Blue Lock - Conqueror!

The Blue Lock players gathered around Isagi in the middle of the field, their laughter echoing through the stadium as they celebrated the brilliant counterattack that had just unfolded. The energy was infectious—Chigiri couldn't hide his proud grin, and Bachira was spinning around, mimicking Isagi's audacious pass with exaggerated flair. Karasu and Otoya exchanged playful nudges, while Niko stood slightly back, a quiet smile on his face as he absorbed the moment.

They started teasing Nagi for freezing in front of the goal who was about to defend himself but couldn't as the sharp shrill of the referee's whistle echoed across the field, signaling the restart of play. The players reluctantly dispersed, their laughter fading as they returned to their positions, though their energy remained palpable. Each one of them had a fire in their eyes, a hunger to continue what they'd just started.

Meanwhile, on the U-20 side of the field, their defense line stood frozen for a moment, still processing what had just happened. The counterattack had come like a lightning bolt out of a clear sky. Isagi's pass had defied their expectations entirely—it was audacious, risky, and executed with such precision that they barely had time to react. Rin's sharp movement through the gap they hadn't even noticed sealed the deal, leaving them scrambling to contain him.

Aiku, usually calm and composed, clenched his fists as he replayed the scene in his mind. His sharp eyes scanned the Blue Lock players, now resetting their positions with confidence. He had come into this match thinking it would be a challenge, but not one that would truly pressure them. Yet here they were, already trailing, their carefully planned defense undone by a single, unexpected moment.

Unlike his stunned teammates, Aiku's competitive instincts began to flare. His body was tense but ready, his mind already calculating the next move.

'If they think they can do that again, they've got another thing coming. I'll stop them—no matter what.'

The referee blew the whistle again, snapping the U-20 players out of their daze. Aiku turned to Neru and Niou, his voice cutting through the tension.

"Stay sharp. Don't give them that much space again. If Isagi or Rin gets the ball, press immediately. No more surprises."

The U-20 defense nodded, their resolve hardening, but the nervous glances they exchanged didn't go unnoticed by Aiku. He knew the cracks had started to form, and it was his job to seal them.

'This isn't going to be as easy as we thought. But if they're coming at us with everything, we'll just have to push back harder.'

On the Blue Lock bench, Ego sat with his usual composed demeanor, arms crossed and eyes fixed on the field. Next to him, Anri held a tablet in her hand, her gaze darting between the screen and the game. She couldn't hide her mixed emotions. While Blue Lock was already in the lead after a stunning counterattack, she couldn't shake her concern over what she had just witnessed.

According to the carefully constructed strategy set by Ego, Isagi, Rin, and Nagi were supposed to move as a triangle upfield to break through the U-20's defense. Yet Isagi had veered away from the plan entirely. Instead of moving forward, he had dropped back to the midfield after passing to Bachira, creating the space and opportunity that led to the goal.

Anri turned to Ego, her expression a mix of pride and apprehension.

"Ego-san, I know we're ahead, but... Isagi didn't follow the strategy. He wasn't supposed to fall back like that, right? It worked out, but it feels risky. Aren't you worried?"

Ego's lips curled into a small, almost mocking smile. He glanced at Anri, his eyes sharp, and leaned forward slightly.

"Worried? Anri, I'm confused as to why you're confused."

Anri blinked, taken aback by his response.

"But... the strategy—"

Ego cut her off, gesturing dismissively.

"The strategy is a framework, a guideline. I don't expect these players to follow it like robots. Especially not someone like Isagi Yoichi. He's not built to be a cog in the machine. He's the kind of player who creates his own moments."

Anri frowned, still unsure.

"But moving back like that, instead of pushing forward with Nagi and Rin... isn't that counterintuitive for someone who's been appointed as a striker?"

Ego's smirk widened as he leaned back, clasping his hands together.

"Anri, you're missing the point. Isagi isn't like Rin or Nagi. His playstyle is unique, even within Blue Lock. Yes, he's been assigned the role of a striker, but his ego—the very thing that defines him as a player—isn't tied to simply scoring goals. For Isagi, it's about more than just winning. It's about testing his own limits, finding the thrill in every play, and doing what no one else can anticipate."

Ego gestured toward the field, where Isagi was resetting his position with a sharp, confident expression.

"Take Bachira, for example. He dribbles because it's fun for him, because he wants to enjoy the game in his own way. He won't pass unless the positioning of his teammate excites him. Isagi is similar but on a completely different level. He doesn't just want to challenge others—he wants to challenge himself. That pass he made to Yukimiya earlier? It wasn't just smart; it was a calculated risk. Isagi didn't move back because he was scared or confused. He did it because he's chasing the ultimate thrill—the thrill of controlling the game in ways no one else can predict."

Anri stared at Ego, her concern now mixed with awe.

"So... even though it wasn't part of the plan, you expected him to do this?"

Ego nodded, his expression growing colder but sharper.

"Of course. I knew he wouldn't stick to the plan. That's the beauty of Isagi. His ego drives him to make choices that defy conventional logic because, for him, the joy of the game outweighs everything else—even winning. But don't mistake that for recklessness. Every move he makes has a purpose, even if it's one only he can see in the moment."

The substitutes sitting nearby, overhearing the conversation, exchanged nervous glances. Isagi's audacity and ability to read the game with such precision made them feel a pang of intimidation. They were beginning to realize just how far ahead he was, not just in skill but in the way he approached the game itself.

Anri, too, felt a sense of unease. She had always been aware of Isagi's abilities, but hearing Ego's explanation gave her a deeper understanding of his mindset. It wasn't just talent—it was the sheer force of his ego driving him to play in a way that felt almost untouchable.

"This... this is beyond what I expected"

Anri admitted softly.

Ego shrugged, his eyes never leaving the field.

"That's the point of Blue Lock, Anri. To forge strikers who don't just follow orders but create their own paths. Isagi isn't just playing the game. He's shaping it around his will. And if you're surprised now, just wait. I'm more than sure that he's only getting started."

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At the whistle, Sendou initiated the kick-off, sending the ball straight to Sae Itoshi. Sae, calm and collected as ever, began moving forward with the ball. Isagi appeared in Sae's path, his sharp eyes locked onto the U-20 ace.

This was the moment Isagi wanted. While Loki had been an exhilarating opponent due to his explosive speed, Sae was an entirely different challenge. Sae wasn't as fast as Loki—he was a tactician, a maestro with the ball, capable of weaving through players in ways that seemed almost artistic. To Isagi, the opportunity to face such a player one-on-one was irresistible. It wasn't just about stopping Sae; it was about testing himself against the very best.

However, Sae didn't appear to share Isagi's excitement. Without even acknowledging Isagi's intent, Sae swiftly passed the ball forward. Isagi, having studied Sae's tendencies, wasn't surprised. The game had just begun, and there was no reason for Sae to exhaust himself with individual battles so early. He was conserving energy, biding his time, and playing strategically.

The pass sailed up the field, aimed for Sendou. As the ball arced forward, Niko was already locked in, his focus razor-sharp. Niko's role was clear: read the flow of the game, sense the danger before it materialized, and neutralize it with precision. His eyes had been tracking Sae's movements closely, and the moment the ball left Sae's foot, Niko's instincts kicked in.

Sendou, stationed ahead, adjusted his position, preparing to trap the incoming pass. But there was hesitation in his movements—an uncertainty about the meaning behind Sae's decision. The pass wasn't a simple delivery; it was calculated, designed for a specific response that Sendou failed to fully grasp.

Niko seized the moment. Anticipating the trajectory of the ball and the gap in Sendou's understanding, he surged forward. The timing was perfect. Just as the ball neared Sendou, Niko intercepted it with a sharp clearance, cutting off the U-20's offensive play before it could even begin.

If Sendou had been quicker to act—if he'd jumped to trap the ball rather than hesitating—the outcome might have been different. But in that fleeting moment, Sendou's hesitation became his undoing. Sae's brilliance was lost on him, and Niko's awareness turned the situation in Blue Lock's favor.

Niko's interception didn't just halt U-20's attack—it set the stage for Blue Lock's next move. His clearance sent the ball sailing high, cutting through the tense air like a missile. The ball's trajectory curved toward Karasu. Karasu trapped it deftly with his left foot, halting its momentum near midfield, just inside the U-20 half.

With the ball at his feet, Karasu immediately began analyzing the U-20 defensive line. His sharp eyes scanned the field like a tactician surveying a battlefield. He caught sight of Hayate charging toward him, the defensive midfielder eager to shut him down. But Karasu remained calm, almost calculating, as he weighed his options. With a quick flick of his right foot, he sent the ball wide to his right.

The recipient was Otoya, Otoya's agility was on full display as he received the ball smoothly, gliding forward with his head up. However, his advance was quickly halted by Darai, the relentless U-20 defender who closed in on him. Otoya, unbothered, made no attempt to dribble past him. Instead, he shifted gears, opting for a smarter play. With a measured pass, he sent the ball toward the center of the pitch.

Isagi was waiting near the midfield. The ball reached his foot with an almost magnetic precision. As he controlled it effortlessly, the entire stadium seemed to hold its breath. The focus of the U-20 players locked onto him, their collective anticipation palpable.

What would Isagi do now?

Up ahead, the Blue Lock forwards surged forward like a coordinated wave—Nagi, Rin, Yukimiya, and Bachira—all reading Isagi's positioning, knowing he was the fulcrum of this counterattack. Each player sought an opening, each prepared for that one perfect pass that only Isagi could deliver. Their eyes darted between him and their markers, searching for the faintest crack in the U-20 defense.

But Isagi wasn't without opposition. Wakatsuki, the defensive midfielder of U-20, stepped up with intent. He moved swiftly to intercept, determined to cut off the Blue Lock playmaker before he could execute yet another game-changing move.

The U-20 defense scrambled to predict his next move. Aiku's sharp eyes were locked onto Rin, his instincts telling him that Rin would be the primary threat. Niou kept Nagi firmly marked, while Neru, relying on his exceptional speed, hovered between Bachira and Yukimiya, ready to react to the situation Isagi might create. Yet, despite their meticulous preparation, Isagi wasn't playing by their rules.

Instead of passing immediately, Isagi pushed forward, his movements confident and deliberate. Wakatsuki pressed hard, stepping into Isagi's path, but it was futile. Isagi's control and awareness were unmatched as he feinted left and cut right, slipping past Wakatsuki with an effortless dribble. The crowd erupted at the skillful maneuver, a mix of cheers and gasps filling the stadium.

Hayate, realizing the danger, sprinted back in pursuit as Isagi was sprinting toward the goal box. Blue Lock's forwards—Rin, Nagi, Bachira, and Yukimiya—continued their runs, each moving into position as if orchestrated by an unseen hand. The goal box loomed closer, and Hayate prepared for a last-ditch effort. With no hesitation, he launched into a sliding tackle, aiming to disrupt Isagi's advance.

But Isagi had already anticipated it. With barely a shift in his stance, he struck the ball. The motion was deceptively simple, his leg swinging with precision rather than brute force. Yet the ball shot forward with surprising speed, spinning wildly as it zipped across the pitch.

The ball hurtled toward Rin, positioned on the right side of the goal box. Its spin was almost mesmerizing, a deliberate element of Isagi's play. Rin barely needed to glance at it to understand.

'This pass isn't for me'

He thought.

'If it's coming from Isagi and heading my way, it's meant for someone else.'

Aiku, however, didn't see it that way. The U-20 captain zeroed in on Rin, assuming the ball was meant for Rin. He moved quickly, adjusting his position to intercept the incoming pass. It was a calculated decision, but one made without fully grasping Isagi's intent.

The ball's curve became sharper mid-trajectory, slicing through the air with a spin so wicked it defied expectations. Aiku, who had initially moved to intercept, froze for a split second as realization struck him. He had misjudged the ball's intent. The arc it followed was erratic yet deliberate, something far beyond the ordinary. His sharp instincts screamed at him to react, but the sheer unpredictability of the spin left him struggling to adapt.

Meanwhile, Fukaku, the U-20 goalkeeper, shifted his stance. At first, he had assumed, like everyone else, that the pass was for Rin. But as the ball veered sharply to the left, his eyes darted to Nagi, who was surging forward into the space.

'It's for him'

Fukaku thought, repositioning himself, his focus narrowing on Nagi. He anticipated the ball dipping, readying himself for a potential volley from the prodigy.

But the dip never came.

Instead, the ball maintained its elevation, spinning faster and curving even further. The realization dawned on Fukaku like a thunderclap—this wasn't a pass at all. His heart raced as he saw the ball's true destination: the top-left corner of the goal. It wasn't heading for Rin. It wasn't for Nagi. It was for the net.

Isagi had crafted a shot disguised as a pass, a masterstroke of deception that fooled even the sharpest defenders. Fukaku's breath hitched as he leaped, his body stretching toward the top-left corner. The crowd collectively gasped, their voices blending into a cacophony of anticipation and awe.

Aiku and Niou, scrambling to adjust to the ball's trajectory, finally understood the genius behind the play. Isagi had baited them all, using the presence of Rin and Nagi as decoys. The curve of the ball, so seemingly erratic, was an illusion meant to disguise its true purpose. But by the time they realized, it was too late.

The ball, spinning with ferocity, pierced through the air like an unstoppable force. Fukaku's fingertips grazed it, but the sheer power and precision of the shot were overwhelming. The ball kissed the inside of the top-left post, ricocheting into the back of the net with a resounding thud.

The scoreboard updated. The goal was his.

This was Isagi's moment—a declaration of his evolution. The precision, the strategy, the audacity—it was all Isagi. A goal crafted not with brute strength but with unmatched vision and control. His eyes swept over the stunned U-20 players, his confidence radiating as if to say.

This is my game.

The commentators, who had seen their fair share of breathtaking goals, could hardly find the words to describe what had just unfolded before their eyes. As the ball nestled into the top-left corner of the net, their voices faltered for a moment, caught between awe and disbelief.

"Did you see that?"

One of the commentators gasped, his voice tinged with wonder.

"Isagi, he… he just… that was no pass! That was a shot!"

The second commentator, struggling to catch up with the speed of the play, stammered.

"I— I thought it was a cross to Rin… but the way that ball curved… it wasn't meant for anyone. It was meant for the goal. Unbelievable!"

The realization hit them simultaneously, their minds racing to process the brilliance they had just witnessed.

"It's as if he planned the whole thing—using his teammates as decoys, drawing every defender's attention, and then, out of nowhere, unleashing a shot so precise, so perfectly timed, that even the goalkeeper, Fukaku, had no chance."

The crowd's chants grew louder, a cacophony of adoration and admiration. They didn't fully understand the intricacies of the play, nor did they need to. The visual beauty of the curve, the way the ball moved through the air with almost supernatural elegance, was enough to convince them that they had just witnessed something legendary.

The Blue Lock team surged toward Isagi, their excitement bubbling over as they reached him. Bachira, Nagi, Yukimiya, Karasu, Otoya, and Chigiri were all still in a state of shock, trying to process the sheer brilliance of Isagi's goal. It was a goal that defied explanation, something they would have to replay in their minds a hundred times to fully understand. But then again, it wasn't all that surprising. This was Isagi—the player they had come to know and respect, the one who consistently pulled off the unexpected. Slowly, they had grown accustomed to his genius, even if it still left them in awe each time.

Chigiri was the first to close in on Isagi, his usual speed now replaced by a burst of exhilaration. Nagi, his usual calmness cracked by the raw energy of the moment, was close behind, and Bachira—always the one to embrace the chaos—was grinning like a wild animal on a hunt. They all jumped on him, a whirlwind of limbs and laughter.

Isagi, for a brief moment, was momentarily engulfed in their celebration. He let out a laugh of his own, though it was short-lived. His plans to celebrate near the crowd, to relish in the glory of the moment, were dashed as his teammates mobbed him. He grinned, though, shaking his head, trying to wriggle out of their enthusiastic embrace. They had a habit of stealing the spotlight from him, but today, that didn't bother him.

"Let me have my moment, you idiots!"

Isagi shouted, though the words were more playful than reprimanding.

Still, deep down, Isagi was focused. He knew this was just the beginning. The first goal from Rin had been important, sure, but it was the second goal—his goal—that had shifted the momentum. And with U-20 still without a score, it was a moment worth celebrating. A decisive one.

But even with the excitement buzzing around him, Isagi's thoughts were already drifting forward. This wasn't the end. His mission remained clear: a hat trick. He wanted to cement his place as the one who would change the game.

'One goal isn't enough. Not yet.'

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[A/N]: Hi everyone!

Hey everyone, I know it's been a little while since I posted, but the break was necessary on my end.

Once I finish setting up a schedule for my Pa7r30n, I'll also put together one for Webnovel. And just a heads up, NEL is about to kick off on Pa7r30n, so stay tuned for that!

Also the Chapter 58 is free on Pa7r30n.

Thanks for your patience and support!