After repeated failures, Isagi steps back and observes the entire field.
He begins noticing tiny details:
- Rin always moves 0.5 seconds earlier
- Aryu covers high-angle passes
- Tokimitsu becomes anxious when isolated
- Bachira thrives when unmarked
- Nagi can catch balls no one else can
Isagi starts forming a new plan:
Instead of outplaying Rin directly, he wants to bait him.
He realizes Rin reacts instantly to the most dangerous player — Nagi.
So Isagi positions Nagi as the “decoy threat.”
Bachira plays into the chaos, confusing Tokimitsu.
Barou attempts a power run, forcing Aryu to shift.
Isagi sneaks into the blind spot — unseen.
Nagi launches a perfect pass.
Aryu jumps to block it.
Rin shifts toward Nagi.
But the ball isn’t going to either of them —
Isagi intercepts it mid-flight and shoots.
Goal. 1–1.
For the first time, Rin looks mildly surprised.
Isagi smiles.
He has found the first crack in Rin’s armor.
Key Characters
| Character | Role |
| Isagi Yoichi | Develops a tactical trap |
| Nagi Seishiro | Acts as bait |
| Bachira & Barou | Distract defenders |
| Rin Itoshi | Forced to react |
Themes
- Outsmarting Superior Opponents
- Strategic Baiting
- Calculated Ego Growth
Final Thoughts
Chapter 45 marks the first moment Isagi successfully challenges Rin’s dominance — the real battle begins now.
