Ryūma suddenly burst forward down the right. As Tabito Karasu blocked the right flank, Ryūma cut sharply with a Chop Feint, driving left!
(Chop Feints again? Don't think you'll fool me with the same trick twice!)
"Don't underestimate me, monster!"
Karasu calmly twisted to block Ryūma's left side—only for his eyes to widen in shock.
"The ball... where's the ball?"
There was no ball at Ryūma's feet. A glance to the right showed it already rolling past, while Ryūma himself ignited into motion, about to blow past him on the left.
(Damn it—he split man and ball! Chasing the ball's pointless now. No way I can beat him in a race.)
(Then I'll stop his acceleration! Otoya's already sprinting this way—if I just hold him back, Otoya will get there first!)
Karasu thrust out an arm to block Ryūma.
"If you thought you could hold me down with just an arm... then I'm sorry to disappoint you!"
Ryūma exploded again, smashing straight into the block. In the next instant, he knocked Karasu's arm aside, leaving him grimacing in pain.
(Gah! Without the ball, this monster's acceleration is terrifying! If my body weren't this strong...)
(My arm might've dislocated! Is he a human cannonball? What the hell is his body made of? He doesn't even look that built... No, I've gotta ask how he trains after the match.)
But Karasu didn't panic—his peripheral vision caught Eita Otoya racing in.
Seeing Otoya about to reach the ball, Ryūma scowled.
(Damn speedsters, always in the way! Wasn't he just over near Hiori?)
(Why's he suddenly here now? Tch. Forcing me to shoot, huh? Fine then!)
(My left foot's not my strong suit, but if I use my right, he'll block me for sure... I'll gamble!)
Ryūma hopped forward on his right foot, swinging his left leg back to strike a direct shot.
But when he glanced at the goal, he spotted two unmarked X players already moving to cover with the keeper.
(Damn it! With my right foot, even three defenders wouldn't matter. But with my left... two's already a gamble, let alone three!)
(Wait—perfect, Hiori! That position's ideal for my pass!)
Spotting Yo Hiori on the left, Ryūma's lips curled into a grin. He instantly shifted his stance, turning the shot into a pass.
The ball flew, and Ryūma charged straight into the box without hesitation.
(Calm down, Hiori—read the field!)
(Otoya's rushing the box with Ryūma—he'll try to lock him down.)
(Five more X players nearby—four tied up by the triplets, one marking Rin.)
(That leaves two in the box. Doesn't matter. If Ryūma gets it on his right foot, they won't stop him.)
(And Karasu... huh? His recovery path lines up with my passing lane. Smart. But... I'm not the same as before!)
Hiori drew a deep breath. Blue light flared in his eyes as he locked onto his target and struck decisively—sending a perfect long ball toward the right side of the box. It was Remote Control Passing.
Ryūma's heart surged with excitement as he tracked the ball's near-perfect curve, speed, and placement.
(Yes, Hiori! That's it! I love passes like this!)
But to his shock, Karasu was already closing in on the landing spot.
(What? He read it? No matter—inside the box, I'll gamble on the shot!)
Time was running out. Ryūma hurled himself forward in a headlong dive, unleashing every ounce of speed toward the ball.
This was a move he only used when he had no time to adjust for angle—because with this kind of momentum, it turned into an uncontrollable strike, just like the Heavy Cannon Shot..
He reached the ball still diving, catching it cleanly mere centimeters off the ground.
[BOOM!]
"Watch this!"
"And me!"
The ball rocketed away—too fast. Two X defenders lunged to block but never even touched it.
Just as Ryūma thought it was in, Karasu's figure suddenly appeared in front of the goal.
"Your data's already burned into my head—including that reckless shot you love!"
[Thud!]
Karasu had stopped it—at the very last moment!
(Tch... so this is the weakness Ego warned me about? Didn't think it'd come true so soon. Damn jinx!)
"So what? If once isn't enough—I'll try again!"
Ryūma was already surging after the rebound.
But Otoya wasn't letting him shoot again so easily.
"Damn, you're such a clingy ninja!"
Ryūma lowered his shoulder, trying to body-check him aside and open space for the shot. But Otoya twisted nimbly, dodging the impact and slowing Ryūma down.
"Tch! Slippery ninja, huh?"
Otoya closed in on the ball.
"Heh—ignoring me? Get back here!"
Ryūma braced with his arm, copying Karasu's Hold-up Play. The sudden move caught Otoya off guard.
(He's using his arms too? No... he just copied it! Still rough... but that strength—I can't break free!)
(Then fine—you won't have the ball either!)
Knowing he couldn't win it, Otoya switched tactics, locking Ryūma in return.
Both clashed, pinning each other down. Neither could claim the ball.
"Ryūma, I've got you!"
One of the triplets sprinted in to help, while behind him another X defender closed the distance.
And Karasu was charging in too.
In seconds, the box had erupted into utter chaos.