Blue Lock - Conqueror!

Two Days Ago

JFU Headquarters

The heavy silence in the room was suffocating, broken only by the faint hum of the air conditioning. The president of the JFU, Burasata, sat behind his polished mahogany desk, a nervous sweat forming on his brow. Across from him, Sae Itoshi sat languidly in a chair, his sharp, unreadable eyes fixed on the man before him.

"...They rejected?"

Sae's voice was calm, almost indifferent, as he leaned back in his seat, his arms crossed.

Burasata flinched at the question, his nervousness betraying the desperation that clung to him.

"D-don't worry, Sae!" he stammered, standing up abruptly, his chair screeching against the floor.

"I'll go there personally and bring Isagi Yoichi. It will all go according to what you sa—"

"Don't bother,"

Sae interrupted, his tone cold and cutting. His expression remained unreadable, but there was an edge of finality in his voice that stopped Burasata in his tracks.

"I've lost interest."

Burasata's eyes widened in shock.

"L-lost interest? But Sae—"

Sae rose from his seat with a fluid grace, his movements deliberate and confident. He glanced over his shoulder as he walked toward the door, his sharp gaze briefly meeting Burasata's.

"Once I saw the footage of Blue Lock's matches, my interest shifted. Isagi Yoichi isn't what I'm looking for."

Burasata blinked, stunned into silence.

Sae's hand rested on the door handle as he delivered his next words.

"Bring me Shidou Ryusei instead."

The air in the room seemed to grow heavier with those words. Burasata struggled to process the sudden shift in Sae's demand.

"Sh-Shidou?" he stammered, his mind racing.

Without waiting for a response, Sae opened the door and stepped out, his parting words delivered with chilling indifference.

"Make it happen. No failures."

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Burasata standing in his office, his heart pounding.

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Minutes Later

Burasata's Office

Burasata paced back and forth, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. His frustration boiled over as he punched in Ego's number, his lips pressed into a thin line.

The call connected, and Ego's sharp, calculating voice greeted him.

"Speak quickly."

"Ego!"

Burasata barked, his tone laced with anger and urgency.

"Enough of your games! First, you refuse to send Isagi Yoichi to the U-20 team, and now—"

"Calm yourself, President Burasata,"

Ego interrupted, his voice smooth and unbothered.

"If you're calling to complain about my rejection of your initial demand, you're wasting both our time."

Burasata slammed a fist onto his desk, his frustration mounting.

"This isn't about Isagi anymore! Sae Itoshi has made a new demand. He wants Shidou Ryusei for the U-20 roster. I don't care what you have to say—this is happening whether you like it or not!"

There was a pause on the line, followed by the faint sound of Ego chuckling. It was a low, mocking sound that sent a chill down Burasata's spine.

"Shidou Ryusei, is it?"

Ego said, his tone suddenly shifting to one of intrigue.

"Interesting. Sae Itoshi's desperation to handpick his tools is… amusing, to say the least."

Burasata braced himself for another drawn-out argument, but what came next stunned him.

"Fine,"

Ego said, his agreement coming far too quickly.

"You can have Shidou."

The silence that followed was deafening. Burasata blinked, momentarily thrown off balance by Ego's uncharacteristic compliance.

"W-what?"

"You heard me,"

Ego continued, his tone laced with amusement.

"Shidou Ryusei will join your precious U-20 team."

Burasata's confusion melted into a cautious sense of relief.

"Good," he said, trying to mask his disbelief.

"At least you understand the importance of this. I'll hold you to your word, Ego."

"Of course"

Ego replied, his smirk practically audible through the phone.

"But don't misunderstand, President. This isn't about cooperation. This is about strategy. Shidou's actions—whether successful or catastrophic—will only serve to validate Blue Lock's purpose."

Before Burasata could respond, Ego ended the call, leaving the JFU president staring at his phone in a mix of confusion and unease.

On the other end of the line, Ego leaned back in his chair, a sly grin on his face.

"With this addition, U20 might become formidable enough to Rival the current Blue Lock 11"

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Present

The Blue Lock players were locked in, training with relentless focus as the U-20 match loomed closer. The air in the facility was heavy with determination, their collective hunger for victory palpable. Every player pushed themselves to their limits, honing their skills for the most important match of their lives.

At the forefront of it all was Isagi Yoichi, the designated striker of the team. While others trained to sharpen their physical prowess or perfect their individual weapons, Isagi's approach was different. He trained his mind as much as his body, pouring hours into analyzing plays, imagining scenarios, and fine-tuning his adaptability. His footwork drills were intense, a constant experiment to integrate new techniques and ideas. Recently, he had begun dribbling in styles that seemed almost acrobatic, pushing the boundaries of what his body could handle. These imaginative experiments fueled his evolution, allowing him to feel his body adapt to uncharted playstyles—innovations that could be the key to unlocking his full potential on the field.

On the training pitch, this drive was evident in everything he did. Whether he was sprinting with the ball, practicing impossible angles, or testing his teammates with unpredictable passes, Isagi radiated an energy that was both infectious and intimidating. He wasn't just preparing for the match—he was crafting the foundation for something greater.

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In the days leading up to the much-anticipated U-20 match, the Blue Lock stadium was transformed into a spectacle worthy of the showdown it was about to host. The massive structure gleamed under the sun, its stands prepared to welcome thousands of fans, reporters, and scouts who would witness the clash between Blue Lock's raw, untamed talent and the established might of the U-20 team.

Though Isagi was busy with some different matters than the match for a while. His focus was unwavering during training, but outside the field, his thoughts occasionally wandered toward someone who had unexpectedly become a source of intrigue: Anri Teieri.

He had messaged her a few times before, mostly just to tease her after their last encounter. That day, face-to-face, he had managed to fluster her with his confidence and cheeky remarks. But this time, his intentions weren't purely playful. He had something specific in mind.

Picking up his phone, he sent the first message with his usual charm.

"Still recovering from the last time we talked? Or have I been replaced as the highlight of your week?"

Anri, who was reviewing logistical plans for the match, glanced at her phone and smirked. She wasn't the same shy, flustered girl from their earlier conversations. Behind the safety of a text exchange, she felt more composed, more in control.

"Highlight? Don't flatter yourself, Isagi. I've been too busy to think about you."

The response earned a chuckle from Isagi. He leaned back, fingers flying across the keyboard.

"Ouch, that's cold. Guess I'll have to make sure you can't stop thinking about me after the match."

Anri's lips curled into a smile as she typed back.

"Is that a threat or a promise?"

Isagi grinned at her quick wit but decided to shift the conversation toward his real purpose.

"Alright, let's cut to the chase. I've got a proposition for you."

Anri raised an eyebrow as she read the text. She could feel the shift in tone, even through the screen.

"Oh? Should I be concerned?" 

She replied.

"Not at all. Here's the deal: let's make a bet. When we win the U-20 match—and trust me, we will win—I want a reward."

Her curiosity piqued, Anri typed back.

"A reward? What kind of reward?"

Isagi didn't hesitate.

"A date with you."

The straightforwardness of his reply made Anri freeze for a moment. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly shook it off. This was just Isagi being his usual audacious self. She wouldn't let him get the upper hand so easily.

"You're confident, aren't you?" 

She replied, carefully crafting her tone to sound unimpressed.

"Always" 

Isagi shot back.

But instead of dismissing him outright, Anri decided to turn the tables. A mischievous glint sparked in her eyes as she crafted her next response. If he wanted to tease her, she'd make sure to challenge him in return. Isagi had been acting like the prize from the start, She wanted to let him know that she is the prize here.

"Fine" 

She replied.

"But I'm upping the stakes. If you want that date, you're going to have to do more than just win. Score a hat-trick—something spectacular—and I might consider your offer."

Isagi stared at the screen, momentarily caught off guard. He wasn't expecting her bite back, The last time he was teasing her, she acted like a kitten which made him keep making fun of her but now it felt like a challenge and he wanted to win.

"A hat-trick, huh? You sure you're not just trying to see me fail?"

"Oh, I know that Blue Lock win" 

Anri replied, her confidence practically dripping from the words.

"But this? This is to see if you're as good as you think you are."

Isagi smirked. She was trying to wound his pride, and it was working. But instead of backing down, he leaned into the challenge.

"Alright, Teieri-san. You've got a deal. Start planning what you're going to wear, because I don't lose."

Anri set her phone down, shaking her head with a small laugh. She couldn't deny that Isagi's boldness was infectious, even if it was a little infuriating. Still, she felt confident in her counterbet. A hat-trick against a team like the U-20 wasn't just difficult—it was nearly impossible for anyone. But she also knew that if anyone could pull it off, it was Isagi.

Isagi, on the other hand, was buzzing with energy, every fiber of his being alive with anticipation. A realization hit him like a bolt of lightning, sudden and undeniable.

From the very first moment he had met Anri, his teasing had been playful, almost instinctual. He hadn't thought much of it at the time—it was just something he did. She was flustered, easy to rile up, and, admittedly, her reactions were amusing. That shy smile, the way her cheeks turned pink, and her hurried attempts to regain her composure—all of it had been too tempting not to poke at. Back then, it wasn't about interest. It wasn't personal. He teased her simply because he could.

But now… now it felt different.

The thought of Anri, the bet, replayed in his mind. At first, it had been nothing more than a game to him—a way to fluster her, to see if he could push her buttons. He hadn't truly cared about the bet itself. A hat-trick for a date? It was ridiculous.

And yet, as the realization settled in, he couldn't deny the shift in his perspective. Somewhere along the line, the game had changed. Anri wasn't just another person he could tease for a reaction. She was in his head now.

He couldn't help but laugh, the sound echoing softly across the empty training ground. It wasn't a laugh of amusement, but one of disbelief, as though he couldn't quite believe how far things had spiralled.

The idea of a date with Anri—a bet he'd initially crafted just to see her squirm—had become something he was genuinely looking forward to. It wasn't just about winning the match anymore. Somewhere along the way, Anri had become a part of the equation, and the thought of proving himself, not just to the world but to her, ignited a fire within him he hadn't felt in a long time.

'Guess I have more than one reason to score a Hat trick'

Isagi thought as he looked at the System prompt which had proposed a quest to him a few days ago.

[Task: Score a Hat-Trick against the U20 Team

Reward: ...]

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The day of the U-20 match had finally arrived, and the stadium was alive with a feverish energy. The gates had opened hours ago, and a steady stream of fans flooded inside, each one carrying their own piece of excitement—flags, scarves, and banners emblazoned with the names of their favorite players. The air hummed with the collective anticipation of tens of thousands, their voices melding into a constant roar of excitement and chatter.

The colossal arena was a masterpiece, with its sleek, modern architecture and towering screens that loomed over the field. Every seat in the house was occupied, a sea of faces stretching from the lower stands all the way to the upper tiers. Fans waved the colors of their teams, their voices rising in chants that echoed like a battle cry.

The massive screens lit up, showcasing the starting lineup for the U-20 team. Each name was accompanied by a portrait of the player, and the crowd erupted in cheers and whistles as familiar faces like Oliver Aiku, the composed and calculating captain, and Sendo Shuto, the explosive forward, were revealed. But the name that drew the loudest reaction, one that seemed to shake the stadium itself, was Sae Itoshi. His sharp eyes, iconic red hair, and cool, untouchable aura commanded attention. This wasn't just another match—it was a stage tailor-made for the return of Japan's prodigal son.

The camera panned to the entrance tunnel, a long, imposing corridor where the teams would make their entrance. Reporters and commentators stood at the ready, their microphones in hand and their voices tinged with excitement as they analyzed the lineups and speculated on the strategies of both teams. Cameramen adjusted their lenses, ensuring they wouldn't miss a single second of the action.

Inside the Blue Lock locker room, a tense yet electric atmosphere filled the air. The players, now donning their sleek black-and-blue jerseys, stood in various states of readiness—lacing up boots, adjusting shin guards, or running their hands over their numbers, each one a symbol of their resolve. The room buzzed with an unspoken energy, a mix of nerves and excitement as they prepared to step onto the biggest stage of their lives.

The door to the locker room creaked open, and the sharp sound of dress shoes clicking against the floor cut through the hum of conversation. Ego Jinpachi entered, his imposing figure and ever-present air of authority commanding immediate silence. His cold, calculating gaze scanned the room, assessing each player as though he could see their very thoughts. Anri followed close behind, her tablet in hand, her expression calm but focused.

"It took me a while, but here are our substitutes for this match"

Ego announced, his voice sharp and deliberate.

He tapped the screen of the tablet to display the substitutes name on the screen behind him:

Raichi Jingo

Mikage Reo

Shoei Barou

Asahi Naruhaya

Hiori Yo

Aoshi Tokimitsu

Kurona Ranze

Nijiro Nanase

Jin Kiyora

Ryosuke Kira

Yukio Ishikari

"We're allowed three substitutions"

He continued, his voice firm and unyielding.

The substitutes exchanged brief nods of acknowledgment, their resolve firm. Though their starting teammates would lead the charge, they knew they were the insurance policy, the hidden cards waiting to be played at the critical moment.

Ego's eyes scanned the room, meeting each player's gaze with a piercing intensity.

"These past two weeks, you've succeeded in becoming a team capable of winning this match,"

He said. His tone was calm but carried a weight that made every player sit up straighter.

"This is it. The culmination of everything you've fought for."

He gestured toward the exit, where the muffled roar of the crowd could be faintly heard through the walls.

"The world doesn't know you yet"

Ego continued, his lips curling into a small smirk.

"But don't you think this is the ultimate stage? Ninety minutes to change your destinies. That's all you have. Use them wisely."

With energy crackling in the air, the players stood, their boots echoing against the locker room floor as they made their way toward the tunnel.

Isagi Yoichi stood at the front of the Blue Lock team, his black-and-blue jersey clinging to his frame, the Captain's badge proudly displayed on his shoulder. As the 1st Ranked Player, he led the charge, his footsteps steady and sure. His heart raced with anticipation, but there was no sign of nervousness. The only thing on his mind was the moment that was about to unfold.

As the U-20 players lined the tunnel, their eyes flickered toward the Blue Lock team, but Isagi didn't spare them a single glance. His focus was razor-sharp, cutting through the noise, and his thoughts were consumed with one thing: the pitch. The U-20 players—legends in their own right—faded into the background, mere blips in his tunnel vision. The tunnel stretched before him, a long corridor that felt narrower with every step. He moved forward like a force of nature, the weight of his position only fueling his drive. He didn't need to look back at the others; they knew their roles, and he knew his.

When he reached the front, he found himself standing right next to Sae Itoshi, Sae glanced at Isagi, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the sight of the young prodigy beside him. The look was almost calculating, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them. But Isagi, completely consumed by the moment, didn't even acknowledge him. He was too excited. His expression was that of a child on the verge of receiving his most coveted toy, wide-eyed and eager, his mind racing ahead to the match.

Isagi had spent so long in the confines of Blue Lock, where the only crowd was the ever-judging eyes of his fellow players and the cold calculations of Ego. The thrill of a roaring crowd, the energy of tens of thousands of people all focused on one moment, This was something he was missing and wanted to experience right now.

The doors to the tunnel creaked open, and the roar of the crowd hit him like a wave. Isagi stepped forward, his eyes widening as he took in the sea of faces in the stands. Flags waved, scarves fluttered in the air, and the air buzzed with the excitement of the crowd. The distant hum of voices swelled into a thunderous roar as they caught sight of the Blue Lock team. He could feel the energy coursing through the stadium, a living, breathing entity that seemed to embrace him.

The weight of the moment, the world watching, was almost overwhelming—but it was also exhilarating. His steps grew steadier as he walked onto the pitch. His heartbeat quickened, not from fear, but from sheer exhilaration. He was ready.

Sae Itoshi, standing next to him, couldn't help but notice the look in Isagi's eyes—an excitement so pure it almost seemed like innocence, like someone who had never truly felt the pressure of being in such a moment.

As the players took their positions on the field, the atmosphere became even more charged with anticipation. The Blue Lock team lined up in their sleek black-and-blue jerseys, each player standing tall, their eyes fixed on the task ahead. The roar of the crowd filled the stadium, reverberating off the stands, drowning out everything else, until all that remained was the match—the moment that would define them all.

Shidou, as Isagi already knew wasn't part of the Starting 11, Though that was just for a brief amount of time.

Isagi's foot struck the ball with precise intent as the match began, sending it toward Rin on his right. Rin, moving with determination, swiftly found himself face-to-face with Sendo Shuto, the U-20 team's forward. Rin was unbothered by Sendo's aggressive press.

He passed the ball back to Isagi, who was already anticipating the move. The ball rolled perfectly into his path, allowing Isagi to immediately take control. At the same time, Nagi—always ready to exploit space—made a seamless run forward, positioning himself between Isagi and Rin. The trio instantly created a triangle of movement and support, their collective positioning and passing leaving the U-20 defenders scrambling to adjust.

Isagi moved with the ball, his pace steady but controlled, creating the perfect opening for his next play. With a quick tap of his foot, he sent the ball behind him, right into the path of Bachira. Bachira, positioned as the left back, was already sprinting forward, anticipating the pass. The play was a part of their strategy—a calculated move designed to push forward at the right moment.

"Time to fly!"

Bachira exclaimed with his signature grin, his excitement palpable. The ball reached him cleanly, and without a moment's hesitation, he surged forward, eyes scanning the field for his next move. His dribbling was fluid, almost effortless, as he accelerated with the ball at his feet. The crowd could feel the energy shift as Bachira entered his element—the wild unpredictability of his style, a stark contrast to the meticulous coordination of Blue Lock's other players.

But the U-20's defensive midfielder, Hayate, wasn't about to let Bachira run unchecked. Seeing the space opening up, Hayate quickly closed in, positioning himself ahead of Bachira. As the two approached each other.

For a brief moment, Bachira slowed, as if teasing Hayate. The defender took a step forward, ready to close down the space and deny him any further progress. But Bachira wasn't fazed. With a devilish grin, he launched into a series of rapid stepovers, each one faster and more unpredictable than the last. The ball moved with him as if it were an extension of his body, each move designed to confuse and mislead.

Hayate, recognizing the feint, prepared himself to react. He stepped back just a fraction, waiting for the moment when Bachira would commit to a direction. And then, as the opportunity presented itself, Hayate lunged forward, trying to intercept the ball. But Bachira was already a step ahead. With a swift pivot, he tapped the ball back with a bounce, using it to glide past Hayate as the defender's lunge missed by mere inches.

The crowd roared in approval as Bachira, now past the U-20 defender, continued his advance. The ball was his to control, and his flair for the dramatic was on full display. He looked up, and a grin appeared on his face.

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[A/N]: Hey everyone, I want to take a moment to apologize for the delay in chapters—I truly appreciate your patience and support.

I also want to be upfront with you all. One of the reasons for the delay is that I want to ensure my Pa7r30n supporters get the early access and exclusive content they signed up for. They're investing in the story, and I want to make sure they're getting their money's worth. But that doesn't mean I don't value every single one of you who reads my work—I absolutely do! That's why I'm working on balancing things better moving forward.

I also realize that I need to provide more ways for you all to enjoy my content, and I have something exciting planned! There will be an important announcement soon, so if you want to stay updated, be sure to join my Discord server—I'd love to have you there!

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In the meantime, if you want to catch up to the latest chapter, Chapter 60: Shidou's a FREAK!, you can check out my Pa7r30n. Chapter ahead of Webnovel are even free to read there, so you might find some surprises waiting for you!

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Thank you all for your continued support—it really means the world to me! ❤️