Chapter 48 Football 48: The Unyielding Resisters (Two-in-One)...
Is this the answer you gave me?
The black and white ball gently touched Suoh Hyo-ki's sneakers, the subtle tremor seemingly resonating with the unspoken longing deep within his heart, causing ripples to quietly spread across his empty soul.
Suoh Hyo-hee's eyes slowly lowered, and a complex emotion was quietly revealed as his eyelids were half-closed.
The world around him seemed to stand still, leaving only the silent yet intense resonance between Suoh Hyoki and the small black and white ball, and the gradually clearing and firming belief deep within his heart.
To become someone's 'tool'?
It doesn't seem like it's impossible.
What is the meaning of life?
The question that had been imposed on him since childhood resonated in his mind once again, but this time it was clearer and more urgent than ever before.
Suhō Hyō-hee's gaze involuntarily followed Kiek-il, who roared passionately after finishing a powerful shot on the field.
To depend on others and to make others look good.
A life without a sense of self isn't necessarily meaningless, is it?
In addition to the inherent greenness, his green eyes also subtly incorporated the resilient and indomitable blue light emanating from Jie Shiyi.
They were willingly swallowed up!
The game continues.
This time, Suoh Hyo-hee kicked off and passed directly to Kiyoshi Il.
The moment Jie Shiyi caught the ball, he was enveloped in a green flame. His lips were tightly pressed together, and without the slightest hesitation, he dribbled the ball at lightning speed towards W team's midfield. Even knowing that a dense web of traps lay ahead, he charged headlong into that seemingly impenetrable white spider web.
Team W has already secured three victories, placing them first in the standings for Building 5. Regardless of the outcome of this match, they will advance to the next round.
But this match is crucial for Team Z. If they win, they will have a chance to advance to the next round; if they lose, their situation will be even more dangerous.
Team V, ranked higher than Team W, and Team X, who also won two matches, are both in contention. If Team V loses this match, their chances of securing the next qualifying spot with all members advancing will be greater than Team Z's.
In addition, Z team's top scorer is Suoh Hyoki.
Therefore, Jie Shiyi had no choice but to move forward at all costs and seize every opportunity.
The tiny flying insect seemed to have stumbled into a carefully laid trap. The W team players, these cunning hunters, swiftly and tacitly surrounded Jie Shiyi, not only blocking his path but also cleverly cutting off any possible support from the Z team.
A sense of oppression and tension filled the air, making even breathing feel heavy.
Jie Shiyi stopped in the encirclement, the ball firmly under his feet. His hands unconsciously clenched into fists, the sleeves of his blue bodysuit taut from the effort, revealing the taut muscle lines on his arms.
He vigorously wiped the fine beads of sweat from his forehead, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, constantly searching for a glimmer of hope, a breakthrough point that could tear through the defenses.
"Jie, give me the ball,"
Kira Ryosuke appeared in the center of the encirclement, attracting everyone's attention.
The crucial piece of the puzzle symbolizing Team W's victory remains unresolved. Jie Shiyi's progress in devouring his opponents is like a slow-moving beast, showing its initial sharpness but far from reaching the other side of victory.
Kira Ryosuke lowered his center of gravity, extending his left foot like a magnet, attempting to subtly deflect the ball from Kiyoshi's feet. Kiyoshi reacted swiftly, firmly placing his right foot on the ball and nimbly retreating with the ball's movement, giving Kira Ryosuke no chance.
"Be careful, Jie."
A clear, gentle voice, like a spring breeze, quietly rose from behind Jie Shiyi.
Jie Shiyi was startled and turned to look. She realized that Ten no Michū had quietly approached without her noticing.
Amano Minakataka crouched down, his body sliding forward like an arrow released from a bow, leaving a smooth and perfect trail in the green grass. His movements were so fast that they were almost impossible to follow.
The black and white ball traced a graceful arc in the air before landing steadily in Ten no Michū's control.
Wow, so fast!
Jie Shi stood rooted to the spot, inwardly amazed, his clothes soaked with sweat, his eyes filled with disbelief. His gaze followed the small black and white ball, which had now moved to Kira Ryosuke's feet.
"Thanks, Zhongjiang."
Kira Ryosuke easily leaped and brought the ball to a steady stop. The whole movement was smooth and fluid, without the slightest hesitation.
The situation on the field can change in an instant. Just when everyone thought that Kira Ryosuke would take control of the game, a tall figure swept past, carrying the ball towards the penalty area of Team W.
That was Suoh Kōki.
Seeing that Tenno Minaka had abandoned his defense and was running towards him, he passed the ball back to Tenno Minaka.
"Is all you can do now just pass the ball? Why don't you shoot?"
Tennominaka was facing Suoh Koki, watching the lake-blue flames spreading across Suoh Koki's body.
A hint of loneliness flashed in his lowered eyes.
That was the spot that originally belonged to him.
"You could have done better, couldn't you?"
Suoh Koki spotted Amano Minaka out of the corner of his eye, and almost instinctively passed the ball, then shielded Amano Minaka behind him.
"Shooting is a result of victory, and so is passing."
On the other side, Jie Shiyi, like a wild horse that had broken free of its reins, suddenly broke through Kira Ryosuke's defense. His movements were so swift that it seemed as if he had torn the air apart.
As he ran wildly, the grass beneath his feet seemed to lose its resistance, allowing Jie Shiyi to speed past and leave deep footprints in his wake.
Sweat mixed with dirt splashed freely on his face, but he paid no heed. The faint taste of blood in his mouth seemed to fuel his drive. His eyes were bloodshot, and all he could see was the ever-rolling, alluring football.
"I want to be number one in the world!"
This thought roared through his mind like a wildfire, unstoppable.
The sensing capabilities of [synchronization] reached an unprecedented level at this moment.
Su Wang Xiaoxi could clearly sense every fluctuation in Jie Shiyi's heart.
Green eyes widened in astonishment, filled with disbelief and admiration. The mouth opened unconsciously, as if wanting to say something, but the sight before it left the speaker speechless.
The pounding of his heart echoed in Suoh Hyo-ki's chest, resonating with the sound of Kiyoshi's feet striking the soccer ball.
He felt an unprecedented shock and excitement.
Suoh Hyo-ki's gaze followed Kiyoshi Ichi's figure intently, as if the whole world consisted only of this running warrior and the football at his feet.
What incredible dedication!
"Jie...Shiyi!"
Suoh Hyo-hee was calling that name softly.
Amano Minaka astutely caught Suoh Koki's momentary lapse in concentration, bypassed Suoh Koki's defensive route, and headed straight for Kiyoshi.
The two instantly became the focus of the competition for the same goal.
Jie Shiyi felt a chill coming from behind him; it was from the relentless pursuit of Tian Zhiyu.
A chill ran through him, but he showed no sign of panic; instead, his resolve only strengthened.
He skillfully used his body to block Tenno Minaka's advance while sprinting forward with all his might.
Jie Shiyi successfully brought the ball to a steady stop before Ten no Michū could reach it.
"Jiejun, please give me the ball obediently."
Amano Minaka's voice was gentle but sharp. He watched the tension and movement of Kiyoshi's leg muscles, his body slightly turned, searching for the best angle to attack.
"If you want it, then come and take it. I'm not going to hand over something so easily obtained like some people do."
Jie Shi turned around and faced the approaching Ten no Michū, speaking provocatively.
Sweat trickled down his dark blue hair, sticking it tightly to his face, but it did nothing to affect his resolute gaze. His blue eyes were fixed on Tenno Minaka, but his focus was elsewhere.
His inner thoughts were not as calm and collected as his outward appearance suggested.
There's not much time left in the game; the current score is 7-2.
With only 30 minutes left, how can they tie the huge gap?
Jie Shiyi stared at the slightly displeased face of Ten no Michu, the soccer ball at his feet seemingly an extension of his emotions, trembling slightly with the turmoil in his heart.
It wasn't a tremor of fear, but rather an extreme excitement for the upcoming showdown.
This is the legendary strongest. To be able to fight against someone like this, to be regarded as a thorn in the side by someone like this... then I'm not bad either, right?
A sense of indescribable pride welled up in Jie Shiyi's heart, and his eyes gleamed with greed and wildness, like a beast about to pounce on its prey.
Eager to prove themselves in this contest, eager to devour the arrogant aura of Ten no Michū.
Ten no Michū felt the strong aura emanating from Kiyoshi, and his brows furrowed slightly as an inexplicable chill spread from his shoulder to his entire body.
Jie Shiyi didn't give him much time to think.
He abruptly changed his strategy, carrying the ball straight towards Tenno Minaka.
Ten no Minaka's golden pupils were fixed on the small black and white ball, ready to deliver a fatal blow.
But just as his right leg was about to touch the ball, a subtle deviation seemed to occur in the air.
He swept his right leg lightly, but unexpectedly missed.
The lack of tactile feedback alerted Amanominaka.
Ten no Mikazu refocused his gaze on Kiyoshi, who had already hooked the ball up with his left foot and leaped into the air, seemingly floating in mid-air, displaying his incredible control over the ball.
Jie Shiyi tilted his head slightly in the air, a provocative smile playing on his lips, his greedy blue eyes fixed on Ten no Michū.
But Ten no Minaka suddenly turned around and appeared behind Kiyoshi, along with the black and white spheres.
"You're too weak."
He playfully stopped the black and white ball at his bent knee, causing Bee Music, who was trying to sneak up from behind, to miss his target.
"This move should be used like this."
Ten no Michū looked at him with the same defiant expression as Jie Shiyi, and was pleased to see Jie Shiyi's incredulous look.
"I used that trick back in elementary school."
!?
How did he know there were people behind him?
Both Jie Shiyi and Feng Lehui looked at Tian Zhiminzhong in surprise.
"The footsteps were too heavy."
Tenno Minaka spoke casually, as if everything was under his control.
As these words were spoken, the black and white ball landed at the feet of W team's number 14.
This was merely a brief transition, as Kunishin Rensuke appeared in the ball's path and intercepted it.
Just as Kunishin Rensuke was about to stop the ball and stabilize the situation, Kira Ryosuke suddenly appeared from the side and made a precise tackle, kicking the ball away from Kunishin Rensuke's feet and changing the situation on the field.
Time seemed to stand still as everyone's eyes were fixed on the ball that would decide the outcome.
Just when everyone thought the ball would fall back into the opponent's control, Jie Shiyi reappeared at the ball's landing point.
He seemed to have exhausted all his strength, but his determined eyes revealed an indomitable will.
Su Wang Xiaoxi, standing beside him, felt the same way; his heartbeat resonated with Jie Shiyi's footsteps.
His black hair fluttered in the wind, occasionally brushing against his cheeks and causing a slight tickle, but he didn't care at all, just focused on looking at Jie Shiyi.
A strange light flashed in his green eyes.
I've found the real answer!
Whether it's football or anything else.
Go try it.
Try anything that can ignite your passion.
There's no need to look back or hesitate; just do whatever comes to mind, aiming for your goal—to become the world's number one striker.
Jie Shiyi, carrying the soccer ball, passed Wang Xiaoxi. The rapidly moving airflow lifted his black hair, revealing his green eyes, which were serpentine.
Suoh Hyo-hee stared at Je-se-il, observing all of Je-se-il's movements.
I want to win!
Jie Shiyi's eyes told him this.
No need to think, no need to worry, no need to be troubled.
Enjoy this moment, cherish this instant.
As long as victory is achieved, and as long as it's for one's own goal, any style of play is acceptable.
Suoh Hyo-hee looked toward the W team's penalty area.
Life doesn't need meaning; it needs passion.
Suoh Hyo-ki followed in Kiyoshi's footsteps, his tall body tinged with the same blue, and his green eyes ignited with flames.
Choosing you was definitely the right decision, Jie Shiyi.
Suoh Hyo-hee's gaze involuntarily drifted towards Kiyoseo's direction.
The light of "self" emerged on Jie Shiyi, along with Suoh Kōki, who also recreated Jie Shiyi's "self".
"thump--"
Su Wang Hyo-hee slid in and took the ball away from Jeong Se-il.
The players on the field stared in astonishment at this scene, unsure of how to react.
Suoh Hyo-hee dribbled the ball and instantly arrived at W's goal, taking a shot.
"Good!"
7:3
The blue and green hues blended together, creating a brand new lake blue.
The new green is growing stronger.
The story is nearing its end, and the true protagonist makes his belated debut.
Suoh Hyo-hee raised the corners of his mouth.
In this game, he finally found his place.
I'm the only "protagonist"!
"What are you doing, you idiot?"
In disbelief, Jie Shiyi grabbed Wang Xiaoxi by the collar and forcefully pulled him down to an angle where he could look at him at eye level.
"Didn't you teach me this? Only by possessing 'self' can one become number one in the world."
“I did it, and I did it even better than you.”
Jie Shiyi was stunned by Suoh Hyoki's blunt words and was completely speechless, letting go of the hand that was gripping his collar.
Suoh Hyo-hee straightened his collar and walked towards the midfield of Team W.
He couldn't wait to tell Amano Minaka and Kira Ryosuke everything he had learned from Kiyoshi.
All of this, naturally, did not escape the sharp golden eyes of Tenno Minaka.
He stood aside, quietly observing everything that was happening on the field, his heart churning like a stormy sea.
As expected!
They've corrupted you.
As Amanomichi watched Suoh Koki approach him with a triumphant air, as if seeking credit for his victory, his brow furrowed involuntarily.
He abruptly took a step back, his golden eyes obediently lowered, yet unable to conceal the cold glint within them; he had hidden all his emotions beneath this seemingly calm exterior.
"We are now opponents." Amanomichi's voice was deep and powerful. "If you approach any W team player outside of the game..."
His tone revealed an undeniable determination: "I will report you to the electronic referee for peeking at Team W's tactics board, and I will send you off with a red card."
Although Tenno Minaka's voice was soft, the threat it carried sent chills down one's spine.
Upon hearing this, Suoh Koki looked bewildered, as if struck by a sudden accusation. Meanwhile, Amanomichi's anger burned even more fiercely.
How can there be such a person?
On one hand, they appear completely oblivious with a blank stare, while on the other hand, they commit unforgivable mistakes against others.
He pursed his lips, raised his golden eyes again, and looked directly into Suoh Hyoki's eyes.
At that moment, it seemed as if a thousand words were being silently conveyed between the two, but in the end, they only turned into tension and confrontation in the air.
Amano Minaka let his hands fall limply, unable to even maintain his usual smile. He stared into Suoh Koki's clear, flawless, jewel-like eyes, as if Suoh Koki was looking through him at something.
His former friend chose someone who could allow him to unleash his full potential, and abandoned him.
Admiring the strong is a human instinct.
The once invincible Son of God perished early, leaving only his obsessive soul on this green arena.
what to do?
Should we let go?
It's impossible!
What I have had, what I once had, what I could pursue, what I couldn't pursue, what I couldn't get, what I could get.
Amano Minaka wants to hold onto everything related to him tightly.
Those past illnesses, everything he lost, those dreams he deeply longed for but could never reach... all of these things made it difficult for him to let go.
His fingernails dug deep into his palms, but the pain was nothing compared to the agony in his heart.
Pink scars bloomed on his palms, like the unhealable wounds in his heart. His hands hung limply at his sides; even raising them had become a luxury.
Let's wish him well.
If this is your choice...
Let me see.
What kind of sparks will fly between you and that guy who can make you number one in the world (egoism)?
It's amazing that he (selfishness) can make you feel that he (selfishness) is more likely to make you number one in the world than I (maintaining the relationship).
Flames seemed to dance in Tenno Minaka's golden eyes. He took a step forward and calmly gave orders: "Watanabe, let's switch positions. I'll play right winger. Ryosuke, pass the ball to me after the kickoff."
Watanabe paused for a moment upon hearing this, then glanced thoughtfully at Amano Minaka. He sensed something unusual in the other's serious expression, nodded silently without asking any further questions, and turned to walk towards the defense position.
The atmosphere on the field was subtly altered by this change.
With the referee's whistle, Kira Ryosuke decisively took the ball and accurately passed it to Amano Minaka.
After receiving the ball, Tenno Minaka immediately started his run, dribbling straight towards the opponent's half.
Upon seeing this, Jie Shiyi and Suou Xiaoxi quickly turned to the same green color and approached Ten no Minaka like two bolts of lightning.
Tenno Minaka skillfully changed the rhythm of his dribbling.
Sudden stop, change of direction.
He tried to break through this defense.
Ten no Mi's vision suddenly narrowed as two legs that didn't belong to him suddenly entered his field of vision.
Suoh Hyoki's left foot was firmly planted on the bottom of the ball, while Kiyoshi's right leg precisely blocked the side of the ball. Ten no Mi's right foot, which was originally poised to deliver a fatal blow to the ball, was now awkwardly suspended in the air.
The soccer ball, which originally belonged to Tennominaka, was lifted high into the air by the combined forces of the three parties, hovering in mid-air like a cannonball about to explode, freezing the entire scene in an instant.
It was clearly a competition among three people, but it embodied two different spirits.
The soccer ball hangs high in the air, while the three people on the ground await their judgment.
Self-interest or maintaining the status quo?
Which one is more likely to win?
However, at some point, those extremely proud golden eyes were stained with another color.
The resilient blue and gentle green intertwine and merge to form a brand new lake blue, and that new color ripples little by little in the golden ocean.
It blurred the arrogance and indifference in the god's golden eyes.
"Football is not a one-man sport."
"God" said solemnly.
Amano Minaka slightly turned his body, revealing W team's number 7 behind him. Number 7 leaped up and kicked the still-airing soccer ball forward with a bicycle kick. A W team player threaded the ball into Z team's penalty area, where the shot was taken by their star player, Kira Ryosuke.
"While you are 'in sync,' my 'gears' are also constantly turning."
Looking at the two people standing in front of him, his golden eyes were divided into 360 squares. He looked at the two people who had turned green and said, "From now on, this is no longer a child's game."
But things didn't go as Amanomichi had planned.
The black and white ball leaped out of bounds with a final, decisive leap, while the timer on the field ticked, proclaiming the preciousness and urgency of every second.
The empty stadium was enveloped in an eerie stillness, with only the players' heavy breathing sounding particularly clear and powerful in this silent confrontation.
All eyes were focused on the goal where a miracle was about to be witnessed, nothing but the fiery red that symbolized victory and glory.
Chikiri Hyoma's beautiful face became red and swollen. He looked up at Ten no Minaka, who was backlit, and let out a hiss accompanied by unstoppable pain.
The dazzling red color stained the eyes of the person in the story, and their gaze froze and gradually stiffened.
Qianqie Baoma nonchalantly wiped the spot where the ball had hit him, then stood up with a flourish.
The indomitable rebels raised flaming swords, attempting to overthrow the tyranny of unified autocracy.
"Chikiri Hyoma of Kagoshima, reporting for duty!"
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Author's note: Waaaaah, I'm late, sorry sir.
There will be another update on Friday night.
Following the typical formula of sports anime, the strongest character is often not the protagonist but the 'villain'; only the one who keeps evolving becomes the protagonist.
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