"It's been a long time — about ten years?" Jinpachi adjusted his glasses, his gaze settling on the other person, "Tatsuya Fukuda, you were quite the sensation back then. I didn't expect you'd come to watch the match."
"What sensation? I was just a mediocre player in the end."
Tatsuya shrugged, turning his attention to the stage where the Football Association chairman continued his lengthy speech about the players.
"But what about you? Why start this Blue Lock project? I remember when you were in Germany, determined to become the world's number one forward. Now your former teammate Noel Noa holds that title, while you've returned here like a ghost — no one even remembers your name."
"Indeed, I'm now a ghost possessed by the world's number one." Jinpachi sighed softly, "You didn't come to reminisce, did you? Like me, you're just another player left behind by time, even if you're now supervising at a famous club."
"That's right." Tatsuya smiled, "Though Blue Lock has survived, your philosophy seems not entirely applicable. Still, I'm very interested in your project. Our club recently acquired some promising young players."
His eyes narrowed slightly as his gaze grew distant.
"I thought if anyone could develop these kids' potential, it would be you. That's why I'm here to ask for your help."
"Oh?"
A meaningful expression crossed Jinpachi's face.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
After the press conference, the U-20 team members finished their showers and changed clothes.
Before returning to the locker room, Ryōsuke had been doused with countless bottles of champagne.
He was undoubtedly today's star — no one had expected a newcomer who'd only been with the U-20 team for a few weeks would become the team's absolute core.
Sae didn't linger in the locker room; after exchanging contact information with Ryōsuke, he left the field immediately.
"Kira! And all U-20 members, please wait!" Anri called out as others packed their things, "Thank you all for your hard work today! Blue Lock would like to treat everyone to dinner! We've prepared a luxurious feast!"
The match venue had been renovated by Blue Lock — Jinpachi had planned for this when developing the project.
"We get dinner!"
"Great!"
"Let's go!"
Ryōsuke quickly joined his teammates in following Anri to Blue Lock's dining hall.
The Blue Lock players were already there, and the tables were laden with delicacies — lobster, abalone, curry hamburgers, and premium steaks — dishes that Blue Lock members rarely enjoyed.
Thanks to substantial funding from the Football Association after the match, Anri had arranged this lavish celebration feast.
As Jinpachi had declared, Blue Lock had succeeded — not only making its mark on the world but also ensuring its survival. This triumph belonged to everyone present.
Despite their fierce battle on the field, the post-match atmosphere was harmonious. Players from both teams mingled, discussing the match and sharing football stories.
The match had been spectacular, marking a milestone in everyone's growth.
Yet their competitive spirit remained intact.
"Don't underestimate Blue Lock, U-20 members! Let's have another match!"
"Come on, let's see who can finish these five plates of meat first!"
"Who's afraid of who!"
While most players chatted and laughed, a few stood apart from the festivities.
Seishirō played mobile games while eating — he considered eating a nuisance that kept him from gaming.
Beside him, Reo dutifully peeled shrimp shells, acting like a personal servant.
Tabito wanted to join in, but his throat was raw from shouting commands like "Block it! Block it even if you break bones! Block it even if you die!" during the match. Kenyū suspected that all this yelling was the main cause of his exhaustion.
Shoei ate alone, avoiding the U-20 members. The match's loss had soured his mood, leaving him silent and withdrawn.
Similarly, Rin sat in a corner, scanning the room for his brother Sae. Upon confirming Sae's absence, he took a few bites and left, shunning all interaction.
Unlike the others, Ryūsei fit right in with his outgoing personality, immediately befriending the U-20 members.
"Hey, old man! When are you taking me to those fun places? You know the ones!"
"Who're you calling old man? I keep telling you we're the same age." Oliver laughed, "But I can't guarantee you can handle it! Those ladies are something else!"
Across the cafeteria, Ryōsuke was savoring his meal with intense focus, tears streaming down his face.
Delicious!
"Hey, why is Kira crying?" Rensuke whispered to Teppei, looking puzzled.
"Probably because he's finally eating real food." Teppei replied dryly, "He's been surviving on his girlfriend's lunch boxes until now..."
Every day before the match, Ryōsuke would bring Riko's homemade lunches to training, drawing envious looks from his teammates.
Oliver, driven by curiosity, eventually convinced Ryōsuke to let him try a bite — despite Ryōsuke's repeated warnings about his safety.
That day, the U-20 team witnessed Oliver's first breakdown.
One bite was all it took — he collapsed, convulsing on the ground. Kazuma, doubting it could be that bad, tried it next and promptly passed out.
Later, Ryōsuke even offered some to Sae, who was training alone nearby.
Teppei had never seen Sae's normally stoic face contort quite like that before.
"What you're eating is vomi…" Sae caught himself mid-word, apparently for Ryōsuke's sake, then simply shook his head and walked away.
From that day forward, everyone on the field gained newfound respect for Ryōsuke. They'd never seen anyone turn eating into such intense training.
"I get it now..." Rensuke nodded shakily, all too familiar with Riko's culinary capabilities.
During the first selection round, someone had fallen ill just from looking at her cooking. The fact that Oliver could take even one bite made him heroic.
And Ryōsuke ate it every single day? No wonder he was so powerful!
With such extraordinary willpower, was this how he trained? His fearlessness in the face of death was remarkable!
"Perhaps if I follow this example, I might achieve a breakthrough too..." Rensuke's expression grew serious as a bold idea formed in his mind.
As Teppei had said, Ryōsuke was moved to tears by this delicious food.
He hadn't eaten normal food for almost a month. His taste buds had completely numbed, adapting to Riko's otherworldly cooking that defied modern culinary standards. Now, Blue Lock's food had shattered his defenses.
The invincible Ryōsuke had fallen... to food. Only after seeing the light could one truly know the darkness they'd endured.
Never had he imagined he would miss Blue Lock's cafeteria this much.
Ryōsuke wiped his tears while opening his system interface.
〘 Congratulations! Earned Competition Points: 1000! 〙
〘 Achievement Unlocked 'Rising Star': Your fame has reached notable levels, significantly increasing skill proficiency growth rate! 〙
— — — — — — — — — —
〚 Host: Ryōsuke Kira 〛
〚 Current Competition Points: 1150 〛
〚 Demon Slayer Tree Skills: 〛
〚 Skill: Transparent World | Level: 2 | EXP: 13.3% 〛
〚 Thunder Breathing Tree Skills: 〛
〚 Skill: Thunder Breathing - Total Concentration | Level: 5 | EXP: MAX 〛
〚 Skill: Thunder Breathing - First Form: Thunderclap and Flash | Status: Upgradable | Level: 4 | EXP: 100% 〛
〚 Upgrade Cost: 200 Competition Points 〛
〚 Skill: Thunder Breathing - Second Form: Rice Spirit | Level: 4 | EXP: 33.9% 〛
〚 Skill: Thunder Breathing - Third Form: Thunder Swarm | Status: Upgradable | Level: 3 | EXP: 100% 〛
〚 Upgrade Cost: 150 Competition Points 〛
〚 Skill: Thunder Breathing - Fourth Form: Distant Thunder | Level: 3 | EXP: 32.1% 〛
— — — — — — — — — —
This match had earned Ryōsuke far more Competition Points than any previous match.
The combination of exceptional skill displayed by both teams and the nationwide broadcast exposure had resulted in this unprecedented point gain.
Without hesitation, he upgraded his skills that had reached 100% proficiency. His Thunderclap and Flash reached Level 5 while Thunder Swarm advanced to Level 4, strengthening his abilities even further.
But for Ryōsuke, this was merely the first step. Greater challenges lay ahead, with increasingly formidable opponents on the horizon.
Blue Lock's second phase, the 'Big Five' Leagues, the New Generation World XI, legendary superstars — and beyond that, the U-20 World Youth Cup, where he would face the world's elite young talents.
A long road stretched before Ryōsuke.
Yet he embraced the challenge with open arms!
His target was now nothing less than the entire world.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Meanwhile, Blue Lock had captured global attention.
Jinpachi was already preparing for Blue Lock's second phase.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Germany, Bastard München Youth Academy.
Michael Kaiser was showering when his phone rang. He shut off the water, quickly grabbed his phone, and listened intently to the caller.
"Blue Lock... Of course, I've heard of it, I'm very interested... Yes, I'll participate. Naturally, this is also a learning opportunity for me."
Michael set down his phone, a calculating smile crossing his face.
"This is Noel's club — he's the absolute core, and everyone must revolve around him." He muttered, "I'll never become number one in the world if I stay here... Blue Lock is my perfect stepping stone. I can use this opportunity to increase my value and secure a transfer to another club... I need a stepping stone! A circus clown to make the protagonist shine... Ryōsuke Kira, you'll serve perfectly as my stepping stone to greatness."
Michael's eyes narrowed with fierce anticipation.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Italy, Ubers Youth Academy.
"Blue Lock? Yeah, I've heard of it. Just watched the match briefly — that guy in the white uniform performed really well. Ryōsuke Kira, was it? Wonder how many millions he's worth without a club? Should be quite a lot soon, since he seems to be their ace~"
A man with an unnaturally thin, almost deformed figure spoke into his phone, his blindingly bright gold teeth flashing. His entire demeanor was unsettling — anyone present would have found him deeply disturbing.
Don Lorenzo, one of the New Generation World XI, was known as "The Ace Eater", the terrifying defender and strongest wall in Ubers' youth team!
"Yeah yeah, that Blue Lock project — I can use this chance to increase my value! Devouring those aces, right? Wonder how much money I can make~ Can't wait~"
Lorenzo's smile was full of greed, like a hungry beast.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
At the airport on the other side, a plane from Brazil slowly touched down.
❖❖❖
T/N: Hey! Liked what you read? Support your friendly neighborhood translator on Patreon! Think of it as buying me a coffee... or ten!
For just $1.50 (that's less than your daily meme budget), get extra chapters! Want more? $2 gets you bonus content, $5 unlocks premium stories, and $10 makes you my hero (and gets you everything I have, including earlier acess to new books)!
That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)
https://www.patreon.com/collection/1305258