Meanwhile, Anri and other logistics staff brought plastic buckets to everyone's side.
"What are these for?"
Nijirō's face was filled with confusion, completely unaware of what they planned to do with these buckets.
Nearby, Ashito, Yoichi, and others casually took a bucket each.
"Isagi, what is this bucket for?"
"For vomiting."
"Huh?" Nijirō looked confused, but he wasn't given time to think as he was dragged aside to begin today's training.
All the physical training rooms in Blue Lock were packed with people, each wearing different expressions.
Some remained calm and composed, like Ryōsuke, who had already adapted to this high-intensity training. Those who had previously trained with him as teammates could barely keep up.
Others wore pained expressions — their bodies clearly suffering.
"Don't you dare stop!"
"You damn brat, do the movements properly!"
"I'll kill you if you slack off again!"
Kagetora's face took on a demonic expression as he swung the whip in his hand, striking the ground with terrifying cracks.
At this moment, Blue Lock resembled a cotton field from a certain country's special era.
Even the usually merciless Jinpachi was momentarily shocked by these methods. He hadn't expected Kagetora to use such means...
Was this the secret to Ryōsuke's strength?
Some had a resigned look, as if they had become walking corpses — Nijirō among them. Their brains had completely shut down, seemingly unable to accept what was happening.
Others still had faces full of fighting spirit.
"Why haven't you stopped yet, little Rin-Rin!" Ryūsei panted as he taunted Rin who was running at high speed beside him.
"This is nothing but child's play for me. Rather, you antenna pest, if you can't handle it anymore, just stop." Rin retorted mercilessly.
"I still have plenty of energy! Want to have a competition, Rin-Rin? Let's see who can last longer!"
"Boring, but there's no way you can beat me!"
"Is that so?"
"Bring it on!"
As Ryūsei and Rin sped up for their competition, Kagetora watched them from a distance.
"These two aren't bad, they look very motivated. I should increase the intensity a bit more and add some content for them!" His face broke into a smile.
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Several hours later, today's physical training had ended. After washing up, everyone headed to the cafeteria. Despite the abundant training facilities and equipment, everyone shared the same cafeteria to avoid wasting resources.
The cafeteria was spacious, easily accommodating over a hundred people. Currently, more than fifty people were eating there in deathly silence.
Exhaustion marked every face; many couldn't even summon the strength to lift their chopsticks, much less speak.
'So tired...'
'No appetite...'
'Want to sleep...'
Only now did everyone realize how merciful the previous physical training at Blue Lock had been. This was on an entirely different level.
Now they finally appreciated Jinpachi…
Meanwhile, Rin and Ryūsei sat at the same table near the entrance — an unusual sight. Even more remarkable was that they had sat together without arguing for quite some time.
Typically, they would begin taunting each other within seconds of meeting, but now they sat opposite each other in silence.
They had chosen this table strategically — it was closest to the main door, requiring minimal walking.
The reason for their peaceful coexistence was simple: both were too exhausted to even think about provoking each other.
After several minutes, Ryūsei finally gathered enough energy to speak.
"This kind of competition really is meaningless."
"That's one of the few things I agree with you on, you antenna pest." Rin replied, his voice noticeably weakened.
It was precisely their competitive spirit that had led to their current state. Kagetora had noticed their enthusiasm and mistakenly thought the training wasn't intense enough, so he arranged additional exercises for them.
With their immense pride, both Rin and Ryūsei pretended Kagetora's additional exercises were no big deal and forced themselves to accept the challenge.
The result was their current pitiful state.
After about half an hour, the others finished eating and gradually recovered enough strength to leave the cafeteria.
Yet Rin and Ryūsei remained firmly seated.
"You've clearly finished eating, Rin-Rin. Why aren't you leaving?" Ryūsei narrowed his eyes at his rival.
"I haven't finished yet." Rin replied, picking up his chopsticks to take a single grain of rice from his bowl. His hand trembled visibly as he slowly placed it in his mouth.
"Is it because your legs have no strength left and you can't walk?" Ryūsei laughed mockingly.
"Ridiculous. This level of training barely affects me. Aren't you actually describing yourself? Your legs must be too weak to stand up."
"Don't be silly. I just ate too much and am a bit full, that's all."
"Then just sit."
"Whatever."
These two had their entire bodies weakened from excessive training... Only their mouths remained strong.
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Elsewhere, Ryōsuke packed a meal instead of eating in the cafeteria and quickly headed to Jinpachi's monitoring room to discuss tactical training.
The team needed to improve not only physical fitness and soccer skills but also teamwork.
"What ideas do you have, Kira?" Jinpachi asked while slurping some fried noodles.
"First, we need to determine each player's position." Ryōsuke said, "Once positions are set, group training will be much more effective."
"Go on."
"For goalkeeper, Genzō Wakabayashi is undoubtedly the best choice — however, his recovery should be our priority right now. It would be best to keep him off the field even during preliminaries. Ken Wakashimazu is currently our most suitable goalkeeper candidate."
Ryōsuke explained that while Genzō might be the strongest goalkeeper available, his injury couldn't be ignored. Forcing him to play before full recovery could potentially cause permanent damage to his professional career.
"Hmm, I agree."
"For the defensive line, Oliver Aiku is naturally a defender with outstanding defensive ability; Ikki Niko's vision and field awareness work well on defense. He pairs easily with Yoichi Isagi — one defensive, one offensive; Gin Gagamaru has excellent physical qualities and flexibility, making him ideal for defense; and Tabito Karasu's analytical skills can be valuable on the defensive end.
In midfield, Sae Itoshi, Tsubasa Ōzora, and Haruhisa Kuribayashi are our strongest options. Yoichi Isagi, Ashito Aoi, Yō Hiori, and Reo Mikage can all serve organizational roles. Rin Itoshi fits here too, while Seishirō Nagi could work as an attacking midfielder. Hyōma Chigiri, Meguru Bachira, and Rensuke Kunigami can handle the flanks to support our attack. We're not lacking talent at all in midfield.
As for forwards, besides myself, Shōei Barō, Kojiro Hyuga, and Ryūsei Shidō all have top-tier attacking abilities. Kenyū Yukimiya is also impressive. Plus, several players I've mentioned can flex into forward positions when needed."
Ryōsuke analyzed everyone's technical characteristics.
"However, what's most crucial is seeing whether players can develop chemistry with each other."
"Indeed, chemistry is extremely important."
"I think we should work in small groups, rotating and trying different combinations. The practice players will also improve our training efficiency. Let's start with a basic 4-3-3 formation, then try other variations later." Ryōsuke had clearly made thorough preparations.
"Alright, let's proceed as you suggested." Jinpachi nodded, "Give them a few hours to rest first, then begin training."
After explaining his training plan, Ryōsuke left the meeting room.
As he opened the door, he found Sae leaning against the corridor wall.
"Sae."
"Having twenty-three players makes no sense." Sae said bluntly, "Only eleven can play at once. Even with substitutes, that's just fourteen players. We should let only the best fourteen take the field — the rest are just wasting time. Besides, forwards are the core, right? Other positions hardly matter."
His meaning was clear — there were too many players, which was unnecessary.
It was enough to form a team with the strongest players; group training was merely a waste of time.
"That's not necessarily true. On the field, chemistry between players matters far more than individual ability. You should understand this." Ryōsuke replied seriously, "You saw our match against PXG. Even those who seem to lack talent can create miracles..."
He walked directly up to Sae.
"On the field, every position and every player is indispensable — that's what makes a team."
"I don't agree with your thinking, Kira. You're too accommodating. Players like Ashito Aoi shouldn't even qualify for the National Team."
"I treat everyone equally. Whether it's Ashito or anyone else, everyone has earned their place through their own abilities. All of them — including the practice players — are contributing to our championship goal, so they deserve respect."
As he spoke, Ryōsuke's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze sharpening.
"Besides, Sae Itoshi, I don't care if you approve of my ideas or not. If you have objections to my methods, prove it with your soccer."
He emitted a wave of pressure that Sae clearly felt.
Sae looked at him, his face unchanged, making it impossible to read his emotions.
Nevertheless, he nodded, "I understand. I'll cooperate with your instructions."
The usually arrogant young man now raised no objections to Ryōsuke's words.
He acknowledged Ryōsuke's abilities — and was curious about how far he could lead this team. This curiosity was precisely why he had chosen to come to Blue Lock.
"One more thing, Sae — be mindful of your manners when speaking to others. At least show basic courtesy and respect, especially stop using strange metaphors to mock others."
After hearing this, Sae was taken aback. He thought for a few seconds before responding.
"I had no malice in that. I was merely stating my mental activities as facts. When I previously said the U-20 Team's techniques were like vomit, I had no ill intent, it really was like..."
"Enough, enough..." Ryōsuke rubbed his temples helplessly, seemingly thinking of a solution, "From now on, if you want to say something like that, just use the opposite expressions..."
Just then, his terminal rang — it was Kagetora looking for him.
"I'll go ahead then. Try to get along with your teammates; perhaps you'll discover joy you've never felt before!"
Ryōsuke immediately ran down the corridor in another direction.
Sae remained standing alone, pondering Ryōsuke's words, "The opposite expression? What's the antonym of vomit?"
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Ryōsuke had only taken a few steps when he heard familiar voices around the corner.
"Don't tell anyone about today, you antenna pest!"
"Who would talk about it? Let's just call today's competition a draw!"
From the voices, he recognized Rin and Ryūsei, but something puzzled him — these two weren't bickering for once.
Curious, Ryōsuke approached... only to find Rin and Ryūsei supporting each other by the shoulders, using the wall for balance as they struggled to move.
"…" x3
The three of them stared at each other awkwardly, left with nothing but silence.
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