16. Glass Genius

When the game against Team W finally came around, Y/N was beginning to grow bored of this Bluelock stuff already.

It wasn't the fact that they couldn't leave the facility. It wasn't the fact that they had limited food. It wasn't even the fact that the only thing they could do was train. No, Y/N was used to all of that.

The thing that made him bored was the fact that he was hiding his true abilities. It felt wrong, though that was probably his ego talking. As much as he wanted to go crazy and score all the goals, he had to keep reminding himself to keep out of the spotlight, for now.

Once the second selection starts, I can begin to show off. But right now, if I used my full abilities, it would be nothing short of unfair. Team Z wouldn't improve their own skills, because there would be no risk, and any team we played against would have a chance. There might be good potential in their teams, but it wouldn't matter.

So he kept himself quiet, letting himself fade into the background while people like Isagi and Bachira grew more influential in Team Z. He kept up the training with Niko, though, and was pleased to see Niko gradually improving, unlocking his own ego as he did so.

He remembered what Niko had declared in his last training session, eyes glowing with pride. "I'm not going to use my eyes just for passing. I'm going to use them to score goals, just like a striker should."

A loud voice yelled into his ear, and Y/N instinctively jerked his head away from the noise. His hand shot out, nailing the unfortunate person in the nose. "What the hell?!"

Raichi stumbled back a step, clutching at his red nose as Y/N flushed with embarrassment. "I was just telling you that the game is starting soon!"

"Didn't have to yell it in my ear." Y/N grumbled. He glanced over to the other side of the field, and for once Raichi was right - the enemy team was walking on, doing stretches as they fanned out across the pitch.

"Didn't have to punch me." Raichi grumbled right back.

"I wanted to." Y/N shot back.

Raichi glowered, not scaring him in the slightest. He glowered right back, the expression unusual on his normally smiling face. Though, before anything could go down, Iemon stepped between them.

His face was stern, and he spoke to them like someone would to a pair of children. "Now, Raichi, Y/N, go to your positions. We start the game soon."

"He yelled at me!" Y/N protested.

"He punched me!" Raichi protested right back.

Iemon raised his eyes skywards, probably wishing he was anywhere else but there as the two teenage boys scowled at each other pettily. "Look, just get ready." He took Y/N by the shoulders, marching the other boy with him as they walked into defence.

"Was his fault." Y/N sounded like an upset kid as Iemon walked him away from Raichi, pouting.

"Sure, whatever." Iemon sighed tiredly, strapping on his goalkeeper's gloves. Team W was forming up, two strange looking boys heading their formation as everyone else stood behind them. It was a weird, symmetrical formation, and for a second Y/N was thrown off as he searched for a single player at the front that wasn't there.

They seemed ready to face Team Z. Really, really ready. All their players had a steely expression of determination on their faces, and even from across the pitch Y/N could feel the confidence rolling off the two players at the front.

"See those two at the front? They're called the Wanima brothers." Iemon said suddenly.

"How could I not?" Y/N grinned. "They look like weirdos." He was just telling the truth - with their huge eyes, insane smiles and crooked teeth, they looked both intimidating and laughable at the same time.

"Well, they're the core of Team W." Iemon gave Y/N a sharp glare. "If you were in the team meeting, you would know that they're extremely coordinated, and their one-two combos are unmatched."

"I'm sure you've got a plan to deal with that, right?" Y/N internally scoffed at the idea of Team Z having a good plan. They'd only won the game against Team Y with Isagi's eyes, and even then it had been way too close.

"Yeah." Iemon replied. "All you need to do is try to slow them down."

"Gotcha."

As Team W finished sorting out their positions, the same automated voice that had played in the last two games rang out above.

Everyone instinctively looked up, and a ball dropped from the ceiling. It landed perfectly on the artificial grass, bouncing twice before it settled directly on the centre dot.

"Team W to play. Kickoff as soon as the ball is passed."

The two Wanima brothers walked forwards, watching each other closely. Y/N couldn't see much of their expressions from where he stood far back, but they looked completely at ease as they neared the ball.

One kicked it to the other, and the whistle blew, signalling the start of the game.

They immediately rushed forwards, the shorter one laughing maniacally as he dribbled the ball forwards with short, drunken steps. "You ready, bro? When do you want the pass?" His voice was loud enough to reach Y/N, all the way back in defence.

The second one didn't reply, running with his hands out sort of like a chicken, and just stared on as the shorter brother yelled. "What kind of pass do you want? Hey, tell me!"

After that, the taller brother just looked over at the other, his eyebrows raised. "Oh, I see! Aye aye, sir!" The replying shout was loud even for Y/N. "I want you to pass it to my feet at this particular moment. That's what my bro says."

The shorter brother immediately passed it to the taller one, and as the two ran forwards, Y/N couldn't help but notice everyone else moving up the field behind them. They were entirely confident in the brothers.

Igarashi went forwards, and in his attempt to tackle, the brothers skirted around him. The ball went from the feet of one, directly back to the other in a fast-paced 'one two'.

Kuon, Kunigami, and Gagamaru were all given the same treatment. They headed forwards one by one, attempting to tackle the brothers, and were immediately run over.

Y/N actually appreciated the plays. The brothers were mind-numbingly easy to read, and even easier to stop, but at this level of soccer they absolutely shredded Team Z's defence. They moved like water, flowing past defenders as the ball went from brother to brother.

As they approached Y/N and Chigiri in defence, both brothers narrowed their eyes. "Is that who I think it is, bro?"

Y/N glanced over at Chigiri. The pink-haired boy was practically shaking in his boots, his hands trembling ever so slightly as he stared forwards at the approaching brothers. He began to run forwards, at a slow pace towards the enemy.

"Chigiri?" The other spoke for the first time, in a crazed, high-pitched tone that pierced across the field.

"That Chigiri? The genius made of glass?" The brother's voice went lower, harsher as he giggled raspily. His smile got even wider, teasing the two defenders. "Hey, bro, can you still believe he's playing soccer? He must be clinging to past glories!"

The taller brother's grin went ear to ear, showing all of his teeth as he sprinted forwards at an even faster pace. Y/N actually shivered, watching the two boys. Even though their soccer was bad, their manic grins and deranged laughter was something out of a horror movie.

"If I may say this, as his former teammate." Chigiri gritted his teeth, running forwards. But it didn't help at all, as they did the exact same 'one two' as earlier, passing him instantly. "Your time as a soccer player is over."

Y/N watched as Chigiri spun on his heel, attempting to chase. The brothers squealed with unhinged laughter as they passed. "Are you sure that's wise? You might shatter that glass leg of yours again!"

The two brothers were about to pass Y/N. Well, he was going to let them pass him, as usual. But before that could happen, Isagi swept in from the brothers' blind spot. With a two-footed tackle, he took the ball right out from their feet.

"Shut up, you crazy bastards!" He rose to his feet, passing the ball immediately up the field towards Gagamaru.

The brothers both complained at the slide tackle, but no foul whistle blew. So they continued on, running back up the field towards the ball as Team Z built their attack.

As they headed back, and Team Z's defence was given a break, Y/N walked over to Chigiri. He extended a hand, taking the other boy by his wrist loosely. "You alright?"

Chigiri didn't immediately respond, his breath coming out in short, sharp gasps as he watched the brothers run up the field. His pink eyes shone with terror, and Y/N frowned as he watched his hands trembling uncontrollably.

"Hey." He gently slapped Chigiri on the cheek, to try and get him to respond.

"I don't wanna shatter..." His response was cryptic, choked out from between clenched teeth. "I don't wanna break." His eyes shone with forming tears, and Y/N glanced hurriedly at the play.

They were moving up the pitch, which was good. The defence probably wouldn't be tested again soon. "Hey, look at me." Y/N slowly said. "Who said you're gonna break?"

"T-the doctor." Chigiri did as Y/N asked, looking over. "I... I tore my AC ligament. A-and if I tear it again, I might be in a wheelchair."

Y/N momentarily froze. Is that why his ego is so fucked up? He tried to think of something good to say. "What leg?"

"Right leg."

"How likely is it to tear again?"

"Even if I sprint, the doctor said it's highly unlikely." Chigiri's voice shook ever so slightly. "But there's a chance it'll happen."

"Why does that stop you playing football?"

"If I sprint, I could be done." Chigiri sighed. "If I sprint, there's the chance I'll never run again."

"But why are you so scared?" Y/N pressed.

"I'm never going to run again!" The pink-haired boy replied harshly. "Of course that's something to be scared about!"

As his small outburst finished, cheers came from all of Team Z up ahead. Y/N glanced over immediately, seeing Kuon drop down, having just headered the ball into goal. Overhead, the automated whistle blew.

"Team Z, One goal."

Isagi was already running back, towards Chigiri with a half concerned, half annoyed expression. Y/N took the opportunity to slink away, returning to his position in the defence.

Spirits were high as Team W took the ball from the back of the goal, moving it to the centre again. For some reason, it wasn't just Team Z that was celebrating, though. Team W also had smiles on their faces.

Interesting.