Reo quietly observed the situation on the field as the orchestrator of Team V's offensive plays.
"Found you, you idiot Tsurugi!"
With a sudden change in his dribbling motion, he spotted his target. Using a feint to get past Yoichi and Meguru, he created space for himself before making a precise long pass to Zantetsu, who was positioned on the side.
"Don't call me an idiot." After receiving the ball, Zantetsu charged forward at full speed without hesitation.
Hyōma tried to chase from behind, but in an instant, the gap between them only widened.
"What!?" His eyes widened.
Although he knew Zantetsu possessed incredible burst speed, he never imagined it would be this explosive — like a jet engine suddenly firing up.
Like an arrow, Zantetsu headed straight for Team Z's goal, his explosive power lending him formidable shooting ability as well.
"The first point is mine..."
Now within shooting range, only the goalkeeper stood in his way. The goal seemed practically guaranteed.
"Too easy." From a distance, Reo wore a relaxed smile, certain that Team V would take the lead.
Just as Zantetsu lifted his foot, channeling all his power into it, about to shoot—
"You know, aren't you being a bit too arrogant?"
A sudden voice rang in his ear, making his eyes widen as he glanced to his side.
A terrifying shadow had appeared behind him: Ryōsuke.
"How is this possible?" Zantetsu couldn't believe it.
He thought his speed should have left the defenders far behind. How did he catch up?
Could this guy's speed be that extraordinary?
"This guy..." Reo's eyebrow twitched slightly — it was his first time seeing Zantetsu lose to anyone in terms of speed.
Even the usually listless Seishirō slightly raised his head.
Just as Zantetsu was about to shoot, Ryōsuke completed the interception from behind, swiftly turning to make a long pass forward.
"Nice pass!" Meguru received it and rushed toward the opponent's half at full speed.
Reo quickly fell back, joining his defensive line to block him.
A smile appeared on Meguru's face.
"Hehe, fell for it!"
Having drawn multiple defenders' attention, he immediately passed the ball to his left — where Rensuke had appeared.
"This is bad!" Reo realized Meguru was just a decoy, "Ryōsuke really saw through your tactics!"
Rensuke took a deep breath and lifted his left foot. He was within shooting range, with a clear path to goal.
A powerful left-footed shot!
Goal!
[ Scoreboard ]
[ 1:0 ]
Team Z leads with the first goal!
"Great job, Kunigami!"
"We've taken the lead!"
"Well done!"
Cheers erupted immediately. Against their strongest opponent, Team V, they had struck first.
From the back field, Ryōsuke smiled, satisfied with their smooth transition from defense to attack — the fruit of countless hours of training.
Yet he knew their early lead wasn't much of an advantage — Team V hadn't gotten serious yet.
The real match was just beginning.
"Reo, the opponents scored first." Seishirō said calmly.
Despite being behind, his face showed no trace of panic, as if he could reverse the score at will.
"This is annoying, letting these guys score." Though Reo said this, he wore a clear smile, "We can't let them break our six-month undefeated record. Let's get a bit serious, Nagi."
"What a pain. Can I slack off after we score three goals?" Seishirō said expressionlessly, showing his usual disinterest in the match.
"That won't do. We need more goals. These guys have made me angry — let's completely crush their confidence."
"Oh."
Soon Team V organized another attack, with Reo controlling the ball and pressing forward.
"This time feels different." Yoichi sensed Team V's shifting momentum, realizing they hadn't been playing seriously before.
"Nagi, let's do that thing!" Reo smiled and raised his hand in a signal.
"What a hassle." Seishirō kept his calm expression.
Suddenly, Reo launched a long pass, the ball soaring toward the penalty area in a high, dramatic arc.
"What? That must be a mistake!" Jingo watched the approaching ball in confusion, believing it impossible to receive.
But at that moment, Seishirō — who had been motionless until now — burst into action.
"Is he trying to receive that ball? Impossible!" Wataru said.
The white-haired player leaped skyward with incredible power that even Wataru, proud of his own jumping ability, couldn't match. His right foot curved like pliers, perfectly trapping the ball.
This was Seishirō's special technique — Perfect Ball Control.
In soccer, ball control skills are essential for every position. The ability to quickly control a bouncing ball gives the player an immediate advantage, and in most situations, the first touch determines success or failure.
He possessed extraordinary control, able to receive balls at any angle and speed while instantly positioning himself for the next play.
"This guy... impossible?!"
Everyone stood stunned by Seishirō's move. This was beyond ordinary skill — something impossible to even attempt.
Yet he effortlessly adjusted in mid-air and shot!
The ball found the net.
[ Scoreboard ]
[ 1:1 ]
The score was tied in an instant!
❖❖❖
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