Chapter 33 ⤁ The Top Scorer? Nothing Special!

In his state of total concentration breathing, Ryōsuke's focus and observational skills were greatly enhanced. In that instant, he noticed the change in Hibiki's center of gravity.

The step-over is essentially a psychological battle between attacker and defender, and Hibiki had already begun to panic. He knew he didn't have time to drag things out — if this continued, the other defenders would return, and his attack would fail.

He couldn't allow that to happen!

Hibiki changed his footwork, preparing to get past him in that instant — but Ryōsuke had already anticipated it!

The moment of movement change was the moment of vulnerability!

❖ Thunderclap and Flash ❖

He suddenly extended his foot, intercepting the ball just as Hibiki attempted to break through!

The First Form wasn't just for shooting and breaking through; it could also be used to enhance explosive power while defending. The sudden burst of speed and change in rhythm could leave attackers completely vulnerable.

"How is this possible?!" Hibiki stood dumbfounded, never imagining that his proud dribbling technique would be so easily read and neutralized.

The rest of Team Y was equally shocked by this scene, including Ikki.

'Ryōsuke Kira actually managed to steal the ball directly from Okawa?'

Hibiki's one-on-one ability was renowned throughout Team Y; no one on their team could stop him in a 1v1 situation.

Yet Ryōsuke, in his first encounter with him, had not only disrupted his play but had actually stolen the ball.

"Great steal, Kira!" Wataru shouted excitedly, knowing that if he had been the one facing Hibiki, he would likely have been fooled by the feint.

❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖

"Hibiki Okawa was actually dispossessed by Ryōsuke Kira?! I thought Okawa was a very famous player!" Anri exclaimed from the monitoring room, "And isn't Kira a forward? Without experience as a defender, he can still completely shut down someone of Okawa's caliber in a one-on-one... incredible."

"He has exceptional judgment, seeing through Okawa's feints." Jinpachi, watching the recent match footage, couldn't help but express his admiration.

He rarely showed appreciation for any player, but Ryōsuke had unconsciously earned his praise.

Hibiki's step-overs were of extremely high quality — most defenders would have already lost their balance following him — but this guy successfully saw through the feint, identified the moment his rhythm changed, and completed the interception.

Moreover, Ryōsuke applied his speed to the steal; the sudden burst of power caused Hibiki to misjudge the distance between them, leaving no time to protect the ball.

At the start of the match, Jinpachi wasn't sure why he was positioned in the defensive line, but now he finally realized something.

Ryōsuke's talent likely wasn't limited to just the forward position.

❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖

"You said you would get past me?"

As they passed each other in Team Z's half, Hibiki's face remained frozen in shock, as if he had become completely dazed. In his ears, he heard only Ryōsuke's calm voice.

"Sorry, but that's absolutely impossible. When I'm guarding our half, you will never get past my defense."

He made a long pass, sending the ball directly upfield like an anti-aircraft missile flying through the air.

"Quick, defend!"

This sudden turn of events caught Team Y off guard. They hadn't expected Hibiki to lose in a 1v1 battle, but there was no time to react. They could only regroup and desperately try to prevent Team Z from counter-attacking.

"Was that pass too long?" Ikki carefully observed every position on the field.

Though Ryōsuke had completed the interception, this pass seemed too powerful — no one from Team Z was anywhere near where the ball would land.

But at that moment, he noticed a red cheetah racing through his field of vision.

"What is that?!" His eyes widened beneath his bangs, his face filled with disbelief.

That figure was Hyōma Chigiri!

This previously unknown player from the last match was now chasing the ball with a speed no one else could match.

"What incredible speed! Team Z has another player this fast besides Kira?" Ikki exclaimed while desperately running toward where the ball would land.

Although he was closer, his physical limitations and a moment's hesitation — not understanding Ryōsuke's long pass — prevented him from starting immediately.

Hyōma had already reached the ball!

Even as Team Y quickly contracted their defense, he had already penetrated deep into their territory with breathtaking speed!

"Great pass, Kira!" Hyōma shouted.

Though he had previously lost his passion for soccer, after coming to Blue Lock and watching Ryōsuke play, that flame had reignited in his heart.

Watching his pass, Hyōma's body had instinctively sprinted at full speed toward where the ball would land. It was exactly the spot he could reach with maximum effort.

Only Ryōsuke could make such a high-level long pass.

In Hyōma's mind, there was only one thought: he absolutely couldn't waste the opportunity Ryōsuke had created!

Shot!

Goal!

[ Scoreboard ]

[ 1:0 ]

"Well done, Kunoichi!"

"Were you always this fast?!"

"That was amazing!"

The other teammates rushed over, surrounding Hyōma, but he ran straight to the defensive half first to high-five Ryōsuke.

It was Ryōsuke's interception that had created their counter-attacking opportunity. On the team, only he could defend against Hibiki single-handedly.

"That was Okawa! I could never have stopped him... his step-over technique was too good."

"Don't be ridiculous! What's Okawa compared to our big brother Kira?"

"Without Kira, Team Y would probably have scored first."

❖❖❖

T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!

For just $1.50 you can access all the extra content, and descriptive images, costs only $2!

That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)

https://www.patreon.com/collection/1305258