"Th-That was insane, Ryūma!!"
"NICE! What a beautiful goal!!"
The U-20 National Team members closest to Ryūma rushed toward him in excitement.
At the same moment, the referee blew his whistle.
Beep~ Beep————!!
U-20 Japan National Team VS 'Blue Lock' Eleven — First Half Ends!!
From the commentary booth, Atsuto Tereasa and Harutaro Natsuki spoke in turn:
"U-20 Japan National Team versus the 'Blue Lock' Eleven!!"
"As expected, the U-20 National Team closes the half with a commanding 4–1 lead!!"
"Well, right before the halftime whistle, 'Blue Lock' just couldn't hold off the U-20's fierce assault."
"The gap widens to three goals as we head into the break!"
"Mr. Natsuki, what are your thoughts on the match so far?"
Harutaro Natsuki didn't continue praising anyone but instead answered neutrally:
"Hmm—"
"Blue Lock is impressive. Their tactical style is something never before seen in Japan football history."
"But unfortunately, the U-20 National Team still has the edge."
"However, all four goals were scored by Ryūma. Doesn't that indirectly prove that Blue Lock's plan is actually succeeding?"
"And who knows? Blue Lock might surprise us in the second half!"
Atsuto Tereasa agreed enthusiastically:
"Exactly! It looks like the second half will be even more exciting!"
"And just to remind everyone—if the score is tied at the end of regulation time,"
"the game ends as a draw. There will be no extra time or penalty shootout!"
...
On the field, Ryūma stretched lazily and waved at Sae Itoshi.
"Let's go, Sae! Get some rest while you can—the second half won't be this easy."
Sae Itoshi, looking completely unfazed, brushed past Ryūma and walked toward the locker room.
"Doesn't matter. I'm going to shower."
Meanwhile, in the stands, a beautiful woman with long pale-purple hair blinked her bright heterochromatic eyes, shouting loudly in Ryūma's direction:
"Ryūma!! Ryūma!!"
"You brat, pretending you can't hear me?!"
Ryūma's attempt to escape froze mid-step.
"Hello, sis! I missed you so much!"
"By the way—where are Dad and Mom? Why didn't they come?"
Sakurazome Banjō gave him a skeptical look.
"Oh, they'll be here soon. They just finished work."
Then her tone suddenly shifted as she beckoned him closer with a mysterious wave.
"Uh… What is it, sis?"
"Hey, do you have that guy—Sae Itoshi's—contact info?"
"Huh? What for?" Ryūma looked at her strangely.
"Tsk. Less talking—yes or no?"
"I do, but… wait, don't tell me you're—"
Satisfied after getting the answer she wanted, Sakurazome Banjō waved him away.
"Alright, go get your rest."
"Good luck in the second half, my darling little brother♡"
Watching her behavior, Ryūma finally understood her intentions.
"Heh… keep dreaming. For Sae, women only slow down his football."
Ryūma rolled his eyes so hard they nearly flipped backward. He decided to run before his love-crazed sister trapped him in more nonsense.
...
"What do you think you're doing?!"
"Hurry up and score more!! What kind of striker are you?!"
Ryūma stopped in his tracks as he approached the stadium tunnel.
Following the voice, he spotted a middle-aged woman bursting with energy.
(Huh? Isn't that Bachira's mom? Which means the two people below must be Isagi's parents.)
(No wonder Isagi and Bachira are connected— even their parents ended up sitting together!)
"Hyōma————♡"
"Look here, Hyōma♡"
Hearing that sweet voice, Ryūma instantly knew who it was.
(Huh? That's Chigiri's sister!)
(Damn—she's even more beautiful in real life than in the manga! (♡⌂♡))
"Ryūma, why are you just standing there? Go rest."
Oliver Aiku walked up, slinging an arm around Ryūma's shoulder, whispering:
"Hey, that purple-haired beauty you were talking to earlier—is she your girlfriend?"
"Huh? What made you think that? She's my sister!"
"Oh, that makes sense. Heterochromia isn't exactly common. Does she have a boyfriend?"
"Hah?"
Ryūma raised an eyebrow at Aiku's faint smirk and laughed.
"No offense, Aiku, but my sister likes guys like Sae. You aren't even on the radar."
Ryūma clearly had no intention of continuing the conversation.
He walked straight into the locker room without looking back.
...
Blue Lock Locker Room…
The room was silent.
Everyone was lost in their own thoughts—but really, all thinking about the same thing: how to win.
"Don't lose heart, everyone! Our offense isn't completely ineffective. I believe we can overturn the score in the second half!"
Nijiro Nanase's encouragement had almost no effect.
Silence filled the room.
The starting eleven didn't even look at him.
"Hey! What's with you guys? Giving up already?!"
"If that's the case, let me go in instead!"
Jingo Raichi roared.
It was a crude form of provocation—but it worked a little.
"Put you in? We might as well forfeit, you idiot~"
"Huh? Who are you calling an idiot?!"
Tabito Karasu wiped sweat from his forehead, sighed, and said:
"To beat the U-20 in the second half, there's only one way—"
"And that is to restrict—no! Completely shut down Ryūma!"
"Only then do we have a chance at beating the U-20."
"And the one who can do it—Kudō! It has to be you."
Kudo Tōya opened his eyes slowly, about to speak—
"Hah! I knew it!"
Ryusei Shido interrupted loudly.
"Without the two of us, you losers were destined to get crushed!"
"We told you—eventually you'd be begging us to save you!"
Karasu actually laughed out of sheer disbelief.
"I meant Kudō. Not you, you golden-haired cockroach."
"Huh?! You looking to die—"
Before Shido could finish, Jinpachi Ego and Anri Teieri entered the locker room.
"Quiet, my diamonds!"
"It's halftime—we're having a meeting!"