Chapter 20: Wake Up, Genius
"Stop him now!"
"Let's go together!"
Two defenders closed in on Kunigami Rensuke, who was charging ahead with the ball like a raging bull. Without hesitation, he passed it off to Isagi Yoichi, who stepped forward to receive.
But just then—
"Nice read!"
Kuon Wataru burst in from the side and intercepted the pass cleanly.
"Counterattack! Move up!"
Hisamoto Shō darted up the field, only to be met by Kuromi Reiji charging to intercept. Calmly, Shō passed the ball backward to his younger brother, Tsuchima.
"This is it, brother! Here comes your goal!"
With pinpoint timing, Tsuchima lobbed a long arc pass.
The ball soared high across the field toward the edge of Team Z's penalty area. Tanigami, the elder Crocodile Brother, sprinted ahead, a confident smirk spreading across his face.
Got it. Trap the ball, and it'll be me against the keeper. This'll tie the score!
But suddenly—
A red blur shot out from the right.
Oh? Isn't this our so-called "little genius"? So, your legs still work, huh?
Though he didn't speak, every ounce of Tanigami's face dripped with condescension and scorn.
Chigiri Hyōma's eyes ignited with blue fire. That look of arrogance… He was done watching.
The chains on his knees shattered.
Launch—right foot!
Step by step, Chigiri accelerated like a thunderbolt down the wing. In a flash, he surged past Tanigami's stunned expression.
What the hell!? He overtook me!?
Bang!
Chigiri reached the ball first and sent it flying with a clean clearance.
"Well done, Chigiri! That's your weapon! That speed is insane!" Isagi shouted from midfield.
Chigiri didn't even hesitate. He passed it to Yūshin Seiichi, then took off like an unleashed beast sprinting down the sideline.
Oh? So you've finally awakened, little genius?
Then allow me to give you a stage to run wild.
Yūshin saw the perfect angle. He knocked the ball past his mark, stepped forward with his left foot, and unleashed a powerful long ball with his right.
Boom!
A soaring, cross-field lob—curving into the space behind Team W's left flank.
Run, Chigiri. Show them your weapon.
"What kind of pass was that, Seiichi?! How are we supposed to chase that down?!" Kuromi yelled from midfield.
Then—fwoosh!
A streak of red lightning flashed past Kuromi.
"What the hell!?" he gawked.
Chigiri was already gone.
He blazed down the line like a racehorse freed from its reins. On the sideline, Kuon Wataru gawked as if seeing a supercar tearing down the field.
But Hisamoto Shō had already adjusted. He looped around to cut off Chigiri at the edge of the box.
Tap… tap… tap…
This feeling… the spring from the grass… the speed… I remember now.
Why did I ever doubt myself?
Was it fear of losing my gift? Fear of reinjuring my knee?
No. I gave everything to football. I can't give up here.
I run because I want to run!
The fire in Chigiri's eyes burned blue and bright.
"Stop him, Kuon! Foul if you have to!" Tsuchima shouted from behind.
Bang!
Was that a shot!?
No—he passed it!?
Kuon turned too late. The ball flew behind him, and Chigiri zipped past at full sprint.
"Damn it!" Kuon lunged for a slide tackle.
But Chigiri was already gone.
With a sharp plant of his right foot, he cut away like a panther, dodging Kuon's tackle effortlessly.
"Keeper! Come out!" Kuon screamed.
Faster. I need to go faster!
I want to keep playing football! I want to win!
Chigiri exploded forward—past the defender, past the keeper—
Bang!
A smooth push shot. The ball rolled into the lower-right corner of the net.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
"AHHHHHH!!!!"
Chigiri let out a triumphant roar, jumping into the air with red hair whipping behind him like fire.
Everyone on Team Z froze in awe. The stadium had gone silent from sheer disbelief.
"…So fast," Isagi murmured.
"That was unreal… Chigiri!" he shouted, rushing toward him.
"It's your fault, you know!" Chigiri laughed breathlessly. "Watching you guys out there—it made me want to run!"
He turned and looked across the field—to the center circle—where Yūshin Seiichi stood calmly.
See that, Seiichi? I'm not done. I'm still a genius.
Yūshin saw the look in his eyes, read the meaning behind it, and silently returned a thumbs up, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
"You little bastard!" Kuromi Reiji stomped over.
"Don't think you're hot stuff just 'cause you scored!"
"You're a center-back! You stole my chance, damn it! If you hadn't scored, I would've!"
Chigiri, flustered, scratched his cheek.
He had lost himself in the moment. That sprint had been pure instinct.
"Tch. Whatever. Since you run that fast, I'll let you off this time," Kuromi snorted. "But try that again, and I'll kill you!"
…
The game resumed. Team Z now led 2–0.
On the other side, Kuon Wataru stood frozen. His fists clenched. His eyes welled up.
Why? Why do I always lose?
I just want to keep playing football…
Why does it always slip through my fingers?
No! It's not over!
If someone's getting eliminated… it won't be me!
He wiped his face, sweat and tears mixing as his gaze hardened into something cold, determined, and desperate.