Blue Lock React!

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/46020880.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M, Multi
Fandom: Blue Lock (Manga), Blue Lock (Anime)
Relationship: Isagi Yoichi & Everyone, Isagi Yoichi/Everyone
Character: Isagi Yoichi, Itoshi Rin, Bachira Meguru, Nagi Seishirou, Chigiri
Hyouma, Hiori You, Karasu Tabito, Otoya Eita, Barou Shouei, Mikage
Reo, Oliver Aiku, Kurona Ranze, Yukimiya Kenyuu, Ego Jinpachi, Teieri
Anri, Raichi Jingo, Gagamaru Gin, Tokimitsu Aoshi, Sendou Shuuto,
Itoshi Sae, Shidou Ryuusei, Nanase Nijirou, Kunigami Rensuke, Noel
Noa, Lavinho (Blue Lock), Chris Prince, Michael Kaiser, Alexis Ness,
Bastard München (Blue Lock), Igarashi Gurimu, Tomonari Tada, Kira
Ryousuke
Additional Tags: Everyone Loves Isagi Yoichi, Characters watch the show, Blue Lock
Manga Spoilers, Shippy Gen
Language: English
Collections: Characters react to their own series/movies, Characters
Watching/Reading/Reacting
Stats: Published: 2023-03-26 Updated: 2023-08-09 Words: 65,747 Chapters:
17/?

Blue Lock React!

by Dreamquillz

Summary

Blue Lock characters are forcefully dragged into a room to watch the development of our
favorite striker. Revelations are had. Feelings are enabled.

Inspired by Japan's Football Odyssey by orphan_account

 The Gathering
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Isagi blinked his eyes open and immediately winced as bright fluorescent light blinded him. A
momentary blankness lingered over him before he was startled into alertness by a loud shout.
Looking around he saw other members of Blue Lock coming into consciousness while a few were
already on their feet. There were members of the U-20 as well as Ego and Anri. To Isagi’s shock it
looked like there were members of Bastard München, PXG, Manshine, and Barcha. And Noel
Noa! Despite the terrifying situation the little fanboy in Isagi screamed in delight at seeing his hero
in the flesh. Like the rest of the players, it seemed like no one was injured thankfully but mostly
angry, fearful, and upset.

All of them were seated in individual navy-blue velvet accent style chairs with gold-finish legs.
The room itself was spacious with 20 foot tall white walls, gold accent cutouts, and shining white
marble floors. The amphiteather seating faced a massive black screen. It all felt like something that
Ego would renovate Blue Lock to if he stopped snubbing the sponsors.

Ego. Isagi felt anxiety whirling in chest as he tried to recall how he and the rest of the people had
gotten here. The last thing he remembered was the flashes of cameras, the screaming of crowds,
and his fellow Blue Lock members gazing in excitement at him as the world came to know of the
boy who would lead his team to victory.

Just as the din of 40 or so voices was reaching a new peak, the black screen blinked on and the
room silenced itself as the image of a beautiful woman sitting on a chair appeared. She was clearly
Japanese if her half-moon eyes, fair skin, and pink lips were to be believed. Isagi had a fleeting
thought that she looked a little like Mira from Alice in Wonderland had her shoulder-length brown
hair been black but he quickly ignored it.

The woman on the screen smiled and her eyes crinkled at the edges. “Hello everyone. It appears
that introductions are in order. You can address me as Reika with the kanji - 羚 and 力. All you
here, well, are here for my entertainment!” She pitched with a twinkling laugh. “I will be watching
you as you watch a story. A story of a legend in the making and I, my dears, will bear un-reluctant
witness to you reactions."

Isagi was speechless. The members around him were speechless as they stared at this madwoman
smiling back at them as if she had told them that the weather was beautiful. People exchanged
fearful glances and soon enough some of them geared up and asked questions as more and more
joined in.
 The sound was beginning to ricochet off the walls before a sharp, cold voice cut through the
clamor. “What do you hope to achieve with this?” Ego said, his voice absolutely frigid.

Reika huffed and pouted. “Like I said before , you are going to watch a story!! One of the greatest
football players the world has ever bore witness too. I fancy myself an artist - mind you,” she said
with an elegant twirl of her wrist, “and you know Art should be something that liberates your soul,
provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further. Or something. Anyway, I am here
to create art through people!”

Surprisingly it was Hiori who spoke up. “So how does this involve us? What does this have to do
with…football? Or the player you were talking about?” Everyone tensed up at the question. Did
she mean to torture them or throw them into a survival game to find the one player that survived?
What about the rest of them? They rose to their feet and started screaming at the woman. Many
started banging the walls and curses and shouts flew from every corner of the room.

Reika beamed. “That’s exactly it! If liberating my soul means setting my desires free, then I want
his potential to be realized! And-oh stop that for goodness sake.” She rolled her eyes and the click
of a button echoed through the room before Isagi felt his muscles tense then relax. Without his
permission his body sat softly in his chair as everyone else was forced to return to their seats.
Horror clawed its way up his throat and his heart pounded. This-this creature just forced his and
everyone’s body to move with their permission. He could see the realization and weight of the
situation dawn on everyone’s faces as they were forced to listen to it.

“As I was saying, I am going to show you the protagonist of the world. It involves all of you
because you all know. Or will know him. You’ll fight with him and against him. You will devour
or be devoured by him. My muse, masterpiece, and oeuvre. The savior - Isagi Yoichi.”

Heads whipped around to stare at him as ice flooded his veins. Isagi nearly flinched his way off the
seat as every eye in the room pinned on him. Not that he noticed them anyway as he stared into the
mad eyes of the woman smiling genially back at him.

“ What? ”

Chapter End Notes

"Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination and
encourages people to go further." - Keith Haring

I love Isagi so much and I love reading "reacting to canon!" fics for any fandom. Blue
Lock has another one which I was inspired by to write this. I hope you guys like it!
This is actually my first ever fanfic so kudos and comments appreciated! <3
 01X01 Dream_Part 1
Chapter Summary

The beginning of the story, the football players along with Ego and Anri witness the
birth of an Egoist.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

“What?” Isagi gasped. “I-I- me?”

“Him?” A voice snarled out. Rin’s normally sea-foam eyes glowed acidically as they stared at
Reika. “Why him?”

Isagi felt his body instinctively tensing up at the implication before he realized that he felt the same
way too. Quietly glancing around, he noticed that most everyone else seemed to be of the same
mind as Rin. In a program and the professional world where everyone believes that they are the
center of the world, it would be earth-shaking to be told that you are truly not the protagonist of the
story.

“Because that’s the way the world works Rin-chan” Reika giggled. Isagi winced. If they survived
this, he could guarantee that Rin would take Bachira’s head off if Bachira ever called him “Rin-
chan” again. Not that Isagi would let him hurt his best friend regardless of the circumstances.

“Some were made to be the actors and some are just the supporting cast. But that’s why I love
Isagi-chan! Isagi was only supposed to be part of the supporting cast. How did he steal the lead
role? I know all of you are thinking the same. What’s an ordinary boy doing standing on top of a
world of geniuses? You’ve played against and collapsed to your knees in the feat of greatness from
a nobody. Are you curious to see how my masterpiece did it?”

The silence was deafening. Isagi felt his palms sweat as he resolutely stared at Reika in order to
avoid meeting the eyes of everyone else in the room. He fought the urge to hunch his shoulder
from the tension.

“If you’re all done questioning my ingenious plan, we can actually get around to answering your
questions and continuing my art.” With that ominous statement Reika suddenly blinked out and
suddenly grass and the running of different feet appeared on the screen. The next second an image
of Isagi in white was rushing down the field as he single-handedly evaded multiple blockers in
green and black.
Isagi sucked in a sharp breath. Bachira who was seated next to him noticed and nudged him but
Isagi shook his head with a slight shake. This game…he would never forget this. The bitter
disappointment of losing a chance at nationals and the endless “what ifs” that plagued his mind for
months afterward would remain with him till the end of time. It was the one event that catalyzed
him into what he became today. Despite that the pain of seeing this remained.

The camera zoomed in on Isagi’s focused face. If we win this, we go to nationals!

Wait. Holy shit. Isagi’s heart started trying to escape his ribcage as he realized that his thoughts
were being broadcast. Evidently the others realized this too because all over the room players were
straightening up or focusing harder on the screen.

A board advertised ICHINAN HIGH SCHOOL

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

SAITAMA PREFECTURE FINALS

The score board showed ICHINAN VS MATSUKAZE KOKUOU

Several boys were shown shouting. “Go, Isagi!” “This is our last chance!” “We're counting
on you!”

Despite they themselves not being in the game, many players felt the tension of the fight. A high
stakes game was something they never shied away from and they wanted Isagi to win. Better the
devil you know than the one you don’t. Kunigami cocked his head. Seeing that Isagi wasn’t at
nationals, this game likely didn’t go his way.

Nationals…Nationals…Nationals. Isagi chanted the mantra.

He easily bypassed the players. They were nothing to him . I'm over here, loser! I'm gonna
score.

Nationals!
At the sight of their rival’s face many players were shocked. The overpowering villain, it was as if
they were merely ants in the face of a giant. An indomitable being. Nagi felt tendrils of excitement
rise up within him. This is what he chased the egoist for.

“Isagi!” A voice suddenly called. Isagi’s concentration was broken like a droplet hitting a still
lake. “Over here! I'm free!”

Tada? The goal was getting closer by the second. If I pass, we'll score.

“Isagi!” His coach suddenly screamed out. “Remember, it's one for all and all for one!”

That's right. Soccer's played with guys on a team.

Ego sneered at the coach’s mindset. Brainwashing and destroying talent with false promises of
team glory. Pathetic

Isagi passed the ball. All right! Now we're tied…

Despite the tense situation Bachira giggled and nudged his friend. “Look at you Isagi, you look
like L!” he whispered. Isagi blushed and nudged him back before refocusing on the screen.

The ball hit the goal post . No way!

Everyone grimaced at the poor play. This kind of thing would be ridiculed at Blue Lock and the
professional field.

“Counter!” “Push up!” Several teammates of the opposing side took control of the ball before
ending up at Kira Ryosuke’s feet.

Crap! Isagi thought. He was too far back to get there in time! “Stop them!” “Get through!”
screamed his former teammates. Kira kicked the ball into the goal and ended the match.
While the other team cheered his formed teammates collapsed under the weight of the loss.

“Sorry, guys! If only...If only I'd scored...” Tada cried. “It's not your fault, Tada.” Another
cried. Isagi merely sat on the ground breathing heavily.

The Blue Lock 20 blinked in surprise at this display. Isagi was never one to take a defeat lightly.
He would always be frustrated and motivated but this display? They glanced at him to see his
reaction but Isagi looked normal. What on earth?

The reporters swarmed Kira as he talked about his victory.

Rin rolled his eyes at the display. Such a lukewarm goal and all this celebrating for someone who
wasn’t even worth his attention. Karasu quirked his lips. Such an ordinary goal and he’s called the
“Jewel of Japan”?

Isagi’s team gathered and the coach cried about the loss with the players. Again Isagi’s calm
and bored face was shown in the midst of a crowd of snot and tears.

Chigiri was seriously going to get a whiplash associating the boy on the screen with the one in
front of him. This was the boy that snarled at him to get out of his way? No fucking way he’s
believing that bullshit. Pull the other one Kunigami!

The screen suddenly blackened into black spidery tendrils as Isagi’s final thoughts came into
being. No. We're a team that didn't make it to nationals 'cause we lost in the prefectural
qualifier.

Igarashi and Nanase shivered. This was too scary to correlate with the boy who smiled so brightly
at them and happily shared his food.

The scene changed to Isagi slowly walking home with his bike. And I'm an unknown second-
year forward on that team. That's the reality. I'm sorry, Noa-sama.

Noel Noa perked up at his name. Was this boy a fan of his?
I doubt I'll be able to become...a superstar like you.

The cumulation of Isagi’s dreams and work from childhood flickered on the screen. A couple
people smiled at the little version of the boy but most were sympathizing with him.

It looks like my dream will never be more than a dream. My idiotic dream of becoming a star
striker for the national team and winning the World Cup.

Noel Noa's face was impassive but he felt a hint of frustration at the boy’s despair. Although - he
glanced at the one seated in the middle - it seemed like something went well during the game
considering the way he played at the U-20 match.

On the screen Isagi was wrapped up in regret. But no. One for all. All for one. Soccer is
played with guys on a team. His hands clenched on the handlebars of the bike. You can't do it
alone. Suddenly he screamed.

Everyone present jumped or stiffened in unison with the little kids on the screen. Sendou stared
wide eyed at the ace of the team that beat him as he broke down. This guy. He was too different on
and off the field!

Damn it. I really wanted to win.

Isagi slouched in his seat, too embarrassed to look at anyone. The Blue Lock players were staring
fixated at the scene of their favorite rival crying. They had never seen his break like this and to be
honest they never wanted to again. The only way they wanted to see Isagi broken was by their
hands. Not by some unknown team with subpar players.

“I'm home.” Isagi said as he entered his house. “Welcome back. How did the game go?” His
mother popped out from the door frame. “We lost. I'm hungry.” He complained
nonchalantly back.

Aiku raised an eyebrow but said nothing at the way the boy responded. He was wrecked mere
minutes ago but suddenly put together again? Was this common? Or did he just have a tendency to
hide his pain?
Isagi’s parents didn’t seem too concerned.

“By the way, a letter arrived for you from the Japan Football Union.” His mom said, holding
out the letter. Isagi was shocked but his parents seemed to not realize. Why me?

Reo scoffed at his anxiously stunned face. He bypasses all those opposing players single handedly,
takes Nagi away from him, and he has the nerve to question his acceptance? He settled back into
the seat with a slight frown. Isagi was different from the person he thought he was and it was a
surprise to see him in this new light.

The setting changed to Isagi standing in front of a gate. Is this the right place ? He thought
comically.

Multiple people laughed at his cute confusion as Isagi tried to hide behind the collar of his jacket.

A familiar voice suddenly called out to Isagi on the screen. “Oh, hey, you're from Ichinan.
Isagi, right?” It was Kira Ryousuke. “You were invited, too? Figures. Good game the other
day. Do you know who I am?”

“Oh Ki-Kira-kun.” Several more people laughed at the way he shyly stuttered. “Yes, of course.
We only just lost to you the other day. I totally remember you.”

“Isagi-kun you’re really cute off the field” Hiori giggled. “Th-thanks?” Isagi blushed back. It’s
been a long time since he was complimented so openly.

Kira continued. “You've got, like, a broad perspective on the game. A high soccer IQ. If we
were on the same team, I'd bet you'd hit some amazing passes to me.”

“Uh, thank you.” Isagi frowned at his own reply. Seriously? So he’d only be good at passing to
Kira? What a backhanded compliment.

Isagi on screen was stunned. No way. For real? Kira Ryosuke is complimenting me? Isagi and
Kira made more polite conversation and continued on their way inside before freezing in
shock.

“There's a ton of guys here.” Isagi said with a disbelieving tone.

“I see some guys I recognize. Sennou's star player, Okawa. The tallest high school athlete,
Ishikari. Even Nishioka, the Messi of Aomori, is here.”

Huh? Is everyone here a forward?

“He understood the situation very quickly, ” Chigiri thought. “ Well of course he did.”

The lights dimmed and a lanky man dressed in black was standing at the center.
“Congratulations, diamonds in the rough. You are the -and-under strikers who have been
chosen according to my arbitrary and biased decision-making. And I am Ego Jinpachi, the
man hired to make sure Japan wins the World Cup.”

Murmurs erupted around the room as Isagi’s thoughts were heard again. Huh? What did he
just say? "Wins the World Cup"?

“Who is he?” Kira asked him. “Do you know him?”

“No, no clue.”

Ego continued. “Simply put, there's one thing Japanese soccer needs to become the best in
the world. It's the birth of a revolutionary striker. I'll be performing an experiment here to
turn one of you into the world's best striker. And that's what this facility is for. Blue Lock.”

Itoshi Sae peered at Isagi out of the corner of his eye. If we’re here because of this madwoman,
then that means that this boy is proof that Ego’s work came to fruition. So it appears the glimpse of
talent he had seen in the U-20 match wasn’t fake after all. The heart of Blue Lock, truly .

“Starting today, you will live here together and undergo the special top training I've devised.
You won't be allowed to go home, and you'll say goodbye to whatever soccer life you've been
living up to now. But I promise you this: If you manage to survive and beat out the other guys
here to become the last man standing, you will be the world's greatest striker. That is all. Nice
to meet you.”

What is he talking about? Isagi thought horrified.

“Um, excuse me.” Kira spoke up. “I can't agree to the conditions you just laid out. Each of us
has a team that's important to us. Some of us have nationals coming up. I can't abandon my
team to participate in some nonsensical program.”

The crowd on the screen immediately erupted. “Yeah. I've got nationals too.” “Why would
we suddenly start living together?” “Who even are you?” “We demand to speak to someone
who isn't crazy.” “I see. You're all seriously ill then.”

Isagi’s face was the only one that was calm. He placidly observed the situation around him.

Barou felt anger rising in him. Always the same fucking calm. Even in the face of crisis or
someone greater in every way than him. The way those dark flaming blue eyes stared down at him
as if he were the peasant clawed at his brain. So. Fucking. Calm.

“Lock off. Anyone who wants to leave can go. Is becoming the number one high school team
in this backwards country more important to you than becoming the world's best striker?
Just thinking that the future of Japan is in your hands makes me lose hope.” Ego sneered.

Lavinho agreed. The only way forward is the way alone. This man got it.

Huh? What?

“Listen up. The power of Japanese soccer organizations is first-rate. You could call it the
result of Japanese thoughtfulness. But in all other respects, it is undeniably second-rate. Let
me ask you this: What is soccer? Is it about guys working together? Valuing your ties to
others? Self-sacrifice? I'll tell you the answer. Soccer is about scoring more goals than your
opponent. Whoever scores the most goals is the greatest. If you just want to play friendly
games with your buddies, then lock off.”
What's with this guy? He's crazy.

Kira was enraged. “That's a terrible thing to say. Take it back.There are many athletes on
the Japanese team who I respect. They are my superstars.”

“What? The Japanese team?” Ego asked. Then he gave a horrifying smile. “But they've
never won the World Cup, have they? I'm talking about becoming the best in the world.

"Instead of assisting my teammates to win, it feels better to pull off a hat trick and lose."
These are the words of the world's greatest striker, Noel Noa, who beat Messi and Cristiano
Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or.

Noel Noa nodded at those words. It was far better to try and score alone than win and lose yourself
in the group.

Eric Cantona said, "I don't care about my team. I just want to stand out." Pelé said, "The
world's best forward, midfielder, defender, and goalkeeper. Whichever you ask about, the
answer is still me.” Well? Awful, right? But they're all top, top players! And they're all
extraordinary egoists! That's what Japanese soccer lacks. You can't become the world's best
striker unless you're the world's biggest egoist.”

The things this man is saying...

The football players startled at the dark unnatural display. Bachira perked up at it. Is this Isagi’s
version of his monster?

“I want to create that kind of person here.”

...are probably wrong.

Yet despite these words, the looming feeling of anticipation remained. “ Little hypocrite, ” Kaiser
cooed in his head, “ I’m going to enjoy seeing you burn. ”
“Someone who will stand on corpses. A solitary hero.”

Gagamaru shivered at the sight on the screen. Bozo! Your imagination is really dark!

I can't do it. After all, I haven't achieved anything.

Several Blue Lock players frowned at the self-doubt. Coming from a boy who the world was
watching, this kind of insecurity was not something they realized their rival was dealing with.

The imagery came to a football match scenario with Isagi at the center. His eyes…

“-only an insane egoist can take that sh*t without hesitation.”

Everyone in the audience shivered from excitement. This supernatural smoke flowing from Azure
eyes was overpowering! Nagi leaned forward in anticipation. This is what he had caught flashes of
during their matches. Every time it seemed like they were going to lose, this oppressive feeling
erupted from the striker and caught everyone in their midst!

“Pass through these doors. Abandon all common sense. On the field, you're the star.”

Nobody ever taught me any of this. Isagi felt hunger fill every ounce of his body.

“Nothing should bring you more joy than your own goals. Live only for that moment. Isn't
that what it means to be a striker?” Ego finished.

I am a striker! Isagi burst forward, people on both sides clearing a path for him. People
stared at him in shock.

“Isagi” Kira reached out toward his back.

Isagi’s movement in a room of stillness set off a chain reaction.

“I'll play your dumb game, shithead!” “Me too!”

A room full of strikers followed him.

Nanase shook his head at the memory. Even at a time when he and Isagi-san had not met, he had
seen Isagi-san and followed after him. It was just like Isagi-san to lead people without realizing it.
Nanase smiled. This is what he capitalized on in Team A.

“Shall we begin?”

The screen flicked off before Reika suddenly appeared on it again. Players jerked backwards on
their seat, not knowing they had been sitting on the edge of the chair in anticipation. Gruff
grumbles from embarrassment sounded around the room before it quieted.

“Sooooo? What do you think?! And oh boy this is just the very, very beginning! My pretty, pretty
muse! We’re going to have so much fun with you yet!” Reika shrieked.

Ootoya piped up. “Okay lady, we get it but we gotta go. People to see, girls to date and all that.”

“Oooh no sorry can’t let you do that” Reika chirped.

“ Why? ” Rin snarled.

“Because I’m not done! You guys are the rudest bunch I’ve ever met. Seriously it’s gonna be
useful for you too. Aren’t you looking for a challenge? My artwork here is the biggest fear you
will ever face. He’ll crush you. He’ll tear you to shreds and all you will keep coming back for
more on your fucking knees .”

“Heh.” Karasu muttered. “Well now we can’t leave after a lie like that. Mr. Ordinary here might
not be so ordinary but I sure as hell won’t take that insult lying down. You can’t do anything to us
anyway. So we won’t leave. Can we atleast contact our relatives to let them know we’re okay?”
“No need to worry about the rest of the world! I took the liberty of telling them you were on a
short leave. A couple of them had trouble believing the notes I left but then they thought the work
must’ve gotten to your heads. Workaholics and fanatics the lot of you.”

“So what now?” Gagamaru asked.

“Well you have two choices. You can take a short break or you can continue watching! It’s
entiiiitrely up to you. See? I’m so sweet and thoughtful.”

Ness gave a thin-lipped smile toward the rest of the room. “Perhaps we should take a short break?
It’s exhausting watching this pathetic creature try to crawl in front of Kaiser.”

This set off a series of vehement protests.

“Kaiser?! You-”

“Isagi isn’t-”

“You’re the pathetic-”

“I agree with the grape-”

“Ofcourse noone-”

“EVERYONE SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Raichi screamed. “LISTEN UP YOU FUCKERS! WE’RE
GONNA SIT DOWN WATCH THE REST OF THIS SHITTY SHOW RIGHT NOW. THE
WEAKLING FROM TEAM Z THAT I COULD BOWL OVER IS NOW ONE OF THE BEST?!
DON’T FUCK WITH ME!! I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS LYING DOWN. I’M GONNA
ANALYZE THE SHIT OUT OF THIS BASTARD’S VIDEO AND WIN. YOU BITCH-” he
pointed at Reika, “PLAY THE GODDAMN THING ALREADY.”

“FUCK THAT PEASANT” Barou thundered, “ISAGI I’M GOING TO DEVOUR YOU AND IF I
HAVE TO DO IT BY WATCHING EVERY SECOND OF YOUR LIFE THEN THAT WHAT
I’M GONNA DO! PLAY IT NOW”

“I want to see what’s so good about him too” Reo said. “I want to continue watching.”

“Yeah! Play the video!” “Continue!” and other words of encouragement rang out across the room.

Bachira leaned over onto Isagi’s shoulder a chirped. “Well, well, look at you striker. Aren’t you
popular?”

“No..I’m just” Isagi started before Bachira interrupted again.

“But you know. I want to know more about you too. I’m gonna beat you after all~”

“ You’re on monster ”

“Looks like everyone’s decided! Have it your way then” Reika chirped before her face went black
again. The people in the room settled back into their chairs, glaring at what’s yet to come.

Tada Tomonari clicked the refresh button on his phone for the 10th time as he sat on a stone bench
in front of the artificial river. Around him kids, girls, boys, and even adults were bemoaning the
pause of the Blue Lock program. There was no hair or hide seen of any of the Blue Lock members
of the famous sports teams that reportedly meeting said members. He may not be the smartest tool
in the shed, but Tada knew there was something else going on. Tada had been with Isagi from
elementary, to middle, and through highschool before they parted ways because of the program.
Isagi wasn’t one to disappear of the face of the Earth. “A temporary leave of absence for mental
reasons?” That announcement was an outright lie.

He refreshed one more time but the screen still remained black with a white blue lock symbol in
the center circling repeatedly. He gave up and looked towards the sky. Well there was no use
trying anymore right now. As he got up he noticed a familiar head of light blond hair.
“You-you’re Kira Ryosuke!” He called out, rushing toward the former jewel of japan. “Hi! I’m
Tada Tomonari!”

Kira smiled and raised his eyebrows. “Hi there. What’s up? Want my autograph?”

“Yes! Please” Tada quickly added on, ripping out a sheet of paper from math notebook and
handing it over. So freaking embarrassing but this was Kira Ryosuke! He was in a hurry!

“I don’t know if you remember me but my team and I played against you. At the Prefractural
Finals.”

“Oh?” Kira hummed, penning out his signature.

“Yeah! Actually Isagi was on my team? Do you know him?”

The pen froze against the paper creating a dot of ink. “Isagi Yoichi?”

“Yeah he’s in that Blue Lock program now. Actually did you see that U-20 match? Mannn he was
so lucky, you know? The ball just flew to him. How lucky is that?! Anyway I can’t believe the
program just froze. After all the professionals joined too. But wanna hear something cool? I think
they actually moved locations.”

Kira handed the paper back to Tada with a tight smile. “Why do you think that?”

“Oh you know there was a bit of construction for a new mall on Block 420 but then they stopped.
It’s just empty space and greenery there. So I think they were planning on building a new location
for Blue Lock but then tore it down because of the government’s protect wildlife act. They
probably moved somewhere else because Blue Lock has been really quiet lately.”

“Is that so?” A cold glint entered pale Peach eyes. “Thanks for letting me Tada- Tada right?”

“Yeah!! Woah it was so cool to meet you!”

 “Hahaha yeah, see you later Tada.” Kira brushed past him and continued down the road. The smile
was wiped off his face. Looks like I have a little exploring to do. If I can’t get an opportunity, I will
make one. Wait for me Isagi. I’m going to tear you down from that pedestal and reclaim my crown
.

Chapter End Notes

Thank you guys so much for your kudos and comments!!! It's really makes me thrilled
that you guys like it and want to read more. It also gives me ideas on what to write
about next. Love you all!!
 01X01 Dream_Part 2
Chapter Summary

The end of the beginning.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

The screen changed from Reika’s face to a line of buses climbing the mountain to Blue Lock.

“Nowhere in the world is the soccer more intense than it is at Blue Lock.”

Igarushi snorted. “Understatement of the century. Amen.”

Isagi walked down the grey hallway looking at his packaged uniform. I'm 299Z, so I guess I'm
in Room Z.

He stopped in front of the Room Z door. Oh, here it is.

As he enters, several people already dressed in their uniform glare at him harshly. Another
opponent for them to deal with.

In the room of menacing stares a kind voice calls out to him. “Isagi-kun.”

Kira approaches him with a welcoming smile. “I'm so glad I'm sharing a room with someone
I know.”

Isagi’s eyes curve in relief and delight. “Kira-kun. I'm relieved, too.”

There’s the rustle of clothing before a shirt that’s bigger than probably half his body
envelopes his head. “Oh, my bad.” A new voice says.
Isagi pulls off the clothes covering his face to look at the speaker. A half-dressed massive,
muscular ginger is staring at him. “Threw my clothes too hard.”

Isagi comically deadpans back to the laughter of the viewing audience. “It's totally fine.
Here.”

“Watch where you're walking.” the ginger suddenly says.

“Huh?” Isagi drops both the shirt and his phone in shock at seeing a boy sleeping peacefully
on the floor with his thumb in his mouth.

The bicolor-haired mutters, “Hey, Zico. Pass. Pass the ball, Zico.”

Isagi was thoroughly weirded out. What the heck is he dreaming about?

Every member of Blue Lock was completely unsurprised by Bachira’s entrance in comparison to
the other footballers ogling at his strange behavior. A few of them actually suspected that if
Bachira was shown to have been doing something normal, then they would have been the ones
weirded out.

As Isagi finishes dressing he hears a person talking to Kira. “Are you the Kira Ryosuke?
Wow, it's really you.”

“Uh, thanks.” Kira awkwardly mubbles back.

The monk-looking boy turns to face Isagi. “Nice to meet you. My name's Igarashi Gurimu.
Oh, nice to meet you. My family runs a temple, but I really don't want to take over the family
business. So when I heard all that earlier, I couldn't stop shaking. I felt like this is my chance
to change my life.”

“Idiot. Noone cares about your life story.” Raichi grunted.

“Shut up! Noone even cares about you! You’re so unimpressive Isagi probably didn’t even
remember seeing you!” Isgarushi leapt out of his seat and howled.

“HUH?! YOU FUCKER! IF ISAGI HADN’T-”

“BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP THAT PART HASN’T HAPPENED YET!” Chigiri suddenly
interrupted.

The two of them huffed and sat back down.

Isagi’s eyesight zoomed in on Igarashi’s number while he was talking.

“Never distracted huh?” Someone muttered.

Ego’s face suddenly appeared on a screen. “Have you finished changing, diamonds in the
rough?” Everyone shifted to face him. “Hello, there. The guys you're sharing your rooms
with are both your roommates and rivals who will help you improve. Your abilities have been
quantified and ranked by me according to my arbitrary and biased decision-making. That's
what the numbers on your uniforms represent. You can tell at a glance what your rank out of
300 is.”

Isagi whipped his arm up to look at his number again. Everyone leaned forward at the dark
look on his face. Wait, 299th? Crap, I'm so low.

“Your rank can change based on the results of your training or matches. And the top five
players will unconditionally get to play in the tournament being held six months from now.
They'll be registered as forwards for the U- World Cup.”

The U- Japanese team?

“Additionally, anyone who loses at Blue Lock will never get to play for Japan.”

Several faces panicked at that. What?

“What you need to gain here is ego. I'll be testing you now to measure that. So it's time to
play tag.”

“You have 136 seconds.” A ceiling panel opened up behind Chigiri and a brown-haired boy.

“Whoever's struck by the ball is ‘it’. Whoever's ‘it’ the moment time runs out will be locked
off.”

Huh? What?

“Also, no using your hands.”

Ego’s face disappeared before a cartoonish image of Igarashi appeared with the timer
instantly counting down from 2:15 .

“What?” Igurashi startled.

“What? This isn't soccer.” Raichi said uneasily.

“I'm ‘it’ first because I'm ranked the lowest? Fine, let's do this. No hard feelings.” Igarashi
said with a foot on the ball.

Was that courage of desperation? Isagi wondered looking back at this event.

“Hey, wait.” The previously shown brown haired boy called out. “You actually believe what
he said?”

“What if he was for real?!” Igarashi yelled back. “I'm doing this. If I lose, I'll be a temple
monk for the rest of my life.”
Isagi recalled Ego’s words. Anyone who loses here will never be able to play for Japan.

Igarashi started running to the players in the corner. “Hey, stay away from me!” One of
them yelled.

“Sorry, Isagi-kun!” Igarashi yelled with a menacing grin on his face.

“What?” Isagi yelped.

“Amen!” The monk-boy yelled before kicking the ball at Isagi. Everyone in the corner darted
away and Isagi cleanly dodged the ball with a neat jump.

“Crap!”

Kira and Isagi joined together again. “This is ridiculous.” Kira said disapprovingly. “I'm
here so I can prove him wrong!”

Igarashi again kicked the ball but missed another two players.

“Man I forgot how bad you sucked at this, Igarashi.” Gagamaru muttered. Everyone present agreed
with the statement silently.

“Should’ve just become a monk.” Ootoya commented before ignoring Igarashi’s responding yell.

“Don't screw with me!” On screen Raichi growled at him.

“This is definitely wrong.” Kira said defiantly. He narrowed his eyes. “I won't let him ruin
my future.”

“Damn it. I can't hit anyone.” Igarashi yelled following after the ball. It rolled to a stop in
front of the boy sleeping on the floor. Igarashi stared and then grinned. “He's still asleep.
Gotcha!”

He took a step forward. The next second a pair of hands slammed on the ground and the
sleeping boy smashed a heel so hard into Igarashi’s face that blood went flying.

Isagi’s face was horrified.

“Hey, that's a foul!” Igarashi yelled while covering his dripping nose. “If this were a game,
that'd be a red card.” He screamed at an uncaring boy.

Bachira sleepily rubbed his eyes. “Only handballs are against the rules, right? Morning.” He
said calmly.

What's with this guy? Isagi thought.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA! Did I surprise you Isagi?” Bachira laughed at his best friend.

“Who wouldn’t be surprised?” Isagi quipped back.

A hand landed on Bachira’s shoulder. “Hey, I'm not a fan of dirty play. Play fair.”

“Mr. Hero coming to save the day!” Chigiri and Isagi grinned at Kunigami.

“Mr. Strait-Laced, huh?” Bachira side eyed.

A ball suddenly smashed into the side of Kunigami’s face. “You left yourself open. Amen.”
Igarashi exclaimed cheerfully with his foot still held out.

“Dude, you’re literally the worst.” Sendou scowled.

“Like actually a trash human being.” Akira Endoji rolled his eyes.

“No I’m not and who are you anyway star eyes?! Sorry, Kunigami, no hard feelings.”

Kunigami’s veins bulged and music started playing. “Bastard.”

Shidou shifted excitedly in his seat. Finally things were starting to pick up.

“I'll destroy you.” Kunigami growled gearing up to smack the ball back into Igarashi’s face.

Igarashi locked his arms around Isagi “Here!”

“DUDE!” Blue Lock players around the room screamed. Isagi might be a rival, but he was their
rival that only they were going to defeat on their terms. Especially after the way he crushed their
dreams.

“Hey!” Isagi cried out on the screen.

The sound of the kick was so loud it thundered like an explosive going off. The streak of light
following its trajectory, anyone and their mothers could tell it was strong kick.

Iagraushi had a finger in Isagi’s mouth. “Don't…” Isagi began when the ball smashed into
him. The strength behind it so strong that rings of smoke were seen. Isagi’s spit went flying
as his eyes widened to the point the blood vessels in them bulged.

“Amen.” Igarashi prayed with one hand.

“Isagi!”

“Oh goD ISAGI-”

“WHO THE HELL ARE YOU PRAYING FOR YOU STUPID BASTARD?!”

“BAD MONK! MONK OF MISFORTUNE! THANK GOD YOU DIDN’T ACTUALLY END UP
ONE OR ELSE EVERYONE WOULD’VE BEEN CURSED!”

“Isagi-kun?!” Kira cried out.

Kunigami showed instant regret. “Oh, sorry. Wrong person.”

The electronic screen updated to Isagi’s picture.

Isagi coughed uncontrollably. He couldn’t catch his breath after the force of behind that ball.
His stomach ached in unbearable pain but he couldn’t afford to pay attention to that. Ignore it.
Ignore. It. IgnoreIt. IGNOREIT-

Crap. If I don't hit someone, my soccer career will be over in a minute. I don't want things to
end here.

Everyone from the Blue Lock players, the U-20, the football teams, to even Ego and Anri curled
their fists at the view of him. The dark determination sent shivers down their spines as they took in
the half-mad look on his face.

Isagi kicked the ball and a long haired boy barely managed to escape. “Safe!”

Isagi snarled in his mind. They're so athletic. I'll have to aim carefully if I want to hit anyone.

Azure glowed a supernatural blue as Isagi whirled his head to look behind him.

The members instantly felt the feeling of a predator hunting them as they made eye contact with
the eyes of their rival on the screen.
I should go after someone ranked lower than me. Isagi thought looking at Igarashi. The boy
caught on. “Can't catch me!”

Darkness enveloped the sceen as Isagi’s haunted voice sounded through everyone’s ears. Is
my fate really going to be decided by this game? The timer kept counting down. Crap, this is
really bad. No. I don't want to lose. I don't want things to end. I'll do anything. I just want to
win. Isagi howled.

Kaiser viciously grinned. Twisted! How twisted little egoist! A calm child but in the face of your
football, you’ll just destroy everyone without a care for morals, won’t you!

I want to keep playing soccer! I don't want my dream to end!

The animalistic look on Isagi’s face had almost everyone on their feet. Their fight or flight instincts
activated, the feeling of desperate madness oppressive.

A bright laugh broke through. Bachira giggled delightedly as he clung onto Kunigami’s back.
“You little shit! Get off of me!” Kunigami fruitless tried to pry him off.

“Here's your chance.” Bachira sweetly called out oblivious to Kunigami’s struggles. Isagi
stopped running to listen to him. Kunigami finally got a hold of the little monkey and threw
him off. Bachira flew and landed on Igarashi, completely unbothered.

“Ow.” Igarashi said and then seemed to realize that he wasn’t able to get up.

Isagi slowly prowled toward him with the ball

“Oh, shit. Wait, timeout. Hey, wait. Stay back. Stay away from me. I don't want this to end
here.” Igarashi begged at him.

A bead of sweat slipped from Isagi’s hair and onto the floor. A ringing echoed around the
viewing as Isagi’s thought filtered in from the hidden speakers.
I can win. I can survive.

“Please... Don't do it.” Igarashi continued begging from the floor. Struggling to get up.

-But this guy's soccer career would end.

The timer dropped to 00:20 as Isagi placed a foot on the ball.

No, I have to do it . Players gasped in shock or tensed their bodies as unnatural blue flames burst
into existence on his foot. What was that? Is this…Isagi's power? That's how things work here. If
there are winners, there must also be losers.

Isagi balanced on a foot and pulled the other to kick the ball at Igarashi and end this once
and for all.

Making my dream come true means ending someone else's. Blue flames enveloped his entire
being.

Everyone’s bodies were tight as a string about to snap. A good majority felt their heart squeeze in
painful anxiety as they witnessed the birth of the monster in front of them. A few like Itoshi Sae
and Shidou Ryousei felt fire coursing through their blood at the sight. Noel Noa’s eyes widened.
This is the light. If it’s you then maybe…

The screen blacked out.

A beat. Then the room exploded in enraged screams after nothing happened for several seconds
before hazy light entered to the sight of a foot on a ball.

Silence echoed as two figures bathed in white were shown again. Igarashi still cowering on the
ground but Isagi…

“Huh?” Igarashi fearfully blinked.

“That's not right.” Isagi whispered. The flashback of the failed Ichinan goal played before
returning to the present.

“If I don't change, I'll still be the same person.” Mutiple Blue Lock members watching stared
anxiously in quiet awe as he continued. “I came here to change my life. I came here to become
the best in the world.”

The ghostly flames erupted from his eyes and surrounded him completely as he turned away
from the 300th ranked and towards the rest of them with the ball.

“Unless I beat someone stronger than me, nothing will change!”

“I like you.” Bachira said pointing at him. Isagi blinked at him, caught off guard.

“You're right. If you're gonna beat someone…” Bachira darted forward and stole the ball
with a burst of speed. “It should be the strongest one here.”

Huh?

The screen changed again from Isagi’s caricature to Bachira and the timer hit 00:11 .

“Me?” Kira cried as he ran away.

Bachira’s face grew maniacal. He hit the ball at Kira who barely jumped in time. Time
seemed to slow as Bachira pulled his foot and swung it at Kira’s head, missing it by
centimeters.

The timer hit 00:06 and Kira panted as he ran away from the madman. Sweat dripping
copiously off his handsome face. Bachira kicked the ball in a slow handstand as time began to
try to stop again.
The voice of stranger rang out clearly in the quiet room.

“Someone once said: ‘In the world of soccer -

The ball arced high over Kira’s head

- you can train first-rate goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders, but strikers are different. -

00:03

- A first-rate striker will find where the soccer is most intense…

Isagi’s pupils swirled in a chaotic mess of black. Unseeing in everything but the truth of the
moment. They caught on unholy fire.

“The strongest guy…” Isagi whispered.

“Boom!”

Split second then time sped again up. The top of Isagi’s foot ploughed the ball straight into
Kira’s face. Blood burst from his nose as he collapsed under the force of the kick just as the
timer hit 00:00 .

The Buzzer rang.

...and suddenly appear there." The voice finished.

The scene exited to show a beautiful woman once again.

“So.” Reika said gleefully. Reveling in the looks of stunned awe, respect, and reverence. “What
 say you?”

Chapter End Notes

Your guys' comment and kudos mean the world to me! It gives me sooo much
motivation.
 Hidden Potential Uncovered
Chapter Summary

A look into could've beens from the spin offs

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

For a moment no one spoke. Still trying to process the phenomena they had just been an accidental
witness to. As one they whipped their heads around to stare at Isagi, questions bubbling from their
mouth uncontrollably. Voices overlapped and the room descended into a cacophony as strikers,
midfielders, forwards, defenders, and goalies all tried to outcompete each other in being heard.
Isagi shrank back into his chair as people crowded around him.

A vein in Reika’s forehead pulsed as everyone loomed over the small, curled up figure her beloved
composition had become. The edges of her red-stained lips curved down.

“Sit. Down. Or. Else.” She breathed. The voice was quiet but the imminent danger behind it was
not.

The players returned to their seats immediately. There was no way they were risking testing this
psycho bitch. Chigiri scooted his chair over to Isagi’s.

“Isagi!! What was that! Those blue flames? It just-it just completely took over you. You looked
like you were gone when you hit that ball at Kira. Your eyes where blank but focused? What on
earth was even happening?”

The rest of the room watched him closely, listening for his answer.

“It’s-um-it’s kinda hard to explain. It happened a lot back then before I got better, but I guess it’s
my version of Bachira’s monster? Sometimes when I played I would get this feeling calling out to
me. Instinct. I think.” Isagi frowned, eyes glazing over in dark thought. “It consumed me and with
it I could smell the scent of the goal. It showed me the way to victory. It’s never been wrong.”

“That…doesn’t explain anything?” Igarashi squeaked.

“No-I mean-”

“Locked desire.” For the first time since being forced into this dreadful room with a woman as bad
as himself, Ego spoke up.

Isagi cocked his head as the rest of the room turned to look at Ego who was staring straight into
Reika’s glimmering amber.

“Huh?”

“A striker burning with talent, you outshown each and every one of your peers. A playing style that
dragged in everyone - you weren’t simply a ‘strong player’ as they put it, egoist. You were a
whirlpool. You dominated the field on a level the others couldn’t begin to comprehend. Your peers
were too young to understand the depth of your talent and your mentors were too foolish to realize
it. They trapped a savage lion in a glass dome and commanded it to stop growing. But the lion
can’t stop. They may have broken its bones to make it fit in the dome but its vicious nature lurks
underneath, lying in wait for its freedom. The way those flames erupted. The way you
unconsiously sought out the strongest when you could have easily taken out the weak. The way
hunger burns in your eyes at the thought of scoring a goal. The glass is cracking.”

Reika let out a single laugh.

“Ha. HahahaHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!!! ”

The sound of her laugh would’ve been melodious if not for the unhinged tone poisoning it. The
speakers boomed her insanity around the glamorous room, engulfing them all in a thick blanket of
fear. It reminded them once again that despite the comfortable treatment, they were still at the
mercy of a lunatic. Reo felt a bead of sweat sliding down the side of his face as his heart screamed
at him to find an exit.

“That’s right~ ” She sang. “You know all about it, don’t you Ego-san? The countless videos you
watched of little Isagi-chan, he’s your pick!”

Rin was on his feet in an instant. “What are you talking about? Blue Lock was created for me. The
U-20 team is created because of me. Isagi was chosen for me. He’s - goddamn it - he’s good but
his skills were all for me to use. Me. Mine.”
Several people glared at those words. Isagi was Not. Rin’s .

To use, ofcourse.

“Rin! Oh gosh you have nooooo idea what Isagi could’ve been!! None of you do! But you know
what? I’ll let you see it for yourself. After all, a picture’s worth a thousand words~”

Reika clicked a button and her face disappeared. Instead it was replaced with younger version of
Isagi.

Chigiri and Bachira squealed in delight. “Tiny Isagi!!!”

Isagi blushed in embarrassment at everyone seeing himself as a kid.

Isagi on the screen looked to be about 8 years ago. He sat seiza with pudgy hands curled into
little fists on his thighs. Big blue eyes shined in veneration as they watched a young Noel Noa
score goals on the TV without changing his expression.

“So cool……!” His awed voice gasped.

Multiple players felt their hearts melt at the sight. Anri smiled and clutched her notebook to her
chest as her heart burst in affection.

Isagi couldn’t take his eyes off the brilliant play, staring fixatedly at his new hero answering
interview questions.

Noel Noa answered a question about scoring to which the interviewer asked, “Ohh! Can I…
take that as a declaration that you want to become the world’s best striker and aim for the
World Cup!?”
“......Winning isn’t the only thing in soccer. Of course I want to win the World Cup, but I
want to feel everything about soccer. Like for example……”

The audience listened to baby Isagi’s thoughts as they watched his cute face. On screen, Isagi’s
inner narration continues.

He knew he would never forget the line that follows until he dies.

“Instead of assisting my teammates to win by 1-0, it feels better to pull off a hat trick and lose
3-4. You can't sell that kind of emotion anywhere, can you?”

How thrilling! An electric shock ran through Isagi's body. This person knows why I love
soccer!

Chris Prince raised an eyebrow at those words, cracking his neck back to hear what the world’s
number 1’s have in common.

When Isagi saw soccer for the first time. It wasn't just the feelings of "how cool" and "how
awesome" it is that deeply moved him. More than that, he found it "beautiful." Soccer is a
team game, 11 players against 11, and it is also an individual game. There are also the
surrounding spectators, the stadium, the show and the battle for life. He wants to be that
striker, the one at the center of it all.

“...wow Isagi-kun.” Hiori breathed out quietly into the silence of the room. “That kind’o
thinkin’...y’er a real natural for this kinda excitin’ life. You were only ‘bout eight years old but ya
wanted a life of blood, battle, and the thrill of livin’ in a world that almost everyone else would’a
run from. You know, most football obsessed kids y’er age would just want to play the game or
have fun with the ball but you…y’er amazing Isagi-san!”

“Thanks Hiori” Isagi answered back with mixed emotions.

Little Isagi’s thoughts continued on screen. I want to be a striker like Noel Noa……! Noel Noa
is trying to reach the top of the soccer world. Me too……! I'm going to be just like Noel Noa!
Noel Noa was outwardly impassive. Even at his level there were few that could understand the
meaning of his words. After that particular interview his PR team had been all over his case for
uttering such an egotistical, nonsensical statement. They had let him go soon since he had won the
game after all, but they heavily suggested to keep such words to himself in the future.
Unbeknownst to all Noel Noa’s gold eyes glowed slightly as he watched a little Isagi on the screen
grow by himself.

It is said that the fastest way to improve not only in soccer but in other sports is to imitate the
pros. Although no one taught him, Isagi imitated Noel Noa's every move. He watched his
videos, analyzed them, and recorded them in a notebook.

That’s so much determination and passion . Nagi's eyes greedily soaked up the view of little Isagi.
Ahhh I wish I had my phone. Maybe Reo can bribe the crazy lady later for these videos.

He spent every day practicing, filling his mind with Noel Noa's soccer.

One day, I will represent Japan and score a goal in the World Cup Finals! I want to be Noel
Noa.

Isagi became stronger and better. He was fearless in running into his opponents, as if he had
never been a crybaby. In elementary school, he scored a goal beating five opponents in a row.
In junior high school, he became known as the unbeatable striker in his hometown in
Saitama.

The air around Barou crackled with bloodlust. I want to play him. The way he moves so easily it's
like a snake sliding through the grass. No. He’s like Itoshi Sae during that final goal during the U-
20 match! No one can stop him at all. He’s made a joke out of all of them. If I had been there I
could’ve played…

Seeing the monstrous growth of the child, Noel Noa knew. He didn’t even realize he had been
yearning for a partner until he saw the boy. I’ve lived and dominated as the king of the field. He’ll
be the one to bring light to the world of football after my years of bored solitary .

The video flashed forward through time and Isagi arrived at his local soccer powerhouse,
Ichinan High School. He stepped through the door to the club room.
There were already some students who seemed to be new members. The club was strong and
historic, with old certificates and cups adorning the lockers and the club's motto written in
brush strokes on the largest wall. Looking at the yellowed club motto, which he does not
know how long it has been on the wall, a tiny sense of discomfort sprouts in Isagi's heart.

<One for all, all for one.>

<One difficulty after another. There is no wall that we cannot overcome if we all work
together.>

“No…” Bachira breath quickened in panic. “Isagi, no. Don’t listen to it.”

“Bachira,” Isagi smiled sadly back. “This already happened.”

Isagi felt the same ominous feeling Bachira had felt. Something’s wrong, isn’t it……?

One for all, all for one. It means each one should act for the sake of others, and the others
should act for the sake of each one. Sounds good, but isn't the game far more from that ideal?
The soccer that made his heart fired up was even more cruel. The striker who single-
handedly broke through that cruel world was beautiful.

“Yes..” Sendou agreed subconsciously before turning a brilliant beet-red at what he had just said.

“You’re Isagi Yoichi-kun, right?”

Someone suddenly tapped his shoulder and when he turned around, he saw a tall student
who also seemed to be a new club member.

“Huh? Yeah, but……”

“Whoa, that’s awesome! I’m Tada Tomonari! I’m a forward too! I've seen you at a
competition before, Isagi! You were really good! I'm so lucky to be on the same team with
you!”

“No, it’s nothing…… Ha ha.”

When he meets someone for the first time and they come onto him like that, he gets a little
startled.

“Hey, everyone! It’s Isagi-kun!”

Tada called out everyone.

“It’s really him! It’s Isagi Yoichi!”

“I've won a regional tournament once!”

The fellow first-year students gathered around. They all seemed to be cheerful and nice.
Thanks to Tada, the mood maker, the nervous first-year students quickly became
comfortable with each other.

“Isagi-kun’s play is completely unlike any junior high student, it was insane~”

The Blue Lock members and the U-20 team beamed in pride at the praise for the striker they had
reluctantly grown to like and appreciate.

“That’s right, Isagi’s the best!” Bachira cheered happily, bouncing on his seat.

“And they know it too” Kunigami tiredly smiled.

“Bachira, Kunigami stop!” Isagi exclaimed, face flaming.

“No, he’s right Isagi” Yukimiya surprisingly added. “You’re skills and the way you play is really
extraordinary.”

“No-”

“Your vision is on par with mine” Nico interrupted. “But I’ll become better. I have to repay you for
what you did to me.”

“Wait and watch, I’ll surpass you even more” Isagi instinctively shot back grinning.

The mood of the audience darkened when they saw what was happening next.

“Uhm, Tada-kun… don’t you think there’s something wrong with this?” Past-Isagi said
pointing at the motto.

“Why?” Tada looks at him in amazement.

“Well, in soccer, it feels good because you can beat your opponents and score goals by
yourself, right? That’s the joy of being a striker. It's not about joining forces, but about the
power of each individual striker… I guess.”

Ego nodded with a large slurp of Yakisoba.

The sound had everyone whirling to look at him.

“Hey! Where did you get the noodles?!” Igarashi yelled.

“Reward.”

“What about us?!”

“You’re too stupid.”

“YOU-” Rachi smashed a hand over Igarashi’s mouth and shoved him back when the scene
continued playing.

“Huh? You can't play soccer by yourself.” Tada laughed. “Soccer is a sport played by eleven
people! My goal is a team play that represents the bond of those eleven people! One for all,
all for one!” He wrapped an arm around Isagi’s shoulders. “Let's all join forces and go to the
Nationals!"

“Yeah!” The rest of the club cheered.

Huh? Am I the only one who thinks that this is ridiculous? Isagi couldn't say anything more.

“NOOO ISAGI YOU’RE RIIIGHT!”

“Bachira. Again.”

Shortly after joining the club, Isagi was convinced. Ichinan High School’s soccer philosophy
is far from his ideal. The coach was friendly, compassionate, and nice. However, their
practice to build up the game by passing the ball around is honestly boring. The coach's
emphasis is not on power and speed, but on their combination with their fellow teammates. It
was about teamwork, keeping the ball in play with sharp passes while getting close to the
goal.

“Nice pass!!”

“Isagi, nice timing on your passes!! ”

Rin frowned. The team in all honesty was below lukewarm. Subpar. This is what Isagi had been
straddled with? If it were him, people would’ve been busy trying to hold him back from strangling
the others for their lukewarm plays.
The older Itoshi’s thoughts reflected Rin’s. What could’ve been…the team plays Isagi was making
were good but his individual ability was phenomenal. If only he had been a little older-

Isagi responded with a smile, but every time his fellow teammates compliment him, he
wonders, "Is this what I should be doing?” No matter how many good passes he made, he
never felt like he’s getting closer to his dream.

Am I… really sure this is what I want?

Being talented, Isagi who practices eagerly, received a uniform number even though he was
only a freshman, and began to participate in practice games. But even in the matches, he is
not asked to be a striker. They’re winning games, and he doesn't mean to complain, but
still…

Barou’s hands clench and his veins bulge. COMPLAIN DAMNIT

One day at the end of a practice. Isagi had the courage of a lifetime. On a whim, he decided to
tell the coach what he thought. Looking at the back of the coach who was about to leave, he
said, "Uhm! Excuse me!"

“Hm? What’s wrong, Isagi?”

Seeing the quiet and obedient Isagi talk to the coach, his other teammates who were about to
leave also stopped.

“Uhm… I want to go for the next game, as a striker, I'd like to shoot more if possible.…”

This was all Isagi could muster.

“Hahaha! You want to show off?”

The temperature of the room dropped several degrees. Every member present felt a visceral hatred
rising up within them. The Fucking. Nerve. Of this piece of shit .
The coach laughed out loud, and his teammates laughed out loud as well.

“Up until now, You could have won matches with your individual skills, but high school isn’t
a piece of cake. First of all, thoroughly practice team play. We win together, and become
stronger together! If you do that, then you'll have double the joy! And half the sorrow!
That’s what Ichinan soccer is!”

The coach went on and on about the importance of the team and strongly hoped that Isagi
would contribute to it. “Ichinan is a team that aims to participate in the Nationals with all
eleven! Don't think soccer can be won by one person alone!”

Turning red from embarrassment, He bows his head.

“Don’t fucking. Look. Down. Peasant.” Barou grinded out.

Ichinan's soccer is to win through team play. And that may be the Japanese way of playing
soccer.

“I'm sure you know what I mean. Isagi, I'm counting on you!”

From that day on, Isagi’s desire for the pleasant sensation of shooting… his ego has been
sealed.

Anri lips pressed tightly together in regret and anger.

After all, everyone has no doubt about it. So I, too, will believe what the coach says.

Mild-mannered and earnest, it could be said that this choice is just typical of Isagi. He has an
unreasonably high cooperativeness and has a strong desire to take care of his teammates.
He's in his teens, so he doesn't want to be conspicuous in a bad way, and he has always been
timid, so he is afraid of being disliked for being assertive. Soccer changed Isagi, and soccer
changed him again. The confidence he had when he was an unbeatable junior high school
striker in his hometown in Saitama, as if he was the center of the world, rapidly disappeared.

Kurona went cat-eyed. He had the misfortune of never being on a team with Isagi so far. He had to
stew in quiet envy as others talked about the time they spent with Isagi while they took breaks
preparing for the U-20 match. A common theme they seemed to share was their obsessive love for
Isagi when he went wild. The overflowing confidence as he crushed his opponents and the way he
trash-talked his teammates so hard they upped their entire game several levels to escape from
hearing something like that again. Thankfully, Blue Lock kept a record of all games ever played in
the building. Since Kurona was an avid watcher of soccer, he took the liberty of watching Isagi’s
old games. He internally sighed thinking about Isagi’s 3v3 game with Nagi and Barou. I want him
to look at me like that too .

Aiku said nothing but coldly watched the transformation. The thrill he had felt playing against Isagi
during the U-20 game was something he had been missing for a long time. The fiery comebacks,
the bold plays, the brilliant ending. All of it. And now he’s being told that Isagi was suppressed by
mediocre teammates and cheap platitudes?

Kazuma Niou crossed his arms. Ichinan High School right? Maybe he should pay a friendly visit.
Looking at the face of his owner, it didn’t look like he would mind. Not at all.

He was supposed to have taken the first step with the grand dream of "becoming the world’s
best striker and winning the World Cup". It's not that he doesn't feel the passion. But as if to
stifle it, he puts out the fire.

“Nice pass, Isagi!”

“Isagi, nice timing on the pass!”

When he hears these words, he feels he has no choice but to continue to play this game of
soccer. His daily life could also only be described as typical of Isagi. Like, for example…….

“Which girl is your type, Isagi?”

On the way home from club activities. Tada shows him a video of an idol group and asks him.
The atmosphere became one of expectant suspense as players shifted forward to learn the answer.

He said, "I knew it, it has to be this girl in the center! Right?"

“He didn’t even say anything!” Someone grumbles before he’s quickly hushed by multiple others.

I honestly don’t care Isagi thought but obviously he couldn’t say that. Besides, Isagi's type of
the opposite sex is someone with a nice smile who laughs a lot. Tada's idol of choice is the
expressionless tsundere type, so she was definitely off Isagi’s marks. But then.

“ISAGI! LIKE ME!” Bachira shrieked in excitement. “Like me right?! Do you like my smile
Isagi!!”

“Shut up you buzzing bee!” Rin snapped. No one else decided to say anything more because of the
look on Rin’s face. No one except Shidou ofcourse.

“Ohhhh seems like we would get along great Isagi! Wanna play a game this weekend?” Shidou
exclaimed, leaning in a little too close to Isagi’s face.

Isagi wanted to play a game with Shidou because he was an excellent player but at the same time it
was Shidou. Something was almost always guaranteed to go wrong. Thankfully Rin decided to
make the decision for him. By lunging at Shidou.

“Stop! Stop it you two!” Chigiri cried trying to hold back Rin along with Isagi.

“What’s wrong under-eyelashes?! Sad you’re not little Isagi’s type?” Shidou cackled with an arm
around Hiori and Nanase. Rin redoubled his efforts to reach the chortling boy.

“Sit down or I’ll turn on the anti-riot system.” Ego said calmly, opening his second bowl of
Yakisoba.

“Can he do that?” A voice murmured.

“I don’t know. Probably, what the fuck.” Another responded.

“Ah, I like her too~♡”

“I know right!”

When his friends get excited, Isagi would say something like this.

“Uh, yeah… me too.”

Well, he doesn’t dislike them.

“As expected! Even Isagi is also into this!”

“Yeah…”

“Then, do you wanna go to a show with me next time?”

“......Sure?”

“Nice! Let’s go with everyone!”

“Yeahhhh!”

The Ichinan Soccer Club is in high spirits.

“Ye– yeah…?”
He just goes with the flow. With everything going like this, he discreetly cancels his
reservation for a song that conflicts with Tada's. When he was invited for ramen after club
activities, he would say "I already ate it yesterday, but it's okay..." and so they go together.
And at the ramen restaurant, he fills everyone's cups with water. Of course, he would also
refill them too. Kind and considerate, he is one of the most important members of the Ichinan
Soccer Club. Before he knew it, Isagi, who values harmony, became one of them.

“Isagi.” Chigiri said grabbing his hands.

“Y-Yes?” Isagi asked trying not rip his hands back.

“If you ever like something just tell us. Anything you like. You don’t have to agree with us like
you do with them. We’re not them. So just be you okay? We respect you for who you are.”

The more gregarious football players nodded.

“Uh. Sure, thanks Chigiri.” Isagi mumbled back and Chigiri finally let go off his hands. Isagi felt
turmoiled. He spent so long trying to blend in with the crowd. Losing his sense of identity. He
doesn’t know who he even was anymore but he thinks he’s finding it again. The sense of purpose
and accomplishment; the winning goal that had propelled him to the forefront of the world had
given him a chance to reclaim his crown. He’s dropped it over the years but he swears. He will
never do so again.

The other players hadn’t forgotten what had just transpired in the video. If Isagi hadn’t gone to
Ichinan High School, the bane of all of their existences currently, he would’ve become a star player
on the U-18 Japanese team. Kira Ryousuke would’ve been a lost name under the monster Isagi
would have been. The anger rose higher the more they thought about it. It wasn’t just about Isagi.
The players they themselves would’ve been. Some of them like Bachira, Barou, Aiku, and Itoshi
Sae had all lost a part the passion they once had for the sport due to the utter boredom that came
with playing with subpar players. They played football for the thrill of defeating a strong opponent.
What would it have been to encounter an Isagi like that at the nationals? Everyone present in the
room was a star player of their individual teams. All of them felt grievously robbed. As if someone
had shut the door in their faces after tell them there was noone home. The solitude they suffered
could have been avoided had a couple pathetic nobodies not wrecked the talent of an exceptional
player due to their stupidity.

As they ruminated over these thoughts, someone suddenly disrupted their musings.
 Hey wait! Craz-Reika! I want to see the rest of this! Isagi was fucking fantastic before his coach
and teammates stopped him but when Isagi entered the program, compared to the rest of his, he
sucked. Sorry Isagi, no offense.” Igarashi broke in.

“None taken.”

“I want to see how he became so good.” Igarashi finished.

“I want to know a little more about Isagi-san.” Nanase smiled sweetly.

“Ofcourse you do!” Reika popped back on the screen. “I know just where to start too!”

Chapter End Notes

Hi guys! I know I said I would do the additional times this chapter but I went on a
massive tangent. I was going to do the short stories eventually since a couple of the
commenters requested it but it ended up getting added here because it flowed well.
And also it just ended up that way . Again the comments and kudos mean so much
to me! I cannot fully express the extent of the drive I feel for writing after reading
them.

Side clarification: Noel Noa isn't saying that Isagi needs to be there. He's implying that
after becoming the top of the football world, he is unmatched. In that psych Yerkes–
Dodson law, Noel Noa has low difficulty so there's low arousal (not sexual, talking
about alert/attentiveness) and thus his performance is laid back. The amount of effort
he has to expend to match the optimal performance for Chris Prince is low/mid. He's
just that good. He's excited about Isagi - like in the manga - because Isagi's able to
elevate the difficulty of the playing field. And since Bastard is a team of devouring, he
wants to devour and play along with Isagi. Or atleast that's the way I characterized him
in this. I hope you liked the chapter!
 01X02 Monster_Part 1
Chapter Summary

The Additional Times for Episode 1 are finally up!! Along with the opening, more
spin off story reactions, and the first half of episode 2

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

A white screen with “A Blue Lock, Additional Time!” bounced in blue with a cute animation.

A tall building stood out at night and in the corner were the words “Isagi Yoichi’s Dream”.

The voice of Isagi’s father was suddenly heard speaking.

“Your mom and I don't know much about soccer, but it's impressive that you got chosen by
the JFU, Yoichi.” His father, Isagi Issei, said happily.

“WAIT!” Isagi immediately yelled. “How did you get this?! This is from my house! You-you
shouldn’t have access to this!”

Alarm rippled through the audience. That actually made sense. This isn’t Blue Lock where there
were hidden cameras in every nook and cranny so how did Reika access private analogs? What…
else did she have access to?

Reika didn’t emerge again but they didn’t need to see her face to know she rolling her eyes based
on her tone.

“I don’t know, Isagi, how do you think I could kid-ahem-bring you all here without anyone
noticing? Or see what Ego was doing? If you, my dear, can have supernatural abilities that allow
you to surpass everyone else on the field then why shouldn’t I have the power to do something
similar?”
It was such an illogical statement but they still couldn’t muster up a logical refute.

“Anyway-”

“I know, right?” Isagi’s mother, Isagi Iyo, was just as delighted. “But then, you've always
been good at soccer ever since you were little.”

“Yeah.” Isagi muched cutely. “I guess.”

Bachira shot out of his seat and draped himself over Isagi’s lap. “Cute~”

Isagi sighed but was ultimately unbothered by such a reaction, far too used to his best friend’s
clingy behavior.

Isagi scratched his puffed cheek self-consciously at his mother’s next words. “You even asked
Santa Claus for the World Cup trophy for Christmas, and you've always dreamed of
becoming the world's greatest striker.

“You can stop now. It's embarrassing.”

Ofcourse his parents adored him too much to stop. “You were glued to the TV whenever a
soccer game was on. And you'd cry your eyes out if we switched the channel.”

Many football players smiled softly at seeing a child version of Isagi cling tightly to his father’s
shirt, crying for him to not change the football channel.

“I want to check the news.” His father choked out hesitantly and a little guiltily.

“No!” Isagi cried harder.

“Yes, that's how it was. When you stopped crying, you'd fall asleep -
All of them grinned joyfully at a small Isagi Yoichi sleeping peacefully with a warm blush on his
cheeks. The only good thing about this woman was that she could procure numerous childhood
videos of their favorite rival without arousing suspicion. Actually, on that note, they had just
earned a day off after winning that tedious match. They had already planned to meet up but maybe
they could also visit Isagi’s home after and perhaps introduce themselves to his parents. Just
to…ease in…their future in-laws. Hopefully they would be willing to share baby photos of Isagi?
People do that on first meetings, right? Hmmm…

Isagi felt a shiver run down his spine. I have an ominous feeling but I don’t know why.

- and when you woke up, you didn't remember a thing. And you used to forget to do your
homework all the time. That's why his grades weren't very good, right?” His mother smiled
pleasantly.

“Yes, you were very lucky you got picked, Yoichi.” His father added on to which his mother
replied, “I know, right?” They laughed merrily together.

“Ugh.” Isagi had a sneaking suspicion his parents were secretly sadists. This couldn’t be their
payback for them having to deal with his crybaby years, right? “Wait, were you dissing me at the
end there?” Isagi demanded as his parents cheerfully ignored him to continue chuckling at
his expense.

Everyone laughed at that.

“OKAY! OKAY! OKAY! IT’S TIIIIIME!” Reika called as the scene switched to a soccer ball
curving down.

Music started playing as Isagi appeared mid-kick against a green background. Bachira
popped up next against yellow and then Kunigami, Chigiri, Barou, and Nagi all appeared
consequently.

“Ohhh! We look really cool!” Nagi said, his smokey eyes lightening to a light silver in excitement.

The camera zoomed through several team Z players before reaching Isagi who turned to look
at it with the blue flames flowing from his eyes.

“Isagi it’s those flames again!” Nagi said gazing at the screen while simultaneously grabbing hold
Isagi’s bicep and shaking his body from side to side.

“Why is Nagi so excited about this?” Zantetsu leaned over and asked Reo.

“Probably because it looks like game animations” Reo answered coolly back, crossing his arms.

The image dove into Isagi’s pupils and Blue Lock’s symbol and named rolled out. Isagi was
greyed out with a depressive aura surrounding him. Sinister black smoke rose up from the
ground like a scene from a ghost film. The camera zoomed in on Isagi’s face and he slowly
looked up. The blue of his eyes glowing brightly against the monochrome surroundings.
Bachira’s entrance was much the same with the yellow of his own stark against the dark as
he grinned. The scenery turned graphic as bodies of players started raining down.

“It’s raining men!” A voice got out before the sound of a throat being punched and choking
sounded .

From the middle Ego rose with a deranged grin on his face. A puzzle piece spun larger into
existence, showcasing Isagi dashing toward them.

Many players frowned. This was all macabre, yes, but more importantly it was reminiscent of their
time at blue lock. This type of survive-at-all-costs mentality had been driven deep into their brains
by Ego as he sat with their futures in the palm of his hands. The puzzle piece of Isagi - could it be a
reference to what Reika said earlier about Isagi being Ego’s true champion? Their expressions
grew darker at what they saw next.

Isagi kicked the ball which shattered into glass-like pieces and revealed a lone boy walking
with his head down between piles of corpses on either side of him. As he looked up the end of
the road led to a massive mountain of bodies. On top of which stood another boy in white with
black sclera. The ghoul stared hauntingly back at him as smoke escaped out the corners of
his mouth.

Kunigami had a fleeting thought that it looked a little like hollow Ichigo.
An outstretched hand tried vainly to grasp the world cup trophy and Noel Noa’s back but
then splayed firmly at Blue Lock’s logo. Two greyed profiles appeared. A lanky man curving
forward stared at a much younger boy standing straight and looking back at him some
distance apart.

Ego’s mockery of a smile stretched wider.

At that moment they knew. They knew what this what about and the following scene of Isagi
running and bursting into puzzle pieces cemented their suspicions. The boy Ego was smiling at
was Isagi. Then was the video trying to imply that Isagi lost the trophy from the Ichinan game, lost
his dream of becoming like Noel Noa, but would eventually succeed in overcoming Blue Lock?

Several teams flickered through.

The foreign players looked at the many prior members with interest. So these were all the people
who were eliminated, huh. Glancing at the Blue Lock players lost in thought, the foreign players
echoed one statement between them subconsciously - these were the best of the best and that boy.
Isagi Yoichi. Somehow he’s standing on top of the best players from Japan. I can’t wait to crush
him.

Chigiri speeds past Zentetsu, Kunigami overpowers Barou, and Bachira kicks the ball over
Reo. Isagi’s eyes billow fire as the ball floats between all the players to Isagi who strikes the
ball. The top 3 stare grimly into the camera before the final player Sae is shown. The ball
crashes into the net and the song ends.

Blue Lock as a whole were struggling through a multitude of jumbled emotions. Their feelings
were so complicated that they were unable to isolate even a single distinguishable sentiment from
the mess their minds had become.

“Why did Ego smile at Isagi in the video.” Gagamaru blandly questioned. “During the formation of
the final team, he said that it was centered around Rin. Also Rin came into the program with the
highest ranking while Isagi had the lowest one.”

“Oh right you guys don’t know about that.” Reika said tilting her head to the side. She hem-ed and
haw-ed for a bit. “Oh whatever. I’ll just show it to you anyway.”
The scene changed to one of Ego staring at a monitor with piles of instant cup yakisobas littered
around him.

“Now, here’s the next video for the selection.” Anri said pulling up a video.

A bolt of clarity struck everyone. This was the selection! This was how they got chosen!! The
foreign players sat up straighter at the relevation, intrigued at how the weirdo in the corner had
brought forth the best players of Japan.

The cameras are following Player #11. The endgame of the match. Player #11 made a
brilliant last pass, his teammate decided to shoot for the goal. Just when Player #11 gave the
teammate who took the shot a warm hug, Anri stopped the video.

“This kid… is not a good striker. I'll proceed to the next video for selection."

As a striker, he’s no good.

Anri winced. “I’m sorry, Isagi-kun.”

“It’s okay. It was true.” Isagi smiled back but there was a hint of melancholy to it.

Anri felt a billion times worse at the undertone. She didn’t even know she could feel worse.

Ego and Anri are about to conduct an experiment to create the best strikers in the world. 300
strikers under the age of 18, the unpolished gems, will live together and undergo a special top
training program devised by Ego. And that is “Blue Lock”.

That one player who survives in Blue Lock and is the last one left after kicking out the 299
others will be the best striker in the world. So, this kid who is quick to give a pass to his good
friend and teammate is not quite right. What they are looking for is not this kind of friendly
play that thinks of others.
“Wait, Anri-chan. This is interesting material.”

Ego, who had just finished his cup yakisoba, leaned forward. He stared at the screen as if he
were devouring it.

“Show me all of his videos. What’s his name?”

Isagi startled. Ego was interested…in me?

Anri rushes to check the data. Player #11 of Ichinan High School Soccer Team is…

“......he’s Isagi Yoichi-kun.”

He played footage of some of Isagi Yoichi's matches, and he had a totally systematic way of
moving. Passing the ball around, elevating the axis of the attack, and then passing the last
pass to a free player.

The players were stunned at Ego’s reaction to Isagi. Ego was so obsessed with Isagi that he went
and personally watched all of his old matches?! From the shocked look on past-Anri’s face they
could tell this had happened exactly 0 times before. Ego saw something in Isagi that he didn’t from
them? Well…he wasn’t wrong to think so. Considering what they’ve seen from the boy so far,
Isagi was outstanding but what did Ego sense?

Hmmm. Certainly, he’s outstandingly good but, it’s just that.

All revolutionary strikers are rare egoists. Take pleasure in your own goals above all else and
live only for that moment. On the field, you are the leading actor. Everyone else besides you
are supporting actors. If you don’t become the world’s top egoist, you can never be the best
striker in the world……! That’s what Ego thinks.

Ego's own judgment and biases determine which 300 strikers are invited to Blue Lock, but
Anri is aware of this.
Isagi Yoichi……this kid is out of the question.

Isagi felt a small thrill ripple through his body. Ego chose me. Out of every football player in
Japan, he. Picked. ME.

“Yeah, That’s good, Isagi Yoichi. Anri-chan, I’ve decided to summon him.”

No way. Ego saw the disbelief and doubt on Anri’ face.

“Ah, This guy had the worst, isn’t he, Anri-chan?”

“Yes. In this match, his school lost to Matsukaze Kokuo High School, 0-2. Isagi Yoichi… it
ended with him unable to do anything.”

However, Ego lifts the corners of his mouth more and more.

“...Isn’t that good…The best of the worst….He has an overwhelming field of vision and
spatial awareness. He has an eye for accurately assessing his position in relation to the players
around him, and he has a high soccer IQ. A gem who has killed his potential as a striker by
using all of his talent for the team…”

Niko agreed with the assessment. Isagi had a ridiculously high football IQ and spatial positioning
intelligence.

Ego raised his glasses and nodded crudely.

“Japanese soccer killed him, and he will disappear without being found by anyone. It is the
Ego of humans like this that makes Blue Lock a treasure."

Without warning the video jumped to multiple payers mourning on the grass after their
match. Some on their knees while others sobbing behind their hands in grief. Japanese
comments filled the screen.
Members of Blue Lock and U-20 grimaced at the familiar scenario. They read the comments and
knew exactly what was going on. The foreign players on the other hand had a vague clue just
looking at the emotional state of the nameless players.

The title of the newspaper answered their question.

BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT: A PLACE IN THE QUARTERS SLIPS FROM THEIR GRASP

A slim hand spread out over the papers. “Let me be blunt.” Anri commanded to a room full of old
businessmen. “If things carry on the way they are, Japan will never win the World Cup. Not in a
million years.”

“Anri-chan! You’re so strong!” Bachira called from his place on Isagi’s lap. At the reminder Isagi
gently pushed Bachira off and onto his own seat from where he pouted at Isagi.

Anri scratched her cheek in slight pride. “Thank you Bachira-kun.”

The men looked vaguely surprised and then uninterested.

One bored and balding man was introduced just as he spoked. BURATSUTA HIROTOSHI:
Japan Football Union, Special Advisor.

“We're making plenty of dough, so what do we care? After all, soccer's a business. Anri-
chan, surely you don't really believe Japan has a chance of winning the World Cup?”

Everyone growled at that. The U-20 players in particular louder than the rest. They hadn’t
forgotten what this wretched man had done to them.

“Of course I do, you money-grubbing rodent. It's my goddamn dream!”

The audience erupted in cheers and whistles.

“TELL HIM ANRI-SAN!”

“GO! ANRI! GET HIS ASS!!”

Even a few of the professional team players nodded in agreement.

“‘If we just play our soccer, we can win?’ ‘Japan's possession of soccer is good enough for
the world stage?’ That kind of thinking is exactly why we never make it past the last!”

The old coot looked unimpressed. “Well, you came up with this idea, laid the groundwork,
and put it all in motion.” His face darkened unpleasantly. “So if it doesn't work out, I know
whose head will roll.”

Anri was unphased by the threat. “I truly believe the only person who can break down
Japanese soccer and forge a player who can lead this country to a World Cup win-” She
slammed a hand against the board carrying his face, “-is this man right here!”

Ego’s shadowed smile in grew.

“Ego Jinpachi.”

The room transformed back to the Blue Lock 1st Selection.

In the selection room, all the players were frozen mid-motion in stupefacation. Unable to
believe their eyes as the Crown Jewel of Japan of all people was eliminated.

The players settled in. While they were pleased Isagi had made it, it was also confusing why Kira
hadn’t. From what they recalled, Kira was a good player. Despite the number of erroneous
statements Ego uttered to them on a daily basis to control them, they didn’t understand why he had
let Kira get eliminated. Even when entire teams had been eliminated in the 1st selection, the top
scorers of the teams had been able to survive. Like Niko and a couple others. So why not Kira?
Droplets of sweat and blood splattered against the cement floor before Kira Ryosuke’s
trembling, disbelieving face was shown.

“Isagi-kun?” Kira whispered, choking in the middle. “What are you doing? Wait, what is
this? What just happened?” He asked covering his face.

From Kira’s back the audience had a perfect view of Isagi’s face.

Isagi was scared. It was also like he couldn’t believe what had just happened either.

“I'm sorry. It's just…” Isagi took a moment to recollect himself but only ended up looking
more scared. “The ball came at me out of nowhere and…”

Kira’s eyes narrowed. “Don't give me-”

The slow clapping of hands interrupted whatever Kira was going to say next. As one the
room turned to look at Ego who was just about the only who looked thrilled with this
situation.

“Diamonds in the rough, only results matter here.” Ego thrust his face forward.

Everyone instinctively threw themselves back as if that would somehow create distance between
them and the screen. There was only so much of Ego one could take. Actually they would prefer to
never see or hear from him again, but since that wasn’t possible they’ll take as little as they were
forced to get.

“Losers lock off. Kira Ryosuke, you are disqualified.”

At the words, the camera zoomed into Kira’s face as he gasped. Everyone in the room gazed
at him silently. Kira’s breath quickened as his mind started to break down.

“This is bullshit.” He whispered. “Don’t mess with me. How is it possible for my future
career to lie in tatters…”
He slowly stood up, more blood dropping to the ground. “all because of some stupid game?!”
He screamed.

The sound had most everyone’s eyes bulging. All of them had met or seen Kira Ryosuke before.
Polite, charming, and handsome. He was the most sought after boy in Japan by teenagers either out
of love or admiration. Hailed as the upcoming messiah of Japanese football by the press.
Comparing his face now to the one they had seen before, the image shattered.

“I'm Japanese soccer's jewel in the crown! You telling me Igaguri and Isagi-kun are more
talented than me?!-

Several menacing growls sounded from the audience.

-Why does this silly game of tag even matter? What does it have to do with soccer?!!”

Ego scratched his head apathetically at the outburst. “In Blue Lock, everything has
something to do with soccer. Look around you, Mr. Mediocre Elite.” He said with a twirl of
his finger.

Kira gasped, as if just remembering that he wasn’t the only one in the room.

“The room you are in is the same size as the penalty area. Roughly 75% of all goals born
within these confines. If you can't do your work in this space, you have no talent as a
striker.”

At those words Kira’s pupils quivered. Dilating and and undilating rapidly in size.

“S-So...So what? Tag is nothing like soccer!” He cried in frustration.

A hologram narrated Ego’s words. “If you're the one running away, you need a keen sense of
interpersonal space, tactics, and positioning. If you're the one doing the chasing, your
dribbling and aim must be precise, and the quality of your kicks must be high.”
Kaiser scoffed. If the pathetic nobody couldn’t even understand this, he had no right to even be
setting foot on a field. The trash was so pathetic he wouldn’t even have felt any happiness from
crushing someone so clueless. And he loved . Crushing people.

“That makes it an excellent soccer training drill, wimp.”

Kira refused to accept his loss. “Even so, how can you know anything about me in just two
minutes? A soccer match is 90 minutes!

“On average, the total amount of time any player spends on the ball in a 90 minute game is
about 136 seconds. You wasted the chance that was afforded to all of you equally.”

“B-But nothing could be done in those last ten seconds…”

Ego pushed his glasses up calmly. “Would you say the same thing if this was a match?

“When the ball hit you-

The moment replayed. Those once pale daffodil eyes had lost their false glimmer and now reflected
a sickly, bruised yellow. In them the timer countdown was clearly shown.

-there was still one second left on the clock.”

A few of players nodded their head, satisfied with the explanation and justification of the
elimination. A great deal more were starting to grin viciously, understanding where this was
going.

“You could've survived if you'd blasted it at the immobile Igaguri. But you didn't see it.”

A hypothetical situation appeared replacing faceless players with those in the room. “In a
way, it was the last play right before the final whistle.” Isagi kicked the ball. “The moment
your teammate's shot hit you, you gave up and accepted defeat.” Bachira smiled cruelly from
next to him. “That's why you didn't see it. You missed your chance at victory by not taking
that extra step.”

The scene returned to the Blue Lock selection room.

“Whoever is ‘it’ in this game of tag might be the loser if he holds onto the ball for too long.
But he might also be the winner, as only he has the power to choose who is hit next.”

Ego then addressed the room. “A striker shoulders that responsibility and fights until the
very last second. Isagi Yoichi targeted someone ranked higher than him, not the fallen
Igaguri-

“That was very stylish of you, Isagi!” Aryu said with a graceful flip of his shining hair.

-Bachira Meguru stole the ball off him and went after the strongest guy.”

Bachira beamed.

“That's a selfish obsession with victory that isn't affected by the group's common sense.
That's the egoism of the striker that I'm looking for.” Ego’s gaze sharpened behind his
glasses. “ You lost because you ran away from it. Kira Ryosuke, lock off.”

“Yeah, you’re not Ego’s pick - that’s Isagi” Someone giggled.

Kira Ryosuke’s mentally state had completely deteriorated by name. “But...B-But he came at
me...Bachira came out of nowhere…” His pupils narrowed into pin pricks as he lost his
mind.

“BACHIRA CAME AT ME OUT OF NOWHERE!!!!” He screamed. Kira’s face was

completely demented. Those beautiful looks he had been praised all over Japan for were torn
to shreds in the face of his insanity.

Everyone sat rigidly on their chair except for the former members of Team Z. This-this was their
former ace? Skepticism warred with hatred as they witness the breakdown of a mediocore prince.
Suddenly howling laughter came from Shidou.

“HIS FACE! LOOK AT HIS FACE!!” Shidou gasped out before being overcome with laughter
again.

WE’RE NOT LOOKING AT ANYTHING BUT HIS FACE! The rest of players from the Blue Lock
to the U-20 to the younger members of the professional teams screamed in their minds before
realizing the hilariousness of the situation. They had been so absorbed by the well constructed
mask being ripped off that they hadn’t fully taken in the situation. But now that the shock was
gone…

Booming laughter echoed around the room as Reika graciously paused the video on Kira’s
deranged face.

“HE LOOKS LIKE A TITAN!” Someone cried before devolving into laughter. This set off another
round of raucous hooting and hysterics.

“HE DOES! THE SALIVA TRAIL!!”

“ME WHEN I SEE THE FRIDGE AT 1AM!”

“ME WHEN MY ORDER DOESN’T LOOK LIKE THE PICTURE ONLINE!”

“SOUND THE ALARM! SOUND THE ALARM! KIRA-TITAN IS HERE!!”

“OH EGO OUR SAVIOR! THIS IS THE ONE TIME I’LL APPRECIATE YOU”

“Me when I think about Sae”

“YEAH! Wait…RIN?!?!?!?!”

“ What are you looking at me for? Play the video now .”

“Kira-kun…” Isagi began before he gasped in fear of Kira’s face.

There were no words to fully express the monstrosity Kira’s face had become.

“Honestly, even Barou’s never looked this bad even at his worst. Wait - no - make that Igarashi” A
voice muttered.

Two identical “HUH?!” came from two very offended people. Barou had a sneaking suspicion it
was Nagi but until he could prove it…

Kira’s neck creaked loudly as he turned to face Isagi.

“What are you, a grandma?”

“This isn't right. It…can't be.”

The rest of the players watched in horrified silence as Kira walked out of the room and the
automatic door closed behind him.

Isagi did not feel relieved. Why did I kick it? Did I just end Kira's soccer career?

“Honestly Isagi, you’re too nice.” A person sighed.

Then why...

The flashback of the kick played.

Why am I so pumped up?

“... ISAGI?! ”

“...oops.”

That guy…

Bachira cutely stuck his tongue in happiness, seeing Isagi looking at him.

Isagi walked toward him. “Why did you pass it to me? If I hadn't kicked it, you would've
lost.”

If possible, Bachira looked even more delighted at the question. “Because I knew you'd kick
it. It was written on your face.”

HUH? Both Raichi and Isagi peered incredulously at the boy who seemed to have a few loose
screws.

“‘Only results matter here,’ right? So I believed in you, and I won, right?” Bachira winked.

This guy's totally crazy.

“Isagiiii do you really think that?”

“Umm…no…sorry Bachira. That was mean of me.”

“It’s okayy because you’re my best friend. My monster and I both know it so I don’t mind anything
you say!”

Okay, yes, he’s actually crazy but he’s also my best friend so what does that say about me?
“Thanks Bachira, you’re mine too.” Isagi replied warmly back.
“Isagi!!” Bachira cheered, throwing himself at his favorite monster friend.

A hand rudely smacked into face before he could touch him. “Sit down you monkey.” Nagi
commented from Isagi’s other side and shoved him back into his original seat.

“You guys…” Isagi began before the scene continued playing.

“Is this ridiculousness going to continue?” Igarashi gloomily mumbled.

“‘Ridiculousness’?” Ego repeated. “You're right. That's the world of ‘win or lose.’ Those
world-class strikers you so casually adore put their lives on the line like this every day. How
does it feel to fight for your career for the first time? Does it scare you? Does it excite you?
This is normal in Blue Lock. Are you shaken up? Did it make you go, ‘All right! I
survived!’?”

Ego’s face suddenly darkened. “That's what victory feels like. Etch that into your brain.”

The foreign players were getting a little tired of this weirdo’s mood swings. Not even Lorenzo had
as many mood swings as this guy. They figured that if they lived with Ego then they would get a
little stir crazy too.

The U-20 winced. Their Blue Lock counterparts had certainly played a brilliant game because of
their drive for football but atleast a small part of that forceful playing style had to be out of
desperation to get away from Ego. They were so glad that they were never saddled with the man.

“Every time you get a taste of that pleasant sensation, your ego grows. And that will elevate
you to the height of the world's greatest striker.”

Chains rattled and locked around several necks before disappearing into nothingness. The
physical presence was absent but the psychological pressure still weighed heavily on them.

“Congratulations. You have passed the admission exam for the Blue Lock dorm.”
 “All right!” The players cheered.

“There are 11 of you in this room.” Ego continued. “You will be living together. At times,
you'll work together. Other times, you'll betray each other-

Pieces of the teammates slammed together with their faces and names.

-You will be rivals who wreck each other's dreams-

Kunigami, Chigiri, and Bachira.

-Blue Lock…

Several pieces flickered too quickly to be seen before the final piece slammed home,
occupying the hole screen.

Team Z.”

Isagi Yoichi.

Chapter End Notes

Guys...I almost started sobbing because I realized when writing the opening that I just
had to include a few more of the short stories. But then I looked at you alls' comments
and found the motivation to write all the way to the end of the beginning of episode 2.

I really, really love you all so much. I hope you liked the Kira reactions and additional
times!!

Update: Hey y'all. So I'm actually gonna upload tomorrow instead of tonight like I
usually do. I got later than I expected and also I'm going to take a quick breather from
writing for a day and also I'm a little more backlogged than I'd like to be in my other
stuff so I'm gonna catch up on that. Have a good day, everyone. Make sure to stay
happy and healthy and see you soon!
 01X02 Monster_Part 2
Chapter Summary

End of Episode 2 and Additional Times :P

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

The scene shifted to reveal DAY 3: TRAINING ROOM.

Kunigami, Naruhaya, and multiple others on Team Z were weightlifting.

The words RUNNING TEST beeped next.

Isagi and Igarashi were running on the treadmill. Iagarashi looked like he was barely
clinging to his life.

“Nooo! Not these days again! I’m gonna throw up!”

“YOU’RE NOT EVEN DOING ANYTHING RIGHT NOW!”

“Isagi! Igaguri!” Raicha roared mockingly. “How can you talk about becoming the world's
greatest striker looking like that? You mere mortals should go home before I make you cry!”

“Shut up!” Isagi huffed before focusing harder on his running. Igarashi didn’t even bother to
give a response, overcome by a rainbow of projectile vomit that took him off the machine.

Isagi eventually got off and hunched over panting.

“Don't mind him.” A previously introduced long-haired boy Kuon spoke, slowly walking up
to him.
The mood around the former Team Z players instantly dropped, alarming everyone else in the
room.

“What is it?” Karasu asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You’ll see.” Reo responded, suddenly recalling why this boy looked so familiar.

Kuon held out a water bottle. “Isagi, do you want some water?”

“Thanks, Kuon.” Isagi gasped out.

The words “JUMPING TEST” flickered and disappeared.

“Ready, go!” Isagi and Kuon jumped in unison.

Kuon - 68cm.

Isagi - 60cm.

Isagi was taken aback. Oh, hell, this guy's super athletic, too.

“Isagi you look very good-looking like that. You should part your hair to the side from now on.”
Chigiri commented out of the blue.

“Uh. Thanks Chigiri but I’ll pass. I’ll think about it again if I have to style my hair.”

Chigiri shrugged. He looked good both ways so no loss to him.

Kuon noticed the remarkable difference too. “Isagi, are you not at your best today?”

“Oh, well, you know…”

That was actually my max. Talk about crushing your spirit.

“Lukewarm, this is because you’re so short. You think you can with fight me at your height? Never
in a million years.” Rin snarked.

Isagi was offended. “I’m not short! I’m just not- I’m gonna beat you Rin. I’ll devour you.”

“Dream on.”

The setting switched. BUILDING 5: CAFETERIA

At the cafeteria, you get rice and miso soup, but your side dish changes depending on your
ranking.

Isagi scanned his armband and a small cup slid out.

Isagi’s face was hilariously disgusted.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

“AWWWW MAN! SORRY BRO, THAT MUST’VE SUCKED!”

“Poor Isagi. I forgot about that.”

“I got Yakitora. Anything’s better than Natto.”

“I know right? The worst I got was Rice Pudding when my ranking dropped. Sucks, man.”

“Huh, natto. Must be nice.” Igarashi said gazing longingly.

“What the hell, monk? How is that nice?”

“All I've been getting is pickled radish.”

“...Sorry. I was wrong.”

“Chin up, Igaguri.” Isagi said sympathetically.

“I'm jealous of the higher-ranked guys. I mean, just look.”

Gagamaru poured a gleaming sauce over golden-brown pan fried dumplings.

“I want dumplings now too..” Gagamaru muttered, staring intensely at his past-self’s meal.

“Seriously? Man, that looks tasty.”

Gagamaru grabbed the food with his bare hands and started munching loudly. Crumbs flew
everywhere and some ended up surrounding his mouth.

“EAT CLEANLY!!!” Multiple members roared out. Barou’s voice being the loudest among them.

“Is he a caveman?”

A hand suddenly patted Gagamaru’s shoulder. When he turned to look at the person who
interrupted, Naruhaya darted smoothly to the other side, holding one of the prized
dumplings.

“I'm stealing your dumpling!” Naruhaya laughed mischievously.

Isagi felt a pang of sorrow at seeing Naruhaya’s bright face. He didn’t regret sending him home
because it was either Isagi or Naruhaya’s future on the line, but he did regret that Naruhaya had to
leave under those circumstances.

“Hey, pipsqueak. Give that back.”

Naruhaya swiftly turned away and stuffed the dumpling in his mouth.

“Sorry, it's already in my belly! So good!” Naruhaya quickly ran away.

Gagamaru shoved his chair back as he stood up and chased after him “Wait, you bastard.”

Gagamaru hovered protectively over his food after he witnessed the incident. “Isagi, hide
your food!”

Isagi sweatdropped. “Nah, they wouldn't want ours.”

Giggles rippled through the audience at the interaction.

“HAHAHAHA NO ONE WOULD EVEN WANT YOUR SHITTY FOOD!”

At night TEAM Z, SLEEPING CHAMBER was shown.

The lights were off and the players were all in their futons sleeping peacefully. Igarashi was
sprawled on top of Isagi with his clothes off.
“I’m gonna strangle that monk.” Someone whispered.

“Just give me a when and where.”

All of them except Isagi. Memories of what happened ran through his head and he abruptly
sat up. His eyes widened comically. “I haven't got time for sleep!”

Isagi exited the room quietly. If I don't do something, I'm sure to get ‘locked off.’ Everyone's
better than me. I don't see how I can beat them!

“That’s the attitude to have.” Marc Snuffy spoke, shocking everyone in the room.

“Snuffy?” Chris Prince asked, surprised to even hear him speaking.

“If you don’t work hard, you can never succeed. The boy is good. He realized his weakness and
decided to practice when everyone else was sleeping. Good on you, boy.”

Isagi fought to keep from smiling too hard. “Thank you so much, Sir!”

“Don’t call me Sir.”

“Uh-yes!”

A ball crashed into Isagi’s back and disturbed his contemplation.

“Oi!”

A foot easily picked up the ball with a series of complicated movements. “Isagi.” Bachira
sing-songed and caught the ball. “Training alone?”
Isagi rubbed the back of his head. “Huh? Well, yeah…”

“Then, want me to train with you?” Bachira twinkled, his eyes closed from the size of his
smile.

Isagia and Bachira stood on the Team Z Training Field.

“Hey, Bachira.” Isagi said while stretching.

“Hm?”

“When we played tag, you passed the ball to me.”

The ending kick of Bachira’s replayed.

“Yup.”

“Why did you think I'd aim for Kira-kun?” Isagi finally asked the question that had been
bothering him for days.

Bachira gazed with his head tipped back toward the high ceiling. “Well... I guess it's
because…”

His head came down. A murky, thick darkness rose and Bachira’s dark gold irises were
replaced with swirling loops of horrifying black. “There's a monster inside of me.”

A shiver ran through the audience at the sight.

“Now I know why Isagi and Bachira are such good friends.” Otoya muttered. His voice was soft
but it was deafening in the absolutely quiet the room had become.
“They’re not normal. They’re…monsters.” Yukimiya said, stumbling over his words. His mind
rapidly flipped back and forth between Isagi and Bachira’s darkness.

“And Isagi can see this because monsters sniff out other monsters.” Karasu continued.

“Neh. Neh. Isagi. Did you see that in me too? Am I a monster too?” Enlivened, Nagi turned to
Isagi and pointed a finger at himself

“Nagi? Why are you asking that?” Reo was perplexed at Nagi’s bright eyes. Why was he so happy
about the idea that Isagi would think he’s a monster?

“Because then Isagi would want to play with me.” Nagi answered back like it was obvious.

Understanding tore through the audience. Playing with Isagi was…thrilling. Then did he feel the
same way about them? Did they have unlimited potential? Were they overwhelming in a way that
made Isagi want to play with them and consider them worthy enough to defeat?

Their hearts beat faster in tandem.

“Then, Isagi, what about me?” Chigiri thrust his face forward into Isagi’s space. His long, red hair
lightly tickling Isagi’s neck.

Chigiri was quickly ripped away and shoved to the side, several other players taking his spot.

“I have it too, right Isagi?!”

“I have a monster right? Do you sense it?”

“MOVE you little-”

Isagi shrank back in his seat as players fought over his space. “Um…”
Bachira was NOT happy. Nor was his monster. This was his and Isagi’s thing, dangit!

Before he could pounce on someone and bite them, Reika’s sharp voice cut through the clamor like
a knife. “I will not tell you a second time.”

Grumbling, the players reluctantly returned to their seats. All of them glanced repeatedly back at
Isagi hoping for an answer.

Isagi let out a sigh of relief. He was grateful to get his own space back but he was also relieved that
no one hated him for who he was. Man, Ichinan High School had done a number on him.

The darkness obscured Bachira’s face and the screen turned black. The Blue Lock symbol
flashed before the scoreboard for “CHIBA PREFECTURAL FINALS: NAMIKAZE 0 - 1
ARASHI TECHNICAL HIGH” blinked into existence.

Bachira was shown in a light blue uniform. He easily maneuvered around his opponent and
ran with the ball.

Bachira’s past! Isagi screamed in his mind. For once the focus is not on me. I also get to see what
Bachira’s past was like!

Bachira’s teammate called out to him, running in parallel. Bachira’s face revealed his
disdain. So slow. No, the monster would...

“Bachira! Pass it!”

You can't beat the monster like that.

At that moment his opponent grabbed the back of his jersey and another stole the ball as he
crashed to the ground. The referee’s whistle rang for the foul.
“Hey, what are you doing?” A teammate screamed. “You held onto it too long!”

“Stop ball-hogging!”

From the ground a muddy brown creature arose and took shape. It grinned cruelly and
extended a hand generously toward the fallen Bachira.

So that’s what the monster he’s always going on about looks like. The members of Blue Lock
thought. Yep. Crazy.

The scene flipped back to the present.

“A ‘monster’? What do you mean?”

Bachira rolled the ball under his foot. “When I'm playing soccer,” He kicked it and started
running toward Isagi. “The monster comes out and talks to me.”

"Score a goal."

"Weave about more."

Bachira stopped speaking as Isagi tried to steal the ball from him.

Isagi gasped as Bachira’s face was but two centimeters away from him. Holding him captive
with his proximity and words. “But in that moment, the monster said to me: ‘Pass the ball to
Isagi.’ ‘There's a monster inside him too,’ it said.”

“A monster?”

Bachira separated and turned away from Isagi. “When I play, I listen to its voice. That's all
there is to it. You hear it too, right? The monster's voice.”
What the heck is he talking about? Though, when I kicked the ball…

The flashback of the flaming eyes came forth.

In that moment, I didn't recognize myself.

The players raised their eyebrows in interest at the look on Isagi’s face.

I want to know what this "monster" inside me is. Maybe finding that out will give me a clue
on how to survive Blue Lock.

“Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Noel Noa…”

The aforementioned players perked up in attention.

Bachira juggled the ball between his feet. “All amazing players have monsters inside of them.
It must be what proves you're a striker. That's what I believe.” He kicked it high.

“So Isagi…

The ball thumped as it rebounded and rose. However Bachira wasn’t watching it anymore.
His face was eerily calm but the intensity behind his stare was almost tangible.

“I'm glad I came here because I got to meet you.”

Isagi was taken aback by the weight of the statement.

Bachira switched moods. “‘kay, let's try it again.”

“Sure.”

What's wrong with this guy? He's talking nonsense.

But…

“Come at me.”

He gives me…

Flames erupted from his iris. Blades of grass ripped right out of the ground as Isagi burst
forward. A muffled thump as Isagi balanced single handedly and whipped his foot at
Bachira’s ankle. The whoosh of ghostly air was powerful and its phantom strength blew back
the hair of the audience.

Reo reached a hand up to touch his head only to find his hair still in place. What?

Aiku whistled loudly.

Courage.

Bachira felt his heart burst in exuberance at Isagi’s thoughts. Ah, I'm so happy. Thank you Reika-
chan.

Bachira bounced back in eagerness. “Yeah, that's it!” A blush high on his cheeks as he
pointed. “That's how your eyes looked at the time.”

I'm going to survive this!

Isagi tensed up but a feminine voice overhead broke his concentration.

“The results of the fitness tests have been assessed. Please return to your room and confirm
the latest rankings.”

Back in the room Team Z was a mess. Multiple people’s rankings updated at the same time.

Naruhaya was tugging at Gagamaru. “Hey, Gagamaru. What rank are you? Tell me!”

Gagamaru felt a little sad at the loss of the clingy monkey. He was annoying but a part of him
missed that.

The door slid open and Bachira and Isagi entered.

Ohhh so that’s what they were doing. Igarashi thought.

“Hey, Isagi.” On-screen Igarashi called out to his friend. “Look at this. I shot way up from
my old rank of 288. See? I'm at 275 now.”

“What? That's amazing.”

“Oh, you did, too. Look.”

Isagi glanced at his armband to see the number 274. “Whoa.”

“You're still one above me? You're my rival, huh?” Igarashi looked oddly comforted.

“As if, loser.” Raicha griped.

Ego materialized to address the room. “Well, well. Hello there, diamonds in the rough. How
are you enjoying life at Blue Lock?”
“Cut the crap!” Raicha argued. “Do you really expect us to improve in this crummy
environment?

“Yeah, what he said. I want better food.” Naruhaya whined.

“The environment's crummy because your soccer skills are crummy, duh. Idiots.”

Never let it be said that Ego was bad at retorts.

“What?”

“Let's talk a little bit about Blue Lock.” He continued. “In this facility, a total of 25 teams
from B down to Z are split into five groups, one per building. Oh, and by the way… Each
team lost one person after the game of tag, so there are 275 players left.”

“What? So I'm still dead last? I was happy for nothing!”

“Your rank decides your team. Ranks 1 through 11 are in Team B, ranks 12 through 22 are
in C… In short, you Team Z guys are the lowest-ranked in Building 5.”

Isagi was despairing at the reveal. These guys are in the lowest group?

Raicha was annoyed. “Don't lump me in with these losers.”

“What?” Igarashi yelled.

Kunigami was irritated too. “Who are you calling ‘losers’?”

“Hey now, let's calm down.” Kuon tried.

“Higher-ranked players eat gourmet food and get to train in better buildings. In here, the
best soccer player is king. If you want a better environment, win your way up.”

“Rule of Life, Baby!” Lavinho hooted.

“Only the best at the top.” Chris Prince agreed.

But you’re not the best though. Isagi sniped within the confines of his mind.

“All righty, then. Let us begin the first selection.” Ego finished sinisterly.

Isagi’s eyes narrowed with anticipation at the unspoken challenge.

The scene flipped to a luxurious cruise.

“Itoshi Sae. You were a genius midfielder in the academy of one of the world's top clubs,
Royale. But regulations stopped you from playing in the first team, so you returned to
Japan.”

An interviewer appeared to be talking to Itoshi Sae.

“Does this mean we'll get to see you play in the domestic league?”

“Over my dead body.” Sae responded harshly.

“Where’s the body, then?” Rin snarled at his brother.

Sae didn’t even bother to look at him.

Veins bulged on Rin’s face and arms at the wordless dismissal.

“If I have to play in a country like this, I'd rather play with college kids in Germany.”

NEW GENERATION: ONE OF THE WORLD'S 11 HEROES

“So…” The interviewer changed the subject uncomfortably. “Do you have dreams of
representing your country at the international level in the future?”

Sae stood up and walked toward the door. “None whatsoever. The national team of a weak
country like this one will never be the greatest in the world. My dream is to win the
Champions League. There isn't a forward in this country who's good enough for my passes. I
was born in the wrong country.”

The Japanese players exploded in vehement protests and accusations. Isagi’s nails dug into his
palms. I will prove you wrong.

I was wrong. Sae glanced at Isagi. I’ll be waiting for you, striker.

“Hey…”

The door shut before his PR hurried after him.

“Give me a break. This won't do, Sae-chan! The media's going to hate you.”

Sae walked on placidly with his hands in his pockets. “So? This country doesn't matter to me.
I only came back 'cause my passport expired.”

“I know that, but…”

The two stopped in front of a wide conference room filled with people and the clicking on
cameras.

JAPAN FOOTBALL UNION PRESS CONFERENCE: BLUE LOCK was displayed on the
TV.

“Oh, yeah, I heard the JFU was holding a press conference today.” His PR said in response to
his unspoken question.

“So that's how we plan to train up a striker who can lead Japan to a World Cup win.
Through this Blue Lock project.” Hirotoshi finished next to Anri.

“Even if you do produce a top striker, how can you guarantee Japan will win the World
Cup?” An interviewer asked.

“Are you saying it's okay to ruin the lives of people just for one person's sake? Didn't their
parents object?” Another butted in.

“Well, uh, that's…” Hirotoshi stumbled dumbly over the answer. “We respect the opinions of
the players themselves. And their parents have signed consent forms…”

Anri couldn't bear it anymore. “‘Ruin the lives of…’?” She slammed a hand against the
velvet blue tablecloth. “Exactly! For Japanese soccer to move forward, we need this crazy
project!”

For the first time since his entrance, Itoshi Sae seemed to be surprised.

“Don't you all want to see it? The moment this hero of Japanese soccer is born."

“And we succeeded. We are succeeding.” Anri commanded the room.

Ego’s voice brought the scene back to Blue Lock. “The first selection will involve the 55 of
you in Building 5. It's a kind of five-team round-robin. Only the top two teams will move on
to the second selection in this survival match.”
“So the 11 of us on Team Z will play as a proper team?” Chigiri asked. “We're all forwards
though.”

“Why don't you be the goalie? You have the face of one.” Naruhaya remarked playfully.

Lemon immediately refuted. “Don't. I can't say no when people ask me to do something.”

Raichi pointed to himself. “Then, I'll play center forward.”

“No, I will.” Kunigami disagreed.

“No, me.” Gagamaru countered.

“I just realized, you’re the shit-starter on the team, Raichi.” Chigiri said to him.

“Nah. It’s not my fault you all want what’s for me.” He gruffed out.

Naruhaya grinned like a little rascal. “Igaguri, you can be in defense.”

“What?!”

Isagi tilted his head to the side. A team made up of forwards? That's crazy talk.

“Listen up.” Ego interrupted. “Soccer was originally a sport all about scoring. You've been
stupidly imprinted with the notions of positioning and tactics, but all of those roles only
evolved over time. Soccer initially started out with every player being a striker.”

“So play soccer as it was originally.” Ego threatened, sneering down at them. “Create soccer
from zero with your brains.”
‘Create soccer from zero’?

Anri’s voice took over. “Japanese soccer has improved at an incredible rate in the last
quarter-century, even compared to the world standard. Just one more step, and we'll be on
par with the world's top teams. Soccer fans around the world can see that happening. That's
how much Japan has improved.” She closed her eyes and spoke from within. “But to take
that extra step, it's time for current Japanese soccer to die.” The conference room was
whispering those words.

Anri glared at the press. “The dream of simply playing in the World Cup has served its
purpose. So now is the time to dream a new dream for Japanese soccer.”

Ego continued. “Abandon what you've believed to be common sense until now. Shove new
notions into your brains. What we really need right now for Japan to become the best in the
world isn't the teamwork of players.”

His face went fish-eyed and horrifying due to the proximity of the camera. “What we need is
one hero.”

The camera landed on Isagi as Ego finished that sentence.

No…I’ll devour you hero. I'll take your throne.

“Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar...Soccer can evolve endlessly if a hero like that exists. To
stop him, new defensive systems are created. To top him, new tactics are born.”

The room was inspired by his words. Absorbing every single sentence breathlessly. “One
person's play can change a team, a country, even the world. That's the kind of sports soccer
is.”

“This is a new stage for Japanese soccer.” Anri said, leaning forward in eagerness. “The
main characters are not us adults, who have forgotten how to dream, but these youngsters,
who are still nobodies. Do you have the courage to dream a new dream of winning the World
Cup?”

Ego’s deranged face of enthusiasm grew. “Are you ready to fight?”

“It's all there…” The camera plunged into Anri’s pupil with a gust of wind.

The obsession of a madman and the conviction of a sane woman were one and the same.

“-In Blue Lock!”

“-In Blue Lock!”

The professional teams were stunned. These people. All of them. ALL OF THEM! THEY’RE ALL
BRILLIANT. The weirdo and the pretty lady. The two of them together completely revolutionized an
entire nation’s sport and brought forth players that could compete evenly on a world stage!
Incredible!!

“This press conference is over.” Anri finished and walked away with a click of her heels.

“What bullshit!” The press howled in outrage.

“Is this how you treat young talent?”

“JFU's gone crazy!”

“Sae-chan, we'd better get going. The flight back to Spain is…” His PR said.

“Cancel it.” Sae interrupted.

“What?”
Itoshi Sae’s face was haunting. “I want to see what kind of idiot's going to be born in this
country with my own eyes.” Maroon smoke blew up with an eerie whistle.

The Blue Lock members didn’t dare open their mouths about their victory.

Kaiser had no such reservations. "Poor Sae, did you eat you words?" He smirked.

Itoshi Sae looked calmly back at him. "Aren't you going to play with him soon? I'll mark yours."

Team Z walked down a dark hallway into a bright, open field. On the other side players in
white came towards them with darkness clinging to their bodies.

Barou’s face stood out among the rest.

Isagi looked back, determined. “I'll be the one who survives!”

“Next up!! Team Z vs Team X! Who will win? Place your bets! Place your bets!” Reika announced
through the speakers like she was at a professional football match.

“I’m betting on Team Z.” Nagi said. “Anything is better than the King’s team.”

“YOU LITTLE SHIT! JUST WAIT-”

“I’m betting on Team X. Team Z was the lowest of the teams.”

“No, I think Team Z might win. Isagi, Kunigami, Chigiri…and the others are here.”

“YOU FUCKER! DID YOU JUST FORGET MY NAME?!”

“Can I vote?” Gagamaru asked, raising his hand.

“No. That’d be cheating.”

“Well if the bets are in, we can move on to Blue Lock Additional Time!” Reika cheered.

“Do you like the ‘Additional Times’, Reika-chan?” Bachira asked with a tilt of his head.

“I do! Actually you’re next, Bachira-chan!”

Reika blinked out of existence as the classic screen animated the words again.

A Blue Lock, Additional Time!

Bachira and Isagi were walking down the corridor after practice. Bachira was drinking from
a water bottle while Isagi was wiping the sweat off his face with a towel.

“That's extra training done with.”

“Whew, I'm beat.” Bachira mumbled around the straw.

A ting sounded when Isagi paused. “Wait, which one was our room again?”

“Oh my god the rooms are so hard to find.” Chigiri scowled.

Grumbles of assent sounded among the Blue Lock players.

“Ego-san, it takes forever to understand which room is for what!” Nanase cried.
“Learn it, losers.”

Bachira looked ready to leap into a room. “If we try every door, we'll find it eventually.”

“No, that's the changing room and bathroom, Bachira.” Isagi hurried out before Bachira
could do so.

“Looks like you learned pretty quickly though, Isagi.” Kurona said.

Barou frowned. He hadn’t really noticed the first time around but Isagi had led the way to
Cafeteria, Dorms, and Bathroom without error despite the changed location of the 3x3 and 4x4
dorms. Was this another secret skill of his?

“Huh? Huh? Huhh?” Bachira bounced around.

Isagi more methodically looked at the Blue Lock map.

“It’s weird to see two people so different become best friends. And in a place like this too.”
Kunigami mused.

“I guess that’s what Blue Lock does to you.” Reo bitterly snarked.

“Blue Lock's so huge, it's like a maze. The map says it's over here…” Isagi followed his finger
down. “It's this way, Bachira.”

Upon hearing no response from him Isagi turned to look at Bachira and panicked. “I told you
that's the bathroom!”

Bachira’s body trembled in a comical mid-run position. “The monster inside me is saying,”
The screen was completely overtaken by dirty brown. ‘I can't hold it anymore.’”
“Then just go already, idiot!” Isagi screamed urgently.

There was a moment of silence before all of the Blue Lock members along with Anri and Ego
turned to look at Isagi.

Chigiri and Kunigami stood up, walked over to Isagi, and grabbed a hand each. The rest of Team Z
along with Barou and Aryu followed behind them.

“Isagi…” Chigiri began.

“Thank you for saving our facility.” Kunigami finished, tightening his grip on Isagi’s hand and -
wait. WERE HIS EYES MISTY?!?

“Isagi.” Barou jerked his head down in an attempt at a nod before glaring at Bachira. “The U-20
share the same living space now. Do. That. Again. And. I. Will. Kill. You.” He ground out before
stalking to his seat.

“Bachira…”

“Oopsie!! Hehehehee”

Igarashi was crying on the floor. “I am never going to see Bachira’s monster the same way again.
Please…no more scenes.”

Raichi HATED that he agreed with Igarashi. He definitely wasn’t going to say so like everyone
else who seemed to be ignoring him.

“Hmmm. The next game’s gonna start soon. Get ready~ it’s time for realizations to take place.”

Isagi disagreed with Reika’s supposed superpower. It wasn’t her ability to manipulate the masses
or the ability to view and display past moments. Oh no. Her superpower was most definitely the
ability to effectively control an entire room of the most hard-headed players with just a few words.
He found himself powerless as he was dragged into her flow and hated that he couldn’t stop
himself from looking forward to what happened next. Despite having already lived through it.
Chapter End Notes

Hey! Thanks for your patience!! I'm caught up in my other stuff and relieved from the
break. I just needed a moment to recover from the monstrosity of the last chapter. It
took 8 hours HAHAHAHAHAHA

Next chapter is Barou and Isagi's first meeting! How will they react?
 01X03 Soccer's "Zero"_Part 1
Chapter Summary

First half of episode 6. Team X vs Team Z game.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

“Rock, paper, scissors!” A group of voices chanted.

Three hands scissors and one hand rock appeared out of the blue.

“Damn it! Isagi won!” Raichi growled at the ground and Isagi smiled happily.

“Oooh, another foresight skill, Isagi?” Bachira mocked his friend. Isagi scowled playfully back.

Kuon took charge. “Then, starting with Isagi, we'll each say which position we want to play
in.”

Isagi clenched his fist. “I want to be the forward.”

The time rewound. 1 HOUR EARLIER

Ego was in the beginning of narrating the next game. “The first selection will involve the 55
of you in Building 5. It's a kind of five-team round-robin. Only the top two teams progress.
The rest will leave Blue Lock. And those who are kicked out will forever be ineligible for the
national team.”

The foreign players felt immense pressure. It was a do-or-die kind of situation. Even they
themselves could have a bad game or two, not that it happened at their level but the point still
stands. Here in Blue Lock though, even one loss meant your whole career was over.
“However, the top scorers from the three losing teams will advance to the next selection. If
more than one player has the most goals in a team, we'll go by fair play points, and the
player with the least penalty points will progress.”

Isagi’s raptly paid attention.

Bachira cackled. "You pay more attention to Ego then you apparently did in your class!"

"You should've asked for a class transfer." Chigiri teased.

"Yup! Then you would be excelling school like you are at Blue Lock!"

"Bachira, I really don't want to hear that from you of all people." Isagi grumbled.

“Will you prioritize your own goals or the team's victory? The karma of a striker is put to the
test in this first selection. This is a battle about creating soccer from zero.”

The players begin changing and preparing for the match. “The first match starts in two
hours. It will be Team X versus Team Z.”

“All right, everyone.” Kuon called the room to attention. He listed players’ names and
positions on a whiteboard. “This is our formation for the first match. We'll go for the win
with Isagi as our focal point at center forward.”

“Got it.” Bachira said nonchalantly.

Igarashi had a very different opinion. “Isagi's ranking is super low. Can we win with him as
our focal point?”

“Why is it that I always hear you say the stupidest stuff, Igaguri? You do realize your ranking is
even lower than Isagi’s, right? You have no room to talk.” Karasu said. “If you were my opponent,
between you and Isagi I would’ve sniped you first.”
“Stop complaining, Igaguri.” Kunigami was of the same mind as Karasu.

The room was filled with different emotions.

“I don't want to play in defense.” Naruhaya whined.

“All we got to do is win, right?” Raichi was overflowing with confidence.

“No objections here.” Gagamaru drawled.

“‘All we got to do is win,’ huh?” Chigiri looked unusually anxious.

“Oh? I haven’t seen you look like that before Chigiri.” Otoya commented.

Karasu smirked, “Why so scared? Need a little hug, Princess?”

“Shut up you damn crow. If we’re seeing everything then you’re gonna find out real soon why.
And why everyone is so obsessed with beating Isagi.”

“Can you really play in goal?” Naruhaya questioned doubtfully.

Lemon himself didn’t look too sure. “I lost at rock paper scissors, so I'll just have to do it.

Isagi let out a breath of air, pondering over Ego’s confusing words. “A battle about creating
soccer from zero’? What did he mean by that?

“It's almost time.” Kuon said.

My life-changing match at Blue Lock is finally about to begin.

Team Z stretched their bodies on the field.

“Here they come. Team X.” Kunigami said, notifying everyone to the approaching team.

Team X walked forward, shrouded in dark smoke and cocky grins. The camera zoomed in
on Barou in particular who stood out from the rest. From his position, size, and structure -
everything was different from the nameless members of Team Z. Isagi focused on him too,
noting the different aura around this player.

Barou puffed out his chest. He noticed me out of everyone. Well ofcourse he did, I’m the king! Why
would he bother paying attention to some peasants when I’m here.

Hiori side-eyed the motion.

“In the first selection, all fouls will be called by VAR. Building 5's first match will be a half-
game lasting 45 minutes. Team X versus Team Z. Time for kick-off.”

Bachira placed a foot on the ball and rolled it around a little. “You scared, Isagi?” As always
fixing his eyes on him. “Let's have fun! Otherwise, we'll lose. That's how soccer is.”

For a crazy monster boy, he’s surprisingly sensitive. Multiple players thought then rolled their
eyes. Oh, wait. I know why I’m surprised. It’s because this is the only time I’ve seen him be nice
with it. For Isagi. For the rest of us, he uses that uncanny insight to drive us insane.

Rin glared. So he does know what he’s doing when he’s acting crazy. The little shit .

Isagi on the other hand smiled affectionately at the screen. Bachira always knows what to say.

“Right.” Isagi’s hair swished as he faced forward again. He's right. There's no need to be
scared.
Isagi received the passed ball. My rank is 274. I'm rock bottom. I just need to play and climb up
the ranks!

“Pretty impressive, Yoichi. To climb from the bottom to the top of a program filled with only the
best. Don’t waste that precious talent before I get to it~”

Isagi had no idea how to respond to that. I don’t know what to say but I have a very. Strong feeling
that we will not get along.

Team X charged at him while Isagi paused with the ball and thought. Should I pass it back
and build the attack?

As Isagi was deciding, Raichi came and abruptly stole the ball from under his foot. “Hey!
What are you doing, Raichi?”

Raichi’s shark teeth were on full display. “The rules say the top scorer goes through, right? I
don't care about the team. I'm doing this my way.”

“I KNEW YOU WERE TOO CALM ABOUT IT BEFOREHAND! Everyone in the locker room
was complaining or stretching, but you were the only one who looked happy. Happy, my ass! You
were the one complaining the most about it before!” Niou roared.

“GUESS WHAT, FUCKER?! THIS IS BLUE LOCK! AND I’D DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN!”
Rachi screamed back.

The rest of the players just wished they would shut their mouths. Goddamn, was there a human-
noise control somewhere?

“Now you're talking, Raichi.” Kunigami sneakily swept the ball.

“Ho! Ho! What a sneaky move, hero!” Isagi grinned at the scene.
“Sneaky. Sneaky counterattack.” Kurona added on.

“If that's how it works here, I'll make no bones about playing for myself.”

Raichi was surprised for a second before he became enraged. “Kunigami, I think we're going
to get along just fine.”

Team Z fell into disorder.

“What're you doing?”

“Let me in on it!”

“Hey! What about our positions?” Kuon wailed worriedly.

“Now that I think about it, do you think he had sold out our positions to Team X?” Chigiri
whispered to the members of Team Z crowded around him.

“I don’t know…even if he did I don’t think Barou would’ve listened.” Isagi murmured back,
watchful of the eyes peering at them in curiosity.

Kunigami didn’t want to reminisce about this. “Let bygones be bygones. It’s over and he’s locked
off.”

“Who cares about that fucker.” Raicha growled slowly, but despite those words they could all tell
his heart wasn’t in it.

They decided to separate from their huddle, not wishing to discuss this subject anymore. At least
until they had to.

Kunigami and Raichi were caught in mid-fight, neither of them able to move freely.
“Get out of my way!”

“You get out of mine.”

“Damn it...you know, your physique ain't too bad…”

As they were locked a member of Team X stole the ball.

“You should pay more attention.” Another nameless Team X member smirked before
stealing it from his teammate.

Huh? They're fighting among themselves too? Isagi was absolutely baffled at the situation.
What's going on here?

As he watched the football field turned into a massive battle-royale.

They're all only thinking about themselves.

Ego’s face flashed. “This is a battle about creating soccer from zero.”

Is this sorry bunched-up free-for-all what he meant by ‘creating soccer from zero’? This isn't
soccer. What do I do? Should I go join them?

“You know, you don’t act very fast but you certainly think fast, Isagi.” Aiku mused out loud.
“While the rest of the players arrived at the correct solution by acting on their selfish desires, you
were the only one to truly understand the meaning of this situation. It seems your ability is insight.”

Niko agreed. “I think so too. I thought it was perception but looking at your memories now, your
thoughts, your actual ability is insight.”
“Is there a difference?”

“Perception is how your view impacts the way you see things. A ball is tossed and suddenly frozen
in time. Perception and insight can be used to describe the situation. A person standing under the
ball, looking up at it, would think the ball is going to keep going up. A person watching from the
bleachers, above the ball, would think the ball is about to come down. They are both correct but
wrong because they only see one side. What they see affects their reality and that is their
perception of the situation.”

Niko made a circle with his pointer and thumb and looked at Isagi through it. “A person with
insight will realize the ball is mid-throw and move to catch up before either of the other people
realize which direction it will go.”

Wait…isn’t that a little like Metavision? Not quite? I…when I play I can tell what people are going
to do before they do it - sometimes - but there’s something I’m missing. In that game with Itoshi
Sae, I was always a few steps behind. What…am I missing?

“Oh…thanks, Niko.”

Evil, scarlet burned in the dark. The next second a sole player cleanly broke free off the mess
of men.

“Oh…you look like car headlights King. I guess this is what Isagi sees you as.” Nagi said with his
mouth puckered into an x.

Barou, who was basking in the glory of this game, felt his blood pressure skyrocket.

Isagi hurriedly gestured for Reika to continue.

He broke free?!

“Don't stand in my way-

“Isagiiii you should’ve brought a red blanket. To wave in front of you.”

“I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU, YOU BASTARD!!”

- Or I'll kill you.”

I'll stop him. Isagi thought determinedly.

He's here. Is he going left?

Isagi shifted to the left only to have Barou kick the ball high over his head.

A heel flick? Crap, he got past me.

“I'm sorry, Kuon! He's heading your way!”

“I got it!”

“Don't sweat it. It's a two-on-one!”

Not even a second later Barou easily outmaneuvered the two Team Z members.

Two nutmegs in a row? What the hell is he? He's big and he's got skills!

Barou was oozing pride much to the annoyance of the audience. They couldn’t even say anything
because everything Isagi had thought about him was right! Still…it was hella annoying to just sit
there and bear it.

Barou ended his run with a quick goal.

Lemon was struck out looking. I couldn't react...

“Now hear me, suckers,” Barou spread his arms as if he was delivering a divine message.
“And remember my words. For me, the ball isn't my "friend" or any nonsense like that. It's
just a spherical servant that exists solely so I can shine. On the field, I am the king.”

“Do you think you’re a god? You’re too ugly for that broken king.”

THANK GOD FOR NAGI! The players screamed in their heads.

Barou cracked his neck but decided to ignore it for now. He had won after all.

Isagi was horrified. Is it even possible to beat a guy like that?

“Awesome!”

“Nice play, Barou!”

Team Z cheered in a circle around their self-proclaimed monarch.

“You're the goalie, aren't you? Act like one!” Igarashi yelled at Lemon.

Lemon yelped. “But I've never done this before. What am I meant to do?”

“It's only one goal. Let's calm down.” Kuon clapped his hands softly.

“If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. Fucking Kuon.” Raichi snarked bitterly.

Bachira sprayed a mouthful of spit in laughter.

“He's right. If we stick to our positions and pass it around-” Isagi began.

Raichi broke in, angry at the loss. “If we do that, then as the center forward, you'll be the one
who scores. Losers should play in defense. All you gotta do is pass me the ball!” He finished,
shouting at the rest of the team.

“Hell no! Pass it to me!”

“No, to me.”

“No, to me! To me!”

“Team Z, resume the game.” Interrupted a feminine voice.

Calm down . Isagi set the ball in position. The match has only just begun. I mean, what are we
even being tested on? Regardless, we have to win.

He looked at Barou. As long as that guy doesn't get the ball...

“Bachira! We'll at least pass it around between us!”

“Okay!”

Isagi passed the ball only to have it intercepted by Igarashi.

“Huh? Igaguri, your position!”

“Are you dense, Isagi? The top scorer on a team survives! I'm never passing it to someone
else. I'm sorry for your loss.”
“You’re not wrong, but you’re the last person who’s capable of scoring. Literally any other person
could’ve scored if it hadn’t been you.” Gagamaru slowly said.

“Hey! I made it all the way here, okay!”

“Yeah, one of the eight wonders of the world.” Karasu said, rolling his eyes.

“Hey, hold it!” Isagi screamed.

“Now I get what this first Blue Lock selection is all about. It's a battle where you only pursue
your own ability to score!”

Igarashi was easily overtaken by two opponents. “Crap!”

“You suck. It's mine now.”

Team Z were suddenly united in nothing but their anger.

“You lost the ball? I'll kill you!”

“Igaguri, you dumbass!”

“Stay back, guys! We got to defend!”

Team X was smarter in their playing. “Hey, let's pass the ball to Barou and support him. See
how the other team's having a total meltdown? Rather than chasing individual goals, we just
need to win as a team.”

“How did seven members, the most of any team, out of 11 of the dumbest and worst players make
it to the top of Blue Lock?”
“HEY!” Ah. For the first time since the 1st selection, Team Z was in perfect unison.

“Good call. Barou!”

Barou ran down the field with the ball as his teammates defended his path.

“Leave the right wing to me!”

“I got the left!”

“I'm leaving the defending to you!”

Isagi caught onto the situation fast. This isn't good. They're starting to get organized.

“It's Barou. We got to mark Barou!”

“Who're you to tell us that, Igaguri?”

“Damn. We got to stop him.”

Kunigami and Raichi came at him from the front while Imamuri and Isagi attacked him
from the back.

Despite the inevitable pile up, Barou’s red eyes reflected the calm of a still lake. “You sure
throwing so many lousy players at me is a good idea?”

"That was a terrible idea." Rin said, crossing his arms.

Why thank you, we know now. Chigiri fought the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose.

Without missing a beat, he neatly did a back heel pass.

It's no good. Isagi realized their mistake too late. If we leave Barou alone, he'll scythe through
our defense, but if we only mark him...

“Look at all that wide-open space!”

“...other players are left totally free!”

“Save it, Iemon!”

The ball went cleanly into the netting with no resistance from Team Z.

“All right! A second goal!”

“Thank you, King Barou!”

The Blue Lock players were dissatisfied. Sacrificing the opportunity to score in favor of passing it
others? That's completely against the Blue Lock philosophy. It also makes sense why there people
were locked off.

Isagi panted and worried. Crap. We're going to lose at this rate. They're already playing as a
team.

“It's 'cause you lost the ball, Igaguri!”

“But we're not coordinated at all.”

He looked at his team who were in complete disarray.

“Damn it, I can't do this!”

They were all bunched-up too, a while back. He changed all that. Barou's goal helped them to
become a team!

A bolt of clarity struck Isagi as he suddenly recalled Ego’s words.

“This is a battle about creating soccer from zero.”

If we call this bunched-up, free-for-all soccer ‘zero,’ then Barou's stunning play isn't zero, it's
‘one.’ A strategy to win is then built around this ‘one.’ And that's how a team is born. Is this
what he meant by ‘creating soccer from zero’?

Isagi’s mind went back to the memories of this game. His head filled with images of his
teammates fighting. If it is, we're totally useless. The bigger the goal deficit gets, the more they
think about themselves. No one's in the right mindset to think about how to get from ‘zero’ to
‘one.’ Meanwhile, the opponent's teamwork keeps improving.

Zantetsu thought back to his own game with Team Z. From something like this…they’ve come a
long way.

“I’m more surprised you didn’t say anything, Isagi. I can’t believe you realized all this and kept
your mouth shut about it. We had no idea!”

“I-I didn’t know what to say…I wasn’t in the right mood either to think of something that would
effectively move our team in the right direction. At the time.”

Nagi blinked at that. Isagi had been nothing but commanding and certain on the field. It was weird
to see him as anything but aggressive.

The video flashed forward and the scoreboard counted 5 - 0 in Team X’s favor.
The despair and helplessness of Team Z could be felt through the screen.

It weighed down on the people watching. Although Barou was one of them, they would rather die
than admit that they were secretly rooting for Team Z. The shenanigans of the team were amusing
at the very least. Also. It was Barou. There was no need to elaborate.

It's impossible. This game is over. We've...lost.

The air became incredibly strained at seeing Bachira look so serious. The amount of new things
we’re learning could fill a football field.

“Man, all I've been doing is running around.” The bicolored boy said. “There's no way we'll
score five in the next three minutes. But maybe you and I can get one goal back.”

Isagi finally looked up from the ball and at his best friend. “Bachira…”

Bachira was staring at the celebrating Team X. “At 5-0, the other team's guard is down, so
we might make it work this once.”

He blinked and dipped lower in demand. His gold eyes disappeared into swirling black
messes and penetrated Isagi to the core. “You in?”

Isagi closed his own blue and revealed his own swirling back. “I'm in.”

I will turn this team's ‘zero’ into a ‘one’!

“And so the monsters set each other off.” Karasu grinned, his bright eyes belying his indifferent
tone.

The mood in the audience room was wiped of the heavy despair and replaced with enthrallment.
Fucking finally.

“I'll distract them, then hit a long ball upfield so you can take the shot.” Bachira wiped his
face of sweat but the supernatural iris didn’t erase. “Run, Isagi. Straight to the goal.”

Isagi’s own remained. “Okay, Bachira.”

The ball was kicked and Isagi tore down the field, heedless of anyone’s voice but his own.

I'm going to make this shot!

“Huh? Isagi-kun?”

A comeback might be impossible, but if someone scores a goal, we can build the team structure
around it. That's what it means to go from zero to one.

“Surround him!” Team X cried as they struggled to lock down Bachira.

Isagi kept running. Bachira and I can score a goal together.

To win the next match, that's what we need to do!

Bachira’s eyes flamed as he pinned his eyes on Isagi’s back. “Right there, Isagi.”

That's the light we need to lead Team Z! Isagi yelled in his mind and effortlessly caught the
pass. Bull's-eye.

Bachira and Isagi’s thoughts were but a continuation of the other’s.

Yes!

Nice pass Bachira!

“Two of a kind.”

Isagi fixed his eyes on the goalie. It's a one-on-one. I'll score it!

“Oi, Number 11.” An increasingly familiar voice broke his concentration. “Don't stand out
more than me. I told you I'm the king.”

Barou’s eyes were a devilish red. Eerie against the rolling blue fumes. “Try getting past me,
sucker.”

Isagi halted in panic. What's he doing here? Did he read my plan? What do I do? Try to get past
him? But it's this guy…

Isagi’s fear clouded his mind as his reality began to fade in and out in a blurring haze.

In a situation like this, a striker would...

“Isagi! Behind you!” Raichi yelled, releasing him from his fear.

“Pass it to me!” Kunigami shouted from the other side.

“I'll shoot!”

“Here!”
Do I pass? No . He turned back to Barou lunging forward. I got to go for it! If I want to live
in Blue Lock… Isagi’s teeth clenched. If I want to live as a striker…

Huh?

A beat. Then everything disappeared. It was replaced with a holographic style layout of the
entire football field, glowing humanoid figures representing each and every player.

“Incredible…” A whisper echoed.

Sae’s eyes burned from the way he had them peeled open. He saw the whole field. In that split
second, with those terrible skills, he saw everyone on the field with a bird’s eye view.

Lorenzo grinned, his gold teeth flashing in the light. Ace. Your market-price is going to soar. I
can't wait to have my feast.

Everything turned pure white from the background to Isagi’s skin and hair. His glowed
beautiful blow, stark against the paled surrounding. Like the light in the depth of the ocean,
Isagi’s eyes stared at the devilish Barou as he became entangled in thick, black vines.

Almost no one could utter a word or form a coherent thought at the sight.

Instinct? Talent? Clarity? Which was it??

Barou was on his feet. An incomprehensible bellow burst from his throat at the sight of himself.
HOW DARE HE? HE…HE HAD ME AT HIS MERCY AND HE PLAYED ME LIKE A FOOL.
THOSE FUCKING VINES. HIS BRAIN ALREADY UNDERSTOOD EVERY MOTION I WAS
GOING TO MAKE. HE NEUTRALIZED ME…I WAS CONTAINED! HE! CONTAINED! ME?!

Hiori was captivated. The light emerging from the bottom of those cerulean blue, it’s as if he found
gold on the ocean floor. So inviting…I almost want to jump in.

A blend of fluorescent colors swirled their way through the dark.

He kicked the ball, eyes, face, and body still facing the contained threat that was Barou. Only
his leg, without permission, swung to the side.

“Huh?” Barou, Raichi, Bachira, and even Isagi himself were taken aback. No one had
expected that play, not even the playmaker.

The only one unsurprised was Kunigami. “Nice ball, Isagi.”

A nameless Team X member arrogantly sneered. ‘There's no way he'll score from that
range.”

Time slowed and Kunigami slammed the ball. It zoomed several meters and crashed into the
netting.

The players on the field - along with those watching the screen - stared in silence, their minds
not comprehending the goal.

5-1

“Eat it!!” Kunigami pumped his fist in victory.

“I passed the ball…” Isagi muttered.

A fist grabbed the front of his jersey. “What the hell are you doing, Isagi? Why did you pass
it to Kunigami? I was more open than he was!” Raichi yelled.

“No…I was planning to shoot. But for some reason, my body just…”

“Are you stupid? Like, seriously stupid? Who passes when they're shaping to shoot?”
“Hey! Hey! Hey!” Kuon separated them. “Stop that, Raichi! We scored a goal!”

Was he actually helping? In spite of his best efforts, the question marinated in Kunigami’s mind.
This is one scar among many that will never heal.

“Huh? Are you stupid, too? Why should I be happy someone who isn't me scored a goal in a 5
- 1 defeat? Didn't you listen to the rules? At the end of the day, it's the top scorer who goes
through! But he had a chance to score and passed!” Raichi pulled Isagi closer. “Why the hell
did you even come here?”

Isagi couldn’t even bring his hands up to defend himself.“I don't know…But that pass was
unintentional…”

“What?!”

“Hey, Number 11.” Barou walked up to the trio. “If you get nervous in front of the goal,
you're not cut out to be a striker. You have no talent.”

Isagi’s face shattered.

Reo wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out. He had selfishly thought that Isagi - being
brilliant - had not suffered so he that could nurse his own feelings of betrayal and jealousy. He
wished he could go back in time and never see this video so he could keep on pretending he was
right. He didn't want to sympathize, dammit! Oh god... Reo's heart broke for this absolute disaster
of scene. Isagi...

Bachira bit his lip and looked at his emotionless friend.

“...I’m not going to apologize.”

“...No one expected you to.”

Isagi sucked in a deep breath and ignored the looks of pity, sympathy, and contemplation. It’s over.
 His past self…needed to hear those words. Without them, he couldn’t have become the striker he
was now, standing at the top. It hurt though, especially hearing something like that from Barou,
but. The effect they had...was worth the agony. He took a few more breaths to ease the residual
pain, trying to blow it out with each exhale. Enough. You've done it. You...are here.

The whistle rang. “Time's up. In Blue Lock Building 5's first match, Team X wins 5 - 1.”

Team X’s bright celebration contrasted sharply with Team Z’s grieving.

Raichi threw him away and walked off but Isagi made no move to get up.

What am I doing? Didn't I say I was going to turn the ‘zero’ into a ‘one’?

Kunigami and Bachira silently watched Isagi's grief from the far ends of the field.

Am I…

The screen blackened.

unfit to be a striker?

Chapter End Notes

Heheeee

So...I'll be taking a few days break because I have quite a few exams coming up back
to back. Hope you guys' have great days! Make sure to eat and sleep well.

Also Happy Birthday Isagi! Sorry to do you like this. oops.

 01X03 Soccer's "Zero"_Part 2
Chapter Summary

Thank you all so much!! My exams finished and I'm so grateful to my beautiful,
wonderful commenters that I added a little something extra~

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

A whiteboard with the team’s formation appeared.

“First off, it was a mistake to make Isagi the center forward!”

Ugh. We just can’t catch a break. The players thought, slouching moodily into their seats.

“In the next game, it'll just be me up top.” Raichi angrily finished.

Naruhaya quickly disagreed. “No, it should be me. We can win if I'm the center forward.

“I'm never playing in defense again, you hear?” Igarashi haughtily announced.

“Losers can shut up.” Raichi said in response to that statement.

Imamura stopped wiping his face at that. “What? Says the loser who Isagi didn't want to
pass to.”

Isagi sat quietly with his head down as his teammates started fighting around.

“You want to go?!”

“Do you?!”

He was completely zoned out and depressed.

Barou’s face flashed before his eyes. “If you get nervous in front of the goal, you're not cut
out to be a striker. You have no talent.”

Why did I pass? Isagi scrunched his eyes in pain and clutched his hair.

His frustration leaked through the screen and coated over the players like a thick layer of paint on
their skin. They shifted agitatedly in their seats at the feeling.

I haven't changed at all since I got here. Damn it.

The glow that had once been present was gone. To survive in Blue Lock, what am I lacking as
a striker?

In front of him, the arguing continued before Kuon eventually lost his patience.

“Just pass the ball to me!”

“No, to me!”

“Give it to me!”

“Me. Pass to me.”

“That's enough, all of you!”

Rin clicked his tongue at the display. Lukewarm teams like this always lost. What the fuck was
Isagi doing?

The harshness of Kuon’s usually kind voice startled the room.

Isagi straightened in surprise. “Kuon…”

“Do you understand the situation we're in? We're a team that's already lost once. This first
selection is a five-team round-robin. Only the top two teams progress.”

A checkerboard appeared similar to what Ego had shown them before. “Suppose all teams
win two, lose two. We'd all be on six points. Which means, in order to advance, we have to
aim higher and get seven points. That's the likely cut-off line that will decide who
progresses.” Kuon stressed.

Lemon felt sweat drip off his face from the stress. “So in short, if you lose twice, it's a yellow
light that's about to turn to red.”

“We're already at the point where if we lose the next game, we're done for. If we don't get
serious about how we're going to win,” Kuon opened his eyes for the first time revealing hazy
red irises. “It really will be over for us.”

“Then, have you got any good ideas?”

“Well... No, not yet.”

“What the heck? Then, what good is all this talk?”

“But still, we have to do something…”

“I have something.” Kunigami slowly called out. “I couldn't have scored that goal without
Bachira and Isagi. That should show us the way.”
“Cut the crap, musclehead!” Rachia yelled, he was still furious over not being able to score in
the last game. “You just want to be the team's top scorer!”

“Give it a rest.” Niou huffed.

Raichi sneered but didn’t say anything.

Bachira’s voice stopped whatever Raichi was going to say next. “But it was amazing.” The
camera panned up to reveal an entirely naked bachira, not even a towel around his waist. “It
was the best goal of the day, for sure.” He finished cheerfully.

Both his attitude and attire was completely different from the rest of the locker room.

“PUT SOME CLOTHES ON!!!” Screamed the entirety of the audience. Whether it be foreign
players or Japanese players, everyone was exasperated by his behavior. No one walked around that
naked, dammit!

“You're naked!”

Bachira ignored Igaguri. “If we just do that a lot, we can win.” He grinned delightedly.
“Right, Isagi? Right?”

“Bachira…” Isagi was too broken by the naivety of Bachira’s statement.

“For real, what shit is he on? Yep. Yep.” Wakatsuki whispered to Chou. Chou’s placid face
remained expressionless but he nodded back to show his agreement, wondering the same thing.

The rest of the room seemed just as annoyed with Bachira’s nudity.

“Oh, please! It was a fluky wonder goal. You can't rely on that! And come on, dude, stop
streaking!”
For once Raichi was quiet, unable to make heads or tails of the situation.

“I just had a horrifying realization.”

“What?”

“I just realized that I’m actually scared of seeing Bachira doing something normal. His streaking is
intolerable and completely inappropriate but I’m terrified of seeing him doing something like
washing the dishes or- or not streaking.”

“…Stop. I’m barely holding onto my sanity as it is. I-I don’t need this right now.”

Imamaru closed his eyes and bemoaned mournfully. “But seriously, I really don't get how we
can make a team out of just forwards.”

Chigiri opened the fridge and took out a water bottle. “I don't think everything that guy says
is right.”

“Chigiri.”

“Ego talked about how to "win" the World Cup, throwing names like Cristiano Ronaldo,
Messi, and Cantona out there. But none of those guys have ever won the World Cup-”

“That’s because they’re not as amazing as me!” Chris Prince boasted.

Noel Noa steadfastly ignored his British counterpart to the annoyance of Prince.

“-If anything, him saying ‘This is a battle about creating soccer from zero’ was some sort of
hint.”

At those words Isagi stood up and spoke for the first time since his match. “Hey, everyone. I
don't have any strategies that'll help us win, but I might know what it means to be at soccer's
‘zero’.”

Yukimiya tilted his head. All the people here, including himself, had passed the first selection but
few understood the meaning behind Ego’s words. They, like Barou, were simply strong enough to
overwhelm their opponents and thus remain. Yukimiya was interested in what Isagi had to say
though. This guy always saw something the others didn’t.

Raichi, as per usual, wasn’t in the mood for drawn out games. “So what is it, noob? Explain it
to us.”

“In today's game, all anyone was thinking about at the start was scoring themselves, and that
led to a bunched-up free-for-all.”

The scene flashed back to Kunigami and Raichi fighting for the ball.

“That's probably what it means to be at ‘zero.’ Well, that really wasn't soccer at all.”

“That really wasn’t soccer at all.” Igarashi said, sounding highly displeased.

“That's true.” Imamuri concurred.

“The thing that broke through that ‘zero’ was Barou's goal.” Isagi picked up again,
narrowing his eyes in thought. “It acted as a catalyst, creating a clear path for goals, which
led them to play as a team. Barou used his talents to turn the ‘zero’ of chaotic bunched-up
soccer into a ‘one’.”

Barou didn’t exactly smile, per say, but something about the way he was sitting indicated his
pleased and prideful demeanor at the acknowledgement.

“Using that as a guiding principle, a team can evolve into a ‘10’ or even a ‘100’. So what's
required is the power to produce that ‘one’.” Barou’s demonic form hovered over the players
dyed in white, as if they were his prisoners. “Only this irresistible trait and talent can make it
possible.”
Rin’s lips thinned at the imagery. He was the only one Isagi should be focusing on. A self-
proclaimed king and someone who was not even part of the top 6 was not something Isagi should
even be thinking twice about when he was here instead.

Kuon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “A striker is someone who turns a ‘zero’ into a ‘one,’ and
the other positions multiply it to ‘10’ and ‘100’, huh?

Naruhaya understood what Isagi was trying to imply. “So did Ego add that rule about the
team's top scorer surviving to make us figure that out?”

“Most likely.” Isagi nodded. “Because of that rule, our egos were exposed, and we were
forced to play by and for ourselves, without thinking about positions or tactics.”

Anri blinked. She hated Reika but she would indubitably be grateful for the opportunity to view
these memories. Her own experience did not show her a full-scale view of the situation and the
players and she admitted in the privacy of her mind that she had severely underestimated Isagi. She
knew he was brilliant but the extent of it was something she had understood. So this is what Ego
saw in him back then.

The sight of Barou constricted and slowed by black vines appeared in the minds of all the
players. “And our egos have to clash before we can truly become a team.”

“Soccer…A team…” Ego's wicked smile emerged out of the darkness and his silhouetted
figure enveloped those in the room. “They are created by an irresistible striker. That must be
Ego's message to us.”

Ego chose that moment to come back on. “Yes, very good. You're on the right track.”

They’re very similar. Noel Noa thought, comparing Isagi and Ego in his head. The two of them
view situations the same way and so Isagi Yoichi is able to easily understand what Ego is doing or
saying without him having to say it. Interesting.

“Hi there, diamonds in the rough. The second match in Building 5 just finished.”
Side by side snapshots of Nagi, Reo, and Zanitetsu appeared in mid-motion. “Team V beat
Team Y, 8 - 0.”

“What? 8 - 0?!”

“Wow.” Isagi breathed out amazed.

Nagi’s eyes lightened at the striker’s amazement.

Aside from Bachira, everyone else seemed to be stressed.

“You're on the right track, but it seems you still have no idea how to turn zero into one. First,
let's talk about this country, Japan.” Ego used the holograms again to explain his words.
“The Japanese love to have roles allocated to them so they can just complete their tasks. As
an example, take one of the few major sports where Japan is on par with the rest of the
world. Baseball.”

Eijun’s sport! Isagi thought, perking up.

Several eyebrows raised at Isagi’s unusual interest in anything aside from football.

“Its inning system has distinct periods for offense and defense, and there's no physical
contact out in the field. Each role is clearly defined in this sport, and it fits the Japanese
psyche like a glove. That's why we're so strong at it.”

Agi was quite taken by Ego’s explanation of the Japanese psyche and the role in sports. It was
definitely something he felt he should delve a bit farther into later.

“But that's not the case in soccer. It has an open field where offense and defense alternate as
the situation demands. And it can be very physical. In this sport, you can't win by simply
doing the tasks you've been given.”
Ego held a baseball in his hand. “Which is why you need personal skills.” He crushed it, the
sound ringing like shattered glass. “Individual skills.”

Eijun would’ve blown a fuse. Isagi thought exasperatedly.

The particles of the shattered baseball fell like snow around Ego as he stared into the
distance. “In Japanese soccer, the positions we can be proud of are our midfielders and full-
backs. They work like dogs for the team. They turn the ‘one’ created by the striker into 100.
Without the devotion of those players, Japanese soccer wouldn't be where it is now.”

“Therefore, there will be no revolution.” Team Z was taken by the speech, their mouths
hanging open as they stared at Ego.

“So diamonds in the rough, overwrite your consciousness.” Ego teeth grinned and he
chuckled disgustingly.

Can a person’s teeth really be that long? Raichi was severely creeped out.

“In soccer, scoring a goal means destroying the other team's structure.”

“Which makes a striker a destroyer. The act of scoring is a revolution on the field, where you
wreck the other team's order.”

Isagi soaked in those words, wide-eyed. “Diamonds in the rough, do not let yourselves get
trapped in by the notion of roles! Or you won't create one from zero.”

So this is what broke his false ideologies about soccer. The room collectively realized.

Ego’s body was surrounded with the weapons and techniques of soccer. “Take up your
weapon, strikers!” He howled. “Identify it clearly. Which weapon will you use to mess with
the other team, make them yield, and destroy them?” Ego’s bowlcut swayed in the
holographic breeze. “Think hard about what you can do with your body and your mind! It's
always your weapon that kick-starts this revolution known as scoring!”
Ego touched his forehead with two fingers. “Victory can only exist once you get beyond that.”

Despite the creepiness of this crazy bastard, Chris Prince was impressed with the pep talk. I could
do it better though…

A weapon…That's the breakthrough we need to win in this first selection!

Bachira hung off Isagi’s shoulders and poked his cheek. “And Isagi found it! He was Amaaaazing
in the next game. But Isagi’s always amazing.”

Isagi gently pushed Bachira’s persistent hand away from his cheek. “Thanks, Bachira.”

Reika took the opportunity to come back in. “Awww, Isagi-chan you broke my heart! My beautiful
work in progress, you finally finished painting the base, didn’t you? Had you left it there, I
would’ve left you!” She giggled.

Isagi’s mouth twisted. Am I supposed to be happy or sad about that? I’m happy to be the
protagonist but not at her hands!

I’m upset you didn’t cry though,” Reika pouted. “Isagi-chan crying is sooo adorable!!” She gushed,
her delicate hands cupping her cheeks as she swiveled back and forth in her chair. She sighed
mournfully, “Cry-baby Isagi was too cute.”

“Wait.”

Isagi could feel the utter ecstasy and excessive amount of teasing and blackmail material begin to
compile as his fellow rivals slowly started grinning.

Oh god, even Rin’s eyes were glinting in malicious delight.

“Isagi was a crybaby?” And thank you, Hiori, for years of torment. Honestly Isagi felt so betrayed.
Weren’t they supposed to be friends? Just him, Hiori and Nanase vs a program of villains and
crazies? Obviously Hiori didn’t feel the same way if he was offering Isagi’s body on a silver-
fucking-platter to these ravishing wolves: renamed footballers.

“Oh yes.” Erika’s devious smirk matched the one sported on every, single face around the room.

“No.” Isagi was not having this. No way. “I wasn’t! And we’re not watching the past! If we finish
this, we can leave and get back to training. We don’t want to stay here for longer, right?!”

Yukimiya’s glasses flashed as he pushed them further up his nose with a slight smile. “As
appealing as the idea is, I would also like to find out more about you, Isagi. To better understand
how to defeat you, of course.”

“NO!” Isagi did not shriek. Shut up, it wasn't a shriek. “NO THIS IS NOTHING-“

“Too late~”

The camera spun into existence with a new scene.

“Abababa!! Yocchan~♡ It’s Papa ♡ I got you a new toy~♡”

This Isagi didn’t even bother denying his shrieking. He lurched to his feet and started sprinting at
the screen. “NO! STOP THIS RIGHT-”

“OOF-” He was suddenly speed-tackled by several people with dizzying hair colors. “Keep
playing, Reika!” Bachira popped his head out of the pile of people on top of Isagi. “Don’t stop!”

While shaking the light blue rattle, Baby Isagi’s face rumpled and grimaced.

Chigiri was squealing in happiness at the sight. He was beyond relieved that his sister wasn’t there
to see him do so. Oh yeah, he was also relieved that she wasn’t there to see Isagi’s baby form. She
would’ve snatched him away!
“Guh, Uwaa~”

“Huh…”

He was so disappointed that he cried over the toy he had bought to make him happy.

“That won’t do, dear. Yocchan is afraid of loud noises. Yocchan, it’s Mama~ Here’s a teddy
bear~♡”

Anri was practically vibrating in her seat.

A cute stuffed bear was held out in front of Baby Isagi.

“Uwahhh!!”

He cried even more.

“.....Oh my, he’s scared of teddy too.”

The resulting laughter was deafening. Reo swore he saw some of the dust on the ceiling fall
because of it and- HOLY FUCKING SHIT RIN WAS SMILING ? LIKE ACTUALLY
SMILING?!?

A pleasant voice narrated the scene.

A gentle-mannered and easygoing father, Issei, and a calm and tender mother, Iyo. With two
gentle parents, Isagi Yoichi was born ‘timid’. The sound of the kettle boiling, a dog on a
walk, a cicada’s cast-off skin…..he gets scared and starts crying at the sound of everything.
Whenever there was a stranger, he would immediately hide behind his mother, making it
difficult for him to make friends or go to kindergarten. In the summer when Isagi was 3 years
old, there have been incidents like this one caused by him being timid.
Niko felt satiated at his rival crying so cutely. Now if only I could make him cry like that…

He was unaware that his wistful thought was being echoed around the room.

Isagi was playing in the living room when he suddenly saw an empty space and began to cry.

“Scary~! Uwahhh!”

Iyo hurriedly comforts the crying Isagi in her arms.

“What's wrong? What are you scared of?"

Isagi cried out and desperately pointed to the empty space. Even if Iyo strained her eyes, she
couldn't see anything. There was nothing but a white wall.

“Yocchan, what is there…?”

Iyo shuddered when she heard the next line.

“Can’t Mama see it?”

A chill ran down Iyo's spine as she hugged her child, who was crying even harder. This child
can see things that can't be seen…?

The atmosphere dropped in the viewing room as the viewers also felt chills run down their spines.
What…was Isagi seeing? Could it…it couldn't be right?

Isagi started struggling harder from the bottom of the human dogpile. He very much remembered
what came next and would like the recording to stop now , thank you very much.
The players on top could care less about his struggles. They even pressed down harder as if that
would be able to protect their favorite striker from whatever misfortune was happening. They
ignored the thought that this event happened in the past and whatever they did now would not
change the outcome.

Isagi started pointing to empty spaces and crying. In the corner of the kitchen, in the
bedroom window, in the closet……..There is something in this house that only Isagi can see.

Could it be a ghost….?

The players sucked in a sharp breath. Even Kaiser’s face was a couple shades lighter than it usually
was.

While the couple was seriously discussing whether they should have an exorcism, Isagi
started crying again.

“Uwahhh! There it is! Scary~!"

It’s there! What could it be!?

The tension skyrocketed. So it was true! That babies could see things that people couldn’t! Isagi!!!

While hugging Isagi, Issei and Iyo also trembled. At that moment. Close to Issei’s ear, he
heard a sound. That unpleasant sound peculiar to summer, and it passed the corner of his
eye. He looks up in surprise. For the first time, Issei was able to see what Isagi had been
seeing.

“I know now, Dear….! Yocchan is scared of mosquitoes!”

Isagi had spotted mosquitoes from a distance that no ordinary people could see. So, they
sprayed mosquito repellent, and the psychic phenomena in the Isagi household had been
settled. Then, another incident occurred.
A pause. Then the room burst into hysterics, people were on their knees crying with laughter at the
revelation. Others were convulsing on the ground. A few seemed to be in dire need of respiratory
ventilation, unable to even make a sound.

Isagi wanted to cry too. But not from laughter.

While playing in the park. Sometimes, he would hold his head and start crying.

“Does your head hurt?”

“Noooo! Uwahhh!”

He looked up at the sky and cried, so his parents looked around to see if a nut had fallen or
someone had thrown a stone at them, but there was nothing. Having no choice, they hugged
the fretfully crying Isagi and went home. When they get home, it always starts to rain. At first
she thought it was a coincidence, but it continued for so long that Iyo finally noticed.

“Yocchan… is scared of the rain!”

“P-please…” Someone begged. “Make…it…s-stop. I-I can’t breathe…” They wheezed, did this
place have emergency services?

Isagi stared contemplatively between the ground and his fingers. Was he strong enough to dig a
hole through the marble? Well, you never know unless you try!

Before he could proceed, the incredible weight on his back disappeared and he was pulled into a
massive cuddlepile with the more affectionate members caging him in. Even Rin was sitting a little
distance away from his man-made prison. Honestly he wished they would all just drop out of
existence so that way he could keep his dignity and lay his embarrassing childhood memories to
rest. He pouted. Manly. He pouted in a manly fashion, of course.

“Ah, Isagi~” Bachira began, his cheeks still hurt from smiling too wide. “Don’t be sad, you’re just
very cute!”
“Mmm.” Nagi agreed, resting his head on top off Isagi’s and locking his arms tighter around his
torso. “It’s just a childhood thing.”

Isagi relaxed but Nagi wasn’t done. “Crybaby.”

That’s it. Isagi shook and tried to twist his way out of the labyrinth of arms and legs on and around
him but they only constricted him tighter. “Let go!”

“Nope.”

“Nah.”

“No, sorry Isagi-san.”

Reika relished in Isagi’s humiliation for a moment. “Ah but now Isagi-chan’s all grownup.”

“Huh?”

“He’s so different in Blue Lock now that he’s older.”

Bachira, Nagi, and several others nodded. Barou seemed a bit disappointed and relieved.

“See for yourself in the additional time.”

On cue, the words “Blue Lock Additional Time” bounced on the screen.

A DAY IN BLUE LOCK. 7:00 WAKE UP overtook the scene.

“Oh looks like this one is about our daily routine. “

“Hey, Bachira. It's morning.” Isagi said, yawning. He and Bachira were still in their futons
though.

Nagi’s mouth puckered into an “x”. He missed Isagi waking him up…

Bachira was still dreaming. “Hey, pass…King Kazu…”

“Oh yeah, I forgot that Isagi used to wake up the late members. Well it was only Bachira anyway.”
Kunigami said, his eyes glazing over the past.

“Why didn’t someone else do it?” Sendou questioned, he scowled at the image of Isagi waking
other people up by patting them gently.

A shudder rippled through the remaining members of Team Z while Bachira blinked innocently.

“We don’t want any more… incidents .”

Rin’s face was drawn while Tokitsu trembled violently and curled in on himself. Aryu’s hair
magically lost its glow for a moment.

I’m not even going to ask. The rest of the room unanimously decided.

9:00 WARM UP & TRAINING

Kunigami was steadily breathed in and out as he did one arm pushups.

That's the master of the training room, Muscle Kunigami! Isagi startled at the feat of strength.

Pain in the ass to fight. Barou grumbled internally.

10:00 TEAM TRAINING

“Leg cramp!” Igarashi screamed, holding the tip of his foot.

“Don't be ridiculous. That's the fifth time today.” A voice said.

“You're trying to skip.” Another added, frustrated.

Everyone snorted. Typical.

“No, it must be broken! A full-body muscle strain and compound fracture or something!”

12:00 LUNCH

“Don't eat with your damn fingers!” Raichi’s veins bulged on his face as he roared. “So
gross! Use your chopsticks!”

“Okay.” Gagamaru drawled out lazily.

Barou found himself reaching for Gagamaru’s neck. This was just not his additional time. He
would’ve killed everyone had he been on Team Z.

“Let's get those hands clean, shall we?” Kuon stated, holding a towel in one hand and
Gagmaru’s hand in another.

Naruhaya giggled. “Are you his mom? It's Mommy Kuon!”

22:00 FREE TIME

“What are you up to, Chigiri?” Isagi asked.

Chigiri blow dried his hair. “Hair care.”

Aryu gazed longingly. “Very stylish.”

“What about you, Imamura?”

Imamura gently pat his face. “Skincare.”

24:00 BEDTIME

Loud snores resounded before the sight lowered to reveal Igarashi sleeping in a weird, folded
yoga position.

“I-Is he supposed to be sleeping?” Isagi was freaked out by the posture.

“Crazy posture.”

“Dude, you know it’s bad when Bachira of all people says something is crazy.”

“I can’t help it! I didn’t even know, okay?!”

Raichi was gritting his teeth and his hands clenched. “I knew he didn't have a broken bone.
Lying brat.”

“Igarashi…what the fuck, man?”

“I…”
 Igarashi slept on peacefully.

Reika rolled her eyes. “We’re - no wait it’s just you - are gonna find out what everyone’s weapon
is! I already know that’s what you’re interested in the most.”

At this point, the Blue Lock players gave up trying to find ways to flee from her. After learning this
much about Isagi so far, they wanted to see what he would do next. They wanted to know how he
went from being incapable of scoring goals to winning the U-20 tournament with the best soccer
players of Japan. And it was finally time.

Outside the building, a lone figure stood staring at seemingly nothing. Around him the golden
glow of the sunset shined on the greenery and the soft sound of birds chirping filled the air. The
figure stood unaware of his surroundings, too deeply entrenched in his thoughts and anticipation.

He slowly reached out, his hand trembling violently from nervous energy and hopeful expectation.
Seconds passed by only to feel like minutes as the shaking hand drew closer to its destination. And
then, where there should have been empty space, the cold feeling of Stucco met his fingertips. He
sucked in a sharp breath.

Found it.

Chapter End Notes

Anyone catch the cameo? I love him sm. In fact if I have time I'll write a fic about the
two of them separately.

Up next things start picking up!

 01X04 Premonition and Intuition_Part 1
Chapter Summary

Beginning of episode 4 with Kunigami and Isagi's meeting.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

“My weapon is my magnificent shooting technique.” Raichi said dramatically, opening the
scene. “And my motto is ‘Sexy soccer!’”

Igarashi brayed, at the introduction. “What kind of stupid name is that?!”

“Shut the fuck up! You don’t even have one!” Raichi yelled back, aggravated at the insult to his
beautiful technique name.

“I do!”

“Mine is getting in behind.” Naruhaya said proudly, his arms folded behind his head.

Don’t I know it. Isagi smiled bittersweetly.

“Mine is…being physical.” Gagamaru uttered in a slow drawl.

“I'm an all-rounder.” Lemon said next.

Isagi reflected on that. Jack of all trades, master of none. Had Lemon been part of anything but
Blue Lock he most likely would’ve succeeded. But the reason he disappeared was because there
wasn’t something to set him apart. By this point, Isagi had experienced too much to fully feel sad
for anyone gone but he did feel a whisper of…something…at seeing Lemon’s absence in the
room.
“Mine's my ‘never give up’ attitude!” Igarashi exclaimed, slamming a hand to his chest.

“BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! WHAT KINDA STUPID TECHNIQUE NAME IS

THAT!! AND YOU COMPLAINED ABOUT MINE!”

“IT WORKS!!!”

“But Igarashi-kun, didn’t you give up quite a few times in training?” Sweet, innocent Nanase
questioned, confused by the discrepancy between the show and the words.

Igarashi flushed in an unattractive manner. “SHUT UP!”

“Don’t yell at ‘im.”

“Don’t yell at him.”

Isagi and Hiori tag-teamed Igarashi, their cold voices overlapped in a chilling manner. The
polyphonic tone had some of the other players flinching back in fear. Igara immediately quieted
down.

Kunigami calmly included him in the discussion. “Mine's the power in my left-footed shots.”

Chigiri, Reo, and Barou were dissatisfied with the single line inclusion. He is much more than that.

Imamuri finger-gunned. “Mine's my speed and technique.

Bachira swayed back and forth, unable to keep awake. “Mine's…dribbling…” He collapsed
onto the ground in sleep again.

“‘Dribbling.’” Kuon noted down in his pad. “Mine is my jumping. Who's next? Isagi?”
The players, having separated from the pile, sat up straighter in interest. Up until now, it had only
been their speculations, but what do you call this all-encompassing power that they had merely
gotten glimpses of?

“Well, my weapon? Oh, I wonder what it is…” Isagi scratched his cheek awkwardly, both at
the room’s attention and his own lack of knowledge.

“Your passing?” Igarashi suggested.

Isagi immediately refuted the sentence, having brooded over the very thing from his last
game. “No, I can't say that as a striker.”

Raichi flapped a hand in his direction. “The fact you don't even know means you're doomed.
Next!”

Sighs burst from the crowd. A few at Raichi’s predictable behavior and many more at not having
found Isagi’s weapon.

“Wait, hold on…”

Kuon scribbled down something on his pad. “Well, tell us when you think of something. Last
of all, Chigiri.”

Chigiri sat folded with his arms crossed on top of his legs. He had been silent for a long time.
“Not telling.”

“Gate-keeping, princess?” Karasu asked, voice sickly-sweet.

Chigiri ignored the eyeing of the players to stare fixedly at the screen. Isagi considered reaching a
hand out but decided against it, unsure of whether such a gesture would be welcomed currently.
“Huh? But that's the whole point of this conversation.” For once Igarashi had something
sensible to add.

Chigiri curled tighter. “I know, but I don't want to say it.”

Raichi stuck his pinky in his ear in annoyance. “What the hell? Let's just ignore the selfish
queen over there.”

Huh. I was kinda expecting him to get angry again. The room thought, surprised at the lack of
emotion.

Kuon took over again. “Guess we'll have to. Anyway, a striker needs a powerful weapon and
how you make use of it is important.”

“Kuon is so helpful, I’m a little surprised you guys made it without him.” Aiku mused.

That brought up a swell of mixed emotions that none of the former Team Z wanted to talk about.

“But if everyone just does what they want, won't it end up like the last game?” Lemon
pointed out.

Gagamaru lay down. “Can we really win by doing what Ego told us to?”

“Even with weapons, if we aren't coordinated, they're meaningless.” Naruhaya said,

swinging his feet from side to side.

The room was quiet as they pondered their options.

“Man, you guys had it hard.” Otoya commented, slightly grimacing at the dull atmosphere.

“Can't we come up with a strategy where all of us can shine or something?” Isagi asked.
Kuon stared at the notepad then gasped. “I see. Yeah, this might work. This way, we'll all get
an equal chance. With this strategy, we might win.” He dramatically addressed the room.
“It's called…Operation ‘Next Up, It's Me' Eleven!’”

The room was quiet again but for a different name.

Isagi was alert. Lame name!

Scattering of laughter sounded from all around.

“I-Isagi-kun, I can’t w-wait to h-hear more from your t-thoughts! You’re s-so sweet and kind, a-and
a l-little mean!” Tokimitsu quaked out before yelping. “P-please don’t be m-mad! I d-didn’t mean
it l-like that!!”

“No…you’re fine.” Isagi said sweatdropping, that actually brought up a dangerous point. Man, I
hope I didn’t think anything too bad…

“Yeah, I want to know too.” Chigiri smiled threateningly. He wasn’t too worried about Isagi’s
internal monologue though. I know I didn’t get the worst of it. He thought, side-eying Barou.

Barou seemed to be on the wavelength as Chigiri going by his deep scowl.

“I’m glad to hear your thoughts, Isagi!” Bachira chirped, very happy about his past encounters in
Isagi’s mind.

Of course you would, he adores you. The rest retorted, annoyed. I wonder what he thinks of me
though.

Team Z switched to practicing on the field.

“Time it so it gets to me here!” Kunigami called, running toward the goal.

“Okay!”

It's not like we're a team all of a sudden.

“Not like that. I want it to feet.” Gagamaru complained waving his hands.

Raichi rubbed the back of his head. “Okay, Okay. Stop whining.”

“Isagi, don't drop back!” Igarashi yelled.

“Hold the line!” Naruhaya added.

“Got it.” Lose and your soccer career is over.

“Ain't that the truth.” Lavinho hooted.

Bachira hooted back in fun, setting off a loud noise competition between the two of them and
Otoya.

The rest felt like stuffing them down a hole.

Several moments from their practices flashed by. I feel this simple fact has made us come
together as a team.

CAFETERIA

Isagi sighed as another small can of Natto appeared.

The Japanese players cringed at the Natto again. “Wow, Isagi, how many weeks of Natto did you
have to eat?”

“Ugh.”

A few of the foreign players were interested. Is it really that bad? I kinda want to try…

I'm super late for dinner. Isagi sat down slumped back tiredly in his seat. It's been a week
since I came to Blue Lock. Honestly, nothing's helping my confidence.

Every player present from Igarashi to Noel Noa were once again shocked by the lack of
confidence. It’s hard to correlate the player who made so many striking goals with the one
suffering from self-doubts. Can’t he see how extraordinary he is? When no one could even stand in
Barou’s way he was the only one who pulled him off the pedestal, no matter how brief or
uncoordinated. Furthermore he easily outmaneuvered and outplayed everyone on the field. We can
see his thoughts but man we can’t understand what he’s thinking!

Multiple scenes from his time at Blue Lock flew through his mind.

I don't have any weapon I can be proud of.

Barou’s condescending face from the Team X match emerged. “You have no talent.”

His face dulled farther. Maybe I don't have a weapon…

Barou clenched his teeth. He was not sorry. He was not. Isagi was bad then. He was not sorry.

Bachira couldn’t stand it anymore. He flopped over Isagi, blanketing his best friend. For once, the
others didn’t feel irritated at the action.

“I'm tired of natto.” He mumbled sadly.

“Good work today, Isagi.” A deep voice interrupted Isagi’s dejected reflection.

Isagi was startled. “Kunigami.”

Kunigami’s eyes widened briefly. I only came to say thanks and it was a good time to come late
since no one was around but I didn’t realize I picked such a good time. We may have parted ways
but Isagi is still...

The man raised an eyebrow. “You're still getting natto?”

Isagi laughed self-deprecatingly. “That's just how it is when you rank near the bottom. Hey,
wait…You haven't had dinner yet?”

“I just ate. I came to talk to you.”

“What about?”

Kunigami touched the back of his head in slight remorse. “I never said thank you.”

“For what?”

He saluted. “Thanks for the pass.”

Isagi was momentarily flummoxed. “Oh, in the last game? That's all?”

“Yeah. I believe in doing things the right way.”

Now that’s something you don’t see a lot. Aiku tilted his head lazily to the side. He raised his
eyebrows. Not bad. I would definitely never do that but respect, man. I give it where it’s due.

Kunigami turned away, having said his piece. “Anyway, that's all. Good night.”
Isagi lunged out of his and his hand stretched out toward his leaving friend. “Hey, wait a
minute! Kunigami-san, why do you play soccer?”

Kunigami was blinked, taken aback by the statement that came out of nowhere. “What kind
of a question is that?”

“Oh, it's just…You have lots of weapons I don't. Like your shot power and your strong frame.”
Isagi rubbed the back of his neck and looked away. Only now his brain caught up with his
impulsive actions. “So I was just wondering what an amazing guy like you thought about.”

Rin felt a surge of ugly jealousy rising again. Why the fuck was his rival complimenting every
damn person in the world? I’m the only person you should be paying attention to! This no-name,
muscle-brained, orange-headed, Ichigo-looking rip-off was nothing compared to him. Why should -
am I - forced to look at you when you’re looking at others?!

Isagi cringed at his own words. “Jeez, what am I saying…I'm sorry. It feels like I'm
embarrassing myself here. Forget I asked. Good night.”

Kunigami turned back completely. “That's easy.” The seriousness of his conviction reflected
on his face. “I'm going to be a soccer superhero.”

“Huh?”

“When I was small, I didn't look up to Sentai heroes, robots, or pirate kings.” Visions of
soccer plays breezed through. “I idolized strikers who ran about on green pitches and scored
goals to win games. Those players weren't fictional.” A young Kunigami watched the goals
with a tiny blush on his face.

Chigiri felt his heart warm in affection at the sight.

“They were real-life superheroes who excited me and gave me courage.” The scene returned
to the present. “That's who I want to become.”
The audience was quiet. Some didn’t care for such a childish dream but others were respectful at
the awe-inspiring words. They would never have such a desire but they could respect a good man.

Chris Prince grinned. “If you’re here then you made it somehow. Try joining Manchester United,
kid. With those muscles and kick, with the Golden Formula, you can be that hero you dreamed of
and defeat those German Bast- ahem. And defeat bad guys.”

Gresner rolled his eyes. We all know what you were trying to say asshole.

Kunigami blinked, surprised at the offer but said nothing.

Isagi was also awed by his dream. “Are you serious?”

“Deadly.” Isagi’s eyes grew wide. “I don't care if someone thinks it's silly and laughs at me.”

“I'm not embarrassed at all.” Kunigami steadfastly declared. “To achieve my dream, I will
fight the right way and take on the world.”

Isagi was starstruck. Man…He has a really strong resolve, unlike me.

Isagi felt those feelings for Kunigami amplify in two-fold. Seeing this again, makes me remember
how remarkable he is.

Kunigami was also warmed by Isagi’s awe. He thought so highly of me back then when everyone
laughed at me for my naivistic ideology. The struggle I’m facing now after almost being locked
off…seeing this makes it worth the pain. I want to become a hero for others like I feel I have
become for him.

“That's cool.” Isagi’s hair shadowed his face. “You're so badass.”

Niko gazed at Isagi. He looks like me here.

A sharp beep brought up Isagi’s head. “Isagi, you want some?” Kunigami asked, holding out
a tray of food.

The deep brown, perfectly roasted steak bubbled in a platter of steaming maroon sauce. The
heat of freshly cooked meat wafted off in visible vapors.

Everyone felt the mouths drool at the way the light gleamed on it. I want it.

“Huh? A steak?” Isagi was so stunned by the offer his pupils disappeared in shock and his
mouth hung open. “What?!”

“The goal bonus list is up there.” Kunigami nodded toward a paper on the wall. “If you score
a goal, you can trade your points for prizes.”

Cell phone? Bed? Yes, please. A ‘One day outside Blue Lock’ pass?

What the hell, is this an actual prison? The players outside of Blue Lock scowled.

“I owe half of that goal to you.” Kunigmai cut the meat, the knife slicing easily through the
steak. “So half of this meat belongs to you.”

“What? Are you serious?” Isagi blushed, bewitched by the delicious sight. “It's been so long.
No more natto!” His eyes grew round and a little drool escaped the side of his mouth.

Isagi-san is so cute! Nanase relished the sweet sight. Next time I visit I’ll bring back Kobe beef
from Hyogo! It’s Kansai’s speciality and Isagi-san will hopefully like it!

Kunigami had something to ask Isagi too. “But why did you pass the ball to me back then?”

A review of the game played.

“I'm pretty sure Raichi was more open, so I was wondering why you passed it to me when I
had defenders around me.”

“Oh, right. It was sort of unconscious. Like a reflex or something.” Isagi stopped kneeling and sat
in his seat to eat. “Even if I'd passed to Raichi, it didn't change the fact Barou was in front of us. So
I suppose I smelled a goal if I could just set you up for a mid-range shot.”

Raichi sneered. He finally had an explanation why Isagi passed over him but seriously? When he
asks he gets no response but when Kunigami asks he answers?

Igarashi made a mental note to sneak any favors from Isagi in the future. Food = Answers .

The sound of Kunigami’s kick echoed from when it hit Isagi at the beginning of Blue Lock. “I
knew how powerful it was from experience.”

Kunigami, who was about to eat, stopped. “You ‘smelled’ a goal? Maybe that's your weapon.
Being able to make instant decisions is more impressive than you may think.”

Finally someone said! The players screamed. If I have to listen to any more of his ‘I’m not good
enough’ after he crushed me, I’m gonna beat it into his skull. What about us, then, you bastard?!

Kunigami ate a piece. The serious mood went flying out the window as his eyes bulged and
his nostrils doubled in size. In all honesty he looked with a frog against a glowing bubbly pink
background. “This is crazy good!”

“Eat up, Isagi.”

“Oh, sure.” Isagi jolted at the eagerness in Kunigami’s eyes. He took a bite.

Isagi’s face rounded in bliss and his eyelashes covered in tears. His background, like
Kunigami’s, erupted in blue pentagons. “Oh, wow, it's hella good!” He cried in euphoria, his
eyes turning into shiny blue marbles.

The members cackled at the interactions. “You two…where did all that ‘I’m gonna be a hero’ and
‘He’s so cool’ talk go?”

Kunigami and Isagi blushed. “You haven’t tried the steak!!” Their expressions turning dopey again
at the memory of it. The others only laughed harder seeing this.

“Right?”

“Thanks, Kunigami. This really cheered me up.” Isagi’s hair swished as he tilted his head
endearingly to the side, eyes closed from the strength of his joy. “You're such a nice guy.”

Now, since his very entrance, it was Kunigami’s turn to be startled and then embarrassed.

“Shut up. I didn't do it to be ‘nice.’”

Isagi’s pleased blush hadn’t faded. “You don't take compliments well, do you?” He teased
with a grin.

“Oh, whatever. Let's just eat and head to bed.” Kunigami gruffed out, cheeks still red. He
became serious again suddenly. “And our next game…We're going to win it for sure.” He
pushed his fist toward Isagi.

The players felt their enjoyment drain at seeing Isagi’s wonder-filled eyes again.

Isagi fistbumped him. “Yeah!”

The screen faded to black in preparation for the next scene. Chigiri sidled over to Kunigami. “Very
smooth, hero. You had him twirling circles around you. You never told me about this when we
were talking about our time with Isagi.”

“It’s not something that mattered to the game.” Kunigami lowly responded, his voice deepening.

Chigiri squeezed his bicep. “That’s not what I’m talking about and you know it.”
 Kunigami glowered at Chigiri for a moment then paused. He grabbed his chair, walked over to
Isagi and sat down. Turning to him, he slowly slid a large, warm hand from the curve of his
shoulder to the junction of his neck. Isagi felt the rough edges and calluses of his palm catch lightly
against his skin.

“Thank you Isagi.” Kunigami’s voice was tired and quiet but it crackled with the warmth of a fire
when you got too close. “Your words. They really meant a lot to me. Even now.”

Isagi opened his mouth but nothing came out. A thick bundle of nerves lodged themselves in his
throat and his face burned crimson.

Kunigami merely smiled at his gaping mouth and moved away, looking at the screen.

The radiating fury of every single person present was scalding. Even Ego had stopped eating to
gaze creepily at Kunigami.

“Y-yeah. No problem.” Isagi managed several moments later, his voice broke in the middle.

Oh. Now there was bloodlust in the air too. Their respect for Kunigami’s goodness evaporated at
the display only to be replaced by a vicious killing intent. Good man, my ass! This smooth heroic
fucker!

Igarashi whined. Oh, come on! Please don’t let this be a thing!!

Chapter End Notes

Next up is the long awaited match!

Kunigami's so complicated to write...I want the old one back!!!!

 01x04 Premonition and Intuition_Part 2
Chapter Summary

Finally! The much awaited for ending of episode 4. And a little something.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

BUILDING MATCH 5 MATCH 4

TEAM Y vs TEAM Z

“Here they come.” Raichi said, directing everyone’s attention to the approaching team.
“Team Y.”

The scene went back to the planning room it had left off us. “Like us, Team Y lost their first
match, so their backs are against the wall.” Kuon explained. “They'll be desperate. We need
to keep a close eye on their Number 9.”

On the field, The camera zoomed in on a mohawk-style boy with the top of his hair dyed
blond.

“His shooting's off the chart. Kumamoto prefecture's top scorer Okawa Hibiki.”

“Let's go, guys!” Hibiki thundered.

“Yeah!” The rest of Team Y responded like a military unit.

Aiku rubbed his scruff. And another one bites the dust. A superstar name is a long list of people
who failed.
Team Z huddled and laced their arms behind each other’s backs. “But this time, we
concocted a plan.” Kuon encouraged them. “Let's have faith our practice will pay off. Even if
we have to die for it, we will win, Team Z!”

“Yeah!” Team Z repeated but their tone was noticeably brighter than Team Y’s.

“All right.” Isagi tied his shoe and looked up. The key to this plan is the weapon Ego talked
about.

Isagi thought back to the plan Team Z discussed.

Kuon pointed to the notepad. “This is an ultra-offensive system that makes the best use of all
our weapons. But if each of us uses our weapon with no real plan in place, we'll just crumble.
So we'll divide up the clock and take turns as the front man.”

Curiously, game graphics narrated the plan with a hero, wizard, knight, and many others
dropping in with animated sounds.

Nagi looked thrilled, his hands twitching as he stared at the screen. To Isagi’s surprise Chigiri also
looked interested in the change of graphics. Oh? Looks like Nagi and Chigiri’s bonding time
rubbed off in more ways than one. Then again, Nagi also did get me more interested in games so I
guess it’s not just him.

“To spotlight one guy's weapon, the rest of us will create a formation around him, and
support the type of soccer he wants to play.”

“That’s not a bad plan. It’s how our U-20 strategy was originally structured but with Rin at the
center.” Yukimiya noted.

The original U-20 players were interested by the tidbit. From their point of view, it seemed more
like everyone was attacking. Maybe they changed strategies? Or was it actually centered about Rin
because near the end he did beat everyone. Well we’re bound to find out.

“I guess it means we all get an equal chance, but what order do we go in?” Imamura asked
curiously.

“What if we do it by rank?” Kuon suggested.

“What about the other positions?” Naruhaya questioned. “Switching all of them would be
way too confusing.”

Kuon had an answer for that too. “No, we can all just rotate one position clockwise. The next
one's close enough that it won't be a problem.”

Lemon closed his eyes in thought, arms still crossed. “From a defensive perspective, it's too
risky for all eleven of us to take turns in goal.” He opened his eyes and looked at Kuon. “We
have to win this, so I'll stay as the goalie for the whole game.”

“I don't mind staying in defense.” Chigiri added, a little distance away.

Raichi scoffed in mockery. “You lack self-assertiveness, which means you got no talent!”

Ahhh, there it is. I knew he wouldn’t let it go. The members sighed.

Raichi turned to Kuon. “But just this once, I'll go along with your plan.”

“Me too.” Gagamaru drew the words out and swatted Naruhaya who squished his cheeks
together.

Kuon readjusted the plan, ignoring Gagamaru and Naruhaya fighting in the background.
“Okay, so everyone except Iemon and Chigiri will rotate positions every ten minutes. Instead
of ‘Operation Next Up, It's Me Eleven’-

The bell for the match rang and Kunigami kicked the ball to Bachira.
Bachira grinned at Team Y. “You ready?”

-We'll call it ‘Operation Next Up, It's Me Nine!’”

Isagi’s thoughts took over from there. Bachira's weapon is his dribbling. It's a solo tactic,
where he gets as far upfield as he can by himself.

On screen Bachira easily outmaneuvered the first player and bounced past the second.

It's an egoistic tactic only available to someone whose weapon is overwhelming!

Bachira beamed at the praise while the others rolled their eyes.

Bachira’s eyes were swirling circles in his typical crazyness.

“Isagi, do you actually see all this stuff? Like Bachira’s eyes and stuff?” Igarashi asked.

That’s…actually a good question. The players who were about to mock Igarashi paused. Weird but
yeah.

“Um.” Isagi hesitated to answer. Will this cause problems later on? Will they change how they
look at him?

“It’s okay.” Hirori gently smiled at Isagi’s troubled face to which Isagi smiled back, relieved at not
having to answer. We know the answer anyway just by looking at your face but we won’t pressure
you.

“Hehehehe! Yup!” Bachira chirped at the introduction.

“Make it a two-on-one!” An opponent screamed.

“Don't let him through!” Another added.

Bachira chuckled, the crazy look still present in his eyes. “Will two be enough? I'm coming
through.” The eyes suddenly disappeared to his normal ones when the ball almost got stolen
away from him. He looked over at the unexpected stealer.

“There are three of us.” A boy with hair covering his eyes retorted. “I've done my homework
on your dribbling.”

“We have our next challenger enter!” Shidou sneered. “I didn’t forget about you, you little shit.”

Niko ignored him in favor of watching the screen.

Bachira smirked. “You're not bad, Mr. Bangs. In that case, I'll pass it back.”

Isagi halted in his tracks and a digital motion picture detailed his following thoughts. They
blocked his potential routes and used a third person to steal the ball.

Around him the play continued by the opposing team.

“Keep an eye on their Number 8!”

“Got it!”

Bachira struggled to move around. They couldn't have improvised this.

“Remarkable Yoichi. You certainly figured things out very quickly. I’d love to see where you go
from there~” Kaiser teased, sending a ripple of disgust through Isagi. What was up with this guy?

Well, he’s not wrong. The players thought. He figured out the situation within seconds of starting
the game. That’s really something amazing.
“Number inbound! Mark him!”

They're also working on a plan. And why wouldn't they be? Just like us, if they lose, they're out.

“Bachira, go again!” Igarashi shouted, passing the ball to him.

“Okay.”

The opponents wouldn’t let up though. “Incoming down the wing!”

“Don't give them space!”

Isagi hadn’t moved from his position, still too entranced in analyzing the field. Our plan is a
super aggressive one that uses each player's weapon. Their plan is to defend and nullify our
weapon. Bachira's dribbling is proving effective.

And what's more- Images of the 8 players of Team Z paralleled each other. -We have eight
more weapons up our sleeves. If we keep this up, we'll find an opening. We can win!

Raichi glanced at the clock. “Oi, that's ten minutes!”

“Okay!” Bachira kicked the ball to Kunigami who commanded the team. “Wingers, move
up!”

They all started running this time including Isagi. Kunigami's weapon is his left-footed mid-
range shot. He'll run straight to the front line, linger just outside the crowded penalty area…

Raichi passed the ball. “Just like we practiced!”

He'll receive the pass…

“Shoot!”

“Now's your chance.”

…and blast the ball along the path we create for his shot!

Kunigami kicked the ball toward the goal with his signature kick but a foot blocked the
trajectory.

Isagi was just as stunned as Kunigami. His shot was blocked?

A few of them clenched their fists, having been eager to see the goal.

“It's clear!” Okawa yelled, the ball bouncing out of the field.

Their defense is really tight. Isagi thought while jogging back. He watched Chigiri throw it in
to Naruhaya who passed it immediately to him.

He passed it to Bachira. “Bachira, let's build once more.”

“‘kay.”

“Eliminate the space in front of the Number 9.” Nikko said and his teammate was quick to
follow his orders.

“Make it a two-on-one!”
Something was bothering Isagi from the beginning. They're not attacking at all. And Okawa's
been so quiet. He's the only one not defending. But what is he waiting for?

The Blue Lock players were slightly frustrated and amazed at the insight into their striker’s mind.
So Isagi’s not just good at understanding people’s thoughts, but he’s also good at clocking their
emotions. We usually just pay attention to who’s passing to whom and attacking patterns but Isagi,
despite lacking soccer skills, had - or is it has? - keen insight into matters like this. It makes me
anxious thinking about what he’s seeing if he had such a good grasp back then. How far has he
come now?

“Nice pass, Bachira.” Kungami called and then kicked. “I'll score it this time!”

This time two blockers intercepted it. “Ah, damn it! Not again!

“Get the second ball!” Igarashi yelled but much to Team Z’s detriment, the ball arched and
landed softly in front of Nikko who gently rest a foot on top of it.

A haunting breeze whistled and Isagi felt his heart drop out of his chest at the realization. He
gasped. Okawa seemed to understand that Isagi had reached a moment of clarity because he
started running. Oh, crap. So that's why.

“Yup, this is what I was waiting for.” Niko drew his foot back.

The whole field shadowed but a path of light showed the way from Nikko to the goal.

We weren't overwhelming them at all. They drew us into them!

“Damn! You see all this all the time, Isagi?” Raichi gruffed, reluctantly impressed.

Isagi tilted his head down in a nod.

Their aim was… Isagi whipped his head behind him but it was too late.
Okawa grinned. “What took you so long, Niko?”

Niko curled his fingers and looked through them, eyes hidden behind bangs. “Counting on
you, Okawa-kun.”

A counterattack!

Isagi rushed forward, gritting his teeth. They got us. The target was Kumamoto's top scorer…
Okawa!

“Here he comes!” Lemon ducked to block the ball but it only ended up giving Okawa a clear
shot.

“Yeah!”

“Nice shot!”

“There's the first goal!”

Naruhaya and Isagi panted, sweat dripping off their faces as they watched the Team Y
celebration. They were looking for an opening so they could use Okawa Hibiki's weapon: his
outstanding shooting.

Raichi, predictably, started yelling. “You were meant to be marking him, Naruhaya! Don't
just let Okawa run free!”

Naruhaya had lost his childish attitude. “I can't stop him by myself! We need two to stop
Okawa!”

It's clear now. Their plan is to drop back and defend, then steal the ball and counterattack. If we
don't find a way to stop Okawa, we have no hope of winning.

Blue Lock and the U-20 examined the disconnect between Isagi’s speech and his thoughts. So he
sees everything but says nothing. Why is he so silent? It’s one thing to not say anything out loud for
fear the opponent will find out the plan, but he isn’t even indicating that he knows what’s going on!

“Let's get another.” Okawa cheered.

Kuon clapped his hands. “Let's not dwell on it. It's only 1 - 0.”

Rin was already annoyed at the continued failure of Isagi to score a goal. He finally snapped. “The
lukewarm trash keeps clapping his hands. This isn’t a fucking classroom, what the hell is he doing
on the field.”

Isagi bit his lip at that. Rin, you have no idea how close you are to knowing the truth about Kuon’s
usefulness.

“He's right. We still have time.”

“We're counting on you, Kuon!” Naruhaya cried, sending the ball high to him.

Kuon's weapon is his jumping. He challenges for the ball, wins it, and lays it off to start the
attack.

Kuon headbutted the ball.

“Surround him”

“Make it a two-on-one at all times!” The opponents said, crowding around Kunigmai.

Kunigami frowned. Damn, they're making this tough.

The next second Niko came out of nowhere and stole the ball. “Your feet aren't moving.”

Here he comes! Isagi readied himself for the counter but stilled when there was none. His eyes
widened at the passing. Passing it around in his own half? Oh, right. Now that they're ahead,
they're in no hurry to attack.

As he watched Team Y continued to keep passing the ball around Team Z, not letting them
get a chance to score or grab the ball.

Blue Lock felt irked at the strategy. Regardless of how much of an advantage a team had, their
philosophy was to score and only score. Whether they were 8 - 0 or 2 - 1, it didn’t matter.

They're running down the clock. This is bad.

Isagi’s hair gently swayed back and forth as everything else seemed to be frozen in time.

Ah. So he thinks faster than time moves, is it? The speed of his real-time understanding is probably
unparalleled. Almost - as of now. Aiku cracked his neck with a slight smile. That's gotta be a
cheat.

Raichi glanced at the clock and cheered at the sky in elation. “All right! It's Raichi time! Just
keep passing me the ball. I'll take care of the rest. You got that?”

The next second he stood with his arms crossed in front of the Team Z locker with a tic mark
on his forehead. His teammates calmly drank water around him.

Despite the disadvantageous position of Team Z, the crowd burst out laughing at the scene. The
sharp change was hilarious especially in comparison to how the rest of Team Z looked vs him.

“Are you shitting me? Get the ball back, damn it! They had possession for the whole of my
ten minutes!”
The sound rose higher at the use of “my ten minutes”

Imamura whined depressedly, his eyes closed in misery. “My first five minutes were wasted,
too. They were over before I could do anything.”

Naruhaya looked at Raichi. “You say that, but what do we do if we try to win it, fail, and
Okawa ends up with it?”

Rachi shoved his face right into Naruhaya’s. “Huh?! But we're going to lose at this rate! If
we lose, we're done! Don't you get that?” He screamed, pointing at his forehead as if
Naruhaya was stupid.

That certainly set Naruhaya off. “But if they score another, we're as good as lost, too! Think
about it!”

“Stop fighting.” Igarashi took his mouth off the straw. “I hear even the pros have a hard time
breaking down ultra-defensive teams.”

Lemon included his view. “To win, we have to be more aggressive in the second half.”

“But you know, is this plan even going to work? If our weapons are ineffective against them,
we'll just die a slow death.”

The emotions of Team Z seemed to have leaked through the screen but before they could comment
on the statement, the Raichi on screen did it for them.

“You can't even tell us your weapon, so stop your damn yappin’!”

Chigiri dismissed the angry quip to continue what he was saying. “To improve our chances of
winning, instead of wasting time on useless weapons, I'm saying we should focus on Bachira
and Kunigami, whose styles annoy the other team.”
Raichi stalked over to Chigiri who wasn’t even looking at him. “Who're you calling
‘useless’?”

Kuon quickly blocked his path. “Stop arguing. It's riskier to change the plan at this point.
I'm certain it'll be harder for them to figure out countermeasures if we keep switching up our
tactics.” He turned to address the room. “Our attacks are not useless. Don't fear Okawa's
counterattack. We'll keep on attacking! Let's resume ‘Operation Next Up, It's Me Nine!’ It's
our best course of action!”

“Yeah!”

“Got it!”

Like Kunigami and Chigiri, Isagi didn’t share the uplifting exclamation. Do we really have a
chance of winning like this?

The whistle blew as the second half began again. Like the first half, the opposing team
continued passing the ball back and forth between them.

“Kick it back! Don't force the issue!”

“Make them run!”

“Nothing's changed since the first half!” Raichi was so enraged only the whites of his eyes
showed as he pointlessly ran.

“It’s very un-stylish but I’m starting to understand why you have anger issues.” Aryu muttered at
the failure of Team Z to get the ball. He then huffed. “Watching this gives me split ends.”

Imamura was also frustrated. Damn it. It's meant to be my time to shine, but I can't even get on
the ball. If I press, they evade. But waiting it out won't get us anywhere.
“It’s a good technique. A solid defense strategy that will be useful for future matches. Okawa was
certainly smart to utilize it.”

Isagi bit his lip to hide the smile that rose and made eye contact with Niko before they looked
away from each other.

To me, soccer is exactly like romance. This current situation is kind of like… The camera
zoomed into Imamura’s face ….when a girl's out of your league!

The U-20 team guffawed at the words and the close-up.

“He sounds like you, Sendou!”

“Aiku wouldn’t know.”

“Hey now.”

A chocolate-brown haired school girl appeared. The wind was blowing her hair and hiding
her face behind it. On the face of it, she's tough to win over, but in reality, she has zero
experience. And once she falls for me, she's head over heels.

The girl tucked her hair back to reveal a beautiful face. That girl is Miss Team Y!

This time Blue Lock joined in.

“What a perfect analogy, Imamura!”

“Man, this guy is a lot of fun!”

Once Miss Y falls, she'll be an easy mark. It's mine!

He slid to steal the ball but missed.

“Damn it all!”

Gagamaru stole the ball. “Your pressing didn't go to waste. My turn next.”

“10 minutes left!”

“Nice! We finally got the ball!” Igarashi yelled, pumping his fist.

Kuon wiped his chin. “Switch positions! Get into the Gagamaru formation!”

Seven minutes into the second half. A goal would be nice right about now. Isagi thought,
running forward.

Gagamaru passed from the other side of the court. “Counting on you, Isagi.”

“Right!”

An opponent blocked him and Isagi stopped to think. Gagamaru's plan starts with me out on
the wing. I'm aiming to hit an early cross into that near-impossible space in front of the goal.

Isagi kicked it.

Oh, crap. I overhit it.

Gagamaru dived his head approaching the falling ball.

He'll reach it. His weapon is his incredible agility.

Huh yeah, he typically uses his teammates weapons to the fullest extent. Karasu thought, recalling
the matches he’s played with Isagi. Damn annoying.

His head hit the ball but the goalie punched it away, saving Team Y.

“So close!” Igarashi yelled.

“Stick with it! It's a corner!” Kuon commanded, unphased by the miss.

A Team Y opponent was stunned and heaving. “How'd he even get to that?”

“Gagamaru’s an incredible goalie. Seriously, his flexibility is so incredible that he saved us so

much in that final match.” Truth to be told, Isagi didn’t think he could find a better goalie because
even the U-20 goalie, Fukaku, failed to stop as many goals as Gagamaru.

Raichi slammed a hand against Gagamaru’s back and grinned. “Damn right!”

“Thanks.” In contrast to his lackluster voice Gagamaru honestly felt touched.

“Corner incoming!” Naruhaya yelled off-screen.

Gagamaru wiped the blood off the scratches he got when he faceplanted. “Darn. I'll try
again.”

Isagi smiled. That was amazing. His weapon will work. We got this!

Suddenly the area darkened and Isagi grunted from fear. On the screen a black floating mass
appeared behind him with two dim lights peering out, resembling circular eyes.

As one, their bodies jerked back. “What the hell, Isagi, what was that?” Chigiri asked. He winced
and rubbed his shoulder because he had hit the edge of the seat when he flinched.

“I just sense it.” Isagi said, rubbing his neck. “

Gagamaru was impressed. Living in the mountains, he had honed his instincts and become one
with the wild but even he didn’t have that kind of instinct. Isagi was a hunter detecting a predator.

Niko’s eyes widened. How? How did he find out? How in the world did he sense me?

Isagi whipped his head around but only found an opponent looking someplace else. What was
that just now? He turned to Okawa who was further away. Was it Okawa?

The audience unconsciously leaned closer in anxious anticipation of what Isagi had sensed.

This chance might turn into a disaster if they get the ball and counter.

They clenched their fists waiting for the answer.

“Get it together, Isagi!” The shout broke their focus along with Isagi’s. “It's a corner! Get
into position!”

“Raichi!” The voice of 55 players echoed harmoniously in the elegant marble hall.

“Ugh.”

Bachira rolled the ball under his foot from the corner and look at his teammates.

“Flood the box!”

“Doesn't matter how it goes in! Just score!”

Both teams grappled with each other, unwilling and unable to let the other have a chance at
receiving the ball and ending their careers.

That's right. If we don't attack now, then when? This is the first chance we've had. Our first
chance…

He blinked and stopped fighting with the defender. “Oh, I see.”

This premonition comes from…

Isagi’s sapphire iris burned in the heat of the flames that erupted from it.

It was here! The mentors’ and the players' heartbeat stuttered in excitement at the supernatural
display.

Isagi stopped fighting and turned and ran away from the crowd.

“Isagi?” Bachira was caught unaware by the unexpected solo play. When everyone was
fighting each other Isagi was the only one running free from the mess.

“It's mine!” Raichi moved into position to receive the ball. All eyes on the field were fixed on
it except Isagi’s.

Only Isagi ran away from the ball. We misread the situation.

The one who was crushing our chances…

The failed passes, blocked shots reappeared.

The one who's been calling the shots and feeding killer passes to Okawa…

The past of Okawa running past Isagi with a cynical smile darted by.

The ball fell and Raichi jumped but the goalie punched the ball away again before he could
get it.

“Aw, shit!”

“Nice, goalie!”

The ball soared far from the goal area where every player of Team Z was assembled.

“Let's counter!” Kuon freaked out at the situation. “Crap! We sent too many forward! If
they get the ball to Okawa now…”

Chigiri shifted into ready position from next to where he was guarding Okawa.

Then Black.

Not even a second later familiar luminescent colors swished through the darkness.

Light burst on scene as the monochrome patterned ball hit the chest of Jersey 11.

It's here!

Blue Lock roared . The piling frustration from the continued failure of Team Z to even pass
flipped on its head as elation swept in.
Isagi was high off the ground and blocking the shot originally directed toward Niko. Time
slowed as he turned his head to look at the boy who had crushed his team.

The uneasy premonition I felt was coming from the beating heart of Team Y.

Niko’s mouth was agape. That's you, Niko!

Chigiri ran at Isagi and used both hands to mess up his hair, grinning wildly. “Our hero!”

Bachira was upside-down in his seat, sticking his tongue at Niko. “Bleh!”

The corner of Niko’s lips twitched but there was no anger. How can I possibly be upset now
knowing that he sensed me out so thoroughly. Until recently I thought it was a fluke or a lucky
guess but no. It wasn’t.

“Nice, Isagi!” Naruhaya grinned at the reprieve.

Isagi descended slowly, his hair swishing back and forth and revealing a determined and
pleasant countenance. If we can shut him out, Team Y dies.

Yukimiya felt the stirrings of a metanoia at seeing Isagi gently descend in the time frame. A
cosmotellurian being graciously arriving to answer the prayer of the helpless and the damned. No.
He inconspicuously shook his head. You’re imagining it, nothing more.

So now's our chance! Isagi rushed forward with the ball, Niko desperately chasing after him.

In the space between the fighting players, a small area of netting stood out in front of the
goal.

I know I can make this shot! He kicked the ball but Niko appeared out of nowhere to block it.

A fist banged against an armrest but none bothered to look at the perpetrator. It didn’t matter when
they all felt that way.

Crap! I missed.

The feral look on Isagi’s face sent shivers down Nagi’s spine. He loved that look on his boss’s
face. It meant that whatever play he decided on next was going to be spectacular. Showstopping.
Beautiful.

The camera spread from Isagi’s closeup and traveled down field. A foot. Gagamaru stepped
forward and bumped the ball into the goal before sliding from the momentum and slamming
his body into the goal post.

“Yeah!”

“Hell yeah! We caught up!”

Gagamaru panted on the ground, lying on his back. There was a small dribble of blood
coming from his nose. “Nice pass, Isagi.”

“Gagamaru?” It was supposed to be a shot.

“We're level!” Raichi cheered before blinking at his own actions. Damn, I got all happy over
someone else's goal.

“Thanks for the praise.” Gagamaru drew out his words. He dismissed Isagi’s intent. In Blue Lock
if you scored, it was a goal. If you didn’t score but someone else did, it was an assist. Here it
doesn’t matter what you intended to do or what you wished for, only the results did.

“Shaddup.” Raichi said but the words lacked their usual heat.

Bachira smiled. “The scores are even now.”

“I'm amazed you reacted!” Kuon reached out a hand to help Gagamaru up.

Naruhaya spread his arms out. “Gagamaru, that was awesome!”

Gagamaru wiped the dripping blood and grasped Kuon’s hand. “One more goal. The
comeback win is on.”

“Yeah!”

Niko looked away from the trio and at Isagi. The background blurred until only he was in
focus. “You caught on, huh? Without you, we could have countered and killed off the game.”
The background blurred behind Isagi too.

“So what? Only you two matter?” Raichi was disgruntled.

“Well in ‘da game only Isagi-kun and Niko figured out ‘da play. Didja do it?” Hiori placidly asked
back to the complainer who merely sneered at him.

“Can it Cyan-head.”

“I won't let you run free now. We will shut you out and win this game!”

Niko watched him silently behind his bangs. He brought up his hand and curled his fingers
into a circle.

The field disappeared and only Isagi and Niko were left facing each other. Around thin blue
lines crossed to form a matrix like space.

“You have the same eyes as me.” Niko began quietly. “But you can't beat me.”

He brought the circle up to his eye as if he was looking through a makeshift telescope. The
area around him dyed a rusty red. “I'm the one controlling this game.”

Isagi raised his shoulder and narrowed his eyes. In sharp contrast to Niko’s background his
own looked like the murky depths of an ocean, ready to drown you at a moment’s notice. Just
you wait, you bastard with bangs.

“I’m back!”

That bright feminine voice brought the players out of their dirk daze. As one they released their
breath which they had not realized they’d been holding, too captivated by the rivalry between two
outstanding players.

Is this a football match or a murder movie? Kaiser bitterly mused, angry at himself for being
caught up in the byplay of a couple small time players. I can easily crush both of them so why am I
so entranced by this weak kid’s scrimmage? The feelings of disgust increased when he realized he
couldn’t dispel them away.

Surprisingly it was Reo of all people who asked Isagi the question that was hovering over their
heads. Not because of what the question was - no they all wanted to know - but because it was Reo
. Reo who loathed Isagi for stealing Nagi away from him. Reo who was obsessed over conquering
Isagi. “Isagi, when you sensed Niko for the very first time. That…that black figure. How did you
do it?”

“That…it’s always been like that. I’m just a little more sensitive to things. Like sound and people
and such.”

Reo looked skeptical. With good reason too because that explanation only brought about more
questions than it gave answers. He was about to ask again when Reika cut in.

“What Isagi-chan means is that his senses are extraordinary. It’s otherworldly.” She spun in her
chair. “For a bunch of geniuses you sure didn’t realize that Isagi started crying before it started
raining.”

WAIT. In the flashback, little Isagi had started crying but there hadn’t been any dark clouds,
thunder, lightning, or even any tell-tale signs of precipitation. We only realized that he was scared
of rain after it rained. So how did he know?
“Show us.” The voice was quiet but by no means weak.

Rin and the others just about snapped their necks clean off, turning to look at Itoshi Sae sitting
calmly in his seat. But no, it wasn’t calm at all. Perhaps Isagi had infected them from this whole
instance because they could see a hazy maroon smoke rise from Itoshi Sae’s body as his green eyes
glowed an unearthly acidic color. “Show us.”

Reika smirked. She leisurely looked at her nails, admiring how the light gleamed beautifully on the
metallic Carmine red of her polish. My, the color looks quite good on me. I should wear this more
often. She spent a few more minutes admiring herself while the pressure in the room grew.

They understood her message clearly.

She elegantly flipped her shining black hair over one shoulder and disappeared. The screen taking
the players back to where the crybaby instance left off.

The smell of the air, the moisture in the wind, the scudding clouds. He was sensitive to the
changes in the sky, sensing that it was going to rain.

Bachira’s monster rumbled in his chest, for the first time crawling out in an instance unrelated to
football or loneliness. He can see it. It whispered, the demented grin on its face reflected the one
on Bachira’s. He’s doesn't just have a monster. He IS a monster.

Isagi is scared because he has a wide field of vision, high spatial awareness, eyesight, kinetic
vision, sense of smell, hearing, and skin sensitivity which are all excellent.

Itoshi Sae felt his heart swoop in his chest, his tranquil face hiding his variegated thoughts. This
level of sensory perception…was not something gained. Clean, cold water leisurely began filling
the fissures in the barren copper ground of Itoshi Sae’s desert. The quiet trickling of water was
tumultuous in the silence of one man’s loneliness. This boy…was everything he had given up on.
To Itoshi Sae, Isagi Yoichi represented a discarded reverie. He who was broken by unreached
expectations and sickening realities chanced upon something that was simply too good to be true
due to unfortunate circumstances. I’ve been given a gift I cannot bear to refuse. I won’t dishonor it
by calling it unfortunate now.
Itoshi Rin felt his heart swoop, his caliginous face exposing his variegated thoughts. This level of
sensory perception…was not something he could learn. He felt a bitter resentment rip at the lungs
in his chest, the needles of despair poking holes in his heart and stomach. His brother was staring at
his rival as if he was a seraphic being. One destined to bring glory and light up his brother but what
about him? He spent years of his life chasing after his brother’s shadow and right when he grasped
it, it slipped through his fingers and into the cupped hands of Isagi Yoichi. Rin once read that there
was a fine line between love and hate. But that saying in truth was incomplete. Love and hate were
all the same in a sea of pain. To his detriment, both his brother and Isagi were the dark fucking
waters that made up that sea. Rin’s relationship with Isagi wasn’t like or dislike or love or hate. It
was obsession. He obsessed over Isagi in a manner he did over his brother. Why couldn’t his
brother see him? Why was he looking at Isagi when Rin was the one who defeated all those
people. Why did Isagi have to have these abilities? Why couldn’t he stay worse than Rin so Rin
would never have to fear Isagi leaving him behind like his brother? Fear warred with hatred and
despair at the idea that Isagi was too far away from him. No, he wouldn’t let this go. Damn his
brother because this thing that was happening…these unfortunate circumstances…he won’t do
what he did with his brother. This all existed…Reika did this to show me that Isagi was made for
me. My second opportunity. No one can match my prowess and even Ego admitted that Isagi
existed for me. So no. I won’t let him go because I’ve been given a gift I cannot bear to refuse.

He detects the slightest change at a level that ordinary people cannot see or notice, and avoids
the risk. That's why he doesn't get bitten by mosquitoes or get caught in the rain.

That’s how he did it! The sense of danger that emerged in the form of an apparition was Isagi
Yoichi’s uncanny talent. Niko’s eyes trembled. He’s not like me at all. He’s something more that
my vision doesn’t encompass. I won’t let this be. I have to do something. I can’t let him go, I will
defeat him.

This superior sense, in soccer, leads to the ability to foresee the situation through spatial
awareness, but neither his parents nor himself knew this at the time.

Isagi always sees something we can’t. He didn’t understand it but I’ve played with him in far too
many games not to see it. The protagonist, my savior, brought a passion into this world that I’ve
never had. This superior sense is what I chased him for, leaving behind old friends. Nagi couldn’t
take it anymore and pulled Isagi closer to him. He curled his arms around the shorter’s waist and
snuggled against his back, ignoring everyone and everything and blocking out Isagi’s complaints.
The defeat I tasted still lingers on my tongue and you dwell in my mind. I’ll do everything in my
power to defeat you, the hero, and prove that I’m worthy to stand before you. I won’t be left
behind.

All around the minds of the players were breaking as this new information dug a hole in their
brains.
 Kaiser’s eyes had a manic gleam to them as he clenched the armrests. Yoichi…Yoichi…you are
extraordinary my pet. I’ll have you crawling at my feet in misery that your exquisite senses could
not aid you. I’ll conquer you so you’ll see no one but me, my beautiful puppet. The world will
watch as we create a wondrous symphony, the two of us. And Alexis. It’s only a matter of time.

They all, like Kaiser, seemed to be on the verge of losing their sanity because Isagi’s talent. No - it
wasn’t something so simple that it could be categorized as a talent anymore - power. Isagi’s power
was unique. It was like Ariel turning into a human at will or Rapunzel escaping her tower by will.
A once in a universe person had just been gifted to them in a once in a lifetime chance. They’d be
beyond fools to not understand the implications of Isagi’s power and what it could mean for
football. They were never letting him go.

Isagi glanced around in the quiet of the room. Every one of the players, even including Noel Noa
and Chris Prince seemed to be lost in their thoughts. Was this something that important? It
certainly helped him a lot but… Isagi felt his anxiety build as minutes ticked by but no one said a
word. He made eye contact with Reika when she appeared on the screen while the others were
pondering.

She winked.

Chapter End Notes

So...what did you all think? Too much? It's 3:30am so I have no idea how it is.

Update: Hey guys! Thank you all SO SO SO MUCH! For your support, you're all just
incredible. Your comments literally give me the will to live. I'm also going to be
updating tomorrow. I usually would've updated by now but I got some news back a
couple days ago and my mental game just isn't having it. So I'll be scraping that up but
it should be fine by tomorrow.

But for real you guys are amazing. Thank you so much for commenting and I'll be
replying and uploading soon.
 01X05 To Be Reborn_Part 1
Chapter Summary

End of Team Y vs Team Z match.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Isagi blinked a few times in succession and looked away, unsure of what to say. Reika and Isagi
waited silently for the rest of the players to come to their senses, which they gradually did. If Isagi
said he didn’t notice a heightened degree of attention on him since this event started, then he would
privately admit he was lying. Ultimately though the players just decided to shift and settle into their
seats with the exception of Nagi who continued clinging to him for some weird, unknown reason
that Isagi couldn’t care less about deciphering. After a few more minutes of waiting Isagi
insistently but gently pushed him away to which the larger pouted but returned to his own seat,
ignoring the glares from all around.

Reika relaxedly watched the ordeal and waited until everything was settled and all eyes were on her
once again.

“It’s time for Blue Lock, Additional Time!”

With those merry words, the animation repeated from before. It changed to Isagi picking
curiously at his natto. “Hey, what do you think the other guys get for their main dish?”

Igarashi clenched his fist in thought. “Bet it's better than our natto and pickled radishes.
Let's investigate!”

The first person turned out to be Chigiri who lifted his plate to show them. There was the
melodious sound of twinkling bells as his food sparkled. “What? I get stir-fried veggies.”

“Perfectly well-balanced!” Isagi exclaimed off screen.

Igarashi was on the same wavelength. “I'm beyond jealous!”

Next was Kunigmai who held out his plate. “I got curry.”

“The king! The perfect dish to have with rice!”

“Namaste!”

Drool escaped out the corner of Gagamaru’s mouth unnoticed. Curry…

Isagi pleaded along with Igarashi and held out their own sad dishes. “Hey, Kunigami, wanna
trade dishes? We'll give you natto and pickled radishes for it!”

“Please! Just this once! We want to experience the taste sensation that is curry!”

The ever-giving Kunigami was more than willing to share. “Jeez, if you want it that badly,
then just this once.”

“Seriously, you're a god!” Isagi beamed, clasping his hands together.

“The god of curry, Kunigami!” Igarashi mimicked him.

Chigiri laughed. “You’re a monster on the field but you and Igarashi are the same when it comes to
food, huh?”

Isagi scowled playfully. “You try eating Natto every meal for weeks on end and then we’ll see
what you have to see.”

Chigiri snorted at that. “Fair.”

The Chigiri from the past was alerted by the commotion. “I want curry, too.” He offered his
own plate of stir fry, sparkling to the sound of heavenly music. “Trade with me, Kunigami.
Which would you rather choose?”

“You manipulative fucker!” Igarashi howled to which Chigiri smirked.

Kunigmai felt clarity strike him, completely forgetting about his previous offer. He bowed 90
degrees in a grateful offering. “I'm honored that you picked me.”

The background behind sparkled in a pink and yellow gradient. TRADE MATCH MADE!

In sharp contrast to the bright exchange, Igarashi and Isagi had a depressed aura, both of
them crying angrily.

Isagi whipped his natto in hate while Igarashi aggressively ate his corn. “I knew this would
happen!”

“Namaste!”

There was a ripple of laughter through the crowd at the two’s loss.

The scene shifted back to the game it had left off at. With Gagamaru’s goal Team Z had tied
the score with Team Y at 1 - 1.

Team Z had been revitalized by their victory. Naruhaya raced down the field excitedly.
“Let's go all-out attack!”

Isagi, the heart of the team, drove the ball forward as he calculated. Naruhaya's weapon is
getting in behind.

He kicked the ball to Naruhaya only for it to have it stolen by a defender. “Oh, no, you
don't!”
“I'm sorry, Naruhaya!” Isagi called in regret.

The rebounding ball fell to another team Y opponent. “Yes! Nice!”

“Press them!”

“Get the ball back!”

Kuon and Raichi grit their teeth at the loss of the ball.

“Give it back!”

The Team Y Number 5 who had the ball swiped it to the side. “All yours, Niko!”

Split second. Isagi burst into existence and blocked the incoming cross again.

Determination raged in his eyes as he barked at Niko. “I'll snuff out every single pass that
comes your way!”

Niko’s voice was quiet yet full of venom. “You're a pesky one, aren't you?”

The crowd shifted restlessly in their seats at the striker battle. The whole match felt like they were
watching two stones grinding against each other. Harsh and irritating but impossible to look away
from.

Naruhaya broke out of the trance holding the team captive first and started running before
Team Y could react. “We'll force our way through.”

“Let's go again!” Iagarashi yelled, ignoring the movement around him. “Hey, Isagi! It's time
to use your weapon!”
Isagi ignored him. “Stay put! We'll carry on using Naruhaya's formation!” He passed the ball
to Igarashi who stopped and questioned his decision, doubtful of such a tactic.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah!”

Instead of going up top and upsetting our balance, if I stop him here, it gives us a better chance
of scoring.

Niko positioned himself behind Isagi as they both waited for the ball to be passed again. “You
all heard Ego's speech about ‘taking up your weapon,’ too, right?”

Isagi glanced over his shoulder, narrowing his eyes at the unexpected words. “What about
it?”

“It got me thinking…what is my weapon?’”

“Gagamaru, it's all yours!”

Around them, their teams continued playing, ignorant of the impasse.

Chigiri rolled his shoulder back, irritated at the exchange. He knew he wasn’t the only one going
by Raichi's sneer and Kunigami’s frown. They had all played in this match according to their free
will but looking back it felt more as though they weren’t players but rather puppets. It was like he
and the others were pressed against an invisible wall, unaware of happenings right under their nose
and completely out of their control. You never know what you don’t know until you know it.

“Everyone here at Blue Lock has incredible talent. There's no way I can outperform Ohkawa
when it comes to shooting.” Isagi and Niko ran in parallel, Isagi was arrested by Niko’s
words, something inside him resonating with them.
Under overgrown bangs, Niko’s eyes glowed a seafoam green at the likeness.

“But I can't afford to lose. I can't run fast, and I don't have a muscular physique.” The
255|Team Y batch on Niko’s arms swung back and forth, emphasizing the low ranking and
skills he himself described.

“So my weapon to survive this place are:” He stopped and slid his foot out. “My eyes that can
accurately read the situation on the field, and my brain that excels at coordinating people.”
Isagi’s own side face bulged as if looking at him through a fish-eyed lens. His deep blue eyes
disproportionately larger than the rest of his face.

For as long as he could remember, an inexplicable calling inside Hiori had been drawn toward the
ocean. Rich, powerful, and dark, it teemed with life and gleefully killed it too. Perhaps it’s because
we always strive for things we don’t have but the ocean, unlike Hiori’s wreckage of a life, was
uncontrollable, wild, and free. And Isagi’s eyes…Hiori loved his eyes. The same soft way that
deep rolling blue water at the top smoothly eased into a glassy light blue at the bottom of his iris…
Hiori drowned in Isagi’s blue - the sea, the waves, and the darkest depths ready to drag you down
at a moment’s notice but he simply didn’t care. He couldn’t care. It didn’t matter if Isagi never
looked twice at him, never acknowledged him, never remembered him. The ocean never cared for
anyone but its own.

Niko turned back to him and pointed at his forehead, voice full of conviction. “You may
manage to stop me, but you can't stop my ideas.”

What does that mean?

35 MINS INTO THE SECOND HALF

“All right! My weapon's my never-say-die attitude! Amen!”

A couple amused snorts sounded around the room at the weirdly true statement.

Igarashi crossed his arms moodily. It didn’t matter what people said because his presence here was
a testament to that statement.
Team Y was determined to let him not use that weapon. “Don't let him get the ball!”

“Pass it around!”

They evaded Igarashi’s assault with a simple triangle formation and ran.

“Damn!” Igarashi panted as he chased after them “All they're doing is playing keep-ball! Are
they settling for a draw?”

Isagi, running alongside Niko, had a better understanding of the situation. I'm stopping
Ohkawa from linking up with Niko for a counterattack.

“It's not that they won't attack. They have no one who can start one!” He yelled to let
everyone else know.

Kunigami caught onto the meaning quickly. “Then, all we have to do is attack! Let's move
up!”

“If we score, we win! Let's take them down!” Kuon encouraged them.

The closeness of Raichi’s face to the screen had a few giggles erupting from the audience. Raichi
whipped his head around angrily to find who was laughing.

“There's no time left! Get the ball!” He yelled.

Niko was abnormally calm. “One minute left. It's almost time. For our last resort.”

Isagi grunted in shock.

“It's a revenge tactic we only use when we're tied and completely hemmed in -”
In the background players were screaming. “Block their passing lanes!”

“-The go sign…”

Abruptly Team Y kicked the ball and Raichi sucked in a sharp breath in horror at the result.

“…is Ohkawa picking up the ball in his own half.”

Barou ground his teeth. Come on, you fucking donkey. Fight!

“And unlike the previous minutes, it won't be Ohkawa going on a solo run. In the last
minute…”

Gagamaru’s eyes widened in panic along with Isagi’s as the entirety of the opposing team ran
in the opposite direction. Towards their goal.

“...the whole of Team Y joins the attack. We call it the ‘One-Time kill Counter.’”

Isagi’s sweat flew off his face as he whipped around too late. He was far too behind Team Y
to catch up.

Crap. They tricked us. We committed too many to the attack. Our defense is exposed. If they
score now…we lose!

Everything bright from the scene disappeared leaving Isagi frozen in motion. Heavy black
spiderweb trailed over his body.

No…
Isagi clenched his teeth, baring them ferociously.

I…

Those blue eyes swirled into frightening black lines, devoid of color. His inner voice had lost
all rationality, sounding like the screaming of a madman.

The audience, for the first time in a while, felt fear crawl up their bodies and burrow into their
mind. This wasn’t what they were used to. This wasn’t the person they knew. Fuck supernatural
sense, this…creature…

Rin reveled in it. The sight of his rival had others cowering but he loved the monstrous look. Just
like a thriller movie!

Bachira swooned.

Team Z had fallen into panic. “Are you serious?”

“Stop him!”

“Get back! Get back!”

“This is bad! Someone stop him!” Imamura screamed. “Last defender, it's up to you!”

Chigiri stepped forth but Okawa passed, not giving him a chance to counter.

Niko received the ball.

Lemon stepped forward, ready to intercept the goal kick. One-on-one. If I don't save this,
my…No, all of our soccer careers end here. I'm going to save it, no matter what!
Niko pulled his foot back to kick as Lemon prepared himself. But at the last second, instead
of kicking forward, he kicked to the side.

Lemon could only watch in despair at the decoy as Ohkawa’s menacing grin overtook his
face. Ohkawa?

The faces of all of Team Z mirrored Lemon’s despair.

It's over! We're screwed. Igarashi’s thought was reflected in all of them.

The players watching said nothing, a moment of silence of an inevitable loss. The more sentimental
ones felt regret at seeing the Team lose, having seen their personalities and team dynamics. The
more temperamental ones just held their silence, an inkling of respect for their efforts.

The screen faded to black. Then. A whirlwind of exotic colors breezed through.

The soft thud of a ball hitting a foot echoed in the dead quiet of the viewing room. But from
the disbelieving widening of Ohkawa’s eyes, the foot wasn’t his.

Where mere seconds before, Lemon’s and Ohkawa’s faces had been the direct opposites of
one another, they were now exactly identical in their shock.

Isagi turned with his back to Ohkawa. The sound of the turn was like a bullet shot with
steaming smoke to match its deadly play.

“It's here, isn't it, Niko?” The gray smoke still streamed from his as if Isagi was too hot,
burning with power.

His voice was a direct antithesis to the mad screaming they had been a witness too.

Nanase felt his lungs burn from not having taken a breath. But then again no one had. Either they
forgot to breathe or they couldn’t. Nanase felt it was a dangerous mix of both.
All the calm Niko had exuded vanished as he gasped.

“This is the place that smells most like a goal.” Isagi was ruthless in his words.

“You and I are alike.” He said echoing Niko’s previous statement. “We have the same eyes,
and we think the same. So rather than taking the shot yourself, you passed it to Ohkawa so he
could finish us off.” The hint of insanity returned. “I win, Niko.”

For the first time, Niko’s eyes appeared through his bangs.

Many Blue Lock players were surprised by this. It was the first time they had ever seen Niko’s
eyes. Trust Isagi to find out everything.

“You chose to pass at the very last moment, which means…You're unfit to be a striker!”

The silence surrounding them got louder. The tangible disbelief at those words felt heavy on their
skin, pressing down like a weight.

Isagi pressed his lips together, embarrassed at his heat of the moment words.

Unsurprisingly it was Shidou who shattered the quiet with his braying laugh. Rin felt like stabbing
his face repeatedly when the freak didn’t stop laughing after a quantifiable amount of time.

“What is it, you goddamn freak.” He barely got out through tightly clenched teeth.

“You - Isagi Yoichi - You’re so cruel~!!!” He heaved a stolen breath. “You took what that gorilla
said, twisted it, and weaponized it.” Shidou ignored Barou’s growl and calmed down a little. His
lips stretched into a smile so wide he looked less like a human and more like the Cheshire Cat.
“Barou Shouhei made a blasé comment about your play. It tore you apart and now you took your
pain, weaponized it, and bazooka-ed it at your opponent. Knowing the damage and increasing its
potency several fold. Had it been anyone. Anyone but you, they would’ve never uttered such
words. Had they seen their past-selves in another player. But you…” He let out an amused chuckle,
interest and fascination glinting in those pink eyes. “If cruelty was a cavern, you’ve made it your
home.”

Isagi felt his cheeks flush hotly both at the accusation and resulting pervasive stares. Even his hero!
No, Noel-sama! He wasn’t like that!!! Isagi shot to his feet, desperate to clear his name.
“No!...That’s not what I meant.” He turned to the rest of the people watching him closely. “I-It’s
not like that!”

Nagi burrowed his face behind the collar of his shirt and Chigiri turned his head to the side, a
curtain of red hair hiding his smile from Isagi.

Niko on the other hand felt the impact of those words like a sledgehammer. The words hit him so
much harder now that he knew their treacherous origin. Damn you Isagi. You really know where to
hit it where it hurts.

Bachira grinned and tugged Isagi’s hand to encourage him to sit back in his seat. The moment he
did so, Bachira jumped onto Isagi’s lap, trusting him and the chair to hold his weight.

Isagi groaned at the sudden addition of weight but his arms automatically came up and around
Bachira to keep him from tumbling backwards onto the floor.

Bachira opened his mouth but Shidou beat him to it, leaning closer to Isagi’s face, he grinned in
unison with Bachira. “It’s not a bad thing.” Shidou was now so close he could see how the light
gleamed on each of his straw-colored eyelashes. Many of them touching together to create that
feathery look. “I’m sure many of them would agree.” Shidou leaned back smirking, a rare look of
quiet respect in his eyes.

Isagi furtively glanced around the room, catching eyes that speedily turned away from him. He
turned his own away from those that seemed to burn a hole into him. Overall, he was unconvinced
by the assurance.

With those decisive words Isagi kicked the ball, cleanly sending it flying to the far end of the
field.

“Damn it! They're countering!” Ohkawa screamed. “Get back! Steal the ball!”
Isagi abandoned Niko and ran toward the opposing goal post, leaving Niko frozen behind
him.

I chose to pass rather than take the shot myself, then we lost, and I cried.

Isagi’s Ichinan pass flashed by. His face as tears dripped down after the loss.

Bachira’s hair lightly tickled Isagi’s neck as he tilted his head to the side. Isagi looks really pretty
when he cries.

I don't need that version of myself anymore.

Those tears fell into nothingness.

I want to win!

Fire-y blue shot through the screen, rushing toward the audience who unconsciously leaned
back to avoid its onslaught. Their efforts proved worthless when it took over Isagi’s eyes
instead.

A thrill of excitement coursing through them when they realized what this meant. It was time!

Now is the time to be reborn!

Kunigami received the ball with his chest and ran forward. “Nice, Isagi!”

Their opponents fought hard. “Foul him if you have to! Just stop him!”

“Damn it!” Kunigami struggled against the two flanking his sides. He kicked it to Bachira
who trapped it midair. “It's up to you!”
“Duly noted.” Bachira was a master dribbler, easily evading his opponents.

“Stop him!”

“Come on!”

He stuck his tongue, his eyes turning the same circular image that Isagi had a little while ago.
I'll leave the rest to you.

The ball swirled its way to where Gagamaru and his opponent were running. That's so low.
But…I'll take it! Gagamaru lunged forward to headbut the ball only to see it pass by.

“Oh, no! He missed it?” Igarashi and the people watching were off the same mind.

The stress in their bodies turning into pinpricks of pain.

“No.” Bachira calmly responded. “I was aiming beyond him…” The ball fell at the feet of
Isagi, body burning with blue and violet fire. “...at Number 11.”

Niko sucked in a sharp breath. His pupils were small, fear evident in those greenish eyes.

Ohkawa verbalized that fear and shock. “How is he there?”

Kunigami’s face emanated his command. “Go.”

Bachira’s eyes gleamed gold. “Go. Score it, you egoist…” Isagi pulled his leg back in slow
motion, all his attention on the floating ball before him. “Isagi Yoichi!”

The burning determination shone through Isagi’s eyes and scorched the players’ skin.
I'm…a striker.

Power behind that kick was immense. If Isagi stopping Ohkawa earlier had been like a gun
being shot, then this kick had all the strength and force of a torpedo.

Raichi swore he felt the ground shake from the sound of that power.

Team Z were all caught with their mouths agape, threatening to unhinge from their jobs and
crash to the ground. Their eyes bulged at the unknown skill Isagi had revealed to them,
staring petrified at his now unhidden ability.

The score on the scoreboard changed, breaking them out of their trance. Their screams
shook the field.

It wasn’t just their screams though. Expecting a defeat, every player from Blue Lock to the entirety
of the U-20 were on their feet, roaring with joy at the victory. The sound was so deafening Isagi
felt his eardrums ache for mercy.

They jumped on him, ruffling his hair, and clapping his back and chest in pride and
encouragement. They also yanked Bachira away and threw him to the side to get closer to Isagi.
The players' joy was infectious and soon Isagi was beaming from happiness.

A few moments later the post-win high came down and several of them realized what they had just
done. They sat down with bright red ears and throat-clearing coughs.

Isagi was quiet for a moment and then let out a small cough. “So. Happy for me, huh?” He smirked
at them, gleefully watching their reactions.

Heated denials soared through the air.

“SHUT THE FUCK UP! IT WASN’T FOR YOU”

“A WIN IS A WIN, OKAY FUCKER?!”

“I WAS JUST HAPPY AT SOMEONE FINALLY SHOOTING A GOAL. IT’S GOT NOTHING
TO DO WITH YOU.”

The smarter bunch kept quiet and resolutely avoided looking in his direction.

“Ofcourse! Congratulations, Isagi-san!” Nanase called out happily.

Isagi laughed. “Thank you, Nanase.”

The female voice announced the result with a chorus of Team Z cheers are background
music. “Time's up.”

“Hell yeah, Isagi!”

“Blue Lock Building 5's fourth match, 2 - 1.”

“All right!”

“Team Z wins.”

“Yeah!”

“Nice one!”

Lemon screamed at the sky, Kunigami clenched his fist, and Bachira chuckled.

“Nice! Nice Isagi!” Igarashi smacked Isagi’s back repeatedly.

Naruhaya was also crowded around Isagi. “You're amazing, man! What a finish!”

“How far did you run?” Kuon exclaimed, spreading his arms wide in excitement.

However Isagi’s face didn’t reflect the happiness of the teammates surrounding him and
praising him. His hair shadowed his face. He slowly began to walk away from them.

“Huh?”

“What?”

“Where's he going?”

Isagi turned away from his team members crowding him and trudged toward the opposite
team. Team Z stared confusedly as the star of their match walked away from them.

Multiple players that played him or played against were confused by the lackluster response. Isagi
had never been this calm, especially about scoring a goal before. Why the hell was he not happy?

Even Bachira looked back curiously, face somewhat serious at Isagi’s odd behavior.

“Damn it!” A Team Y player spat out, sitting on the ground.

All around Isagi, people on the opposing team were crying on their knees in defeat and for
the future. Isagi was the lone figure among an army of the walking dead.

Isagi’s eyes took in everything. From the blade of grass curving around a defeated player to
the way a salty tear streaked a glistening trail down sweaty cheeks.
However, from the center of Isagi’s pupil, a white wisp of smoke floated out. Never dying
despite the dying people around him.

I crushed…the dreams of these people.

Aiku stared hard Isagi’s face as he walked past. There’s something…off. I can’t exactly place my
finger on it but something’s not…right.

My goal did this.

Isagi walked past Ohkawa, ingraining his angry face into his head.

So this is what it means to win.

He finally came to a stop in front of the bowed over Niko.

Niko curled his fingers into his fist, his nails digging into his palm at the scene. The loss felt even
worse because the screen showed him and Isagi from the side. There they were. He, himself,
bowing with his forehead to the ground, hands clenched before him against the grass and Isagi
standing tall, looking down at his curled, fetal figure. The symbolism was obvious and he knew the
rest weren’t fools to not understand the imagery.

It showed them again from Niko’s back. The Team Y Number 7 slowly uncurled himself to
look up at the victor. Niko was still on his knees, the angle making him look as if he were a
servant subservient to his master.

Isagi gasped.

For the first time Niko’s eyes were on full display. His lip quivered uncontrollably as he did his
hardest not to cry, his resentful face glared up at Isagi as if threatening him but Niko’s shaking eyes
were too big for it to be frightful. If anything it looked like a cute puppy or a small child.

Ego sat hunched over in his seat, watching Isagi and Niko on the screen. His smile looked like
that of a terrifying Jack-In-the-Box as he grinned.
His evident delight at the upcoming events should have been a forewarning of what was yet to
come but the players watching dismissed it to their soon-to-be detriment.

What is this feeling?

Hiori patted his shoulder gently, a sympathetic smile gracing his lips.

It feels so good!

The smile froze along with his hand. Goosebumps erupted on everybody’s skin at Isagi’s thoughts
and face.

Isagi’s face flamed in embarrassment at having his thoughts revealed at this

Niko gaping open-mouthed, his brain blue-screening at the new information. This is what he was
thinking? THIS IS WHAT HE WAS THINKING?!

The resulting quiet was broken once again by Shidou’s demonic cackling. “Not a nice guy, huh,
Isagi Yoichi!” He doubled over and his lips stretched so wide his gums and teeth were on full
display. “Look at you, you secret little sadist!”

The U-20 and Blue Lock players felt their minds break and shatter. Spewing insults in the heat of
the moment? They could understand. They did it on a normal basis anyway. Throwing your
opponent's words back in their face? Fine. Unusual but somewhat understandable. Getting turned
on to the sight of crying? WHAT A FUCKING LIAR! AND ISAGI?! Absolutely anyone else
would have made sense. Nagi, Rin, Bachira, Reo, Aiku, Sae, that weirdo Kaiser - for who they had
alarm bells ringing in their heads over his interactions with Isagi -, Karasu, Niou, Wakatsuki -
anyone! Isagi?! Isagi - I promise I’ll be home by 3pm and help my mom with groceries and guys
did you eat yet because if you’re hungry I’ll bring some food to you - Yoichi?!

Nagi blinked a few times in quiet surprise. He turned to Isagi and tugged his arm to get him to look
at him. Once he had his attention Nagi uttered the words that had the others awaken from their
spiraling thoughts. “Isagi…if you play with me, I can cry for you boss.”
 Isagi’s face flamed . A humiliated whimper was ripped from his throat without his permission.

Barou reared his fist back but unfortunately there was no one to stop him as everyone else was
doing the same.

Isagi let out a strangled yell and shoved Nagi back while simultaneously placing himself between
the shameless striker and the rest of the group who looked seconds away from overpowering him.
Internally Isagi cursed Nagi for putting him in this position. It’s not like he wanted to be here but
his football career! “WAIT! Stop! Stop! Hold on!”

Hiori smiled like he was the one responsible for why bodies ended up in the mortuary. “Isagi,
we’re not going to do anything. We’re football players after all so there would be no reason to
injure our members and end up with probation and suspension from the sport. Can you please come
here instead?”

Isagi knew there was something wrong with the statement. But there was no comprehensive answer
he could come up with as to why he should say no. Over his shoulder Nagi narrowed his eyes at
Hiori who chillingly smiled back, a spark of aggression silently firing between the two.

Isagi fumbled for an answer. “Well-”

Chapter End Notes

SORRY!!!!!

I got some news and it made me really depressed but then when I was no longer
depressed I was swamped with all the work I didn't do when I was

Thank for your guys' comments they made my day when I finally got around to
reading them. It honestly felt like this: So thank you

On a sadder note, I won't be uploading the next chapter until the 28th because it's
finals week but I hope everyone stays happy and healthy.

See ya then!

--------

Update: ok so I know I said I would be updating today and if things went normally I
would've done it but as I was writing, the words took over and I came up with a new
idea I wanted to include. So yes, there will be a delay but also the next chapter will be
longer. *offers Isagi plushie in gesture of peace*
 01X05 To Be Reborn_Part 2
Chapter Summary

The majority of the second half of the episode. Feasting and Isagi and Chigiri's
conversation.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

“I think he was just joking.” Isagi said, harshly ribbing Nagi to get him to back up. He smiled
awkwardly at the variety of different players who were mere centimeters from where he was
shielding Nagi. And wait , was that Itoshi Sae in the crowd?

Itoshi Sae looked irritated. Eyes narrowed and cold, his gaze was like a breath of chilly winter air.
He was also staring at him - no, behind him. Isagi turned back to see Nagi looking down at him
passively. Gray fixed on his ocean blue as their eyes met and Isagi watched Nagi watch him. A rise
in tension at his back reminded Isagi of the present.

Well, there went his previous attempts at calm.

Just as the crowd took a step forward in unison, a loud, sharp clang pierced their eardrums. All of
them bent over, covering their ears in pain from the noise. They looked up to see Reika holding a
pair of golden cymbals with an innocent look on her face.

They stared at her disbelievingly and she stared back right back with wide eyes.

“You couldn’t have used your fucking voice?” Karasu said, gritting his teeth at the look. So damn
childish .

“You couldn’t have used yours?” Reika questioned smoothly. She batted her eyes at them as they
made their way back to their seats, anger still running high at Nagi and now Reika.

She smirked before disappearing.

Two plates of sizzling, greasy met the players’ eyes causing many of the watching audience to
drool. “Let us toast Team Z's victory in our second game. Cheers!”

“Cheers!” Team Z shouted in a circle around the meat.

Zantetsu swallowed his drool back, staring at the scene. Wait, did I miss other people scoring?
They’re all eating?

Reo rolled his eyes exasperatedly at the obvious question on Zantetsu’s face. Stupid Zantetsu.

“Dig in, everyone.” Even before the words had finished being said, people had already dug
into the luxury meal.

Igarashi’s nostrils were the size of tennis balls in his happiness. “I missed you, meat! So
good!”

“This is the heavenly taste of victory!” Imamura had tears in the corner of his eyes while
Naruhaya was munching. “Mmmm, delish, delish!” Naruhaya stuffed another piece of meat
into his mouth.

“Hey! This meat is the bonus for the goals Isagi and I scored. I know we're sharing it, but
leave some for me!” Gagamaru’s voice was so different from his typical monotone.

Naruhaya ignored that and ate a third piece. “Yummy!”

“Hey! “That's mine! Spit it out!” Gagamaru lunged to choke Naruahaya.

The previous anger in the room disappeared at the lighthearted behavior. It was hard to stay mad
when so many people were so happy.

“Okay, okay.” Kuon walked in with a calming smile on his face. He held his tray and looked
around. “Okay, everyone, we're going to do this potluck style. We'll get to taste each other's
dishes, so no fighting.”
Nanase smiled at the motherly gesture. He was so nice!

“Oh, wow!” Isagi’s face was like that of a child’s, clear joy at simple pleasures.

Many of them smiled at that. Truly, Isagi was incredibly cute. The way his face lit up at food and
was something they knew they would later be braving the devil for clips of.

Raichi sweatdropped, sitting casually with an arm propped up on his knee. “Are you a lunch
lady?”

Raichi watched his own self in tired anger. If he knew then the things he knew now…

The potluck was truly a feast. An array of colorful dishes were laid out side by side.

“Hey, I see gyoza.”

“Pacific saury!”

“I miss that! I want food!” Bachira whined loudly.

The rest were in agreement. It was like putting a piece of candy in front of a child and telling them
not to touch. Impossible temptation.

“Can we g’d food?” Hiori asked the paused screen.

Reika popped up. “Yes.”

They waited but she didn’t say anything else.

“Then can you give us food now?” Karasu broke the silent staring contest. He felt a slight
headache build up at this woman’s antics. How old was she to be acting like this? Well, to be fair
she looked young but really.

“Ofcourse.”

Reika fiddled with something on the screen and the next second the square blocks of marble
disappeared near their seats. They jumped at the change and watched astonished as elegantly
carved wooden side tables smoothly rose from the square patch. On each table were numerous
dishes from various parts of the world.

Isagi’s table had several rolls of Tekkamaki, a type of sushi along with dipping sauce, while
Bachira’s had Inarizushi, tofu packets filled with rice in the middle and sauce of his own. Nagi had
Yakimono, grilled meatballs, to which Igarashi looked over enviously at - his own Takowasa
steaming abandoned. Rin surprisingly had Salmorejo, a cold tomato soup from Southern Spain, and
looked quietly pleased.

Isagi noted that for the future.

Kunigami had Chicken Biryani from Southern India, and Shidou had Rogan Josh from Northern
India. Raichi licked his teeth at the smell, eying between their dishes and his own, Arepas - a
Columbian dish. He wanted to eat them all. His gaze caught the former two’s attention. Shidou
smiled sharply as he slid his toward himself and Kunigami staring blankly as he slid his toward
Raichi to partake in. Rachi forced his smile down and grunted in acknowledgement, pleasantly
surprised.

Chigiri had Fettuccine Alfredo, Itoshi Sae had pasta with mushroom and rose sauce, Aiku had
Bacalao, Noel Noa had Rouladen, Kaiser - Maultaschen, Ness - Vegemite. Ness’s smile tightened
at the dish.

Reo was excitedly looking at his french dish - Sole Meunière and Gagamaru sniffed his Hot Pot.
Hiori smiled at Nanase with Tteokbokki and Nanase grinned back with his Canadian Poutine.
Tokimitsu vibrated excitedly in his seat next to his Soup Kandia, a Senegalese dish and Aryu
flipped his hair back at his Romanian Placinte.

Ego, ofcourse, had cup yakisoba.

Everyone present took a moment and sucked in a deep inhale, the aroma of sweet, savory, spicy,
and rich food flooded their senses. The brilliant coloring and elegantly layered dishes were truly
fitting for one of a king’s stature. They eyed each others’ dishes for a while before exchanging
reluctant smiles, one thought echoing across their minds.

Reika offered them the final piece to complete their wish. A massive mahogany serving table with
a teal marble countertop to lay out their dishes side by side to share. On any other occasion these
egoists would fight tooth and nail to protect their dishes from sneaky hands but not now. Not when
all of them had the same desire.

The only sound heard was the sound of chewing and the clatter of utensils as the players ate in
contented silence.

Isagi basked in the calm and quiet gaiety. Reika gazed warmly at Isagi, her hickory eyes
brightening to a beautiful hazy honey. Like insects trapped in amber.

Once they finished eating the players sat in their seats in content, ready to resume watching Team
Z’s celebration. A warm meal to fill them and a light-hearted atmosphere to keep them so.

Lemon swirled his natto with his chopsticks. “Natto's not bad every once in a while.”

Igarashi seized the opportunity to present his hated dish. “Here's my pickled radish!”

“No, thanks.” A chorus of voices responded, overlapping perfectly in equally shared dislike.

Perhaps a trick of the light, but Wakutsuki’s eyebags seemed to grow in disgust if possible. “Gross.
Yep. Yep.”

Kunigami looked up from his bowl of rice to address Isagi. “But how did you know to get
yourself into that position?”

“Oh, that's a point.” Gagamaru said, strangling Naruhaya in a chokehold. “Did you know the
ball would end up there?”
Isagi stopped eating for a moment. “Oh, no, no, it's not like I actually knew.” He looked down
in recollection. “I just wanted to take a shot and took a chance that it might fall around
there.”

Bachira thrust his face directly into Isagi’s, holding a piece of meat on a fork. Isagi jerked
back at the closeness. “But I saw you, Isagi. Good job!”

“Thanks for the pass, Bachira.”

“Here's your reward! Say ‘ah’!”

Isagi dodged the fork headed toward his mouth. From the back Raichi looked over calmly at
the actions. “I can feed myself.”

“Don't be shy. Take it. Pass!” Bachira shouted, toppling him over.

The players glowered at Bachira’s attempts at hand feeding Isagi. That sneaky, deranged little
monkey. Always fucking grabbing at opportunities to with coddle Isagi with his sticky, grubby
hands.

Kunigami stared a piece of salmon. “Anyhow, it seems Isagi's weapon is being able to ‘smell’
a goal.” He put it into his mouth and closed his eyes. “And thanks to Isagi's goal, we won.”

Kunigami watched the screen closely. To all here it seemed as though he was just focusing on his
meal but in truth it was more than that. From the way the skin around Chigiri’s eyes tightened, he
knew the redhead wasn’t fooled. After all, how could he ignore something so calmly that even
Raichi couldn’t ignore?

“That's a fact.” He completed and looked at Isagi. Isagi’s eyes widened and Bachira used the
timing to finally stuff the meat into his mouth.

Raichi scoffed at the remark. “I refuse to acknowledge that.”

Rachi rolled his eyes at the present Isagi’s raised eyebrows.

Kuon, the peacemaker, stepped in before the room could devolve into a fight. “Well,
whatever the case, we won. We'll survive this, Team Z!”

Team Z pumped their fists together. “Yeah!”

“Yeah!”

“More food!”

“I've got plenty more room.”

“Let me get some, too.”

Among the celebration, Chigiri sat alone, watching the partying members. He didn’t eat or
join in. Simple sat with his arms folded over his knees.

The scene darkened and time lapsed to show Team Z peacefully sleeping in their futons.

Isagi slightly tilted his head to avoid Igarashi’s hand that landed on his pillow.

“No more…pickled radish…”

He peeked an eye then closed it. Seconds later le lunged out of the way, eyes still closed and
barely avoiding a heavy foot in the same place.

Jeez, he's the worst! Isagi thought, eyes now fully open.

He avoided that without looking. Barou narrowed his eyes, his temporary irritation at Igarashi’s
terrible sleep etiquette overrun by reluctant amazement at the subtle display of Isagi’s supernatural
senses.

Though… Isagi sat up. I'm too psyched to go to sleep!

He looked at his hand, a slight blush dusting his cheeks. It really was me who won that game
for us, wasn't it? With my goal.

A flashback of Okawa’s resentful face that he had ingrained into his head before popped up.
It was me who crushed them. The scene was now Niko’s tearing seafoam eyes and trembling
lips.

Niko refused to close his eyes. Opening them so wide they teared and burned from the air entering
them yet he still refused. He needed to see this. He needed to see himself and he need to see Isagi.
Bear with it for this will be so much sweeter when it is my turn. Wait for me, Isagi.

It felt so good.

His thoughts are like gentle whispers. Sae thought, a dark amusement pooling at the bottom of cool
mint eyes. Gentle in the way river water sounds pleasurable to listen to but the force and speed of
it will smash you mercilessly against the jagged rocks. Even his voice is fitting. Truly, he has the
voice of a coursing river.

His feet were shown walking between the futons.

The camera choice is most definitely an artistic representation. Shidou thought calmly. A slight
smile graced his lips. The flashbacks and his walking are being paralleled to show the thrill of
crushing his opponent’s dreams that Isagi is reliving. His body is here but his mind is back in those
moments. In those tears and that despair.

Bachira felt a blanket of warm affection settle on his skin. Isagi’s thoughts are monstrous, right
Monster? He giggled in his head, his monster giggling back at him, sharing his love of Isagi’s…
playstyle .

I can't put it into words. It was like nothing I've ever experienced.
Isagi sweatdropped in front of the opening door as a new thought struck him.

Wait, does that make me a jerk?

The atmosphere in the mood eased as muffled snickers sounded. Isagi sunk into his seat, his face a
bright, cherry red at the childish questioning.

That's not good.

Now the sound of laughing was now louder and even Reo let out a small smirk of amusement at
his fellow striker’s plight.

Tokimitsu shook violently, mind whiplashing between how Isagi wanted to tear his opponents into
murky depths and then immediately asking if that was bad. Eeek!!! T-too scary, Isagi-san! L-like a
ser-rial ki-iller!!

Isagi arrived in the monitoring room for team Z but to his surprise he wasn’t the only one
there. In front of him a single figure sat watching a replay of the match on the monitor
screen.

Chigiri and Isagi uneasily exchanged glances at each other. What came next was a private moment
that they hadn’t mentioned to anyone, not even their closest friends. Neither was happy that this
was being broadcast.

Locked in a room where he was the center of attention, Isagi and Chigiri’s silent exchange did not
go unnoticed, raising a number of eyebrows and interests.

Now it was Kunigami’s turn to unwittingly frown as an eyebrow slightly dipped down. Looks like
I’m not the only one keeping secrets, princess .

Chigiri glanced back as Isagi walked forward.

“Chigiri.”

“Isagi-kun.” Chigiri turned toward the screen again. “What are you doing here?”

Isagi scratched his cheek with a finger. “Oh, I couldn't sleep, so I came to watch the game
footage. You?”

“I couldn't sleep, either. So I was watching your goal.”

“Huh?”

“It's no wonder you can't fall asleep after that goal.” Chigiri never looked away from the
screen, every square on the monitor was a scene of Isagi at different moments throughout the
game. “As a striker, it must have been a glorious moment.”

Bachira sat up straighter, eyes narrowing at the tone and words. He had been so busy hounding off
everyone else he had missed this friend. He won’t make that mistake again.

Chigiri felt goosebumps rise on his arms by the look of Bachira’s face and knew that his jig was
up. There would be no more fooling people about his supposed indifference toward Isagi. Well, it
was only a matter of time but still…I thought I had longer to move in.

“Yeah, it was like…It was a goal I would've never scored if I hadn't come to Blue Lock. I'll
always remember this goal.” Isagi said, walking forward. He sat down close to Chigiri, also
looking at different views of himself on the screen. “But I couldn't do it again, even if
someone told me to. I just ran without really thinking.”

“I believe you have a very keen spatial awareness.” Chigiri turned his head toward Isagi, the
glow of the monitor lighting their faces.

“Huh? What's that?”

An image of mannequin players with spotlight eyes appeared. “Most players judge a
situation based on what they see in their direct field of vision. And that field of vision gets
smaller when running at top speed or dribbling.” A massive shadow appeared over the field
and turned into a titan version of Isagi hovering over it. The others merely ants among grass
on the field.

The players felt chills down their spines at the image. Oh, the monster he will become.

“But on occasion, you play like you can see the whole field and everything that's happening
on it. Kind of like you're a god looking down from above.”

Yukimiya smiled thinly. Not my god.

“That skill helped you ‘smell’ a goal and avert a crisis, and made an impossible goal a
reality.” A flashback of Isagi’s goal played.

Spatial awareness. Isagi thought awed. That's my weapon?

Chigiri looked back at the screen. “You're only doing it intuitively right now so if you can
learn to do it intentionally, your eyes and brain will be a weapon like no other. That's what I
was thinking watching the video.”

No. Noel Noa thought. It is not as simple as that. Chigiri Hyoma is indeed correct about Isagi
Yoichi’s potential but that reasoning doesn’t fully encompass the monstrosity of a play that goal
had been. In that moment, Isagi Yoichi had positioned himself in front of Niko Ikki without his
knowledge, blocked Okawa Hibiki’s pass, and bypassed all of Team Y and Team Z. However even
that doesn’t fully entail all the details. For what is left unsaid is that Isagi Yoichi outwitted every
player on the field without drawing their attention. Niko Ikki was well-aware of Isagi Yoichi’s
movements, having marked him previously. Yet somehow the boy tricked the other and stole his
goal. All by intuition. No, this is not something that can merely be categorized as intuition because
intuition is unreliable and unpredictable. It is not the factor that is starting to set Isagi Yoichi
apart from his peers.

Noel Noa’s gold eyes caught Snuffy’s. Snuffy’s lips were curved up at the corners, a knowing lilt
to them that Noel Noa could recognize a kilometer away. Italy’s master dipped his head down
once, acknowledging his unspoken realizations. Both their eyes glowed at the prospect of what was
yet to come.
Isagi stared at Chigiri then chuckled, eyes curving closed. “Oh, I get it now. Thanks, Chigiri.
You just gave me a great pointer. You're always frowning, but you're actually a nice guy.”

“It's nothing. I'm only telling you so the team wins.”

“By the way, what's your weapon? You didn't tell us the other day.”

“Speed.” Bachira normally would’ve cheered but the recently unveiled experiences had turned his
tone syrupy acerbic. The horribly clashing presence of sweet and bitter in his voice had Isagi
looking over in concern and Niko valiantly fighting the urge to shift away.

“Like I said, I don't want to say.”

Karasu sneered, eager to take any opportunity to make a dig at anyone. “Why so secretive,
princess? Too special for the rest of us?”

Chigiri was fully pissed that this personal conversation that only Isagi was supposed to know about
was now being viewed by every Blue Lock player, U-20 member, and even members of the
professional teams. “Shut the fuck up, you damn crow. You think you’re off the hook? Wait your
fucking turn.”

“Huh? Why not?” Isagi was sweetly persistent. “Tell me. I'll help you out if I can. I want to
know more about you.”

Chigiri sunk his head into his crossed arms. His go-to position when he was upset. “Just drop
it. We don't need to talk about me.”

“Yes, we do. It's important.”

There was silence in the viewing room for a couple moments.

A hand slid up and caressed a pajama covered knee. “A right ACL tear.”
The air was thick with tension at the reveal. Suddenly no one wanted to be here. Karasu lost his
sneer and was slightly grimacing. As football players, any injury was career ending but an ACL
tear? That wasn’t something you recovered from.

Barou said nothing but he was suddenly reminded of the number of times Chigiri used to tape up
his knee. At the time he had dismissed it simply as foresight bias but shit. This was so much more
than that. Athletes had been forced to stop playing for less.

Aiku’s eyebrows were high on their forehead, disbelief evident. He had an injury like that but ran
like that in the game? Live hard, die hard baby.

Chris Prince frowned at the way Chigiri sat. As a person who always pushed forward to higher
heights it rankled him to see someone so wumpy-dumpy. Boo-hoo, baby, go cry about it.

Chigiri’s face was shadowed as he curled over her knee. “That's the injury I picked up a year
ago. The doc said if I injure the same spot again, my playing days will be in jeopardy.”
Chigiri stood up and turned his back to the screen.

“I used to have it, Isagi. I used to have an amazing weapon like you.” The image of a young
Chigiri celebrating as he scored a goal.

Kunigami felt a smile tugging his lips despite the gloomy atmosphere.

“Plus nights when I couldn't sleep because I was so pumped from scoring, and a dream of
becoming the world's greatest striker.”

The flashback ended to show Chigiri’s dull face again. “But even though my leg's healed, I'm
scared I'll get injured again. I'm scared of losing my dream and the soccer that's given me so
much pleasure.”

Chigiri walked away from Isagi while Isagi remained sitting on the ground, listening
steadfastly to his words. “I came to Blue Lock to find a reason to give up on my dream. Isagi,
I might be able to give up on it after seeing your goal.”
“Not Isagi’s fault. Not his fault.” Kurona snapped viciously.

Isagi was surprised by the unexpected defense. He had never met this boy before yet the other was
defending him from someone else's insult? Judging from the irritated look on Chigiri's face, he
didn't know who Kurona was either, aside from his name. Isagi felt touched, a sweet smile directed
toward the shark-toothed boy who blinked calmly back at him.

Sokura side eyed his teammate from the second selection. Of all of them, he had become the
closest to Kurona. Shidou was too crazy, Reo was too gloomy, and Igarashi was too annoying. So
Kurona it was. And because he was close to Kurona, he got front row seats to watch his friend
disappear down a never ending rabbit hole called Isagi Yoichi’s videos. During the U-20 practice
he had watched the red-haired boy pull up every video of the popular striker he could find. From
games, to skirmishes, to even practices. It devolved to the point that he had to physically cling to
Kurona’s clothes to prevent him from going and asking Ego for videos of Isagi eating, sleeping,
and relaxing. Please, Isagi Yoichi, please for the sake of yourself do not do anything else. I can’t
protect you anymore.

Aryu was displeased at his rival’s words and actions. “Very unstylish of you, Chigiri Hyoma. I
can’t say I understand such a move but I know enough to say it is the wrong one.” Aryu would
never do something so uncool as to frown, but the expression on his face certainly came close.

The door opened and Chigiri stepped out but the next words froze him in place.

“Stop lying, Chigiri.” Isagi’s whisper was deadly. “Don't blame it on me. I know you don't
really want to give up.”

Isagi was no longer sitting. He was standing up, weight shifted forward.

Kaiser leaned forward enthralled, completely missing the way Ness tightened his jaw. The look on
his Isagi Yoichi’s face was dark, the glimpses of the predator he was rumored to be peeking out
between bars of restraint like monkeys in a cage. Awaiting every opportunity to escape and run
free.

“I'm the same. I'm scared that all of this might end, so I fight. If you're not prepared to give
up everything, you'll never fulfill your dream!” Isagi said, frustrated at his teammate’s lack
of drive.
 “You know nothing about me.” Chigiri whipped around, now angry at Isagi.

Isagi halted in shock, eyes wide and surprised at seeing Chigiri’s anger directed at him for
the first time as the door slid shut.

Chapter End Notes

It's driving me insane! I can't remember the psychological term for preventing an
event before it happens! IT EXISTS AND MAKING ME SO MAD!! Update:
THANK YOU Lu_ixaXD for the word! I updated the chapter

Also Chris Prince is the biggest man child. I'm not even going to defend him.

Some of the actions of the players toward Chigiri might seem a little harsh but I do
believe that is how they would have responded in character. Don't worry, though
Chigiri's going to have his redemption soon because honestly he's one of the best
characters. He's also kinda hard to write weirdly.

Sporadic updates here on out because I moved and school is no longer a problem but
my job and school applications are. Why tf can't I catch a break. No, I'll focus on
catching what I love more instead. You guys.

Enjoy the cheesy cringe.

You know what's going to be exciting? Kaiser using Chigiri as a means of getting
Isagi's attention. And it would fit in so perfectly too since it's canon.
Heheheheheheheee I'm gonna have fun with this.
 01x05 To Be Reborn_Part 3
Chapter Summary

The ending of episode 5. After the confrontation and Ego's inspiring words. Also the
thirst scene.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Absolutely nothing could be found of Hiori’s face at Chigiri’s words. It was a study in peace and
tranquility and everything wrong. Chigiri eyed him from the corner of his eye, keeping a careful
watch on any actions the blue-haired boy might take. He wanted to move closer to Isagi to - not
apologize because he did mean those words then - but just do something. Give reassurance?
Express regret? It didn’t matter anyway. Even if he did make up his mind, his mind wouldn’t
command his body to move. The pride of an egoist was too high a barrier to cross.

A hand tremblingly pinched the edge of a pair of blue boxers. “A progress report on this
project to the JFU is almost due. So how are we doing…” Anri turned back from position on
all fours. “Ego-san?”

Igarashi’s face flushed red as he leered at the pose pervertedly. Otoyo sneered at him while blood
dripped from his own nose. Rin rolled his eyes at both.

“Hold on a moment, Anri.” steaming water poured out of the edge of an instant Yakisoba
plastic container. “I am about to experience bliss.”

Noel Noa felt a tendon on the back of his hand twitch. Jinpachi.

“Again, Ego?” Anri asked exasperatedly as Ego took several boxes of instant noodle
containers to a small table. “Don't you eat anything else?”

“It's overcompensation.” Ego squirted some sauce and began to mix. “My dietary regimen
when I used to play meant I couldn't eat it. Now that I can, I only eat this stuff.”

“EGO USED TO PLAY?!” Isagi covered his ears at the volume. Practically everyone was gaping
at the news. They whipped their heads to look at Ego who coolly stared back.

“Obviously, you idiots.”

“But you’re-you…I mean you’re like the opposite of a football player!” Reo stumbled over his
words in shock, unable to get a hold of his mouth to stop himself.

“Ego Jinpachi is a good striker.”

Now Isagi was gaping too. Noel Noa, the world’s number one player, just admitted from his own
mouth that Ego was a good player. He isn’t surprised that Ego used to be a player or that he was
good. Ego knows far too much about football to not have played, but he is shocked that Noel Noa
of all people defended Ego. Okay then…

“At least clean up a little and do some laundry. Seriously…” Anri glared at Ego, holding a
massive bag of trash.

“I refuse to do anything that can be done by others.” Ego continued squeezing out the sauce
with a single-minded focus. “And my contract says I don't have to do anything unrelated to
soccer, right?”

“Well, anyway, is Blue Lock's first selection process going well?”

“Yup, it's going really well. Just you watch. It's time to add some spice.” Ego said adding red
pepper flakes to his noodles.

The scene flipped to Isagi running down the field. He kicked the ball only to have it bounce
off the goal post.

“Okay, Isagi, you missed, so you're done.” Igarashi said, pointing at Isagi.

Raichi leaned forward with his hands stuffed into his pockets. “You suck. That goal really
was a fluke.”
Kuon clapped his hands. “Come on, let's continue with our practice.”

“Ah, damn…” Plush lips curved around a straw. Droplets of sweat lay still on flawless skin.

Aiku swallowed hard, his characteristic grin disappearing.

Yukimiya averted his eyes.

Aryu vaguely felt a few strands of hair slip forward off his shoulder.

Team Z continued playing.

“All right! To me!”

“Move up faster!”

Everyone else really is better than me. Their stamina's off the chart, too. Isagi thought before
taking another drink. His Adam’s apple rolled up and down.

Ness glanced over at Kaiser’s face and his blood pressure and hate for Isgai Yoichi rose rapidly as
a result. Never had he seen Kaiser’s face so unusually flushed, a burst of pinkish-red had bloomed
over his high cheekbones and brought a wonderful glow to his face. His blue eyes glistened
brightly under the ceiling lights and his pretty, perfect lips were tugged up at a corner. Ness curled
his right palm into a hollow fist, wishing he were holding the slender handle of a butcher knife as
he watched a drop of sweat slowly trail its way down from Kaiser’s beautiful blond hair and
disappear into the neckline of his shirt. He bit his lip hard enough that blood welled up and then
continued biting it harder. Kaiser, who never sweated during a match, was now-Isagi fucking
Yoichi. I’ll kill you, Isagi Yoichi. I’ll kill you-I’ll KIll you-I’LL KILL YOU.

Rin’s mind zeroed in on the way Isagi's throat rolled as he drank the water, his own tongue nestling
in a pool of saliva as the image itself into his retinas. He ran the tip of his tongue over the edges of
his teeth behind tightly pressed lips and a sharp stinging erupted as Rin cut the flesh on a canine
that was slightly too sharp. Rin felt his reality blur a little as the smooth, gleaming skin on the
screen was replaced by a soft throat covered in bloody bite marks. The imprint of his teeth sunken
deep into Isagi’s flesh, marking him for everyone to see.

Reo felt light-headed. Oh god. No. This is not happening. I cannot be…I cannot be falling for my
rival , this is i-insane. No, right now I am just momentarily confused. There must be some sort of
“shared sense" thing going on where the others are overexpressing their feelings and I’m feeling it
and- Don’t look at him. Isagi stole everything from me, which is why I’m watching him. I am
learning about his weaknesses because I am interested in destroying him. I will take him - no! I
will take from him! I am not one of them to fold so easily. I - Stop. Looking. At. Him.

Hiori covered Nanase’s eyes with a palm but he was too distracted to do so properly. Nanase
peeked out between the gaps of Hiori’s fingers, blushing head to toe in brilliant red.

Nagi’s eyes were the lightest gray they had ever been. I…want to be on his team too. I want to be
on Team Z…not fair. He pouted, cheeks puffing out. His eyes blurred out everything but the scene
in front of him and he let his mind take him away. Nagi erased everyone as his tongue slowly
licked a long path up Isagi’s neck. Salt struck his taste buds as the droplets hit his tongue. Isagi
inhaled deeply and fluttered his eyes at the sensation as Nagi’s hot breath heated his neck, soft lips
gently pressing under, on, over his jaw while a large warm hand curled in his hair and pulled. A
vague sensation of pain blossomed in the corners of Isagi’s mind as he gripped it just tight enough
to hold it firmly in place. Nagi reveled in the way silky strands lay in between his fingers, so shiny
they caught the light and so smooth to the touch. His other hand curved around a hip bone under
Isagi’s jersey, pressing hard enough that Nagi knew without looking that there would be a large,
blue handprint bruise tomorrow morning. “Isagi.” He whispered, breath ghosting against his
striker’s cheeks. “Boss.” He prayed as his lips gently brushed the curves of his delicate ear. Isagi
let out a short gasp and opened his eyes, a fire blazing in them that threatened to burn Nagi to
cinders. Nagi sank to his knees, wide hands sliding down Isagi’s body, over his thighs, and curving
around the back of his knees. He sat on his heels, chest pressed tightly against Isagi’s lower body,
and looked up at those flaming blue eyes - answering the unspoken demand.

“Yes, Boss.”

The veins in Barou’s arms bulged as he reached a hand out to grab a fistful of Nagi’s shirt. Anger
and disgust raced through him when he looked at the white-haired boy’s pose. Legs were spread
wide out and his back was slouched in his seat but his head was tipped up. The tent in his shorts
made it clear what the lazy, dirty, uncouth little freak was fantasizing about. He grabbed the shirt
and shook the boy before throwing him to the floor. The dirty thing blinked and lazily frowned at
him.

“You know, fallen King-”

“Shut the fuck up.” Barou seethed, already aware of what the son of a bitch was going to accuse
him of. He felt his neck creak as he rotated it, irritated beyond comparison that he wouldn’t be able
to defend himself from the brute truth of the interrupted statement.

I now know that my weapon is "smelling" a goal. My spatial awareness, in other words. But I'm
not exactly sure how to use it.

Isagi focused on Chigiri who was currently acting as the goalkeeper.

“You know nothing about me.” The flashback replayed.

Bachira looked sadly on as Isagi’s thoughts were said. I pissed Chigiri off by saying something
unnecessary. I drag everyone down in practice. Something needs to change.

Chigiri’s shoulders dropped. Isagi had overstepped but it wasn’t out of malice. Had any other
player said it, he knew they would have meant otherwise but now he felt extremely uncomfortable
that it was Isagi who had done it because now he had to watch the good-intended boy grieve about
his actions. Ugh.

His hair shadowed his face. “I don't want this to end with me only scoring one fluky goal.”

Huh? Oh, right. The goal. The players thought distractedly.

I-Isagi is amazing! Y-you should beli-ive in y-yourself more, Isagi! Tokimitsu nervously thought.
He felt sadness sink into his bones at Isagi’s constant self-doubting. I believe in you!

“Hello there, diamonds in the rough.” Ego’s voice suddenly interrupted him. He appeared on
the screen, eating his noodles. “Yup, sauce and mayo is the perfect combo.”

“Ego…” Kuon began.

Those noodles look yummy. Igarashi thought, drooling.

The rest of Team Z seemed to be of the same mind.

Yummy. Saliva gushes out of Gagamaru’s mouth, forming waterfalls of drool.

So yummy. Naruhaya was in the same state.

We never got to eat like this on the U-20. Sendou thought sadly while also drooling.

“So the sixth round just finished.” Ego said chewing. “Here are the results and the table.
Bam!”

“Three teams are tied on one win, one loss?” Kuon said

“Team V's got a huge lead.” Gagamaru said.

“This means if we don't win the next game against Team W, we're in trouble.” Kuon
muttered with a hand on his chin.

“And here's some spice.” Ego added, slurping his noodles. “Your player rankings are being
adjusted based on your achievements and play so far. As a striker, you must prove your
worth with goals.” Everyone glanced at their badgers. “The more valuable your goals are,
the higher your ranking.Which means the top-ranking player in Team Z is…”

Isagi gasped at the beeping on his badge. “It's you…Isagi Yoichi.”

Team Z’s face paralleled each other in shock on the screen. Igarashi, Imamura, Gagamaru,
and Raichi stared with wide eyes at the ranking board, Isagi’s little caricature sitting calmly
at the top.

Reo took in shallow breaths, too tense for anything more. He loathed how deeply the emotions of
the players on screen affected them so strongly. He didn’t understand how. Not only has these
events happened in the past, these players aren’t even connected to him - aside from Isagi whom he
would give an arm and leg to defeat. So why …was he along with all those sitting beside him being
dragged into feeling what they were feeling? It’s almost as though they were among Team Z
themselves…what a terrifying woman to reproduce the scenes in such a manner that they felt they
were the one and the same.

Isagi gaped cutely at his raised arm. I… I'm the top-ranked player on this team?

Yes, you are. Bachira thought fondly, eyes crinkling at the corners. As if a monster like you would
be anything less.

The rest of the team watched Isagi. “Damn it.” Raichi spat. Naruhaya dipped his head, eyes
still on Isagi.

“Finding your weapon is the first requirement of being a striker.”

Bachira smiled at Isagi, the only one happy for him.

Isagi’s lips parted then widened. Bachira was always there for him, always happy for him and his
achievements. He truly couldn’t have wished for a better friend. Bachira’s friendship…it made up
for the long years of faking, loneliness, and put-downs. He opened his mouth then closed it. There
would be another time to thank him, but not now.

Bachira’s eyes twinkled at the screen, having caught onto what almost happened. I see you, Isagi.

“The next step is to polish your weapon and improve it.” Ego slurped the last of the noodles and
licked his lips. “Make it stand out.”

Ego’s words are a little creepy. Karasu mused to himself. Not because of what he says but when he
says it. Everything has a double meaning with him. When he said “add a little spice”, it could have
also passed as “spice things up” in terms of football. Make everything more exciting for example
like bringing forth Isagi. And again now when he ate the noodles, he licked his lips and said
“make it stand out.” Which seems a bit of a stretch but the man is obsessed with football. He could
be licking his lips at the thought of one of them standing out. Damn, just how much faith does the
guy have in Mr. Ordinary? Or maybe it’s not that and I am starting to lose my sanity but I could
swear…no, I’m right, right? He squinted his eyes.
Otoya gently elbowed him. “Bro, you good? You look like you have diarrhea.”

Karasu relaxed his face. “I don’t know, bro. For real feels like it.”

“Let's take the world-famous Argentinian striker, Lionel Messi, as an example.” A water
painting of Lionel Messi bloomed into existence. “His weapon is his unique and graceful
speedy dribbling, and how fast he swings his leg on his left-footed shot. I n those aspects, he's
the most prominent player on the planet.”

Chris Prince crossed his arms and sunk into his seat, glare overtaking his face.

Chigiri raised a disbelieving eyebrow. Is this grown man really sulking because someone said
Messi was better?

“This is why he continues to reign as one of the world's best strikers.” Ego pressed his palms
together to thank the gods for the food. “Each of you has a different weapon. So naturally,
how you polish it will also be different. Just copying Messi won't make your weapon shine.”

Images of faceless holographic players flashed by on the screen to emphasize Ego’s words.
“So how do you enhance your unique weapon that turns ‘zero’ into ‘one’? Find your one-of-
a-kind play and make it stand out.”

Rin frowned at Isagi’s taken face. Ego had addressed all of the teams but rewatching this, it
seemed as though his words were meant specifically for Isagi.

“Your talent is a fierce gemstone that turns into worthless complacency if you don't polish
it.”

Ego disappeared to leave them with their next match details.

MATCH 7 TEAM W VS TEAM Z

TIME TO KICK-OFF 23:59:59

“We have a game in 24 hours.” Lemon crossed his arms.

"We should go check out the video footage of Team W.” Naruhaya suggested.

Kuon corralled everyone. “Okay, let's call it a day and get ready for tomorrow. Good work,
everyone.”

Cool guy! Neru grinned at the motherly gesture. He's pretty awesome. Like someone I'd go to if I
was feeling sad.

Shouts of Team Z filled the air. “Good work!”

“Good work!”

“Okay.”

“Bath time!”

“Time to eat!”

Yet through all this, Isagi sat still, quietly watching from his spot on the edge of the field.

‘Make it stand out,’ huh? What do I polish, and how? I mean my weapon isn't something that's
easy to see like dribbling or shooting. He thought as he remembered Bachira’s moves and
Kunigami’s goals.

Bachira and Kunigami felt a rush of pride that their skills had been singled out. The rest sneered at
them before cajoling themselves. Isagi just doesn’t know about me yet, he’ll definitely know I’m
better.
‘Smelling’ a goal is just something that comes to me. Isagi recalled his previous plays before
clarity struck him. Oh! I don't know exactly when it'll come to me, but if I'm exhausted when it
does, the chance will go begging.

Gotta do better than that, little kitten. Lorenzo thought, smirking.

That's it. He squatted into a runner’s start and took off, his foot flying across the field he had
been so reluctant to step on. It's my physique I need to polish. Then I can run for the full 90
minutes and do what I need to when the time comes.

The players could feel the determination and focus through the screen. It was like Isagi was
looking at them but beyond them. I will win. I will stand out.

“Hey now.” Isagi started. Another pair of legs had joined in running with him out of
nowhere. He glanced back to see Kunigami running behind him on his right. “Are you doing
secret running training to get a jump on us? If Team Z's top-ranked player is doing it, I got
to follow suit!”

“Kunigami.” Isagi looked at him, unaware that another was catching up to him on his left.

“Hey, no fair. Count me in too.”

“Bachira?”

“Huh? Haven't you realized yet, Isagi?” Bachira grinned and stuck a thumb behind him.
“Team Z already…”

Isagi’s eyes grew wide at seeing almost the whole Team Z chasing him.

“...revolves around you.”

Not just Team Z anymore. Sae’s green eyes soaked in the sight of Isagi at the front of a pack of
animals. The entirety of Blue Lock does.

“I am not going to lose to you!” Raichi growled, pumping his legs faster.

“All that growling and you still chase after him, huh.” Niou mocked.

Raichi snorted and leaned close to his nuisance. “You wish you could do the same.”

The corner of Niou’s lip twitched down for a moment but he kept silent.

“Me neither!” Naruhaya yelled.

“Man. I wanted to take a bath.” Gagamaru panted but the characteristic droll was missing.
He was running at full speed, sweat flying off his face.

“We're going to win tomorrow.” Kuon yelled.

“Yeah!”

“I'm going to be the best in the world!”

“I can't let Isagi upstage me!”

"It appears that those feelings haven't changed in the slightest." Yukimiya spoke up, grabbing the
room's attention. "The only thing that's changed is the number of people feeling them."

Karasu laughed and high-fived Otoya at that while Yukimiya smirked at the glares.

Guys… Mixed feelings welled up in his heart as he remembered his past.

How he stood still while his teammates cried around him at the Ichinan defeat. I wasn't on
anyone's radar until recently.

I never was to see our egoist like that again. Bachira’s monster snarled viciously.

How tears dripped down his face against a lonely sunset at the lost dream. I thought my
soccer career would dissolve with my tears.

But this I do, but not for that reason. It finished self-satisfactedly.

But now, everyone's chasing after me! He finished thought. Team Z was running behind him
in a pyramidal formation as though he were the unspoken leader. As though he was leading a
pack of wolves. I'm number one. I can be reborn here.

The blue fire emerged from his eye.

He’s the greatest proof that we succeeded, Ego-san. Anri’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. But
you already knew that, didn’t you?

A singular man sat in from a massive 4x4 grid of monitors depicting Team Z and Isagi. An
additional smaller one rested on top showing Isagi leading the Team.

Nine out of 17 screens showing Isagi. Aiku smirked. What a way to show your favoritism, Ego
Jinpachi.

“Someone ranked lower than you got ahead of you. Of course you'd be fired up.”

The sight of Niko slowly uncurling himself to look up at Isagi. Isagi’s thrilled response at
seeing his crippled opponent. “The existence of one outstanding player can create a spiral of
rivalry. That's Blue Lock.”
Why me again? Niko sighed a bit dispiritedly. I understand but really, I will undoubtedly pay you
back several-fold for the humiliation, Isagi. I will show you what I learned and soak in the sight of
you on your knees before me.

Chigiri stood watching. In the metal entrance to the field, he stood with a towel around his
neck and water dripping off his gleaming red hair.

He watched as every single one of his teammates chased behind a single man. “The world's
greatest striker will only appear…” Ego continued.

Isagi chased, though, behind noone. His eyes of flame staring directly ahead at nothing but
the invisible future.

“…where the soccer is most intense.”

Yes, he always does, my star striker.

The bustle of the airports had always brought a comforting feeling to him. The passing of
unfamiliar faces as people hurried around anxiously or returned home defeatedly was calming to
watch. It had the same feel of watching a game with all the high stress and fatigue enveloping him
and aiding him to score the goal. Cheers filled the stadium as everyone awaited for him to take his
rightful place.

He dismissed the memories and snuggled back into the hard plastic chairs to watch the gates. Any
moment now…there!

A man stepped out of the gate, a graceful brown hand leisurely resting on the handle and rolling
the suitcase with him as numerous cameras flashed from both sides of him, people fighting to get
closer but only to be held back by a row of bodyguards dressed in black.

He adjusted his cap lower and pushed his sunglasses and mask up then walked rapidly to the man.
He wouldn’t be able to get close with how everything was but he was prepared. He waited at a spot
where the crowd had thinned comparatively and raised a sign with the two iconic words that had
 taken the world by storm.

The man with the suitcase paused then made his way over to him.

“Hello, Julian Loki?” He asked despite already knowing the answer. There wasn’t even a single
question as to the man’s identity.

A charming smile answered him regardless. “Yes, and you are?”

He tipped his hat up. “Kira Ryosuke. I’m here to take you to Blue Lock, sir. Right this way
please.”

Kira angled away and led one of the greatest football players to the high-end car his mother had
lent him. Welcome to Japan, my ticket in.

Chapter End Notes

I'm back!

Before I continue I just want you guys to watch this video really quickly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=DSFju3lfytk&lc=Ugy0eMDw9uNu6LjokZt4AaABAg

It's an AI depiction of Blue Lock players and Isagi! Is! So! PRETTY!!! I'm actually in
shock at how pretty he is! He looks so delicate and his features are just perfect. I
totally get it, I get why the whole world is thirsting after Isagi after see it. I know it
might not be entirely accurate but I think it's pretty damn close!

I'll see you guys hopefully sooner that this time <3 But I promise it's not cause I forgot,
I was just rewriting.
 01X06 I'm Sorry_Part 1
Chapter Summary

Additional time with toothbrushes and first half of Team W game

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Snuffy laced his fingers together and rested his chin on them, amused by how the other players
lived vicariously through Isagi. His defeat was their own and so was his success. His lips subtly
quirked upward because to turn them all against the one? Well, now, that was an art that’s hard to
teach.

Reika let them absorb those words for a minute, letting them compare their own experiences with
Ego’s words. His words were definitely meant for all of them…yet the glimpses of Ego behind the
scenes that they had not previously been privy to indicated that he was specifically describing
Isagi. Isagi was certainly a talented striker, they could recognize that his plays were…cool. They
were smart but Isagi wasn’t the best striker in existence. He wasn’t some kind of Messi or Ronaldo
or Lewandowski. Rin could do the same and so could Kaiser and perhaps even Niko if he learned
enough. What about Isagi is Ego so adamant about?

Reika saw the growing doubt and suspicion on their faces. Her heartbeat trilled in anticipation at
the upcoming events. But before that the players needed a moment to recover. Unfortunately their
prayers definitely went unanswered considering that she knew just what they were fantasizing
about.

Reika leisurely waited for them to recover, and they glared at her when they saw her smirking at
them.

“Blue Lock, Additional Time.”

“Check this out! And this one! And this!” Isagi chirped. “It's all stuff custom-made for Blue
Lock. Let's put our names on our toothbrushes, or we won't be able to tell them apart.”

“You get interested by the most worthless things.” Rin sneered at Isagi.
Isagi scowled. “Hey, it’s pretty cool.”

“Okay!” Bachira saluted while Gagamaru drolled out an “Understood.”

“Your handwriting is a mirror that reflects who you are as a person. Lemon held his
toothbrush religiously, a bright beam on his face. “It's done.”

“Look! This is mine.” Bachira stuck out his brush. At the bottom of the handle was a small
picture. “It's a dolphin.”

“That’s…a really good drawing.” Chigiri blinked at the unexpected artistic talent.

“Thanks!”

“Mine says ‘mine’ on it. Use it and I'll kill you.” Raichi showed his off.

How very him. They thought exasperatedly.

“Gagamaru's handwriting is terrible!” Isagi called and the others burst into laughter around
him at the atrocious writing.

“Seriously, is it your first time writing letters or something?” Raichi grinned.

Barou closed his eyes to alleviate the migraine that was steadily building up.

Lemon evidently was worried for himself as he cowered away from the rambunctious group
and clutched his toothbrush. I'm not all that confident I can coexist with these guys…

Snickers riffled through the audience in agreement with the statement. This team was crazy.
The scene abruptly changed to where it had left off. Team Z was now in the midst of planning
for their next match.

“Our next opponent is Team W.”

“They have one loss against Team V.”

Wanima Junichi grunted in acknowledgement at a few inquiring glances. His old team. My brother
and I’s team.

“So just like us, if they lose again, they're done.” Isagi quietly said, holding the end of a small
towel that lay around his neck.

Nagi pouted a bit at not seeing the bath scene. This replay skips too much. Hmmmm…I’ll just ask
Reo to tell the woman to give the rest of the scenes...

“But they got the better of Barou's Team X, who beat us 4 - 1.”

Barou frowned at the reminder, having forgotten about the blabber idiots because of Isagi. If we
play again I’ll definitely win.

“We should consider them stronger than us.”

“Well, we are Team Z after all.”

Isagi let the words wash over him as he watched Chigiri boredly twirl a strand of hair around
his finger. Neither looked at the rest of the room but for two opposing reasons.

It was startling for many of them to see this version of Chigiri. The Chigiri they were familiar with
was actively invested in plays, goals, and football. He wasn’t one to sit idly by while his
teammates made goals or trained. What the fuck is going on? But more importantly, what the fuck
happened?
“I wonder what their playstyle is like.” Naruhaya commented to the rest of the room.

There was a moment of silence as no one had any words to say to that. Another point of
worry. “Well, anyway, one thing we do know is that team W's key players are these two. The
Wanima brothers.” Lemon said changing the screen from statistics to the faces of the two
brothers. Wanima Keisuke and Wanima Yunichi.

Wanima Junichi sat up straighter and ignored everyone’s eyes on him as they realized this would
be a match against him and his brother. A pang of sorrow ripped through him seeing his brother’s
happy face. Things would never be the same between them again. The last time he had been with
his brother, he could barely see him through the gush of tears they were both shedding.

Niko scanned the present members. Where is Kuon Wataru?

For the first time since this program started, Chigiri’s eyes widened in interest. Then
narrowed.

Why the sudden interest? Karasu thought, filing the information away for later. Does he know them
or do they know him or something? Feeling bad about seeing an old friend?

Bachira nodded off to sleep on the side while Lemon continued. “Their forte is their
combination play. When they beat Barou's Team X, these two scored four goals.” The scenes
from Barou and the Wanima Brother’s game played. “Their distance perception, their
timing for initiating moves, and their give-and-gos are formidable weapons even if you know
they're coming.”

“But it requires both of them to use those weapons.” Naruhaya interrupted and Lemon
motioned the remote in agreeance. “That's right. So we split them up. That's the key to
defeating Team W.”

“But why is Iemon in charge of this meeting?” Riachi asked. “It's usually Kuon's job, right?”

That was also, unsurprisingly, the question that had been running through all their heads since the
scene began. Lemon, a player who hardly spoke, was now discussing the game strategy they were
so used to Kuon doing. It was so typical - so characteristic - of him that Kuon had now been
delegated the unofficial role as leader by even Raichi who fought with everyone or everything even
when they agreed.

Lemon rubbed the back of his head with a hand. “Yeah, but Kuon isn't back from his bath
yet. Can't I do it?”

“Yeah, sure!” Naruhaya chirped, ever the easygoing one. “Our plan for beating them is
becoming clear. Right, Gagama-” He turned to pounce on him but Gagamaru shot out a
hand with whiplike speed and smacked it into Naruhaya’s face, holding the top of his hair
tightly in warning and unspoken threats.

Gagamaru sighed internally and a bit wistfully. Naruhaya had been his first pet-like, bug-like,
friend-like thing.

“-Hey, that hurt!”

Igarashi said to Imamura over the sound of Gagamaru and Naruhaya tussling. “Man, he's
taking his time in that bath.”

Team Z averted their eyes.

“Stay away from me.”

Imamaru chuckled. “Maybe he passed out.”

“Not happening!”

Bachira begrudgingly blinked his eyes open from his sleepy state as the door to the room slid
open. “Welcome back, coach.”

“Sorry I kept you waiting…” Kuon said, face flushed and steaming from the heat of the
shower.
“Oh, he's alive.” Igarashi commented.

Wish he wasn’t. Raichi snarled with no small amount of pain. Kuon had been one of the few
people who he’d let soothe him over. Every other person, except maybe Isagi, he’d throw a chair
at. And what’d he get for that? Asshole.

“I was thinking about what to call tomorrow's operation and lost track of time.” He broke off
panting. “How's it all going?”

Isagi smiled sweetly at him, eyes curving from the force of his fondness. “We were doing
some analysis on the monitor.”

“I see.” Kuon breathed out as he ambled exhaustedly to the water pitcher.

“So you did nearly pass out!” Igarashi shouted, now standing.

Kuon slowly filled a plaster cup with water as his teammates fondly heckled him.

“Don't go dying in there, or we'll be down to ten players, idiot.” Another cheerfully called.

“Then we'd never win!”

The remnants of Team Z felt their souls wither with each passing word. It felt as though their blood
was running backwards and their skin was cracking like the tar on an old road because of how
happy their past selves sounded. There was nothing light-hearted about how they were feeling
now. Even Bachira looked weirdly expressionless which just screamed all kinds of wrong.

The rest of the group caught on to Team Z’s feelings. Their efforts at staying placid clearly failing.
What’s wrong with them? Did the guy get hurt or something during the game? What a shame.

“In the next match, we'll put into practice what we learned in the last game.” Kuon said after
he gulped down the cup. A flashback of the Team V game replayed different lineups from
their previous time. “‘Operation: Next Up, It's Me Nine’ only utilized a player's weapon for
ten minutes, so our coordination was low and we wasted time when that weapon wasn't
viable.”

“So this time…” A digital image of the field then the players narrated the new strategy.
“We'll go with a front three of compatible weapons, and rotate the formation three times at
30-minute intervals.”

“This new operation lets us all shine like stars in a three-shift, front-three pattern.” Kuon
clenched his fist ferociously, a gust of heroic air whipping his arm like he was in an Edo
period drama. “We'll call it…Operation Southern All Stars!"

The players were so aghast. What a terrible name!

Reo touched the top of his head. Why does it feel like a pot fell on my head?

“That's so lame. You took that long to come up with that?” Igarashi pointed disgustedly.

Naruhaya was also flabbergasted next to a speechless Isagi. “Your taste in names is the
worst!”

A hand landed on Kuon’s shoulder. “I think it's great. I like that band. ‘Erotica Seven’ is a
good song.”

“Gagamaru! You get it!” Kuon tearfully spoke to the collective disbelief of the others.

“Are you being serious?” Raichi grunted, annoyed. “It’s a horrible name.”

“I like the name.” Nagi muttered lazily.

He means it! The rest thought, shocked and dismayed.

Lemon hesitantly pointed at himself. “By the way, will I be staying in the goal?”

“Switch the guy out, he looks like he’s going to pass out at the thought.” Shidou snarked.

Yeah, in hindsight we really should’ve. Isagi sighed.

“What do you want us to do? We're winning.” Riachi sidled up behind him on the left.

“Why are you even bringing that up now?” Igarashi whined coming in from the right.

Isagi raised a hand. “I'm grateful to you. Kind of.”

“Isagi…” Lemon uttered blushing. “Thanks.”

“Chigiri, how about you?” Isagi turned to look at him. “Are you okay with staying in
defense?”

Chigiri glanced away. “If you have time to worry about others, use it to think about how
you're going to score.”

“Oh, sorry…” Isagi trailed off and looked down subdued.

Bachira was no longer sleeping, having caught the entire exchange. He was staring at Isagi
with his lips parted and no amusement in sight. There was calculation going on in his eyes as
he realized he missed something big - something that happened to his Isagi to hurt his feelings
like that.

The Blue Lock Players narrowed their eyes. Chigiri’s words irritated the fuck out of them but what
really set them off was the look on Bachira’s face. It wasn’t the look of someone who was worried
for a friend. No, that look was reserved for someone who accidentally found out their lover had
been flirting with someone else and was trying to piece the timeline together. His face practically
screamed, “When and where did you meet him, Isagi? What did you two talk about? When.” Like
Isagi had gone behind his back or something. The players ground their teeth. The look of a jealous
lover.

“Okay!” Kuon shouted excitedly. “We've researched our opponent, and we're becoming
more like a team. We're going to win, Team Z!”

“Yeah!” Almost all of them cheered, pumping their fists in the air.

That's right. If we lose, we're done. We will win this! Isagi thought staring straight into the
camera.

Or rather ‘staring straight into them’ as most would have preferred to call it.

There was a time change as the screen darkened and lit up to show both teams standing on
the green field waiting for the game to begin. They eyed the other, one group significantly
happier than the other.

A loud beep signaled the start of the game and the gloomy Wanima brother passed the ball to
the happy one who chuckled and took off down the field. “You ready, bro? When do you
want the pass? What kind of pass do you want? Hey, tell me!”

Wanima Junichi turned and stared blankly at his brother. Well, blankly for everyone else
except his brother it seems. “What? I see! Aye-aye, sir! ‘I want you to pass it to my feet at this
particular moment.’ That's what my bro says!” With a hard pass the ball wound up directly
at Junichi’s feet.

Raichi grit his teeth at Wanima Keisuke’s voice. Even a sawmill would sound better because this
player’s voice was like nails on a chalkboard. I have to sit through this shitty game again? Atleast
last time I got to play. Piece of shit game. C’mon Isagi, show me already.

“Amen!” Igarashi moved to stop him but in milliseconds the brothers had outplayed him,
their movements so fast he couldn’t even tell who had the ball or when.
“-And from there, a one-two!” The smiley brother grinned.

“-What?”

“That's what my bro says.” He said and now the players couldn’t tell which was the smiley
brother because both of them were smiling.

“What's with these guys? Someone stop them!”

The brothers easily dodged their way down the field, completely taking it down by
themselves.

For the first minutes, I'm in defense as the right-sided center-back. My task is clear. Isagi
narrowed his eyes. First, all of us need to try and stop those two and their combination play-

Like phantoms at work, the brothers ghosted past Bachira, Kunigami, and Gagamaru in
rapid succession. The three of them frozen in place as if time had stopped. Actually that
would have been more believable because the speed at which the Wanima pair crossed from
one side of the field to the other was a remarkable feat.

Yukimiya raised an eyebrow. Bachira, Kunigami, and Gagamaru were good players. So to get past
them so easily…impressive.

What? Isagi was taken aback. We're not stopping them at all! We watched the footage and
made plans, but…

Kunigami tilted his head back. Cheating never works because now, instead of being amazing by
another's victory, all that's left is doubt and suspicion if that victory even belongs to them. You may
have won the battle but you ultimately lost the fight.

"Our weapon is our eye contact." The smiley-no, the talkative one said. "It's not something a
makeshift defense can see through! That's what my bro thinks deep down.”
Isagi held a hand out to his left where Chigiri was standing. “Here they come, Chigiri! We'll
stop them!”

“‘Chigiri’? You mean, that Chigiri? The genius made of glass?”

Karasu raised his eyebrows high on his forehead at the mocking words, surprised that Chigiri had
lived so carefully before. It wasn’t a total shock but it’s one thing to learn about an injury but
another to hear it talked about in so many words. I wonder what changed his mind.

Chigiri grit his teeth and looked away. Isagi seemed to notice something from the edge of the
screen, shifting his stance backward at the Wanima brother’s words.

The brother didn’t stop talking. “Hey, bro! Can you believe he's still playing soccer?”

“He must be clinging to past glories!” As if a switch had been flipped, the field was erased
from behind the silent brother, turning into a hideous black with a putrid, sewage colored
steam rising. His face morphed into a demented smile.

They internally cringed from the vile image, despairing at Isagi’s creative imagination. Really,
Isagi is incredible to be able to see and sense this. Is this related to his supernatural powers?

“Yeah, so true! ‘If I may say this, as his former teammate…’

Chigiri’s eyes widened but it was too late. The brothers passed the ball behind his back, both
enveloped in blue fire.

Sendou knew it was dumb. He knew it but he still couldn’t stop the anger welling up in his chest,
especially given who the terrible people it was covering instead. That’s Isagi’s thing….

…Your time as a player is over.’” The brother whispered darkly. His face elongated,
lengthening his eyes to the size of ovate basketballs. The image was horrifying and it almost
eclipsed his next words. “That's what my bro says.”
Chigiri turned around but his entire movements seemed slow, as if he were ensnared by the
murky brown background that surrounded him now. Everything was staggered and troubled
and dark.

Reo frowned darkly. Is this what Isagi sees or how Chigiri feels? I…I think it’s both but…how does
Isagi see all this?

“Are you sure that's wise?” The monkey boy’s face was shadowed, his sinister words
carrying a vicious glee. “If you run, your glass leg will shatter again!”

No one was smiling. The room stank with the burning smell of hatred because of this creature, the
disgust rising up within them choked their words and thoughts. That was a low blow, fucker.

Chigiri was mid-turn but by then the brother was too far away. His vicious pleasure was
short-lived though as Isagi took a step forward and slid base-ball style, effectively wresting
the ball from Team W’s control. The silent Wanima brother came crashing down, grinding
to a halt with his face buried in the dirt.

Isagi chuckled shyly as a couple wolf-whistles echoed.

"What the hell, man? ‘That's a foul, Mr. VAR!’ That's what my bro's yelling!” The other
one howled in outrage.

“ You are a foul.” Niko muttered under his breath, triggering a snickering marathon from Shidou.

“Yeah, I know it was borderline, you crazy chattering twins! But they didn't call it, so it's not
a foul!” Isagi retorted and kicked the ball clear to Imamura who received it easily. “Nice
pass, Isagi!”

The members were a little startled by Isagi’s comment. For someone who plays so within the lines,
it was unusual to see him move like Karasu or Raichi.

Karasu smirked. Looks like Mr. Ordinary has another side.

“Don't pay any attention to what they say, Chigiri. The past doesn't matter. To me, you are
Hyoma Chigiri of Team Z!”

Chigiri smirked, reaching over and punching Isagi in the arm to which Isagi laughed, flustered and
cringing at his own words.

Chigiri looked down. “Shut up, do-gooder.”

Isagi scowled, trying his hardest to keep his lips from twitching up. “Shut up, do-gooder.”

Chigiri playfully scowled back at the words. “Shut up, sadist.”

That’s a nice shade of scarlet. He mused soaking in the sight of a delicately blushing Isagi
fumbling over his answer.

“I told you to leave me alone.”

Isagi jogged away from him and Chigiri’s eyes followed. “I'm not saying it for you.”

Kaiser stared at the screen and carefully assessed the interaction, a calculating glint in his eyes as
they darted back and forth between Isagi and Chigiri.

Ness felt his stomach twist and turn as he watched Kaiser’s slight frown morph into a cruel smile.
He loved seeing that face. Loved the way the light in their opponents’ eyes would shatter after
Kaiser crushed their dreams to dust but lately that smile had tainted his thoughts sick. Each
precious look reserved for that freak - Isagi Yoichi.

Kaiser never noticed the Ness curled into his seat. He was far too invested in the quaint little
relationship Isagi had unknowingly created, dragging his enemies and allies into him like he was
some kind of beneficial god when in truth he was a master player instead. The delicious part of all
this was he was completely clueless! A master manipulator, he had curled and looped Chigiri
Hyoma’s heart string around his slender, little fingers. Each move he made, each action he took,
the red-head would crawl like a dog after him - eyes constantly pinned on him in hopes that this
beautiful, merciless boy would pay him the smallest scraps of attention. It may have started out as
true irritation but, now, that anger had mixed with curiosity, interest, and longing. He grinned. It’s
the both of them! My, my, what a twisted relationship~

Imamura was pressed on both sides by two opponents. Forced to relent, he kicked the ball to
Igarashi who uneasily received the rough pass. The other players were good.

“Unlike you, I don't have any past achievements I can be proud of.” Isagi said, keeping an
eye on Chigiri who was following behind him. “But I came here because I didn't want to give
up soccer. I'm here at Blue Lock to change my life. I might know nothing about your past or
your injury…”

Igarashi sent the ball flying to Kuon, a lone blue figure in a sea of green jerseys.

“But I do know that we are strikers! Regret, pain, all that stuff…”

Kuon jumped, craning his neck forward and smashing the ball with his forehead and sending
it through the net.

“One shot at goal, and all of it is behind us.”

Bachira leaned to the side and rested his chin on Isagi’s shoulder, his body heat warming his neck
and heart. “Nice pep-talk, Egoist.”

Isagi subconsciously relaxed but maintained his right shoulder in its original position so he
wouldn’t accidently hurt Bachira when he relaxed and smiled. He raised a hand and paused, then
hesitantly set it on Bachira’s head, patting it gently. He received a warm beam from his best friend
for his efforts.

“Yeah!” Kuon screamed, leaping into the air. His teammates swarmed him.

“Who cares about your past?” Isagi stood a distance away, watching the celebration. Chigiri
stood watching him. “What I want to see is your present.” He confided and looked back at
the red head. Chigiri’s eyes widened at the words, the trust.
Isagi- Bachira thought but Nanase unknowingly cut him off.

“Isagi-san, you sound like a coach!”

Isagi laughed. “A coach? Should I ask you to give me a 100 push-ups?”

“If it’s you, I would.” Nanase automatically replied before realizing what he’d just said. He
blushed to match the one that was creeping up on Isagi’s face too.

“Very funny, let’s continue.” Chigiri said, a little too quickly to be casual. Hiori side-eyed him for
the response, not having forgotten his previous transgression against their Isagi.

“We didn't come to Blue Lock to cry and give up, right?” Isagi

The silent Wanima brother’s face scrunched comically to mimic a Chinese dragon and set off
a round of laughter through the audience.

Shidou was cackling so hard he had tears in his eyes.

The U-20 was gripping their armrests so they wouldn’t have to bend over from the laughter.

“The-the background.” Isagi said quietly, trying to hold back his giggles but it only became worse
when everyone heard.

“WANIMA! IF BLUE LOCK DOESN’T WORK OUT FOR YA, YOU CAN JUST JOIN THE
CHINESE NEW YEAR DRAGON DANCE!” Rachi roared to the delight of the audience.

The remaining Wanima brother threw himself at Raichi and Gagamaru threw himself on top of
both Raichi and Wanima Junichi.

“WRESTLE PILE!” Bachira screamed and jumped on top of all three of them, eliciting groans
from Gagamaru and curses from the other two. Isagi laughed at all of them.
The unexpected joviality of the scene, a welcome break from the nightmare this game was going to
be.

Reika resumed the video she had paused when they broke down laughing.

“‘What the hell? Defenders, it's your job to stop them, idiots!’ That's what my bro says.”

“Sorry!”

“Okay.”

“Let's go get them!”

Kunigami blinked at the calm replies. Then frowned, the dark circles under his eyes staining his
skin like runaway ink. Something that shouldn’t have happened but since it did, it is now
irreversible. He had momentarily been surprised by the lack of anger that was so common with
Team Z’s failures and been impressed by their team spirit before he remembered the real reason
why.

“You ready, bro?” The beep signaled the resume of the watch and the chatty brother passed
the ball to his silent counterpart. Junichi’s smile was now replaced with a heavy, sad frown
that tugged all the lines on his face down. “With the two of us combining, it will be another
easy win. Wait, bro? Stop that! Your face is revealing too much!”

Kaiser sneered slightly at the one-sided conversation. Delusional freaks.

Isagi sweatdropped. Yeah, that really wasn’t something you needed to worry about.

“Hey, bro! They're coming in from the side!” The brother screamed and Junichi startled out
of his daze last minute but he was too late to prevent Kunigami from stealing it.
“He's not focused at all. I'll take that.” Bachira called and Kunigami kicked the ball to him.

“Didn't I tell you? Bro, you moron!” The chatty one screamed.

“Our target man is…” Bachira eyed Kuon running parallel to him. “Kuon, huh?”

He kicked the ball, a calm focus taking over his senses. Since jumping is your weapon, I'm
sure you can reach that.

Kuon bounced the incoming ball off his chest and landed. Then swung his right foot back,
the intent behind the move crystal clear.

Bachira tensed along with the watching players. Really? You're taking a shot from there?

Yet, despite the odds, he did take a shot. The ball slammed into the net next to a stunned
goalie’s head.

A smattering of applause had Team Z wincing, pain stabbing their hearts at the traitor’s false
success. Betrayal is the worst crime one could commit because the person who’s supposed to be
shielding you under fire is the one pulling the trigger. It hurts because you’ve told them your
ugliest secrets, truths, promises and dreams thinking you had a future together. You’ve told them
your humiliations, sorrows, and anger but the things you confided to them about…your worst,
inhumane self, they’ve encased it in lead and shot you in the dark. You want to scream and cry and
rage because you can’t even touch them. A rotting chest of blackmail material waits to be
overturned the second you let loose your tongue. So you lay clawing at your chest at night,
frantically erasing the jack-in-the-box memories that pop up. You go past the places you used to
frequent with them because every beautiful feeling you once felt is tinged with nostalgia, regret,
and aching. For Team Z they may have forgiven Kuon but the pain lingers on. It’s thanks to him
they’ve grown and learned to live in this cut-throat environment.

Isagi swallowed, his throat working hard against nothing. Thank you, Kuon, for teaching me one
thing. Sympathy has no place here.

“Take that!”
“Kuon, you scored again? The goalie couldn't even react!” Imamaru said, amazed.

“No fair. You keep getting chances.” Gagamaru was fired up too.

“I think I'm on fire today!”

Isagi smiled. “Kuon…”

Although not everyone was happy as Team Z. “‘Don't get cocky 'cause of a fluky shot!’ No,
bro! You got to focus! Stay frosty!” The non-stop one yelled with a hand on his brother’s
shoulder.

Team Z couldn’t care less. They felt like the kings of the mountain with those successive
goals.

“All right! Now it's our turn to play up front.” Naruhaya yelled.

Raichi grinned. “Kuon can't have all the fun!”

“We're going to go all-out. Gagamaru added as he synced up with them. They formed a trio
with Naruhaya holding the ball.

A hand grabbed his shoulder and suddenly Naruhaya was dangling in the air as Wanima
Junichi fouled him.

Rin shoved down a flicker of amusement at seeing the boy manhandled like he was a bug.

“Foul by Junichi Wanima. Free kick to Team Z.”

The player fumed, angry tick marks dotting his face as Naruhaya stuck his tongue out,
childish in every way. “A chance for us to score.”
Bachira roamed his eyes over the field. They're in bad shape. Their marking's weakest…

He spotted Kuon between two blockers, lips curving into a smile.

Oh, there!

Kuon once again leaped, his head making contact with the ball and scoring a goal.

“Kuon?!” Isagi gaped, startled at the repeated successful plays.

The guy’s on a roll ‘ere. Hiori angled his head away from the screen, confused by the number of
sudden remarkable plays.

Barou withheld an appreciative nod. Since the beginning he’s done nothing but give out soft
platitudes but he’s finally pulling his weight.

“It's that guy…” The Wanima brother growled.

Kuon screamed with victory. “Yeah! A hat-trick!”

The whistle beeped, signaling the end of the first half. For the first time Team Z was in the
lead 0 - 3.

“I didn't notice him until today, but he's pretty amazing.” Anri said, watching the screen
next to Ego. “Isn't he?”

The players felt their hearts drop out of their chests at the look on Ego’s face. Those of the
professional teams as well felt a deep sense of fear flash through them. Ego wasn’t smiling. His
lips were turned the slightest bit down and his eyes were hidden behind the glare of the screens on
his glasses. Ego not smiling wasn’t something that should scare them since he almost never smiled
except when he’s looking crazy but this face…there was an overwhelming sense of angry
disappointment. It was the exact same kind of fear that struck you heart when you come home to
find your parents already waiting for you because they found out something bad you did that you
purposefully hid from them.

Back in the locker room Igarashi punched Kuon several times in the chest. “Sweet! We're 0 -
3 up at half-time! Kuon's weapon exploded! You're really standing out today! Man. Oh,
man!”

Kuon was delighted. “Things are going so well for me today. It's scary. In Keisuke Honda's
words, the ketchup's flowing!”

Aryu cringed. “His goals are stylish but his words are really not.”

Riachi pointed at everyone. “I'll score a hat-trick and make it 6 - 0!”

Bachira leaned on his arms back to look at them. “Coach Kuon's ‘Operation Southern All
Stars’ is working well.”

Naruhaya giggled. “The name sounds kind of cool now!”

“I thought it was cool from the beginning.” Gagamaru said, spreading his arms.

“Let's stay focused!” Lemon shouted.

“Yeah!”

Isagi smiled at the camaraderie. Thanks to Kuon's play, the team's attacking aggressively.
We're getting stronger. He glanced at a defeated red-haired figure looking down, the towel on
his head blocking his face but didn’t say anything.

Team Z walked down the narrow dark hallway to the field, pumping themselves for the win.
“When you're in a place as intense as this…” Chigiri startled and looked to his right to Isagi
walking next to him with a gentle smile. He had been the only one to fall to the back to walk
alongside him. “Can you still say you're planning to give up on soccer, Chigiri?”

The defeated look disappeared and with a grunt Chigiri’s face turned less morose, a
companionable silence falling between them.

Isagi pays an incredible amount of attention to other people. Kunigami contemplated quietly, eyes
flickering between Isagi and Chigiri rapidly. The rest of us didn’t even realize and of the very few
that did, we didn’t care. Isagi, on the other hand, repeatedly went to Chigiri’s side, cajoling him
endlessly. Kunigami slowly slid his thumb against the curve on his pointer finger which lay curled
in a hollow fist. He’s an oddity in the midst of us. Maybe…that’s why we’re so drawn to him. The
way he uses that soft-heartedness on the field, he’s a terrifying opponent. He’s also the only one I
know that can turn a weakness like that in the world of football into the greatest possible strength.
Who else but him could weaponize such an ordinary/weak thing?

Riachi cackled. “We're kicking off Raichi time from here on out!” He grinned as the angry
brother sidled up next to him. “Oh? ‘Big bro’ himself has been forced to come and stop me?”

The brother shoved him but Raichi turned in a circle with the ball, easily losing him.

“Raichi! Pass it back for now! Let's take our time!” Kuon said.

Raichi clicked his tongue. “Pass it back to me, Kuon. Stop skimming the cream!”

“Of course. Our top priority is winning as a team…”

From behind Kuon, a dark silhouette outlined by putrid steam snuck up on him. Huon
grunted as the ball disappeared from in front of legs, appearing instead at Wanima Keisuke’s
feet. “I'm stealing the cream.”

“Hey! You gave the ball away!” Rachia screamed, veins pulsing all over his face.

The members chucked at the exchange, amused by how little Raichi was getting the ball in contrast
to how much he wanted it.

Team Z wasn’t laughing. Something that was so innocently funny turned out to be hauntingly true.

Isagi noticed the change immediately. Those two have dropped back into midfield now?

One move. Sae crossed his arms, an intense interest flaring up in his eyes. In one move, he realized
something had changed.

Then I'll stop them, even if it means borderline fouling them!

Isagi slid forward again but the brothers didn’t fall for it a second time. They kicked the ball
over him and ran forward.

“Chigiri!” Isagi yelled in forewarning.

Chigiri stepped toward one brother but they passed the ball before he could act, clearing past
him. He gritted his teeth and looked down at his leg, his vision blurring in frustration.

“I'll stop them!” Lemon said but there was no use.

“Here.” The brother passed one last time and with a swish of the net they scored.

Damn it. Isagi sneered. Those two are too dangerous to leave free.

The field reset. Kuon placed a foot on the ball and clapped his hands. “We still have a two-
goal lead. Let's not panic. We'll pass it around and build up steadily.”

Yeah, he's right. Isagi tugged his jersey up to wipe the dripping sweat. We're still in the lead.
“Isagi-kun.”

Kuon turned around behind him and passed the ball to the far corner Isagi was located in.

Both Blue Lock and the U-20 gaped along with Isagi on the screen. Huh? He's passing it back
to me?

The professional teams frowned. Football is always played forward, each member trying to move
the ball in front of them to the opposing team’s goal but Kuon had passed it backwards to Team
Z’s goal. More accurately, to Isagi who was a defender. The move was unusual in a number of
ways aside from what was just said. Mainly because it was the first move of the game, full control
of the ball, it wasn’t the time to play a “retreat move”. They weren’t struggling to keep hold of the
ball.

Isagi ran forward, panic coating his words. And it's under-hit!

Rin sat up straighter, leaning in and glaring at the screen. What the hell was this move?

Isagi was far from the ball when one of the brothers snatched it, slowly turning his head to
grin creepily at the rest of them.

“Ah, sorry!” Kuon called.

Isagi glared and ran after him but they all knew it was futile. This careless mistake is going to
be fatal! He thought just as the brothers scored another goal.

“What the hell are you doing, Kuon?!” Raichi was so angry his pupils had disappeared, only
red blood vessels filled the whites of his eyes. “Did you lose your focus after scoring your hat-
trick? Huh?”

Kunigami grabbed Raichi and just stopped him from physically assaulting Kuon. “Calm
down, Raichi! No fighting!”
“I'm sorry, I…” Kuon’s wavy brown hair obscured the side of his face. His shoulders were
hunched, his posture the epitome of regret.

“What am I doing in an important game like this?” He dropped to his knees and suddenly
smashed his head into the ground in a formal apology. “Sorry!”

Their eyes bulged out of their sockets. A formal apology was only used when a serious offense was
committed or they were apologizing to someone with a higher social hierarchy. It was not used for
an incorrect goal. And from a player who wasn’t suffering from crippling anxiety like Tokimitsu?
No, fuck that! Even Tokimitsu wouldn’t fall into a formal apology for a lost goal!

The foreign players felt a sliver of surprise at the excessive behavior. They glanced at the Japanese
players and felt relieved that it wasn’t only them who thought it was weird.

Raichi and Kuon were so shocked they stopped grappling with each other, eyes wide.
Kunigami stared grimly. “Get up, Kuon. You didn't do it on purpose. Let's press on.”

“What?” Raichi yelled at Kunigami while pointing his finger at Kuon. “An apology isn't
enough! He's cost us two goals!”

The situation was so serious Naruhaya abandoned his playful temperament and took up the
role of peacemaker instead. “We're still in the lead, so let's just come up with a plan.”

“Right. Do we want to keep attacking, or play more defensively?”

It would have been a shock to the players watching that Gagamaru was trying to appease everyone
if only they could get over their own shock.

“Come on. Stand up.”

Kuon kept his head bowed. “I'm sorry…”

This is bad. Isagi’s face was grim. We have got to stop the next shot from going in. Or else…
Barou felt a vein pulse on the side of his forehead and he bared his teeth at Isagi’s two-facedness.
This fucker…he plays favorites.

A couple of them raised an eyebrow at Isagi who shot a confused look back at them. Why is
everyone looking at me? What?

Several more smirked at his face. So he doesn’t even know he’s doing it.

Bachira slouched happily in his seat and stared at Isagi’s big, blue, confused eyes. You’ll go out of
your way to cheer someone up but when they’re on their knees begging for forgiveness you’ll look
the other way, Isagi? He giggled. I would say I never knew buuuuuuut I’d be lying! They sure
didn’t though!

Kuon slowly looked up.

Heads hit the back of chairs, arms dropped limply, pupils dilated.

A dark, sinister smoke billowed around him like charred ashes from a fire.

In the slit of his eyes. For the first time. They saw his pupils. His black, spinning, spiraling,
sinister pupils.

It was terrifying yet the ice on skin feeling they felt didn’t come from that.

Huh?

They found their thoughts aligning with Isagi’s, each one falling into place with an anvil to iron
pounding that called itself their heart.

Did he just…smile?
 Maybe I imagined it.

Chapter End Notes

Watching this from the beginning, there is no character I hate more than the Wanima
brothers.

Update: Hey guys, I'm so sorry!! I got overwhelmed with everything I had to do so I
did nothing at all!! But the deadline's here so I just have a couple of things to finish up
and I'll post the new chapter in like 5 days max. No more than that. It was completely
on me lol I'm a terrible procrastinator but only when I have a lot to do which is the
worst time to procrastinate!
 01x06 I'm Sorry_Part 2
Chapter Summary

End of Episode 6. Kuon's betrayal has been revealed.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Isagi stared fixedly at the screen, unflinching as each one of them turned towards him in askance.
Beside him Team Z waited silently for his order and seeing his move, they unanimously followed
his lead. Old habits die hard.

“Isagi-san, is he…is he-” Hiori broke off sharply, unable to finish the thought.

The others waited with baited breath for any indication that it was not as they’ve seen. It could not
possibly be.

After several moments of silence Isagi realized Reika was not going to move on until he answered.
I thought you loved me. He whined despite knowing she would never reach his telepathic message.
Or maybe she could but her sadism overrode any mercy at the moment.

“Let’s just keep watching.” Isagi muttered when the staring got too much. He got a scoff for his
efforts.

“Reassuring.”

The only thing Isagi’s evading had done was thrust them into a state of anticipatory anxiety.

15 MINS IN 2ND HALF

“A slender one-goal lead with minutes left…” Igarashi began, voice picking up in enthusiasm.
“We need to go score one more goal!”
Kunigami stretched his arm next to Bachira. “Yeah, let's go get them.”

“That's the spirit! Right, Isagi?” Bachira chirped, fully turning his head to look back at Isagi
jogging in place.

“Yeah!”

The buzzer beeped and Bachira immediately kicked the ball to Isagi who ran with it. Well,
anyway, if we get the next goal, we can dominate this game.

The smiley Wanima brother moved from the side to the center and beckoned with both
hands, grinning. “Bring it on!”

Don't get overwhelmed by their pace! Isagi narrowed his eyes and passed the ball diagonally
down the field to Kunigami who accepted it.

Kungami’s eyes were ringlets of determined bronze and his jaw almost certainly hurt from
the way he was gritting his teeth. This is the combination we practiced, with Isagi as the pivot,
and Bachira and I forming a triangle to slice through them.

“Huh..” Hiori unconsciously said aloud.

“What?” Kunigami turned to look at the boy.

“Nothin’. Just…it ain’t the first or last time that Isagi’s the center point of the triangle. Statistically,
it’s a weird thing to see most of the teams centered ‘round a single player so often. Just realized
that now.”

“That’s…not that weird. Team plays are usually centered around Rin.” Chigiri countered.

“Yea but Rin’s the strongest player of us so far - all the team hafta include ‘im but even then
they’re not centered around him like they are with Isagi.”
“Isagi’s the glue that holds your teams together!” Bachira waved his handly wildly in the air like
he knew the answer to a question.

“He’s your anchor then.” Reo concluded.

“I think we should-”

“Shut up Isagi. No, he’s not our anchor, Reo. An anchor would keep the team steady but Isagi
doesn’t do that. No, he rips our bonds to shreds and molds them together with his bare hands. He…
tears his teams apart like they’re mere toys, smashes others’ houses in, and uses his enemies’
building blocks to make himself a mansion. That’s not what you call an anchor. He has so much
contro-I mean-if he were an anchor on our teams, we would’ve all been doomed.”

“Then why do ya suggest we ‘ave ‘im?”

“Hiori!” Isagi was definitely not pouting, nevermind Hiori’s placating smile.

“He’s okay.” They gaped at Rin’s almost-but-never-will-be of an acknowledgement of another

player. Sae even looked somewhat impressed that Rin had forced the words out of his mouth.

“Isagi-san isn’t just okay! If he was okay then you wouldn’t have lost!” Isagi felt incredibly
flattered by Nanase’s compliment and worried for his friend as Rin lurched forward only to smash
his neck into Shidou’s extended arm that had conveniently appeared at that exact moment.

Shidou beamed over Rin’s hacking coughs and death glares as he tried to recover in time to fight
him. “That’s right, country-boy! You-all of you included him because he’s the strongest.”

A series of denials met the statement but Shidou pushed forward undaunted. “You include Rin-
chan because he’s strong but he can never be the center because you don’t trust him. You include
the centers because you trust them to pass to you but they’ll never be strong enough to score. You
include Isagi Yoichi because not only can he outplay everyone on the field, but also because you
can trust him, and he’s strong enough to score.”

“Maybe it’s just me but I feel like there’s a little something missing in that logic there.” Aiku
commented dryly.

Shidou’s smile took on a shark-like quality. “Isagi Yoichi is a double edged sword. He’ll either be
your greatest weapon - the god of those miraculous plays you’ve never seen before and having you
begging to see once more - Or he’s going to be your worst enemy. A snake hidden in the grass,
he’ll pounce with gleaming fangs and steal your victory from right in front of you. He won’t do you
the dishonor of going behind your back - not like,” Shidou jerked his head at the screen before
them. “-instead he’ll so graciously do it right in front of you. So he can see your face when you
have your hopes and dreams ripped away from you at the peak of your power.”

A chill settled around the room. The professional players were looking at Isagi in a new light as if
the true cruelty behind his delicate face hadn’t sunk in before. The Blue Lock players were quicker
on the uptake, having experienced the intense humiliation first-hand.

“Ah. So he’s the center because he’s the most trusted but also so people on his own team can keep
an eye on him. Yep. Yep.” Wakatsuki nodded his head gravely. His frizzy hair following the
motion like dead branches on a tree on the verge of breaking.

Shidou winked. “Bingo. He’s too good to isolate so he’s the center of the team. As they say - can’t
live with him, can’t live without ‘im!”

Isagi decided he could definitely live without Shidou.

The goal floated in front of him, a sea of green enemies facing him down with no helping blue
in sight. If a chance presents itself, I'm ready to hit a mid-range shot. But the goal's still too far
away, and there's no path through to it.

His eyes fell on Bachira. If Bachira can use his dribbling to break up their formation…

As if the opposing team could hear his thoughts, they pressed in harder on Bachira.

“That was dirty.” Bachira whined, pouting to Isagi. Isagi gave a sympathetic smile and gently
patted his shoulder. “Yeah, it was.”

“Hey, come on now…” Bachira muttered to the silver-haired blocker who narrowed his eyes
back at him.

My path to Bachira is blocked? Kungami’s pupils darted to the other side of his widened eyes.
In that case…

Isagi grinned briefly. “I was your second choice, Kunigami? I’m hurt.” He teased.

Kunigami huffed somewhat endearingly at him.

“Isagi!”

Isagi, who was already running toward him by the time Kunigami passed, stopped the ball
with a foot. His blue pupils stood out starkly against the whites of his disbelieving eyes. Do
they know how we're looking to link up?

Kaiser cracked his neck back but kept his eyes on the boy, irritation bubbling up at the subtle show
of intellect. Well, he caught on fast.

Around him, his allies were completely off-limits.

Even Bachira was getting visibly angry. “Man, you're so annoying!” He tried to lose his
defender again but the other kept pace with him.

“Damn.” Kunigami was struggling with a defender of his own.

Strange…However much they studied us, there's no way they could see through our
combination at first sight!

The player’s hearts beat faster in tandem. Unlike Team Z’s banter, they’re moods had never been
lifted throughout this instance. Heartbeats resonating reluctance and dread pounded in their ears
like war drums.
Our weapons are being killed.

So make new ones, goddamnit. That’s what you do. Barou’s breaths were coming out in shallow
pants. If this went on for any longer he would run out of oxygen soon, there was too much CO2
building up in his blood due to a lack of proper ventilation from the high stress.

The gloomy darkness they’ve grown to loathe surrounded Isagi completely as he ran but it
seemed as if his body was weighed down, each movement slow like he was wading through
mud.

His desperate scream rang with fear. I can't smell a goal!

COME ON, COME ON-WAIT. ‘Smell a goal’?!

‘Smell a goal’? Ah fuck no. Tell me he doesn’t have another skill.

Isagi can smell a goal? Hmmm…Can Isagi smell me?

Isagi ignored the increased pressure on him. He could understand because, after all, the game was
getting really intense with their side losing so far. The visuals were so dark too even though it
accurately represented his feelings and thoughts.

Isgai was forcibly dragged into reality when the ball was stolen from him. The angry-brows
Wanima having slid forward and wresting control of the ball and now what seemed like the
game from him.

“Nice work, bro!” The younger one cheered.

“Damn it!”

Something's wrong here. They must know our plans somehow.

An eerie whistling fell over him as he remembered Kuon’s spirling eyes and cruel smirk. He
was trapped in the mud all over again, disbelief coating his tongue and choking his brain. No,
there's no way that can be true!

Chigiri felt a new level of respect rise for Isagi. Isagi had certainly accomplished many incredible
things but being able to see his view, hear his thoughts, understand his reasoning…Isagi was far
more brilliant and talented than he had ever given his credit for. None of them. Not one of them
had realized Kuon’s true intentions except for Isagi and he figured it out within 30 mins of the
game? He’s just…

If we lose, we're done! Where's the benefit of doing that?

An onslaught of scenes burst into his head.

“A hat-trick!” Kuon’s smug face with a rock star hand sign.

“He's cost us two goals!” Raichi pointing while being held back by Kunigami.

Isagi’s breath caught in his throat, mouth falling open uselessly. Come to think of it, all the
goals in this game have been scored by…

“Finish it, bro!”

Back in the field, the ball sailed high and slowly fell in the goal area. A crowd of blue and
green surged upward together, forming almost a mountain-like tower, but Kuon was the
highest. His jumping was his talent and that talent had always been formidable.

“You can do it!’

“Kuon! Clear it!”

Do it you fucking bastard. Barou leaned forward as if he could force the other to follow his order
by his own hand. PROVE HIM WRONG.
A low ringing was quiet against the chaos.

Wait. Is that…from his senses ? Aiku off-handedly noted. He can sense…danger? Actually?

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Sendou open his mouth to probably ask the same question he
was thinking but Aiku couldn't let that happen. With a quick abortive action, he silenced Sendou's
inquiry.

Why? Sendou and Aiku had known each other for a while so Sendou knew he would understand
without saying any words.

The less people that know, the better. He sent back, body angling in the slightest ways for Sendou
to get the hint. You want him on our team, don't you?

Sendou hurriedly turned away, embarrassed that Aiku caught on to his innermost feelings but Aiku
only laughed quietly. This show and Reika will probably reveal everything but I'll hold onto his
secrets for as long as I can. It'll be easier for me to grab him for the team later. Hopefully.

Kuon thrust his head forward but the ball breezed by, tussling the long, brown hair at the
back of his head.

The loss hurt. But the miss wasn’t the issue though.

Kuon hadn’t been a player they could dismiss as something expected. He had been the glue to the
team, keeping them together in moments of distress and frustration - which with Team Z was quite
often. He was a caretaker, teammate, and leader. Isagi was the leader on the field but off it, that
was all Kuon. He was single-handedly the most responsible on a team of wildlings. The betrayal
was a blow to their trust and also their heart.

In slow motion the ball fell at the feet of the older Wanima brother who without missing a
beat struck his foot forward, sending it toward the goal. The last defender of Team Z - the
Goalie Lemon gave a tremendous shout and lunged to the side, a hand stretching out but the
effort was wasted. The ball hit the net.
Isagi focused on none of that. The cheering and upsets, all of it didn’t matter. Not in the
wake of - if Kuon… He missed it on purpose?

A tumultuous sound had Isagi glancing over. Rin had obliterated the tailend of the chair’s hand
rest. Dark wood had broken into thick, jagged pieces but Rin only clenched his hand tighter,
finishing the motion he had started. The wood had just been an obstacle in his way. The pieces dug
deeply into enclosed palm, beautiful streams of vermillion flowed rapidly over pale skin to pool
quickly against the glossy marble floor, staining the beautiful white in dark unforgiveness and
horrible promises.

The others didn’t care. They couldn’t bear to rip their eyes from the screen even for a moment and
even if they could, what good would seeing whatever happened do them anyway? Like the way a
lioness pounces on an oblivious gazelle, they only had one thing between and certain death - time.

Isagi watched the red pool glisten against the marble, captivated by the hazy reflections it showed.
Stop the video. Ask Reika for help. Ask Rin if he’s okay. Do something.

He said nothing.

“Yeah!”

“All right!”

The opposing team crowded around the scorer. Unlike all the previous times there were no
sounds of complaint or anger from Team Z.

Kuon hunched with both knees on the grass, panting loudly. It wasn’t Raichi’s screams of
rage but the almost inaudible swish of grass carrying sludging footsteps that answered him.

So quiet that if anyone had actually been breathing they wouldn’t have heard it.

“Kuon.”
Kuon lifted his head. From his back, seated on the ground, Isagi, Kunigami, Bachira, and
Chigiri’s figures loomed over him. All dispersed around and from different distances but
equally frightening.

“Are you…betraying us?”

Please…please say no, Kuon-san. Nanase sent a half-hearted prayer to his family deity, faith and
hope colliding harshly with rationality.

Despite the questioning tone Isagi’s voice carried a heavy weight of finality. This wasn’t an
inquisition, it was an interrogation and the only thing that remained was Kuon’s admission
of guilt.

Kuon’s eyes were closed but he still stared at Isagi, an innocence to his face like he couldn’t
understand what Isagi was demanding. The bright green of the grass faded as a black fog
took over the background. Isagi’s blue skies were torn apart by the same black fog. Sweat
dripped off his face as they stared at each other silently.

Shidou tilted his head and sent a word of silent praise to Reika. The use of artistic elements are
once again ingenious. The traitor to represent the ground and Lover-boy to represent the sky, the
two of them couldn't be anymore different. The black fog shows how deeply Isagi was affected by
the turn-coat. I wonder if the two symbols have a deeper meaning behind them.

Out of the darkness, two inhuman monkey faces appeared on either side of Isagi’s grim one.
“Bingo!”

With a sharp gasp Isagi whipped back, the bright field slamming into view as his heart rate
spiked. The Wanima brother walked forward casually, an oily easiness to their gait that had
those watching growling. “They figured it out, so might as well come clean, Kuon-chan.”

Team Z was blindsided, each face drawing from the same well of horror as the Wanima
brothers sang their hearts out. Isagi, having delivered the final nail to the coffin, had been
praying that he’d enclosed the wrong man.

Isagi closed his eyes watching this. The sight, the sounds, the visuals, the pain…it was vivid it felt
like he was in the moment again. The betrayal sending shivers down his arms in pain.
“Your tactics, weapons, and weaknesses...Literally everything was leaked to us.” The sadistic
delight felt like molasses on their skin.

The brothers soaked in the sight of a wide-eyed, speechless Team Z. “You sneaked out during
your team meeting last night to propose this plan, didn't you?” The younger lilted joyfully,
both brothers placing a hand on each of Kuon’s shoulders as he kneeled.

Isagi gasped. Back then?

A flushed Kuon had entered the meeting room. After his “bath.”

"You knew."

The players looked at Karasu only to find him staring at Team Z.

"You knew this was the exact moment he switched sides, didn't you. When this scene came up,
you all looked away."

Raichi grunted and shrugged. "Yeah. And?"

"You didn't say anything." Niko finished the complaint.

"Yup! But-"

Isagi cut in before Bachira reveal what happens next. "Wait, Bachira, they don't that yet. Let them
figure it out first."

"Okay~"

"Well, alright then, Mr. Sadist." Karasu gave Isagi his siganture mocking grin before refocusing
his attention on the screen,
Please. Isagi prayed to a shrine god he couldn't even remember. Please don't let that be my new
nickname.

“And so…‘This game is ours!’ That's what we're saying.” The brothers grinned at Isagi who
asked Kuon blankly.

“This is a joke, right? Kuon…”

Kuon did nothing.

“Oh, yikes. So it's true.” Bachira’s eyes were big but there wasn’t any real surprise in them.
Perhaps the shock had worn off and he’d accepted the situation. Bachira could always accept
difficult things easily if they didn’t involve Isagi.

Raichi finally reacted. He grabbed the front of Kuon’s shirt and shook him. “This is bullshit!
I'll kill you! What the hell were you thinking, huh?”

“I'm just doing my best to survive in Blue Lock.”

Barou popped his lid. The red that slowly been accumulating on his face turned a bruised plum as
he stood and roared in rage. Isagi lunged and pulled Nagi down just seconds before Barou grabbed
the leg of the chair with one hand and hurtled it full force at the screen. The rest of the players
joined in, screaming in incomprehensible anger.

The chair smashed against the screen and the shattering of glass added to the sound of betrayed
hurt.

Niou smashed a fist down on the side table, the force physically denting the wood. "I'LL KILL
HIM! I'LL KILL HIM, HE'S FUCKING DEAD!"

Otoya looked ready to call upon his Shinobi skills to skewer the traitor with trillions of shuriken.
Yukimiya was clutching his cross like he could banish the evil he was witnessing through the
broken screen and hopefully banish the devil himself in the boy.

The members of the professional teams were seething because even if they were older, this
behavior was never acceptable. The only different between them and the younger players currently
was they had more reign over their emotions than their future teammates did but they absolutely
felt the same amount of anger. Maybe even more because a traitor like that on a professional team?
In one game, that little bastard would have demolished hard-won their careers forever.

The mentors were all externally calm except for Chris. "HUH?! WHAT A WUSS, THIS LOSER
THINKS HE CAN SURVIVE? HE THINKS HE'S GOOD ENOUGH TO FACE ME, THE BEST,
WITH THAT SUCKY SKILLS?! SUCK! SUCK! YOU SUCK!!! OKAY I'LL PLAY YOU, YOU
CAN SEE HOW AMAZING I AM. YOU DON'T STAND A CHANCEEEEEEEEEEE-" By the
time he finished his rant, Chris Prince's jaw was jutted out so far forward that a passing pedestrian
would have double-took at seeing a modern day pterodactyl.

Reika waited as they finished screaming curses, death threats, or simply screaming at the broken
screen. After several long moments, there was only the sound of panting left as everyone tried to
catch their breath after running their lungs out. In a miraculous display of feat and grandeur, the
broken screen folded in half like a samsung smartphone and disappeared into a large vertical slit in
the wall. A couple seconds later a new folded screen appeared out of the wall cutout and opened to
reveal unbroken glass. Rin's broken chair disappeared behind him to be replaced with a new
identical one along side a collection of gauze, tweezers, and antiseptic.

Barou waited several minutes before he realized he won't be getting a new chair as well as stomped
his way over to the one he threw and dragged it, stomping all the way back and carefully dusting it
off with Rin's leftover gauze. The death glare would have scorched him skin if he wasn't capable of
giving the same glare. A golden rule of his: Don't dish out what you can't take.

He threw the gauze away in the offered bin and finally sat down, receiving even more glares for
the unnecessary work and time waster. Peasants.

The automated voice stopped Raichi before he could actually punch him. “Yellow card to
Jingo Raichi.”

A series of groans, curses, and glares cascaded around the room.

“Ego, you could’ve atleast waited until after he had punched him.”
“Tempting but despite torturing you diamonds in the rough, permitting physical harassment would
revoke my position at Blue Lock and I love that more than any of you.”

“...”

“...He said ‘torture’, right?”

“Fuck that, we need to do something about this naked mole rat first.”

“Return to your half immediately and resume the game.” The voice ended. By then the
players of the opposing team were already walking away, only Team Z stood still.

“How can I?!” Raichi whirled around to express his point. “I can't play under these
conditions!”

“Hey…” Naruhaya chased after Kuon who had walked away and picked up the ball when
Raichi had turned around. “What's going on?”

Gagamaru also ran to stand beside Naruhaya with Igarashi arriving seconds after. “This is
more like the song 'Selfishly Sinbad'.”

“If we lose, we're done! What's the point of trying to lose on purpose?”

“You're the dumb ones.” Kuon placed the ball down on the center spot. His head bowed
forward, shadowing his face and behind him-behind him stood the players of Team W. “Only
you guys will be going home if we lose.”

“HOW?!” Niou barked.

“Oh.”
“What?” This time the entirety of the U-20 turned to look at Gagamaru.

But it wasn't Gagamaru who answered them. Instead it was a redhead who had been calmly
watching the drama play out before them. “The top players of the losing teams are not sent home.”

Isagi heart twisted. We were so dumb.

Kuon pushes his hair back with a hand. “I will survive here alone.”

The whistle signaled the beginning of the game but Kuon didn't pass it to Team Z. He turned
around and passed it to that irritating chatty Wanima brother. “Thanks, Kuon-chan.”

Igarashi slumped forward at the move. He turned his back on us. Literally.

Raichi felt a pulsing migraine upon hearing that nasally voice. I swear I won’t make fun of
Igarashi’s voice anymore. For now.

Igarashi gaped, frozen still like the rest of Team Z, the Blue Lock players watching, and the
U-20. “He passed it to the other team?!”

Kuon continued like he’d never been interrupted. “From here on out, we're playing 12 on
10.”

Disbelief was etched into each of Anri’s features. “Are you going to allow this, Ego?!”

A couple of the Blue Lock and U-20 players had been asking themselves that too. Why had Ego
allowed this?

The professional teammates silently acknowledged his teaching. This is was lesson they needed to
learn. Also they were curious - How are you going to respond, Isagi? What will you show us now.
Contrary to the high tension everyone was feeling, Ego’s face was impassive. “Just shut up
and watch.”

“What? Ego!”

From Ego’s calm black pupils, the scene cut to Isagi’s face as he ran full of anger. Now, what
will you do, Team Z?

If they weren't so used to it by now, the players would have rolled their eyes at Ego's continuous
display of favoritism. So I suppose when you mean Team Z, you really mean Isagi huh, Ego?

“Kuon…But why?” Isagi cried as he ran behind Kuon.

Kuon slightly turned his head to look at him. “When your last-minute goal won the last game
for us, it got me thinking. If we're always going to be walking a tightrope like that, the
chances of this team surviving this tournament are slim. According to the chart, our final
opponent is Team V, the only team with two wins in our group.”

Okawa’s and Niko’s plays flashed back. “They beat Team Y 8 - 0, but we struggled badly
against them. There's no way we can beat them.”

Niko narrowed his eyes behind his overgrown bangs. Don’t use me as a manipulation technique to
gaslight Isagi. You made your choices. Even if I had lost, I would never have done what you did.
None of us here would.

“So I decided to give up on winning as a team and focus on moving up alone.”

Isagi kept in pace with Kuon. “Alone?” He whispered.

Kuon’s voice was pleasant throughout the conversation. “Oh, come on now. Have you
forgotten?” He stopped and smiled, Isagi stopping soon after in front of him. “When this first
selection started, Ego mentioned a special rule. Even if your team isn't one of the top two
teams, if you are your team's top scorer, you get to proceed to the next selection.”
All while they spoke, the game had continued on around them. Isagi could only turn with his
feet locked on the ground as Kuon dashed a few steps forward and jumped, receiving the ball
whilst slowly floating in the air. “So I made a deal. I promised to give Team W info on us and
let them have the three points for the win”

The images of Kuon's goals flashed by. “-if they let me score three goals. That way, I'm the
top scorer on this team and I can advance.”

“You…” Isagi shouldered Kuon hard and ran around, bringing both of them to a stop. “So
fighting together up to now has meant nothing? You said we'd win together!”

“Thank you, Isagi.” Isagi choked on his next words, he was completely unprepared for what
appeared before him because Kuon’s face - the gentle, placid face even in the height of
betrayal - was distorted as a smile grew like a jack-o-lantern’s. Horrifying, dark, and lit up
by a false light inside a dead soul. “I'm glad you're so gullible.”

Isagi gasped.

Nagi felt a yawning pit form in his mind sucking all thoughts, emotions, and feelings into an
endless black well until there was almost nothing left in him. Now, he felt a detached sense of
blankness that often comes with an out of body experience but this time, Nagi was in full control.
His dark gray eyes that lightened to a beautiful silver which only came around when Isagi was
involved glowed but for once he wasn’t staring fixated at Isagi; he was staring directly at Kuon.
Up until now, Nagi had been slouching in his seat in boredom. Unlike the other players, he didn’t
care about who pairs up with who or who cheats who; he's only ever cared about the interesting
things Isagi did. And, so, Nagi currently felt the same certainty he had felt when he told Reo he
wanted to follow Isagi - the certainty that screamed one command at him now even though it was
always dormant. He only had one role left.

Isagi. He thought, heart in hands that flickered with Kuon's future blood, blurring reality and
fantasty together. I..am going to kill Kuon for you.

Perhaps seeing the way Isagi’s mind worked had affected him but Chigiri saw the outline of
Bachira’s monster next to him, hovering over a silent Bachira. The monster turned its head and the
two of them met eyes. Chigiri didn’t look away. He stared right back, one goal simmering between
them and guessing from the heat rising on his other side, Kunigami would be joining them.
 In scarlet letters, bold, and underline, Aiku added another name on his mental list under “Ichinan
High School”. There would be no convincing needed to bring him team around, not when they
were staring at the boy like a pack of hungry wolves.

Kuon ran and passed the ball to the younger brother. “Stop being naive. This is Blue Lock.
We don't need ‘bonds’ or ‘teamwork.’ What you need is enough ego to win.”

He opened his closed lids to reveal swirling loops of Black that caught the audience by
surprise. HOW?!

“Yup. ‘If you need to betray people to win, do it.’”

The ball slammed into the net.

“That's what my ego says.”

A beep and the score changed from 4 - 3.

Kaiser's stare could have scared the ghosts out of a haunted house.

Isagi, Bachira, and Kunigami’s face mirrored each other’s in horror.

A hand raised in the air. Kuon smiled and waved gently, the brothers posing victoriously on
either side of him. “Great work, Team Z.”

“Damn it. Damn it! Damn it!” Isagi stood at the forefront of his team, the resentment and
aggravation in his glare burned those watching. “I won't let it end this way!”

Chapter End Notes

Yey! It's up! Next up is Chigiri's arc.

Also Reika's set lol. A supreme being with out-of-the-world powers has no need for
money when she can make her own tools of the trade.
 01X06 I'm Sorry_Part 3
Chapter Summary

New people are brought into the fold, some more unwillingly than others. Bread vs
Rice. Make your stand.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

The tension in the room was being barely held back by a paper thin dam of rationality, cracks like
those that formed on Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ’s deep water submarine
fluttered like lightning across its surface.

Raichi’s chest heaved, heavy breaths forced out of him and the force of his anger flooded his blood
and rushed to his head. He grimaced, a pounding headache slowly building because of it.

Bachira smiled, a brittle smile, and laughed, his chuckles always on the slightly ever so wrong side
of eerie, and bared his teeth. “Kuon-chan was so mean~he kept teasing us, Isagi.”

Isagi pursed his lips, a similar smile threatening to break out anyway. “I know, I couldn’t believe
he could do that to us Bachira.” Isagi dropped his shoulders and his eyes, the very picture of sorry
and turmoil if not for the way his lips split his face, the peach pink so wide and taut that the plush
bottom split in the middle, a vermillion blooming in the sliver like a flower in first spring. A mad
tint to his blue eyes shadowed my long, feathery black eyelashes.

The room seemed to be suspended in time, as though it were a disco ball hanging on to its last
thread before it snapped and the ball shattered against the floor, a flurry of glittering, slicing
mirrors exploded in a plume of lights and lies.

Igarashi panted shallowly and cowered into his seat, eyes flickering rapidly between everyone’s
faces and Isagi’s. He’s crazy! I was wrong, it's not Bachira that’s the psycho, it’s Isagi! HE’S THE
CRAZY ONE!

Igarashi opened his mouth to tell them the truth that was hiding before their eyes-and the lights
went out. He gaped for a moment, mouth still hanging open, and then shut it. Huh. The lights were
still off. Maybe it doesn’t have anything to do with me. Then that means…
“WOMAN TURN THE LIGHTS BACK ON OR I WILL PUNCH THROUGH THE WALL TO
GET TO YOU.”

Barou.

There were supporting growls in agreeance. Someone sighed to Igarashi’s left.

When the lights did come on, everything was exactly where it had been left off aside from Barou
standing. And the new people in the room. What.

When Raichi mocks him later for it, Igarashi will swear to the ends of the Earth that it was not a
girlish, high pitched shriek that escaped his throat but that was neither here nor now.

He let out an ear-piercing scream that had the rest of players jumping in their seats and whirling
around to look at him. A side table narrowly missed him as it went careening past his face. Igarashi
staggeredly turned to look at Rin, still mid-motion after having single handedly thrown the wood.
The other huffed and dropped his arm, straightening and glaring at Igarashi as if daring him to say
something. Hah. Not today, sucker.

Igarashi turned and directed his attention to the two new unwilling-they just didn’t know it yet-
prisoners and stared. Before them stood a Japanese boy with hair the color of straw and a French
boy with skin the color of molten chocolate, both smiling pleasantly back to their disbelieving
stares.

“Hi.” The taller of the two said, his voice rolled over them satin on skin. “I’m Julien Loki.”

“Hi.” Isagi breathed back, breathless. His eyes twinkled like stars in the night sky, shimmering in
awe and burning with an incandescence that only comes with reverence.

Isagi, what the fuck.

Loki politely nodded back, recognition flashing through his eyes. “Issagi. It’s been a while.
Congratulations on your play, I saw it on TV. It was impressive.”
Isagi beamed and sunshine radiated out of thin air.

Buddhabhivadana. Igarashi closed his eyes so he wouldn’t be tainted by the shining sight. Dear
Buddha, I’m witnessing the creature of a new god. Complete with light rays and benevolence.
False benevolence, actually, I think this one might be a demon.

Igarashi pointedly ignored the flames scorching his back, heatwaves of jealousy shock and
possessive anger singing his skin through his t-shirt was sadly a feeling he knew he had to get used
to soon or suffer. Well, he’d be suffering either way.

“Loki.” Rin’s voice was gravel on gravel, almost equal to his hatred of his brother.

“Rin. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“You-”

“Hi Rin! Remember me? Wow, it’s been so long!”

Ah, now there was the other half of the duo.

Rin slid his eyes over to Kira’s and took in that wide, encouraging smile and looked away
dismissively.

Kira took it in good stride and chuckled, turning to the rest of them watching him closely. “Ah, it’s
nothing personal, Rin’s like that with everyone.”

Karasu snorted, dropping down into his seat. He leaned back with all the sleazy casualness the
others avoided him for. “I’m sure.”

Kira beamed at him. “Karasu, right? Your play was pretty cool when you passed to Hiori-san and
Otoya-san.
Karasu smirked. “Mhmm.” It was neither an agreement or a disagreement.

Undaunted, Kira made it his mission to befriend everyone in the room.

“Aryu, your head block was so cool!” He cheered.

Aryu twirled the ends of his hair around a finger and checked for nonexistent split ends. “I know.”

“Great! I just had to tell you how amazing it was.”

Aryu dropped his hair and stared at him annoyed.

“Reo, the way you took down Shidou was literally brilliant, I mean how did you read all those
plays?”

Reo scoffed, debating on whether he should answer at all. “Hard work. I ran toward the ball instead
of away from it.”

Bachira bared his teeth at Kira’s minute flinch. Hehehehehee. That’s so mean Reo-chan~

Clearly Kira hadn’t forgotten and the rest of them would never let him forget. He was a sheep
thrown into a pack of wolves, all of the players starting to grin like Bachira at the first sight of
weakness.

Kira visibly tensed up, the skin around his eyes tightened as slight fear entered them. He needed a
distraction fast.

He zeroed in on Niko. “Dude, your vision was amazing! The way you saw through Shidou-san’s
play?! Sorry, Shidou.”

Niko made no movement but Shidou rolled back his shoulders and stretched to his full height like a
lounging panther waking up. The transformation sent shivers down Isagi’s spine and his eyes
darkened at the sight.
Shidou who had prepared to confront Kira whipped his head around, his bug-like senses screaming
out danger, and found Isagi’s eyes. A call or warning he couldn’t tell, only that he needed to do
something now. Shidou rolled toward Isagi on liquid joints, each step oozing confidence,
challenge, and a promise of perilous behavior - everything Isagi could want. Isagi rose in time to
meet him, head tilting up in a dare and Nagi’s arm crashed against the arm rest; he had lunged
forward to drag Isagi down by the back of his shirt but he’d been too slow. Nagi’s gray eyes were
wide in panic and loss.

Shidou smirked, having caught that movement Isagi was oblivious to. Or maybe he hadn’t cared.
Now that thought was delicious. Shidou strode forward and-

-doubled over with a choked groan, arm wrapping around his abdomen because something had
collided with him there. Hard. He glared up and froze when his eyes met Maleficent green.

“Know your place, insect.”

Rin froze midway out of his seat and gaped at his brother standing tall over a hunched Shidou who
was in the same state of shock as him.

Itoshi Sae, who had abandoned his own brother, now stood guarding another from a mere come-
on.

It was a slap in all of their faces. Because how do you compete with Itoshi Sae?

Kaiser was absolutely still. His eyes were trained on Itoshi Sae and there was not an ounce of the
usual mockery or humor in them; all life had been drained out of them until the only thing left was
a hunter’s gaze - emotionless, detached, and focused.

A slender hand hesitantly touched Sae’s back and the older boy immediately turned his head to
look back on Isagi sporting a confused smile.

“Is-is everything okay?”

Vicious green eyes softened to their typical seafoam color as Sae relaxed his posture.
“Yes, it’s nothing.” His bangs swayed to the side as he tilted his head. “You certainly have a lot to
show us, don’t you.”

It wasn’t a question.

Isagi blushed under the intensity of the best player Japan has ever produced. Yet.

A melodious voice smoothly cut in, breaking the moment between Japan’s best players.

“Bien sûr. It is only right that a player as beautiful and intelligent as Isagi Yoichi has much to
show. I mean not quite sure as to what you are referring to but I am certain,” Julien Loki glided
closer, centimeters away from Isagi and Isagi was forced himself to meet his gaze even though
every feature of the beautiful french was too pretty to look at, “that it is well worth it.”

Instant K.O.

Isagi dropped into his seat like a puppet with his strings cut, ears burning and face steaming like a
soup dumpling. He glanced away and tried desperately to recover from that attack.

Itoshi Sae’s eyes could have cut glaciers in two.

Reika snapped her fingers at that moment. “Ah! I knew I forgot something.” She pointed at Kira
and Loki with a lean finger, the red of her nail polish gleaming under the lights of wherever she
was. “You have been invited to watch my greatest muse write his way into history. His name will
be carved in gold and they’ll sing about his victories for centuries. When he’s gone, they’ll write
scriptures of the greatest football mastermind that has ever existed.”

“And that would be Isagi Yoichi, I assume?” Loki mused. His ever pleasant smile never left his
face but Isagi was far beyond believing this man was all good intentions.

“Isagi?”
Isagi refrained from raising an eyebrow. No more ‘-san’ at the end, Kira?

Kira’s eyes looked wild, a hint of the depravity they’d seen during his elimination resurfacing.
“Why him?”

Bachira bounced closer to Rin. “Deja vu, Rin-chan?”

Rin whipped an arm at Bachira who ducked away giggling. No one likes to be compared to that
loser.

Reika blinked. “Well, because he deserves it, don’t you think?”

Kira subtly grit his teeth in answer.

The rest of them let the silence stretch out, soaking in Kira’s forced submission and increasing
reluctance.

“Perhaps. I don’t know much about him.” Kira settled for instead.

“No worries, you have all the time in the world to do so now.”

“I’m sorry, but my mother is actually waiting for me.” Kira chuckled abashedly and started striding
for the back wall. “I have to go or else she’s going to get worried and call the police.”

Reika leaned forward, rest her head on her fist, and smiled. “Is that so? That’s not an issue because
in this space, time works differently.”

Kira gave a brittle laugh. “Time travel, huh? What a world we live in!” He laughed louder and
glanced around to see if anyone would join in. They didn’t. His laughter died sputtering like an old
engine. “This isn’t funny. Open the door.”

Aiku crossed his arms behind his head. “No one’s laughing, kid. Sit down.”
“No. This isn’t-you need to let me go. People are going to come looking for me. They won’t let
you go lightly if they find out you kidnapped me, which they will.” He started clawing at the wall,
trying to find a hidden latch. “They’re going to come for me!”

“If someone was coming, they would’ve already came.” Niou grunted and watched Kira’s frantic
movements exasperatedly. “Why do you think we’re still here?”

“BECAUSE YOU’RE NOT AS IMPORTANT AS ME!”

The air chilled instantly as the bored demeanor of the players was wiped clean, replaced by a
looming danger.

Reika had enough of this. There’s only so many times a girl can explain and witness the same
reactions before she gets bored. Is this how teachers felt? No wonder they were frustrated all the
time. It’s annoying. “Sit down.”

The threat in that voice was real. Kira slowly slunk to his seat under the watching hateful eyes of
the other players.

“We’re beginning.”

On the screen, the bouncing “Blue Lock: Additional Time” popped up.

“I’m sorry, but what is ‘Additional Time’?” Loki cut in.

Chigiri had been quietly analyzing Loki for a while. He’d be thrilled to test his speed against him.
“It's a short snippet of our lives that isn’t focused on football.”

Loki dipped his head in gratitude. “Thank you.”

They were immediately greeted with Raichi sitting in front of a wall of fire. “We are the best
breakfast!”
Ego zoned out instantly.

Raichi was backed up by Igarashi, Chigiri, Imamura, and Isagi under the banner ‘TEAM
BREAD’.

Team Z immediately split up, separating themselves from each other as the old debate came into
play. Tensions still ran high and neither side wanted to compromise.

“You got to have bread in the morning!” Imamura demanded.

Tokimitsu nodded nervously while Barou grunted in agreement. Rin frowned.

Loki smiled. “There is nothing that can best bread. It is simply too fine of a dish.”

Bachira scowled and crossed his arms in disagreement. “No, man, rice for the win!” He
declared a wall of blue flames opposing Team Bread’s red. He was supported by Lemon,
Naruhaya, Kunigami, and Gagamaru.

“Rice!” Nanase cheered. Hiori twisted his lips but kept silent. Wasn’t bread the better choice?

Naruhaya struck up a ninja pose. “For the Japanese, home is where the rice is!”

Otoya finger-gunned him. “Right on, man.”

Karasu snorted. “No way, dude. It’s definitely bread. With bread you can slice it finely and make
French Toast.”

Jin and Neru’s eyes unfocused a little at the thought of the delicious breakfast food. Team Bread all
the way.
“No way, man.” Naruhaya argued. “With bread, you get more variety.”

“Preach, brother!” Karasu hooted.

“You have rice for lunch and dinner.” Raichi roared. “So it's obviously bread for breakfast,
idiots!”

Chris Prince leaped out of his seat. “That’s right! You gotta have some good mash and bangers
with a little fry-up egg on the side as nice greasy, salty toast to have a good breakfast!”

Bachira’s eyes grew round and a little doll-like. “Rice is best for breakfast. Eat bread and
you're hungry again soon after.”

Shidou whooped and Aiku slowly clapped for the statement. That’s obviously the right answer!

“Rice and miso soup!” Naruhaya shot back. “Now's the time to reclaim the traditional
Japanese breakfast!”

Riou slammed the side table in agreement.

Reo shook his head. “Bread is the better meal, it’s delicious and exquisite, the work of many
talented hands.”

“Bread is the better one because you can dip it in stuff.” Zantetsu piped up.

Reo rolled his eyes. “Zantetsu, you idiot, you can dip bread in stuff too.”

“Oh.” Zantetsu adjusted his glasses. “What about you, Nagi?”

“Mhmph?” Nagi yawned wide and slumped to the side. “Whichever is easier to eat…”
Chigiri snorted. “Should’ve expected that.”

“Shut up bread-eater.”

“I’m a bread-eater.” Kurona muttered. “Bread, bread. Isagi, we match.”

“Yeah, we do, that’s amazing, Kurona!”

Otoya clapped his palms together and interlaced all his fingers until only his pointer and middle
finger of each hand remained pressed flat against each other. He closed his eyes.

“…what are you doing?” Yukimiya side-eyed.

“I’m manifesting.”

“Manifesting?”

“A thousand years of pain.”

There was a brief moment of silence to process that before Niko sighed. “I’ll join in.”

“Niko!” Isagi exclaimed.

“Sorry, Isagi. We were destined to be rivals.”

“So sorry to interrupt my life is a passing existence, I wish I had spent more time on finding the
foods I liked, but now I am forced-”

“Grim, shut up and ask your question.” Gesner barked.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, it’s just-”

“GRIM.”

“-is there a third option for my pitiful existence? I feel the depths of despair encroach as I
anticipate the answer to be-”

“Yes.” Reika abruptly ended the conversation.

At that moment Kuon walked in with a towel around his neck, still drying his wet hair.

The growls around the room surprised both Loki and Kira. Looks like there’s a story to uncover.

“Oh, that was a nice bath.”

Kuon was met with a stampede of people.

“Hey, Kuon! You eat bread for breakfast, right?”

“If you're Japanese, it's got to be rice!”

“Well? What do you say? Tell us now!”

“Please vote for us!”

A multitude of voices called out over each other.

“Well…” He began. “Uh, I, uh... like cornflakes with milk the best.”
The sounds of outrage from the room coincided with the ones on the scream as Kuon was
ambushed by the group.

“You traitor!”

“We had a secret cornflaker in our midst!”

“Convert to the rice religion!”

“Hex Kuon with the curse of yeast!”

“That traitor! Isagi, we should’ve known then that he was a real traitor!”

Isagi, ever the voice of reason, nodded sagely. “Right! A conflaker could never be trusted!”

“YEAH!”

“YEAH!”

“YEAH!”

“YEAH!”

“YEAH!”

“You know…” Hiori quietly said. “We might have a secret cornflaker in our midst.”

The tension in the room skyrocketed and players from all teams and ages glanced around, alliances
were being broken and new ones were formed. Invisible battle lines were drawn as people searched
for the secret spy.
 Who would it be?

Chapter End Notes

Personally I'm into bread for breakfast because the versatility but

What team are you on?

...are you a cornflaker?

 NOT AN UPDATE
Chapter Summary

NOT AN UPDATE/short break

Hey guys, I'm really, realllyyyy sorry to do this but I don't think I'll be able to update this fic until
the end of the month. Things got really ugly with my family in like mid-July and it has been really
not great since. If they catch me watching anime or even a tv show my back is literally going to be
skinned lol. I'll update as soon as I get back to college but it's going to be a couple weeks. I'm sorry

Instead if there's any prompts or stories you want me to write, let me know in the comments and I'd
be delighted to write them! Just can't watch stuff rn...

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