4. Team Z Prepares for a Comeback
Isagi was awestruck by how much Bachira enjoyed playing soccer despite the immense pressure. He realized that this match against Team V could mark the end of his soccer career. However, Isagi resolved not to give up until the final whistle. It was time to focus on securing victory against Team V.
Team Z celebrated and praised Bachira’s spectacular goal, feeling motivated to push beyond their limits. As Kunigami patted Bachira’s head, he acknowledged that surpassing limits didn’t mean acting recklessly, and Bachira’s actions were proof of that.
Kunigami then explained to Team Z that the goal was achieved because of Bachira’s dribbling ability. He elaborated that if “A” represented their ultimate weapon and “B” symbolized their situational awareness, when the combination of A x B failed to produce a goal, Bachira created a new formula to score.
Kunigami concluded that without experimenting with new methods and evolving during the match, they couldn’t hope to win. Isagi realized that Bachira’s gameplay had transformed the mindset of every player on Team Z.
5. Kunigami Rensuke Scores the Second Goal for Team Z
Zantetsu passed the ball to Reo, who began dribbling toward Team Z’s goal. Reo declared that he and Nagi didn’t want to ruin their undefeated record, which had lasted for six months since they first started playing soccer. The players of Team Z were awestruck by the incredible skill displayed by Nagi and Reo, who, despite being new to soccer, had already showcased extraordinary abilities.
Isagi instructed Raichi to shadow Reo’s movements wherever he went. Frustrated, Raichi asked, “Why me?” Isagi explained that Raichi’s physical strength made him the best choice and assured him that he would also help mark Reo when needed. Isagi emphasized the urgency of stopping Reo, as his dangerous passes to Zantetsu and Nagi would continue to put Team Z at risk. Reluctantly, Raichi agreed to follow Isagi’s instructions.
Unable to escape Raichi’s tight marking, Reo passed the ball to Zantetsu. Zantetsu sprinted toward Team Z’s goal, but Chigiri chased after him, determined to outmatch Zantetsu’s speed. Zantetsu prepared to send a pass to Nagi, positioned near Team Z’s goal. However, Chigiri managed to intercept the ball, disrupting Zantetsu’s pass and making it inaccurate.
Nagi chased the ball outside Team Z’s penalty area while Igaguri and Naruhaya closely tracked his movements. As Nagi tried to control the ball and take a shot, Igaguri blocked it with his face. The ball fell to Bachira, but Reo quickly closed in, determined not to let Bachira pass him again. Undeterred, Bachira passed the ball to Kunigami.
Reo ordered two defenders to block Kunigami from entering the shooting zone. Despite being flanked by the two defenders, Kunigami kept pushing forward, trying to enter his shooting range to score. However, he hesitated—should he attempt a direct shot from 28 meters, outside his usual shooting range, or pass the ball to Gagamaru, who was unmarked?
Isagi, the voice of fate, shouted words of encouragement to Kunigami, urging him to take the risk because only a Super Hero dares to evolve under pressure. With a hero’s resolve, Kunigami took the risk and unleashed a powerful shot from 28 meters. The ball rocketed straight, spinning minimally, and pierced Team V’s goal, narrowing the score to 3-2. The first half ended with a close margin.
