Ryōsuke nodded in agreement, and Tatsuya's face lit up with joy.
Taking on an advisory role with Esperion's Youth Team wouldn't be a problem for him.
Unlike other clubs seeking to recruit him as a full member, Tatsuya simply wanted him to provide guidance and observe, while Jinpachi wanted him to identify potential candidates at Esperion for Blue Lock's second phase. This arrangement would allow him to maintain his independence.
The opportunity also aligned with Ryōsuke's desire to stay active during his break — Esperion's Youth squad offered excellent training facilities where he could continue improving.
Additionally, Tatsuya's generous offer included substantial compensation along with room and board.
"I do have a question for Mr. Fukuda." Ryōsuke said, "Since I'm not currently with any club, and your Esperion Senior Team is the strongest in the J1 League, wouldn't they be better suited for this?"
"Haha, Kira, you're too humble. Even without a club affiliation, that one match proved your capabilities — you could be a star player anywhere. My former teammates can't stop singing your praises. Your skills are more refined than mine were at your age. You'll be perfect for guiding these young players."
Despite his warm smile, Tatsuya's words carried weight.
"Plus, as a former Blue Lock member, you're uniquely qualified to identify suitable candidates from our Youth squad."
Ryōsuke's soccer skills were extraordinary, surpassing not only his peers but even the club's top players. According to rumors Tatsuya had heard, his abilities could rival those of world-class players.
"Mr. Fukuda, you're too kind. But I'm surprised by your friendship with Mr. Ego. Why would you want to send your players to Blue Lock?" Ryōsuke asked.
The question made sense — Tatsuya and Jinpachi's soccer philosophies were complete opposites. Their interactions showed no signs of long-standing friendship.
"My soccer philosophy differs entirely from Ego's. When he first created Blue Lock, I couldn't believe it. I would never have let my players near the old Blue Lock — but after this match, he's realized his philosophy needed changing. We're finally finding common ground."
Tatsuya turned to smile at Jinpachi, who remained expressionless.
"With Blue Lock's evolving philosophy, I'm intrigued enough to let some promising players participate. Their training facilities are unmatched by any club. Plus, we have someone special in our Youth squad — a player with abilities similar to those developed in Blue Lock. This environment might be perfect for nurturing his talent."
Ryōsuke instantly knew he meant Ashito Aoi.
Like Yoichi and Ikki, Ashito had awakened a type of Metavision ability — called Eagle Eye — early on. Though his ability remained underdeveloped, with rough technical skills and only notable endurance, he showed similarities to them.
While he might currently seem like a less refined version of Yoichi or Ikki, his potential was limitless.
During the previous match, Tatsuya noticed Yoichi's movements and recognized abilities similar to Ashito's. He believed his player could benefit from training alongside them.
Initially, Tatsuya had planned to convert Ashito from his aspirations as a striker into a wing-back to maximize his potential.
But that match changed Tatsuya's perspective. He saw that Ashito might be capable of even more.
Though he had disagreed with Jinpachi's striker-supremacy philosophy, Tatsuya now acknowledged that Ashito might flourish under his guidance.
"Besides, with world-class players participating this time, it's valuable for them to see the international standard. It could even boost Esperion's global reputation!"
Tatsuya leaned against the wall, relaxed, shifting his gaze to Jinpachi.
"Blue Lock gains from this partnership too." Jinpachi said deliberately, "The collaboration with a top league club means more sponsorship for Esperion, which strengthens our influence and smooths the way for Blue Lock's second phase."
He paused, studying Ryōsuke intently.
"Furthermore, I acknowledge my previous philosophy was flawed. Strikers aren't just goal-scorers — every position on the field matters."
"How unexpected!" Tatsuya's smile remained.
Jinpachi ignored the comment, "The first Blue Lock focused solely on strikers, but this time we're including players from all positions. That's why we're partnering with them. Additionally, a renowned player from their club has volunteered for the second phase, specifically wanting to face you, Kira—"
His eyes narrowed.
"He's Fukuda's and Esperion's crowning achievement, who'll help expand Blue Lock's influence. But Kira, since that match, you've drawn considerable attention. Many see you as a rival — or an obstacle to overcome. They're eager to use you as their stepping stone..."
Jinpachi typed on his keyboard, bringing up a list of names on the large screen.
"Moreover, your opponents aren't just those we mentioned, but these players as well. This roster, designated by the Football Association, will participate in Blue Lock's second phase national team selection. They're formidable competitors — winners of the U-17 World Cup three years ago — and their abilities have only grown more impressive since then. The second phase isn't just about global entertainment; it's about watching you raw gems devour each other."
A cunning smile spread across his face, his eyes gleaming with eagerness, as if anticipating the coming chaos.
Ryōsuke studied the names on the big screen with surprise. He hadn't expected 'they' would exist in this world.
"I understand." Yet he smiled and nodded.
It seemed that Blue Lock's second phase would be more intense and chaotic than before. More powerful players would join the Neo Egoist League to challenge him.
However... No matter who they were, it made no difference.
"Let them come." Ryōsuke replied with a smile.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Meanwhile, at the J-League venue.
The match between Tosu Black Crows and Tokyo City Esperion was in full swing.
The second half had just begun, with Esperion trailing 0-1.
"Tokyo City Esperion substitution — player number 41, Haruhisa Kuribayashi, is coming on! This prodigy advanced from the Youth Team to the Senior Team while still in his second year of high school! Known as Esperion's ultimate masterpiece! Let's see how he performs in his J-League debut!"
The commentators' introduction drew all eyes in the stadium to a young man walking onto the field from the bench, triggering thunderous cheers.
With handsome features and a sharp gaze, he remained completely calm despite stepping onto a top-league field for the first time, as if the cheers didn't exist.
Haruhisa Kuribayashi, Esperion's most promising rising star!
After entering the game, he displayed technical skills far beyond his peers — dribbling, passing, shooting!
Despite being his league debut, he displayed remarkable maturity — relentlessly attacking the opponent's goal and dismantling their defense.
With Haruhisa's pinpoint assist, Esperion completed their comeback, winning 2-1.
Post-match, the host rushed to interview him, with TV reporters crowding close behind.
Haruhisa had clearly dominated the match. Even in just one half of play, he had single-handedly changed its trajectory.
"Here's player Kuribayashi! What an incredible performance from a high school student. You showed no signs of being outmatched, and your field presence was outstanding!"
The host held out the microphone enthusiastically, but Haruhisa's expression remained neutral.
"I've trained with top teams before, so keeping pace wasn't difficult." After the victory, Haruhisa maintained his composure, as if winning were merely routine.
"Kuribayashi-san, what did you think about the recent match between the U-20 Team and Blue Lock? You're on the preliminary U-20 roster yourself, aren't you?" The host asked with a smile.
"It was quite impressive." Haruhisa replied evenly, though his eyes flickered with something unspoken.
"How would you compare yourself to Ryōsuke Kira, who's your age?" As soon as the host posed this question, he looked at Haruhisa.
Though Haruhisa's face remained impassive, an overwhelming pressure emanated from him. His penetrating gaze seemed to cut straight through to the soul.
The host, sensing this intensity, unconsciously stepped backward.
"Though I haven't met him personally, I watched the livestream. Kira is an exceptional player, and I'm looking forward to facing him someday—" Haruhisa said slowly, his eyes narrowing as he looked directly into the camera.
It was like a declaration aimed at one specific person:
"Blue Lock's second phase will begin soon, and I'll be joining as Esperion's representative. I'm certain some fascinating developments await us, and I can't wait to see them unfold."
Haruhisa's tone carried absolute confidence.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
"Are you ready?"
On a secluded field, a scruffy middle-aged man surveyed seven young men with hawk-like eyes.
This was Minato Gamo — the former national team captain who had earned recognition domestically but never managed to break through the continental qualifiers, eventually fading into obscurity.
Yet he hadn't abandoned his dreams. After retiring, he became a coach and quietly trained players for the Youth World Cup.
"We're ready!"
The seven young players snapped to attention before him.
"I've found you all a proper stage to make your mark." Minato said with a knowing smile, "You're more than just practice partners. Show what you're capable of — this is the dream you couldn't achieve before. And you two especially — take that Youth World Cup spot from those Blue Lock players."
"Understood."
Standing before him, Ryoma Hino's face bore a confident smile.
❖❖❖
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