Blue Lock - Conqueror!

The stadium was enveloped in an uncanny stillness, the kind that only comes before a storm. Not a single player moved; every one of them rooted to their spots, their eyes transfixed on the two figures charging toward the ball in the center of the field. The tension crackled like static electricity.

The distance between the two players and the ball was razor-thin, yet their eyes were locked on each other, not the prize. There was something primal in their gazes—an unspoken challenge, a dare to outdo. Both wore identical grins, sharp and daring, as if reveling in the inevitability of the clash.

Loki was the first to reach it, his unmatched speed propelling him forward like a bullet. His movements were seamless, a blur of precision and agility.

But Isagi had seen this coming. Anticipation sparked in his eyes as, in a single calculated motion, he extended his leg to intercept. The timing was perfect—just as Loki made contact, Isagi scooped the ball away, disrupting the connection and claiming it for himself.

In an instant, Isagi darted to the right, his body a coiled spring releasing all its energy. Loki, undeterred and at full speed, gave chase. The field became a battleground, their duel a spectacle of skill and willpower.

Loki's speed was a weapon, cutting through the air as he closed the distance again and again, each step faster than the last. He was relentless, his attempts to steal the ball from Isagi's feet unceasing.

But what Loki had in raw speed, Isagi countered with something more formidable: his reaction time and mental agility. Isagi moved like a chess grandmaster playing on instinct, his quick thinking manifesting in subtle shifts and deft touches that kept the ball glued to his feet.

The ball seemed alive under Isagi's control, moving as though tethered to him by an invisible thread. Loki lunged and pressed, his speed a constant threat, but Isagi's control transcended the ordinary. His feet danced over the ball, executing sharp turns, sudden halts, and precise flicks, each move keeping Loki just out of reach.

Isagi darted toward the left, his movements sharp and deliberate, the ball seemingly glued to his feet. Behind him, Loki, relentless as ever, surged forward with unmatched speed, closing the gap with every step.

As he caught up, Loki reached out, his hand brushing against Isagi's arm in an attempt to disrupt his balance. But Isagi, anticipating the move, twisted his body and shook Loki's grip loose. Their hands collided with a sharp clap, the sound echoing across the field, a testament to the raw intensity of their duel.

Sweat streamed down their faces, glistening under the stadium lights, their bodies pushed to the absolute limit. At the moment of impact, a spray of sweat droplets flew into the air, catching the light like scattered diamonds before falling back to the ground.

Neither slowed down for even an instant. Their legs pumped furiously, their breaths came in ragged bursts, and yet their focus remained unshaken. The field was alive with the electricity of their movements, every stride a clash of wills, every second a test of endurance.

The spectators were on the edge of their seats, unable to comprehend what they were witnessing. Eyes stayed glued to the screen, their breaths held in unison, as Loki and Isagi's movements became a blur of speed and skill. Every twist, every turn, was almost too fast for them to follow.

The ball seemed weightless, hovering in the air as if enchanted, constantly just beyond Loki's grasp. Isagi's precise control kept it alive with every touch, his feet dancing across the field in perfect rhythm.

Then, with a sudden shift, Isagi spotted a narrow opening. His eyes locked onto Silva in the distance. The duel with Loki had been exhilarating, but Isagi wasn't satisfied—he craved more. A new challenge.

Loki noticed the change in Isagi's intent and felt frustration bubbling inside. He had been pouring every ounce of effort into stealing the ball, but it was like chasing a shadow—every time he thought he was close, it slipped away. Still, he refused to give up and continued the pursuit, his determination unwavering.

Silva, standing downfield, had been watching the display with astonishment. The speed and precision of Loki and Isagi's movements left him in awe, but when he realized Isagi was heading straight for him, his instincts flared. Steeling himself, Silva prepared to intercept.

As Isagi closed in, he made a deliberate motion that seemed to telegraph his next move—a nutmeg. Silva braced himself, adjusting his stance to block the ball from slipping between his legs.

But in that split second, Isagi revealed his true brilliance. With a deft touch, he smashed the ball on the ground as it bounced in the air, sending it soaring above Silva's head in an arc. Leaving him completely outmaneuvered.

Loki and Isagi raced past the stunned player, but it was Isagi who reclaimed possession with ease, his movements fluid and unrelenting. Silva, left standing in disbelief, could only turn and watch as the ball—and the moment—slipped away from him. Humiliated, he became another victim of Isagi's genius on the field.

Isagi found himself relentlessly pushed by Loki, whose incredible speed and persistence were unyielding. No matter how many times Isagi managed to get past him, Loki would close the distance in the blink of an eye, his sheer pace keeping the pressure on.

But Isagi was undeterred. He thrived in moments like these, where skill and creativity were the only ways forward. As Loki bore down on him once again, Isagi flicked the ball upward, mimicking the same maneuver he had used to challenge Loki earlier.

Loki's instincts flared, his body tensing as he prepared to intercept, confident he could close the gap this time. But before he could make his move, Isagi executed a masterstroke.

With surgical precision, Isagi pivoted sharply, using his heel to control the ball mid-air. The move was so fluid, that Loki faltered for the briefest moment, caught off guard.

In that instant, Isagi spun back around, his body a coil of explosive energy. With a burst of speed, he propelled himself forward, leaving Loki in his wake.

Loki, for all his speed, had been undone by Isagi's brilliance—a moment of genius that left even the fastest player chasing shadows.

Loki spun around quickly, his sharp eyes scanning the field. What he saw made him realize how much time had passed in his intense duel with Isagi. They had started in the midfield, but now they were dangerously close to the penalty box.

Ahead of Isagi, two more players—Adam and Luna—had moved to intercept. Recognizing the urgency, they positioned themselves to block Isagi's path, while Loki continued closing in from behind.

Adam and Luna lunged toward Isagi, determined to stop his advance. The pressure mounted, and for a moment, it seemed like the odds had finally tipped against Isagi.

But Isagi didn't hesitate. Instead of relying on intricate dribbling or tricks, he opted for raw confrontation. His eyes locked onto Adam as he charged directly at him.

Adam, startled by the unexpected boldness, maintained his stoic expression, trying not to reveal any doubt. But inside, the tension built as Isagi bore down on him.

As Isagi closed the distance, he made his move. He twisted his body, turning his back to Adam's chest, shielding the ball while using his strength to create space. Luna, adapting quickly to the situation, saw his chance and lunged for the ball from the side.

And then, in an instant, Isagi showed his brilliance yet again.

Without warning, Isagi pivoted sharply, spinning away from Adam. The sudden shift left Adam off balance, and in the slight opening to Isagi's left—barely enough space between Adam and Luna—he slipped through like water through a crack.

Luna, trying to recover, extended his foot to intercept, but Isagi was already a step ahead. With a masterful touch, he slid the ball between his legs, a perfectly timed nutmeg that left his completely outplayed. 

If there had been a wall nearby, Luna might have smashed his head against it out of sheer frustration. Isagi had been humiliating him throughout the match, and now, with another dazzling display of skill, Luna felt that sting of defeat once more.

Loki, however, was unbothered by the emotions swirling around him. For him, this was far from over. Without hesitation, he zipped past Adam and Luna, his sole focus locked on Isagi, who was already preparing to take the decisive shot.

Isagi's body language was clear—he was winding up for a strike, the perfect ending to a match that had been a showcase of his brilliance. But Loki, with his blazing speed and unrelenting determination, anticipated the trajectory and lunged to block the shot.

Yet Isagi was always one step ahead. He had seen Loki's move coming and had no intention of stopping. Instead, he turned the challenge into an opportunity.

As Loki's leg stretched to intercept, Isagi subtly adjusted his strike. With a calculated shift, he sent the ball low and sharp, aiming for the bottom left corner of the net. In doing so, the ball zipped cleanly between Loki's legs—a flawless nutmeg.

From behind Loki, Pablo, sensing the danger, surged forward in a desperate attempt to block the shot. But Isagi's brilliance shone again—his precise adjustment to the ball's trajectory fooled Pablo, and the ball slipped between his legs as well, nutmegging him mere moments after Loki.

Two defenders, nutmegged in one breathtaking motion.

The shrill sound of the referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling the end of the match. For a moment, the field was silent, every player stunned by the brilliance Isagi had just displayed.

Nagi, Kurona, and Reo wasted no time. They ran toward Isagi, their excitement uncontainable, and jumped on him in celebration. Isagi, grinning from ear to ear, staggered slightly under the weight of his teammates but smiled nonetheless.

"You're insane, Isagi!" 

Nagi exclaimed, his usual calm demeanor replaced by sheer admiration.

Kurona, beaming, added. 

"That was unreal!"

Reo, usually composed, couldn't help but smile as well. 

"Witnessing that... It was on another level."

As Isagi reveled in the moment, surrounded by his jubilant Blue Lock teammates, the echoes of their victory rang through the stadium. The air was charged with excitement. Yet, across the field, a different atmosphere lingered around The World 5. The group of global superstars, handpicked to showcase the pinnacle of football mastery, found themselves grappling with an unfamiliar feeling—astonishment.

They had come to Japan expecting to dominate, to put on a spectacle for young hopefuls and to remind them of the gap between the elite and the dreamers. But instead, they encountered a prodigy—a boy whose brilliance on the pitch shattered every preconceived notion they held. Isagi Yoichi.

His performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Every movement, every play, exuded mastery. From his visionary playmaking and precision dribbling to his thunderous shots and rock-solid defense, Isagi had excelled in every aspect of the game. It wasn't just skill—it was an almost otherworldly intuition, a gift that allowed him to command the flow of the game. Even in the face of their collective brilliance, he had stood out, leaving an indelible mark on their minds.

Silva and Adam exchanged a glance, a mutual understanding passing silently between them. Without hesitation, the two strode toward the center of the celebration, where Isagi stood at its heart.

"Yo, kid!" 

Silva bellowed, a wide grin splitting his face. Before Isagi could react, Silva clapped a hand on his back with enough force to make him stumble slightly. The Brazilian powerhouse laughed, his voice booming with both camaraderie and competitive fire. 

"You were insane out there! But don't get too cocky—I'll crush you next time we meet!"

Isagi, still catching his breath, chuckled at Silva's bold declaration. But Silva's laugh wasn't mocking. It carried admiration—a rare kind, coming from someone who had spent years at the top.

Meanwhile, Adam, ever the composed senior, stepped forward with a nod. 

"Impressive doesn't even begin to cover it" 

He said, his tone measured yet sincere. 

"But if you want to push your limits even further, you need to build your body to match your vision." 

Adam began listing off specific exercises and regimens, offering advice on endurance, strength, and flexibility, the hallmarks of a world-class athlete.

Isagi listened intently, absorbing every word. Even in the glow of victory, he recognized the value of learning from those who had already climbed the mountain he sought to ascend.

Loki, the one member of The World 5 who had played with full intensity, lingered nearby. His piercing gaze remained locked on Isagi, a mix of respect and curiosity glinting in his eyes. He didn't say much, but the subtle nod he gave spoke volumes.

The circle grew larger as Pablo approached, his interest piqued by the young playmaker's uncanny vision on the field. 

"Tell me" 

He said, leaning in slightly, his voice rich with intrigue. 

"How do you see the game like that? It's like you're playing in another dimension."

Isagi, slightly bashful at the sudden attention, scratched the back of his head before answering. 

"I don't know" 

He said earnestly. 

"I just… feel it. Like the field itself is alive, showing me paths and opportunities."

Pablo nodded thoughtfully, his respect for the boy deepening. It wasn't often that someone could articulate the intangible essence of football, let alone embody it on the pitch.

As the celebration carried on, Isagi's sharp eyes caught sight of Luna standing alone a short distance away. The Spanish maestro was unusually quiet, observing the camaraderie from the sidelines with a calm expression. A mischievous smirk spread across Isagi's face as an idea popped into his head.

He sauntered over to Luna, his tone light but teasing as he called out.

"Hey, Luna! What's the deal? Planning to switch to sumo wrestling? I mean, with your legs wide open like that, you'd fit right in!"

The jab hung in the air for a moment before the other members of The World 5 burst out laughing. Silva clutched his sides, doubling over, while Pablo gave a hearty chuckle. Even Adam couldn't suppress a grin. The remark hit harder because it referenced Luna's own quip from earlier—a dig at how he believed a Spaniard had a better shot at being a top sumo wrestler than a Japanese player had at dominating football. Now, Isagi had turned it on its head, delivering the perfect comeback in the most casual manner.

Luna flinched, his eyes widening momentarily, but then the veins on his forehead started to pulse as a comically frustrated expression took over his face. 

"Oh, you little—" 

He muttered under his breath, striding toward Isagi.

Before the young striker could react, Luna threw an arm around his shoulder in a mock-friendly gesture that quickly turned into a playful chokehold. 

"You think you're funny, huh?" 

Luna growled, his tone laced with exaggerated irritation as he squeezed lightly. 

"You only won because you're unpredictable! Next time, I'll make you cry, got it?"

Isagi, grinning even in Luna's hold, raised an eyebrow and shot back.

"Oh yeah? And here's that crappy adult I was talking about earlier!"

A burst of laughter erupted. Silva was the loudest, tears forming at the corners of his eyes, while Pablo clapped his hands in amusement. Loki, usually more reserved, allowed himself a rare, genuine laugh. Even Luna, despite his mock-frustration, couldn't keep the corners of his mouth from twitching upward.

The lighthearted exchange quickly became the highlight of the post-match gathering. For a brief moment, the lines between rivals, mentors, and protégés blurred, and Isagi found himself bonding with The World 5 as if they were lifelong friends.

Amid the laughter, Silva, Loki, and Pablo approached Isagi, their expressions warm and genuine.

"Hey, kid, give us your number" 

Silva said, still grinning. 

Isagi also complied and once that was done, They started bidding farewell to Isagi.

Around them, the Blue Lock players watched with awe as Isagi stood among legends, holding his own not just as a competitor but as an equal. 

The World 5, the pinnacle of football, had come expecting to inspire, but instead, they left inspired.

For Isagi, it was a moment of validation. For The World 5, it was a reminder of why they loved the game—a game that always had room for new stars to rise.

Meanwhile, Rin stood at a distance, his expression hard to read. His sharp eyes were locked on Isagi, replaying the final moments of the match in his mind.

The shot Isagi had taken—it was the same move Rin had once performed against him. But this time, Isagi had elevated it, nutmegging not one, but two world-class players in a single moment of brilliance. The frustration simmered within Rin, a mix of admiration and envy twisting in his chest.

Kurona and Nagi noticed Rin lingering and called out to him. Reluctantly, Rin began to leave, his strides slow, his mind clouded with thoughts.

Isagi avoided approaching Rin, knowing full well that anything he said might provoke an argument. He didn't want to add salt to the wound—Rin's frustration was already evident.

As the night settled, the players returned to their rooms. After a much-needed shower and a hearty dinner, exhaustion finally caught up with them.

For once, Isagi decided to skip training. The day had taken its toll, and he wanted nothing more than to collapse into bed. As he lay there, his body relaxed and his mind at ease, a small smile crept onto his face. Today had been a victory in more ways than one.

And tomorrow, he'd be ready to start again.

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The following day was dedicated to language studies—a break from the intensity of the pitch but a challenge in its own right. The focus was English, a necessary skill for the global stage they aspired to dominate.

Among the group, only Isagi and Rin were fluent in the language, their proficiency giving them a noticeable edge. Reo could speak a little but stumbled now and then, while Nagi and Kurona were starting from scratch.

Surprisingly, Nagi picked up the basics at an impressive pace, his natural adaptability showing even in the classroom. Kurona, though slower, remained diligent, his determination as evident here as it was on the field.

The day passed with a mix of awkward pronunciations, laughter, and the occasional frustrated sigh. Despite the break from physical exertion, the mental effort left everyone drained by the evening.

Over the next two days, they returned to training, honing their skills while waiting for the selection process to conclude. Isagi's team had completed the stage first.

Finally, the announcement came. The next stage was ready to begin, and the teams were directed to gather at the designated location—the Third Selection Joint Room.

As they stepped into the room, the familiar voice of the announcement system echoed through the air, marking the arrival of more contenders. The sound reverberated against the walls, charged with the tension of anticipation.

The spotlight shifting to the group making their way in. Bachira, with his mischievous grin, led the pack, followed closely by the imposing Barou, the unpredictable Shidou, the tenacious Naruhaya, and the sharp-eyed Zantetsu. Each step they took seemed to carry a weight of determination, their gazes sweeping the room as they sized up the competition.

Bachira's golden eyes lit up as they found Isagi. With his signature boyish charm, he strode toward his friend, his hand already raised for a high-five. The smack of their palms meeting broke through the tension, their camaraderie an oasis of warmth amidst the cold stares.

"You made it"

"Yup!"

Even after that grueling battle, Bachira still thought of Isagi as his closest friend and now wanted to fight alongside him again, He could do that because now he had learned to fight alone.

Shidou's eyes gleamed as they landed on Isagi. He flashed a wild grin, but, for once, held back from stirring the pot—perhaps out of respect for the announcement that loomed over them.

Another group made their way in. Aryu and Tokimitsu the front and following them came Chigiri, Kira, and Kiyora Jin.

One by one, more teams entered. The fourth, fifth, sixth, and finally, the seventh. Each arrival brought a new wave of energy, a cocktail of rivalries rekindled and alliances reconsidered. The room buzzed with chatter, high-fives, and the occasional competitive glare. Old friends reunited, some with genuine joy, others with an edge of caution.

For a moment, the room felt alive, the buzz of voices filling the space as players caught up. But the moment was fleeting.

The room abruptly fell silent as the screen flickered to life. The sharp, commanding face of Ego Jinpachi appeared, his intense gaze sweeping over them all.

In a room charged with tension, Ego passionately articulated the dire predicament surrounding the future of the Blue Lock project. The Japan Football Union (JFU) had devised a plan to terminate the initiative, and in response, Ego had issued a bold challenge that could dictate the course of Blue Lock's destiny. The stakes were high, as Blue Lock was set to face off against Japan's U20 Team in a crucial match.

The team had a mere four weeks to prepare before the day of reckoning arrived. This looming showdown was not just a game; it was a pivotal moment that could alter the future of the Blue Lock initiative. The terms of the challenge were stark: if Blue Lock faltered and lost, the entire project would come to a grinding halt. However, if they triumphed, they would seize control over the U20 Team, a monumental achievement for a group comprised solely of strikers.

Ego understood the enormity of the situation and endeavored to convey the reasoning behind the JFU's audacious confidence. He explained that, at face value, a team made up exclusively of strikers was inherently disadvantaged in a match against a well-rounded professional squad. Yet, the situation was complicated further by the addition of a formidable player to the U20 roster—Itoshi Sae, a member of the prestigious World 11, whose presence would escalate the challenge for Blue Lock immensely.

Ego's words hung in the air, a reminder of both the intensity of the upcoming battle and the precariousness of their circumstances. The clock was ticking, and preparation was of the essence as the team faced this monumental challenge that could either lead to their ascendance in the football world or their complete downfall.

Ego's eyes narrowed, and the buzz of panic and confusion that had begun to rise in the room was immediately silenced. His sharp, calculated gaze swept over the room, freezing everyone in place. He could feel the tension—players who had been strikers their entire lives were now forced to think about playing in unfamiliar positions: defenders, midfielders. It was clear that the weight of the task was beginning to sink in. Ego wasn't about to let this fear take root.

"Enough!" 

Ego's voice rang out, loud and commanding. 

"Stop questioning your abilities. I will not hear any more of this nonsense."

The room fell silent once more, as the players looked up at him, their anxieties still palpable but now directed toward the man who had shaped them into what they were.

"Blue Lock is going to assemble a team around the following six players" 

Ego said, his tone unwavering. 

"These players are the top-ranked players currently. Step forward when your name is called."

He turned to face the group, his eyes scanning the room, before continuing.

"Our Sixth Player is Eita Otoya" 

Ego announced, his voice echoing as Otoya sauntered forward, his trademark nonchalance evident in his every step. The confident smirk on his face said it all.

"Sup" 

Otoya said with a casual wave, not at all fazed by the weight of the moment.

"The Fifth Player is Karasu Tabito" 

Ego continued, and the atmosphere shifted slightly as Karasu stepped forward with a quiet, but determined expression. He gave a single nod, acknowledging the importance of the moment with a simple, understated air.

"Obviously" 

Karasu said, his voice low but full of conviction.

Ego's gaze shifted, and his words followed suit. 

"The Fourth is Nagi Seishiro."

The room murmured as Nagi's sleek, almost languid movements took him to the front. He didn't speak, only giving a small nod, his expression somewhere between bored and amused, as though he had no doubts about his place in the rankings.

"Oh"

Nagi muttered, his tone bordering on indifferent as he glanced around.

"The Third Player is Rin Itoshi" 

Ego said, the words hanging heavily in the air. Rin, with his usual cool confidence, strode forward, his eyes sharp and piercing. He knew this moment was coming, but the reality of being third—just shy of the top—stung more than he cared to admit.

Rin's expression remained composed, but there was a flicker of something darker in his eyes. He had always believed he was destined to be the best, but now, standing behind two others, it was hard to mask the slight edge of frustration.

"The Second Player is Shidou Ryusei" 

Ego announced, and immediately, Shidou's wild grin appeared. He stepped forward, his demeanor as brash and cocky as ever.

"There it is, Woo hoo!" 

Shidou said, his voice a mix of confidence and mockery. His eyes scanned the room, daring anyone to challenge him.

The final moment was almost here. Ego took a breath and gave one last look at the room before he pronounced the name that everyone had been waiting for.

"And lastly" 

Ego said, his voice rich with finality, 

"The Top Player of Blue Lock is Isagi Yoichi.

That's All"

Ego outlined the upcoming selection process in detail: the Top Six players will be divided into three teams, designated as Team A, Team B, and Team C, through a pairing system. 

Following this initial grouping, the remaining 29 players will have the opportunity to choose which team they would like to join. Once they have made their selections, three players will be randomly assigned to each chosen team, ensuring that each team is composed of five members. 

However, this arrangement presents a unique challenge—one team will ultimately be short one player. To address this, an exception will be made: Yukimiya Kenyu, the seventh-ranked player, has been chosen to play in two matches.

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[A/N]: Important Question's Guys!

Hey everyone, I've got a quick question for those who use Patr3on—does it work for sharing novels? And is it actually profitable?

I've been thinking about creating more stories like the ones I've written so far, and someone in the comments suggested I start a Patr3on. It sounds interesting, but I'm not sure if it's the right move.

If you've got any experience with Patr3on or know how it works for writers, let me know! Is it worth it? Do you think it's a good way to connect with readers and get some support? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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This chapter was written a bit hastily, so if you notice any mistakes, please let me know so I can fix them right away.

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What should be done about Isagi's love interest?

——Anri

——Someone Else

——No Love Interest

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