Chapter 37: Absolute Defense

"It's up to you, Okawa!"

Niko kicked the ball with force, and it soared through the air, tracing a perfect arc, landing precisely on Okawa's path as he was breaking through from the sideline towards the inside.

"Great pass!"

Okawa skillfully received the ball and turned his head to glance towards the middle. At that moment, Kira Ryosuke was blocked by three players, unable to defend his path.

Although Kira Ryosuke would surely find a way past them, these few seconds were enough for Okawa to create distance.

With everyone participating in the attack, Team Y could commit more manpower in the offensive phase.

Most of them wouldn't directly participate in the attack their purpose in coming to this half of the field was to disrupt the defenders!

"Kira, I admit I can't get past you! But what about your teammates?"

Okawa shouted loudly, as if venting his anger.

"Quick, stop him!"

Imamura stepped in front of Okawa, but Okawa effortlessly nutmegged him, easily getting past.

Although Okawa struggled against Kira Ryosuke, it didn't mean he was weak.

In fact, Okawa's attacking ability could be considered top-notch among these four teams!

"What incredible speed!"

Kunigami Rensuke and Naruhaya Asahi hurriedly rushed over to provide defensive.

Okawa flicked the ball with his right foot, weight shifting of the two defenders-then, in that instant, he swiftly pulled the ball back!

He nutmegged them!

Okawa effortlessly got past the two defenders.

"Well done, Okawa!"

Niko's face lit up with a smile. He used his keen observation of the entire field to arrange this tactic.

He had some players block Kira Ryosuke while others inserted themselves into the designated positions in the opponent's half, aiming to distract the defenders and reduce the number of defenders Okawa might face.

Everything was under Niko's control.

"I am the master of this field!"

Niko's face revealed a determined smile, and he clenched his fist with force.

As long as this goal could be scored, the outcome of this match would once again become uncertain!

At this moment, there was only the goalkeeper, Iemon Okuhito, standing in front of Okawa, and he had already preparing to shoot!

"Don't even think about shooting!"

Iemon Okuhito had already lunged forward, not giving Okawa any chance to shoot.

Though Iemon Okuhito hadn't made much movement, he was already drenched in sweat. Okawa's attack this time was indeed full of threat.

A deadly threat!

As Iemon Okuhito rushed forward, trying to disrupt Okawa's shot, his face quickly turned into an expression of surprise.

Because in front of him, Okawa didn't shoot directly. His kicking leg suddenly gathered strength, then gently flicked the ball, continuing to charge forward.

It was a feint!

Okawa successfully deceived Iemon Okuhito with the feint, causing him to lean forward completely, unable to retreat in time. Okawa effortlessly passed him, and despite Iemon Okuhito's desperate attempt to turn and chase Okawa, his disrupted balance caused him to fall to the ground.

This clearly demonstrated Okawa's exceptional skills!

"No!"

Iemon Okuhito, lying on the ground, let out a regretful shout.

Meanwhile, a triumphant smile appeared on Okawa's face.

"I've got this goal!"

In front of Okawa, there was an empty goal with no defenders. He had already lifted his foot to shoot.

As long as he scored, the score would be narrowed to 2-1!

This goal was within reach.

"Don't think you'll score!"

At that moment, a familiar voice sounded in Okawa's ears, and he widened his eyes in shock.

The owner of the voice was none other than Kira Ryosuke!

In the instant Okawa was about to shoot, Kira had already arrived by his side, raising his foot to clear the ball!

The ball was kicked high into the air!

"How is this possible?!"

Everyone on the field was dumbfounded, including the players from Team Z.

They never expected Kira Ryosuke to appear in that position.

"What's going on?! How did he do it?!"

Niko also exclaimed in disbelief. Just a moment ago, he thought Okawa's shot was guaranteed to go in, so he ignored Kira Ryosuke's position at that moment.

But he had confirmed earlier that Kira Ryosuke was still far away when Okawa faced the goalkeeper one-on-one. How did he suddenly appear next to Okawa now?!

"This guy... Did he manage to get here in just a few seconds?!"

...

"How did he do it?!"

Teieri Anri widened her mouth in astonishment. She thought Okawa's shot would definitely go in, but she never expected Kira Ryosuke to successfully arrive and clear the ball.

"He just did it."

Ego calmly pushed his glasses up.

Although his expression looked very composed, deep down, he was slightly surprised. Kira Ryosuke had just squeezed out enough space from the triple marking and quickly chased behind Okawa to intercept him.

His physical abilities and speed had reached an exaggerated level.

"Impressive..."

Ego couldn't help but utter a sigh of admiration.

....

Kira, in his state of complete concentration, had just increased the power in his body through Concentration Breathing. He then unleashed his Thunderclap Flash technique, enhancing the explosive force in his legs. This gave him unparalleled speed, ultimately allowing him to successfully intercept Okawa.

Although the physical strain and negative effects of the skill Kira used in the first half had mostly recovered, thanks to his improved physical abilities and skill proficiency, the simultaneous force exerted by both legs also helped alleviate the skill's adverse effects to some extent.

At this moment, Okawa was kneeling on the ground, his expression becoming blank.

"No, it can't be..."

He looked at Kira Ryosuke, who had returned to his defensive position, and a feeling of fear crept into his heart.

Kira Ryosuke was like an impenetrable wall, no, a towering mountain-standing directly in front of him.

Was there really anyone capable of defeating this monster?

Okawa couldn't help but doubt.

A few seconds later, the ball that had been kicked away by Kira Ryosuke finally landed.

A player from Team Y happened to receive the ball at the landing spot. However, faced with the fierce defense of Team Z, he lacked the courage and skill to launch an attack. He could only pass the ball back to the midfield, allowing Niko to reorganize the attack.