"Ryōsuke! Ryōsuke!"
Cheers and shouts thundered through the stadium.
With a two-goal deficit and time running out, the U-20 team's morale soared while Blue Lock's members wore grave expressions.
They knew the match was over.
Blue Lock's players were spent. Reo had exhausted his stamina, no longer able to mimic others' abilities. Ikki lay collapsed on the ground, too drained even to defend.
In the attacking third, Yoichi crouched with his chest heaving. He had poured his remaining energy into one final shot during the last offensive.
His script had been perfect — using Ryūsei and Shoei as pieces before delivering the equalizing strike himself!
Everything had unfolded according to plan... until Ryōsuke saw through his strategy.
Against such absolute skill, these tactics proved futile.
Yoichi wanted to help defend, but his depleted stamina wouldn't allow it. His legs felt leaden, threatening to cramp. He could no longer play.
"Two more goals, two more goals..." He muttered through gritted teeth, his body trembling as tears welled in his eyes.
Frustration consumed his heart — and the hearts of every Blue Lock player.
"Looks like it's over." Jinpachi said quietly from Blue Lock's coaching bench, his expression steady.
"But Mr. Ego..." Anri bit her lip, eyes glistening.
She remembered the stakes: if they lost, Blue Lock would cease to exist.
As one of the project's driving forces, her desire to win matched anyone's. Now, all her efforts seemed to crumble.
"Don't be sad, little Anri. As I said before, Blue Lock has already succeeded in some ways. These players have gained recognition nationwide and worldwide. They'll carry Blue Lock's legacy forward, especially Kira, who shone brightest today and remains one of us. The match's excitement exceeded my expectations, and defeat was always possible."
Though Jinpachi's expression remained calm, his interlocked fingers trembled.
"I'll likely be blacklisted, with no place left in the football world. Little Anri, you still have a long road ahead. This match taught me much too. Looks like you won, Ryōsuke Kira." He stood, squinting toward Ryōsuke on the field.
Despite his composed exterior, his heart churned with mixed emotions.
"So it's all over..."
Just then, Anri's phone rang. After checking the caller ID, her expression turned serious as she answered:
"Hello, Chairman... mm... mm?"
Her face transformed with surprise, as if she'd heard shocking news.
"What is it?" Jinpachi turned to look at her.
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Soon, the final whistle blew. The score remained at 6-4.
The crowd's cheers erupted like a storm. The match's excitement had exceeded everyone's expectations, thrilling both spectators and viewers.
"Kira! My superman!"
"Amazing, Kira!"
"Five goals! Five goals!"
The U-20 players rushed forward, surrounding Ryōsuke in celebration.
"As expected, you truly have the power to change this country's football." Sae approached without celebrating and spoke quietly, glancing toward the other half of the field, "Moreover, you've triggered a chain reaction that might shake the entire world. If you're interested in playing on a bigger stage, I can make introductions. Let's exchange contact information after the match."
After speaking, he left the field.
After celebrating with his teammates, Ryōsuke went to exchange hugs with the Blue Lock members.
Shoei headed straight for the player tunnel without acknowledging him, but Ryūsei eagerly approached.
"Amazing, little Ryōsuke! Want to exchange contact info?"
Others came to greet him too, and though reluctant, they had to acknowledge his formidable ability.
Finally came Yoichi, who remained crouched on the field, too exhausted to stand.
"You played well, Isagi." Ryōsuke smiled, extending his hand to help him up, "I just got lucky in this match."
"This wasn't luck... you're just too strong, Kira. We have such a long way to go to catch up to you..." Yoichi's face showed exhaustion and frustration, sweat dripping from his forehead as he looked at him, "I learned so much from you in this match. I know I'm still not strong enough... but Kira, I'll definitely catch up to you someday!"
He smiled, determination shining in his eyes.
Though Yoichi desperately wanted victory, he had to accept defeat. This match had taught him so much — Metavision, movement control, things the old him could never do.
In this match, Yoichi had transformed, as had all of Blue Lock's members.
"Kira! The reporters are calling you for an interview!"
Yasumori came over and led Ryōsuke to the temporary interview booth set up on the field.
As soon as he arrived, reporters surrounded him with microphones, camera flashes bursting continuously.
Ryōsuke was the star of this match.
"Ah, here he comes! The rising star Ryōsuke Kira, who showed extraordinary ability today, has made his presence known. Please tell us your immediate thoughts after the match!"
The host approached him with a microphone.
"First, I want to thank my teammates. This victory belongs to our entire team. I also want to thank the Blue Lock members — they were once my companions, and together we've completed an amazing match that I'm sure everyone witnessed." Ryōsuke said with a smile.
"Player Kira, you were also once a member of Blue Lock. What are your thoughts on the Blue Lock project?" The host asked, while other reporters watched intently.
Ryōsuke had anticipated this question and had an answer prepared.
"First, I don't agree with Blue Lock's core philosophy. A forward's existence isn't just about scoring goals — what's most important is securing victory for the team. Football is a sport of eleven players; it's impossible to win by relying on forwards alone. The presence of other positions proves this point — defense and organization are equally important." Ryōsuke responded, "Another point is Blue Lock's rules. Players eliminated from Blue Lock lose their national team eligibility for life — this is unfair. Their abilities and efforts shouldn't be dismissed because of a single evaluation. Many talented individuals were cut, while others remained simply due to luck."
The reporters watched him intently, and viewers of the live interview widely expressed agreement with his perspective.
"However, one thing cannot be denied — Blue Lock's existence has truly given these players a new lease on life and helped their abilities improve dramatically. Without Blue Lock, these players would never have been known to the world. This project gave them a platform to showcase their talents, myself included." Ryōsuke said.
In his heart, he believed Jinpachi's philosophy was wrong, but he would absolutely not deny his contributions or the significance of Blue Lock's existence.
Without Blue Lock, those players would never have had the chance to be discovered by the world. Moreover, the facilities and training intensity were beyond what ordinary clubs could provide, truly offering football players an excellent training environment.
Although Ryōsuke didn't agree with Blue Lock's philosophy and rules, he acknowledged its value.
After fielding several more formal questions from the host, Ryōsuke left the interview area.
Chairman Hirotoshi appeared, his corpulent figure making his steps labored, yet his face radiated joy.
"Well played, Ryōsuke!"
After this warm praise, he made his way to the interview position.
"Now we're interviewing Football Association Chairman Mr. Hirotoshi! What are your thoughts on this match?" The host asked eagerly.
"It was an incredibly exciting match — got even an old fellow like me fired up!" Hirotoshi said with genuine enthusiasm.
"Then what are your thoughts on the Blue Lock Project?"
"Blue Lock will create the future of this country's football! I've carved out an undoubtedly successful path!" Hirotoshi declared triumphantly, claiming credit for Blue Lock while beaming.
Initially, he had planned to make a substantial profit from this match and terminate the Project. However, watching the game changed his mind.
He saw a lucrative business opportunity — Blue Lock players had captured public attention, and Ryōsuke, U-20's standout player, was a Blue Lock alumnus. His businessman's instinct sensed potential profits.
Perhaps Blue Lock and Ryōsuke could yield even greater returns!
Moreover, the match had genuinely moved him, stirring his excitement. Before the final whistle, Hirotoshi had decided to continue Blue Lock's operations.
"Regarding what Kira just said about Blue Lock's rules, what are your thoughts on that?" The host inquired.
"I strongly agree with Kira's perspective, but let me clarify — Blue Lock isn't the cruel organization some believe it to be! The statement about revoking failed players' national team eligibility was merely motivational — a way to push players to realize their full potential!" Hirotoshi maintained his smile and continued, "As for Kira's comments about forwards, we completely agree — any player who brings victory to the team is excellent! We'll expand our training program to include more diverse positions!"
Having prepared for every possible question beforehand, his response was perfect. The Blue Lock project needed to continue, and preserving its public image was paramount.
In the shadows beside the interview platform, Jinpachi silently watched.
The earlier phone call Anri had received was from Hirotoshi, informing them that Blue Lock could continue.
"For now, this is indeed the best outcome." Jinpachi said slowly, his hands crossed over his chest, his lips curling into a slight smile, "In that case, we can begin the next phase — Blue Lock's second stage."
"Ego, so you're here."
Just then, another voice came from beside him.
"Fukuda?"
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