Ryōsuke narrowed his eyes slightly, like a fierce beast selecting its prey.
Soon, Team Z launched another attack. Their coordination and movement had improved markedly. Like Team X with Shoei, they had built their offensive strategy around their ace: Ryōsuke.
After several passes between teammates, the ball finally reached Team Z's ace.
With lightning speed, Ryōsuke tore through the opponent's defensive line, charging toward the goal virtually unopposed.
Then, a familiar figure blocked his path.
Shoei Baro!
He possessed speed and physical abilities far beyond his teammates, along with excellent instincts for anticipating attacks.
But this was exactly what Ryōsuke had expected — even wanted. A one-on-one confrontation with this self-proclaimed "King"—
To defeat him utterly before everyone's eyes.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
"A direct confrontation between Baro and Kira?"
In the monitoring room, Jinpachi pushed up his glasses, eyes fixed on the screen.
Although Ryōsuke had the advantage in speed, Shoei's superior physical build gave him a crucial edge in one-on-one situations.
Earlier, Ryōsuke had overpowered both Jingo and Rensuke using his physical prowess, but Shoei surpassed them in both strength and technique.
Even for Ryōsuke, getting past this ace would prove challenging.
Yet as star players of their respective teams, their confrontation would significantly impact team morale. Whichever side lost momentum in this clash would surely falter.
"This encounter could well determine the course of the entire game."
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Now, Shoei lowered his center of gravity before Ryōsuke, eyes locked on his target.
"Hey, you're Ryōsuke Kira, right? I told you — I'm the king of this field. Don't you dare stand in my way! Think you can get past me?" An intense pressure emanated from him, like invisible hellfire threatening to incinerate everyone.
Something about this white-haired opponent stirred an inexplicable irritation within him.
But Ryōsuke, facing the ego-driven king, remained expressionless.
"I didn't think much of it before, but on reflection, such boasting is rather embarrassing." He narrowed his eyes, focusing his gaze on Shoei, "Still, I'll humor you for now. What are you muttering about to yourself?"
Shoei's eyebrows twitched several times.
"You say you're the King of the field? Then I am the God of the field — and with a God present, a mere King means nothing."
"You bastard, I'll kill you!"
"Such impotent rage. Today, everyone here will witness how a King falls from grace."
❖ Total Concentration ➠ Thunder Breathing! ❖
As he finished speaking, Ryōsuke adjusted his breathing, entering the Total Concentration state once again.
Though Total Concentration Breathing had reached Level 2, its duration lasted only slightly over ten seconds. Yet in these brief moments on this intense field, it could have an enormous impact.
The Breathing Technique was Ryōsuke's trump card for one-on-one confrontations, enhancing his explosive power in short bursts.
Shoei keenly sensed the change in his opponent's aura, though he couldn't understand what was happening. He hadn't even noticed the sweat now covering his forehead.
Without any fancy footwork, Ryōsuke charged directly toward Shoei's left side.
Despite being fully alert and reacting quickly, by the time Shoei moved, his opponent had already brushed past him.
"I'll kill you!" He shouted in rage, spinning around to use his size advantage, attempting to disrupt Ryōsuke's movement with legitimate physical contact.
But upon contact, he felt as if he'd crashed into a mountain, his body momentarily losing balance.
Shoei was stunned — Ryōsuke didn't look particularly imposing and stood half a head shorter, yet in this physical confrontation, Shoei found himself at a disadvantage.
What kind of person is this guy?
Unlike Jingo, who had fallen to the ground after contact, Shoei forcefully regained his balance and stepped forward, attempting to disrupt Ryōsuke's dribbling from behind.
But that split second spent adjusting his body was enough for Ryōsuke to create distance — not much, but sufficient space for a shot.
Ryōsuke raised his leg again — this time, his left.
Power gathered swiftly in his left leg before exploding with devastating force. A thunderous crack echoed across the field!
❖ Thunderclap and Flash ➠ Shot! ❖
Boom!
The ball rocketed into the net with such force that it threatened to tear through the netting.
Team X's goalkeeper remained frozen in place, not even having time to attempt a save.
[ Scoreboard ]
[ 2:1 ]
"That was awesome, Kira!"
"Great, we're in the lead again!"
"Some king he turned out to be!"
Team Z's players erupted in cheers—
The clash between the two aces had ended decisively in Ryōsuke's favor, sending Team Z's morale soaring.
Turning to face Shoei, Ryōsuke's lips curved into a smirk.
"So this is all there is to the so-called king."
"You bastard, I'll definitely kill you!"
Shoei's eyes blazed red, his body quivering with unbridled rage.
"Pass me the ball! Did you hear me!" He screamed at his teammates.
Meanwhile, Ryōsuke's lips curled into a knowing smile — everything was unfolding exactly as planned.
The ego-driven king had fallen perfectly into his trap.
❖❖❖
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