"Barō, you actually know how to pass the ball?" Seishirō turned his head, looking at Shōei with a puzzled expression.
He had known this for some time, especially during the second stage when he led Manshine City against Ubers and personally witnessed the completely transformed "King".
"Shut up, this ball was supposed to be passed back to me, but you just stole it." Shōei responded with a serious tone.
"Looks like His Majesty is getting agitated."
"Agitated? Why would I be agitated by someone who lost to me? Don't forget that your Manchester City lost to us."
"That's only because Hyuga and that zombie guy were too good. We only lost by one goal. And don't forget how our Team V completely destroyed you when you first came to Blue Lock."
"That was just an insignificant match. In the recent game, you lost to me."
The two started bickering, while Kojiro on the side shook his head helplessly, thinking that there weren't many normal people in Blue Lock.
Compared to them, he actually seemed quite mature and steady.
However, despite their banter, there was no doubt that the coordination between them was quite good.
Was this what they call… tsundere?
Kojiro didn't really understand, nor did he want to get involved in their conversation — otherwise he might be assimilated by them.
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On the other side, Ashito was practicing defense with Oliver, Ikki and others.
"This kid is amazing." Oliver couldn't help but express admiration as he watched Ashito running on the field.
Due to the morning training, everyone's energy was severely depleted, but even so, Ashito was still practicing with all his might — without any reservations, completely draining his energy.
Although Ashito didn't have much experience in defense, he was trying hard to keep up with everyone else's progress.
"He used to be quite rough in all aspects, but now he has transformed into what he is today. Ashito has changed a lot." Ikki remarked.
In the past, Ashito wanted to be the most dazzling forward, showing himself off as much as possible on the field.
But now, his thinking has changed. He previously thought that forward was the most important position, but after coming to Blue Lock and seeing Ryōsuke's performance, he realized how wrong his previous thinking was.
On the field, every position is crucial. It's not just forwards who can shine; midfielders and defenders can also radiate their own brilliance.
Ashito recognized his limitations compared to others and now focused on using his strengths to contribute to the team.
A truly excellent player is one who helps secure victory for the team.
"That's enough for today. Ashito, take a break."
"It's fine, I can practice more!" Ashito wiped away his sweat and said with a smile.
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From this day forward, Blue Lock's preparation for the U-20 World Cup was on track.
Every morning, they endured hellish physical training that nearly drained their bodies completely.
Tear down, rebuild — through extreme exhaustion, everyone's physical fitness improved dramatically, and they gradually adapted to this intense training regimen.
The daytime practice consumed enormous energy, and players needed to replenish through proper nutrition.
Hana Ichijō and others joined Blue Lock as logistics personnel, preparing dishes specifically designed to help players recover energy as quickly as possible.
When extremely fatigued, appetite typically decreases, but Hana's exquisite culinary skills created dishes that were visually appealing, aromatic, and delicious — enhancing the athletes' desire to eat.
Only by eating well and abundantly could energy be recovered faster.
After witnessing Hana's outstanding culinary talents, Riko consulted her about improving cooking skills.
For Hana, that was the darkest period of her life.
But overall, there were some positive results. At least Riko's cooking skills had improved to a level acceptable to people of the current era.
After lunch, everyone had a few hours of rest, followed by simulation training in small groups, with different combinations practicing defense, offense, and transitions.
This was not only practice for tactics but also an opportunity for players to build chemistry with each other.
Previously, they were the type who thought highly of themselves and refused to pass the ball, but now each player's mindset had changed to varying degrees.
Shōei had transformed under Marc Snuffy's guidance, learning that passing could make him more threatening. Although he still believed all passes were preparation for his own scoring, it was overall a good sign of progress.
The relationship between Rin and Sae had improved, with Rin performing more actively when his brother was present. His hostility toward Ryōsuke had also diminished; for the sake of victory, he would now create opportunities for his teammates.
As for Ryūsei, there's no need to elaborate. If Ryōsuke told him to go east, he would never go west. From a formerly notorious troublemaker, he had been transformed into a diligent team member. When others were tired, you could hear him and Rin exchanging sarcastic remarks like a comedy duo.
In their remaining time, players would engage in soccer skills training or independent practice.
During this period, the National Team's strength and cohesion had improved significantly.
The sparring players had also enhanced their abilities considerably, enabling them to put genuine pressure on the starting team during practice and helping the starters further refine their skills.
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One week before the U-20 World Cup began, Jinpachi gathered everyone together again.
"First of all, thank you all for your hard work during this time." As he spoke, he glanced at Kagetora behind him.
The level of physical training that Kagetora had arranged exceeded his expectations.
"There's one week left before the U-20 World Cup begins. We first need to advance from the AFC Qualifiers to enter the main tournament. These are our opponents in the qualifiers..."
{T/N: For those unfamiliar with the tournament structure, the U-20 World Cup qualifies teams through six continental competitions: AFC (Asian Football Confederation): 4 teams, CAF (Confederation of African Football): 4 teams, CONCACAF (North/Central America and Caribbean): 4 teams, CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation): 4 teams, OFC (Oceania Football Confederation): 2 teams, and UEFA (European Football Associations): 5 teams. One qualifier might already be in the tournament as the host nation, completing the 24-team lineup. I'm not certain if Blue Lock follows this exact format.}
As Jinpachi spoke, the screen behind him changed, clearly displaying the names of several countries.
"Although these are just qualifiers, the teams from these countries are quite strong — however, among them, we only have one opponent worth paying special attention to." He pushed up his glasses, "Thailand, their key player Singprasert Bunnag and the three Khongsawat Brothers are quite formidable opponents. But regardless of who we face, we need to win at this stage. Since we have very little time left, I've already decided on the starting lineup. We should maintain a fixed lineup throughout the qualifiers. Once the lineup is settled, it will be easier to proceed with further tactical training."
The reason Jinpachi gathered everyone was to announce the starting lineup. The eleven starters had been discussed in advance with Ryōsuke.
"Understood."
Everyone nodded.
"First, because our team has excellent attacking capabilities, I will temporarily adopt a 4-3-3 formation: four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards."
The 4-3-3 formation is a purely offensive soccer tactic that once swept across the world of football.
The 4-3-3 formation maximizes firepower with three forwards, while the three midfielders can advance to provide support when needed. This formation demands exceptional forwards to reach its full potential.
During the U-20 Match, Jinpachi had employed a 4-5-1 formation with Rin as the absolute core. However, after reviewing everyone's training performance and considering Ryōsuke's suggestions, he decided to modify the team's formation to better utilize the other forwards' abilities.
"For the center forward position, it's Ryōsuke Kira, without question. He is our offensive core, and all team actions will revolve around him." Jinpachi stated.
No one had any objections to this decision.
"Next are the two wingers. On the left is Kojiro Hyuga. Your attacking ability and aggressiveness during Blue Lock's League were second only to Ryōsuke. The left flank is yours — use that powerful right foot to shoot them..."
"Leave it to me!" Kojiro firmly patted his chest, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit.
Representing the National Team again was a great honor for him.
"And on the right, Shōei Barō. In previous matches, you demonstrated extraordinary attacking ability, and your playing style has matured considerably. You've also developed passing and supporting capabilities. You've earned your place as a starter on the National Team." Jinpachi said.
Shōei nodded calmly, showing little emotion.
For him, this was his path to the throne.
The current Shōei was more mature than before and wouldn't let such things affect his emotions. A mature "King" was more threatening than ever.
"Tch." Ryūsei shook his head slightly.
When Shōei appeared in the starting lineup, he knew his own chances were slim.
"You three forwards are our team's most potent attackers. You will be the spearhead of our National Team." Jinpachi continued, "The goalkeeper position will be filled by Ken Wakashimazu for now. Genzō Wakabayashi's hand injury hasn't healed, so he won't play in the qualifiers. However, Wakashimazu, this doesn't mean you're merely Wakabayashi's backup. If you perform exceptionally, you'll retain the starting goalkeeper position. Wakabayashi, you understand this as well, correct?"
"Yes, I'll definitely protect our team's goal!" Ken nodded vigorously and clenched his fist with determination.
"I understand. As long as it leads to the team's victory, I accept it." Genzō replied.
"Next are the three midfielders. Their role is the most complex — connecting the front and back lines, supporting attacks, and more. Fortunately, we have abundant midfield talent. First, in the central position is Tsubasa Ōzora. You are our attacking midfielder."
"Yes, I'll give it my all." Tsubasa nodded seriously.
"Although you're a midfielder, you'll essentially function as a shadow striker — our fourth forward during attacks. Now, we need someone to act as the organizer — Sae Itoshi, let the world witness your imaginative and magical passes."
Jinpachi turned to Sae, who merely nodded slightly.
"If these are the forwards, then there's no problem." He said softly, his thoughts unreadable.
'My brother is indeed a starter…' Rin thought silently as he watched Sae from behind.
Previously, Sae had refused the National Team's call-up because he believed no forwards in the country could receive his passes — though tricky and difficult to control, his passes created excellent scoring opportunities when properly received.
But now things were different. He had seen forwards whose abilities he acknowledged.
Additionally, Ryōsuke had emphasized that every position on the field was equally important and could shine brightly. He wanted to see if these players could live up to this principle.
"The final midfielder responsible for linking play is Haruhisa Kuribayashi. As your former club's greatest talent, you excel in multiple aspects of the game, with particularly strong linking ability and offensive skills. You will support Sae Itoshi in connecting the team's play."
"It's an honor." Haruhisa nodded with a smile.
Having never before competed on the world stage, he was eagerly anticipating the opportunity.
"That completes our midfield selection. Now for the defenders. First is Oliver Aiku. As a former National Team member, continue to demonstrate your diamond-solid defense."
"Leave it to me! I won't let any foreign thieves sneak into our territory!" Oliver responded confidently, his heterochromatic eyes gleaming.
"And our other defensive anchor will be Ikki Niko. Use your excellent vision and soccer intelligence to command our backline."
"Yes." Ikki responded.
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