Chapter 124 ⤁ Alexis, Get Off the Field and Get Out
[Bastard München's ace player Michael Kaiser faces Tsubasa Ōzora's defense and, finding no opportunity to attack, passes back to Alexis Ness to reorganize the offense.]
The TV commentator narrated the match situation as the world watched intently.
"As expected of Tsubasa." Lavinho said, FC Barcha's Master Striker, as he smiled.
He had known of Tsubasa before — his team had already taken notice of him. After watching his footage, Lavinho knew Tsubasa's abilities matched or even surpassed those of the New Generation World XI and…
Perhaps even more outstanding.
On the field, Bastard München struggled to organize their attack. With Ryōsuke and Yoichi unable to receive the ball, their offensive options were severely limited against FC Barcha's defense.
FC Barcha's strategy was clear — ignore Ryōsuke and Yoichi while focusing defensive pressure on Alexis and Michael. The more pressure applied, the higher the chance of forcing an error!
During a passing sequence, Sae spotted a weakness and stepped forward for the interception!
FC Barcha launched another counterattack!
Sae drove forward with the ball. When Alexis tried to challenge him, Sae didn't even spare him a glance — in his eyes, this opponent was insignificant.
"Go!" Sae spotted a gap in the defense and released his pass.
The ball, like a precision-guided missile, landed perfectly at his teammate's feet!
Tsubasa will lead this attack!
"Supporting actors should know their place!" Michael rushed in, positioning himself directly in front of his opponent.
With Ryōsuke already stealing his spotlight, he refused to let another player overshadow him.
Facing the defense, Tsubasa remained perfectly calm. With a sudden burst of speed, he slipped past Michael with a simple nutmeg.
Defense had always been Michael's weakness, and against this star player, that flaw was laid bare — beaten by a single move.
"Damn it!"
Michael cursed and immediately sprinted after him, but Tsubasa didn't hesitate — he instantly passed the ball to the side.
Sae had silently positioned himself perfectly, received the pass, and continued the attack!
"I may be as insignificant as dust, but I am as hard as stone." As Sae received the ball, Benedict charged in to block his path.
But he was no match for Sae! Despite his physical advantage, the opponent turned it against him.
When Benedict lunged to restrict Sae's dribbling space, he pivoted with his opponent's momentum. In one fluid motion, he slipped past while using his arm to block Benedict from turning to chase.
Against absolute technical superiority, physical advantages meant nothing.
Meanwhile, without the ball, Tsubasa moved even faster!
"How can he be this fast too?!" Michael could only watch in shock.
He had initially planned to use Blue Lock as an opportunity to dominate weaker players and boost his value, but the opponent's strength caught him off guard.
The gap between him and Tsubasa continued to widen.
Meanwhile, Sae expertly broke through Bastard München's defensive line. When the defenders closed in to double-team him, he instantly released the ball without even looking!
The pass curved beautifully through the defensive line, landing perfectly at Tsubasa's feet!
Before the ball even reached him, Tsubasa had already positioned himself for the shot!
"He's shooting from there?!" Michael couldn't believe it.
They were over thirty meters from goal — surely it couldn't go in!
But before Michael could process it, Tsubasa unleashed his shot!
❖ Drive Shot! ❖
In that instant, immense power gathered at his feet, then surged violently into the ball!
The force exploded like a bomb as the ball launched forward!
Shot!
Though its path was nearly straight, the ball carried tremendous power as it rocketed toward goal!
"I know this move all too well!"
Before the goal, Genzō stood like a guardian deity, his focus locked on the ball's trajectory!
Having been both opponent and teammate to Tsubasa for years, no one knew his techniques better.
Genzō clenched his left fist and struck the powerful shot with everything he had, successfully blocking it!
The impact left his arm tingling.
"Just what I'd expect from Wakabayashi!" Tsubasa smiled, grateful that Blue Lock's Second Phase had given him another chance to face his old rival.
From afar, Gin Gagamaru glanced between Genzō and Tsubasa in amazement.
That shot, despite its distance from goal, carried devastating power. It reminded Gin of Ryōsuke's shooting style. This player was undoubtedly formidable.
The fact that Genzō had blocked this shot three times showcased his exceptional skill.
Even Gin doubted he could have saved all three attempts.
"Second attack!"
"Defend it!"
The deflected ball sent FC Barcha's forwards surging forward as one, with Bastard München's players rushing to counter!
But one player had already read the ball's trajectory perfectly—
Sae Itoshi!
"This is bad!" Rensuke instantly recognized the danger and positioned himself to cut off any potential shot.
But Sae wasn't looking to shoot. With a deft touch, he slipped the ball straight to his teammate's feet!
Tsubasa again!
Genzō hadn't yet reset his position when Tsubasa received the pass.
❖ Flying Drive Shot! ❖
He struck the ball with the inside of his foot, launching it skyward without spin, like a rocket ascending. Then, just before the goal, it plummeted like a stone!
This was Tsubasa's signature move — targeting the exact spot Genzō couldn't reach!
"Damn it!"
Michael and Alexis watched with hearts pounding!
But just as the ball seemed destined for goal, a figure emerged — Ryōsuke Kira!
Using his Thunder Swarm ability, Ryōsuke tracked the ball's deceptive path. The shot's unusual trajectory would have baffled any ordinary defender.
But not him!
❖ First Form ➠ Thunderclap and Flash! ❖
With explosive power in his legs, Ryōsuke soared upward and headed the ball out of bounds!
Successful clearance!
"You defended against that? What incredible jumping ability and defensive instincts!" Tsubasa's eyes widened as an admiring smile spread across his face.
Alexis and the others let out sighs of relief — that shot had been lethal.
"This guy..." Michael lowered his head. Though the defensive play benefited the team, it stung him personally.
Once again, Ryōsuke had claimed the spotlight.
Michael hadn't made an impact in attack or defense. Even though they'd isolated Ryōsuke offensively, he still found ways to contribute defensively.
"Ryōsuke Kira makes another crucial clearance! While he's been shut out of the attack, he's proving invaluable on defense. However, Bastard München remains under constant pressure from FC Barcha. They haven't managed a single shot on goal, while their opponents have created several dangerous chances!"
The commentator's passionate analysis fueled the already heated online discussion.
"Tsubasa Ōzora and Sae Itoshi's combination is shredding Bastard München's defense. They're not as good as advertised!"
"Right? The supposed rising star Michael Kaiser looks completely ordinary!"
"Can't believe Ryōsuke Kira hasn't touched the ball in attack! They're clearly freezing him out! If not for Genzō Wakabayashi and Ryōsuke's emergency clearances, they'd be trailing by now!"
The online chatter intensified. Though still scoreless at 0-0, FC Barcha clearly dominated, and fans increasingly criticized Bastard München's selfish play.
Back on the field, Alexis and Michael remained focused on their performance and how to further suppress Ryōsuke.
But at this moment, Noel rose from the sideline.
"Substitution." He said calmly, "Alexis, you're coming off."
His tone was ice-cold yet carried undeniable authority.
"What?" This sudden development caught Alexis off guard, and he rushed to Noel seeking explanation.
"Your performance on the field has disappointed me. I've already made it clear that in this match, Ryōsuke is the absolute core — you all should be supporting him, not the other way around."
"I just thought Michael was in a better position!" Alexis protested.
"The facts prove your judgment wrong. You chose to play for Michael, now face the consequences of that failure. Michael didn't score, and instead, we were caught on the counter-attack. Your judgment was flawed — do you have any objections?" Noel crossed his arms, looking down at the young man before him.
Alexis had tried to be clever, but the Master Striker saw right through it. His patience had reached its limit.
"Bastard München's victory is absolute — this point is non-negotiable." Noel continued.
"But, but only I can play this position! No one else can—"
"Yoichi will take your place in the center, and on the wing — Ashito Aoi, you're going in." Noel turned his head toward Ashito.
"Huh? Me?!" Ashito stared in disbelief — never expecting to hear his name called.
"Yes, any objections? If so, I'll choose someone else."
"None!" Ashito jumped to his feet, his eyes blazing with determination.
Though well aware of the vast gap between himself and the others, one thing was crystal clear to him.
This opportunity — he had to seize it. His older brother, mother, and Tatsuya and Hana would be watching on TV right now — this was his chance to prove himself.
Over these ten days, Ashito had put in more effort than anyone else. Although he was still ranked last, his evaluation scores had shown clear improvement.
Physical fitness, ball control, tactical awareness... In the high-pressure environment of Blue Lock, all these things had been forcefully crammed into him.
And he knew he had to digest it all if he wanted to earn his place here.
"Ashito? On what grounds?!" The smile vanished from Alexis's face as he furrowed his brow in unprecedented displeasure, "This guy is completely useless! He's ranked last in every stat! Why replace me with him?!"
The others remained silent — they had never seen Alexis react like this before. The usually cheerful player was displaying confusion and anger for the first time.
For him, being replaced by such an inferior player was unfathomable.
"I've said it before — Ryōsuke is the core, and I believe Ashito has better chemistry with him." Noel stated calmly, ignoring the outburst, "Besides, this is part of the contract. The company behind his club is one of Blue Lock's biggest sponsors, so he needs to play. If you have any complaints, keep them to yourself — otherwise, you can leave just like Erik did."
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