"Everyone, quiet down and listen."
In Team Y's locker room, all eyes focused on Ikki's face.
He gritted his teeth. Though he knew his strategy was extremely risky, it was Team Y's only remaining option.
"We have no room to retreat. We're at the edge of a cliff in this match. We can only fight to the death — we must use that strategy: all-out attack!"
If Hibiki alone couldn't get past Ryōsuke, then the entire team would take him on! No matter how skilled he was, he couldn't possibly defend against their combined attack!
Ikki believed in this.
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"The Kunoichi is amazing — look at that speed!"
"Kira is even more incredible — he's completely shut down their ace player Okawa!"
"Team Y is finished. At this rate, victory is guaranteed!"
In Team Z's locker room, everyone was in high spirits. They had completely locked down the opponent's offense and held a two-goal advantage — victory seemed certain.
"We still can't let our guard down." Unlike the celebrating crowd, Ryōsuke remained calm.
"But we've basically won, right? We're up by two goals in the first half — how could they possibly turn this around?" Jingo asked, puzzled, "With their defensive formation, even if we don't score again, they won't either!"
"We do have a significant advantage." Ryōsuke explained, "But remember this: people can unleash extraordinary power when cornered. Team Y can't afford another loss. If they lose this match, it means elimination — they'll definitely launch an all-out attack with their backs against the wall."
"You mean they'll abandon defense completely in the second half? Totally change their tactics?" Rensuke asked.
"Very likely."
Ryōsuke knew that in the original story, Team Y had a desperate tactic — the one-minute killing counter.
They would typically use this tactic in the final minute when the score was tied, with the entire team joining the attack to overwhelm their opponent.
Though they weren't tied now, Team Y would definitely choose an all-out attack — defending meant certain defeat.
While this strategy was the complete opposite of their first-half defensive play, scoring would give them precious seconds to regroup and reorganize their defense.
When pushed to the brink of elimination, teams often unleashed power beyond their limits — it was pure survival instinct, knowing their professional careers hung in the balance.
"So what's our strategy for the second half? Full defense?" Yoichi asked.
Normally, maintaining their defense and preventing two goals would secure victory.
But Ryōsuke just smiled.
"We just need to stop their first goal. If they score on their first attack, the difference will be reduced to one goal, and their morale will soar." He held up one finger, "But if we defend successfully, we'll have a chance to counter-attack. Their focus will be entirely on offense, leaving them vulnerable. A third goal from us would seal our victory."
"Understood."
"Let's go for it! Let's secure our second victory!"
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A few minutes later, both teams returned to the field.
Every member of Team Y wore a grave expression, their faces etched with concern. They knew they faced a desperate situation.
But desperation often brought out hidden potential. Team Y had changed their formation, with Hibiki falling back to his own half.
"Okawa, let's break through Team Z's defense together." Ikki said, "Ryōsuke Kira may have strong defensive abilities, but his teammates might not. We'll target their weakest defenders as our breakthrough points."
"Yeah." Hibiki nodded.
His earlier frustration and disappointment from losing to Ryōsuke had transformed into pure determination.
In this match, there was no turning back.
On the other half of the field, Rensuke carefully observed the opponent.
"As expected, they've changed their formation..."
Just as Ryōsuke had said, the opponent seemed prepared to fight to the death.
"Here they come!"
As the second half whistle blew, Team Y kicked off and charged straight toward Team Z's half. With the two-goal deficit looming over them, every player except the goalkeeper surged forward, throwing everything they had into the attack.
It was a dangerous gambit — a double-edged sword. Scoring early in the second half could ignite their chance for a comeback. But if their attack failed, Team Z would surely counter-attack. A third goal against them would spell the end.
This single attack would determine their fate!
Ikki controlled the ball, his eyes scanning the field like satellites, taking in every movement.
'Ryōsuke Kira holds the middle position — we must avoid him at all costs! Okawa can't beat him one-on-one, but he can outmaneuver the others. We need to force a matchup against their weaker defenders!'
After a moment's calculation, Ikki raised his hand, flashing one of the special tactical signals he had designed for the team.
Hibiki responded instantly, darting to the wing and charging deep into enemy territory.
As Ryōsuke moved to intercept, three of Team Y's most powerfully built players suddenly appeared before him, forming a wall.
This was Ikki's strategy — screen Ryōsuke to clear Hibiki's path!
Even if Ryōsuke was their star defender, they had to keep him contained!
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