With 110 Competition Points at his disposal, Ryōsuke couldn't use them for leveling up — but they were perfect for unlocking a new skill.
〘 Congratulations! Successfully unlocked Skill: Thunder Breathing - Second Form: Rice Spirit 〙
As the skill unlocked, flashes of lightning danced before Ryōsuke's eyes. The system notification appeared, and his interface display transformed.
— — — — — — — — — —
〚 Current Competition Points: 10 〛
〚 Current Skills: 〛
〚 Skill: Thunder Breathing - Second Form: Rice Spirit | Status: Unlocked | Level: 1 | EXP: 0% 〛
— — — — — — — — — —
"I've unlocked the skill, but I'll need to practice to build proficiency. Will I have enough time?" He wondered. Just then, the system's voice chimed in with a new screen.
— — — — — — — — — —
〘 Achievement Unlocked 'First Steps': Score your first goal in an official match, slightly increasing physical attributes! 〙
— — — — — — — — — —
A surge of power coursed through Ryōsuke's body before quickly fading away.
— — — — — — — — — —
〘 Achievement Unlocked 'Hat Trick': Complete your first hat trick in an official match, unlocking Competition Space privilege! 〙
〘 Competition Space: A unique space independent of the real world where the host can practice without feeling fatigue. While in Competition Space, time in the real world stops. 〙
〘 Competition Space: 10 Competition Points/1 hour 〙
— — — — — — — — — —
{T/N: A hat trick is when a player scores 3 or more goals in a single match.}
"Achievements too? And this Competition Space..." His eyes locked onto the Competition Space description as he grasped its significance.
While Competition Points enhanced ability strength, time remained crucial. Ryōsuke needed practice to master these skills. It had taken over a week to achieve 100% proficiency with Total Concentration Breathing and the First Form. Now, with new upgrades and unlocks, he required even more training time.
The matches were scheduled days apart to maintain player stamina and ensure fair play, but this wasn't sufficient for his needs.
Competition Space changed everything. Here, Ryōsuke could train without fatigue, dramatically improving his efficiency. A single hour in this space could equal a full day of normal practice.
Suddenly, the room's screen illuminated — Jinpachi Ego's face appeared.
[Team Z prospects, while this was only one match, I must admit you performed beautifully.]
His gaze fixed on Ryōsuke as he spoke.
[You've found your weapons and learned to create football from zero, but I have one question, Ryōsuke Kira. Why did you choose to pass rather than attack directly during your second encounter with Baro?]
"Because passing was the correct choice." Ryōsuke said with a smile.
[Although you won, I must warn you that this mindset won't let you progress — a striker must be selfish. Only by constantly scoring goals can one be called the world's best striker. If you show fear on the field or harbor thoughts of helping others, you're making a grave mistake.]
Jinpachi's expression grew serious, and the others present felt a chill run down their spines as they looked at his face, not daring to interrupt their conversation.
But Ryōsuke's smile didn't waver one bit.
"I don't quite agree with that statement, Mr. Ego. A truly great striker isn't measured by how many goals they score, but by their ability to lead their team to victory. Isn't Baro the perfect example?"
He then continued.
"I didn't pass because of fear or any other reason — I simply thought it was the way to win. What I want is victory, not goals. A truly excellent player makes the right decisions at the right time. Only those who can lead their teammates to victory are truly excellent players. Compared to Baro, I prefer to cooperate with my current teammates."
His words invisibly increased his leadership influence within Team Z.
[If you don't agree with my philosophy, why did you come here?]
Jinpachi pushed up his glasses, his dark and deep eyes focusing on Ryōsuke's face as if trying to see through him.
"Because I want to prove that your philosophy is wrong, Mr. Ego." Ryōsuke answered with a smile, this being the original's reason for joining Blue Lock, "Won't it be quite ironic if someone who opposes your views makes it to the end?"
[Interesting.]
Jinpachi stared at him for a long time, a smile appearing on his face as well.
[Then I hope you keep winning. By the way, the match between Team V and Team Y that happened simultaneously has ended, 8-0. I hope you keep going, Kira, and we'll see who's right and who's wrong.]
After he finished speaking, the screen suddenly went dark.
"So cool, Kira! You actually dared to talk back to that guy like that. That was awesome!" Jingo patted Ryōsuke's shoulder, saying with a laugh.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Meanwhile, in Team V's locker room, the screen lit up.
[Congratulations to all prospects...]
Almost the same words, Jinpachi repeated.
[...Also, I should inform you that Team Z defeated Team X with a score of 8-3.]
"Oh, they scored eight goals too?" A boy with long hair tied in a ponytail turned his head to look at his companion.
Beside him, a boy with white curly hair lazily looked up at the screen.
"Three goals... so can we get our phones back? It's too boring at night without them."
He was tall with a childlike face. Despite having just finished a match, there wasn't a single drop of sweat on him — as if he hadn't even participated.
"Hey Nagi, you're just going to spend all night playing games if you get your phone back!"
"Mm-hmm." The boy called Seishiro Nagi nodded frankly, "It doesn't matter, we're going to keep winning anyway, right?"
❖❖❖
T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!
For just $1.50 you can access all the extra content, and descriptive images, costs only $2!
That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)
https://www.patreon.com/mrblackwing