It had been three years since the fateful match that shattered Ryoma Saito's dreams. Once hailed as a prodigy destined to become Japan's greatest striker, his name was now a whisper in the winds of obscurity. His failure to score during the U-17 World Cup semifinals had branded him as a "choker." Every news headline, every social media post, every pair of eyes reminded him of his downfall.
Now, at 21 years old, Ryoma worked part-time at a convenience store to make ends meet. He spent his evenings alone, his only companion the flickering light of his dusty TV, replaying that infamous match over and over again. The sound of the crowd's jeers haunted him.
One rainy night, as Ryoma locked up the store, a sleek black car pulled up beside him. Out stepped a man in a dark suit, his presence commanding and intense.
"Ryoma Saito," the man said, handing him a glossy black envelope. "Your talents have been wasted long enough. Blue Lock is calling you."
"Blue Lock?" Ryoma's brows furrowed. He'd heard rumors—a brutal, cutthroat training program where only the most selfish, egotistical strikers could survive. It was said to be Japan's last hope for World Cup glory.
"I'm Ego Jinpachi's assistant," the man continued. "He believes you're more than the player the world remembers. Join Blue Lock, and you'll have one final chance to reclaim your destiny."
Ryoma hesitated. His failures were chains that bound him, but this… this was a key. His pulse quickened. The thought of proving himself—not just to the world, but to the version of him that had once believed—ignited a spark within him.
"What's the catch?" Ryoma asked, his voice steady.
"Simple," the man said with a smirk. "Prove you're the best striker in Japan. Or be forgotten forever."
The rain poured harder as Ryoma opened the envelope. Inside was a ticket to Blue Lock, emblazoned with his name. His grip tightened around the paper.
This was it. His rebirth as a striker would begin now.
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Author's Note:
Welcome to Striker's Rebirth: The Flame of Ego! 🏟️ Can Ryoma overcome his past and rise to become the ultimate striker? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to add this story to your library for updates!
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