"What — what just happened?" Kojiro stood dazed on the spot, completely unsure of what had just occurred.
What was that shot from Ryōsuke? How could he shoot from that position with such power?
Even though Kojiro possessed a special technique like the Tiger Shot, he wasn't confident he could achieve something like that.
Moreover, the goalkeeper was Ken, who had already witnessed the power of the Tiger Shot.
Ryōsuke... what kind of monster is he?
Kojiro couldn't help but swallow hard, feeling fear on the soccer field for the first time. By the time he came back to his senses, the score on the big screen had changed.
[ Scoreboard ]
[ Ubers 2:3 Bastard München ]
Bastard München had successfully taken the lead!
Ubers' earlier advantage had completely vanished!
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"Ryōsuke Kira again! Ryōsuke Kira again!"
The commentator's voice had become incredibly hoarse. In his excitement, he nearly fell from the commentary booth, almost causing a broadcast incident.
Yet he paid no attention to his predicament and kept his eyes fixed on the broadcast screen.
"A familiar long-distance shot! This is undoubtedly a world-class goal! Brilliant! While Kojiro's earlier shot was impressive, Ryōsuke's just now was even more spectacular!"
Online, video clips of Kojiro's Tiger Shot were spreading rapidly.
But in just a matter of minutes, Ryōsuke's Thunder Strike had completely overshadowed the Tiger Shot's popularity.
This shot had completely surpassed the other in every aspect!
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Meanwhile, at the French Stratum.
"Amazing! That shot was absolutely gorgeous! So exciting!" Ryūsei shouted enthusiastically, "As expected of Kira — truly impressive. That goal was fantastic!"
"What are you saying, you antenna pest? You're talking as if you scored that goal yourself. Besides, Ryōsuke and his team should be our next opponents." Rin coldly remarked from the side.
Although the two still exchanged sarcastic comments, the fact that these once-incompatible individuals could watch the match broadcast together showed their relationship had improved considerably.
Meanwhile, Tabito looked at the two with resignation.
Rin and Ryūsei hadn't stopped talking since the match began, and more than half was meaningless bickering.
He was completely exasperated with these two…
But it didn't matter. Tabito looked up at Yō on the screen and could clearly sense that he seemed completely transformed.
Yō, who had previously shown little interest in soccer, displayed a strong desire to attack as soon as he entered the field. Tabito was certain he had begun to enjoy the sport.
"Seriously, has that guy finally decided to realize his talent?" He muttered to himself.
"An interesting shot!"
Just then, another voice sounded from Tabito's side, and he turned to look at the speaker.
The person had only arrived at Blue Lock during the League.
But during regular training, Tabito realized this guy's abilities were not to be underestimated — certainly no less than those of Ryūsei and Rin.
Ryoma Hino, the "Japanese Bomber". Born in Uruguay, he had dual citizenship due to his lineage. At Coach Minato Gamo's suggestion, he had joined Blue Lock's Neo Hero League to prove his abilities.
In the original story, Ryoma challenged Kojiro and others as part of the Real Japan 7, even defeating Kojiro badly at one point!
Although France had previously lost to Italy, that was only because Ryoma hadn't played due to personal reasons.
Now he was eager to prove himself in competition.
"Come on, I can't wait to face someone like him!" Ryoma looked at Ryōsuke on the screen, his face bearing a supremely confident smile, "I'll show everyone that I am the true world's number one forward!"
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Meanwhile, in Brazil.
Natureza sat in front of the television, watching the match intently.
"Ryōsuke, he's incredibly strong." His face bore an excited smile as he praised that wonderful shot.
Natureza himself was a genius among geniuses, even considered in the original story as someone who could surpass Tsubasa.
In the original story, he believed Brazil's team was strong enough without him, only entering during extra time in the final against Tsubasa's team, claiming he would score one goal per minute to defeat his opponents.
He later became known as the "120-Second Myth" for his superhuman feat of defeating opponents with his individual skills within just 120 seconds and breaking through Genzō Wakabayashi's defense from outside the penalty area.
Natureza's astonishing abilities even made the "Soccer Cyborg", Marcos Santana, willingly serve as his assistant!
His strength was, simply put, beyond comprehension.
If he hadn't entered only during extra time, Brazil would likely have won the World Youth Championship in the original story.
Now, Natureza was deeply interested in Ryōsuke. He could hardly wait to face him in the U-20 World Cup.
And he wasn't alone — young players all over the world now viewed Ryōsuke as a mountain they must climb in the upcoming World Cup!
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"Damn it..."
Kojiro clenched his fist in frustration.
Time was rapidly running out, and if this continued, Ubers would have to swallow the bitter pill of defeat.
This couldn't happen — they absolutely couldn't lose here!
Kojiro made up his mind.
At that moment, from the sidelines, Marc, who had been sitting, stood up.
"I guess it's my turn to enter the field." His face bore a smile, and everyone's gaze fell on him simultaneously.
| Marc is going to enter! |
| Is he using his superstar entry right? |
| The Crown Messenger Marc Snuffy... he's on the same level as Noel Noah! |
As Marc walked onto the field, a huge discussion immediately erupted online!
"I'm sorry, Snuffy..." Kojiro said apologetically as he watched the coach enter the field.
He had thought they could finish the match without Marc's help, but now Ubers was at a disadvantage, forcing the Master Striker to join the game.
"No need to apologize, Hyuga." Marc smiled and patted him on the shoulder, "I told you before, Ubers is a company. You work here, and matches are our business. I created detailed plans for you, but if something happens outside those plans, that's my failure as the company president. As employees, you don't need to take responsibility for that."
Despite being an international superstar, he had no airs about him, giving off an approachable feeling.
"Besides, the reason I'm entering the field isn't because we're behind on the score..." Marc's smile widened as he turned to look at Ryōsuke, "It's because you all performed so well that I, as your coach, couldn't resist the urge to join in!"
As he spoke, he walked up to Noel.
"As expected, it seems you still don't need to enter the game."
"The team's performance is excellent, so I have no need to participate." Noel replied steadily, looking directly into Marc's eyes.
He clearly understood that because of Ryōsuke's presence, he didn't need to enter the field. This stage now belonged to that young prodigy.
"Besides, your real reason for entering is that you couldn't resist the urge to compete with him, right?" Noel continued.
"That's right. It seems you've also found a suitable successor..."
"No, not a successor." Noel shook his head, glancing sideways at Ryōsuke, "He's not my successor, but in the future — no, perhaps even now, he's already surpassed me."
"Is that so?" Marc slightly narrowed his eyes.
This was the first time he had seen the arrogant Noel give someone such high praise — someone who even made this guy willing to accept being second best in the world...
"Interesting." Marc smiled, then turned to face the Ubers players, raising his right hand, "Ubers, advance!"
"The coach is on the field now." Oliver said, his face showing an expectant smile.
"Yes, yes, Lord Marc!" Lorenzo shouted enthusiastically, clearly even more excited about the match.
"Pass the ball to me properly, and watch me become Ubers's new king." Shōei responded with an expressionless face.
Ubers's counterattack had begun!
The ball was kicked off from the center, and Marc quickly dribbled past the halfway line.
He took Ikki's position, organizing the attack!
Yoichi immediately moved forward to defend — but before he could react, Marc used a simple yet exquisite cow-tail maneuver to get past him.
The movement was clean and precise, like a sharp knife.
"Amazing!" Yoichi couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
Although he was considered top-tier in Blue Lock in terms of overall ability, facing a world-class player like Marc exposed the enormous gap between them. Even when Yoichi could predict his opponent's moves, he simply couldn't stop them.
That level of skill was truly terrifying...
Marc casually got past Yoichi and continued advancing toward Bastard München's goal!
"Don't think you'll get through!" Ryōsuke appeared in front of Marc, blocking his path.
Without a doubt, Marc was the opposing team's ace, and Ryōsuke couldn't allow him more attacking opportunities.
"Excellent defense, Kira!" Marc praised him.
His defensive positioning and movements were outstanding; even in professional matches, Marc had never faced such defensive pressure!
However, this was within his expectations. Or rather, this was exactly what he had hoped for — to have Ryōsuke defend against him!
Facing Ryōsuke's defense, Marc didn't challenge him directly but instead opted to pass!
He gave the ball to Shūto on the side for support, then continued his run, creating space for his teammates!
The Ubers team once again showcased their beautiful passing display.
"It's different... Marc is completely different from Chris and Lavinho!" Yoichi shouted, suddenly realizing the key difference.
As team coaches, Lavinho and Chris would enter the field when their teams were at a disadvantage, trying to turn the tide with their individual skills.
Their personal abilities were outstanding, but they had one glaring flaw — a sense of disconnection!
Whether "The Perfect Hero" or "The Dancer", once they entered the game, they acted as protagonists.
Their exceptional individual skills created a disconnect within the team, preventing them from truly fitting in with the others.
Marc was entirely different. He integrated into the team like a perfect puzzle piece, without any "star player" aura, instead working to create opportunities for his teammates.
Simply put, he was willing to play a supporting role!
With his world-class positioning and technique, Marc completely revitalized Ubers's attack. He influenced the entire team in a way other coaches simply couldn't achieve!
"Impressive..." Yoichi couldn't help but admire.
Marc seamlessly integrated into Ubers's attack, not only organizing the offense but also forcing Bastard München to guard against his formidable skills!
Ubers's attack, originally built around the duo of Shōei and Kojiro, had transformed into a powerful trident with Marc's addition.
"Quick, defend!" Rensuke shouted desperately.
With Marc in the mix, Ubers's offense became even more unpredictable!
Though the Ubers players had been severely depleted of energy, seeing Marc's movements filled them with renewed fighting spirit! They were ready to give everything until the final whistle!
After several precise passes, the ball came to Shōei's feet!
A chance to shoot!
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