlike his previous attempt, Sae's cross elastico didn't have the desired effect. The ball scarcely bounced off Kiyotaka's feet, almost intercepted as Sae regained possession.

{{}}

Kei: Ah! He almost picked him off!

Hirata: Sae's move didn't work! He shut it down!

{{}}

Sae: So you can see the same thing I'm seeing... just as I thought. We share the same eyes.

Kiyotaka: Don't overestimate your abilities. Our eyes are on different levels.

Dashing forward, now with a whole new dribbling scheme in mind, Sae met Kiyotaka's eyes as attempt number two was coming into effect.

Rin: OUT OF THE WAY, FUCKER! HE'S MINE!

Kiyotaka: Seriously?

{{}}

Ichinose: Really? You failed the first time and now you think you can ruin Kiyo's attempt?

Kanzaki: Ichinose?

Kei: What are you doing idiot?! Get out of the way!

{{}}

Sae scoffed at Rin's charging attempt, as he took the chance to analyze the entire field in front of him. Isagi covered Yagami, Karasu moved over to cover Chou... and Sendo charged forward through the middle.

Arryu: They're coming... the opponent's coming in droves. Stay vigilant on the line of defense, Niko Boy!

Niko: Yessir!

With Rin flanking Sae from the left, Kiyotaka remained on the right. Although, he knew this was a mistake.

This gave Sae a similar opportunity to before.

*SMASH*

Sae sent a beautiful lob pass right through the middle, bypassing both Rin and Kiyotaka and heading for the U-20's ace, Sendo.

{{}}

Arisu: Fufufu, he took advantage of Rin's hateful charge to send a pass right through them. Not bad.

Koenji, now with his shirt off to the surprise of no one, basked in the chants and screams from opposing fans.

Koenji: Poor Ayanokouji-boy. Now he'll have to rely on the actual defense for this one.

{{}}

***FLASHBACK***

Ego: Niko Ikki... although you're average both in height and in speed... do you know why you were chosen as a starter in the center back position?

Inside a blank room, Ego sat down in front of Niko, speaking to him as a coach. Before the match and their travel to the stadium, Ego had interviewed each and every player in the Blue Lock Eleven separately and the bench.

Niko: For my vision?

Ego: Correct. As someone capable of accurately grasping the state of the field... your formidable ability to 'read' will serve as Blue Lock's 'Watch-Tower.'

***FLASHBACK ENDED***

Niko: (I need to detect all of the players... who are trying to link up with Itoshi Sae!!! Not focusing on the one who currently has the ball... but rather on the others squirming around him like flies...quickly and accurately locate the most dangerous trespasser and exterminate them!!!!!!)

Niko dashed forward. He made it up in his mind that in order to stop this attack, he needed to meet it close up and personal.

Niko: (I'll go on and dash in... as if I fell for it... and half a step before.. put on the emergency break!)

The ball fell perfectly into Sendo's feet. However, on his attempt to trap it, it bounced out of control on the top of his foot.

Niko: (The ball bounced a little with his trap... with this...)

*SMASH*

Niko: (EXTERMINATION COMPLETE!!!)

From Sendo's feet, the ball was sent flying out into the mid-field from Niko's clearance.

Sendo: What?!

{{}}

Kei: CLEARED!

Hirata: That was some nice defense from that Nikko guy. Just sent that ball out of harms way.

Horikita: That's already twice that Sendo guy messed up Sae's passes. Well, if they keep playing him, Ayanokouji's team is going to keep a clean sheet.

Hirata: So you do know some football terms? Where'd you learn that?

Horikita, slightly embarrassed, responded.

Horikita: I just read up on the sport since we were going to go on a whole trip outside student grounds for this.

{{}}

The ball, displaced and dropping down, comfortably dropped down to the feet of Karasu, who sprinted forward for the counterattack.

Karasu: Let's go ring up the scoreboard.

Yagami: You're moving in slow-motion, Karasu-chan.

Karasu looked in sheer shock as Yagami blitzed him, stealing the ball for another attack.

Karasu: Shit...

At the same time Yagami moved forward, Sae also charged up, linking up for a 1-2 attack.

Dancing across the middle of the field and through until the penalty box, Yagami jolted forward with Sae preparing to pass it through.

Isagi: I won't let you!

Yagami: You again? Why try so hard for a career in soccer of all things?

Isagi: I could ask the same question? Why show up if you're just going to complain about other's ideals?

Yagami glided forward and pushed his way through Isagi, completely moving him out of the way. Regardless of Football IQ, if the physical stats are too lopsided, it isn't much of a duel to begin with.

Sae sent a cut pass over to Yagami as he looked forward at the goal in front of him.

{{}}

Hirata: This new combo is a killer. Who would've thought Yagami would also shine with Sae in this attack?

Horikita: Well, he has the physical stats for it. Just doesn't make sense how he grasped the game quick enough to be on a team like this.

Sudo: I don't think he has.

Everyone looked over to Sudo, surprised.

Kei: Hm? Why do you think so?

Sudo: He doesn't seem happy one bit whenever I see him with the ball. He probably just got taught the basics. He wasn't even in sports when he was at school, right?

{{}}

Yagami: Why need that demon when Sae-san already has me? I'm going to one-up your demon, Ayanokouji-senpai.

Nikko and Arryu move forward to guard Yagami's shot as he performed a chop dribble around the two defenders and sent a lob around them to Sae who controlled it perfectly.

Nikko: (This guy is really good... he just cut through me and Arryu)

Sae glared right at Yagami who jolted forward in between both Arryu and Nikko.

Isagi: (It's no good... Their chemical reaction can't be stopped by our current defense.)

Sae hit the ball with his full power towards the open Yagami as it lands right in front of his feet.

Yagami: No one else is needed to stop you Ayanokouji-senpai. It's all incumbent on me.

*SMASH*

Gagamaru: (Which side, left or right?)

In that moment, the shot glided to the right, but then, spun around to the left, fooling Gagamaru.

Gagamaru: (It changed directions mid-air?)

In that moment, Yagami had used Yukimiya's failed Gyro shot and modified it into a direct shot.

Kiyotaka: 'It's incumbent on me?' Did my father teach you in the ways of a comedian or something?

The shot hit the tip of Kiyotaka's foot as he dived to the left, saving the attempt.

{{}}

Hirata: DENIED!

Kei: KIYO!!!

Sudo: He did it again!

Ichinose: Let's go!

{{}}

Kiyotaka: Don't ever compare a failure like yourself to Shido. It's unbecoming of you.

Yagami: Impossible...

Sae looked on with a slightly irritated face. Once again, their attack was thwarted from subpar striker work.

Kiyotaka looked behind to Gagamaru.

Kiyotaka: 'Ace Keeper'

Gagamaru got up from the ground and nodded like he knew what that meant.

Sendo and Chou pushed forward in sheer desperation. Down a goal and their attack thwarted once again, they felt the gravity of their situation.

Sendo: Surround him!

Chou: Full-field press!

Kiyotaka, with the ball under his feet, dribbled up slightly. Inches before the two arrived to Kiyotaka, he back-heel passed the ball, surprising everyone from the U-20 team. It reached their goalkeeper, Gagamaru.

Gagamaru: Just like we practiced.

*SMASH*

Kicking the ball forward to the right-side of the field, it landed perfectly in Otoya's feet.

Kiyotaka: (Good, looks like the extra practice sessions I had with Gagamaru was worth it. An excellent pass.)

{{}}

Ryuen: Using the keeper as your playmaker and making yourself the decoy, Ayanokouji? Not bad, you monster...

Albert: They're going for another counterattack.

{{}}

Hayate: IT'S A TRICK! SURROUND HIM!

The entirety of the Blue Lock Eleven switch gears for their counterattack. In the case of a lead, Ego created a formation that was suitable for retaining said lead: Park the Bus while having both Nagi and Bachira in the front.

And this, was exactly what happened. Rin, Yukimiya, and Isagi went back as Nagi and Bachira emerged as the strikers for this formation. Kiyotaka sped forward, ready to assist the counterattack.

Wakatsuki pressed Otoya who passed it to the middle, right to Karasu's feet.

Karasu: (I've finished analyzing the U-20's defense. They have three stages. First, Hayate presses when we're in possession of the ball. Second, in the back, the four of them form an iron wall defense. And finally, third, their captain himself. He's the safeguard. I know what I need to do. I'll just send the ball over to our shiftiest weapon...)

Sending a dart pass across the center and into the right side of the field, Otoya controlled it perfectly and bypassed Hayate.

As Otoya charged forward, past the midfield and into the U-20's side of the pitch, he was quickly shut down by Darai.

The Iron Wall Quartet had arrived and in droves. They wouldn't let them build up their attack like their previous goal.

Otoya: How annoying.

*PASS*

Bachira controlled the pass and stuck his tongue out, smiling.

Bachira: It's our time, Nagi.

Nagi: Yup.

He dribbled forward and encountered Niou and Teppei, who double-teamed him pretty high up and outside the penalty box.

Bachira: (They aren't taking chances now. The penalty box is off limits to us, hehe)

Stepovers here and there and an aerial spin similar to before, Bachira attempted to pass through the duo on his own but they crowded him too much.

Niou: AHHHHHHH!!!! TAKE THAT!

The ball was kicked away, surprising Bachira.

Bachira: (These guys... they're really desperate.)

Nagi tried to control the displaced ball, but Aiku boxed him out, and heads the ball away.

Karasu weaved through the chaos and claimed the ball right from under both Hayate and Wakatsuki.

Karasu: (Damn, this combo isn't breaking through this Iron Wall Quartet. We need the heavy-hitters...)

*LOB PASS*

To the shock of the Iron Quartet, Blue Lock's most level head Karasu sent a lob pass to a space on the field with no teammates.

Karasu: (If it's you, I know you'll break through. Our ace, the 'One-Man-Army', give them hell again...)

Yagami sprinted forward to retain the 'bad' pass but was completely blitzed and left for the dust by a determined Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

Cheers from the stadium exploded as the man with the game's first goal now led on their counterattack.

{{}}

Hirata: Damn, he's already won over some of the fans. Already getting a couple chants.

Horikita: Is he going to score again?

Ike: But this is the U-20? Are they just bad? Is Sae overrated?!

{{}}

Kiyotaka: Nice improvisation.

Yagami had lost Kiyotaka in the chaos of the counterattack as he had open space.

Aiku: You're not getting past me again.

Kiyotaka: You're welcome to try. I'm all yours.

...

...

...

In their 1v1 duel, Aiku peered into Kiyotaka's movements, trying to find any sort of weakness he could exploit and put a stop to his hype.

He noticed that his dribbling was different to someone like Bachira who was flashy and beating with emotion. Kiyotaka used his dribbling as inspiration for his high-paced, smooth and slick, form of dribbling.

One stepover and a chop dribble to the left had Aiku gathering himself and boxing Kiyotaka before he could run past him.

Aiku: Where are you going to go no-

Kiyotaka's eyes widened as he performed a roulette and then completed Bachira's aerial turn to bypass Aiku and gain enough space, outside the box, to attempt a shot.

Aiku: (He was aiming for a shot outside the box this whole time. And I fell for his slight faint. He truly is a genius in analysis. Blue lock's arguable number one.)

He dribbled to the left, still a few feet outside the box with Aiku slowly but surely chasing him down.

*SMASH*

A kick to the side of the ball sent it flying across the penalty box in a left-most curve, bending across the outside.

U-20's goalkeeper, seeing this shot, dived to the right-corner to get a single finger on the ball... but he was a foot short.

Sae: Still a bit short... monster.

*BANG*

Barely eclipsing the ball with his head, it rattled across the top crossbar and into the field of play as the Iron Quartet looked on in bewilderment.

{{}}

Ryuen scrunched up the beverage he got from a vendor.

Ryuen: Damn it! If it's a deficit of more than a single score, I double my earnings! Keep attacking!

Kei: So damn close!

Ichinose: You can do it Kiyo!!!

{{}}

Aiku: (Genius... thank you.)

Kiyotaka: (That sucks. Well, at least it arrived at his feet. For some reason, my dislodged shots always seem to rest on his feet. Luck is a crazy thing)

Itoshi Rin controlled Kiyotaka's redirected shot from outside the penalty box.

U-20 Goalkeeper: SECOND BALL!!!!!

Rin looked forward.

Aiku: Just try and shoot... I'm already here.

Isagi: (He's already there?!)

Aiku: (I underestimated Blue Lock. Even if they're a team of strikers, I assumed in the end, they'd be just a bunch of useless high schoolers, only following their coach's orders. But I was wrong... every single one of them... are starving beasts!)

Isagi knew very well the caliber of defender Aiku was and bolted behind him and to the right.

Isagi: RIN!

Aiku gleamed behind himself and looked over at the dashing Isagi.

Aiku: (Interesting. Very Well. They're planning to get past me with a 2-on-1. It's either a one-two pass.... or a decoy!)

Rin didn't care to pass to Isagi and abused him as his little decoy, spinning around to the left and gaining a decent portion of space outside the box and in front of the goal.

Aiku: (You're dominant leg is your right. I'll kill that side! You won't be able to-)

*SMASH*

Rin's eyes widened as he shot the ball with his right foot, establishing an outside spin.

It viciously traveled across the air and into the right-corner of the goal, bypassing the Goalkeeper.

Tereasa: GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!

---Blue Lock Eleven [2] vs. U-20 Japan [0]---

Aiku smiled.

Aiku: (I'll admit it. You guys are the best... Blue Lock.)

Rin jumped in the air and pumped his fist with a vehement anger and determination, finally obtaining his first goal of the game.

The JFU chairman smashed his desk, breaking it clean in half as his hand was covered in splinters and blood.

JFU Chairman: Why the fuck did I put such a shitty coach? They're running them over! At this rate, that fucking sloth Ego is going to pull off this shitty victory. No! We can't lose! I won't allow it!

His assistants flooded into his room to fix the damages as he grabbed one by the collar in seething anger.

JFU Chairman: Bring me that fucking coach and extend their paltry celebrations from that goal. Call a stoppage! I don't care anymore. Put that player from Blue Lock in! I WON'T BE EMBARASSED ANYMORE!!!!!

Shido, from his bench, looked up at the sheer chaos and the people cheering.

He smiled.

Shido: (It's only a matter of time before that fucking genius quits... so you're gonna have to put me in... I'm gonna get my chance for a release...)

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Time: 40 min

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