"Me?" After hearing his words, Yō was surprised.
"That's right, it's you. You're the last option now." Ryōsuke said seriously.
In terms of both talent and technique, Yō could be considered among the most elite in Blue Lock, and even the arrogant Tabito Karasu greatly acknowledged his abilities.
If he were willing, he could be sitting in a starting position in the U-20 Match right now. Not only that, with his ability, he could already dominate most players in the second stage and prove his capabilities.
However... Yō was too laid-back. Rather than laid-back, it would be more accurate to say he lacked motivation.
His family's expectations had caused him to lose his love for soccer. Without that love, there was no drive to work hard, so his performance on the team was mediocre. He wouldn't seize opportunities to prove himself, and in front of the goal, he didn't even consider shooting.
But there was no denying that his abilities were exceptional.
At this moment, Yō was lost in thought. He never imagined he would get to play, originally believing he would spend all matches on the bench and never be selected for the national team.
A love for soccer simply didn't exist within him. But not long ago, while talking with Ryōsuke, the latter's words had made him ponder. Tabito had once said something similar to him as well.
'Don't worry about others' expectations, but about the expectations you have for yourself.'
And just now, while watching the match from the bench, the previously indifferent Yō truly felt his blood boiling.
Seeing Ken's saves, Hyōma's Red Panther Sniper, and Kenyū's all-out attitude, he felt a desire to enter the match rising within his heart. Like a flame, growing more and more intense.
"So what's your answer, Hiori?" Ryōsuke extended his hand to him.
Someone with such outstanding talent and potential shouldn't be languishing here.
"I'll play." Yō grabbed his hand and stood up.
His usually gentle gaze had changed, with flames of desire for victory burning in his eyes.
That feeling of really wanting to do something — it had been a long time since he'd felt it. This wasn't because of anyone else's expectations, but because he himself wanted to do something, and was acting on it.
At this moment, Yō yearned to take the field!
Yearned for victory! Yearned to play soccer!
"I will bring victory to Bastard München." Yō said, then stretched his body and stepped onto the field.
In this moment, he had regained his long-lost passion.
"Finally awakened, huh?" Watching the backs of Yō and Ryōsuke, Noel muttered to himself while looking down at the tablet in his hand.
He knew Yō was excellent and should have been able to achieve great success, but he always seemed to lack drive. Despite having talent, he was unwilling to display it, as if his body and soul were split apart.
This was why Noel had never let Yō play. But now, he seemed to have awakened, as evidenced by his sharp gaze.
"If that's the case, let me see just how high you can reach." He said as he put down his tablet.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
[Bastard München has made a substitution. Kenyū Yukimiya, who had a very impressive performance on the field, seems to have been substituted due to fatigue, with Yō Hiori taking his place.]
The TV commentator was narrating the current situation.
Although they had prepared information for the match in advance, after Yō entered the field, the commentator still paused for a few seconds.
[As far as we know, Yō Hiori has been a member of the Blue Lock program since the first stage. The fact that he advanced to the second stage indicates that he possesses outstanding abilities, though he hasn't had many opportunities to showcase them yet. We look forward to his performance on the field.]
Despite saying this, the commentator was actually puzzled about who Yō really was.
Was there such a person in Blue Lock's first stage? He had virtually no presence.
And although they weren't on the level of Michael, Alexis, and others, there were some relatively well-known players on Bastard München's bench who should have been more suitable choices than this kid.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Meanwhile, Yō had stepped onto the field alongside Ryōsuke.
Although this was his first official match in Blue Lock's second stage, he had already analyzed the situation of the game. He was very clear about his responsibilities.
'Bastard München needs another ball-holding point to take pressure off Kira, which will completely unleash his offensive capabilities — my job is to create opportunities for him.' Yō thought as he moved into position.
"Ah, it's a worthless guy. I still found the 20-million one from earlier more interesting." After seeing the new face enter the field, Lorenzo's face showed a somewhat disappointed expression.
"Sorry about that." Yō didn't get angry, but simply replied calmly.
The match continued, with Gin Gagamaru taking the throw-in — Yō successfully received the ball.
After he received the ball, the other Ubers players didn't immediately surround him. They didn't know his abilities and thought he was just a substitute filling in, so only Lorenzo was responsible for defending against him.
Even those from Blue Lock like Ikki didn't fully know his abilities.
At this moment, Yō began to move.
"I can see your style very clearly." Facing Lorenzo, he remained very calm, showing no sign of intimidation despite his opponent being one of the New Generation World XI.
"Oh? At least show your worth before saying anything, okay?"
Lorenzo said with a smile, while stepping forward to defend against him!
Seeing his opponent's move, Yō immediately and skillfully moved the ball to the outside of his left foot, avoiding the opponent's first python-like assault.
Then, when Lorenzo made his next move, he instantly turned, moving with incredible speed and smoothness, creating half a body's distance between them with just one movement.
"You... are you Bastard München's secret weapon?" With just one move, Lorenzo immediately felt that this guy was no ordinary player.
His judgment was swift and calm, and that series of movements showed that he possessed excellent ball-handling skills, with a touch as soft as water.
Lorenzo hadn't expected that Bastard München would have such a player hidden on their bench — someone who could qualify for the starting lineup on any team.
"Interesting, this match is your career valuation battle, isn't it? Your worth shouldn't be low, right? 30 million? 50 million? Or even higher?" Lorenzo seemed to get excited, immediately rushing forward to tightly mark him.
"Sorry, I don't really care about things like market value. I just want to play." Yō said this while analyzing the situation.
Although he was strong, his opponent was one of the New Generation World XI after all, making it nearly impossible to beat him one-on-one.
However, the half-body advantage Yō had just created with his technique was enough to allow him to pass the ball.
At this moment, the most suitable target was Rensuke! Yō flicked the ball with his left foot, delivering it precisely to his teammate's feet!
The arc and power were excellent, allowing Rensuke to shoot without needing to adjust!
❖ Power Shot ➠ Cannonball! ❖
"I won't let you equalize the score!"
Ken shouted loudly, making a desperate lunge to intercept the ball!
But Yō's face showed no surprise — this was within his expectations. Ubers could now focus on Ryōsuke while relying on Lorenzo's tactics precisely because they trusted Ken's abilities.
But this goalkeeper couldn't possibly be without limits. Keep attacking, completely break him down!
Yō quickly ran toward where the ball would land, while Shūto Sendō arrived from the other side almost simultaneously.
Their bodies collided... But Yō had the advantage!
Though he appeared ordinary, his parents were both top domestic athletes. While he was constrained by his family's expectations, he had inherited their excellent athletic bloodline.
Yō's physical potential exceeded everyone's imagination!
"This guy's physical abilities are this good?!" Shūto was dumbfounded, never expecting his opponent to be so strong.
Yō quickly won the ball, then immediately advanced toward the goal, raising his left leg.
Ken watched him with extreme tension, having realized this player couldn't be underestimated. He absolutely couldn't make a mistake!
With Ubers in the lead, they couldn't let this advantage slip away!
But just as Yō was about to shoot, his motion changed… It was a feint!
On the other side, Yoichi had quietly arrived! That was his real target!
Yō used his soft touch to precisely deliver the ball to his teammate's feet!
Although he didn't have Yoichi's Metavision, he possessed equally superior technique and was even better in individual ability.
The two complemented each other perfectly!
"Super comfortable pass, Hiori!"
Yoichi shouted excitedly while immediately shooting as the ball reached him!
❖ Direct Impact Shot! ❖
This ball aimed for the goalkeeper's blind spot!
But Ken was faster, still managing to stop the shot with all his might! He was like Ubers's guardian deity, firmly defending the goal!
Spectators worldwide were amazed by his performance!
But now only the Ubers players and Ken himself knew just how dangerous that had been. The consecutive attacks were full of threat — if he had been even half a second slower, they would have scored!
If Bastard München managed to score, their advantage would vanish completely! They had to maintain this lead to win!
Moreover, Ken clearly felt that Bastard München's attacks had changed. Their overall offense had become more fluid and threatening!
"Is it because of that person?" He stared intently at Yō.
After he entered the game, Bastard München's team had changed.
Ubers had devoted most of their energy to Ryōsuke, making their defense elsewhere quite weak. And Yō had led Bastard München to seize this fleeting weakness, launching a fierce counterattack!
They absolutely had to stop them!
The ball was now punched away by Ken, and because most defenders were drawn to Ryōsuke, Ranze on the side successfully gained possession!
"Attack, attack!"
Ranze immediately passed the ball to Yō, who once again brought the ball to the front of the goal!
'How long has it been since I stood in front of the goal?'
'How long has it been since I took a shot?'
'How long has it been since I felt this desire to play soccer?'
At this moment, Yō looked at the goal, his gaze becoming intensely focused, and the corners of his mouth turned slightly upward.
It had been a long time since he'd enjoyed himself this much.
"You're getting a bit carried away with the game!"
Just as Yō was about to shoot, two figures rushed in at top speed to double-team him!
Oliver and Shōei!
They recognized that this guy was a serious threat and absolutely couldn't let him continue his attack.
But all of this was within Yō's calculations.
"Increasing the defense against me?" He said with complete calm, his gaze showing no panic.
The moment Oliver met those deep eyes, he knew he had fallen into a trap.
Yō's gaze wasn't focused on him or Shōei at all. It was fixed on the other side, seemingly waiting for someone's arrival.
"Come, claim the fruit of this goal."
Yō said softly, then slightly flicked the ball through the gap between the two, kicking it to the other side.
It was a pass with such a high arc that an ordinary person couldn't possibly reach it. But there was one person — one monster-like existence — who could do it.
"The one really responsible for finishing isn't me... that monster has been completely unleashed..."
As Yō spoke, a figure with absurdly fast speed burst out from the side!
Ryōsuke Kira!
❖❖❖
T/N: Hey! Liked what you read? Support your friendly neighborhood translator on Patreon! Think of it as buying me a coffee... or ten!
For just $1.50 (that's less than your daily meme budget), get extra chapters! Want more? $2 gets you bonus content, $5 unlocks premium stories, and $10 makes you my hero (and gets you everything I have, including earlier acess to new books)! You can have access to almost 15 books!
That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)
https://www.patreon.com/collection/1305258