Back in Japan, Isagi Yoichi refused to let his momentum falter. The intensity of Spain was behind him, but his hunger for improvement was unrelenting. Every morning began with grueling physical workouts, using a regimen inspired by elite military routines. Weighted runs, pull-ups, and core exercises pushed his body to its limits.
At night, he worked on ball control and finesse, juggling the ball in complex patterns, shooting from impossible angles, and practicing feints until his movements were second nature. He crafted drills that emphasized precision, agility, and explosiveness, gradually sculpting his body and skillset to rival even the strongest professional athletes.
His physical tests confirmed what was already apparent—his stamina, strength, and speed were elite. And yet, Isagi didn't stop there. He knew the finer details mattered just as much as raw power. His touch on the ball became feather-light, his dribbles more fluid, and his body movements so precise they bordered on artistry.
Away from the field, Isagi found time to reconnect with Neneko and Koyuki Chigiri. The distance between them during his time in Spain had made their reunion all the sweeter. They texted, called, and spent long nights together whenever they could.
It wasn't long before their relationship deepened. Quiet evenings turned into passionate nights, with Isagi discovering new sides to himself. Neneko and Koyuki were captivated by his charm, and Isagi, ever the quick learner, surprised them with his natural talent in this new arena.
"You're incredible, Yoichi," Neneko murmured one night, lying beside him with a satisfied smile.
Koyuki, resting on his other side, added with a teasing grin, "And you said you've never done this before?"
Isagi chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from Koyuki's face. "I guess I learn fast."
Their bond grew stronger with each encounter, the Chigiri women becoming an anchor for Isagi amidst his relentless pursuit of greatness.
When the new school year began, Isagi joined Ichinan high school soccer team to stay sharp and keep himself entertained. However, it didn't take long to see the flaws in the team.
No egos. No drive. No vision.
They were a group of ordinary players trying to survive matches rather than win them. For Isagi, this was both frustrating and an opportunity. If his teammates couldn't step up, he'd take it as a challenge to carry them and hone his ability to control the game single-handedly.
In matches, Isagi was a whirlwind, darting through defenders like they weren't there, pulling off impossible plays, and scoring goals that left crowds speechless. His combination of raw power, refined skill, and unmatched vision made him unstoppable.
During one game, after scoring his fourth goal in a 6-0 rout, a teammate muttered in disbelief, "He's not just the best in this prefecture… He's on a completely different level."
Isagi used these games as his personal playground, testing new techniques and strategies while cementing his status as the best player in the region.
Word spread quickly about Isagi's dominance in high school soccer. Coaches, scouts, and rival players came to watch him, though none could find a way to stop him.
Despite the praise, Isagi stayed grounded. He knew these games weren't the true test. Spain had shown him the level he needed to reach, and his time there had only scratched the surface.
For now, he honed his craft in Japan, knowing that every game, every practice, and every moment of hard work was a step closer to his ultimate goal.
As he lay in bed after another day of training and bonding with the Chigiri women, a thought crossed his mind:
"It truly was just the beginning for him, he'll take advantage of this and make sure to remain the best."
With that resolve, he drifted off to sleep, ready to conquer whatever came next.
It was a highly anticipated match: Ichinan High, led by Isagi Yoichi, versus another so-called "prodigy," Ryosuke Kira. The media hyped it as the clash of two rising stars, but for Isagi, it was just another game.
The match began, and Kira's team struggled to keep up with Isagi's sheer dominance. From the first whistle, Isagi controlled the field, dictating every play. His passes cut through defenders, his movements created spaces no one else saw, and his shots were unstoppable.
By the end of the game, the scoreline read 8-0, with Isagi scoring five goals and assisting the rest. Kira, despite his potential, was completely overshadowed.
In the post-match interview, reporters asked Isagi how he managed to play at such a high level.
Isagi's response was blunt but confident:
"Ego is what made me the best. That's how it'll always be. No ego, no greatness."
The reporters were stunned by his unfiltered honesty, while fans across Japan debated the significance of his words.
Later that evening, Isagi returned home, exhausted but satisfied. After showering and eating, he settled into his room with Koyuki Chigiri, who had dropped by for a visit.
As they lounged together, Koyuki playfully rested her head on Isagi's shoulder. "You were amazing out there today," she said, looking up at him with a warm smile.
"Thanks," Isagi replied, wrapping an arm around her. "It was just another game, though. Nothing compared to Spain."
Their quiet moment was interrupted when Isagi noticed a letter on his desk. Picking it up, he read the front: Blue Lock Project Invitation.
Curious, he opened it and quickly scanned the contents. It detailed the location, rules, and requirements for participation in the mysterious program.
"Blue Lock, huh?" Isagi muttered, smirking. "Looks like it's finally starting."
Koyuki leaned over to peek at the letter. "Blue Lock? What's that?"
"It's supposed to be some program to make Japan's next best striker," Isagi explained, tossing the letter onto the desk. "Sounds interesting. I'll check it out."
As the night wore on, Koyuki leaned closer, her playful demeanor shifting into something more serious. "Yoichi," she whispered, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "I came over for more than just soccer talk tonight."
Isagi raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin forming on his face. "Oh? And what exactly did you have in mind?"
Before they could get too far, a sudden knock on the door startled them. Isagi's mom, Iyo, called out from the other side.
"Yoichi, it's late. If you're going to do it, finish whatever you're doing, do it quickly. You'll be tired tomorrow!"
There was a moment of stunned silence before both Isagi and Koyuki burst into laughter.
"Your mom is... something else," Koyuki said, giggling uncontrollably.
"She's not wrong," Isagi replied, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Let's wrap this up and get some sleep."
The two shared a lighthearted kiss after their passionate night before settling down for the night.
As Isagi lay in bed, his mind wandered to the letter and the possibilities it held. Blue Lock could be the next step in his journey, a chance to challenge himself even further and push his limits.
But for now, he closed his eyes, content with the day's victories and ready for whatever came next.