5. Isagi Yoichi Masters the Direct Goal Technique

At the start of the second half, Team Z launched a dangerous attack against Team V. In a critical moment, Gagamaru executed a Scorpion Kick that seemed destined to be a spectacular goal. However, Zantetsu’s quick reaction blocked the ball, successfully saving Team V’s goal from being breached.

Despite that, the deflected ball landed at Isagi Yoichi’s feet—an opportunity that should have been golden. Unfortunately, Isagi hesitated too long before deciding to take a shot, allowing Team V’s center-back to swiftly snatch the ball away.

As the second half progressed and the match between Team Z and Team V looked like it could end in a draw, tension filled the air. Team V was awarded a golden opportunity from a precisely executed free kick by Reo, but Lemon, Team Z’s goalkeeper, pulled off a brilliant save, preventing the goal.

In an unexpected turn of events, Nagi quickly pounced on the rebound from Lemon’s save. However, Nagi’s close-range shot, which was mere inches away from crossing the goal line, was intercepted by Gagamaru, who kicked the ball upwards, causing it to hit the crossbar. The ball bounced and landed at Isagi’s feet—this was the moment Team Z had been waiting for. They launched a lightning-fast counterattack, driven by their clever strategies and sheer power.

With two of Team Z’s star players, Kunigami and Chigiri, positioned inside Team V’s penalty box, Bachira made an unexpected decision to send a floating cross toward Isagi. Initially unmarked, Isagi suddenly found himself tightly covered by Nagi, who was determined to prevent him from receiving Bachira’s magical pass.

Isagi sprinted to reach the ball as it descended but was plagued with doubt. Could he control the ball perfectly? Each step was filled with tension as Nagi prepared to block Isagi’s shot aimed at Team V’s goal.

Isagi chose not to pass to Kunigami or Chigiri, betting everything on scoring a goal of his own. Then, in a moment of clarity, Isagi realized the critical mistake that had hindered him from scoring goals—he was too obsessed with controlling the ball despite lacking the strength and speed to do so.

Finally, Isagi found his solution. He struck the ball directly while it was still in the air, before it hit the ground, and the result was astonishing—Team V’s net was shattered by Isagi’s powerful shot.

The match concluded with a score of 5-4, securing Team Z’s victory over Team V. Isagi’s brilliant performance led Team Z to finish second in the Blue Lock group standings and advance to the second stage of the Blue Lock selection with burning hope and unshakable confidence.