Blue Lock: 13 Steps

A Jolt of Excitement (2)

With Karasu in the center circle, he scanned the field. Glancing towards Nagi on the right and Reo on the left, both up against the halfway line. Fortunately, Otoya guarded Nagi, with Sho doing the same for Reo.

"Hey, Yukimiya, switch with me," said Sho, walking towards the back of the field.

"A- Alright," said Yukimiya, trading spots with Sho. 'I guess he wants to defend?' he thought.

"You sure?" asked Karasu quietly, waiting for Sho to take his position a few feet behind him.

Sho walked behind him and raised a brow, "Of course, just make sure to pass me the ball as soon as you kick it off."

"Alright. Let's see what you can do," said Karasu with a smirking scoff, " but if you don't produce any results, don't be too surprised when I call for a pass."

"You won't have to," smiled Sho.

Restart!!

"Go Sho," said Karasu quietly, rolling the ball behind him.

Immediately as the spikes of his cleats touched the ball, the imaginary black strings loosened their grasps from both Nagi and Otoya's legs and returned back to his eyes. A slight headache followed as the information for the new weapons began to reveal itself. Everyone on the opposing team began to rush for Sho as he stood motionless, still processing the details.

Thinking the imaginary black strings finished, they unexpectedly began to profusely roll down his cheeks. Similar to when a woman cries with black mascara on.

"How unfortunate," cried Sho, guessing what was about to happen as the never-ending string kept on falling from his cheeks onto his dirt-covered jersey and onto the grass-covered field below. Creating an ever-growing pool of darkness.

"Sho, you got to do something about 'em!" shouted Karasu, approaching Sho's still figure.

'This scene... This scene is why I love football.' Thought Sho, admiring the looks on everyone's face as they charged forward.

This impending sense of dread was near as everyone stepped into Sho's imaginary pool of darkness, whether they wanted to or not. Every step they took was recorded by Sho. So, with their newfound abilities in his arsenal, he decided to try one out — or so he thought.

"Just pass i-," said Yukimiya, turning his back to Sho.

"There's no need! Just let me see how far you can go with that half-assed weapon. A mere imitation is nothing to be proud of." interrupted Ryuu, meeting face to face with Sho.

Sho closed his eyes and whispered, "This is no imitation, for I have awoken," and the next moment, he raised the palm of his left hand to Ryuu's eyes, blocking his field of vision.

He unknowingly trembled. He began to take a step back but stopped. With forgotten confidence, he pushed Sho's arm away, freeing his eyesight. But just as he did that, Sho used his 'Stealthy Steps' and ran behind him. A shock struck his thigh, triggering Ryuu to unconsciously throw his heel back, blocking his route.

Anticipating this, Sho reopened his eyes and kicked the ball up, jumping over his outstretched leg. Another shock struck Ryuu's other leg, jolting his forward, chasing after Sho.

"That dirty play won't work twice!" said Ryuu loudly, brushing the sweat off his face and continuing his chase, "I'll give it to you. It was pretty smart, but not enough to keep me off you."

"Whoa, what's up with these guys?" said Reo, from across the field, watching both Sho and Ryuu cross the midfield line.

"Pass, Sho. Here!" said Yukimiya, rushing past the corner of the penalty area.