Blue Lock: Beyond Greatness

"Ha ha ha, that was hilarious, did you guys see that? The reporter was totally stunned by Shinichi just now," exclaimed Raichi, laughing as he teased the reporter's expression.

"But it was really cool. I wish I could one day stand in front of the camera and confidently declare that I'm going to be the best in the world," said Tokimitsu with a look of longing.

Meanwhile, Zantetsu adjusted his glasses and pondered, "How much effort do I need to put in to get interviewed like that?"

"Anyway, we're already on the U20 national team. Ha ha, it still doesn't feel real," said Karasu, lying back on the bench with a smile. "From now on, we're considered provincial players—well, actually, compared to the football team next door, we might as well call ourselves national players, ha ha."

"Great job, everyone!" As the team celebrated, Anri walked in, on the verge of tears, startling Bachira, who was half-undressed and quickly put his clothes back on. "You all did so well, I... I'm really proud of you!"

"Why are you crying, you clumsy fool? People would think we barely managed to pull off a last-minute comeback," came the annoying voice of Ego, who walked in after Anri with his usual dead-fish eyes. "I told you before, the victory in this match was already a given."

"However, while the outcome was certain, the process of the match and the final score were not. I didn't expect such a large point gap. Kurona's gravitational field connected everyone with Shinichi, Zantetsu's relentless effort, Rin Itoshi's rampage, Barou's decisiveness and resolve, and all the players who gave their all in defense."

"All of these elements combined to create today's match. So, for now, take pride in yourselves. This achievement is the result of your hard work. You've truly made the world aware of Blue Lock, and through your own efforts, you've won this pivotal match, which could very well be a turning point in your lives."

"Congratulations, you raw gems of talent. You've truly accomplished something extraordinary."

"Wow, even you, with your sharp tongue, can say something nice," Shinichi led the charge in teasing him, and the others joined in with laughter.

However, Ego completely ignored their banter and continued his speech. "But the joy you're feeling right now is only temporary. After today, forget everything that came before!"

"Your football careers have only just begun. This victory is far from the end of your story—it's merely the beginning of Blue Lock."

"No one can deny that Shinichi was the star of today's match. But are you really willing to let him dominate the spotlight forever, to let him rule over you, his contemporaries, as he claims he will?"

"The goal of Blue Lock remains unchanged: to produce the world's best striker. And as Shinichi said, to ensure others never win a title, the birth of the strongest player often means destroying the dreams of others. This applies not just to you, but to players from other countries, leagues, and countless ambitious individuals who are already eyeing you with hunger."

"So, don't slack off, you raw gems of talent. Your journey has only just begun, and countless challenges await you." Ego turned around, his back facing the Blue Lock players, and waved his hand dramatically as he left the locker room. "Once you step onto this path of mutual destruction, there's no turning back."

"He really knows how to talk, huh? Even though we just finished a match, he's got me fired up right now."

"Yeah, but that's exactly what I wanted to hear."

The Blue Lock players were fired up by Ego's speech, and Anri took the opportunity to announce that there would be an unlimited feast to celebrate their victory.

Cheering, the players rushed out of the tunnel, ready to shower and dive into the celebration.

"Huh? Sis?" As they exited the tunnel, a stunning figure with gorgeous red hair was waiting at the end. Chigiri immediately recognized her and called out curiously, "Why are you here? Where's Mom? Didn't she come with you?"

With that, Chigiri walked toward his sister, but she sidestepped him and instead shyly approached Shinichi. "Um... thank you so much, Captain Shinichi, for taking care of Hyoma in Blue Lock."

"Ah? It's really no big deal," Shinichi replied, confused, as he looked at the woman in front of him. She blushed and pulled out her phone. "So... um, would it be okay to exchange contact information? I'd like to properly thank you. Are you... free this weekend?"

...

For a moment, the air was filled with an awkward silence. Chigiri slapped his hand over his face, unable to bear the scene. After a few seconds, the players snapped out of it, and the tunnel erupted into a lively, cheerful uproar.

"Whoa, is this the MVP treatment? Fans coming to confess their feelings?!"

"By the way, Chigiri's sister is really beautiful too. It's no wonder, with those aristocratic genes—she's practically a goddess."

"So, what's Shinichi going to do?"

"Shinichi doesn't have a girlfriend, right? He'll probably say yes. An older woman, huh?"

"Not necessarily. I feel like he might reject her, saying he's too young to consider it."

"Wanna bet?"

"You're on!"

...

The chatter around them grew louder, but despite her shyness, Chigiri's sister remained earnest and expectant, waiting for Shinichi's response.

Faced with her sincere expression, Shinichi couldn't help but sigh. "If I'm overstepping, please forgive me for being presumptuous, but as I said earlier, I aim to become the best in the world, so..."

"Women are... complicated."

Shinichi deliberately made his words final to ensure she wouldn't hold onto any unrealistic hopes.

It was the responsible thing to do for both of them.

After saying this, he turned and walked out of the tunnel without looking back.

In his mind, the system's notification of the match results had been chiming for a while now.

At that moment, silence fell not only over Chigiri's sister but also the Blue Lock players.

They stared in astonishment at Shinichi's retreating figure, as if watching a true warrior. While they had considered the possibility of Shinichi rejecting her, they hadn't expected it to be so blunt.

Of course, there were also outliers like Rin and Barou, who looked at Shinichi's back with admiration, silently clenching their fists and vowing to emulate his unwavering determination.

"Sis..." At this moment, the person with the most complicated feelings was undoubtedly Chigiri. His first instinct was to comfort his sister, but as he approached her, he noticed that she wasn't upset at all—instead, she was beaming with excitement.

"Wow, did you see that? He's so cool! A man focused on his goals is really attractive, and the way he rejected me so decisively was amazing."

"Uh..."

"By the way, Hyoma, you must have his contact info, right? Share it with me."

"I don't!"

"Ugh, why not? If you ever get it, you have to give it to me, okay?"

"Sigh..."

And so, the day ended with Chigiri's exasperated sigh.

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