Chapter 170: Nishioka (170)
"Shoot!" Nakada's commanding yell echoed across the stadium, slicing through the intensity of the moment.
Nishioka, in perfect synchronization with Nakada's directive, unleashed a powerful shot.
The ball soared through the air with an almost ethereal grace, hurtling toward the left corner of the goal, seemingly destined for the back of the net.
However, as the spectators held their breath in anticipation, a sudden twist unfolded.
Karasu, like a guardian of the goalpost, emerged with impeccable timing.
With a swift and decisive motion, he soared into the air, meeting the ball with a well-timed header.
The collision of head and ball created a resonant thud, redirecting the trajectory of the ball away from the goal.
A triumphant grin crept across Karasu's face as he skillfully thwarted Nishioka's attempt.
His taunting words, "Like I said, you won't do shit," further intensified the rivalry on the field.
Yet, it was Nishioka's reaction that spoke volumes. Inside him, it seemed as if glass shattered, a metaphorical manifestation of frustration and disappointment.
Meanwhile, Nakada, witnessing the turn of events, couldn't conceal his irritation. The realization that he had to rely solely on himself for scoring became even more apparent.
"Loose ball!" a Pxg player shouted, and in the midst of the chaos, Kira swiftly seized the opportunity.
With a precise pass, he directed the ball into the path of Zantetsu, whose acceleration was renowned and feared on the field.
Zantetsu, like a speeding bullet, surged forward with blistering speed, leaving the Barcha defense struggling to keep pace with Pxg's lightning-fast counter-attack.
The stadium erupted with excitement as Zantetsu carved through the field, his movements a testament to the sheer acceleration that set him apart.
The relentless pace of Pxg's counter-attack put the Barcha defense on the back foot, forcing them to scramble and regroup in an attempt to thwart Zantetsu's rapid advance.
The energy in the stadium shifted as the pendulum swung in favor of Pxg, showcasing the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the match.
The stage was set for a thrilling showdown between Zantetsu's speed and Barcha's defense, adding another layer of intensity to an already gripping contest.
Continuing the lightning-fast counter-attack, Zantetsu, with a keen eye for his teammates, swiftly passed the ball toward Kira.
In a seamless exchange, Kira received the ball and, without missing a beat, redirected it to the open Tokimitsu.
Tokimitsu, with his imposing physique, became the focal point of the counter-attack.
Like a juggernaut, he bulldozed his way through the Barcha defense, using his strength and speed to exploit any opening in their ranks.
The defenders, caught off guard by the rapid succession of passes and the sheer force of Tokimitsu's charge, struggled to contain the onslaught.
The stadium reverberated with the cheers of Pxg supporters as Tokimitsu carved a path through the field. The Barcha defense, now in disarray, attempted to regroup and put up a formidable resistance, but Tokimitsu's relentless advance created a sense of urgency and chaos.
As Tokimitsu approached the goal, the tension in the stadium reached its peak. The clash between his raw physical prowess and the Barcha defense became a spectacle of strength and strategy, a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of the match.
As Tokimitsu approached the crucial point in the attack, he made a precise pass that seemed destined for the box. Rin and Shido, both eager to capitalize on the opportunity, sprinted toward the ball.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Rin outpaced Shido, showcasing superior speed and overall prowess.
Shido's limitations without Nakada and Sae became apparent in this critical moment.
While Rin seamlessly integrated into the chemistry of the team, Shido found himself struggling to sync with his teammates. The intricate chemical reactions that normally defined Pxg's coordination were hindered without Nakada and Sae on the field.
In the absence of those key connections, Shido faced a moment of isolation, a challenge to adapt and perform without the usual synergies that fueled his play.
The urgency to overcome this hurdle intensified as Rin, with a burst of acceleration, positioned himself to receive Tokimitsu's pass.
As Rin skillfully cut inside, creating an opening for a powerful volley toward the top corner of the goal, the stadium braced for the imminent strike.
However, the trajectory of the ball was abruptly altered. Like a guardian of the net, Nakada leaped into action, positioning himself perfectly to intercept the incoming shot.
In a breathtaking display of defensive prowess, Nakada met the ball with a precise header, redirecting its path away from the goal. The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and gasps, witnessing Nakada's timely intervention that denied Pxg a potential goal.
The strategic positioning and impeccable timing demonstrated by Nakada showcased not only his offensive brilliance but also his defensive capabilities.
His all-around skill set made him a formidable force on the field, capable of influencing the game on both ends. The atmosphere in the stadium buzzed with the realization that, even when Pxg seemed on the verge of scoring, Nakada's presence could tip the balance and turn the tide in Barcha's favor.
As Nakada landed back on the pitch, a determined glint in his eyes hinted at the fierce competition that continued to unfold.
Nakada's frustration was palpable as he berated his fellow defenders for their lapses.
"Y'all better defend better, as I am not the one supposed to be the one doing the defending here!" his voice reverberated across the pitch, cutting through the ambient noise in the stadium.
The repeated instances where Nakada had to step in to salvage the defensive situation had clearly worn on him. His words carried a stern warning, demanding a higher standard of performance from the defensive line.
The urgency in Nakada's voice underscored the critical nature of their roles and the need for a collective effort to shore up the defensive vulnerabilities.
The defenders, now acutely aware of Nakada's expectations, exchanged determined glances. The weight of their responsibilities hung in the air, and Nakada's admonition served as a rallying call for them to elevate their defensive game.
The challenge was clear: they needed to shape up and be more resilient, ensuring Nakada didn't have to repeatedly bail them out.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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stone