Blue Lock: Beyond Greatness

"Replace... the U20 National Team..." Isagi stared blankly at Ego above him.

Not long ago, he was just a nobody who failed in the prefectural tournament.

Now, if he could win this match, he would achieve his dream of becoming a U20 representative player.

"I'm going to... use my own strength to change my life in this match!"

"The match will take place in three weeks: the U20 National Team, led by Itoshi Sae, versus the Blue Lock Selection Team."

"Wait, hold on. I know this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but how are we going to choose the 11 players for the match? Everyone here is a forward, right?" Raichi quickly pointed out the issue.

Gagamaru Gin, while picking his nose, chimed in, "Yeah, and what about midfielders and defenders? You're not picking all of them from us, are you?"

"Of course, we are," Ego replied matter-of-factly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "The goalkeeper too. The opportunity is right here, and it won't wait. With the limited time we have, we'll form a team using only the players we have now."

His words caused a wave of shock among the group.

"This is way too reckless..." Tokimitsu instinctively shrank his neck. "The opposing team is full of professionally trained players for each position."

"Yeah, but this kind of desperate madness is pretty cool. I don't hate it"

"Don't get it wrong, you resource-wasting trash." Ego abruptly interrupted the chatter with an unusually impatient tone, his gaze filled with disdain as he looked down at the crowd.

"This isn't a match to see whether you win or lose. It's nothing more than a predetermined victory ritual."

"But it's not because of you talentless losers," Ego continued, his voice dripping with contempt. "It's because someone among you has reached a top-level standard. Be grateful. Being in Blue Lock alongside him is probably the luckiest moment of your pathetic lives. Just by following his lead, you might be able to change your fate."

Shinichi could feel Ego's piercing gaze lingering on his face. Sure enough, Ego's next words shifted the focus directly to him.

"Now, let me introduce you to the undisputed top player in Blue Lock—Shinichi Kanzaki," Ego announced.

"You parasites, despite having access to the best training facilities, remain utterly useless. From now on, your sole task is to devote yourselves entirely to supporting this TOP1," Ego declared, a sly smirk creeping onto his face. "Alright, Shinichi, you must be tired. Go and get some rest."

Shinichi rolled his eyes, fully aware that Ego was deliberately setting him up as a target to motivate the others.

However, he chose not to confront Ego about it.

Without a word, he turned and walked toward a newly opened passageway, his expression emotionless.

As Shinichi's figure disappeared into the corridor and the large door closed behind him, Ego turned his gaze back to the group.

Their faces were a mix of frustration, bitterness, and unwillingness, emotions so intense they practically overflowed from the screens monitoring the room.

"Excuse me, Mr. Ego, I want to know why he is ranked first. What is the gap between me and him?" Yukimiya, gritting his teeth, broke the silence and raised his hand to ask.

"Feeling unwilling to accept it? Fine, then I'll lay out the harsh truth for you." Ego, as if deliberately fanning the flames, casually produced a carbonated drink from nowhere and took a large sip, relishing the chance to provoke the group further.

"It's simple. You worthless bunch failed to make any impact when facing world-class players, while Shinichi Kanzaki was the only one capable of even slightly competing against them."

"In a Blue Lock match where almost everyone else delivered zero results, Shinichi alone scored two goals and provided one assist. That assist, by the way, went to the only other player who managed to score—Itoshi Rin."

"In other words, Shinichi Kanzaki is now a player in a completely different dimension from all of you."

...

"In the match against Noel Noa, he scored two goals?" Isagi's eyes widened in disbelief.

He could still vividly remember the overwhelming sense of helplessness he felt when facing a world-class player.

Back then, his mind had been filled with awe and admiration, not even entertaining the thought of victory.

All he had wanted was to perform slightly better in front of his idol.

But Shinichi actually managed to hold his own against such an opponent!

A spark ignited in Isagi's eyes. "I've fallen even further behind him without realizing it… But it's not time to slack off yet. I have to get even stronger."

While Isagi silently reaffirmed his resolve, Ego fixed his dead-fish eyes on Yukimiya. "Do you understand now? Four-eyes."

"…Yes." Yukimiya reluctantly nodded, though his expression still bore traces of unwillingness.

Ego, however, seemed slightly pleased as he continued, "Good. Feeling unwilling is the correct response. If any of you, aspiring to become the world's best striker, accepted Shinichi Kanzaki's status without question after hearing his stats and admitted your inferiority, then you'd be beyond saving."

"Now, you have one last chance to prove yourselves. There will be an additional selection phase. You'll be divided into two groups—one teaming up with Shinichi Kanzaki, and the other competing against him."

"Whether you become a vital asset who can assist Shinichi or shine by standing out in your opposition against him, this final match is your opportunity to showcase your worth."

"This is your next task: find a way to preserve your individuality under the shadow of this all-dominating monster. Don't let Shinichi Kanzaki's brilliance overshadow your sense of self. Assert your value as irreplaceable players, coexist with him, and use his light to surpass your own limits. In doing so, establish your independence and build a healthy, mutually beneficial relationship."

"Alternatively, you can choose to oppose Shinichi Kanzaki. In doing so, you must withstand the immense pressure he brings, push yourself beyond your limits under that pressure, and showcase your potential and brilliance in front of him. Prove yourself as an equal who can stand on the same level as Shinichi in direct competition—this is what we call a relationship of opposition."

"Mutual benefit or opposition—that is the theme of this Special Adaptation Experiment for Shinichi. Those who perform outstandingly in this process will have their names included in the starting lineup of 11 players, which I will select based entirely on my own judgment and preferences."

As if suddenly remembering something, Ego picked up a file. "Ah, right. During the match against the U20 team, they will temporarily select 2-3 players from Blue Lock—excluding Shinichi Kanzaki—to join their team based on their needs."

"So, don't worry about being sidelined because your personality or style might clash with Shinichi's. Your brilliance might catch their attention just as well."

"Now, make your choice. Will you pursue the path of mutual benefit and collaboration, where it's easier to showcase your individuality? Or will you stick to your selfishness and individuality through opposition? This will be the most crucial decision of your lives."

"Your future and destiny are now in your own hands!"

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