The day finally arrived. The match between Japan's U-20 and Blue Lock was set to take place in just two weeks. This wasn't just a game—it was a turning point. For Japan. For Rin. For me.
As Sae Itoshi, I wasn't just a cog in this system. I was the engine. My role would dictate how this story played out, and I wasn't going to let it follow the same script as the original.
Preparation for the Match
The training grounds were quiet save for the rhythmic thuds of the ball. I had requested a private session with a few of my current teammates from the U-20 squad. Not because I needed their help, but because I needed to fine-tune my synergy with them.
The ball flew across the field, cutting through defenders like a knife. My passing accuracy was as perfect as ever, but I didn't just want perfect—I wanted unrivaled.
I had spent hours analyzing the original U-20 match. The weaknesses of every player, the strategies they used, the moments Sae had pulled back to observe instead of pushing forward. Those moments weren't mistakes—they were wasted opportunities.
"Again!" I barked, sending a piercing cross-field pass to the right winger.
The ball arched beautifully, landing precisely at his feet. But his touch was off, and the ball spun out of control.
"You can't play at this level if you can't control that pass," I snapped, my voice sharp.
The winger nodded, embarrassed but determined. That was fine—I wasn't here to coddle anyone.
One week before the match, I arrived at the Blue Lock facility to pick up my chosen striker. I found Nagi in the middle of a training match against team B .
I leaned against the rail, watching him. His movements were as unorthodox as they were graceful. A casual flick here, a perfectly-timed touch there. Nagi Seishiro played as if the world was moving in slow motion around him.
But something was missing.
"Too lazy," I muttered under my breath.
After the match, Ego brought Nagi over to me. The boy looked disinterested, his hands shoved in his pockets, but his eyes gleamed with untapped potential.
"So, you're the prodigy who's going to play for me?" Nagi said with a curiosity.
I raised an eyebrow. "Not for me. With me. If you can keep up, that is."
His bored face faltered for a moment before returning. "Heh. We'll see."
As the days rolled closer to the U20 match, I met with japan u20 players for the practice match . Their excitement thrummed in the air like electricity. I could feel ; anticipation swirled around me, mingling with a subtle sense of dread. This match wasn't just a practice run; it was their turning point of newly crafted destiny. My mind drifted between strategies and players, but one thought anchored me: should i play as a striker?
this thought always goes in my mind .I never played football in my previous life but my sister was a fan of messi so sometime i watched it . In my opinion, midfielder,defender,goalkeeper and striker were equally good . I never understood why in blue lock players are crazy about striker.
After a shower,i entered the room to see
Nagi playing a video game in his phone.Like anime his features were kinda similar. He was quite into his phone so i had to babysit someone who is 10 cm taller than me??
One thing i noticed was i was growing . I was 185 cm tall in past life and the feeling of having the same ease while running came to me . " this means i not only have sae's abilities but mine too " I muttered to myself in the field.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the training pitch. The world buzzed around me, but my focus was razor-sharp. I watched as players stretched and exchanged banter, the unity of a team that thrived on competition. Among them, I searched for individuals who could complement my vision—a team molded by ambition and skill.
"Hey, Sae!" Nagi called out, his laid-back attitude a stark contrast to the energy surrounding us. "You really think our team can take on blue lock ? "
"I don't think ,nagi" I replied, my voice steady. "excluding me ,noone in our team can challange a team from blue lock and that's why i choose you to score".
Nagi tilted his head, scratching the back of his neck in contemplation. "So you're saying you want me to play to win? Not just casually score goals?"
"Exactly. I need players who aren't just good—they need to feel the fire of competition. It's not enough to be a prodigy; they need the hunger in their hearts."
Nagi nodded, a flicker of determination lighting up his eyes. "Alright, I'm in then. Just let me know when you want to execute those crazy plays of yours."
Time flashed by as I trained hard and tried to improve the original team, molding our skills like clay. Every dribble, every pass, every strategic play brought them closer to my playstyle. I could tell the shift in the team's aura; no longer were delusional like the manga and shitted the first half despite sae giving them opportunity .
I didn't want them to reject nagi so when we were practicing i approached aiku ,the u20 captain and defender of u20. I placed a bet with u20 players . The bet was to play 2 vs 11 . they were pissed at first but came to accept the bet to show their capabilities .I have to crush their mentality and then make them enough to rival blue lock in defense.