Chapter 9 – Rivalry Ignites
Neon Football Association Headquarters
"Itoshi Sae, don't be like this. The media will hate you," his agent said.
"This kind of thing doesn't matter," Sae replied coldly.
He suddenly stopped and turned. "Where are those two now?"
"Eh?"
"Yūshin Zeya. Yūshin Seiichi," he said with a flicker of interest in his eyes.
Back when he left Japan, they were the only ones who could match his level—especially Seiichi, with his midfield dominance and surgical passing.
They were the only ones he ever wanted to play with. Not even his brother was ready yet.
His agent scrolled through notes. "Looks like they're still in the national high school league… competing locally."
Sae's brow twitched.
"What the hell are those two idiots doing?"
So many youth clubs begged for them—and they stayed in this football desert?
Idiots.
Blue Lock – Block 5
The first round of tryouts was about to begin.
"Stop arguing already!" Yūshin Seiichi clapped his hands. "Let's just settle it with rock-paper-scissors."
"Tch. Fine," Jingo Raichi grunted. "Don't whine when you lose."
Ten minutes later…
"Why am I a defender?!" Igarashi Gurimu cried.
"Didn't we all agree to accept the results?" Seiichi said, patting him on the shoulder. "And we rotate every ten minutes."
"Fine…"
"Let's go. As long as we place top two, we all move on."
"We've got Yūshin Seiichi with us!"
"I'm scoring the most goals!" Raichi declared.
They headed down the tunnel.
Their opponent: Team X.
On the Field
Team X emerged. Kunigami Rensuke narrowed his eyes.
"Team X is here."
Seiichi spotted him immediately—Barō Shōei.
Of course. The king himself.
Barō swaggered forward and locked eyes with Seiichi.
"Didn't expect to see you here, Seiichi. Where's your little twin? Scared?"
"I'm honored you remember me," Seiichi smiled. "Zeya's in another block. Too bad—you'll only lose to one of us today."
Barō scowled. "Still cocky as ever!"
"Oh, look at this." Seiichi leaned in and pointed to his sleeve. "I'm ranked 21st. You're 250th. A 229-point gap, Barō-kun~"
"You little—!" Barō grabbed him by the collar.
Isagi Yoichi and Kunigami immediately stepped between them.
"Tch. I'll crush you on the field," Barō muttered, letting go.
"You okay?" Isagi asked.
"Thanks, Isagi. I'm fine," Seiichi replied, smiling. "Just make sure you're ready to shine. You're our center today."
Isagi nodded seriously. "I won't let you down."
Kickoff – Team Z vs. Team X
"Block 5: Team Z versus Team X. 45-minute halves."
Kickoff.
Bachira Meguru passed back to Isagi.
Let's go. I'm already the lowest-ranked here. I've got nothing to lose.
Isagi charged forward but was quickly double-teamed by Team X.
Should I pass and rebuild?
Suddenly, Jingo Raichi rushed in and took the ball from him.
"What are you doing?!" Isagi shouted.
"Whoever scores the most goals survives. I'm playing for me!"
Here we go again, Seiichi thought, watching the chaos unfold.
Barō seized the moment. He intercepted a loose ball and charged straight down the middle.
I have to stop him!
Isagi stepped in—but Barō rainbow-flicked over him effortlessly.
Then came the nutmegs. Igarashi. Naruhaya. Gone in an instant.
This is bad…
Barō faced the goal—and Iemon Okuhito braced himself.
"You think this'll be easy, Barō?"
Seiichi flew in from behind, stealing the ball cleanly.
"You—!" Barō's eyes widened.
Seiichi spun out, surged forward, and Barō chased after him, fuming.
"You're not getting past me again!"
"I told you not to be arrogant, Barō."
Step-over. Shoulder feint.
Barō froze.
He stumbled.
He fell.
Seiichi stood over him, grinning, foot on the ball.
His cold gaze felt like an abyss.
Then—
Outside-foot pass.
A perfect curl across the field.
Kunigami Rensuke rushed in and hammered it in!
BOOM!
Goal! Team Z ties it, 1–1!