Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The ding-dong rang throughout the campus, signaling the end of classes for the day.

“All right. That’s the end of today’s lesson. Ensure you read pages 100 through 120 and then answer the questions afterward. They will count towards a homework grade,” Senesi said as she started to erase the words on the board, “If you have any questions before leaving campus today, let me know.” Senesi gathered her things and left. Isagi Yoichi started to pack her things when she felt someone walk to her desk.

“Hey, Isagi. Some of the girls and I are planning on going shopping. Do you want to join us?” the girl asked. A gasp can be heard from behind her.  The girl turned and looked at the group. One girl made a gesture with ‘X.’

“Thanks for the offer, but I am gonna pass,” Isagi said as she finished packing her things and exited her desk. “See you tomorrow.” She picked up her stuff and then left the room. Behind her, she could hear them whispering about her quite clearly.

“I don’t know why you invited that psycho. You are new here, so I will give you the low down. Isagi Yoichi had a mental breakdown a couple of years ago and was instituted. I hear she has scars all over her arms and stomach. She has special permission to use a bathroom stall to change in,” One girl whispered to the other, “Not to mention, she is whore. She hangs out with boys all the time. I once saw her at the soccer field; three other guys were there. One of them looked like a delinquent.”

Yoichi couldn’t take it anymore and started to pick up the pace, leaving the whispers behind. She was exiting the school when her phone went off in her pocket.  She pulled it out to look at the message, and her eyes widened.

Momma: Hi, love. Can you come straight home after school? Your uncle is in town and wants to meet with you. You probably have plans with your friends, but it seems essential—his words, not mine.

Her phone went off again, except it was in a different group. She smiled as she saw who it was.

White Demon: Anyone up for a match today?

Three little dots appear on the screen, signaling that someone is replying to the message.

Stupid Crow: not today. You also seem to forget that we live in different prefectures, dumbass. If we were to have a match, where would we have it?

White Demon: IDK, but I want one.

Blue Gamer: I can’t play today. My parents want to do something.

Yoichi frowned at that statement. Knowing that it probably has something to do with training for him. He isn’t your tool. She hated that her friend was caught in a difficult situation.

Three little dots appear on the screen again.

Stupid Crow: Tell them to fuck off.

White Demon: Tell them to fuck off.

Yoichi chuckled at the same line. Ryusei and Tabito act like they hate each other, but they are the same.

All-Seer: Can’t today. I have a family member in town, and it seems essential that I go home after school.

White Demon: Should have stayed instituted, but damn. You were my last hope, my girl. All right, I guess I play with myself 😉

Stupid Crow:  Grow up, dude.

All-Seer: You are one to talk.

Stupid crow: shut up, miss ordinary. Should you hurry home? Don’t be late for that family member.

Stupid Tabito, she thought as she sent a quick message to her mom and hurried home. She arrived at her house and stepped into the genkan. She noticed a pair of nice loafers and gasped, recognizing the shoes. She slipped out of her shoes and ran down the hallway to the dining room. She gasped and leaped forward.

“Uncle JIN!” She exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around his shoulder. Ego Jinpachi reached up and patted his niece’s hands.

“Yes, yes. Now get off,” he said as he peeled her off. She pouted and removed herself from his personal space. Isagi Iyo and Issei laughed at their daughter’s gestures. She frowned even more and crossed her arms. She stomped her foot.

“You all are meanies,” she said as she walked over to the empty spot beside her father and sat at the table. “So, uncle, what is bringing you into town? You are usually halfway across the globe.”

“A project. The JFA has hired me to handle it,” he said as he bent down to reach for something in his bag. He withdrew some white papers from his bag and threw them on the table. “Are you still interested in making a difference in the women’s side of football? The JFA is selecting candidates for the program, but I asked them to hold a spot. They don’t know that I am offering one to you.” He grasped his hand before him, “Fair warning, however. You will be the only woman out of 299 guys.”

Everyone got silent, and then bang. Iyo threw the cooking utensil down.

“Jin! You know what football has done to this family,” Iyo said as she threw down her towel and marched over to the table, food forgotten. She slams her hand on the table. “Yochan is going to say no.”

Yoichi gritted her teeth. It has been the same argument every time she expressed interest to her parents in returning to the sport. Her mother was against it, while her father just wanted her to be happy. She was tired of hiding and wanted a piece of her back.

“Mom,” she said sharply, getting her mom’s attention. Iyo turned to her daughter. “I think I should have some say in my future, don’t you?”

“Yoichi! That man violated you because you were the only girl on the team. After all, you wanted to play football. He destroyed my little girl, and now you want to return to the sport that caused all of it. This is different from playing with those boys on some community park field,” Iyo ranted. She took a deep breath. “I don’t think my heart could take another round of that, Yoichi. Please.”

Yoichi closed her eyes. She understood what her mother was saying, but she wanted more than anything to play again. She felt like a piece of her was missing. She knew what football had done to this family and was partially to blame. Issei reached over and grabbed her hand, silently offering his support. The family sat there in silence until the food started to boil over. Iyo walked over and turned off the stove.

“Yoichi,” Jinpachi said as he brought his hands down and crossed them on the table, breaking the silence.  Yoichi opened her eyes and looked at her uncle. He pushed a pile of papers over to her. “Read these before deciding. If you choose this, I won’t go easy on you because you are a family or a girl. You will be treated like one of the boys.”

“Famous word, Jin. That’s what he said too,” Iyo told her brother, angry that he was doing this.  Jinpachi pushed up his glass on the bridge of his nose. He took a deep sigh, calming his temper.

“I love how you are assuming that I willingly will let something happen to my niece in my care, Iyo. As she said, she should have some choices in the future. Are you planning on keeping her tucked away for the rest of her life?” Jinpachi asked, “You know I don’t like complimenting, but she is good at what she does on the field. Yoichi was once considered for the women’s U20 national team if you remember correctly. This will be a way to take back everything taken from her and give her a future that she may still want. Have you ever considered that, or are you going to make it about you?”

Iyo clenched her hands and then let go. She sighed a deep sigh and sunk into a chair. She brought her hand to her face and wiped away some tears.

“Mom…” Yoichi said as she watched her mother.

“I just don’t want to see you hurt again. You had no idea what it was like finding you like that….” Iyo stated as she covered her eyes, blocking out the images that popped up. Issei and Jin stayed silent. Yoichi gripped the edge of her skirt before taking a sigh. She reached a hand and placed it on the pages before her.  She gripped it lightly before turning to her uncle.

“May I read this first before giving you a final answer?” She asked, “I think that would be the best option for now.” Jin pushed up his glasses and gave her a smirk.

“That is why I gave you that, but don’t take it outside this house. After you read it, burn it. Only you will know everything about Blue Lock, whether you join a player or watch from the sidelines. Isagi Yoichi, this may be your last shot at making a difference in the women’s league.”

She nodded as she took the paper in her hands.  Iyo sighed, and Issei patted her hand in comfort.

“All right. Put that away for now. Let us eat,” Issei said as he stood up. “I will help you bring everything to the table, Iyo.” The couple turned to the kitchen, and Yoichi put the packet in her school bag and moved it away. The family ate their dinner in silence. After dinner, Yoichi helped clean the table and wash the dishes with her uncle. After the conversation, the air turned lighter as the uncle-niece duo did their job as the parents cleaned the table.

“And this is why I stick to instant ramen and a cup of noodles,” he muttered as he put away the dishes in the cabinet.

“Honestly, Jin. It is a wonder that you do not have any health problems with what you eat. It is hard to believe you used to be a top player in the European leagues,” Iyo smirked at her brother.

“I’m not anymore, so obliviously, I can eat whatever the hell I want. Don’t lecture me, sister,” he said, a look of disdain on his face as he looked at his sister.

“Touchy,” Iyo said with a smile. Now, do you have a place to stay?” Jin paused. He had finished the last of the dishes with his niece. Jin looked at the clock and realized that it was time to go.

“I have a place, so don’t bother setting up something,” he said as he gathered his things. Iyo sighed at her brother and waved him off.

“Well, don’t be a stranger since you are in town, Jin,” Iyo said as she sat on the couch with her husband. She turned towards her daughter, and Yoichi nodded.

“I will walk you to the door,” Yoichi said as she followed him. He sat on the bench, put on his shoes, and stood up. He pointed to her.

“Read those papers tonight and give me an answer in the morning. If you choose this, don’t go to school, and I will send someone to pick you up. You won’t have the luxury of starting with the boys,” he smirked. “You have much catching up to do, niece.”

“Right,” she said with a small smile, “your number still the same?” He nodded and left after that. Yoichi stared at the door for a moment and then clenched her fist. She took a deep breath before going back to the living room.

“Yo-chan,” Iyo said, getting up from the couch and walking over to her daughter.

“Yes?” she answered softly. Her mother wrapped her arms around her, and she wrapped her arms around her mother. Yoichi turned her face into her mother, inhaling her scent.

“I just wanted to protect you. I want you to be happy, and if playing soccer makes you happy, go for it. Don’t let anyone stop you,” Iyo said before putting her lips on her forehead. Yoichi felt tears come to her eyes and tightened her grip on her mother. “You were so happy before, especially with those two.”  She felt another pair of arms join the hug.

“We will support you no matter what you choose. We love you so much,” her father said as he tightened his grip on his family. Tears fell from Yoichi’s eyes.

“Mama…. papa…. I love you so much,” she said in a watery voice. Iyo cooed at her daughter as the parents pulled away. She wiped away her daughter’s tears.

“None of that now. Go ahead and read those papers. My brother isn’t the most patient person in the world,” Iyo said as she gripped her daughter’s hands before letting go, “We will be up for a while, so if you need us...”

Yoichi nodded, quickly got her bag, and headed to her room. Iyo sighed as Issei came behind her and rubbed her back.

“You handled that well,” he said, wrapping his arm around her waist. He remembers the turbulent time the family endured a couple of years ago. “I am hesitant about this, but if she wants it, we shouldn’t stop her. She has only wanted this in the past four years.”

“I know, but…” Iyo said as she turned into her husband's arms.

“I know,” he stated as he hugged his wife.

Yoichi closes the door behind her after leaving her parents in the living room. Her room is bare except for a half-full bookshelf, a dresser, a nightstand, a desk, and a twin bed. She puts her bag on the seat and takes out the papers. Sitting in the chair, she moves the bag under her desk and reads the packet.

“A player improvement program for Japan to win its first World Cup. It only mentions the men’s side, though,” she muttered as she gathered the papers.  It didn’t take her long to read the entire thing. She steeped her hands together and pressed them to her lips. “Is Uncle hoping that my joining the project will open the eyes of the people to see that men aren’t the only ones playing this sport?”

While the women’s side of football isn’t as popular as the men's, the Japanese women's team doesn’t do too badly. They, too, have been in the World Cup many times and even won two times in a row. That has been better than the men’s side. It is that no one pays attention to it.

“Would this bring women back into the spotlight and put us on equal ground?” she asked. She sighed and opened the drawer. Pulling out a cracked picture frame, she stared at the picture.

“What would you guys do?” she asked the picture, rubbing the tips of her fingers on the faces of the boys in the picture.  She sighed again and then looked up to the ceiling. She lightly gripped the frame and closed her eyes.

When she opened them, they glowed with determination. Putting the frame away, she reached for her bag and pulled out her cell phone. I know he said morning, but knowing him, he would want an answer immediately. Mom said he wasn’t the most patient person; she thought as she scrolled through the contacts and found what she was looking for. She typed in a message and sent it off.

I’m In.

Chapter Text

After sending the message, Yoichi tucked the papers away with the photo in the drawer. She thought would burn them in the morning as she left her room and headed to the living room. Luckily her parents were still awake. Iyo and Issei looked up the moment their daughter came into the room.

“Well?” Iyo asked with a small smile. She knew what her daughter would choose but wanted to hear it from her.

“I know you think football ruined me and this family, but I still love football and how it makes me feel. I want to be the greatest, and I am not letting someone take that from me. I have had enough. I want my dream back,” Yoichi said proudly, “I am tired of this tug-of-war of hate-love with football, and this will help me heal. I have already sent a message to Uncle.”

“Well, we will do all we can to help you, Yochan,” Issei said as he stood up, “I am so proud of you and how far you have come.”

“Dad…” she whispered. Iyo stood up and walked over to her. She grabbed her hands and squeezed them.

“We both are,” she whispered to Yoichi as she developed her daughter into a hug.

“Mom…” she whispered as she hugged her back. A ding sounded, cutting through the moment. “Sorry. I sent a message to my uncle. I wasn’t quite sure if he would reply.” She looked at her phone and unlocked it. She opened the message.

Excellent. Tomorrow, I want you to go to your therapist and have him clear you to me. Also, extend an offer to him to come and talk with me. Let's keep him in the loop about things, just in case. In the afternoon, I will send someone to get you. Her name will be Anri Teieri. She is helping me run the program. She is a JFA lackey.

It will be hard to get an appointment on the same day, but I do what I can She replied. “Uncle wants me to Dr. Kanoji and get clear as I can. I don’t think that will be a problem, though.”

“Right. As of right now, you have been only going monthly just for check-ins,” Iyo stated as she looked over her daughter’s shoulder at the message with her permission. “We will call first thing in the morning. I guess this means you won’t be going to school again.”

“School for Yoichi was only formality anyway. She got way head during her break, remember?” issei said as he pushed back some of his daughter’s hair. “To be completely fluent in English and French is amazing, and your age too.”

“That’s only foreign languages, though. They are other subjects, you know,” Iyo said as she put her hands on her hips. “Anyways, we will do what we can. Since we have a plan and an early day, why don’t we head for bed now?”

“Kay,” both father and daughter replied. Saying their goodnight to each other, they headed to their respective rooms. Yoichi changed from her school uniform to her pajamas. Oh, I should ask.

Should I bring anything with me? She typed to her uncle. Being the only woman, she might need to get some things.

I know what you are asking. Bring your school uniform and what you think you need during that time. The uniform will be for any meeting outside of the program. This is your only leeway with some other things. We will discuss it more when you get here.

All right

She closed out that message and opened another thread. She took a breath.

All-Seer: If you had an opportunity to pursue a dream you never thought you could have again, would you take it?

She saw the three dots form and then stop and start again.

Blue Gamer: Honestly…. I am not sure. You know about my situation, so I am not the person to ask that question. But I know you meant it more for you, Yoichi. Something happened four years ago to make you question many things, most importantly, your love for football.

“Oh, Hiori,” she muttered as she crawled into bed and stared at the screen.

Blue Gamer: but you should go for it. It might heal you from whatever you are recovering from.

Three dots appeared again.

Stupid Crow: What Gamer said, Princess. We don’t know the full details. But you went from sitting on the bleacher to playing a match with us. You are a helluva opponent. So, if this opportunity makes you better, well, I want to see it for myself.

Three dots appeared once again.

White Demon: 👆 what they said. Take the opportunity and show us who you are. Everyone wouldn’t play with me because I am too wild or selfish, but …you get me. So, take the opportunity. Looking forward to seeing what you become.

“Guys…” she cried.

All Seer: Thank you.

“It’s snowing outside,” a schoolmate said as they looked out the window. Yoichi turned to look out the window. “Oh, someone is at the school gate. I wonder who it could be. Someone’s boyfriend. It's a guy.” Yoichi looked down at the gate and saw the person they were talking about. She didn’t think much of it. The end of the day rolled around.

“Good thing mom pushed all this in my hands this morning,” she muttered as she pulled on the coat, gloves, and scarf. She grabbed her school, changed her shoes at the lockers, and headed out. A feeling popped into her head as she walked towards the gate. The person was still there, watching their phone, looking up occasionally. As she got closer, features popped out at her and caused her eyes to widen.

“Can’t be,” she muttered as she walked closer. Sure enough, it was who she thought it was.

“Itoshi Sae,” She spoke to the person. Teal eyes looked up from his phone. Hands were putting his phone back in his white track jacket and standing up straight from leaning on the gate pole.

“Isagi Yoichi,” he said as he took in her presence. They stared at each other.

“Why are you here?” She asked and…. beep…. beep……beep…. BEEP!

Yoichi’s eyes shot open, and she slowly sat up. She took a deep breath and placed a hand on her forehead. It was a dream of a horrible conversation. Itoshi Sae and his stupidness…. she thought as she pushed her covers off her and got out of bed. She stretched and walked over to her desk. She pulled out the paper and the picture. It was a picture taken summers ago by three friends. She was in the center of the image with her arms around two boys. She was smiling with them grinning. One of the boys had reddish hair with a blunt bang hairstyle, with the other boy is side-swept bangs.

“Itoshi Sae and Itoshi Rin,” she muttered as she put the picture down, “two brothers aiming to be the best strikers, but what happened, Sae, when you went go to Spain?” She sat down on the bed and stared at the picture. It was like this for a few minutes, and then she sighed.

“I can’t dwell on it for now,” She muttered as she got up. She slipped the picture down and headed out the door to the kitchen. Iyo was sitting at the table, making a phone call. She covered the mouthpiece and whispered “Morning” to her daughter when she saw her. Yoichi nodded to her as she walked into the kitchen.

She served breakfast with rice, miso soup, and grilled salmon. Her mother worked on breakfast before making the call.

“Yes? I want to get my daughter in today, if possible,” Iyo said. Yoichi made her way to the table, sat on the tray, and sat down. “No, it’s not an emergency, but she did accept something that requires her to be cleared by her psychiatrist to go. I can pass along the number of the person in charge so you can speak with him if you like.”

Yoichi listened to the conversation as she ate her breakfast. Yum, she thought with a smile as she tasted the salmon. It had a chili flavoring to it, and she loved that.

“Okay. His phone number is ***-***-***,” Her mother said, “and we will take that one appointment here for about two hours. That works out perfectly. Thank you, and have a good day too. Goodbye,” Iyo said as she hung up the phone. Iyo sighed as she put down the phone and looked at her.

“Are you okay?” Yoichi asked after she swallowed a bite.

“Long day already. You have an appointment in about two hours with Kanoji. So, finish your breakfast and get ready,” her mother said as she got up.

“Did Dad ready leave for work?” Yoichi asked as she drank some of the miso.

“Yes. I hope he can see you before you go off,” she said as she walked to the kitchen and started cleaning it up. Yoichi hmmmed. “If not, I will ensure that Jin makes it possible for you to call us. I doubt his special project has started, so there should be some leeway.”

“But don’t get your hopes up. It is uncle,” Yoichi said as she finished her breakfast. She gathered her dishes.

“don’t I know it,” Iyo joked as she took the dishes from her daughter, “Now go get ready.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Yoichi saluted her mother. They shared a laugh, and then Yoichi headed to her room. She pulled a backpack out of her closet and packed it with what she thought she would need while at blue lock.

“The papers said that most necessities would be provided, so only packing things that I would need while you know,” she muttered to herself as she arranged things in her bag. “Then my uniform for meetings and stuff. I will take some outside clothes too. Just in case.” She finished packing her bag and sat it by the door. She won’t need it until this afternoon. She went over to the desk and picked up the picture frame. She looked at it again and then placed it back in the drawer.

“I need to get rid of these,” She said as she put a hand on the paper, “but first.” She changed out of her pajamas for a simple blue T-shirt and a pair of jeans. She pulled out a cardigan since it was early October and had a slight chill in the air.

That’s not the only reason either, she thought as she felt the fabric brush against the inner part of her arms. She placed a hand on her arms and lightly gripped it. She takes a deep breath and let's go. She grabbed a tote bag and book from the shelf before leaving the room. She met her mother in the living room.

“Ready? We are about an hour before your appointment,” Iyo said as she checked her watch.

“Yep. Let’s go,” Yoichi said as they walked to the genkan. Both slipped on the shoes and headed out the door.

They had about 15 minutes to spare when they arrived at the office. They walked into a small office without labels and approached the front desk.

“My my. You have grown, Yoichi!” the lady at the front desk said as she checked in with the girl.

“Thank you, but it's only been a couple of weeks since you guys saw me,” she said as she rubbed the back of her neck.

“And I am always impressed by how well you look, dear. Compared to the first time we saw you,” she said as she stared at the girl and smiled at her. “Anyways, Dr. Kanoji should be finishing soon, so you know what to do.” Yoichi nodded and then went to take a seat next to her mother. She pulled out her book and read a few pages before a pair of women exited the office.

“All right. You take it easy, and I will see you again in about a month. Go ahead and make an appointment before you leave. That way, you don’t have to worry about it. We will send you a text and voice message the day before,” the woman said in a kind voice. She was dressed in pink button-downs and black slacks. The most usual thing about her was that her hair was dyed pink and green at the end.

“Thank you,” The other woman said before heading to the front desk. Dr. Kanoji waved to Yoichi and Iyo to enter the office, giving the additional client privacy.

“I must admit I was surprised when you said you wanted another session so soon after your last one, Yoichi,” Dr. Kanoji said as she closed the door behind the mother-daughter duo. She walked around the office before sitting down behind the desk.

“Ah, yes. Well…” She said as she rubbed her neck again. Dr. Kanoji smiled and looked at Yoichi’s file.

“I spoke to that director you gave us, Isagi-san, and he is…quite a character for sure,” she said. The mother and daughter sweat-dropped.

“Yeah. My brother can be…. eccentric sometimes,” Iyo replied as she rubbed her eyes. Yoichi chuckled a bit. Dr. Kanoji smiled at her patient.

“He explained that you are going to be taking part in a project that changes the future of football,” she said as she crossed her hands and leaned into them. “I am honestly surprised, though, because, in previous sessions, you never mentioned that you wanted to get back into it.”

“Yeah. An opportunity jumped into my lap,” she said as she clenched her fist and then let go, “and I want to take it. I want to have my dream again.”

“Well, you have done great with everything except the relapse last year,” Kanoji said as she turned pages in her file. “That was brought on because you met someone from the past.” Yoichi closed her eyes and thought about it.

So that’s why I had that dream, she thought as she opened her eyes again and looked at her therapist.

“I am aware, but I know what I have to do,” Yoichi said, “That was the first time I had saw that person in a long time, though, so he didn’t know what happened to me.” She stood up and bowed to her psychiatrist. “Dr. Kanoji, I will never ask you for anything, but I am asking you now. Please clear me.” She heard her get up from her office chair and walk around the desk. She felt a hand touch her shoulder, and Yoichi looked up at her with tears.

“You have come a long way, Yoichi, and you are slowly learning to love yourself again,” Dr. Kanoji said as she looked at her with kind eyes, “When you first came to me, you were just a broken girl with no hope, and now I see a strong woman in front of me.”

Iyo listened as she felt tears coming to her eyes. Yes, I can see it now. I was foolish to think I could keep this dream from her. All I can do now is support her to the fullest.

“I must admit I worry about sending you into the program. So, this is what we will do,” Dr Kanoji said as she directed Yoichi to take her seat and then sit on the floor in front of her. She told her plan to the mother-daughter due. Yoichi would keep a journal while in the facility to organize and write her thoughts. Should Yoichi notice certain words or phrases in writing, she would contact Ego, and he would schedule an emergency therapy session with her.

“Well, you think you can do that for me?” Dr. Kanoji asked as she looked up at her patient in the chair. She reached over and placed a hand on her cardigan-cover wrist, rubbing her thumb back and forth. “I don’t want your mental declining, and you resort back to….”

Yoichi covered her therapist’s hand and squeezed. “You are right, and I don’t want to return to that. I agree with the terms.”

“I will make sure that the program director goes back to the terms as well,” Iyo said from her side. The three women agreed to it.

“Now that we have everything square away,” Dr. Kanoji said as she stood up from the floor. She walked away from her desk and got a piece of paper. She walked back over and handed it to Yoichi. “This is your clearance paper. Make sure to give this to the director’s assistant. He told me that his assistant would manage everything related to paperwork.”

Yoichi took the paper while thinking in her head. That sounds like him. She looked at the form and then realized that tears were coming to her eyes again. She stood up and bowed again.

“Thank you,” She whispered as tears ran down her cheeks. She felt a hand grip her shoulder and stood up. Dr. Kanoji wrapped her arms around the young woman.

“You are welcome,” Dr. Kanoji said as she patted and rubbed Yoichi’s back. She pulled away.” I’m here if you need me. Now, go and be the greatest player of them all and teach those boys a lesson.” They shared a fist bump and concluded their session together.

On the way home, the mother-daughter duo decided to stop at a Konbini store to get some lunch before heading home.

“Did you finish packing your bag earlier?” Iyo asked as she unlocked the door.

“Yeah, so now I have to wait to be picked up by uncle’s assistant,” Yoichi said as she stepped thru the threshold. They removed their shoes and headed to the dining table to set out their lunch. Yoichi turned on the tv so she could enjoy it as she ate.

“Oh, after, can I use the burn barrel out back? So, I can burn those papers,” She said as she ate her bento lunch.

“Yeah, but make sure it is in a spot where I can see you,” Iyo said as she ate too. They finished their lunch. Iyo worked on household chores while Yoichi set up the burn barrel. Once the fire was going, she slowly added the papers. She watched the papers burn.

“I won’t let everyone get in my way this time,” she said with determination. Her eyes glowed from the outside fire and the fire within. After finishing that task, she killed the fire and waited for the barrel to cool down.

“Yoichi, the doorbell just rang. Can you get it?” Iyo said as she poked her head out the window,” I am in the middle of something, or I would.”

“Okay,” she answered as she went inside and to the front door. She unlocked the door and opened it. There was a woman dressed in a nice button-down blouse and pencil skirt.

“Hello. I am Anri Teieri, and I am here to pick up Isagi Yoichi,” she said as she looked at the girl before her. She must be the sister, she thought.

“Oh, You must assist Uncle Jin in the blue lock program. Oh, come in and let me get my stuff, and you can talk with my mom,” Yoichi said as she let her in. “Mom, Uncle’s assistant is here.”

“Already? I hoped your father would at least be home to see you off before you go.” Iyo said as she came from the kitchen, rubbing her hands with a towel.

“Wait?!? Uncle? Get your stuff?” Anri asked as she looked at the two with a wild look. “I am here for Isagi Yoichi, and Ego’s full name is Ego Jinpachi.”

“He chose Ego as a professional name to keep his family away from the media. His real name is Kinomoto Jinpachi. I am his sister, Isagi Iyo, and this is my niece, Isagi Yoichi, the one who you are here to pick up,” Iyo said as she gestured to herself and Yoichi.

“But…” She said as she looked at Yoichi.

“But I am a girl. That’s what you are thinking, right,” Yoichi said with a slight smile, “the boys need to learn that they aren’t the only ones looking to be the great striker. I will get my stuff.” She went to get her stuff.

Anri just stared after her. Well, things just got interesting.

“Well, would you want anything while she gets her stuff?” Iyo asked the other woman.

“no. I didn’t plan on being here long. Isagi-san. You are aware, aren’t you?” she asked with a wary look.

“Yes, and I trust my brother,” She said, “I trust in him to keep her safe.”

“As long as you are aware, I guess,” she muttered as Yoichi joined them with a backpack.

“Isagi, ready?” Anri asked. The girl nodded and gave her mother one last hug. They whispered farewells and promised to write if possible. The assistant and girl left and drove in silence.

“Isagi-san? May I ask?” Anri asked as she drove.

“Ask what?” Yoichi asked as she looked out the window. She watched as the building flew by.

“You must be good to receive a personal invitation to Blue Lock. I don’t see Ego-san give out invitations left and right,” she said as she watched the road.

“I was. At least four years ago. I am not sure how well I will fair though,” the girl said as she turned to the woman.

“So you haven’t played football in four years?” Anri asked, starting to question Ego’s thinking about inviting this girl. Yoichi hmmed. They were in a wooden area. “There, Isagi-san. On the hill in front of us.” Yoichi turned and looked thru the windshield. A black building stood out among the trees. Even from far away, you could tell that this building was enormous.

“This is Bluelock. Are you ready?”

Chapter Text

They pulled into the facility and parked in front of the entrance. Yoichi stared at the building as she got out.

"Impressive, is it not?" Anri said as she walked around the car. Yoichi nodded as she stared up. "Now, if you would come this way…" the pair of women walked to the entrance and inside the building. The heels of the shoes echoed in the hallway as they walked down. They passed various doorways and hallways before getting a door marked 'private – authorized personnel only.' Anri knocked on it before letting herself in.

"Come on," she said as she opened the door for the girl. Yoichi stepped through the threshold.

"Ummm? Am I allowed?" she asked as Anri closed the door. The room looked like a small studio apartment with a bed, a small kitchen, and a table serving as a dining table and living room. It was now covered in trash with ramen cups and dirty laundry. Anri sighed as she took in the mess.

"For now, yes, but once the program starts, it depends on your performance," she said as she walked over to the kitchen and pulled out a trash bag. “Stupid man-child…”

"Now, now, Anri-chan. Don't talk bad about me to my niece," Jin said as he walked through a door on the other side of the room. He dropped an empty ramen cup on the floor. "Come, niece. Let's go over some things." Yoichi walked over to his uncle and ushered her inside before Anri said anything. He closed the door and walked over to a wall of monitors, showcasing all blue lock.

"Was that wise? To use her like that?" Yoichi asked her uncle as she walked over to her uncle. She saw an empty chair and sat in it. Ego turned to look at his niece, pushing up his glasses.

"The JFA said that the whole idea of me coming here was her idea and that I could 'use' her as I see fit," Ego answered. Yoichi must have had a gob-smacked look at her face. "Don't look at me like that. When the program starts, she will handle all media and outside stuff so she won't be just a clean lady." Yoichi sighed at the explanation.

"So, in other words, she is the manager of this place," she said as she leaned back into the chair and looked at the monitors.

"This facility is state of the art and takes a very technological approach to training for soccer. I am surprised that the Japanese had something like this around," he said as he looked at her. "You know how the program works. Three hundred will be separated into the five sections of blue lock and then be separated even more into five teams per section."

"Making 25 teams in total. I am assuming that everyone will be separated by skill level, then?" she asked as she propped an elbow on the desk and rested her chin on her hand.

"Very good," he said as he smirked. "Yes, you all will separate by skill level—the best at the top and the worst at the bottom. You also know it will be a mind game, with everyone thinking they are on the worst team. "He said as he leaned back in his chair, watching his niece closely. Yoichi closed her eyes and hmmmed.

"Again, assuming to push the players to always performance maximum levels then," she said as she opened her eyes. In light of the monitor, her eyes glowed. Jin smiled his teeth smile.

"How brilliant you are," he said. Yoichi moved to cross her arms over her chest and cross her legs.

"It's not hard to figure you out, Uncle Jin, but then again, I am familiar with you," she said with a slight smile. Ego smirked as he turned to the computer in front of him.

"Well, now on to you. First, of the rules, I give you exclusively, don't tell anyone we are related. They will think I am giving you a pass," he said as he printed a document from the printer.

"Well, I mean, you did that already. "You said that you held this spot for me," she said as she rolled over.

"The JFA had asked, I answered, and here you are. They don't know that we are related, or a girl for the matter," he said as he rolled over to the printer, picked up the paper, and returned. "I also told you that I wouldn't give you special privileges, and I won't, even during…your…. whatever." He made a face. Yoichi laughed.

"That's fine. I wasn't going to ask anyway. If I have access to medicine, I will be fine," she said as she took the document and looked over it.

"Thank god," he muttered, pushing up his glasses. "Another is that I will choose your teammates for the first phase of the Blue Lock. You are here to overcome odds and show that women can play on an equal playing field. I don't want you pairing up with anyone." He pointed to a section on the paper.

"So, in other words, I'm just here to play," She said as she read the section, "but won't that put me at an advantage, though?"

"Yes and no, depending on whom I put you with," he said as he pulled a pen from the desk. He held out the pen to her. "Well, still want to be here?" Yoichi took the pen without hesitation.

"What? No rule about hooking up with any of the guys?" She joked as she signed the paper. She had just finished her name when Jin reached over and grabbed her hand. He squeezed, then let go.

"Don't joke about that, please. I know that people before accused you of trading…. favors…. for a starter spot. I mean it when you will be treated like them here," he said as he took the paper from her. "I will have Anri file this along with the mind doctor's clearance paper." Yoichi stared at her uncle, tears coming to her eyes. He sighed as he saw this. "Stop. You know I am not good with tears." She nodded and wiped some tears with her hands.

"Now. Let me show you when you will be staying until the start of the program," he said as he stood up from his chair. She followed him. When he opened the door, Anri was on her hands and knee, picking up dirty laundry. She stared at them and vice versa.

"Keep up the good job, Anri-Chan, and make sure you get some more noodles for me," he said as he led his niece out the door.

"Wait!!!" she said as the door closed behind the niece. “Damn you, Ego….”

Outside the door, Yoichi stared at her uncle and sighed.

"And that's why you aren't married," she said as he walked down the hallway. She followed him.

"Correction. I choose not to get married for that reason," he said, putting a hand in his pocket. He raised the other as they passed a doorway. "Workout room. You will be spending a good bit of time in there." They walked on to another door. "Cafeteria. Your meals will be served here. I will get you a false number to access it."

"False number?" she asked as they walked on.

"Yes, false number. You will receive a different number when the other arrives. Remember the mind game? It wouldn't be your true ranking until the second selection," he said as he stopped at the door not far from the cafeteria. "now, I will give you a map for other areas once we get started with actual soccer." He jerked a thumb to the door. "This will be your room until November 20th. That is when everyone else will arrive here. The JFA is working on recruitment now." He opened the door. It was a simple room with no windows. A desk and bed were located on opposite sides of the room. He pointed to an entry in the room.

"That leads to the bathroom, which only has a toilet. You will have to the baths for bathing," he said, putting his hand in his pocket. "Any questions for far?"

"You said that this would be my room until they start arriving. Will I move to a different room?" She said as she placed her bag on the bed. "What are these?" She picked up two sacks on the bed. It looked to be a bodysuit of some kind and a sweatsuit.

"Yes, you will be placed in a room with 11 others. Don't worry. I will monitor them to ensure they don't try anything, but it shouldn't be a problem. As for the clothes, one is a tech body suit that will give access to your respiration and heart rate and keep track of you in the facility. The others are cooldown sets you will wear when you aren't training. Both will get washed every day."

"Well, that is a relief," she said as she sat on the bed. "One last question. When will the program end?"

"Six…no Seven months from now. The boys' U-20 world Cup will start then," he said as he leaned against the door frame. "The top five will automatically be registered while skills will choose the other."

"What about me? I can't exactly participate in the boys' U-20," she said as she lay on the bed and closed her eyes.

"Well, depending on whose attention you catch, you will be registered with a team and compete in the Nadeshiko League, and then your world cup will happen. Whether you are chosen again for the national team is up to you and the teams," he said as he stood up. "Now, change into the tech suit and head to the workout room. Let's get your baseline." He left the room after that.

Yoichi inhaled and then exhaled, inhaling the room's smell. Sterile…. She thought as she opened her eyes. She stood up and started to strip her clothes off. Good thing I wore a sports bra today, she thought as she opened the package. She pulled on the body suit, a tight shirt, and leggings.

"This is too tight," She muttered as she pulled at the collar, "and a bit…revealing." She ran a hand on her body encased in the suit. She took a breath and steadied herself. I want this, so I must endure, she thought as she opened the door and walked to where her uncle showed her the workout room.

"How's the fit?" Her uncle asked as he appeared on the screen. She held a hand to her chest. "I told you I could track you through the suit, did I not?"

"Yeah, but I wasn't prepared to see your face so big," She muttered and said, "The fit is fine. A little too tight for my taste, but whatever." He hmmmed.

"It really can't be helped. I can't get a good reading without it being tight," he said as he pushed up his glasses. "now follow the list on the screen, and we will go from there."

Yoichi started on the treadmill to start the endurance test. She only lasted 42:13 minutes before tapping out. Jumping was next, and she only got 24 inches. Not bad, she thought since she hadn't played for at least four years.

"All right. Head out to the practice field and wait there," her uncle's voice sounds from the tv. A map appears on the screen. "follow the map there." She looked at the map and followed the directions to the practice field.

"Wow," she said as she covered her eyes from the sunshine coming from overhead. The ceiling was open, allowing fresh air to hit the field's turf. It looks like a regular soccer field with two goals on the ends. "don't I need cheats for this if I am going out on the field?"

"It will be fine. I am just testing out your basic skill set for now. Tomorrow we will get into the real thing," He said as he appeared on the screen. He smirks. "after all, we have a month and a half to prep you." Yoichi's sweat dropped, and she let out a dry chuckle.

"Great," she said as a soccer ball shot out of the wall. She caught it with her ankle and then settled it from her foot. A hum echoes across the field as three giant blue men appear, one in the center of the area and one at each goal. The door closed. “What the….?”

"The one on your left will be your goal," he said as he watched. "you are going to play one-on-one with the blue lock men. They are AIs designed after real-life players. The first side to score three wins."

"Great," she muttered as she got into position. "Welcome back to soccer, I guess." After 45 minutes of playing, She was on the ground in a starfish position, trying to catch her breath.

"Not bad, but not great either. You have some work to do," Ego said as he appeared on the screen again. The score read 3 to 2. "you will be playing against boys, so you need to be able to keep up."

"Yeah," she droned as she lay there, looking up at the darkening sky.

"Go bathe and eat. I will compile the data while you do that," He said before disappearing from the screen. The door opened again. Yoichi peeled herself off the ground and headed out the door.

“hmmm…” She said as she looked up and down the hallway.

“On the 1st floor. That is where you will stay until the program starts," Ego's voice sounded the hallways. "Don't keep asking for prompts. Learn the layout. And don't forget your sweat suit to wear."

"Well, maybe if you gave me a map," she snapped as she headed back to her room. "stupid uncle..." she muttered as she grabbed the suit and headed down to the first floor. She stripped and stepped into the bath. She washed her head first and then her body. She rinsed off and then stepped into the tub. The warm water felt good against her sore muscles. She sighed in relief.

"I am going to have to start doing some of the yoga again," she muttered as she rested her head on her arms. She relaxed for a little bit before getting out. She dried off and then changed into a sweatsuit. It was surprisingly comfortable. "I guess I will leave this here." She left the tech suit behind and headed to the cafeteria. It was a large room with several tables and chairs.

"All of the teams will come here to eat. Not together, but this room could hold all of you together if need be. Head over to the windows and put your shoulder to it," Ego's voice sounded again. She walked over and touched the place with her shoulder. The door to the window door, revealing a plate of miso soup, rice, and grilled salmon. There was another dish with it, too.

"Natto?" she questioned as she took it. She shrugged and walked to a table. Saying a small prayer, she ate her dinner.

"All right. I have compiled the data," Ego said as he appeared on the screen.

"You really can pop up anywhere, can't you?" She said after she swallowed her bite.

"Yes. I always need to monitor you all. In case of a fight, of course," he said as he pushed up his glass, "anyways…" he lifted a hand, and her data popped up. "You are average, which is good because I thought you would be poor. I guess those matches in the community park did you good."

"Thanks," She said with sarcasm.

"Now, now," he said with a smirk, "I know where to start. You better be ready because you are in for it now, niece. You are free to do whatever you want after you finish eating. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the facility because you will be here for a while." And disappeared after that. Yoichi sighed as she finished her meal. She put it in the area marked cleaning.

"Well, I guess I'll wander and see what I can find," she said as she started up the hallway. Meanwhile, in the office/living space of Ego.

"Is that wise, Ego-San?" Anri asked as she watched the young woman wander. "to let her wander, I mean. It will put her at an advantage over the boys."

"Not really. Some boys will wander at night, so it's fine for now. If she doesn't stay up too late," he said as he watched his niece before turning to her data on the screen. "I'm impressed that she managed to keep this fitness level. She isn't far from some of the lump of talent."

"Yes. I am quite shocked myself," Anri said as she looked over it.

"This program is going to get interesting. Very interesting," he said with a smirk, "Japan is in for a treat."

Yoichi found the viewing room and was now reviewing her 'match' with the blue lock man.

"Playing with the others has helped me maintain this level, but I need more," she said as she watched herself on the screen.

"I will devour everyone in my way."

Chapter Text

The next day, Yoichi was woken up by a loud alarm. She shot up in her bed and then covered her ears.

“What the….” She muttered as the alarm stopped and uncovered her ears. She looked around.

“Good. You are awake,” Uncle said as he appeared on the screen in her room. “Get dressed and head to the cafeteria for breakfast. After that, head to the weight room. It is officially time to start training for the program,” he said with a grin. She groaned.

Jin chuckled. “Get moving.” And then disappeared from the screen. She sighed and got up out of the bed. She started to undress but then had a thought. She walked to the door and opened it. Her bodysuit sat on the floor in a nicely wrapped packet. She looked down the hallway and then up.

“Well, that’s handy,” she said as she grabbed the bag. She resumed changing and then headed to the cafeteria. When she entered the number, the badge on her shoulder flashed to number 1. She repeated the process. She took her food to the nearest table and ate it.

“While you eat, I will explain your regime until the beginning of the program in 6 weeks,” he said as she put a piece of fish in her mouth. She chewed and then swallowed.

“That isn’t much time,” She commented. Jin pushed at the nosepiece of his glasses.

“That doesn’t matter. This is Blue Lock, a specialized soccer facility only to push out the best of the best. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have much time. Your goal, now, is to catch up. You don’t have far, but you won’t be where you were four years ago in 6 weeks. In 6 weeks, you will be at least able to keep up with the lower ranks,” he said as he brought up a hologram. The hologram shows a cartoon of Yoichi working out. “You will be doing an off-season workout, 2-in-1 day with a mini-game with the blue lock men.”

“Blue lock men?” she muttered as she swallowed the last of rice, “Oh, you mean those ai things from before.”

“Correct. Now finish eating and head to the workout room,” he said before disappearing from the screen.

“Bossy…” she muttered as she finished the last of the miso soup. She gathered up her dishes and then put them in the cleaners. Walking down the hallway to the workout, she put her hair up in a low ponytail. When she arrived, the training flashed on the screen in the room:

“So, these focus on strength. I assume the rest will focus on speed and endurance,” she said as she went to the weight rack.

“Correct again. For now, we will streamline your training. About the 3rd week, we will retest again to see if your stats change,” Uncle’s voice sounded in the room.

“Alright,” she said as she set herself up. After the weighted workout was complete, Yoichi felt herself be sore.

It was a struggle for me to finish the last set of everything, she thought as she drank some water. She wiped her mouth with her sleeve.

“Shit…” She whispered as she closed her eyes and caught her breath, “I have gotten weak.”

“That’s except after the last four years,” Uncle’s face appeared on the screen. Ego’s black eyes looked over his niece. “It can’t be helped. You have to pick up and keep going. That’s why we are doing this, remember? To get you caught up. Remember why you are doing this.”

He’s right. It’s not just men who crave to be the best striker, she thought as she opened. They blazed with determination. Uncle grinned, and she smiled back.

“Next workout,” he sounded as his face disappeared and the next workout appeared:

“You must go the practice field for this,” he said.

“Will I need cheats?” She asked as she left the weight room and headed to the practice field. When she arrived, there was a pair of cheats by the door. “What’s next? A magic wand I can wave around?” She muttered quietly to herself as she put on the cheats. They came with socks too.

“For that, you will be doing extra workouts. Careful what you said,” he said, voice echoing throughout the practice. She whined. “Should thought of that before that smart comment of yours.”

“Fair, I guess,” she said, stretching a little before beginning the workout. About 15 minutes later, she collapsed on the ground, starfish style. Her lungs burned as she tried to get air into her system.

“Fuck you,” She panted. She brought her arm over her eyes. “Can I die already?”

“No, you may not, and language. Your mother would kill me if she knew you were already cussing,” he said as the workout screen disappeared and Uncle Jin appeared on the screen. “Well, how was that? Think you can handle it, or do you need to lock off?” Yoichi growled at the question, and Jin grinned. “There you are. Now, take a break and drink some water. Your mini match with the blue lock men will begin in 10 minutes.” His face disappears again, and a timer is on the screen. She wisely kept her mouth shut and drank her water.

Stupid uncle…she thought as she watched the clock. She thought about how she struggled with each exercise. Her grip tightened on her drink. The others must have been going easy on me during those matches. I can’t barely keep straight on the counter-movement jumps. I almost twisted my ankle on the last one.She rubbed her ankle at the thought. I wonder what the others are doing.

Meanwhile, in the director’s studio, Ego stared at the screen that held his niece.

“You aren’t doing bad, but you aren’t doing good either. You are mediocre at best right now,” he said as he slurped noodles.

“Ego-san. May I ask why she is here? From what I see, you shouldn’t have invited her,” Anri said as she looked at the girl. “As much as I want to see a girl succeed, I don’t know about her. She doesn’t carry herself very well. She isn’t Makoto Kusanagi of Tokyo Sakura.” Anri thought of a robust and purple-haired woman made a year ago. She is currently Japan's best female football player and perhaps the world. Ego thought for a minute.

“Anri Teieri, what is the worst thing that can happen to a young woman right now?” he asked as he finished his noodles and set them off. He turned to his chair to look at her, dead in the eyes.

“Umm….is this a trick question or….” She said softly.

“No trick,” he said as he brought his hands together and laced them together.

“Well…. I’m not sure, sir….” She said as she looked down. I think I messed up, she thought. Ego stared at her for a moment.

“Then think before you speak next time,” he said harshly before returning to watch his niece. Anri looked up in shock at her boss.

“Yes, sir,” she said softly before changing the subject. “Have you started to review the files of the players?”

“I have. The first 25 have been chosen,” he said as he set up the blue-lock men for the mini-match. He lifted a hand and pointed to the track near the end of the table. “I will work on the next 25 at the end of the training session with her today.” The timer on the screen in the field flashed red, getting down into the mere seconds before it ended. Edo turned on the microphone.

“Get ready. The goal for this is to be better than your last mini-game. The reward will be a phone to your parents and your cellphone for the night,” he said into the mic. On the screen, Yoichi nodded. “Begin!”

After a tug-of-war match that lasted 50 minutes, the score read 3 to 3. Yoichi was once again in a starfish position on the floor and panting.

“Not bad. Better. You have always been quick to adapt, though, so it looks like those instincts have awakened,” Ego said as the men disappeared from the field and reappeared on the big screen. “Now, cool your body down and get your lunch. You can join Anri and me in the office.” She raised her arm and singled a thumb up before letting it fall to the ground. After about 3 minutes on the floor, Yoichi felt her heart rate finally slow down. She slowly let herself into a sitting position and began stretching her muscles from the workouts and mini-match. After a 15-minute routine, she slowly exited the floor and headed out the door.

Yoichi headed to the cafeteria and got her food. She knocked on the door, and then it slowly opened. Anri held the door for her as she walked through. Ego waved from his seat at the table.

“Come sit,” he said. She slowly walked over, not spilling anything from the tray. She sat next to her uncle and then sat herself. Anri sat on the opposite side of her.

“Considering that it is the first day of individual training for you, you are doing quite well,” Ego said as he stirred his noodles.

“Are you just saying that or….?” Yoichi asked as she drizzled chili sauce on her salmon and slowly mixed it into her rice.

“I thought you knew me. You know I don’t get comments. You may be family, but you have to earn my comments,” he said as he used his chopstick to get a big batch of noodles. Anri just ate her food and watched the uncle/niece interaction before her. Yoichi smirked at her uncle.

“Just make sure.” she said as she took a bite of her fish and rice, “but I think I suck so far.” Anri choked and coughed at her statement. Yoichi quickly put down her stuff.

“No…*cough* I am…*cough*. Alright,” she said as she slowly sipped her water.

“You sure?” the girl asked the older woman. Anri nodded. The girl picked up her stuff and resumed eating, watching the older woman.

“May I ask why you think you suck?” she asked, her voice husky from the earlier cough fit. Yoichi looked at the older woman momentarily and then at Ego. She put down her food again and looked at it, hands cupping the bowl.

“You didn’t tell her?” she asked softly. Ego looked at his niece and reached to put a hand on her arm. He rubbed his thumb on her.

“no. I didn’t think it was my place to tell people. That is your story and yours alone,” he said as he retracted his hand from her arm. Yoichi hmmed as she turned her eyes towards the other. Anri started to sweat. For some odd reason, she felt mesmerized by the other female in the room.

“I am sorry, but I don’t know you well enough to tell you the whole story,” Yoichi finally said as she let go of her bowl and wrapped her arms around her. “But I will tell you this. Something happened four years ago, and I had a mental breakdown. Someone I was supposed to trust took advantage of my gender and groomed me. He took my love of football away because all I could remember was him and his actions. During things, he would tell me that I wasn’t good enough and only place me on the team because I had a ‘good body’ and was a ‘good girl, so I deserved a reward for good behavior.’ Sometimes, I still struggle with it during exercises and stuff. Hince the reason why I haven’t played in four years.”

“I see…” Anri said, piecing together the pieces that Isagi told her.

“The only thing that kept my interest in football was the boys I met on vacation and other places, as well as watching people like Itoshi Sae, Julian Loki, and Makoto Kusanagi play,” Yoichi said as she gripped her upper arms tightly. “Sometimes, I just wish….” Ego looked at his niece.

“Enough. I see that talking still…triggers something,” he said as he stirred his noodles. “Are you sure you are still ready for this, Yoichi?” The girl nodded her head.

“I have never wanted anything more in my life, and I let someone take that way from me,” she said as she looked at her uncle. He looked at her and saw that she was serious about this. “And I’m tired of letting him control me and my decisions. It's time I take back what is mine and mine alone.”

Ego smiled, “Spoken like a true survivor. Now let us finish our food and the rest of the workout.” Yoichi whined but agreed, knowing it would make her stronger. They finished their food, and Yoichi gathered her dishes. Anri looked at the girl as she left the office to return her tray and dishes to the cafeteria.

“So, she was….” She said sadly. Ego looks at his assistant.

“Piece it together?” he asked as he sat by the monitors. “Yes, she was, and it was a damn shame too. No one believes her, and that monster still, as far as I know, coaches little kids.”

“That’s horrible,” she said as she cleaned up.

“It’s society. One of the main reasons she wants her dream back is to bring awareness to the situation and create a safe environment for female players. The JFA is content with running the football like a business, so they didn’t see an issue,” he said as he sent the following exercise to the workout room screen for his niece to do.

“The female side of the football for this country is doing well. I don’t see why the JFA recognizes that,” she said as she threw away the trash and started to get some files together for her to go over with Ego later regarding strikers for the program.

“Japan has a more patriarchal look of things. Men's sports are more often looked at than females, especially in men-dominated sports such as football.” Ego said as he watched his niece walk into the room. He turned on the microphone. “Alright. For an extra workout in punishment for mouthing off earlier.”
Yoichi watched as the workout appeared on the screen:

She groaned at the workout. “Ab workout after lunch. You are cruel, uncle.”

“Too bad, so sad. Now get to it.” He disappeared from the screen. She walked over to the medicine ball rack and got to it. By the end of the workout, she felt like she was going to throw up.

“Ugh,” she said as she lay on the floor.

“You all, right?” Ego said as he reappeared on the screen. She groaned in response. “Well, we are done with your first training day. Welcome back to soccer. You are free for the rest of the day, which is much left. Go wash up and eat some dinner.”

Yoichi peeled herself off the floor and headed to her room to pick up her comfort clothes. She washed herself and then soaked herself in the tub.
“I will have to stretch before going to bed tonight to help out with the soreness,” she muttered as she lowered herself into the water, feeling her muscles ache. She stayed there for 20 minutes before forcing herself to get out of the bath.

After about 10 minutes, she got her food from the cafeteria. As she ate her food, her uncle popped on the screen.

“Your mom is on the phone for you. Hurry up and eat,” he said before disappearing. She finished her food and then headed to the ‘office.’ Ego was waiting for her with her cell phone in hand. He motioned, ‘Take it with you, please,’ before shutting the door in her face. She made a face and then put the phone up to her ear.

“Hi, mom.”

“Yoichi! Jin didn’t tell me he was transferring me to you. How are you, sweetheart?”

“Tired and sore but in a good way. I let myself good after all these years,” she said as she took her phone to her room. She lay on the bed as she put her mother on speakerphone.

“Well, it can’t be help, sweetheart. All that matters is that you are returning to it, and Jin is there.”

“Yeah. How is dad?”

“Right here, sweetheart,” Issei’s voice sounded over the phone. Yoichi closes her eyes at her dad’s voice.

“Sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye before going,” she said as she opened her eyes. She sat up in bed and looked around. She found a mat and unrolled on the floor.

“It’s okay. I know how important this is to you. You never ask for anything except for the time you were young and wanting to play football then,” he said. His voice had a fond tone to it. Yoichi sat on the floor, crisscrossed, and focused on her breathing. “Mom and I are rooting for you. You got this.”

“Thanks, Daddy, and thank Momma for not giving up on me and my dream. I know it has been hard the past couple of years, but I promise I will do everything I can,” she said softly, smiling at the phone.

“I know, sweetheart, and never forget that we are here for you. We will let you go now, and please give Jin a hassle. That man needs it. Oh, and do try to set him up with that nice assistant. I think she would be good for him.” Yoichi's sweat dropped, and she laughed.

“Um…I will try, Mom. No guarantee, though,” she said as she bid her parents goodnight. She started her stretch routine, focusing on getting some of the soreness.

“Just remember. Ti will be worth it in the end,” she said.

Back in the office, Jin was glad to be rid of his sister’s chatter. She may be older by a minute or two, but that doesn’t give her the right to tell him what to do and how to live his life. After all, he had his hands full with producing the next number-one striker.

“Ego-San, shall we continue?” Anri asked as she looked him over from her desk.

“Just a couple more, then lights out.”

For the next couple of weeks, it was the same routine for the three occupants of the building: Yoichi with her training and the managers with their selections for the blue lock program. Yoichi saw changes in both her stats and body. She became more fit and toned but still had a petite frame. She became fast and quick on the field, able to predict certain moves that the blue-lock men perform. She can also use her small frame to squeeze herself into a tight space to score goals
.
As for the managers, they selected the best of the best to take part in the Blue Lock program. They scouted the country and selected those who were an excellent fit for the program.

And now the official start of the blue lock project begins.

Chapter Text

The day of the official start of the Blue Lock program was different for Yoichi. She woke up at her usual time with a blaring alarm at 5 a.m.

“All right, lump of talent. Get up,” Ego’s voice sounded. Yoichi made a face and got out of bed. He told her the day before that he wouldn’t call her name anymore and would start to lump her in with the boys. Unfortunately, that means putting up with his ridiculous nicknames. He appeared on the screen.

“Anri-chan and I will need to leave the facility soon to start the meeting with the ‘young hopefuls of tomorrow,’” Ego said with air quotes around the young hopefuls. “I trust you to find yourself in the room where you will stay with them. Ensure you take everything with you because the door will lock once you leave the room.”

“So I won’t be coming back to this room at all?” she asked as she packed her bag, including the things she was given at the facility. She also dressed in her tech suit and braided her hair into a low ponytail, draping it over her shoulder.

“We will see,” he said, “I might get it back to you during the second selection, but we will see.” Yoichi shrugged.

“What about breakfast?” she asked as she shouldered the bag. Ego pointed to her shoulder.

“Your ‘number’ has been assigned so you can get breakfast before you head to the cafeteria. The boys will be arriving around 10ish, so you have time. Just don’t dawdle around.” he said as he disappeared from the screen. Yoichi stared at the screen before heading out and headed to the cafeteria. When she reached the window, she looked at the number her uncle, no Ego, had assigned her.

299, she thought as she scanned the number. He did put me low, just like he said he would. No matter, I will climb to the top. She grabbed her food and sat down at a table. And I will have to act like I have never been here before once I walk into that room. It doesn’t matter. I’m not here to make friends.

She finished her meal and put it in with the cleaners. She grabbed her bag and headed to the room where she would stay with ten boys.

“The one thing I hate about this place is that I can’t tell what time it is, “she muttered as she crossed the threshold into an empty room other than lockers. She chose the first locker to put her stuff in and closed the door.

“So, what now?” she muttered.

“Now you can do whatever you want. Just remember that the boys will be here at 10ish. So, workout or whatever,” Ego said through a speaker, “just be in the room by 10:30ish. I will put time on screen for you.” A clock appears on the screen. The time read 6:30 a.m.

“Alright. Have fun at your meeting or whatever,” she said as she exited the room.

Ego watched his niece leave the room on the monitor. “You are ready,” He muttered as he got up. Anri was waiting by the door.

“Will she be okay by herself?” she asked, wondering about the girl.

“She will be fine. Statistically speaking, girls are more responsible than boys,” Ego said as he pushed up his glasses on his face.

“If you say so,” Anri said as she opened the door.

“Have a little faith, Anri-chan,” he said as he followed.

Yoichi just finished her workout when she looked at the clock. It’s 9:30. I have better head back to the room now, she thought as she put away the workout equipment. Knowing Ego, she decided to work on her strength and core, leaving her legs alone. There will probably be an exercise involving elimination. She began the trek back to the room.

“I hope these guys aren’t assholes about me being here,” she muttered as she entered the room. So far, no one has arrived. “Now, I guess I just sit and wait.” She propped herself against the opposite wall of the lockers and closed her eyes. Time must have crept by fast because she heard a “woah” before she knew.

Yoichi opened her eyes and looked.

There was a boy with hair sticking up, a giant with a top knot, a mean-looking boy, and a wide-eyed short boy looking at her.

“uh? What the hell?!” the mean one said. He pointed to her. “What the hell are you doing here?!” Yoichi lowered her eyes as she looked at them—the boy with his stick-up blushes.

“She is hot,” he whispered, covering his mouth and nose.

“I got invited like you,” She said as she closed her eyes.

“Hey-“ the mean one said before being cut off.

“Leave her be. If she says she is here to participate, then she is here to participate,” he said. She assumed he was walking over to the locker.

“I took the first one. Sorry,” she said as she kept her eyes closed. He hummed. It sounded like he had opened another door.

“We should change. She has her eyes closed,” he said as she heard clothes rustling.

“You can’t be serious,” one had said. Yoichi made a face and pulled away from the wall. She turned around. “huh?”

“This is that better for your modesty?” she mocked.

“Why, you!” the mean one sounded.

“Dude, just change quickly.” She could hear clothes rustling after that. After a few minutes had passed, someone came up behind her, and she turned. The one with the top knot would reach out to touch her. He dropped and sat down in front of her. He pointed to himself.

“I’m Gin Gagamaru,” he said as he held out a hand. She took it and shook it.

“Isagi Yoichi,” She replied.

“Oh, me next,” the bright-eyed boy said, pointing to himself. “I’m Asahi Naruhaya, and he is,” pointing to the guy beside him, “Yudai Imamura.” The boy nodded very quickly and then turned away. “Aw! He is shy. We weren’t expecting a cute girl to be here.”

“Get over it. We aren’t here to flirt. We are to play football, and you are an extraction,” The mean one said as he pointed to her.

“Dude, she was here before us, which means she is here to play football, too,” Naruhaya said as he looked at the boy. “You didn’t even introduce yourself.”

“Whatever. Jingo Raichi. Don’t get in my way, or I'll kill you,” he said as he walked to the other side.

“Friendly,” she said sarcastically. The guy, Imamura, squealed a little bit. She looked at him and raised her eyebrow. The automatic door opened again, letting in three other people. The five looked at them as they entered.

“A girl?” the shaved head one asked as he stopped. The red-haired walked around him and looked. The squinty one looked as well. The red-haired was the first to walk over to the lockers. Yoichi turned her glaze to Gin in front of her. The red-haired noticed and nodded.

“You don’t mind?” she asked the giant before her. He nodded no. The other two took it as an opportunity to change as well.

“Man, this is exciting!” Imamura said, finally recovering from meeting the only girl of blue lock.

“I guess you can say that,” Squinty said. He and the shaved head stood over in the far corner. The red-haired took a seat up by the wall with the screen. They all survey each other until the door opens again. A bi-colored, orange-haired, and bald walked in.

“So Cool!” the bicolor said, looking around. The orange walked further into the room.

“What is a girl doing here?” Baldy squealed as he pointed to her. Bicolor and orange looked at her, and she at them.

“Wow!” Bicolor exclaimed as he ran to her and dropped to the ground before her. He got into her personal space.

“Hey,” she said as she backed away with a slight blush. She thought she heard a whisper, “Cute.”

“You are cute. I’m Bachira Meguru. Nice to meet you- woah,” he said as the collar of his school uniform was grabbed.

“Leave her alone and get change. Remember why we are here. She is probably here for the same reason,” the orange guy said as he pulled him away from her. He dragged Bachira over by the locker, and she turned away again. She heard Baldy grumbling about her as he, she assumed, changed as well.

She hears a collapse after that.

“That Bachira just collapsed on the floor and fell asleep,” Imamura replied with a thumbs up, “The orange-headed dude is still changing, so don’t turn around yet.” She nodded. The door opened again, and one person walked in.

And that makes 12 according to the project outline, she thought as she headed counting the people in the room in her head. Now that I think about it…this room is the size of a penalty box on the field. She looked up.

“Why is there a girl here?” the newcomer asked, and there was a gasp. Yoichi looked over. A pretty blond walked in, and Blady went above to shake his hand.
“You are the jewel of Japan! Wow, and in the flesh! It’s nice to meet you!” Baldy screamed in excitement as he shook the kid’s hand very fast.

“Uhhh…thanks,” the blond kid said as he tried to free his hand, “Hey, let me get change, and then we can talk.”

Yoichi turned her head to the group before her, beginning the same routine again.

“You are very respectful,” Imamura said, “so you know, you can look at me anytime.” She smirked slightly, and he blushed bright red.

“Dude…” Naruhaya said as he shook his head, “You are shameless.”

“So, I will ask again. Why is there a girl here?” the newcomer had asked, “You can turn, by the way.” She turned and looked at the newcomer, his body encased in the tech suit. She then looked around. Orange was over by the locker, not quite finished changing yet.

That body is crazy, she thought as she looked at him and then turned her eyes to the boy that fell asleep on the floor. He was curled up in a ball with a thumb stuck in his mouth. She faintly hears, “Zico…pass….pass to me.”

“Hey…. hello,” the jewel of Japan stated, waving a hand in her face. She brought her attention back to the newcomer. “I’m talking to you. What are you doing here? I thought only men were to attend this project.”

“It only said player improvement project, not men improvement project. Did you not read the project description?” she said smartly. “You must be one of those who think that men can only play this sport.”

“Burn….” Someone whispered.

“I never said that,” the newcomer argued, defending himself.

“You may not have said it, but you were thinking about it,” she said as she stood up and stretched. Her muscles were starting to get stiff in that position. “But that is fine. I have to improve you wrong, too.” She smiled a sharp grin.

“Hey, I didn’t….” the newcomer said with a handout. The screen in the room turned on.

“Are you done changing, lumps of talent?” Ego said as he appeared on the screen and made a wave motion with his hand. “Hi, hi. The others in your room aren’t just your roommates but your rivals. They will push you higher. Especially in one room in particular.”

“He must be talking about us,” the red-haired princess whispered as he glanced at her. She shrugged.

“I used my personal ranking system to rank you based on your performance before the project. This will change by the day and will go up or down depending on training and games. Ultimately, the top five will unconditionally be registered for the U-20 World Cup in six months.”

“What about the girl?” The newcomer asked as he looked at her, “She isn’t a male, so I doubt she will make the top five, but if she were, what would happen then? She can’t participate in the game.” She hmped.

“You don’t like me bring here, do you?” she asked.

“It’s nothing to do with that and everything to do with the principle,” he shot back.

“Just know,” Ego said, ignoring the newcomer, “Those who fail blue lock will forever lose the right to represent Japan. What you need to succeed here is Ego. So first, we’ll hold a little entrance test to measure your Aptitude.” He got a crazy look in his eyes. “Now, it's Time for some Tag.”

The ceiling opened, and a soccer ball was in front of Yoichi.

“The time limit is 136 seconds. If you get hit with the ball, you are “it.” Whoever’s it when the time ran out had to piss off back home.” The screen began to dim. “Also, you can’t use your hands. Those are the rules.” The Baldy popped up on the net.

Gurimu Igarashi, she thought as she looked at the screen and then at him. The boy began to swear bullets. Welcome to Blue Lock, boys.

“The hell?” the sharp tooth boy said, “This ain’t soccer.” Imamura has moved to the door.

“The door isn’t opening!” he said as he tried repeatedly to open it. Igarashi looked at the number on his shoulder and then to the screen.

“So, I’m the lowest, huh? Even the girl is higher than me,” he said as he put a foot on the ball, “but I will do it. Guys, no hard feelings about going home.”
“Wait a minute. Do you believe him?” Imamura said with his hand up in front of him.

“I have to, or I will be stuck in that damn temple forever,” he screamed as he started to run. Everyone started to run, but Yoichi stood her ground.

“Hey, you,” the newcomer said. Igarashi grinned.

“Perfect. You are 299 and the girl. We will get rid of you just like that,” he said as he kicked the ball. “Homage to the three treasures!” Yoichi looked blankly at him as she dodged the ball. “Ah! Wait! Damn it!” He chased after the ball like a dog.

“Pathetic,” she whispered as she watched him kick the ball repeatedly at people. Igarashi spotted Bachira still sleeping and grinned. The boy held his nose in a flash, and Bachira was on his feet.

“That’s a foul, right? FOUL!” the boy screamed as he held his bloody nose. Bachira rubbed his eyes.

“We just can’t use our hands, right?” he asked as he continued to rub his eyes, “Mornin’.”

Mornin’! You fell asleep about an hour ago, she thought as she looked at the bicolor. The orange put a hand on Bachira’s shoulder.

“Hey. I wouldn’t say I like it when people play dirty. Let’s fight fair and square,” he said with a stern look on his face. Yoichi opened her eyes wide. Wham! The soccer ball hits the orange in the face. The screen turned to 291: Rensuke Kunigami with a mean looked icon.

“Ha! You were wide open! Buddha’s Mercy!” Igarashi laughed. Kunigami’s eye twitched. He readied his shot. Yoichi’s eyes saw the twitching in the quad muscle as he pulled his leg back. That’s going to be a powerful kick and painful, too, she thought as she smirked at the monk. Bachira giggled and got out of the way, seeing his chance to escape.

“I’ll crush you, you stupid monk!” he screamed as he kicked the ball. Igarashi screamed like a little girl and then saw his chance.

“Hey!” he said as he grabbed Yoichi’s wrist and pulled her in front of him.

“Fat chance of that, stupid,” she said as she pulled back, using her leg strength to pull. He gasped in surprise before being hit in the stomach. The screen turned back to him as “it.” She flicked her ponytail over her shoulder.

“Don’t grab me again,” she said coldly. Igarashi lay gasping for air. Time ticked down. “Although I have to give it to you. You have the right idea.” She walked over to the ball and touched it. The screen flicks to her, displaying 299: Yoichi Isagi.

“Hey, cutie!” she heard and looked over. Bachira was on Kunigami’s back and tried to restrain him. “Here is your chance,” he said. Kunigami growled and tried to fling him off.

“I told you to play fair and square,” He growled as he grabbed Bachira and flung him across the room. Bachira laughed as he flew.

“No,” she said as she watched. “I won’t accept handouts. Nothing will change if you accept whatever is given to you. No, I am here for the best, man or female. It doesn’t matter what gender you are, but I will beat you.” Bachira looked at her and then slyly smiled.

“You just got even cuter,” he said as he pointed to her. “You get it! If you are going to crush someone, go for the strongest guy!” He rushed her and stole the ball.

“Huh?” She whispered as she looked after him. The screen flicked to the boy’s info: 290 Meguru Bachira with a vampy look. Ten seconds left on the clock and counting down.

“Me?!” the newcomer screeched. Bachira kicked the ball. He jumped out of the way. Yoichi saw Bachira’s muscle shift. Wait, he’s going to…she thought as her eyes opened wide and turned her body. The ball ricocheted off the floor. The clock read 7 seconds left. Bachira kicked him, but the newcomer dodged it.

“Urgh,” he said as he tumbled to the floor but quickly got up. The ball hit the wall, and Bachira kicked it up in the air.

5

4

3

Yoichi smiled and whispered, “Nice pass.” Bachira smiled.

2

“The strongest guy is…” and a powerful kick, “Bon!”

1

The screen changed to 289: Ryosuke Kira. Wham was heard as the ball smacked Kira in the face, and he tumbled to the ground. 0 hit the clock, and lose was painted on the screen.

“huh? Wha….” He said as he looked dazed at everybody in the room. Yoichi pulled at the hair tie, letting loose her hair as she walked over him. He looked up at her.

“You lose…” she whispered as the screen came to life. Ego clapped.

“Good work, you lump of talent. Results here are everything,” Ego said, inwardly proud of his niece. “Now get out, loser! Ruosuke Kira, you are disqualified!”

“What…Don’t mess with me….” Kira growled as he looked at the screen. “are you saying that the stupid monk and this bitch have more talent than me??!!? I am the Jewel of Japanese soccer!!!” he swung his arms wide. “What does this have to do with football, huh?!?”

“You fucking stupid, aren’t you?” Yoichi asked as she crossed her arms.

“What?!” he screeched as he stepped towards her.

“You lack poor observation skills, I see,” she said as she narrowed her eyes and cocked her head, “the size of the room…you didn’t notice?” Kira got a dazed look.

“What?” he asked softly. Ego laughed.

“Good eye, 299. In Blue Lock, everything is related to soccer/football. As stated by 299, the size of that room is 16.5 x 40.32 meters. The same size of a penalty area of a field.” All the boys looked at her in shock, including Bachira and Kunigami. “This is a striker’s workplace. About 75% of goals happen here.”

“How well you position yourself in the penalty determines your worth on any team, especially if you want to be a striker,” she said, picking up where ego left off. “If you can’t survive a simple game of tag, you are worthless. Lukewarm as best.” Her eyes crinkled at the memory popping up in her mind, and closed her eyes.

“So, what!! Tag isn’t soccer, bitch!” he said as he stepped.

“Hey, knock it off,” the giant said as he stepped before her. She opened her eyes and looked at him.

“It’s fine,” she said as she touched him. “He is gone, anyway.”

“What’s required of the ones running away is tactical relational awareness or positioning. What’s required of the one who’s It is precise dribbling and the ability to aim and shoot while moving.” He pushed up his glass as he looked at them. “This is wonderful soccer training, idiot. Teams all over the world use it as a warmup.”

“A match lasts 90 minutes,” Kira screamed at the man.

“The average time that a player spreads in possession of the ball in 90 a minute match is about one hundred and thirty-six seconds, and you let it go to waste.”

“But the last..ten..seconds,” he whined.

“When Isagi hit you, there was one second left on the clock. You could have hit iga-guri, who hasn’t moved from his spot, panting on the floor like a dog,” Ego said as he looked at the boy, “but you let that slip away. Whoever’s it in this game of tag can become the loser by retaining possession of the ball, but they also have the power to make themselves the winner by hitting anyone else.”

“Instead of taking the easy, I chose to go after you, the stronger player,” Yoichi said as she pointed at him and then jerked a thumb towards Bachira, “and the same for him, stealing from me. That, little boy, is the ego of a striker. The obsession with only two things: winning and scoring goals.”

Ego smirked. “You chose to run from that, Ryosuke Kira. So again, you lose, so fuck off.” Kira looks shocked.

“She…..she doesn’t belong here!” he screamed, looking at her with murderous intent. “If you fail blue lock, I will look for you and….” Yoichi looked in shock. A memory crawled into her brain.

“If you tell anyone, I will ensure they don’t believe you.” A lick and pat on the head. She let out a shaking breath.

“Dude! You can’t say things like that!” Kunigami growled. Kira glared before walking out of the room.

“This is crazy,” Iga-guri grunted as he finally sat up.

“Crazy that may be, but Strikers you so casually admire face these competitions daily as they risk everything to get what they want. So, are you spooked? Do you realize how meanless your soccer lives were before coming here?” He did his creepy grin. “That’s victory. Crave it into your brains!!”

Everyone looked at each other. Yoichi shared a look with Bachira, and he winked at her.

“Every time you feel that pleasant sensation, your ego will grow, and you will get closer to becoming the world’s best striker. Congratulations, you have passed the blue lock entrance test. There are eleven of you in each room. From now on, you’ll live together and share a common destiny. You will cooperate or betray each other. Rivals carving out a shared dream as Blue Lock’s team Z.”

Chapter Text

It’s been three days since the start of Blue Lock. It took some boys a while to adjust to her appearance, while others had just accepted it. Some like Bachira flirted? With her, she wasn’t quite sure. She never had anyone flirt with her before. Others like Kunigami and Garamaru had positioned themselves as her big brothers. They made it so that the others stayed away when she changed and bathed.

Currently, she, Igaguri, and Raichi are doing the running test on the treadmill.

“Igaguri. You are too weak! You think you can become the world’s best striker like that!” Raichi yelled from his treadmill. Stats were kept on the screen in the workout room. Raichi’s endurance is insane, she thought as she looked at the board. He was reading 12.5 mph at 1:13.49. She had been behind him for a straight hour.

“Even Isagi is doing better than you. Maybe you need to learn a thing or two from her,” he said as the treadmill stopped. They were panting at the end, Igaguri more than Raichi and herself.

“Isagi-Chan, are you okay?” Kuon asked as he had a hand on Igaguri’s back, helping him breathe better. Kuon had appointed himself team captain in a sense. He has kept everyone organized for the past three days. “Need some water?” He holds out a bottle of water for her to take. She has a wary feeling about Kuon but brushes it aside for now.

“Thanks,” she said as she sipped the water she took from him.

“Don’t worry about what he said. Let’s do what we can,” Kuon said as he rubbed Igaguri’s back and looked at her. “While Igaguri recovers, why do you and I do the jumping test, Isagi-chan?” she nodded, and they entered. They clipped their belts that measured the height.

“One, two….” They counted down and then jumped. Even though I was getting a bad feeling, I couldn’t deny that this guy was good, she thought as if the computer read their height. He was 25 inches, and he was 26.8 inches. Not too bad. I gained an inch. It must be the strength that I have been putting in my legs.

“Not bad, “Kuon said with a smile, “better than what I thought you would get.”

“Oh?” she questioned with an eyebrow raised. Kuon put his hands in front of him.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” he said as the bell rang.

“Time to eat,” Igaguri said as he finally recovered from his endurance test. Yoichi shook her head and went to change. She and the boys worked it out to where she would change first and then them. They headed to the lunchroom. Bachira stuck himself to her as they walked. She thought of the first day at Blue Lock.

On the first day, Yoichi accidentally led them to the cafeteria. She was on autopilot. The boys were curious and followed her.

“Ah, Isa-chan! You knew where the lunchroom was?” Bachira exclaimed as Team Z arrived.

“Huh? Wha?!?” She said as she waved a hand and a blush on her cheeks, “I just followed the map that the lady gave me when I first got here,” she fibbed. The boys then said she got special treatment because she got a map. She shrugged, and they let it go.

Lucky that they went with that, she thought as she tapped her number on the screen. The regular rice and miso came out with the side dish of natto. The side dishes depend on the ranking number. So he got me used to natto, though.

The other thing that bugged her was all the other boys staring at her. They were either in shock or smirking constantly at her as they were lined up. Some had tried to hit on her as well. She just gave them the cold shoulder, which seemed to work in leaving her alone. She also remembers saying, “If you got time to flirt with me, then you must not be here to be the best striker, huh?”

“Wish I had natto. I always seem to get pickled radish,” Igaguri said as he came up behind her and looked at her natto. She shrugged and went to sit down. Bachira waved from his spot.

“Isa-chan!” he said, waving for her to come over. She sighed and walked over. “Sit with me, and I will share!” He showed her his side dish: liver stir-fry. He had been trying to share with her ever since finding out her side dish.

“Hmm…I am still going pass, Bachira. Thanks, though,” she said as she still sat with him. He looked like a kicked puppy, “But I still sit with you.” He perked up and smiled brightly. Igaguri decided to sit with them.

“Must be nice to have a high ranking,” he said, looking at Bachira’s liver stir-fry and then at Gagamaru at the other table, “he even got gyoza.”

She hmmed.

“I guess that means you have to catch up then,” she said as she picked up her rice. A shadow covered her. “Yes, Gagamaru?” she asked after she swallowed her bite and looked at him. He picked up a dumpling with his fingers and then put it on her rice.

“Here. You are smaller than us, so try to eat more. Okay?” he asked as he patted her head with two fingers raised.

“Umm…okay,” she said softly. He nodded, went back to his table, and sat down. He put his plate back on his tray. He started to eat with his fingers again when Naruhaya stole one from him.

“I’ll take one of those,” he said as he ran off with it and ate it.

“Hey shrimp…gave that back,” Gagamaru said as he got up and started to go after him. Naruhaya put it in his mouth and ate it.

“Sorry, I ate it already,” he said as he wiped his lip. Igaguri ahh and then cover his. Bachira outright laughed.

“Dude, I wouldn’t worry about yours,” he said between laughs. Yoichi picked up the gyoza and bit into it. She savored the dumpling favor.

“Yummy,” she whispered, enjoying the rest of her dinner. After dinner, everyone retreated to the room. They rolled out the bedrolls. Again, so Isagi would feel safe, they put her near the door in case anything happened. Everyone crawled into bed and whispered good night to each other. Yoichi slept for a couple of hours before waking up.

Too anxious, and now that I know, I must train harder, she thought as she crawled out of bed. She looked at the others before leaving the room. At this rate, I might not make it to the match. She felt the air shift and moved to the right as the ball passed her.

“Wow!” Bachira exclaimed, frozen in his kick position. He came back to neutral. “Isa-chan, solo training?”

“Ummm…yeah,” she said as she turned to him. Bachira smiled and looped arms with her.

“Can I join?” he asked, “I wanna train with Isa-chan.” She looked at him. Really looked at him. Others in the past had said that they wanted to train with her but then flaked out.

“…okay,” she said softly. They walked together to the indoor train field for team Z. They changed and met on the field, getting into a stretching routine.

“Bachira…” She said as she finished her stretching.

“Hmm?” he said as he finished as well. He had the ball under his foot. She rushed at him, catching him off guard and stealing possession of the ball.
“Are you perchance lonely?” she asked as she kept the ball from him, arm touching across his chest.

“Huh?” he asked as she got his face. She looked deep into his eyes and saw him surprised.

“Were you an outcast as well? for being different?” She asked as she flicked the ball past him, catching it with her ankles on the other side. She was almost like she danced around him.

“How did…?” he asked as he looked at her. He looked as if he was about to cry with…hope, she thought as she looked at him. That’s hope.

“And in this loneliness, did someone…or something come to you?” she asked as she took off running to the goal with him following not too far from her.

“How? How?” he asked as he tried to reach the ball, but she barely managed to keep it from him. He managed to steal the ball.

“How do you know these things?” he asked as he dribbled the ball, making it hard to see. He stopped and held the ball with a foot, “Do you...have a monster too? Do you hear it voice?”

“A monster…” She whispered as she closed her eyes. In her mind's eyes, she saw a girl chained to a chair, screaming to be let free and play unabandoned. She also hears the echoes of a promise made years ago.

We will be the best strikers, us in the men's division and you in the females. Soft touches of fists together. The taste of ice cream on her lips.

“yo-chan!’

“yo…”

She opened her eyes.

“Yes. I suppose I do,” she said as she rushed again. He kicked the ball back on his heel.

“What I believe that’s a sign of a striker…Messi, C. Ronaldo, and Noel Noa…all have monsters in their minds,” he said as he dribbled the ball away from her. It was almost like they were dancing a dance together. He stopped, and she followed.

“So Isa-chan, no yo-chan, I am glad I came to Blue Lock,” he said with a bright smile, “because I got to meet you.” She widens her eyes. He smiled. “Want to continue?” She smiled softly with a chuckle.

“Yeah,” she said as she got low and swiped a kick out. Bachira trapped the ball and jumped upward.

“That’s it!” he yelled in excitement. The ring of the bell made them stop.

“We have compiled the data from the past three days’ stamina tests. Please return to your rooms. We will present the new rankings,” a voice said. Anri- chan? She thought as she and Bachira returned to the rooms. Everyone was awake and listening to the announcement. Igaguri noticed them walking in.

“Ah, Isagi! Look!” he pointed at his shoulder. It read 275. “I am no longer 300; you are no longer 299.” She hmmed and looked at her shoulder. 274. No, it’s calculated from the people who were let go, dumbass.

“You and I must be meant for each other,” he said with a blush.

“No.” The screen came to life.

“Nice work, everyone. You lumps of talent, are you enjoying life in the blue lock?” Ego asked as he waved.

“Are you kidding me?!? How could we enjoy this?!?” Raichi complained as he stomped in place.” can we get good at soccer in this shitty place?!?”

“He’s right! I wanna eat some real food,” Naruhaya complained as he raised his arms. Gagamaru looked at him.

“You stole from me, thought,” he said, looking put out.

“The reason it’s shitty here is because you’re all shitty at soccer, idiot,” Ego said as he tapped his head.

“Harsh,” someone whispered, and Raichi growled at the man. Yoichi tuned out her uncle because she knew this part already.

It is a mind game at this point…. well, at least for them, she thought as she looked at the boys in the room. We are the lowest of the wings, though.

“For real? Don’t lump me in with this trash and her,” Raichi growled. Kunigami also had a pissed-off look on his face.

“Well, at least you are nice enough to acknowledge me, trash,” she said with a tongue stuck up.

“Look who’s talking, trash,” Kunigami said right back.

“Those in the upper ranks are enjoying good food and training in the top wing and are living a lifestyle befitting a striker in top leagues. Whoever is best at soccer is king here. If you want a nice life, win and boost yourself,” Ego said as he spread his hands wide.

“Just watch me,” Raichi stated as he crossed his arms.

“You talk big,” Kunigami said as he put his hands in his pockets.

“Now then. Let’s begin Blue Lock's first selection,” he said.

Here we go, Yoichi thought as she readied herself for the test of her life.

Meanwhile, a red-headed boy was sitting in a chair, enduring a horrible interview.

“…so, tell me, do you think we will ever get to see you play in a domestic league?” the interviewer asked. The boy hmphed.

“I’d rather drop dead,” he said. He looked at his nail. “I’d rather play German college students than play in one of this country’s lousy leagues.”

“Umm…don’t you have any aspirations to play someday, wear the national flag, and represent Japan?” the interviewer asked with a sweat-dropped look. The boy remembers a conversation from years past with a black-haired girl.

“I dunno, but I would like to stay here and play professionally if possible.”

“Yo, you are too good to stay here.”

“I’m not interested in the slightest. I can never become the best in the world playing for a puny country like this. My dream is to win the Champions League,” he said as he got up from the chair. He headed towards the door. “There is no forward in Japan who can receive my passes. I was just born in the wrong country.”

“Thanks for the time,” the interviewer called softly as he left. The boy walked down the hallway with his manager following behind.

“Itoshi-chan! You can’t do that,” the manager called. Itoshi Sae turned to the manager.

“I don’t care. I only came back because of my passport,” he said as he started walking again. He noticed a large gathering in one of the rooms and stepped closer.

“So, you guys are okay wasting 299 lives to produce a single world-class striker?” one reporter asked. The president panicked.

“Their lives will be wasted...damn right! This insane project is necessary for Japanese soccer to advance to the next level,” Anri said as she slapped her hands on the table.

“what’s with her?” the crowd murmured. The president looked at his employee.

“Anri-chan…” he whispered in warning. She looked at him sharply before turning her gaze back to the crowd.

“Don’t you want to see the moment when a hero is born in the world of Japanese soccer?” She asked as she looked out into the crowd.

“Exactly what you are getting at?” one reporter said, “The world of Japanese soccer is great and isn’t only represented by one team. They are the women, too.” On reported scoffed.

“Oh, please. Women’s sports aren’t that big,” a male reporter said, “the fans only care about the men’s.”

“The men are all that matter and what brings pride and enjoyment to our country,” the president stated, “while it’s true that Japan’s national women's team has brought world cups home. It doesn’t compare to having the men's team bring it home.”

So this is what ego and Isagi-chan meant, She thought everyone was brushing off the women's winnings like they were nothing. She looked at her boss and the crowd. She clenched her fists.

“You all are wrong!” Anri said as she looked at the crowd. “All soccer players work their asses off to bring trophies and pride to their country. Why are you all stuck in the patriarchy bullshit?” the crowd gasped.

“The blue lock will be the key to the future; both men and women will step on the same stage. You will see. That concludes this conference,” she said as she stomped off the stage.

“Anri-chan!” the president said as he bowed to the crowd and wadded after her. The pair outside the door listened.

“Itoshi-chan, we need to leave to catch our flight to Spain,” the manager said while looking at the charge.

“Cancel it,” he said as he stared at the women who stomped off stage. “I want to see what kind of field this country can produce and see if they will acknowledge women’s soccer.”

“You aren’t appreciated here, Yo, so why represent a country that shuts down women’s winning?”

“I dunno, but how can you hope for change if you aren’t here to do anything about it?”

Isagi, he thought as he turned away from the door and walked away. Let’s see if you are right. I hope that they can change.

Meanwhile in another location, two people watched the conference unfold and ended.

“Well, now,” one whispered as they watched the woman storm off the stage. “I feel things are about to get interesting for us. Wouldn’t you say so?” they asked as they turned to their companion.

“We will have to watch how everything unfolds. Get ready for practice,” the person said as they turned off the tv and left the room. As they walked down the hallway, they thought, is this connected to the message Jin sent me?

Meanwhile, back at Blue Lock.

“For the first selection, all of you in wing five will have a round-robin tournament with all five teams,” Ego said as a hologram with a table appeared in his hands. “After the final match, the top two teams will clear the selection. It’s a survival match.” A Win equals 3 points, a draw equals 1, and a loss equals 0 points. There was an argument about who would be the center forward.

“I will be center forward,” Raichi said.

“No, me.”

“Knock it off. We can decide later,” she said as she hit them in the head, “Pay attention.”

“Listen. Soccer is primarily a game about scoring goals. Having all eleven players as forwards makes perfect sense. The position and tactics stupidly imprinted on your brains were just roles created as a part of soccer’s evolution. When soccer first started, all players were strikers. Play soccer from that starting point. Rebuild it from zero in your heads.”

“What is not needed is teamwork, but one person to win the World Cup. Throw away any nonsense you have learned so far and pound the new concept in your heads. Are you ready?”

Chapter Text

Yoichi watched the boys do rock, paper, and scissors to decide on the center forward for their games.

“Yay! Yo-chan! Look! I won!” Bachira said while jumping up and down. Raichi cussed him out while Garamaru looked confusedly at his hand.

“I can see that,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I still don’t get why you didn’t join in. I think it would have been interesting to see you as a starter,” Bachira said as he put his hand behind his head. Yoichi shrugged her shoulders.

“You weren’t paying attention then. Any position can be a striker. It's just taking the opportunity,” she said as she winked at him.

“Okay, like we agreed upon. First, starting with Bachira. We’ll choose the position we want to play,” Kuon said, retaking the captain role.

“Well, of course, I want to be forward, silly,” Bachira said. Yoichi thought back to the conversation that they had with Ego.

“For the first blue lock selection round, the five teams in each wing will have a round-robin tournament,” he said as the table disappeared from the screen. “At the end of all ten matches, the top two teams will remain here, and the bottom three will be eliminated, and all their team members will be forced to leave the blue lock.”

And lose the right to play for the Japanese national team, she thought, and I won’t get scouted into the Nadeshiko league.

“However!” he started again, “Players from the three losing teams will have a chance for a comeback. Once all matches are over, each team will have a top scorer. Whoever scores the most goals on each team gets to move on to the next round. If there’s a tie between members of the same team, we’ll use a ‘fair play’ point, and whoever has the least penalty points will be the winner.”

A list of the point systems appeared on the screen. Minus 1 pt for a yellow card, minus 3 pts for two yellow cards in one match, minus 4 pts for a red card, and if even team members have matching pts, minus 5 pts.

“My own goals, or the team's victory…this first selection will test your destines as strikers. This is a battle to rebuild soccer from zero. The first match is in two hours…. Team x versus Team z.”

During the two hours, Kuon came up with the idea of doing genkan to figure out who would be starting forward while other positions would be settled. After the game of Genkan, Isagi went to change first in the locker room, choosing jersey number 11.

She stared at the jersey, feeling some memories creep up. She shook her head and yanked the jersey on the hanger.

“No time to get into your head, Yoichi,” She muttered as she put it on with her shorts. The jersey and shorts go over the bodysuit. “You have a match to win. “She turned to the door. “I’m finished! I will wait in the hallway!”

She waited in the hallway. Meanwhile, in the locker room with the boys...

“…But we don’t have time to make a more detailed strategy. Bachira won and chose to be center forward, so let’s focus on him for now,” Kuon said as he gestured to the board with everyone in position.

“What about Isagi-Chan?” Bachira asked as he finished putting on his jersey. Everyone turned and looked at him. “I want to know her position, that’s all.”

“Ah…Isagi chose the midfielder position, so she is responsible for setting up many of the goals,” Kuon said as he finished lacing up cheats. Some faces show confidence, while some show nervousness.

“Gimme a break! Can we win with Bachira as our center? Not to mention having a girl on our team?” Iga-guri griped.

“No griping. We decided to play Genkan because everyone wanted to be a forward. We should be thankful that Isagi wants the midfielder position instead of having another person fight for the center position,” Kunigami said as he gave him some side eyes.

“No putting down yo-chan either,” Bachira chimed with his tongue out.

“Enough, we just gotta win, right?” Raichi said as he stretched, “piece of cake.”

“No complaints here,” Gagamaru said.

They walked out in the hallway. Isagi was leaning against the wall.

“And they said girls take the longest to get ready,” she quipped as she got off the walk. Raichi sneered at her. “let’s go.” She turned and walked down the way. Bachira came up beside her.

Team Z entered the central field of Wing 5.

So, I have been in wing five this whole time, she thought as she took position and started stretching.

“Isagi,” a voice called out. She turned and looked at the redhead who was approaching her.

“Chigiri, right?” She asked as he stood in front of her.

“Right. “Here,” he said as he led out an extra hair tie, “you might need this to tame some of your hair. I can braid it if you want.” She looked at it and then at him.

“You would help me?” she asked. He smiled slightly.

“Of course. We long-haired must stick together,” he said. She smiled and nodded, then turned around. A dusting of pink decorated the redhead’s cheeks. He took that as an invitation to get started on her long hair.

“Wha…I wanna braid Yo-chan's hair,” Bachira pouted.

“Geese, this isn’t a girl’s party, you know,” Igaguri griped,” and this is what I was worried about.”

Chigiri made quick work of hair, putting it in a French braid and tying it off at the end.

“There. Now, hopefully, no one will grab it,” he said as he stepped away. Yoichi admired his work and then turned to him.

“Thanks so much, Chigiri!” she exclaimed with a sweet smile and a light dust of color on her cheeks. Everyone looked at them, and one word came to mind: Cute.

“For the first selection, all fouls will be determined by VAR,” a voice sounded through the speaker. Kunigami noticed movement out of the other hallway.
“Hey. Team x is here,” he said. Yoichi and the others turned to the hallway—a group emerged from the hallway with white jerseys. Two of them had a smirk on their face, while others held neutral expressions. Number 10 had a look.

A predator, huh, she thought as she looked at him.

“So, the girl is on this team,” one of them said, “so this team should be pretty easy to beat.”

“Now then, for this first match in wing 5, each half will be 45 minutes,” the voice announced. Number 10 looked at her, and she saw him. She then slowly smirked and settled into position.

“This match will be interesting…” she said.

“Kickoff!” a ball shot from the wall and landed on the field. Kuon and a boy from X walked out to the area. Number 10 is still looking at her.

“Seems you have an admirer,” Kunigami said as he approached her from the side. Yoichi looked at number 10 again before looking at Kunigami out of the corner of her eye.

“Keep an eye on him. He will be dangerous,” she said as she got into position.

“Oh yeah?” he asked as he did the same. Everyone took their position on the field. Yoichi moved the ball at her feet.

“You scared, yo-chan?” Bachira asked as he looked at her. Yoichi looked and smirked. She narrowed her eyes.

“No. Are you?” She said as she passed the ball to him, and the match started. Everyone charged at Bachira.

Idiots. They all charged at once to get the ball. They believe in each other for themselves, but we must learn to cooperate to win a match. Bachira stopped.

“Bachira, behind you!” Yoichi said, noticing something behind him. “Raichi! What the hell?!”

“We are all here to be the best, and it is whoever scores the most. I’m going to do this my way, and you can shove it,” Raichi yelled as he took possession of the ball.

“Fair enough, Raichi. If that’s how things are done here…” Kunigami said as he stole the ball from Raichi. The two fought for the ball, and then others from both teams came up and fought for the ball.

“Morons…” She whispered as her eyes kept track of the ball. They are acting like a bunch of elementary boys. This is what Uncle Jin meant, idiots. The pressure shifted, and Yoichi’s eyes widened. Number 10 on the white team barge through beehive formation and headed straight to her.

His presence…she thought as he ran to her.

“Get out of my way, girl!” he said as he reached within a few feet. She smirked as she light sidestepped him.

“Yo-chan!” Bachira exclaimed. Not to worry. She waited until the right moment and then snapped up the ball.

“What!” he said as she moved the ball out of reach, passing the ball behind her. “Gimme it, girl!”

“If you don’t ask nicely, girls will never want to go out with you,” She said, singsong, “Kunigami, midfield. Now!” Kunigami snapped to attention and moved to mid-field.

“Wait, this is… “he muttered as he looked at Yoichi. She smirked and danced out of number 10’s way. She passed it to him.

“You know what to do,” she said as the ball landed on Kungami’s feet. He pulled back his foot and released a powerful kick, sending the ball into the net. Everyone stood speechless.

“Yes,” he started to say, and then it hit him. “HELL YEAH!” He swung his arm across.

The computer yelled

“Goal!” and everyone went wild. Yoichi hmmed before her collar was pulled on.

“Ah!” she exclaimed in surprise as she looked into red eyes.

“Don’t try to show me up, Girl,” he said as he tightened his grip on her collar. “If you don’t have the guts to score, you aren’t cut out to be a striker.” He let her go. “You don’t belong here, and I will prove it to you. After all, I am King on the field.” He turned away from her and walked.

Yoichi took a shaky breath, keeping the unpleasant memories away. She closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them again.

“I guess you are other that I will have to prove wrong then,” she muttered as she turned to join her team around Kunigami.

“Next time, pass to me, stupid. I will score for sure,” Raichi said as he pointed to her. They set up for the restart.

“How about after you show some promise, mm okay?” She said sassily to her, foot on the ball.

“Enough, already,” Kuon said as he took his position.

“Restart!” The computer shouted. Yoichi kicked the ball into play. She had passed the ball to Kuon, but he had the ball stolen by number 10.

“Shit!” she cursed, “slow him down, defense!”

“Got him!” the defense said as they went to cover him, but he performed two nutmegs in a row. That takes some skill. He knows how to use his statue and power to move the ball away from people. I see why they chose him.

He pulled his legs back and kicked it. Damn. We are in trouble. Due to everything, he can almost pull off what Kunigami can.

“Double shit,” She muttered as he scored.

“Listen up, you fucking plebs. To me, the ball isn’t my friend or anything like that. It’s just a round servant that makes me look good,” he said as he started Yoichi down, “on the field, I’m the king.”

“Yeah, King Barou,” a Team X member said as he slapped him. Barou never moved his eyes from Yoichi’s and hers. She slowly let out a tiny smirk. She tilted her head back and let her eyes glow.

“Oh yes, you will do nicely,” she said as she turned away. The teams argued about who to pass to next while Kuon was trying to keep the peace.

“Knock it off,” She said in a firm voice, “you still haven’t figured it out, have you? Tsk tsk. The clock is ticking.”

“What?” Igaguri said. The others stared at her.

“I don’t like your attitude,” Raichi said as the computer started for Team Z to restart the game.

“And I don’t like yours, but here we are,” she said as they restarted the game. She passed to Bachira, who had the ball stolen by Igaguri.

This is when we start stealing from each other. These guys don’t understand what Ego gave us, she thought, and they do. She watched.

Team X begins to act like a team and supports Barou in scoring repeatedly. The score read five to one with 3 minutes left on the clock.

“Ah, we won't get 3 points in three minutes,” Bachira said as she set up again. He turned to look at her, “But you and me might be able to."

“What do you have in mind?” She said as she put her foot on the ball.

“They are becoming lax with getting five goals. We might be able to sneak by them and score,” he said with a crazy look in his eye. “Wanna try, yo-chan?”

“I never thought you would ask,” she said as a smirk appeared. He smiled.

“I’ll be the decoy and draw their attention. Run to the goal. I’ll lob one up, and you shoot it,” he said as he wiped his face, “we will meet in front of the goal!”

“Roger that,” she said as she put the ball down the line. The bell sounded, and then Yoichi passed the ball. Bachira caught it, and Yoichi took off, dipping and weaving between the boys.

“Uh?” a boy said as she danced around him and squeezed between the next two.

“That one thing about me is that I am smaller and lithe than your bulky meatheads,” she laughed as she danced. She feels the pressure change.

“Here it comes!” Bachira screams as he lobbed the ball.

“Cover her, cover the girl!” a Team X member said as the ball traveled.

“Nice, bachira-kun,” she whispered as she trapped the ball. She feels a presence behind her. She stopped the ball under her foot.

“Girl. I told you not to show me up,” Barou said as he rushed at her. He stood in front of the goal with the goalie behind him.” I already told you that I’m King. Just try to get past me, loser.” She lowered her eyelids as she regarded him.

His reach is more significant than mine, she thought. I must pull a fast one on him to score.

She switched the ball between her left and right foot.

“Isagi! Girl!” she heard behind her. She turned to look while watching Barou in front of her. Kunigami and Raichi were fighting off their opponents and heading in her direction.

“Pass it!” they said. Her eyes darkened at the thought.

“No,” she said as she started to head towards Barou. There is one spot that he can’t cover. I am going to have to try it.

“Stupid idiot!” Raichi yelled.

“Let’s go,” he said as he met her head-on. There. She shot the ball between his legs and quickly passed him on the other side. She caught the ball and promptly dashed to the goal.

“What?!?” he screamed as he turned and started to go.

“I got her,” the goalie said as he got into position.

“Do you?” She questioned as she stopped in front of the goal. The goalie relaxed. He smirked.

“Game over,” he said as he got out of position,” the clock only got 5 secs left. It’s over, girl.” She lightly kicks the ball, rolling over the line into the goal.
“Goal! Match over. Winner Team X. Score 5 to 2”

“Match isn’t until the bell has rung. You won’t make it as a striker,” she said as she flipped her braid over her shoulder as her team had won. Kunigami and Raichi just stood there.

“What the HELL?” Raichi shouted as he grabbed her. Kunigami reached out and grabbed his wrist.

“Let go. It’s over,” he said and squeezed. Raichi dropped her and stalked off. The two watched him and the others go. “Isagi, nice pass, by the way.”

“Hm? Oh, that was nothing. Let’s go. I do not doubt that we are in for it by Kuon,” she said as she followed the boys.

“Right,” he said as he followed, ending the first match of the first selection of blue lock. While the boys gathered in the locker room, Isagi went ahead and stripped her uniform off and took a shower.

“If they don’t figure it out, we are done for,” she muttered as she lathered herself up with soap before stepping into the stream. “Unfortunately, I might have to tell them so they finally get it. The only one who seems to get it so far is Bachira. He and his monster have put him in the know. Raichi could be the next one, but I am not sure.” She washed off the soap and dried off.

“Okay! Anyone turns!” she shouted as she exited on the other side, locked the door, and changed into the sweat suit. She heads to the room and waits for the others to finish. It took them about 20 minutes before they started to emerge from the locker room.

“All alright, now that everyone is together. We need to devise a plan, or we are done for,” Kuon said as he looked everyone in the eyes, “we are already on the end of the totem pole. One more loss, and we are out for good.”

“Next match, make me center forward, and I will win the match,” Raichi said as he pointed to himself, “Having Bachira as forward was nothing, and the girl decided to show off instead of being a proper midfielder.” He glared at Yoichi. “You should have passed the ball when I called for it. That’s how a midfielder works, dumbass.” She looked at him indifferently.

“I know. You just went with a good option. Your plan wouldn’t have led to a goal, so ergo, no ball for you,” she said slowly.

“You….” he said as veins popped over his face.

“Enough! This isn’t getting anywhere. Does anyone else have an idea?” Kuon said as he appeared in front of Raichi and Yoichi.

“I have one,” Kunigami said as he raised his hand like he was in class. He turned to Isagi. “You knew the range of my kick. How did you know?” She looked at him and closed her eyes. She opened them and slightly smiled.

“Watching,” she replied, “I watched your training and then guesstimated on your range. It was a 50/50 shot. It could have easily gone the other way. The other goal was Bachira’s idea since we decided to work together instead of against.”

“Wah, but you scored, yo-chan!” the yellow-black-haired boy said as he looped his arm around hers, “you were so cool and cute.” A red hue appeared on her face. The boys think in silence.

“Do you remember what Ego said about rebuilding soccer from Zero?” Yoichi said, breaking the silence. The boys looked at her.

“Yeah, he said, “this is a battle to rebuild soccer from zero,” Chigiri said as he thought about it.

“Right. Think about the moment when everything changed in the match,” she said as she leaned back against the wall. Others sat and thought about the game.
“At the start, both teams were only thinking about scoring points individually, so it turned into us chasing after the ball.”

“Yeah. That was cringe,” Gagamaru said. She nodded.

“The thing that shattered that was Barou’s one play, thus shattering the zero. After he showered them, the rest of the team started passing him. It gave them a clear path to scoring goals, and I think team x became more and more of a real team because of it,” she said, “Barou took that zero of the chaotic scrambles and changed it into a one by stealing a goal with his talent. The other ten players use that one as a compass to focus their plays, so now that team can go from one to ten or even a hundred.”

“So, what we need to create is over-whelming individuality and talent,” Bachira said. Everyone looked at him, shocked. He puffed out his cheeks.

“I can be smart, too,” he said with his tongue out.

“I see. The striker is someone crazy who can turn zero into one, and then the mid-fielders and defense turn that into ten or a hundred. It makes sense in a way,” Imamura said.

“So, wait. Did Four Eyes make a system where whoever gets the most points gets to stay to make us feel all of that?” Naruhaya asked. She smirked as she looked at the boys.

“What do you think?” She asked. Everyone sat in silence. The TV flicked on, and ego appeared on the screen.

“You are getting closer, you a lump of talent,” the bespeckled man said as he opened his hand, “the second match in wing five just finished up. Team V crushed Team Y 8 to 0.” The boy gasped in surprise, but Yoichi stayed silent.

I wonder…. she thought as she remembered a boy with black hair.

“By the way, you are on the right track with your thinking, but it seems you don’t understand the vital method for turning zero into one. In this game, offense and defense are combined. The open field allows for a high degree of freedom, and there’s an aspect of hand-to-hand combat. The game is designed so you can’t win by focusing completely on your assigned room. That's what’s needed is everyone’s self-made effort. Your power. That’s why Japan sucks at making strikers. Great for mid-fielders and full-back.”

He is doing that creepy grin again, Yoichi thought as she made a face.

“Time to rewrite your brains. A striker is a destroyer—it is time to cause a field revolution by destroying the enemy’s system. Don’t let yourselves be stifled by your position! You mustn’t let yourselves accept being confined to your roles. To turn zero into one, you must take up arms, strikers! The beings known as first-class strikers all have original weapons that no one else has! Probe your depths! Wrack your brains! Find out what only you can do with your body and mind!”

The TV shut down after that. Everyone whispered to themselves. They were silent for a while. The bell rang for lunch after that.

“Already! Half a day is gone!” Bachira said as he jumped up and ran out of that room, assuming he was heading to the lunchroom.

“All alright, I think we should come together and discuss our “weapons” and how we can use them to win the next round,” Kuon said, “but first lunch.” The team vacated the room and headed down to the lunch area. While walking, Yoichi was stuck in her head. She couldn’t get Team V crushed by Team Y like that.

Are you here? She thought as if she remembered something from long ago.

Two teams met a pitch close to the sea—the air and smell tinted with salt. Twenty-two players, 11 on each side, stared down each. The last goal had just been scored. Yoichi stood before the dream with two boys of similar eye color. One was black, and the other was red color.

“Match over. Team Saitama wins!” the announcer said.

“Damn it,” the black one said as he swiped across his forehead. He looked at the other boy. “Sorry, nii-chan.” Yoichi stared at the boy and then turned her attention to the other.

“He your brother, Sae?” she asked as she held out a hand for him to shake in good sports. Sae took her hand and pumped it. He gave her one more squeeze, then let go. Sae always gave her a challenge on the field.

“Yeah. Isagi, meet my little brother Rin,” he introduced. The black-haired boy looked at her, and then a red hue appeared on his face. She gave a blight smile.
“Nice to meet you, Itoshi Rin. I am looking forward to the next match now,” she said as she looked at the boy.

Yoichi snapped out of it as she heard the rumble of the lunchroom.

“I will find you,” She vowed, “and beat you Itoshi brothers.”

Chapter Text

After lunch, Team Z sat down on the floor.

“So, weapons. Let us go around and share our weapons. That way, we will understand how to win our next match and stay in the game,” Kuon said as he sat on the futon he was assigned. Bachira started to doze off, mumbling about a full tummy, making him sleepy.

“Who wants to go first?” Kuon asked, looking around. Bachira started to lean against Yoichi.

“My weapon is dribbling,” Bachira mumbled as he got heavy-lidded and laid his head on Yoichi’s shoulder.

“Well, mine is my incredible shooting technique!” Raichi exclaimed, pointing to himself, “And my motto is “sexy soccer”!”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Yoichi asked the sharp tooth idiot. Raichi ignored her.

“Mine is…” Gagamaru said as he cupped his chin in his hand, “Tackling, I guess.”

“Mine is getting behind the enemy,” Naruyaha said as he put his arms behind his head.

“Probably that I’m an all-rounder,” Lemon said.

“Mine is my relentless spirit,” Iga-Guri said as he pumped a fist in front of himself.

“As Isagi showed, my left leg shooting power,” Kunigami stated.

“Speed and technique,” Imamura said with a grin.

“Mine is jumping power. So next, Isagi-Chan?” Kuon asked as he turned to the only girl in the room. Bachira had fallen asleep and was now draped across her thighs. Imamura choked on his spit and then turned around.

Lucky bastard, they thought as they saw Isagi comb her Bachira’s hair. Kuon tried to get her attention, and she looked up.

“Well? What is your weapon?” He asked the only girl. She blinked and then thought about it.

“My weapon…hmmm...,” She said and smiled coyly, “why don’t you figure it out?” The guys groaned.

“Don’t act coy, isa-Chan,” Iga-guri said as he pointed at her, “It’s passing, right?” She laughed.

“No, it’s something to do with a striker,” she said as she combed Bachira’s hair. He groaned and turned more into her.

“We will come back to Isagi later then. Let us see…last is Chirgi?” Kuon said as he looked at his list. Everyone turned their eyes to the redhead in the corner, curled up into a ball.

“…I don’t want to say…” He said as he rested his chin on top of his knees. Iga-guri has wide eyes.

“What…don’t chicken out on us,” he said, sticking a thumb out to Isagi, “and don’t be like her.” Isagi stuck out his tongue at him.

“I know, sorry. But I do not want to say,” he said as he looked down. Everyone gripped, but Isagi looked at him and then slightly smiled.

“What? Let us leave the selfish princesses alone and move on,” Raichi said, sticking a finger in his ear and cleaning it out.

“Oh well. We can create a team with that as the foundation by thinking of our most powerful weapons. Ego told us that is the way we can win. The most important thing is how well we can utilize our weapons,” Kuon said, taking the direction of the meeting. Lemon raised his hand.

“But if we all just do whatever we want, won’t it end up the same as the last game?” he asked.

“Can we win by listening to that guy?” Gin asked, lying down.

“Even if we know our weapons, it’s pointless if we’re still not working as one…” Kuon said, trailing off. Yoichi looked at the three and lowered her eyelids. He got a point, she thought. She combed through Bachira’s hair again, calming him and herself simultaneously.

“Isn’t there some way we can let everyone shine?” she muttered, taking everyone by surprise.

“Wow. You are something,” Raichi said with a grin, “little girl not wanting to show off.”

“Well, right now, we are forced to be a team, so why not?” she said with a shrug. She noticed something in Kuon. “Do you have something?”

“Wait a sec…” he said with fingers to his chin, “no…that might work. This way, everyone would have an equal chance…”

“What is it, Kuon?” Raichi asked, getting into his face about it.

“With this plan, I think we could win,” Kuon said as he thought. Isagi looked at him. He then discussed the plan with the others. Everyone nodded. Isagi watched Kuon thought, still getting that bad feeling. I will have to keep an eye on him from here on out, she thought.

“…I see,” Lemon said as he looked around, “I think it’s good.”

“Yeah. We do not have any other choice!” Naruhaya said.

“I’m not thrilled about it,” Iga-Guri started, “but if it’s to win…we’ve got to do it!”

“Okay. That settles it. In the next game... …we will go with the operation: next me, then nine!” Kuon said as he pointed to the sheet in his notebook. What a stupid name, she thought as she closed her eyes. After that, team Z threw themselves into training, learning from each other.

Even though we started as a mess, I feel like they are slowly becoming a team, she thought as she drank some water, watching the others practice on their turf. Chirgi still had not told anyone what his weapon was; she felt like she turned her eyes to the redhead. She studied him. But I know what it is and why he fears using it. They decided to call it quits after a couple of drills. After finishing her shower and getting dressed, Yoichi chose to head down to the cafeteria. She was also getting the signs of the thing that women hate as well.

With all the training, the cramping has been kept to a minimum, she thought as she scanned her number for food. She took her tray and sat down at the nearest table. I might have to see Anri for some protection soon. She started to eat her meal.

“Nobody is here. We were running around for so long that dinner got late. I wonder if they are sleeping already or in the bath….” She muttered as she looked around as she ate her meal. As she ate her dinner, she felt someone come up behind her.

“Hmm?” She asked as she chewed her food. She heard an inhale and then a chuckle.

“Good work today, isagi-chan,” Kunigami said as he approached her. “You are always aware of your surroundings. Mind if I sit here?” He gestured to the chair next to her. She waved as she swallowed her bite of food. “Is your side dish always natto?” he asked, surprised. He would have thought she would have had it better than that.

“Well, I am a low ranker, Kunigami,” she said as she put her chopsticks down. “Not eating anything?” He sat beside her.

“No, I ate earlier,” he said as he put his hands in his pockets, “I came here to see you.” She placed her elbows on the table and cupped her chin.

“Oh?” She asked, feeling this was something about the previous match.

“I realized I didn’t get to say thank you,” he said with a smile. She smiled back. She thought he must be thanking me for the pass during the game.

“You are welcome,” she said as she picked up her chopsticks again. He watched her.

“Now I have to ask, though,” he said as he leaned an elbow on the table and leaned into it. She looked at him. “How did you know that was my range? Of my kick?” She sat her chopstick down again and glanced at him, face on. She looked at him.

“Observation. You have conditioned your body to where you have powerful kicks. You lifted heavier than anyone I had seen, so it was a guess. One that paid off in the end,” she said as she crossed her legs and leaned on her fist. “Kunigami, why do you play soccer?” He looked at her in surprise.

“Why do you ask?” he asked as he leaned back into his seat. She shrugged as she got comfortable to eat again.

“Just curiosity, I guess. Everyone has their reason for being here, so I was curious about yours,” she said as she picked up her chopstick again and took a bite. She chewed and then swallowed. “Well?” He looked at her, judging whether she was sincere or not.

“Well, that is easy. I play soccer to become a superhero,” he said sincerely. She widened her eyes. “When I was a kid, the ones I looked up to were not power rangers, robots, or the pirate king. The strikers would run around and steal goals to win.” Yoichi looked at him and put on her chopsticks.

“And for the sake of my dream, I will fight anyone fair and square,” he said as he looked at her. She stared at him. She wished that someone like him was on her team back then. And maybe something like that wouldn’t have happened, she thought bitterly. She took a deep breath and steeled herself. She stood up and walked over to the windows.

“Since you believe in fairness, I guess I should show then. I was saving mine, but I think it is only fair,” she said as she tapped her number to the screen, and it brought out a sizzling steak.

“What?” He said as she walked over and placed it on the table. She pointed to a small banner on the wall. Uncle needs to make that thing bigger, she thought.

“It’s a reward system for goals,” she said as she sat down, “I was saving mine for an excursion day pass, but it’s only fair that I tell you about it.”

“If anyone should be sharing points, Isagi, it should be me because, after all, you help me score,” Kunigami said. She waved it away as she cut the steak. She picked up the fork and stabbed a piece before holding it out to Kunigami.

“You take the first bite since you still have natto as your side dish,” he said, waving It away. She shrugged and put the piece in her mouth. It melted in her mouth. She sighed and put a hand to her cheek. “That good?” He got an extra fork, stabbed a piece, and placed it in his mouth. Two red spots appeared on his cheeks as a smile hit his lips.

“This is crazy good!” he said with an excited face. She laughed, causing Kunigami to look at her, then turned away with a flush on his cheeks. She noticed and cocked her head. Stop being so cute, Isagi, he thought.

“what’s the matter?” She asked.

“Nothing. Anyway, Isagi,” he said as he held up a fist, “We are gonna crush it in the next match.” She smirked and smashed hers against his.

“Of course we are!” She exclaimed with a grin.

Chapter Text

The third match of Wing 5 ended with Team W winning over Team X. So that so-called king loss, she thought as Team Z made their way to the field. The fourth match was about to happen with Team Y versus Team Z. They took their positions on the field. Everyone was doing last-minute preparations. Isagi finished pulling her hair back into a low ponytail when Raichi called attention.

“They are here,” He called, crossing his arms.

“Just like us, they stand to lose it all,” Kuon said, “the one to look out for is number 9. He is top in his prefecture and has exceptional shooting skills.  Hibiki Ohkawa.”

No, she thought, there is someone else’s work at play. Her eyes scanned over the player and landed on number 7. Maybe…

Everyone got in a huddle to discuss the plan.

“But this time, we have operation: me, next 9,” Kuon stated. All we can do is bring out what we practiced. This time, we will even if it kills us, Team Z!”

“YEAH!” All of them shouted except Isagi. They spilt into their formation. It’s all over if we lose this, She thought as she crouched down. Her eyes flittered with Chirigi and Lemon. Those two volunteer to be out of the rotation, and I…She thought as she looked back at the meeting.

“I will stay out too. We will need a constant midfielder, too,” She said.

“Ha, even girl doesn’t have what it takes,” Raichi exclaimed, and she sighed.

“You’re a dumbass,” She said, “I just thought it was fair since you don’t know my ‘weapon’ as well. Besides, it suits me better to be where I am now. But that goes without saying; if I find opportunities to score, I will take it.”

“Of course, yo-chan,” Bachira stated with a smile. She smirked.

The alarm started, signaling the beginning of the match. She caught the ball and then passed it to Bachira. His skill is dribbling, she thought. He will break any barriers in the way. We will pass any rebounds if he feels like passing them back to him. This is Bachira’s way of play and will build the ego.

“Don’t let him get any further. Make it a two-on-one!” A y-member said with another player backing him up.

“Is two going to be enough? I’m going to pass you,” He taunted. Isagi’s eyes widen as another player joins in, making three. I was right….

“No, it’s three of us,” a young man with bangs said, “Your dribbling is very educational.”

“Not bad, bang-kun. Time to send it back for a bit,” Bachira said, kicking the ball to Yoichi, who then passed it to iga-guri for a bit. So they have their plan, too, she thought and grinned. Not bad, not bad at all.

They continued to pass to Bachira again, but he continued to get surrounded, halting his progress.

“Hey! Ten minutes!” Raichi stated as he moved up the field.

“Okay!” Bachira said, passing the ball to Kunigami. Left leg shooting power…we clear the way for him until he reaches just outside the penalty box, and then…

“Just as we practiced,” Raichi said as he passed the ball to Kunigami, who readied his leg and kicked the ball, only to be blocked by two y-members. The ball ended up to Isagi again.

“Build it up again, Bachira,” She said, passing it to Bachira. I shouldn’t have done that, but I need to make sure before moving.

“Okay!” he said, chest-bumping the ball. They put two on him again, and number 7 asked to clear the area in front of number 9. Isagi looked at Ohkawa. She thought he wasn’t standing out, but it must be the tool.

Bachira passed again to Kunigami.

“Nice pass! I’ll get this one!” He said as he wound up again, only to be blocked again. “Damn it! Again!”

“It’s up! Second ball!” Igaguri called as the ball fell through the air. Number 7 catches it and then kicks it. Ohkawa takes off. Isagi narrowed her eyes. Ohkawa grinned.

“It’s about time, Nikko,” He whispered as she widened her eyes.

“I will leave it to you,” number 7 said, making a circle around his eyes. Ohkawa ran to the goal, and Isagi watched as Lemon struggled to keep him from scoring. Ohkawa scored. Isagi looked at him and turned to look at number 7. Restarting back, Kuon took the position of forward. His power was jumping, causing it to hit his head and pass it to Kunigami. They surrounded him.

“This is tough,” he said as he held the ball under his foot, only to have it stolen by number 7.

“Your feet are frozen,” he said as he passed it to another y member.

Isagi hmmed as they kept the ball until time ran out.

“ARRGGGHHHH! DAMNIT!!” Raichi screamed. Bachira was camping out in isagi’s lap again. “Quite screwing around and get me that damn ball! They had it for my full ten minutes!”

“and five of mine! It ended before I did anything!”  Imamura pointed at himself.

“It’s easier for you to say. What if we try too hard and they pass to Ohkawa again? If they get another point, we are screwed!” Naruhaya said.

“Then we won’t win. Didn’t you forget that it’s all over if we lose?” Raichi screamed in his face.

“Quite fighting, already!” Igaguri said as he drank. “They probably figure that they could win with one point. A Pro has a hard time with getting through a hard defense.”

“We need at least two people on Ohkawa if we are going to push,” Lemon said.

“Is this plan going to work?” Chigiri asked. If we don’t use our weapons, will we even win?”

“What are you going on about? You didn’t even say what yours is,” Raichi said.

“I am talking about increasing our odds. We should focus on giving Kunigami and Bachira a chance to break through and scoring that way instead of this rotation,” Chigiri argued.

“You say I can’t use my weapon!!” Raichi screeched.

“I haven’t even had a turn yet!” Igaguri said, pointing to himself. Isagi sighed as Kuon went on about keeping formation.

You need to shut down 7, she thought back to the 1^st half. We won’t win this way.

The match resumed with Y having the ball. Imamura tried to get the ball back but fell short.

“Damn! Y-CHAN!” He cried to the ground. What is he going on about? She thought as she stared at him.

“it’s not in vain, Imamura,” Garamaru said as he caught the ball. “It’s my turn. Isagi!” he kicked the ball towards her.

“Got it!” She said as she traveled up the field with Garamaru. She passed. Shoot! Too early, but… She watched him spring with a leap of his body. He headbutted it into the poll of the goal. He is amazing. A feeling made her turn, and she caught number 7 watching her. She smirked at him, throwing him off.

“Quit spacing out! We got a corner kick! Get into position!” Raichi yelled at her. She got in position behind a blond member.

“Woah!” he said with a blush.

“What is it, and you boys thinking dirty things?” She said with an eye roll. I must take off when Bachira kicks.

Bachira winded up and kicked, and Isagi took off. A playmaker…I never thought I would meet another one like us…Only people with a deep understanding of soccer can develop this…

“Yo-chan?!?” Bachira said as he stumbled back from the kick. The goalie bumped the ball, heading in the direction.

“If they pass to Ohkawa now, we are done for,” Kuon yelled.

“I know,” She whispered as she blocked the ball with a chest bump. She looked out of the corner of her eye. Nikko stared back at her in shock.

The heart of team y, she mused as she took off the ball.

“Nice save, isa-chan!” Naruhaya said. She ran with it, Nikko behind her. The goalie hasn’t returned yet, she thought, so if I can make it…No, I won’t be able to. She kicked the ball before Nikko could block her.

“Damn it!” he muttered. Gagamaru leaps forward, hitting the ball into the net.

“Nice pass, Isagi,” he said before colliding with the post. She yelped and ran to him as the others celebrated.

“Are you alright?!” she exclaimed as she hovered over him. He looked at her with blood dripping from his nose. “Ah!” She took the edge of her shirt and wiped it away.  The others blushed as they watched her care for him.

“I’m fine,” he said, “another point, and we will turn this around.” Kuon helped him, and Isagi checked on him again before going to her spot.

“So, you caught up to me,” Nikko said as he cradled the ball, “It appears I underestimated you.”

“You aren’t the first, nor are you the last,” she said as she threw her ponytail over her shoulder.

“You and I have the same eyes,” he said, making an okay signal with his hand and putting it over his eye, “I am in control of the game.”  She laughed.

“And until you use your eyes properly and score your own damned goals, you won’t win,” she said with a smirk. The match restarted with Naruhaya taking possession of the ball. He can push through the defense line; all we have to do is get a pass to him.

Isagi passed but was blocked.

“You may be pretty, but I won’t let you pass,” one member said as he headbutted the ball and fell to the ground. Another member picked it up and tried passing it to Nikko.

“Nope. Sorry, no ball for you,” she said as she blocked it with her knee. Nikko tsked.

“Try again!” She said as she passed back to Igaguri and Naruhaya.

“Okay!” both exclaimed. She and Nikko took off.

“So, I can assume you heard Ego’s talk of arms then?” Nikko asked. She raised an eyebrow. Does he seriously want a chat now?

“Yeah. What about it?” She asked.

“It made me think about what my weapon was. I am not fast or physically strong, and I can’t compete with someone like Ohkawa in terms of shooting skills. I can’t lose now, not with my eye, which sees the field differently, and my brain, which thinks of tactics to use others. Even if you stop me, the ideas….” He said as he ran with her.

“don’t stop. I know. How do you think I survived so long in a male-dominated sport?” She asked as she ran. He got quiet. “at this point in the match, it’s about who can out-read one another.”

“All right, my turn! Ah!” Igaguri said as y possessed the ball and started to pass it around.

“You said that this was a battle on who could read who, so tell me, girl, what are we going to do?” Nikko said as he took off.

“What’s Ohkawa doing up here?” Naruhaya asked as Ohkawa joined up with the primary formation. All of the Y members charge forward.

“Shit!” She cursed as she went forward. They fucking play us!

“Stop them! Hold them at the last line!” Imamura screamed, desperation in his eyes. Nikko caught the ball with his ankle and charged forward. Lemon was on the front goal, ready to defend.

No wonder Isagi kept her eyes on him, he thought; left or right?  Nikko readied himself…only to pass at the last second. Lemon turned his eye.

“CRAP!” he exclaimed as Ohkawa was there, readied to accept his pass.

An ankle caught it, and then a body twisted around.

“I told you. Until you start scoring your own goals, you never fully develop your sight,” Isagi said as she kicked the ball. “You fail as a striker!”

“Catch up!” Ohkawa yelled as she took off. Kunigami caught the ball.

“Nice one, Isagi,” he said as he traveled with the ball. Others surrounded him. “Damn it. Take it from here!”

“Got it! I’ve been waiting!” Bachira said as he caught with his heels. He dribbled it across the field, close to the goal. He stuck out his tongue. “The rest is up to you.” He kicked it. Garamaru saw it.

“it’s too low, but…” He panted, “I’ll reach it.” He tilted forward and sprang. He fell to the ground. Igaguri screeched.

“He missed!”  he exclaimed. Bachira pointed.

“I wasn’t aimed for him,” he said, “I aimed beyond.”

“What the hell is she doing there?” Ohkawa whispered, and Nikko looked in shock.

“GO!” Kunigami said.

“At 11. Score it, you egoist!” Bachira said. Isagi readied herself.

“Glady, because I am…a…. Striker!” She said as she kicked into the goal. The alarm went off.

“Time’s up! Blue Lock’s wing five fourth match is a victory 2-1 for team Z!”

In his excitement, Igaguri jumped on her back and grabbed her, only to be punched to the ground.

“OUCH! What the hell!” He said as he nursed his cheek.

“DUDE! I’m a girl!” she yelled, and he blushed bright red. Others blushed in their embarrassment. She puffed out air and then walked. Y members despaired as she walked through. She caught his eyes with Ohkawa, and he tsked. Whatever, you aren’t the one. She stopped in front of Nikko, and he looked up in tears. She reached forward and cupped his chin.  Everyone got silent.

“I outread you, Nikko,” she purred. "Now, what will you do?” She let go and walked away.

Through the screen, ego watched his niece and sighed.

“Now look what you did. If you keep this up, Isagi, you will end up with a harem,” he said.

Chapter Text

“In celebration of Team Z's victory in our second match, cheers, everyone!”  Kuon exclaimed in excitement. The other boys raise their glasses in salute, and Yoichi slowly raises hers as well.  In the excitement of the match, something decides to make its appearance. She was hurting from the cramps of her menstrual cycle.

Luckily, I had some feminine stuff in my space, or I would bleed through the rest of my clothes; she thought I would have to see Anri for medicine tonight.

The boy fought over the streak on which Garamaru and Yoichi spent their goals. I wanted my cell phone back or a day pass, she thought as she wept inwardly.

“We got more than just meat here. Everyone donates their side dish, so there is plenty to go around,” Kuon stated, holding a tray with the food on it.

“Oh! Here is my pickled radish, too,” Igaguri offered, but everyone shook their heads. “Oh, come on!”

“I still can’t believe how fast you ran back there, Isagi,” Kunigami said, and then he noticed her already wrapped in her futon. “WHOA! Are you okay?”

“Hurting…” She mumbled from the blanket. She felt pulling. “No!” she wailed as she felt the cover leave her, and she curled up into a ball. “Ugh!”

“Yo-chan! Did you get an injury?” Bachira exclaimed, holding her blanket.  She groaned and pulled the blanket back.  She wrapped up again, and Chigiri had a thought while he was against the wall.

“Leave her alone and let her rest,” he said as he hugged his knees. Yoichi looked at him, grateful that he said something before she committed mass murder.

“Uh! But why? If she is injured, she needs to be taken to the infirmary or something,” Bachira said as he reached for the blanket again. She hissed at him.

“LEAVE ME ALONE! I AM ON MY PERIOD, DUMBASS!” She screeched before exiling herself to the corner of the room. Everyone got silent after that and then blushed. Hardcore.

“Oh….” Kuon said as he coughed.

“I told you. I have an older sister,” Chigiri said in way of explanation. The guys were silent after that, letting her rest. As the others got ready for bed, Isagi got up and headed out.

“Where are you going?” Kuon asked as he set up his futon. She turned slowly, like the living dead. Everyone stopped, and slowly, they crept away from the girl.

“I’m going to the infirmary so I get something for pain so I can fucking sleep, or is that going to be a problem? Oh, team captain, sir?” She said snarky. Everyone got behind him and pushed him forward.

“Hey!” Kuon said as he fought them. Probably thought that if they offer him as a sacrifice, she will leave them alone.

“Go ahead, Yo-chan, before your monster comes out,” Bachira said wide-eyed. She looked at him and then waved, disappearing through the door. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief after the door closed.

“Holy shit! I thought she was going to kill us!” Naruhaya said as he looked at the others.

“It's like she has a demon in her, and it…just…comes out,” Imamura said, shaking, “I mean, she was sassy before…but it’s like a whole personality change, man. Maybe we need to exorcise her just in case.”

“It will probably be best to stay out of her way for the next few days. I’m unsure how long she lasts, but my sister runs for about seven days,” Chigiri blushed. Chigiri’s knowledge of this made him famous with them.

“Our lord and savior,” Igaguri said, bowed to him.

“Hey! Knock that off. I just warned you all. Women can get scary on their… whatever,” Chigiri said. “I’m sure your moms are the same.”

“Eww! Thanks for that!” Imamura said as he crawled into bed.

“I am just saying!” Chigiri said as he curled into his futon, too. Soon, everyone curled into their futon, and the light shut off, signaling bedtime.

Isagi wandered around the halls of Wing Five before finding the office. Anri was already there, waiting for her. She wordlessly handed her the pills and a glass of water. Isagi sat down and gulped everything down.

“Do you have enough protection?” the older woman asked.

“Probably for a couple of days. I bleed heavily, so I don’t know how long it will last,” She grimaced. “Of course, my body is changing due to the exercise and stress levels this program put us through, so I don’t know now.” Anri raised an eyebrow.

“And mental status?” Anri asked softly, knowing the girl’s terms with her therapist. Isagi winced.

“Just some uncomfortable feelings like seeing my jersey or that Barou grabbing me like he did,” She admitted. Anri nodded and put it down for her in her file.

“We saw that,” she admitted, “and we had hoped it didn’t set you off.” Isagi shook her head.

“It will take something big to trigger me again. Words or big actions will do it,” She admitted, knowing that certain things set her off.

“As long as you know what to do when something like that happens,” Anri stated, “ego want to check in after the match-up, but then your menstrual cycle hits.”

She nodded. “Make sense,” she said. Anri clenched the pad to her chest, her heart going out to the other female.

“If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here. I may not know or understand what you are going through, but I am here if you need me,” She offered. Isagi looked at her and then smiled.

“Okay,” she said. After a couple of more minutes, she felt better and well enough to get some sleep. “I am gonna head back now; I feel the medicine working.” Anri nodded and sent her on her way. She watched her go before returning to the primary office where Ego was.

“Thank you for that,” he said as he watched the screen, his niece heading back to Team Z’s room.

“Of course,” she said softly, “Your niece was dealt a bad hand, and I just want to help her succeed in her dream.” Ego nodded, thinking about the past. Iyo crying, begging him to come home to see his niece, thinking that she might die. Sitting hours and hours at the hospital. Yoichi crying, saying she was dirty and shouldn’t be alive.

“You may go get some rest,” he said as he watched the screen. Anri bid the man goodnight before turning in. He ensured she had left before pulling up on his computer with some information on someone.

“Time to get this son of bitch.”

*~*~*

Isagi returned to Team Z’s wing and noticed a light in the viewing room from under the door.

Who’s in the viewing room? She thought as she pushed the button to open the room. They turned around.

“Oh, Chigiri. What are you still doing up?” she asked as she walked through the door. She walked over and sat with the redheaded man.

“I couldn’t sleep. Are you feeling better now?” he asked as he turned back to the screen. She followed his gaze, the previous match playing.

“Yeah. I got some medicine now, so hopefully, I will hurt less,” she said into her knees. " Thank you for telling them to leave me alone.”

“It’s no problem,” he said as she scored her goal. They sat in silence and watched the replay.

“Isagi,” Chigiri said after a few moments had passed by, still watching the replay video.

“Yes?” she asked as she looked at him from the corner of her eye.

“I figure out your weapon. It’s a really strong spatial awareness,” he said as he turned to her. She smirked.

“Oh? How can you tell?” She asked.

“I have been watching you. When team Y walked in, your eyes immediately went to Nikko, the mastermind behind team Y, and you caught on to their plays,” he said as he leaned back. Yoichi did the same.

“As a child, I have always been sensitive to change. I almost somehow find it, whether it be people or the environment,” She confessed. That makes what happened worse, she thought bitterly. Chigiri noticed a change in her and didn’t talk anymore. They stay silent for a couple more moments.

“I figure out yours too, you know,” she said as she watched the video. Chigiri looked at her, apprehensive.

“Yeah?” he asked lightly. She turned to him.

“Yeah, but what I can’t figure out is if you aren’t going to use it,” She started, getting angry, “then why the fuck are you here?” Chigiri blinked at her, surprised at the anger that she was projecting.

“What do you mean?” he asked. She looked at him, scanning him.

“Torn ACL. Right knee.” She stated, and he widened his eyes. “Injury must still be fresh. I'm guessing it may have been a year ago or less. You still baby it.” He got in her face.

“How?” He asked shortly. She stared at him deadpan.

“You just fucking say it, dumbass. I noticed immediately after the first practice,” she said as she pushed him away. “Like I said, if you aren’t going to use it, why are you here, Chigiri?” He stood up and walked to the door.

“The doctor said if I get hurt in the same spot, I can kiss my career goodbye. I came here, to Blue Lock, to find a reason to give up my dream,” he said as the door opened. He started to walk through.

“That’s a bunch of bullshit, and you know it. Don’t dare put this on someone else,” she said as she stood up. She clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. “Nobody can achieve their dream if they aren’t prepared to fail.”

“You don’t know the first thing about me,” he said, turning around and glaring at her. He walked off.

“You fucking coward…” She muttered before heading out herself and to the room. She saw him bed down with one final glare. She flipped him off and then laid down herself. After a couple of minutes, team Z finally got some much-needed rest because they would need it.

The next day, the team headed out to the practice field. Isagi was given a wide berth, with only Bachira and Kunigami sticking with her, but they watched themselves around her. She still was in a horrible mood from the night before.  While the other practiced at the other end, the trio took the other end. Isagi hit the ball hard into the net. Both boys stared at her.

“You think we should….?” Kunigami said, ticking his head toward her. Bachira shook his head.

“No way! My monster said to steer clear for now,” he said, making a big x with his arms. Just then, the big screen came to life.

“Howdy, you lumps of talent,” Ego said as he appeared on the screen with a yakisoba noodle box. “Yakisode sauce and mayonnaise really are made for each other.”

What the fuck, uncle? she thought with a disgusted face.

“The sixth match just finished, and there are the results,” he said, pulling up the chart. Yoichi toned him, not really in the mood for it. She didn’t care at this point. She got her towel, wiped away her sweat, and took a drink.

A beep caught her ears, and she looked around before looking at the patch on her arm. 265…what the…she thought.

“I am changing the ranking system. Before, it was ranked on your gameplay and test scores. As a striker, you must prove your worth with your own goals; therefore, those who score valuable goals will be ranked higher. So, Team Z’s highest rank player is none other than you…the girl…Isagi Yoichi,” he said, pointing to her and showing the new ranking.

“You bitch…” Raichi said.

“Whoa, I went up,” Gagamaru said, looking at his arm.

“Ah,” Bachira said with a frown.

“I’m still at the bottom!” Igaguri cried.

“Now that you know your weapon as a striker, it’s time to polish it and stand out among our peers. Each weapon is going to differ from person to person. Talent is a lump of ore. If you don’t take the time to polish, it’s nothing but trash,” Ego said before popping up the next match-up. Team w versus Team Z

“We have our next match in less than 24 hours,” Lemon said as he looked at the clock. Naruhaya turned to him and the others.

“We check out recordings of team w’s matches,” he said as some started to head in.

“let’s head in and prepare for tomorrow,” Kuon said. She looked at him and narrowed her eyes.

Something is bugging me about him, she thought. Imamura noticed and let out an ‘eep.’

“Hey…ah…Kuon. I don’t know what you did, but I guess…watch your back…” he said, getting Kuon’s attention and pointing her out. She glared even harder, causing him to gulp at the peer pressure of it.

“Thanks…I guess…” He muttered as they disappeared. She sighed and then put everything down.

My awareness can only be used now, even though I get inklings outside of it. For now, I have to focus on endurance and other factors. As much as it pains me to say I’m weaker and slower than guys, I have flexibility. But for now….

She started to run.

“What! Team Z’s number one player is doing extra training?” She turned around and found Kunigami running, too. I can’t skip out.”

“I wanna join too!” Bachira said, coming up on the other side of her.  She narrowed her eyes. “By the way, they are joining too.” He jerked a thumb behind her, and she glanced behind her.

“I won’t let you beat me,” Raichi yelled. Everyone exclaimed their things. He isn’t here, though, she thought. Too bad.

Back in the monitor room, Ego smirked.

“When one from the bottom rises and passes the others, of course, it will get them fired up, no matter what gender they are,” he says, and Anri sighs as she walks away. He looks to make sure she is going before pulling up the same file from before. A teacher’s profile is on full display.

“I got you, son of bitch,” he said.

A few hours after a meal and a bath, Team Z sat in the viewing room, watching replays of the Team’s matches. The boys were on one side of the room, and Yoichi on the other. They didn’t want to incur her wrath or anything since she was still on, you know what.

“The key players on team W are the Wanima Twins, Keisuke, and Junichi,” Lemon said as he showed them on the screen, “Their style of play is combination plays. Against Team X, Barou’s team scored four points.”

“So, if we can separate them, then we will have a chance at winning,” she said as she rested her head on her fist. After her meal, she met up with Anri again for more medicine and a message to tell her uncle to stop eating junk. Anri's sweat dropped, and she said she would pass along the message.

“Ah…yeah,” Lemon said, uneasy about her. She turned her gaze to him.

“Not that I mind you running the show,” she said as she glared. “But where is the ‘fearless’ leader?” Her aura started to turn black, and everyone in the area backed up slowly. Imamura and Naruhaya started to shake. They prayed to whatever god to stop this…demon from making her appearance.

Holy shit, Kuon! What the fuck did you do? Lemon thought as he started to sweat badly. The door opened and revealed the person in question.

“Sorry, I am late. I was thinking about a plan name for tomorrow’s match in the bath, and I lost track of time,” Kuon said with a flush on his cheeks. Isagi slowly turned her head and glared at him. Kuon gulped at the peer pressure of her glare. He felt eerily about it.

“And what’s the so-called great name of this plan? Hm?” She asked with a low tone voice. The others started to shake, thinking that the demon was finally going to kill them.

“O-O-operation 3 x 3 All-Stars. We will follow the same plan of attack that we did in the last match. Isagi, Chigiri, will you share your weapons with us now?” He asked with hands in front of him like some added protection.

“Fuck no,” she said, “If you can’t figure it out, then I’m not going to. Use your brain for once.”

“Wait, does this mean I am going to stay as goalie?” Lemon asked, finally catching up with the conversation.

“Why are you complaining now?” Igaguri said with a face.

“What choice do we have? We won the last match with you as the goalie,” Raichi stated with a no-argument tone.

“And you?” She tossed out, looking at Chigiri with narrowed eyes. “Will you add yourself into the rotation or act like the coward you are and stay on defense?”

“Harsh…” Someone whispered as they watched the volley go back and forth. Chigiri glared at the girl, and she glared back.

“I’m not a coward,” He growled back. She “tch” ed and stood up. The boys parted like the seas as she walked towards the door. It opened, and she turned to look at him over her shoulder.

“Then prove it, Chigiri Hyoma. Prove to me that you still want to be here. If not, then I will personally walk you to the exit and kick you out the damn door myself,” she said before walking out. Everyone was silent.

“Holy shit!” Naruhaya said as he clutched his chest, “I think what we need to think about is surviving with her on her…thing.”

“Kuon, Chigiri,” Gagamaru said, and both looked at him. “I will pray for a safe journey into the afterlife.” With a clap of his hand.

“Knock it off,” Kuon said. “We need to focus on the task at hand. We will win tomorrow! Team Z!”  He raised his fist, and everyone followed. They yelled like they had won the match. Little did they know, Isagi was outside the door, leaning against the wall, hand in pockets.

“Snake in the grass,” she mumbled, standing straight and walking back to the room.

Teams W and Z stood across each other the next day, already in position. One of the boys on Team W made a smart-ass comment about her being a girl, and she flipped him off. All of the boys on Team Z thought Don’t piss her off!

Kick-off began, and the twins started to pass the ball back and forth between them.  They danced through the front line and made their way to the back.

“Here they come,” She muttered as she readied herself in position with the redhead beside him.

“Wait a minute…” Keisuke said as they approached. “My brother said that you are Chigiri, the glass prodigy. Whoa! Still living your glory days from the past?” Junichi grinned, unlike his usual frown. “Be careful now, or you break that leg!” Keisuke passed to his brother only to be tripped up.

“If you’re going to visit the past, get off the fucking field,” she said coldly, juggling the ball.

“Hey! That’s a foul! VAR, do something!” Keisuke shouted. She passed the ball.

“It’s not. Fucking Move on,” She said, “if you allow them to get in your head, you are stuck in the past. Focus on your present, stupid.”  Chigiri gritted his teeth.

“Mind your business,” he hissed.

“The thing is that I can’t. Right now, we are stuck together, and you are holding everyone back,” she said as she looked at him. The other played and got the ball to Kuon, who jumped. “I can give two shits about your past. You are here, in blue lock, so focus on your present and be reborn with one shot.” Kuon scored with headbutted the ball into the goal.

“Hmmm,” Chigiri stared at her while she stared at Kuon.

He is doing something. I feel it; she thought as the other celebrated his goal.

A restart started with the ball in possession of Team W. The twins passed back and forth before Kunigami stole the ball and passed it to Bachira, who then passed it to Kuon.

“Wow! Really?” Bachira said as Kuon aimed and kicked the ball into the net.

“YESSS!” he screeched as the other came to be around him.

“Another one, Kuon! Their goalie can’t do squat!” Imamura said.

“No fair! You just got one!” Gagamaru said.

“I don’t know why, but I’m on fire today!” He said as he puffed out his breath.  Isagi narrowed her eyes.

And I am the fool, she thought as she finally pieced it together. Their reaction is slower than in the recordings. What is he waiting for, however?

“Don’t lose your cool, bro! head in the game!” Keisuke said as he put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. The mute brother just got an angry face. The formation changed with Gagamaru, Raichi, and Naruhaya.

“Can’t let Kuon be the only one to show off,” Raichi yelled with the ball at Naruhaya’s feet. When running, Junichi pulled on his collar, causing Team W to get a foul and Team Z to get a free kick. Bachira was assigned as the free kicker.

The spot where team w is the weakest is…there he thought with his tongue between his lips as he kicked the ball. The ball soared through the air, and Kuon jumped up and headbutted into the goal.

“He…just scored a hat trick,” Keisuke said as he held his brother back. At Halftime in the locker room, the guys were bursting with energy while Isagi watched everyone in her corner.

“Yo-chan, aren’t you excited?! We are winning this thing by a landslide!” Bachira said as he took a seat next to her. Usually, he would try to take a nap in her lap, but he was hyped up on the energy, too.

“I guess,” she said.  That got everyone looking at her.

“You guess?” Raichi echoed deadpan.

“Yes, I guess,” She repeated.

“What? You are not excited because you aren’t scoring any goals this time,” Igaguri said bravely. She turned to him, and he gulped hard. Kuon shivered at her glare.

“While we are doing great, something bad is going to happen,” she stated as she got up. “I just hope it doesn’t cost it.” She left the room and headed to the hallway. Kunigami and Bachira followed her.

“Why did you follow?” She asked.

“What do you think is going to happen?” Kunigami asked. She stared at him. “You told me you are very observant. What have you seen?” He got quiet at the last part. She turned fully to him.

“I can’t say for certain, but I think we are going to get betrayed,” she said as she turned away again as the others came. Kunigami and Bachira stared at her, and Team Z walked again to the field.  Naruhaya passed the ball to Raichi at the kick-off for the second half.

“All right! It’s Raichi kick-off time!” he shouted as he took off. Kuon called for the ball, and Raichi reluctantly passed it to him.

“Just pass it back and don’t show off,” he said. Kuon bumped it with his foot.

“I will. Our team’s victory takes priority!” He said as the ball rolled in between his feet only to be stolen by one of the brothers.

“You idiot!” Raichi said as he stormed across the field. The brothers travel up the field.

“Chigiri! Stop them!” She yelled as she tried to cut them off but jumped in the air. He stood there frozen as they passed around him. “DAMN IT!” The brother played with Lemon but scored a goal.

So it began, she thought as she looked at Kuon. Kunigami and Bachira followed her eyeline and then looked at her. She shrugged and signaled to wait.

“Yo-chan…” Bachira whispered.

“It’s all right. We are still 2 points ahead. We still got this!” Kuon said as he took possession of the ball.

So that’s it. He is taking advantage of the top score rule, allowing him to pass on, she thought as she wiped her face with her jersey. A team w member wolf-whistles at her.

“Hey, sweetheart. After this match, why don’t you visit our room? It’s not fair that Team Z has all the fun,” he smirked, their confidence rising, thinking that they will win the match. She looked at him coldly.

“I doubt your small dicks could keep me entertained,” she said. A black trail of memories crawls through her mind, however.

“Now, Yoichi…You know what you have to do to get a starter spot,” He ordered, sitting behind a desk with a camera pointed at her. An 11-year-old, Yoichi, stood there.

“Do I have to?” She whimpered, tears coming to her eyes and hands twisting in her skirt.

“If you want to play and achieve your dream,” he said in a sweet, alluring voice. She choked back a sob and started to unbutton her shirt. “There is a good girl.” She heard the beep of the camera turning on.

“Isagi! Here!” She heard, shutting down the memory, and readied herself.  Kuon passed the ball to her.

She thought it was weak as she darted forward, but Junichi took it, passed it to his brother, and scored another goal.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Raichi yelled, “Did those three points go to your head?”

“Cool it, Raichi! Don’t fight, or you get carded!” Kunigami said as he held him back.

“I’m so sorry! I don’t know what is going on with me!” Kuon said as he got to the ground and bowed his head low. Then she heard it—a snicker.

“Just get it together!” Raichi said as he stomped away and went to the others. Kuon raised up and slightly smiled. Isagi clenched her teeth and fist.

Enough of this farce, she thought as she opened her mouth.

“Yo-chan, our turn at formation!” Bachira said as he came over with Kunigami with the ball.

“Right,” she said and pulled them close. “Whatever you do, don’t pass to Kuon, even if he calls for it.” She pushed them away and took the ball. Both boys looked at her, and she nodded.

“But why?” Bachira asked with puppy eyes.

“I don’t know, but I’m done playing with that bastard,” She whispered as the alarm went off to signal the next round.

“Bring it on!” Keisuke said as they traveled the field. Isagi tried to hold the ball as long as possible before passing it to Kunigami.

Looks like she was right, he thought, as he noticed many defenses around the area where he could shoot from. He looked over at Bachira and found him covered. Shit, they know. I guess I have passed it back to her.

I am taking a risk, she thought as she darted forward and moved her body around the defensive line.

“HUH? He didn’t ….” Keisuke said before being elbowed.

“ISAGI, here!” Kunigami said as he passed. She caught it with her foot.

“Isagi! Here! Pass it!” Kuon said as he raced to the other side.

“LIKE HELL, I WILL!” She said as she ran with it. Chigiri looked at her with wide eyes.

Don’t, Isagi. Don’t have that look in your eye, he thought as he watched her move. At the goal line, she stopped and held the ball.

“What’s the matter?” The goalie taunted.

“Nothing. Just keep your eyes on me,” she said as she kicked the ball sideways. “Sorry to make you kick so close.”

“It's not a problem,” Kunigami said as he readied his leg and kicked the ball into the goal. Now, the score was 4 to 3.

“I think it is time to end your farce, Wataru Kuon,” she said as she looked at him and pointed.

“What the hell is she talking about, Kuon?” Raichi yelled.  Kuon started to sweat.

“He made a deal, I imagine, with team w. He told them everything about us in exchange for the three goals, right?” She said as she stalked over to him. She crackled her knuckles.

“Oh shit,” Imamura said with his eyes wide on Isagi, “Kuon is about to die.”

“Forget about Kuon. He fucking betrayed us,” Raichi said as he stomped over and grabbed Kuon’s shirt.

“Raichi, Isagi! Knock it off! You will get carded if you don’t,” Kunigami said as he came up behind Raichi and pulled him, causing Kuon to drop to the ground.

“Man, the little girl is smart! Kuon, you didn’t tell us about her!” Keisuke whined as he came over and shoved Kuon’s head. His twin made a frown face.

“The stupid bitch didn’t tell me anything about her weapon,” Kuon sneered, “So I didn’t know.”

Isagi snarled at him.

“Don’t insult, Yo-chan!” Bachira hissed.

“But Isagi is right. I am tired of hiding. I am just doing anything I can to stay in Blue Lock. I traded information with Team W last night,” Kuon said.

“That’s why you were late!” Igaguri said, face in disbelief.

“But why did you score three goals, though?” Imamura whimpered.

“He is taking advantage of the top scorer rule. For those teams who don’t make it, the top scorer moves on to the next round, but Kuon,” she said with a smirk. “You aren’t the only one anymore.” She sang. Kuon squinted, eyes opened and narrow. She laughed. “Oh, this is good. With the last goal, Kunigami,” She jerked her thumb at the orange hair, trying to hold Raichi back, “has only one more goal before you are tied.”

“Then we will block him and score two more goals to win this fucking match,” he spat. Raichi managed to get free and collared him. He pulled back his fist but was stopped by the sound of the buzzer going off.

“Yellow Card! Jingo Raichi returned to your side and assumed your match!” The VAR system shouted.

“Raichi,” Isagi said, jerking her head, “You get your punch in after.” She smiled much like her uncle. “After all, he has to sleep sometime.”

“Fuck you,” Kuon spat.

“Same,” she said as Anri called for the match to assume. Everyone gathers on Team Z’s side.

“ So what now? 12-on-10 is a bad idea,” Imamura whimpered.

“You put a target on my back, you know,” Kunigami said, looking at the girl. She turned to him.

“I know. Do you think you can handle it, hero?” She said with a tilt, “If anything, they will think we will pass to you. It might help as a distraction. Sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s at least a plan,” he said as he took his position, and so did everyone.

“Don’t let them get another point, and if we can, win this 5 to 3,” she said as the match restarted. The twins and Kuon went straight to her.

“From what I see, you can’t do anything by yourself, girl,” Keisuke said as Kuon approached the front.

“Soccer is an eleven-player sport. You don’t stand a chance with 12-on-10,” he said as he reached up, but she lifted it on her toes and flung it in the air.

“I’m useless on my own, huh? It is finally nice to know what you think about me. I will remember when I was the one going on to the second selection,” she said as Chigiri caught the ball and moved it to guard it.

“Ha! Passing to someone useless, too!” Keisuke said as he ran over but was run over by the very person.

“Wha…” Kuon said before passing by Isagi, “Hold it!” He chased after her.

“Decide to wake up, huh?” She said as she ran too.

“Shut up. You are taking responsibility for this,” He huffed as he passed it to her.

“Sure,” she mumbled as he ran faster.

“That speed…” Kuon muttered as she kicked it high again across the field. Chigiri caught it again and took off with it.

“Stop him! Foul him if you have to,” Keisuke said as they struggled to keep up with him.

I miss this feeling, this ecstasy…Chigiri thought as he ran with the ball. Players blocked his way, but he kicked the ball forward and passed them.

“Huh?” a w member said as he sprinted past them.

“Did he…just pass to himself?” Raichi said as the other team members, and he came from the other side of the field.

“Stop him, big bro,” Keisuke said as he chased after the ball. Junichi stuck out his foot, but Chigiri jumped it and caught up to him. Keisuke tried to block him, but he brushed him past him.

“Goalie, stop him! Foul if you must!” he screamed as Chigiri approached the goal. The ball just floated in the air. The goalie came out to meet him and tripped him up, but he again jumped. His toe pushed the ball into the goal, and the alarm went off.

“Wing 5. Match 7. Winner Team Z. 5 to 4.”

“We are still in,” Bachira blew out. Everyone on Team Z celebrated. Isagi cracked her knuckles.

“Now…” She said as she turned to Kuon and punched him. She felt a crunch under her fist as it connected with his nose. He fell, and she kicked him.

“Stop!” He cried as she beat him up.

“Oh shit!” Igaguri whispered as Kunigami rushed over to pull her from him.

“Isagi! Stop!” He said as he held her back. Kuon took advantage and ran off. He held her a little longer before letting her go.

“You should have let her continue to beat the shit out of him,” Raichi said. The monitor flickered to life.

“Wing 5 matches 7 and 8 have finished.”  The board shows team v and team x score—5 to 2.

“Means that Barou lost,” she muttered.

“All players return to quarters.” Everyone shuffled out of the room. Isagi went first, as usual, and cleaned herself. We pulled it off. One final match, with team v. She headed to the room and waited. After a while, the boys filed out of the locker room.

“Let’s go eat,” Igaguri said as everyone left the room and headed to the cafeteria.

“So, the only match left is one with Team V, the only undefeated team in Wing 5,” Lemon said as he walked beside her. Everyone else gave her a wide berth except for Bachira on her other side.

“Who cares? All we gotta do is win,” Raichi said.

“But we can’t do it with only ten of us,” Gagamaru said, scratching his head.

“Seriously, where did Kuon go anyway?” Naruhaya asked.

“What? We still need him to play?!?” Raichi shouted in disbelief. They passed by the lunchroom and heard voices.

“Wait a minute! Shh!” Lemon said as he stared into the room. There, sitting on one side, was Kuon, and he was walking with others. There were three on the other side. Isagi looked at them closer.

“Aren’t those…?” She questioned, “That fucker is up to it again.” Kunigami grabbed her shoulder before she could do anything.

“Isagi…” he warned and then stuck out an arm to clothline Raichi. “you too.” He growled.

“Right! How about it? Wanna team up with me?” Kuon said excitedly and nasally

“I’ll pass.”

“Sounds boring.”

“What a pain.”

Team z members stood there in shock, and Isagi looked at them. They saw the white one be carried by the purple one, and then the glasses ate whatever was left. Kuon desperately tried to stop them. Isagi shrugged off Kunigami.

“Isagi,” he said.

“Relax. I will not do anything,” she said before going over.

“Hey Reo, why is he so desperate?” the white one asked from his place.

“He wants to win,” The purple said.

“Weak guys who try hard to win are such a pain,” he said, and Kuon looked shattered. She had seen that look before on herself a year ago.

“Does that apply to me as well?” She asked as she walked up with hands in her pockets. The three turned to her.

“Whoa. I heard that there was a girl here,” the purple said, but she only looked at the white.

“Hm?” the white one said.

“Nagi Seishiro, I highly recommend that you don’t underestimate soccer. There will always be someone better than you. Kuon!” She snapped at the squinty-eyed bastard. “You and I need to have a chat.” She grabbed the collar and dragged him off.

Chapter Text

RUMORS

Itoshi Rin never really paid attention to rumors or other lukewarm players. He passed by with his food tray when he caught some lukewarm players talking about something…. or someone.

“I heard that there is a girl here,” one boy said. “She is currently with one of the lower-ranking teams.”

“Seriously?1? Why is a girl here?” the other asked as he ate.

“Dunno…” Rin tuned out the conversation after that as he took a seat.

As he ate, his memories came into play.

“Nii-Chan,” He said as he looked at the other side of the field. Their team, Pensonic, was in the lead, and the opposition just changed the lineup. With it came a girl. He heard his brother huff and smile.

“It’s okay, Rin. The match will finally get interesting,” his brother said as the whistle blew. Players took their positions, and then the match began. With the lineup change, the opposition gained and won the game. Rin fumbled at the last minute, causing the ball to be stolen and the opposite team to score, with the girl taking the ball. Rin wiped his forehead as the girl walked over to his brother.

“Damn it. Sorry, nii-chan,” He apologized to his brother, who didn’t pay him any mind.

“He's your brother, sae?” her voice sounded as the two shook hands.

“Yeah. He is my little brother. Rin,” his brother said as the two turned to him. Rin blushed as she looked at him and smiled.

“Nice to meet you, Itoshi Rin. I'm looking forward to our next match,” she said.

Since then, the girl, Isagi Yoichi, has become essential to the Itoshis’ lives. She spends her summers in Kamakura city. The three of them became inseparable until Sae left Spain. After his brother left, she just disappeared.

I wonder…. he thought as he ate.

Meanwhile, on a different team, a cyan-haired boy played on his phone. After scoring goals in previous games, Hiori Yo was finally glad to have his phone back. His phone dings with a message. It would appear that Shidou and Karasu had also earned their phones back. He knew that they were here because they met in the hall.

White Demon: Man, this place that I am in is great! It’s eat, sleep, and Soccer! I love it here!

The Crow: We are in the same place, dumb ass. Don’t say like it is some secret you are keeping. We literally met in that entrance hall. I know how great it is. Oh, guess what? I heard a rumor.

Hiroi sighed. Karasu was always one for gossip.

White Demon: A rumor? I wonder if it is the same one….

The Gamer: Well, why don’t you both share it then and see…

The Crow: Hey, that’s smart. On the count of three….

The Gamer: One White Demon: Two….

The Crow: Three….

White Demon and The Crow: A girl is here!

Hiori sighed and then considered it. He did hear something about a girl being here, but he did not know who she was or anything useful about her.

The Gamer: Do you think it could be Isagi?

White Demon: Oh, most definitely! She is the only one who is good enough to be here. She is practically one of the boys.

The Crow: I am totally saying that to her when we see each other. While Karasu and Shidou were back and forth with one another, Hiori took a moment for himself. His friend was there—one of his best friends. Hiori blew a breath. Maybe BlueLock won’t be so bad after all.

*~*~* GIRL TALK….OR IS IT BOY TALK

“Do you think Yo-chan has a boyfriend?” Bachira asked in the bath after practice. He had been wondering about this ever since their little one-on-one match. The others stared at him. Kungami and Chirigi were in the tub with him while Raichi, Naruhaya, and Imamura were washing their hair.

“Why do you want to know?” Chirigi asked as he leaned against the edge. Bachira shrugged.

“She is cute and good at soccer…” he ticked off. "If she isn’t taken, I wouldn’t mind asking her.” The boys looked at him like he was crazy.

“Honestly, he does have a point,” Imamura said as he rinsed his hair and cupped his chin in his hand. “I wonder if she does.”

“She hasn’t given any details about herself outside of soccer,” Kunigami said. Bachira looked at him slyly.

“Oh, you’re interested in her, aren’t you?” He asked. Kunigami blushed.

“I think we all are in some way,” he retorted.

“Not me,” Raichi said, though his face gave him away with a slight blush hinting at his cheeks.

“Sure…” Chigiri said, eying him. The boys finished up and headed to the room where they all slept. Isagi had already put out her sleeping roll and braided her hair for bed. They all stared at her.

She is so pretty, they thought. She noticed them staring at her and looking at her weirdly.

“What are you all staring at?” She asked. “Nothing,” they said quickly before busying themselves for bed. The light went out at 22:00. As the boys lay there, they promised to find out if she had a boyfriend.