On the field, a player's performance depends on three main factors:
Physical fitness, technique, and soccer intelligence.
Physical fitness sets a player's lower limit. Players with excellent physical attributes are considered promising prospects since skills can be developed through practice, while significant improvements to physical attributes are nearly impossible.
A player's upper limit is determined by two factors: technical skill — which can be trained — and soccer intelligence.
Soccer intelligence is the ability to read the game, understand both teams' strengths and weaknesses, analyze situations in real-time, and make the right decisions at crucial moments. This is vital because no player can make perfect offensive choices every time — whether to shoot or pass to a teammate, even small decisions can change the course of a match.
The Blue Lock Project was designed to create a super forward with powerful physicality and excellent technique — but it overlooked the most crucial element: soccer intelligence.
This is what truly determines victory or defeat.
Although Shoei Baro has nearly reached his peak in physical fitness and technique, he shows clear deficiencies in soccer intelligence.
While he can dominate on the field, his emotions run unchecked. When provoked, he loses control, obsessing over defeating opponents single-handedly. His arrogance prevents him from passing to teammates, making it simple for Team Z to contain his offensive plays.
As a result, Team X's offense spirals downward. Shoei faces double-teams, his effectiveness drops, and his mounting frustration drives him to attempt even more solo plays — making him even less likely to pass.
His behavior shatters team morale, destroying his teammates' trust completely.
This makes Team X's defeat almost inevitable.
"Pass me the ball! You useless servants!"
As Team X launches another offensive, Shoei continues to berate his teammates.
"But..."
When a teammate speaks to them so rudely, everyone feels uncomfortable. Yet despite their frustration, they can only swallow their pride and continue setting up plays for him.
All of this falls perfectly into Ryōsuke's calculations.
While Shoei's presence has unified the previously scattered Team X, it has also made their offense completely predictable.
His teammates' attempts to set him up create limited, easily readable passing routes.
Just as the ball leaves his teammate's foot — moments before Shoei can receive it — Ryōsuke bursts in from the side and intercepts.
Counter-attack begins!
"You useless thing!" Shoei snaps at his teammate.
But while he wastes time with blame, Ryōsuke has already carried the ball deep into opponent territory.
"Quick, double-team him!"
Seeing him in possession again, Team X's players rush to double-team Ryōsuke — they cannot allow him to score again!
The gap between 2:1 and 3:1 would be devastating. Another goal from Team Z would put the match nearly out of reach.
Team X moves as one body to lock down Ryōsuke. They're prepared to foul him if necessary — anything to prevent another goal. Even Shoei joins the charge, eager for revenge.
This situation is exactly what Ryōsuke wanted to see.
Having used Thunderclap and Flash with both legs while in Total Concentration Breathing state, he needs time to recover. Using these moves again too soon would strain his legs and diminish his effectiveness. He must allow his body to rest and adjust.
His opponents don't realize this limitation. They still see him as a major threat, forcing them to commit multiple defenders. This was precisely why he scored those two quick goals in the first half.
"We can't let him do whatever he wants!"
"It doesn't matter if we foul him!"
"Stop him, stop him!"
Shoei joins his teammates, planting himself in front of Ryōsuke, "I won't let you past again! Don't stand in front of me! I'll kill you!"
"Oh." Ryōsuke's face breaks into a smile—
In one fluid motion, he threads the ball through a tiny gap to his teammate arriving at his side.
Jingo Raichi.
"What?"
Team Z's players stand dumbfounded; none had expected Ryōsuke to pass.
"Great pass!" Even Jingo, who'd been wary of Ryōsuke earlier, can't help but praise him.
With all defensive attention focused on Ryōsuke, Jingo — who'd rushed up from the back — has plenty of space to shoot!
Shot!
Goal!
[ Scoreboard ]
[ 3:1 ]
"Great pass, Kira! That's the way!" Jingo celebrates.
Just an hour ago he couldn't stand Ryōsuke, but now he runs up for a high-five, their previous hostility dissolved by this single play.
"Nice shot!" Ryōsuke nods.
His main role now is to draw the opponent's defense, creating space for his teammates.
Moreover, that precise pass has earned him Jingo's complete trust, transforming this once-volatile player into an ally and strengthening Ryōsuke's leadership of the team.
Additionally, his actions stand in stark contrast to Shoei's, making their differences crystal clear to Team X's members.
"You scum!" Shoei snarls at Ryōsuke, "I scored right in front of you earlier — you're acting like you've already won."
Ryōsuke responds with a slight smile and walks away, leaving his enraged opponent behind.
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