Chapter 237: Bastard München's Counterattack
"2… 2–0! Who could have imagined that Bastard München — the team with Noa, the world's No. 1 striker — would actually fall behind by two goals to the Blue Lock team led by young prodigy Shinichi?!"
"Exactly. No one could have predicted this before the match. But Noa's offensive drive is clearly lower than usual today. After failing to score with his first attempt, he shifted most of his focus toward Shinichi. It seems Shinichi's performance shocked even him — to the point he didn't expect Shinichi's organizational ability to be this outstanding."
The commentators went back and forth analyzing the situation on the field, while Reo Mikage pumped his fist hard. Finally — finally — he had scored.
"Though honestly… the goal relied more on their passing ability."
After celebrating, Reo glanced toward Hiori and the others.
"We didn't even communicate beforehand, yet they immediately produced such flawless coordination… That kind of massive, hesitation-free ball circulation — even if you rehearsed it in training — you'd rarely ever recreate it perfectly in a real match…"
To be honest, Reo hadn't understood Shinichi's and Hiori's movements right away. He only reacted after Shinichi delivered that bicycle-kick pass, barely catching the final train of the Shinichi–Hiori–Ness combination.
In fact, had he been just a little slower, Ness would probably have passed to Otoya, who had shaken off Raichi thanks to Hiori's earlier off-ball run.
"I want to… join in that level of high-tier decision-making too… I don't want to be dragged along passively. I don't want to be a replaceable pawn…"
Everyone on the Blue Lock team — even if they didn't say it out loud — felt something similar.
Once those three who surpassed normal vision worked together, everyone else seemed almost unnecessary.
....
"…To fall into such a big disadvantage right from the start… this is troublesome."
Charles shook his head, though a sharp smile tugged at his lips.
"But you didn't think I'd say that sincerely, did you?"
"Hey, big guy — weren't you going to get your revenge?"
Charles suddenly called out to Barou, who was walking back toward the center circle, clearly stirring trouble on purpose.
"Where's the fire? That last shot of yours was pathetic — Shinichi stopped it like it was nothing."
"What are you trying to say?"
Barou's expression darkened. Because Charles was a teammate, he forced himself to tolerate it — but Charles had zero intention of sparing him.
"I'm saying… this 'revenge' of yours… all that talk of enduring humiliation and sharpening your fangs… could it be…"
"Nothing but pride — refusing to admit your loss, so you're just bluffing?"
"You bastard, are you looking to die?!"
Veins bulged on Barou's forehead as he grabbed Charles by the collar.
"You think I willingly lost to Shinichi?! I'll never submit to that bastard's tyranny! I—"
"But I don't see even a hint of rebellion from you. You're not even as aggressive as Shidou."
Even with his collar held by the much larger Barou, Charles remained unfazed.
"Right now, you're like a puppy on a leash — barking for show, but too scared to bare your teeth."
"Noa totally misjudged you. He thought a wolf was sleeping inside you — but all you've done is fake toughness with your attitude. In reality, you're just a coward who charges and retreats."
Seeing Barou fall into silence, Charles pressed on, energized:
"If you really haven't given up — if Shinichi hasn't shattered your ambition — then SHOW ME YOUR FANGS. Show me you can still bite, even if the next kick kills you!"
"…Fine. Watch closely then!"
After a brief silence, Barou shoved Charles away viciously. Charles calmly smoothed out his collar.
"Good. I'll be waiting."
....
BEEP!
With the restart whistle blowing, a fully provoked Barou exploded forward.
Charles immediately passed him the ball, clearly expecting a performance.
"Lost your rationality after being provoked, huh? You idiot."
Shinichi's shadow-like projection overlaid Reo's body as he cut off Barou.
"Putting everything on one bet only leads to bankruptcy. That's advice from the child of a capitalist."
"Get out of my way!"
Barou had no interest in verbal exchanges. He simply wanted to crush everyone standing in front of him — especially someone who, annoyingly, resembled him a bit.
With no feints at all, Barou pushed the ball and sprinted violently.
Reo was stunned — ever since Blue Lock Phase 2 began, he had barely seen such a raw, zero-tech dribble powered entirely by physical strength.
But physicality matters too.
With first-rate strength, Barou could overpower Reo in a duel — and this brutish style oddly disrupted Reo's defense inherited from Shinichi.
Or perhaps the real issue was simple:
Shinichi never developed counters for people who were physically stronger than him.
His solution was always to hit back with even greater force.
"Should've gone to Ubers in Phase 1 and learned Snuffy's jujutsu defense…"
With no choice, Reo braced for impact — but the expected collision never came.
Barou suddenly switched movements mid-stride — a rainbow flick!
Reo, who had fully lowered his body for the collision, couldn't adjust in time.
He could only watch the ball arc over his head.
At that exact moment—
"You're stepping out of line, aren't you, Barou?"
Aiku's mocking voice came from above. His heterochromatic eyes reflected Barou's helpless, airborne form.
"Rebellion is illegal, you know."
"Damn!"
Barou gritted his teeth.
This was why he'd been holding his rage back — his entire skill set was focused solely on finishing.
He couldn't replicate Shinichi's solo-goal miracles.
Just as Barou was cornered—
"Your burst of power was impressive. I misjudged you."
Charles' voice rang out. He rushed in from the side, arms open.
"Come on, give me the one-two, Revenge Prince."
Barou had no choice.
He twisted mid-air to pass — a poor pass — but it was something.
He landed, burst forward to shake off Aiku, and—
The ball was gone.
It wasn't at Charles' feet at all.
"Jeez, how could you trust the words of a contrarian?"
Charles stuck out his tongue playfully.
On the far side of the field, Nishioka received the pass, performed a fake shot to shake Otoya, and then aimed far but shot near —
Goal!
GOOOOOOOAL!!!
Blue Lock 2 – 1 Bastard München
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