Seeing the ball fly behind him, Luna hurriedly twisted his body, trying to intercept it.
But Ryan Hoshino would never give him that chance.
After blocking the ball, Ryan made no unnecessary adjustments.
Like an F1 car launching off the starting grid, he burst forward, streaking past Luna.
"Excuse me."
Luna only felt a gust of wind roar past his ear.
When he looked back to where Ryan had been, the figure was already gone.
Turning toward the defensive half, he saw Ryan carrying the ball and sprinting straight toward the goal.
"He really is fast…"
Luna didn't foolishly chase after him, only jogging back at an easy pace.
He knew very well that, with his speed, trying to catch Ryan would be nothing more than a fool's dream.
Ryan dribbled at high speed.
The Emperor's Eye continuously analyzed the entire pitch.
He had just crossed midfield.
Ahead of him were Silva, Cavasoz, and Blake.
The three moved together, closing in on him in a pincer formation.
"Perfect timing."
A faint smile curled up at the corner of Ryan's mouth.
Blake was the first to arrive directly in front of him.
"Beyond this point is restricted. No entry for minors under eighteen."
"Hearing that just makes me more curious."
Silva and Cavasoz arrived right after.
One took the left-front angle, one the right-front, and Blake stood directly in front.
Behind them, Loki and Luna watched closely, like tigers eyeing their prey.
Ryan was surrounded on all sides.
Encircled by the World Select Team.
From the side, Chigiri saw everything clearly.
Though anxiety surged in his chest, he didn't dare rush in recklessly.
This situation was already beyond his ability to interfere.
If he forced his way in now, he would only become dead weight and hold Ryan back.
So, like a powerless husband, he could only watch as Ryan was surrounded and beaten down by the world's stars.
"Damn it…"
Chigiri clenched his teeth in frustration.
Ryan was still fighting with everything he had.
So why could he just stand here doing nothing?
Memories flashed of how they had been utterly crushed by the World Select Team earlier.
It's because I'm too weak.
Chigiri was overwhelmed with regret.
Regret for abandoning football back then.
That one-year blank period had cost him dearly.
His stamina and strength were no longer what they once were.
If I hadn't given up football back then…
Would I be able to help Ryan now?
"Chigiri, it's not your fault."
Chigiri felt a hand rest on his shoulder.
Turning around, he saw Kunigami looking at him with concern.
Chigiri shook his head.
"I'm fine. I just hate myself… for being this weak, for not being able to help at all."
"Yeah… watching Ryan struggle while we can do nothing. This feeling… I've never felt it this strongly before."
"But the only thing we can do now is trust him. That guy who calls himself the strongest, he'll definitely pull it off."
Chigiri looked at Kunigami and nodded firmly.
"Yeah. Ryan… will win."
If Ryan heard their conversation, he'd probably cough up blood.
What do you mean?
Why does it sound like a farewell before death?
After this match, am I not allowed to walk back alive or something?
Back to Ryan.
Contrary to the tense situation Chigiri imagined, Ryan showed no sign of panic.
Facing the aggressive encirclement, he didn't rush to attack.
Instead, he stopped and started chatting casually.
"Wow, such a grand setup. Have you already built the stage and are just waiting for the main character to appear?"
Seeing Ryan surrounded, Silva finally felt a sense of confidence.
No matter how strong this brat was, there was no way he could break through all of them.
And like a stereotypical low-IQ villain, Silva began mocking him.
"Kid, stop struggling. Hand the ball over nicely, then cry and go home to your mommy."
Ryan ignored Silva's idiotic taunt and instead glanced around.
"Looks like everyone's here. In that case "
"The show officially begins."
As his words fell, lightning flickered within Ryan's eyes.
That was the sign.
Ryan had entered the realm of the gods.
ZONE.
Being ignored completely, Silva's anger exploded.
This time, he swore to crush Ryan and wash away his humiliation.
As Silva stared Ryan down, he blinked once.
In the next instant
The Ryan who had been standing inside the encirclement vanished from his field of vision, as if he had evaporated into thin air.
"Wh what the "
Before he could finish speaking, Silva suddenly felt his body slip beyond his control.
His legs went weak.
His field of vision sank lower and lower.
He didn't understand what was happening, but he desperately tried to regain balance.
It was useless.
In the struggle against his own body, he felt his knee touch the grass.
Looking down, he realized
He was kneeling on one knee on the pitch.
Silva turned his head toward Blake.
Blake's situation was exactly the same as his.
Both of them
were kneeling.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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