Chapter 35: Is This Really His First Time Playing as a Defender?
Sae Itoshi was arrogant and cold, even dismissive toward family, yet he undeniably had the strength to justify such pride.
And despite his personality, Sae's overwhelming talent still earned him countless fans. Even the president of the Football Association had no choice but to flatter him.
Some time ago, he had accepted an interview from the country's largest TV station, where he openly expressed his disappointment and disdain toward this nation's football.
It was on that same day that he unintentionally learned of the Blue Lock project's existence. The idea piqued his interest just slightly, so he instructed his agent to keep an eye on any related news.
At this moment, seated beside Itoshi Sae were two others—one was his domestic agent.
The other was a bloated, heavyset man with a face full of sagging fat, which clearly showed a lack of exercise and an overly indulgent lifestyle of rich foods.
He was the Football Association president, Hirotoshi Buratsuta. Right now, his greasy middle-aged face wore a sycophantic smile that made him look even more unpleasant.
In his eyes, everything related to football was merely business. Regardless of performance or results, as long as his wallet got fatter, he was satisfied.
Currently, the greatest source of potential profit was none other than Sae.
If he could get Sae to stay in the country a little longer—maybe even play a match—he would be able to rake in mountains of ticket revenue.
Thus Buratsuta needed to curry favor with Sae, no matter how much he disliked Sae's arrogance.
Meanwhile, Sae Itoshi hadn't looked at him directly even once.
Buratsuta handed a USB drive to Sae's agent, clasping his palms together with a wide grin.
"This is the match footage I managed to get from that fellow Jinpachi Ego. They've only played a few rounds so far. Of course, this footage is for your eyes only—it absolutely cannot be leaked!"
Because Sae had shown interest in the Blue Lock project, Buratsuta used his authority to forcibly obtain the footage from Ego.
In reality, Buratsuts was dissatisfied with the project. He initially supported it because he believed it would bring profit, but he hadn't expected Ego to burn through the entire budget.
Building something like the Blue Lock facility required an astronomical amount of money.
I need to figure out a way to shut down that project… But since Sae seems interested, I'll wait and see. Maybe I can squeeze some profit out of it.
Buratsuta thought this to himself, but continued smiling as he said:
"If you're really that interested in the Blue Lock plan, I can arrange for them to give you a tour. After all, they still have to follow my orders."
He was clearly bragging about his authority.
Sae rested his head on one hand, glancing at the president with cold indifference.
"You seem to misunderstand. I'm only mildly curious—just seeing whether this football-weak country can produce even one decent player. I don't want to waste my time watching the incompetent. These recordings are just something to watch when I'm bored."
His voice dripped with arrogance, treating Buratsuta as if he were nothing.
The agent beside him broke out in a cold sweat. His heart screamed silently.
That's the Football Association president! His authority in this country's sports world is absolute! And you talk to him like THAT?
But Buratsuts showed no signs of anger. Though he cursed Sae internally, he could not afford to offend the golden goose.
"Haha, understood! If you need any additional recordings later, just let me know anytime!"
He continued smiling.
Sae said nothing more and left his seat. His agent, after hurriedly accepting the USB, bowed and followed him out.
...
Inside Blue Lock, the match continued.
After Team Z scored one goal, Team Y stuck to their defensive counterattack strategy. But they failed to produce any result.
Their only offensive weapon, Hibiki Okawa, had been completely locked down by Ryosuke Kira.
He got another chance at a direct confrontation, but the result was the same as the first time—he couldn't even take a shot before being shut down.
No matter what dribbling move he attempted, Kira seemed to see right through him.
After a few exchanges, Okawa became hesitant and fearful. He no longer dared attack whenever he saw Kira in front of him.
Team Y's sole offensive blade had lost its edge. All that awaited them was a slow and inevitable death.
Every failed attack by Okawa was converted by Kira into a counterattack opportunity. No matter how tightly Team Y defended, they couldn't stop everything. This time, Kunigami seized the opening.
Just before halftime, the score became 2–0.
The halftime whistle blew, and both teams retreated to their locker rooms.
Inside Team Y's locker room, the mood was suffocating.
"What's with Ryosuke Kira?"
"Even Okawa can't get past him?!"
"Isn't this the first time he's ever played as a defender? How is he that strong…?"
Niko's face was tense. His strategy had failed completely and had instead given the opponents even more chances to score.
Kira was far stronger than he had imagined.
Even while playing on the back line, he held a fearsome level of dominance.
Even their ace, Okawa, could not break through him.
Niko turned his head toward Okawa.
Okawa sat with a towel covering his head, sweat dripping constantly down the sides of his face. His expression was filled with despair, and the confidence he normally displayed had completely vanished.
Okawa had been mentally shattered by Ryosuke Kira.
We can't rely on Okawa alone… He has no way of breaking through Kira. Our top ace is completely sealed. If this continues, our morale will only sink further. Even though we're only down by two, if we don't score soon, we're simply waiting for a slow death.
Niko understood this better than anyone.
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〔TL〕
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