15 Minutes Before the Match
Blue Lock
Main Stadium Locker Room
(Murano's POV)
The locker room was tense as we put on our blue lock jerseys in preparation for the match.
I've never really worried about facing any opponents since arriving in this new world, especially here at Blue Lock. Because most matches ended once a team scored a certain number of goals. The first selection was my first opportunity to play a full 90-minute game, although it was still on a smaller field. Over time, I have honed my speed and agility. Still, I do wonder if I can sustain it for the full 90 minutes without exhausting myself early on.
"Nervous? The pressure is finally getting to you." Kurona's words snapped me out of my thoughts. I'm indeed supposed to be leading the team, but that's not what I'm worried about.
"Not at all, can't you see? I'm far from being nervous," I replied.
"Well, that's good. You're our best chance at winning this game, so it's important that you stay focused," Kurona replied.
"We're really playing against the U-20. This is a huge accomplishment for all of us," Hiori said as he put on his gloves.
"But today won't be the end. In fact, we're just getting started..." Shidou barged into the conversation.
"Yeah," I nodded instinctively.
"Starting to show the world my explosions!!" Shidou added.
"I had a feeling you'd say something crazy like that," I said, tightening my laces.
...
"Hello all, I'm running a bit late. I've been mulling over this until the very last minute, but...", Ego Jinpachi said as he walked into the locker room.
"I've decided which players will be on the bench." Holding the tablet, Ego projected the sub-member list on the screen.
"Bear in mind that we're allowed to use three substitutions. Do not let your guard down at any moment during the match, and be ready to join at a moment's notice."
"Now, in the past two weeks, with the sole goal of winning this match, you have all succeeded in coming together as a team. The world does not yet know of you. Is this not the ultimate stage?"
"In these coming 90 minutes, change your fates...We're winning this, Blue Lock. You will carve your egos into the world."
Ego's speech fired up the squad. If we win, Blue Lock continues to exist, and if we lose...
The ten minutes passed just like that, and the clock finally pointed to the 7:15 PM mark.
I put on the captain's armband and led the team out of the locker room.
We stood shoulder to shoulder with the U-20 Japan team, and the atmosphere became more tense as we heard the crowd noises in the hallway.
The real spectacle was Itoshi Rin, who was standing behind his brother, looking dejected.
"Looks like these are the dimwits we're crushing today," Shidou broke the ice.
"A nobody from who knows where like you doesn't get to talk to us like that," Itsuki Wakatsuki, the Japanese midfielder, fired back.
The banter continued between some of the players from both teams.
As the banter died down, I found myself face-to-face with Itoshi Sae.
As Itoshi Sae stood next to me, he declared: "We have seen how you play and have developed measures to counter against you. I'll do everything in my power to crash you now that you've declined my offer. "
"Then, by all means, try," I challenged him.
______________________
Only five minutes were remaining before the kick-off of the battle between Blue Lock and U-20 Japan. The excitement was in the air, and over fifty thousand football supporters had already entered the Blue Lock stadium.
At the moment, most fans were already cheering while watching the players of both teams walk onto the pitch. Also, there were a handful of fans who had found their seats in the stands and were engaged in conversations about the upcoming game.
The videographers were ready to record and capture every moment on the field.
Meanwhile, in the Commentary Box...
"Hello and welcome to every Japanese fan tuning up to watch this broadcast. I'm the sportscaster, Tereasa Atsuto, and in the commentary position with me is Natsuki Harutarou."
"We'll be going over the lineups as we wait for the players to come on the pitch," Natsuki announced.
"U-20 Japan will be playing a 4-3-3 formation. In goal, we have the highly promising Gen Fukaku."
"A very promising goalkeeper who could one day start for the Japan national team," Natsuki added.
"In the back, we have Miroku Darai, Oliver Aiku, Kazuma Nio, and Teppei Nero," Atsuto continued.
Natsuki took over. "The back four consist of Miroku Darai, Oliver Aiku, Kazuma Nio, and Teppei Nero. Moving to midfield... we have Sou, Itsuki Wakatsuki, and... wait a minute! What in the world...? Itoshi Sae is playing after all! The man the world has their eyes on!"
Atsuto Tereasa's voice was filled with excitement. "This is truly insane! The forward line has Chou, Shuto Sendou, and Kozato!"
"The match is brought to you directly from Blue Lock's Main Stadium! Beginning soon with the kick-off."
U-20 Japan Nation Team vs. Blue Lock Eleven
Team U-20 Japan - Starting Eleven >>
4-3-3
Goalkeeper: No. 1, Gen Fukaku.
Left-Back: No. 5, Miroku Darai
Center-Backs: No. 2, Oliver Aiku
Center-Backs: No. 3, Kazuma Nio
Right-Back: No. 4, Teppei Neru
Left Defensive Midfielder: No. 6, Wakatsuki
Right Defensive Midfielder: No. 7, Haru Hayate
Attacking Midfielder: No. 10, Itoshi Sae
Left-Winger: No. 8, Kento Chou
Right-Winger: No. 9, Teru Kitsunezato
Striker: No. 11, Itoshi Rin
VS.
Team Blue Lock - Starting Eleven >>
Goalkeeper: No. 1, Gin Gagamaru.
Left-Back: No. 2, Aryu Jyubei
Center-Backs: No. 3, Aoshi Tokimitsu
Center-Backs: No. 4, Ikki Niko
Right-Back: No. 5, Chigiri Hyoma
Left-Midfielder: No. 6, Yo Hiori
Right-Midfielder: No. 8, Mikage Reo
Left-Winger: No. 11, Ranze Kurona
Right-Winger: No. 7, Seishirou Nagi
Second Striker: No. 9, Ryusei Shidou
Striker: No. 10, Hayashi Murano
[Author's Note: Hi, readers! I'm back to complete the U-20 arc and maybe catch up with the current arc. Also like Ego said there will be three subs, so let me know the three players you would like to be subbed in as the game progress. I'll consider everyone's recommendation. Refer to the previous chapter for the subs list.]