Blue Lock: Natural Selection

Chapter 12: Step Up

The third match ended as Team W beat Team X 4-1. The standings were Teams V, W, and X (all with 3 points) and Teams Y and Z (with 0 points). The fourth match was about to start, as Team Z stood on the field stretching. Raichi called out as Team Y walked onto the field. 

Kuon was the first to speak up. "Like us, Team Y lost their first match, so their backs are against the wall. They'll be desperate. We need to keep a close eye on their Number 9. His shooting's off the chart. Kumamoto prefecture's top scorer...Okawa Hibiki. But this time, we concocted a plan. Let's have faith that our practice will pay off. Even if we have to die for it, we will win, Team Z!"

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The team sits around, excluding (Y/N), as Kuon explains his plan. "The key to this plan is the weapon Ego talked about. This ultra-offensive system makes the best use of all our weapons. But if each of us uses our weapon with no real plan in place, we'll crumble. So we'll divide up the clock and take turns as the frontman. To spotlight one guy's weapon, the rest of us will create a formation around him and support the type of soccer he wants to play."

"I guess it means we all get an equal chance, but what order do we go in?" Naruhaya questions.

"What if we do it by rank?" Kuon responds.

"What about the other positions? Switching all of them would be way too confusing."

"No, we can all just rotate one position clockwise. The next one's close enough that it won't be a problem."

"From a defensive perspective, it's too risky for all of us to take turns in goal. We have to win this, so I'll stay as the goalie for the whole game," Iemon suggests.

"I don't mind staying in defense," Chigiri adds.

"You lack self-assertiveness, which means you got no talent! I'd rather not do it like this, but just this once, I'll go along with your plan," Raichi says.

"Me too," Gagamaru adds.

"Okay, so everyone except Iemon, (Y/N), and Chigiri will rotate positions every ten minutes. Instead of 'Operation 'Next Up, It's Me' Eleven...' We'll call it 'Operation 'Next Up, It's Me' Eight!"

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BRZZZT

Kickoff!

Kunigami kicks off to Bachira as the latter dribbles up the field in order to cut through the defense. The rest of the team backs him up as passing options. (Y/N) jogs his way up, seeing as Bachira gets covered by two players. A shorter player with long black hair attempts to steal the ball as Bachira kicks it toward Igaguri.

(Y/N) slowly drifts his way toward Isagi. "What's your thought process?"

"They've worked on a plan. Our plan is a super aggressive one that uses each player's weapon. Their plan is to defend and nullify our weapon. They're playing a 4-5-1. We should be able to break through and find an opening soon with Bachira's dribbling."

Raichi calls on the 10 minutes, causing Bachira to pass to Kunigami as Team Z switches positions. Kunigami passes to Raichi as the two push up the field. It seems to be working well, at least better than them arguing. Raichi passes the ball just in front of the penalty area for Kunigami's left power shot as Kuon and Bachira push defenders out of his zone. Kunigami goes for his shot, but two players slide in front, blocking the shot. Number 2 clears it as the ball soars to Isagi.

Isagi passes the ball to Bachira. (Y/N) looks to Team Y as Niko leads them to their defensive positions. On the other hand, Isagi looks at Okawa, who is standing around. Bachira returns the ball to Kunigami, who frames up his shot again, only to be blocked again. The ball pops up and lands in front of the long-haired player. Isagi looks ahead, and Okawa breaks for it. Niko makes a long pass as Okawa smiles. "It's about time, Niko!"