Blue Lock: Beyond Greatness

Until the play ended, Kira finally understood the strategy behind Shinichi's setup.

But… why? He clearly has the ability to win games on his own, and he didn't even record an assist this round. Why… why is he…

"So dazzling!"

…

"Hey, are you okay?"

As the play ended, the rebel team finally had a chance to check on Reo, who had been completely outplayed by Shinichi.

Reo forced a bitter smile as he got up. "It's a bit tricky. Maybe it's because the ability I copied was only temporary, and I didn't have enough muscle memory for it. I should recover my usual playstyle eventually, but I'll need some time..."

"But there are only two plays left," Akira said with a frown.

Shinichi was already terrifying enough on his own, but with their team down a player, leaving an obvious gap in their formation, Shinichi immediately exploited it.

That chilling feeling of being toyed with was somehow worse than being outright crushed.

"His ability to seize opportunities is too strong. Even though he hasn't directly participated much in the offense, he gives off an overwhelming sense of invincibility. If this keeps up, we'll lose without showing anything at all."

"Stall for time. Once Reo recovers, pass the ball to me. I'll create an opportunity," Rin said coldly as he stepped forward.

The team fell silent.

It was clear that this might be their only option.

After all, Rin was the only one who could barely keep up with Shinichi.

The rest would be completely dismantled in just one exchange.

And that was with Shinichi seemingly uninterested in their weapons, so he hadn't even bothered to take them.

"Understood. We'll do our best to support you."

Beep—beep!

The whistle blew, and Reo passed the ball to Rin.

As part of the rebel team's strategy, Reo was allowed to handle the ball in less critical areas as much as possible to help him regain his feel for the game and restore his muscle memory.

This decision was crucial; without Reo recovering soon, their defense against that "monster" would be as good as nonexistent.

...

"Even if we get crushed with a clean sheet, at least in one-on-one defense or teamwork, there's still a chance to show flashes of brilliance and be noticed. But if we're down a player, all we can do is run back and forth under Shinichi's control, endlessly shifting our defense without purpose. That would mean losing even the smallest chance to showcase our abilities. So, even if it means sacrificing what few opportunities we have, Reo needs to recover as quickly as possible," Yukimiya thought as he watched his teammates grit their teeth and fight on the screen.

A sense of guilt welled up within him.

"Football is ultimately a game where 11 players fight for victory together. A good player is one who makes the team better. How could I not have considered this before? I was so focused on my worsening eye condition, worrying about losing my chance to shine and taking the ball from my teammates. I only thought about my own performance. How am I any different from those people I despise, who exploit others with cold calculations?"

The others in the viewing room felt similarly affected.

In this match, underperforming could mean losing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Yet, despite knowing that victory was almost impossible, the rebel team still made such a choice.

What drove them to act this way?

Wouldn't competing with each other for possession of the ball be the more rational approach?

If there was a reason, it might be the indomitable desire to win that strikers must always carry, paired with the dignity of being a player.

It's the same reason why players like Chigiri, even when frustrated and cursing at a teammate's cunning, would still pass the ball to someone in a better position.

Acting on that inner conviction, even when it seems irrational, is also a form of self-interest, isn't it?

...Unfortunately, reality is an exceptionally harsh place.

No matter how admirable their actions may be, no matter how precious their perseverance, in the world of competition, there will always be a loser.

Understanding this truth, Shinichi's expression remained unmoved.

However, his gradually sharpened defensive posture and increasingly focused gaze served as his response to his opponents' efforts.

For those who performed well, Shinichi did not hesitate to offer his praise.

And because of this, he would crush them mercilessly, using his dominance as a form of respect.

"Bring it on."

A powerful sense of pressure radiated from Shinichi, so overwhelming that even his own teammates felt as though they were staring into an abyss.

Rin's expression remained calm, but he still passed the ball, adhering to their strategy of stalling for time and giving Reo as many touches as possible to help him recover.

"I figured you'd try something like this, given the situation and the challenges you're facing," Shinichi said. To Rin's surprise, though, Isagi, with his hollow eyes, had somehow appeared behind him, ready to intercept the pass with an outstretched foot.

Rin quickly pulled the ball back, but on the other side, Shinichi broke through Rin's shielding stance and reached the ball first.

With a swift poke, Shinichi sent the ball rolling out from behind Rin.

As multiple players rushed toward the now-loose ball, another foot suddenly appeared, taking possession before anyone else.

"Kira? How is he here?!" Isagi's mind raced in shock as he sprinted to catch up. But something was off about Kira.

Muttering under his breath, he sprinted forward with the ball, faster than ever, leaving Isagi unable to close the gap.

"Damn it, damn it! Why is everyone like this?! Isn't this place supposed to promote selfishness? Isn't Blue Lock all about eliminating everyone else? And now you're turning it around, preaching about teamwork, chemistry… all things I've already discarded! Why?!"

"Why are you making me remember all of this?!"

Kira's eyes blazed with fiery determination as he charged forward.

He had entered FLOW, the ultimate state of mind where nothing could stop him!

"Kira's state has changed; the dynamic on the field is about to shift!" Isagi's heart raced as he noticed two figures trailing closely behind Kira, gradually closing the gap.

"I didn't expect someone like you, who sank so deep into the swamp, to claw your way back out," Shinichi said, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he watched the determined look in Kira's eyes. "I thought nothing beyond Rin could pique my interest anymore, but you've given me a pleasant surprise."

"Shut up!" Kira suddenly came to an abrupt stop, flicking the ball toward Rin behind Shinichi.

As Shinichi turned to intercept, Rin capitalized on the brief opening to pass the ball back to Kira, who had repositioned himself.

Without a word exchanged, their seamless one-two play left Shinichi momentarily outmaneuvered.

The sight brought Shinichi back to his memories of facing world-class players.

While Isagi and the others were already amazed by Shinichi's capabilities, Shinichi himself was far from satisfied.

In that past match, even with ZONE activated, he had no chance against the coordinated attacks of two top-tier players.

Their synergy was overwhelming, forcing Shinichi to resort to opportunistic tactics to survive.

He had no way of stopping the relentless offensive when two equally dangerous forwards worked together.

This was why Rin could somewhat challenge him in this match.

The football field was vast, and even with his speed, Shinichi couldn't cover every player at all times.

Against ordinary players, he could easily switch defensive focus since their threat range was limited and fully under his control.

But against someone of Rin's caliber, who had reached the level of the New Generation World XI, leaving him unmarked wasn't an option.

And now, another player who had just barely stepped into the realm of the New Generation World XI had emerged.

The situation mirrored that previous match—both sides possessed players capable of scoring the moment they got an opportunity.

Defend one, and the other would slip through… is that it?

Shinichi suddenly extended his leg, leaping into the air in a nearly full split.

With his body fully outstretched, he intercepted Rin's decisive pass.

"Not a bad idea. Unfortunately, your skill level hasn't reached the point where I can't handle both of you. Trash players."

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