NOVEL NEXT Chapter 120: Chapter 120 ⤁ I Got 100 Points Because That's All There Was to Get
Everyone from Bastard München stood dumbfounded as they watched Ryōsuke successfully defend against Michael's supposedly unstoppable Kaiser Impact.
"No... no way?"
"The Kaiser Impact was actually defended? Is this for real?"
"How is that possible? How did he even react in time?"
The crowd buzzed with discussion. Even Noel's face showed disbelief.
Michael's shot, which he prided himself on having the world's fastest release, had been stopped by Ryōsuke — something that had never happened before.
This young man seemed capable of creating impossible miracles time and time again.
'No wonder Jimpachi was so fixated on Ryōsuke. Now I understand.' Noel thought to himself.
"He even managed to defend against a shot like that?!" Ashito shouted excitedly, "That's Kira for you! Even though Kaiser positioned himself perfectly for both the pass and shot, Kira still managed to stop him! Amazing!"
"Did you see clearly how Michael moved?" Noel, who was nearby, turned his head slightly, glancing at him from the corner of his eye.
"Ah... I saw the general idea..."
"Tell me about it."
"While Ness was making his breakthrough, Grim and Gesner were advancing from both sides to draw the defenders' attention. Meanwhile, Kaiser found the perfect position in the center — Kira noticed this too, which is why he intercepted in front of him!"
Ashito spoke enthusiastically, momentarily forgetting he was talking to a world-class star.
When he realized, he quickly covered his mouth, "I'm so sorry! I was just rambling about my own theories..."
"No, you explained it well." Noel nodded gently, this time turning to look at him directly.
It seemed there was a reason why Ashito, despite his average physical abilities and unremarkable technical skills, had made it to the Second Phase of Blue Lock.
Meanwhile, Michael stood there stunned, unable to believe what had just happened.
The Kaiser Impact was his absolute trump card, but he never imagined Ryōsuke would stop his prized technique.
How could this be possible?
"How... how did you do that?" For the first time, wariness crept into his expression.
He sensed a genuine threat from this opponent.
"Is it that hard to understand? I saw through every single one of your movements. Your so-called Kaiser Impact isn't all that special." Ryōsuke smiled at him, "Your overall rating is 97 points, but do you think there's only a 3-point difference between us? If that's what you think, you're being naive — you scored 97 points because that's all you're capable of, but I got 100 points because that's all there was to get."
"You..." Michael clenched his fists, gritting his teeth as he glared.
His eyes were bloodshot, his body trembling with emotion. Words seemed to fail him.
The other Bastard München players watched in silence, having never seen Michael wear such an expression.
However, Ryōsuke paid him no mind and instead turned to smile at Genzō, "Sorry, Wakabayashi, I caught your prey before you could."
Behind him, Genzō had already taken up his defensive position.
As the country's top goalkeeper, even though Michael's shot speed had far exceeded his expectations, he had already begun to move.
"Excellent defense." Genzō praised, having noticed that Ryōsuke's reaction time was faster than his own.
Ryōsuke had started moving before Michael even took the shot. Such sharp defensive instincts were something that even Genzō had to admire.
Moreover, with Genzō's hand injury not fully healed, catching such a powerful shot directly could have been risky.
This play had reduced all risks to zero — a perfect execution.
When Michael was attacking earlier, Ryōsuke had used his Transparent World ability to see through his opponent's movements.
This self-proclaimed "world's fastest release", the Kaiser Impact, appeared in slow motion to his eyes with crystal clarity, allowing him to clear the ball the instant after the shot.
This defensive play had completely lifted Blue Lock's morale, reversing the situation for Bastard München's team.
Soon after, Bastard München took a throw-in, with Alexis controlling the ball to organize another attack.
'How did Ryōsuke do that? No, it must have been luck! It had to be! Nobody can defend Michael's shot so easily! Nobody can beat Michael — he's absolutely number one!' Alexis repeated to himself as he dribbled forward, searching for opportunities.
Spotting Michael in an advantageous position with aggressive positioning, he immediately passed the ball to him.
The instant Michael received the ball, Ryōsuke swooped in to defend.
This was a confrontation both men needed.
For Michael, this one-on-one with Ryōsuke was crucial — his control over the team hung in the balance.
Though this was all preparation for his transfer, he was still the team's absolute core! He wouldn't let anyone take his position!
His purpose in joining Blue Lock's Second Phase had been to use Ryōsuke as a stepping stone to increase his own value, but now the tables had turned.
"You clown, I am the absolute king here." Michael said, his tone icy.
His eyes, usually filled with arrogance and contempt, now showed only wariness and hostility.
"Someone once said something similar to me. Come to think of it, many people have talked big." Ryōsuke said with a smile, "However, every single one of them failed miserably against us. You're no different, Michael... you're like the emperor parading naked through the streets."
"Die." In that instant, the aura around Michael transformed.
His focus intensified dramatically, a fierce fighting spirit blazing around him like invisible flames.
❖ Flow! ❖
Originally, Michael had thought he could breeze through Blue Lock, easily crushing everyone to increase his value — but he never imagined he'd need to get so serious in a mere training match.
Ryōsuke's presence filled him with dread. If this opponent truly suppressed him, he wouldn't just lose control of the team — his value would plummet, and he might lose everything!
Michael absolutely could not let that happen.
"Kaiser's eyes... they seem different..." On the sidelines, Ashito keenly observed, though he didn't yet understand the meaning of Flow.
Meanwhile, Noel's expression grew serious as he intently watched every move of the two players on the field.
"Ryōsuke, I acknowledge your previous performance — you truly deserve to be my rival. But now I'm going to completely crush you, to let you know who—"
"Sorry, but I don't need your acknowledgment." Before Michael could finish speaking, Ryōsuke cut him off, "You're not qualified to stand before me as a rival."
"Arrogant! This will be your judgment for your sins!"
In Michael's eyes, the entire field seemed to peel away. He could clearly capture everyone's positioning and potential movements.
Michael also possessed the Metavision ability, which allowed him to position himself precisely, finding perfect spots to receive passes while targeting optimal attack routes!
Superior soccer IQ, expansive vision, and outstanding individual ability — these were the reasons he had become one of the eleven New Generation World XI!
"Nothing but openings!" Michael found the perfect attack route and immediately burst forth with incredible speed to break past Ryōsuke.
Regardless of his opponent's previous performance or overall rating, if he could win this one-on-one battle, all of that would become meaningless.
Everything about Ryōsuke would become nothing but fodder for Michael!
Like a phantom, he charged straight at his opponent's side. Seeing his movement change, he suddenly pulled the ball back while spinning around.
Not a single wasted motion in such an explosive dribble!
Though he also possessed the Metavision ability, Michael's individual skills were equally outstanding — he stood on the same level as Yoichi!
"Just play your role as the clown!" At this moment, Michael believed he had gotten past Ryōsuke, and a perfect shooting lane appeared before him.
A victorious smile spread across his face as he stepped forward, preparing to unleash another Kaiser Impact!
But in that instant, a shadow suddenly appeared in his unobstructed view, spreading with terrifying speed from his peripheral vision.
At the same time came Ryōsuke's ice-cold voice.
"You're the clown, Michael."
"H-how is this possible?" Michael's eyes widened, terror entering his gaze.
Ryōsuke had materialized at his side!
Michael thought he had gotten past Ryōsuke, but he was wrong — he was still within defensive range!
And now, Ryōsuke activated Transparent World once again! After twenty days of training, his mastery of this skill had reached Level 3!
Though he couldn't use it unconditionally, he could now wield this ability more frequently than before.
First was stealing from Erik, second was defending the Kaiser Impact, and this third time would drag Michael down from his self-important throne!
Time slowed once again, and his opponent's proud right-footed shooting motion became crystal clear!
Predict the movement, then destroy it! This time, Ryōsuke wouldn't even let Michael attempt his Kaiser Impact!
Just as his opponent prepared to shoot, Ryōsuke's right foot struck like lightning, stealing the ball from under Michael's feet.
Successful steal!
"What?!"
Behind Michael, Alexis's face contorted with disbelief, unable to accept what he was seeing.
Erik was just a supporting character, so having Ryōsuke steal the ball from him was one thing — but Michael too?
This was Michael at his most serious, yet Ryōsuke had stolen his shooting chance with ease.
What kind of monster was this guy?
A crushing realization hit Alexis — they had all gravely underestimated him.
Like Michael, they'd viewed Blue Lock and Ryōsuke as mere stepping stones. Instead, they'd discovered a dormant monster, an existence that defied common sense.
"Don't think you can get past! This field and this team belong to Michael!" Alexis shouted, his usual fake smile gone, desperately moving to stop Ryōsuke.
This was their last chance to preserve Bastard München's youth team's dignity.
But before Ryōsuke, his defense was nothing more than a dying man's final struggle.
"If Michael is a clown, then what does that make you?" Ryōsuke said dismissively, as if Alexis were nothing but dust in the wind.
❖ First Form ➠ Thunderclap and Flash! ❖
Without giving Alexis a moment to react, Ryōsuke burst forward at terrifying speed!
Breakthrough!
"Damn it, damn it!" Alexis spun around to chase after him, catching only a glimpse of his rising foot, "Is he planning to shoot from there?!"
Ryōsuke had already channeled all his power into his right leg.
Distant Thunder would roar once again!
❖❖❖
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