"Che, they chose Isagi?" Raichi grumbled unhappily, while Rin's expression grew increasingly terrifying.
"I... was chosen?" The sudden good news left Isagi in a daze until Chigiri pressed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a push. "Hurry up and go!"
"Oh, right! Okay!" Isagi snapped out of it, hurriedly walking up to the platform and offering an apologetic smile to the surrounding U-20 members.
"Haha, I don't know why that guy picked you, but since you're part of us now, don't worry about it," said Nio Kazuma, whose shoulder-length hair swayed as he patted Isagi's shoulder. Beside him, the beady-eyed Teppei Neru also smiled warmly.
"Even though they're U-20 representatives, they're surprisingly friendly." The unexpectedly harmonious atmosphere left Isagi overwhelmed.
Thinking back, ever since witnessing Shinichi being brutally overwhelmed, everyone he'd encountered had been a bit strange — from the creators of Blue Lock, Ego Jinpachi, to the progressively obsessed Ryosuke Kira; the kind yet sometimes inscrutable Bachira; and the genius Nagi Seishiro, who had no empathy and always struck nerves with his blunt words.
"Huh? What's with you? Are you crying? Do you hate teaming up with us that much?"
"No... it's just... it feels so nice to be with normal people for once!"
...
Ignoring the comedy routine of the lively players on stage, Ego took the microphone and cleared his throat twice. "Now, I will announce the official 11-man roster for the match between Blue Lock and the U-20 National Team."
"This list is determined based on your performance in the adaptability experiments, your demonstrated abilities in matches against world-class players, their evaluations of you, your total goals during the second phase, and my own subjective judgment. Any objections?"
Without much time to process, everyone's nerves, which had just settled, tensed up again.
Unlike the original scenario where a TOP 6 group had already been defined, providing a rough idea of the lineup, here everyone—except for Shinichi—is on equal footing.
Most players didn't feel confident that their performances were outstanding enough to guarantee a spot, so aside from a select few like Rin, a palpable sense of unease lingered.
"Why's everyone so silent? You're making me nervous too," Raichi said with a grin, showing off his sharp shark-like teeth.
Beside him, Tanaka, sporting a wild afro, shot him a glare. "You at least managed to pull off an assist. It's us who should be worried."
"If it's purely based on goals, Zantetsu should be a sure pick," Reo suddenly pointed out. The others turned their gaze toward Zantetsu, who indeed was the only one—besides Shinichi—who had scored during the matches.
"I just did my best... and left the rest to fate," Zantetsu said calmly, mimicking Shinichi's mannerisms as if it would make him seem smarter. 'Tsk... no reaction at all. Did I say something wrong?' he thought uneasily.
"Ah, I'm so nervous." After a strange moment of silence, Nanase spoke up, nervously rubbing his hands together with a visibly anxious expression, completely ignoring Zantetsu's attempt to look composed.
"At this point, we ordinary players can think all we want, but it won't change anything. The decision is completely in his hands, isn't it?" Karasu said with a calm expression, his gaze fixed on Ego.
However, the clenched fists at his sides betrayed his inner turmoil. "Even so... I really don't want to miss this chance."
"No matter what position I have to play... no matter what I have to do," Chigiri murmured, instinctively placing his hand on his right knee.
"I just hope I'm chosen! I want to change my destiny... with my own hands!" ×N
...
Though objections would be meaningless, Ego still patiently waited for two minutes. Seeing that no one spoke up, he raised the microphone once again.
"First of all, football is a game about scoring more points than the opponent. While defensive strategies like those employed by the U-20 team exist, when everyone is a striker, the only thing Blue Lock should pursue is scoring. My goal is to build a team that, no matter how far behind we are, can score enough goals to make a comeback."
"Maximizing goals — that's what strikers should do. Therefore, this team will be built around the highest-scoring egoist as the core. Of course, even if I didn't say so, that core position wouldn't change anyway..."
After a brief pause, Ego unsurprisingly shifted his gaze toward Shinichi.
"As for the center forward, I don't think I need to explain much. The highest number of goals, the best defensive efficiency, and even the highest assist success rate — all the data puts him far ahead of everyone else. Blue Lock's undisputed TOP 1: Kanzaki Shinichi."
"As expected, there's no debate for that position. But there are still 10 other spots."
Everyone's hearts were in their throats as they stared at Ego, who deliberately slowed his speech to heighten their anticipation.
"We will launch wave after wave of attacks to dismantle the opponent's defense. Shinichi will be our core offensive weapon, and the remaining 10 players will serve as the sharp fangs and claws to enhance this monster's destructive power. So first, the goalkeeper will be..."
"Gagamaru Gin."
"Huh? Me?" Gagamaru was genuinely surprised by being called out.
Ego nodded. "That's right. You have the best flexibility in Blue Lock, exceptional reaction ability in sudden situations, and a physique well-suited for the goalkeeper position. You are the most ideal fit for this role. You will be the guardian of this team."
"Next, the two center-backs." Ego shifted his gaze to the crowd. "One is still in the medical room — Jyubei Aryu. His long limbs give him an extended reach far beyond normal players, granting him a decisive advantage as a central defender. Additionally, his saves against Shinichi's shots demonstrate exceptional defensive awareness and reflexes."
"The other is Raichi Jingo. Despite being one of the few players with an assist to his name, your nearly limitless stamina and aggressive defensive approach make you a perfect fit for this position. Your job will be to run tirelessly and disrupt any opponent who enters our half."
"Tsk, a defender, huh? Well, if that's what you say..." Raichi grumbled, putting on a reluctant front, but the upward curve of his mouth betrayed his obvious pride and excitement.
"Next are the two wing-backs, who need to roam both sides of the field, combining speed and technique. Left-back — Bachira Meguru. Right-back — Kurona Ranze."
"A defender too, huh... But I'll still aim for goals regardless," said Bachira with his usual cheerful demeanor, stretching casually, seemingly back to his bright self after a recent change in mood.
Kurona, on the other hand, responded with a simple, emotionless nod. "Present."
"Next, the key role responsible for transitioning between the backline and the attack — defensive midfielder: Karasu Tabito."
Without pausing much, Ego quickly explained his selection criteria. "Your evolved ball retention skills make you the best fit for this position in Blue Lock. Additionally, in several matches against Shinichi, it was you who controlled the attacking tempo. With your ability to read scoring routes and above-average analytical skills, you will act as the heart of the team."
"Whew... Tch, I knew it," Karasu smirked, visibly relieved as he nodded with a confident, mischievous grin.
"Well, with the defensive lineup settled, it's time to announce the offensive formation. First, the two wingers responsible for tearing apart the opposing formation — right winger: Tsurugi Zantetsu. Left winger: Yukimiya Kenyu."
"Yes, I am honored." Yukimiya took a deep breath, his eyes shining as he stood tall with pride.
On the other side, Zantetsu, though unsure why Shinichi always insisted he adjust his glasses before saying this, still complied quietly. "Do your best... and leave the rest to fate."
"Yukimiya has one of the top one-on-one dribbling abilities in Blue Lock. As a winger, as long as he can draw the defensive players' attention, it will greatly disrupt the opponent's structure," Ego continued.
Suddenly, Ego glanced down at Chigiri. "Oh, and a special note: Chigiri Hyoma will be the substitute for Zantetsu."
"Present!" Chigiri, caught off guard but clearly excited, paused for a moment before raising his voice enthusiastically.
"The reason I'm naming a substitute in advance is that you two have very similar playstyles — both of you use speed as your primary weapon. Since Shinichi and Zantetsu have prior experience playing together, even providing assists, I believe both of you will complement Shinichi well."
Ego tapped his tactical board. "However, as speed-based players, you both need to maintain high velocity at all times. If either of you can no longer pose a threat with speed or becomes ineffective, you will be immediately replaced."
"Yes!" ×2
"Good. Now, for the final two slots — the attacking core positioned alongside Shinichi," Ego announced.
"For the attacking midfielder role, one spot will be decided between Reo Mikage and Ryosuke Kira. So now, Kira, I need an honest answer from you."
Ego lifted his gaze, his dull, fish-like eyes locking directly onto Kira's. "Can you replicate the state you entered during the adaptive experiment?"
"I..." Kira's lips opened and closed several times, struggling to respond.
Should he lie?
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If he missed it, he might never have another chance.
Besides, with Shinichi on the team, they wouldn't lose even if his performance fell short. So if he just lied...
But after a long silence, Kira clenched his teeth and spoke slowly but clearly: "I'm sorry... that state was something I entered for the first time, and I don't have the ability to replicate it."
"Hmm... good." Ego nodded, seemingly unsurprised by Kira's honesty. "Reo Mikage will take the starting attacking midfielder position, while you'll be the substitute. Is that acceptable?"
Kira lowered his head, visibly dejected.
Ego continued without hesitation, scribbling notes on the tactical board. "In terms of pure individual attacking ability, Reo isn't superior to some players who didn't make the list. However, his ability to mirror Shinichi makes him the player with the highest potential to create synergy with Shinichi. He's also capable of following Shinichi's strategic thought process, which is why Reo has been selected."
"I... understand. I accept," Kira responded solemnly, though his head quickly shot up at Ego's next words, renewed determination flickering in his eyes.
"This isn't set in stone. The final roster hasn't been submitted yet. If you can master that state before the match, you still have a chance to make the starting lineup."
"Yes, sir!"
"For the last slot," Ego declared, "it belongs to the player who, aside from Shinichi, has the strongest individual abilities and most comprehensive skillset. Essentially, Blue Lock's current TOP2 — attacking midfielder: Itoshi Rin."
Annoyed by the "TOP2" label, Rin let out a disdainful snort but didn't say a word. Ego ignored the sulking display and was about to continue when someone from the crowd interrupted.
"Wait. Excuse me—" Reo spoke up after a long silence, "Isn't Nagi selected? Purely in terms of attacking ability, he's stronger than a lot of us, right?"
At this, Nagi, who had been quietly sitting among the crowd, subtly lifted his head, waiting for Ego's response.
"Ah... Nagi Seishiro, is it?" Ego's tone remained calm. "He's indeed an extraordinarily talented player. His ability to trap the ball in unconventional ways and score miraculous goals makes him one of the top contenders in terms of individual skill. But for this team, we don't need him."
"How... how can that be?"
"Because his playstyle relies on waiting upfront for passes from teammates and then handling the situation accordingly. In this role, Shinichi is a complete superior. Moreover, Nagi's ability to read the game and create plays for his teammates is significantly lower than that of the other forwards."
Ego gestured toward the recently selected players.
"Zantetsu, who has teamed up with Shinichi before, has good coordination with him — not much to explain there. His substitute, Chigiri, also developed decent crossing abilities during the first stage."
"While Yukimiya and Nagi are similar in terms of passing skills, Yukimiya has far less dependency on teammates. I've said this before — every single member of this team must serve Shinichi. Therefore, Yukimiya, who can independently create offensive threats, is a better choice."
"As for Rin, you, and Kira, there's no need for further discussion. You're all versatile, multi-dimensional players."
Ego concluded with a firm tone, "It's not that Nagi lacks ability. It's just that his strengths are completely overshadowed by Shinichi. Unlike the others, he doesn't offer unique value to the team in other aspects. That's why I excluded him."
"But—" Reo wanted to argue further but found himself at a loss for words. Even he couldn't articulate a convincing rebuttal.
In the end, it was Nagi himself who broke the silence.
"I got it," he said plainly, showing no sign of distress.
Seeing that Nagi accepted the decision without complaint, Ego nodded approvingly. "Good. That concludes the selection of Blue Lock's Eleven to challenge the U20 national team."
"You've got it backward, bowl-cut," Shinichi, who had been bored to death, finally interrupted with a mischievous grin.
"The U20 team? They're the challengers here."
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