Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

How!

I was in Blue-Lock, in front of the mirror that the girls bathroom housed. Staring rather directly at my changed reflection.

One second, I was talking about becoming the worlds best- Never being satisfied- And now I'm back to the day of the first selection?!

And I'm a girl now!

Just how did it come to this?!

{50 days before the U-20 world cup.}

[P.O.V. Isagi Yoichi.]

The parade has just ended, we were in the bus on the way back to Blue-Lock. I am honestly tired, this unnatural feeling of drowsiness is suffocating...

I can't help but continue thinking about Nagi's elimination from Blue-Lock on the way back still.

I want to go back. There are many things I want to change... I don't regret anything in my time in Blue-Lock, quite the opposite. 

I am just curious about what if I could do as much as I could do now back then. Devour the selections... Prove myself an extraordinary player from the start... Just thinking about it is surreal. 

I want to experience that level of ego. But beyond that... 

I want to try and evolve further. What if my first match with Kaiser, I already had meta-vision? My match against the world-five?

All of those moments, these matches, are missed progress for my own goal because I wasn't strong enough, because I wasn't enough of an egoist.

I want to pit myself against Loki again. Against them. 

To devour them.

I want to become Blue-Locks center and beating heart, the best in the world!

Soon, my drowsiness takes over me and I slowly but surely fall asleep.

Hey, Bachira... Wake me up when... We... Arrive...

...

Ah. That makes sense...

But what doesn't make sense is...

{Location: Blue-Lock, girls bathroom.}

How I actually came back?! And why am I a girl now!

It's not logical, not one bit...

I put my hand to my chin, intensely thinking while looking at the sink.

Fitting the puzzle pieces seems so impossible...

There is no logic or experience that could explain this yet!

Ok, well... You got your wish Isagi...?

You're back...

...Okay.

Let's do this.

My face suddenly sharpens, my whole look turning serious and reflecting sheer determination and will as I stare at my new reflection.

You are Isagi Yoichi. Blue-Lock's Demon King. This is your chance to understand and adapt even greater counters to someone like Loki Julian or Dada Sliva... These guys are the barrier between me and the world cup. Between me and the best in the world.

I must devour them this time.

No room for error if you want to be the best in the world!

Okay, I have to focus... What can I improve right away...

...Thanks to my knowledge and memories, I am able of using all of my weapons.

So the obvious thing for now, is to work on my physique and ensure it can keep up with my vision... And also allow me to use Meta-vision more effectively too.

If my twice over trained body got tired after using it for half a match in the Neo Egoist league for the first time, this body wouldn't last half a match...

Wait, what match even are we on? I know we're in the first selection thanks to the many futon in the room, but I didn't catch which match we were on...

Nothing hints to Team W... Kuon is still in the process of becoming 'team leader', No hints of Team Y either or the air of desperation that followed last time...

Team V is the last match, but it was a different atmosphere that morning... That leaves Team X.

Okay, come on Yoichi! Let's do this!

You'll have to avoid standing out for a tiny bit so you can train and devour Barou-

'You aren't talented enough for soccer, you should just quit. Donkey.' the memory of Barou saying that resurfaces in my head.

No. My ego won't allow something like that.

I turned the handle of the sink before splashing my face with water and quickly going outside after preparing myself for whats to come.

Training has to start effective immediately so I can use all of my weapons! This will also allow me to upgrade my previous amount of use for my trained ambidexterity...

 On the way there, I was so lost in thought that a ball hit the back of my head and I was surprised.

"Ow! Who?!-"

I turn around to see him.

"Hello, I~sa~gii! Training alone? Mind if I join?"

Oh, it's Bachira!

"Hey, Bachira! Yeah. I wanted to catch up to everyone since I'm so far behind..."

'Only in physical specs.' I correct myself in my head. 'Only lacking in physical specs.'

Bachira's always present grin helped me automatically feel more sure about my choice.

Seeing that no matter the universe or time, Bachira will always be Bachira is reassuring.

I smile unconsciously myself seeing Bachira's grin as he spun the ball on his finger, feeling at ease.

"Great! Let me join you then, we'll train together."

We made our way to the field rather quickly, each of us taking a side on the middle of the pitch doing quick warmups.

I smile at Bachira after my warmup is done, I forgot it's gotten so long now that I've started playing at a higher level because Bachira started copying me at some point...

I think last time I asked him about his monster on this pitch.

Seeing that I was done, Bachira stopped stretching too.

"Finally done, Isagi?~ Phew, your warmups sure are long!"

He said, with his usual giant grin.

I chuckle, sub-consciously rubbing my nape sheepishly before speaking.

"I guess I just hate the thought of being injured because I was careless."

He casually responds as usual with his smile almost glued to his face.

"Wow, you sure are diligent Isagi~ I might start joining you for these pre-warm ups, I feel much more flexible after that!"

I respond with a voice I'm yet not used to hearing.

"Your welcome to join me anytime, Bachira."

Bachira soon gained a thinking look for a moment, seemingly thinking about something for a moment.

"Are you not curious why I passed the ball to you, Isagi?"

He asked, curiously. It wasn't that he was confused about how I treated it like some natural occurrence, that wasn't Bachira.

His gaze now felt curious, as if he wanted to know simply for the sake of knowing.

I pretended to be thinking. Now, it's finally time for some pay back for shocking the hell out of me back then, Bachira!

I quickly take the ball from Bachira, using my shoulder to keep distance as he tried to get it back, clearly caught off guard.

"Because I saw your eyes back then, Bachira."

I said, as I out-dribbled this much less skilled version of Bachira, moving the ball away from him using my footwork from the Neo Egoist league.

Bachira is always good at dribbling, but this version of Bachira has nothing on the one i fought in the NEL!

I continue speaking, my tone very relaxed as if I wasn't playing and talking at the same time. This footwork was muscle memory now, after all.

"Your eyes told me all I needed to know,"

I turned around to face him, looking him in the face like he looked me back then.

"That a monster is inside of you, Bachira."

I smiled widely, much wider than usual.

"It always speaks to you, doesn't it? It speaks of the soccer you want to play, right?"

I don't give Bachira a chance to reply as I cross and use my off-the-ball movement to quickly overtake him and pass the two cones on his side, wining the exercise before finishing speaking.

"I know how that feels now, thanks to you."

I said, smiling casually now as if I didn't say something very absurd.

Hah! Take that, Bachira! A taste of your own medicine!-

...Why is Bachira so red-faced? Did he get a cold? That didn't happen before...

I go up to Bachira very casually, putting my hand on his forehead to check for it's temperature.

"That's why, I'm glad I came to Blue-Lock. I got to meet you, Bachira."

I said, smiling slightly as I continued trying to gauge his temperature.

"I-Isagi..."

Oh, his voice sounds very shaky... I didn't know it was this bad...

I frown a bit seeing his state.

Beating Barou with a sick Bachira's gonna be much harder...

"Yes, Bachira?"

His mouth kept closing and opening, almost like a gaping fish.

Oh dear... That's looking really bad...

Suddenly, the intercom rang out.

Ping

Pong

Pang

Pong

A voice soon followed the ringing, a familiar announcement of sorts playing.

"Uuh... The tallies for the 3-day athletic tests are done. Return to your rooms at once, we'll be confirming the rankings."

I looked at the intercom while it spoke until it finished the announcement, looking to Bachira afterward.

Bachira still looked lost in thought.

I poked his forehead with a smile.

"Come on Bachira, we'll be late." 

I said as I passed Bachira and begun walking back to Team-Z's dorm room.

He soon snapped out of it and begun following me- Wait. His gaze...

I discreetly look at Bachira over my shoulder, his gaze felt different...

When I saw his gaze I almost froze. It was an expression I've never seen on Bachira's face.

He looked like a lost puppy following me. His face was slightly flushed, his eyes were wide in  seemingly amazement and his jaw looked to be loosening and tightening every second, as if he wanted to speak but his mouth didn't let him.

It was completely unlike the usual Bachira I'm used to.

Is his cold this bad?

I might have to tell Ego...

I turn my head to look at Bachira, a look of concern on my face as I chose to ask Bachira before taking action.

"Do you need medical assistance, Bachira? Your face is pretty red and your temperature feels a bit higher then usual..."

Bachira's eyes widen, almost like breaking free from a spell or a trance as he suddenly smiled and spoke, sounding off...

"U-uh- No need, I-I'm fine Isagi~ Promise!"

I sigh and nod.

"If you say so... Don't hesitate to speak if you feel anything."

His gaze changes again, very subtly but it's there. I can't tell what changed though...

"Oookay, Isagi! You got it~"

Oh, phew... There is the normal Bachira with his carefree smile. I was almost worried.

I felt myself smile, much more at ease now that I saw Bachira was fine.

"Then come walk next to me, what are you doing walking behind me?"

I asked teasingly, knowing that Bachira loved to tease me with little things like this usually.

He instantly came up beside me- He feels a bit too close... Just my imagination probably.

Anyways, we soon made our way back to the dorms.

I was sure ever since I encountered Bachira that this was the first match, against Barou again...

I can't go easy on him. But I'm held back by this mediocre body I haven't yet trained... Using Meta-vision is outside of the equation until at least the second selections first proper training only period...

I was so deep in thought that I didn't notice the door was getting closer until Bachira slung an arm around my shoulder and pointed at the door, saying teasingly-

"Isagi, that's our dorm! Where are you going?~"

I blink out of my trance, seeing the door.

I smile and speak, thankful for Bachira telling me because I almost missed it...

"Thanks. I almost went to god knows where..."

I chuckled as I opened the door.

Igaguri was there, like last time.

"Ah, Isagi!"

He turned around and pointed to his armband.

"Check it out! I've moved up a bunch from 300, see? I'm the 275th now!"

Oh, poor Igaguri...

"Yeah."

I reply with a small smile and nod, knowing that it's not us who went up. Just that twenty five players were eliminated.

Igaguri looked at me confused. 

"You moved up too, don't you feel glad about that?"

"It's not that we moved up- Nevermind, he'll explain it soon."

I contemplated explaining myself but realized there's virtually no point as Ego will explain in a moment himself.

Bachira looked at me like my words were gospel and nodded, practically just accepting what I said while Igaguri said-

"Seriously? Who's he?-"

Igaguri was cut off as Ego showed up on the monitor.

I tuned out what Ego was saying, because he was simply repeating what he said last time but instead focused on him.

His posture, speech, everything. 

One of the things I wanted to do was figure out Ego Jinpachi... And hopefully, this restart will be my starting point.

Worlds best striker, Here I come!

...

Chapter Text

{Location: Pre-match locker room. Team-Z.}

[P.O.V. Bachira Meguru.]

I entered the locker room, but I don't care about anyone of these guys. All of them are worthless in comparison to Isagi.

I tune out their blabbering. All I want to hear is the voice of Isagi. No one else.

I hug Isagi, putting my head near the crook of her neck.

"Bachira... Are you sure you're okay?"

Calls the voice which belonged to my savior.

The one I can call home without evident regret.

The only voice I want to hear.

"Yes, Isagi~ I promise I'm fine."

I say, secretly trying to take more of her scent in as much as possible. She smelled wonderful. 

Whenever I'm with her, I feel safe. I want that safety to last forever. To have someone who understands my monster and me perfectly forever.

Just like...

{Yesterday. The hallway.}

Because she saw my eyes... She... She understood and accepted me... Without me even saying anything...

Yoichi... Out of everyone in this world, only you are able to understand so effortlessly...

What is this feeling...

When she spoke to me about my monster... How close she was to my face...

This abnormally beating heart of mine...

Yoichi... My solace. I want to call this love, but my monster says it's much more serious then that...

I want to experience this forever.

And there's only one way to do that.

To never let her leave.

Said the monster, and it's not wrong. Yoichi, I'm sorry but I have no clue how much longer I can hold on.

I want to experience soccer with Yoichi, forever.

Forever. Forever. Forever. Forever. Forever. Forever. Foreve-

"Bachira? The call is already done, it's time to go."

I snap out of my trance and look at Isagi, smiling.

Ah, her concerned expression is simply divine.

"Hai, I~sa~gi! Let's go crush them!"

I said, savouring her name rolling off of my tongue. Ingraining how it sounds directly into my head.

She smiles, her attractive flare of determination in her eyes. That look I can't resist. I spend no time studying all of the details I can catch, this is the closest to perfection I'll ever see.

"Yeah. Let's." She says as she stood up, unfortunately forcing me to stop breathing her scent in with every breath.

She begun walking towards the field, following the team. And I followed her, wherever she'll lead me I'll go.

Inspire my creativity and use me, nothing is worth it compared to you.

Yoichi~♡

{Field of Blue-Lock.}

[P.O.V. Isagi Yoichi.]

I make my way over to my position with Bachira.

It's time to shine! I have to use my spatial awareness, off-the-ball movements and dribbling...

I'll have to rely on my old muscle memory from the days of where I could dribble to take down the rest of the team. 

But that's fine, I'll seize any opportunity I can get. First things first, I must score the first goal so I can have the team revolve around me much quicker then before. 

That way Barou's team would fall apart all by itself...-

Pip- Pip- Piiiiip!

Suddenly, the whistle for the match goes off.

Kick-off!

Bachira turns to me and his grin widens even more if that was possible before passing it to me.

"Let's go, monster!"

I nod and head up immediately.

Team X, much like last time try swarming me. But instead of backing away like last time and having Raichi take the ball from me, I took inspiration from Bachira and went forward.

I tried to copy some of Bachira's movements which I knew I could do, which weren't many mind you... But it was enough for these guys for now.

It was very make-shift and sloppy, but I pass through with the ball. 

Suddenly, I feel a presence behind me. 

...The weight of those steps... Thats Barou.

Finally... 

I smirk unknowingly, excited at the opportunity to devour Barou and prove that only I'm going to be the best in the world.

He tries to tackle the ball from me, but I rainbow flick the ball over him and jump over, trapping the ball with some difficulty and continuing.

Barou was hot on my tail but he wasn't fast enough to catch me thanks to my optimized form and wasteless movements at this point in time.

More people, from my team and the enemy team, try to steal the ball from me.

Naruhaya, Imamara, Kunigami...

I passed all of them.

It was very make-shift, and my body was quickly giving out at the extended pressure I'm putting on it, not used to being used to it's absolute limit.

Just a bit more...

The goal, I can see it.

I take a look around, seeing who's close to me and who's not.

Shit... Nearly everyone is behind me...

I chuckled as I ran, wasting some breath before I decided I was close enough to the goal to rainbow flick the ball, very crudely doing it and almost missing, but it allowed me to hit the direct shot from here.

I wind-up my leg as the ball takes it's time to descend. 

If I'm even half a second late, there's no doubt the ball would disappear from right under my feet and someone else would grasp the opportunity.

I take a deep breath, seeing the ball fall in slow motion.

I exhale. My leg springing to shoot.

I turn around immediately as soon as the shot launched, knowing Barou was behind me.

I grab his collar and pull him to closer to my face, similar to how I did Kaiser in the NEL.

This worked because, he was already running. I used his own momentum against him to trip him and make him kneel.

He was staggered for a moment, looking up at me but before I knew it-

"Know your damn place, if you're a king then I'm a god. You should naturally know to kneel."

PIPPPPP!

0 - 1

I let go of Barou's collar, letting go of him  so roughly, that he further staggered back a bit before heading back to my position.

Heading back, I missed the looks of shock which my teammates and even the players of Team-X gave me.

More importantly, I saw Bachira look at me in shock and something else...

Meanwhile, Kunigami was looking at me in interest and Chigiri looked surprised.

Kuon however, upon seeing this play instantly spoke up after the dazed silence had taken it's course.

"Everyone! It's time we structure properly, Isagi can easily score the goal if we keep giving her the ball!-"

Kuon begun convincing everyone to work together.

Bachira continued to only stare at me as I returned to my spot as the center forward.

Kuon had done a convincing job of organizing the quite disorganized Team-Z.

Now everyone was actually in positions and seemed ready to fill them, despite how reluctant they seemed to be.

"Hey, Isagi... Miss the ball once and that spot is mine."

Said Raichi as he passed me.

I sighed, taking a deep breath and preparing my limbs for further strain.

I can see Team-X arguing over there... Perfect. The first selections situation has been reversed!

Seems like Barou had just gotten up from his spot on the ground, his face still mortified. 

...I wasn't too rude, was I?

Kick-off!

I pass the ball to Bachira, smiling with a look filled with ego that Bachira probably recognizes.

"Come on, monster boy! Let's see if you can keep up!"

He snapped out of his thoughts and grinned, his eyes showing his ego clear and bright as day.

"Of course!"

Bachira starts the game by passing to me, I pass back and run forward.

But what he did next, I couldn't even begin to expect.

Bachira saw me clumsily copying his other-selves moves and got inspired!

He created a variation he could control at this current point, a successful version!

I use my off-the-ball movement to maneuver through the mess that is Team-X. Directly moving to the front of their goal almost unnoticed. Thanks, Otoya.

Bachira saw me and smiled. He instantly moved his leg, passing the ball to me gracefully with a little backspin which allowed me to hit another Direct-shot straight at the goal.

PIPPPPP!

0 - 2

I pump my fist in silent celebration, the massive grin on my face obviously telling.

The match went much like this, they blocked and hyper-fixated on me? Kunigami was open and he'd shoot it straight in.

Kunigami was marked and I was stopped? Bachira would do it.

They couldn't stop all of us at the same time, and watching as the hope drained from their eyes was addicting.

Barou was devastated the entire game, I kept stealing the ball from him every time he got it by chance and scored. Always making sure to add a line in there.

"Get out of my way, damn donkey. Not even being able to stop a single girl... You really have no talent. Quit being a striker while you're ahead."

Was my last line as I scored another goal.

...Okay. I might be taking this too far...

But!- to be fair, he did say that to me the first time around...

PIPPPP!

0 - 9

MATCH IS FINISHED! Please go back to the locker and leave the field to begin training.

Huh... So soon?

I took a sigh, my eyes went to scan for where Bachira was.

Of course, I quickly found him going to pick a fight with another player...?

"Bachira!"

He immediately stopped and turned around. I motioned a wave, telling him to come.

He nodded and came to me in a way that reminds me of how Ness follows Kaiser...

The idea really gives me shivers.

Kunigami came up to us and pat me on the back as he walked with us.

"That was a great match, Isagi. Good playing out there."

He said, smiling casually.

"Thanks, Kunigami! Your shots were all great-"

We continued talking, I kept praising Kunigami's strengths and everyone elses weapons and abilities, this is my secret way of telling them about their weapons early.

What I didn't notice was that Bachira's look was very jealous.

The talk was all positive, and that didn't change as we entered the locker room again.

"I'm gonna go ahead and say it, putting Isagi as our center forward was a good call. But, I can still do better so next time, I'll be the striker."

Raichi said casually as he dried himself with his towel.

"Swap Isagi? Are you for real? She carried the entire team and crushed all of their 'egos' in one match!"

Said Kuon, which opened way for conversation about strategy.

Was what I did enough to be instilled as the teams center...?

"I guess that's true. It was much easier after Isagi scored that goal..."

Said Naruhaya, reluctantly agreeing.

Kuon than spoke up again.

"Thanks to Isagi, we're in a really good situation! In order for us to win with certainty we need to have 3 wins, If we lost here our best option would be to scrap by but thanks to Isagi the path to easily winning had been unlocked!"

Everyone seemed to take in what Kuon said for a bit, seemingly doing the math themselves.

Kunigami then spoke, half shirtless and with a towel around his neck.

"I can tell, just from marking Barou that if Isagi hadn't stepped up, it would've been a disaster."

He took a breath before continuing, everyone looking at him.

"The way we won so easily was thanks to Isagi crushing Barou early on. Their team quickly fell apart and ours revolved around her."

Then, rather suddenly a Bachira in his birthday suit comes out with a towel on his head.

I had already seen this before and wasn't really surprised.

But others had their original varying degrees of reactions as last time, Gagamaru didn't care. Naruhaya was embarrassed, Igaguri asked him to put on some clothes, the usual.

"It's true what Kunigami said, us being able to score so easily was only because Isagi quickly destroyed their core by scoring a goal!"

Bachira had that grin on his face again while looking at me, it felt nice seeing that grin directed at me again after how long we've been apart thanks to the NEL.

Chigiri was getting a water bottle from the fridge as he suddenly spoke.

"I think what Isagi did was basically what Ego was trying to tell us. He turned this team into a team and practically destroyed the enemy team with that single goal where he beat Barou."

Kuon was about to ask further but then a familiar voice comes out.

"You're on the right path, diamonds in the rough."

Here it comes. Ego's face shows up on the screen and I hyper-focus on his movements again.

"The way you compared Isagi to a destroyer is exactly what happened. Strikers are in essence destroyers! Once you score a goal, the enemy team begins to do mistakes, leave holes in their practiced formation, you destroy their soccer."

I felt the breath of everyone in the room hitch at what Ego was saying.

"Of course, this starts with us. In Japan, we're good at another sport. Baseball. Attack and defense are divided, everyone has their own roles and not many interactions between players are required. This sport, is perfect for the Japanese character."

He tilted his head forward.

"However. Soccer is different. The offense and defense often interact and you have to be able to fluidly switch between attack and defense and are always in close proximity with another player. That's why the roles we can be proud of are our center backs and our mid-fielders. We need a striker to make that formation for the team to follow, for a striker to destroy the enemy team and strengthen theirs. That's exactly why you will be focusing on individual strengths which excel in these situations, your very own weapons to destroy the opposition."

He spread his arms in a cross formation as holograms of famous players show up using their weapons.

"A striker carries a weapon, something they are unparalleled in! Something they can use to destroy the enemy structure, make them yield. To further destroy them. These are your revolution right on the field! Reflect on it, deliberate on it! Think, what are your bodies and mind capable of that only you can pull off?"

The screen turned off.

I might have heard this before, but this speech in specific gives me shivers every time i remember it...

Bachira with a grin quickly clings onto me- Hey! This guy is still naked!

"Bachira! Get some clothes on before you cling to me!"

He laughs, his smile wide. He basically ignored me.

Well, now I have to deal with this...

I sigh as I get up, taking my towel off of my neck and using it to dry my face before throwing it into my locker.

"I'll be training in the gym, you guys should go figure out your weapons and I'll share mine after."

I said as I begun walking towards the door. Bachira wanted to follow me but the team didn't let him leave without clothes.

Oh boy... I don't remember Bachira being this clingy...

...

Chapter Text

{Location: Blue-Lock halls.}

[P.O.V. Isagi.]

That training session being tough even though I used to do it daily in the Neo Egoist league, feels weird. Like that feeling when something is just off.

But, I completed it successfully for the first time in this body, and now I'm actually super exhausted... I'm probably going to just sleep for a bit after we're done discussing weapons.

There it is, the door to the dorms. Finally...

I open the door to see everyone sitting, already done with their discussion about their weapons and waiting for me.

Bachira was awake? He might've looked dead but he stayed awake... That wasn't the case last time...

As soon as I sit, Bachira just clings onto me without real explanation, just simply putting his head in my lap.

"Isagi... Tired..."

I sigh, Typical Bachira...

"Okay. Rest then."

I don't make much effort to move him, because Bachira had always been rather physical anyways. No point stopping him if he does this all the time.

"So, Isagi. What is your weapon?"

Asked Kuon, getting straight to the point. Everyone was looking at me in anticipation at this point.

I guess I did devour Barou so completely that they'd at least be a bit curious.

"Spacial awareness."

I won't elaborate more then that, I doubt they'll completely figure it out either. I have to keep my weapon to myself for now because of Kuon...

Raichi speaks up, asking in a questioning tone.

"Spacial awareness? What's that meant to mean?!"

Good.

"Don't worry, just know that's my weapon."

Raichi scoffs a bit.

"Okay, princess."

...I will NEVER get used to being called like Chigiri...

Kuon then claps his hand and points to his tablet.

"Okay, so here's the game plan. Isagi will be the striker with Bachira on her wing, seeing as that worked very well last time. Kunigami will be the left wing thanks to his incredible power shots-"

He continued, giving us all a position and role to fill. Many weren't happy with not being striker but relented due to my abilities.

I didn't imagine it would feel like this to have a team shape around you... To feel yourself pull a team together so effortlessly unlike Bastard München where I had to fight Kaiser tooth and nail for just a bit of ground.

It feels good.

So, THIS is how it feels to be an ace striker from the get-go...

For the next few days, we underwent a lot of extra training.

To become a more proper team.

It was easily visible the progress we had by the end and how easily everyone was able to play off me in practice.

Not bad...

{Location: Blue-Lock cafeteria.}

I sigh as I sit down, preparing to eat Nato, again.

I might've missed the old blue lock, but i certainly didn't miss this.

What happened the last couple of days was essentially the same, the only difference is I had an answer for my weapon this time and the team now surrounded around me...

The cafeteria was empty, much like before at this hour.

Nato everyday man... I have to increase my rank- Didn't I basically devour Barou?! Why is my rank still so low?!

This is so frustrating...

...Wait, I devoured Barou. I have goal points.

...

So much for soccer adaptation genius! 

Oh, but the fact I remembered just now will save me!-

Suddenly, I hear a tray clatter on the table, next to me as a chair is pulled.

...Kunigami?

"Hey, Isagi."

I turn my head to look at him before speaking.

"What's up?"

Kunigami spoke, in a tone I missed ever since the second selection and his first elimination...

"You were great today."

I felt my lips curve upwards all by themselves as I looked at Kunigami, back to his heroic self.

"Thanks, Kunigami. You were great out there too today. Your power shots were as strong as always."

He smiled at me before nodding and speaking again.

"All thanks to your perfect plays allowing me to draw their power."

He then paused for a moment, getting a thinking expression before asking a bizarre question.

"Did I ever thank you?"

I tilted my head slightly, a bit confused. What could he have to thank me for this time?

"For what?"

"For including me in your little duo, between you and Bachira. It's the only reason I have any goal points, I guess I didn't so..."

He raised his hand up in a chop motion before-

"Thanks!"

Ah. I forget Kunigami was actually so cool for a moment.

My smile returns, I have to preserve this version of Kunigami. No matter what.

"So I thought I should share one of my goal points which I got thanks to you anyways, so here. Let's share this beef."

Kunigami...

He gestures for me to eat with a smile.

Before I could even think, the following words left my mouth.

"Hey Kunigami, you're seriously like a superhero you know? Thanks to you, this all feels a bit more possible. My hero."

...Awh man, that sounded so cringe!-

Kunigami?

"T-thank you... That means a lot, Isagi..."

I continue smiling at him.

"Don't mention it, Kunigami. I'm sure you'll be the greatest hero. Hey, as a gift from me to the greatest hero, you should finish my half too. Consider it gifted from me to you." 

I stood up, patting his shoulder before leaving.

Kunigami stayed there, completely motionless.

He slowly put his hand to his blushing cheeks, as if trying to discover what he's feeling.

"I didn't even tell you my dream and you knew... You're something else, Isagi Yoichi..."

Kunigami felt a smile creep onto his face out of his stunned expression as he ate the steak he was 'gifted' by Isagi.

Somehow, this steak tasted much better then usual.

Little did they both know, however. A patch of black hair with yellow innards was observing the interaction, fuming with jealousy on the inside.

...

Bit short, but I needed something out. See you next time!

Chapter Text

{Blue-Lock's field.}

[P.O.V. Isagi Yoichi.]

As we get on the pitch, Bachira has been stuck to my side, with practically super glue! 

Like, damn! Bachira! 

I know you like to get physical, but this is too much! Is it because I'm a girl now?!

Anyways, It's much more different this time around...

"Remember, our strategy revolves around Isagi in this case so if they shut her out, we'll have to switch the main striker with either Bachira or Kunigami."

Kuon kept repeating that like a mantra to us in the locker room... Talk about an ego boost...

I already know how this will go. If Barou was only a small threat, then I should manage Niko fairly easily.

Everyone looks more at ease, thanks to Kuon explaining that with us winning we have more leeway for mistakes with a loss, but we have to win one more and tie the final one to truly make it at the very least.

Some are unhappy playing with their positions still, but they want to survive. More then anything.

Just like how I used to be, too close to how I used to be actually.

I hate that. I don't want to just survive, that's not how I'll be the best. I want to thrive.

And I'll start laying the foundation for that now, in Blue-Lock's very own first selection.

Honestly, It's still so weird to me, the changes. The differences between the worlds. It feels... Different. 

But, I've got no time to think about all of that right now. Right now I have to score and win. That's all.

My eyes focus on Niko, quickly remembering the last time we fought. It's almost nostalgic. 

He was the reason I ever figured out my weapon. Guess you can say he's kind of my catalyst in a way.

That's interesting to think about...

But it doesn't matter, since in that same way I was his. it's about time we devoured Team-Y.

"Isagi! It's kick-off! Play the ball!"

Huh?- Oh! It's Bachira... WAIT IT'S KICK OFF?! OH SHIT!

I hurriedly play a pass to Bachira to start us off.

Okay, this shouldn't be much trouble. 

I push up, going ahead knowing Bachira would be able to dribble his enemies without a doubt.

And so Bachira does, as graceful as ever with flowing creativity, he continues bypassing defender after defender. The defense hasn't yet adapt to Bachira because of how little he ended up dribbling last game.

However, I look to Niko to see him already giving instructions. I suddenly see three men go to mark Bachira.

I signal Bachira to give me the ball.

...But unfortunately, I forget this is Bachira and that he isn't concentrating on me when dribb-

Eh? How did the ball-

Bachira was looking directly at me with one of his signature smiles.

Mid-dribble? Are you serious?! Bachira!

I felt a giant smile grow on my face. He just knew. As expected of Bachira!

I go up ahead with the ball, I see two defenders already coming to mark me, but unfortunately for these guys...

I pass to my left.

"Get it, Hero!"

I dash up front, trying to lose the two defenders.

I can see Niko, he thinks he can stop Kunigami.

He doesn't have to do anything serious usually, just swipe the ball away secretly.

But unfortunately...

Kunigami shoots high, right before Niko made it.

The ball flies through the air, the only ones who know where it's going being Niko, and me.

I raise my leg up and-

POWSH!

PIP, PIP, PIPPPPPP!

GOALL!

1 - 0

How's that, Niko?

Still think you can stop me?

I look to Kunigami and Niko, giving Kunigami a thumbs up and a smirk.

He nods and gets into position, Bachira and I following suit back to our half of the field.

Imamura, Naruhaya and the others pat my back to celebrate but...

This feels boring.

This isn't... The soccer I want to play.

Strangely, that winning sensation of scoring a goal diminished.

It's not enough.

It's because I know just how much better I am. I know I'll win.

These are downgraded versions of the people I know, and while seeing Bachira's changes was great... It isn't enough to elicit that excitement anymore.

The excitement of a win.

I am currently playing off of instinct, bored in my own little world from these amateur versions of who I once knew and adapted to. 

So this is how Sae saw us...? I don't think I would have even sweat once beating this team if I was in my normal body, let alone use Meta-vision...

Only Bachira can keep up with me properly because Bachira was already great, he just needs the ego.

...Hey, wait. I remember that feeling of winning from seeing Bachira improve-

GOALLL!!

7 - 0

...Already?

"Isagi! You're not even paying attention and you're still playing like a monster~"

I sigh upon hearing Bachira, realizing how pointless that win felt. There was no desperation. No overwhelming drive to improve. Maybe that's why I originally succeeded in place of all of these geniuses...

"Heyy! Isagi!!"

Ah. Bachira was waving his hand in front of me.

"Meguru to Isagi~"

"Ah. Sorry Bachira, I was just thinking."

He chuckled, hugging me from the side and nuzzling his cheek into my neck.

"I know! I saw that thinking look you usually have on!"

...I have a thinking look?

I turn to see the rest of my team.

They were all exhausted and panting, Bachira included. I was the only one fine.

...I hate this. I want to feel like them. I want to feel victory- my ego.

I want it back already. So damn badly.

...I understand what to do now, to fuel my ego until the second selection where I will encounter Rin again.

Instead of letting them waste their talents and precious time, I should just force them to flourish faster.

...

Yeah. I'll do that next while working on improving myself.

If I'm ever satisfied, I'll stagnate. That'll never happen as long as I'm alive. As long as my dream hasn't died yet.

"I'm almost starting to feel hurt, Isagi... You keeping thinking so much, it's almost like I'm not here."

I felt myself blush from embarrassment while sheepishly scratching the back of my head.

"Sorry, Bachira-"

Bachira quickly cuts me off, his grin even wider then the usual.

"Upup! Meguru for you, Yoichi~"

I was shocked for a second, even my Bachira never asked for something like this.

...Well, okay. It's Bach- Meguru, it's Meguru after all.

"Okay, Bac-"

He looked like he was about to cry. I panicked and quickly corrected myself, having never once seen Meguru close to crying before in our old time together.

"-Meeguru! I meant to say Meguru!"

His eyes and face light up in happiness so bright that it almost hurts to look.

"Thank you, Yoichi!"

He ran off with that usual giant, dumb grin... He played me like a fiddle, and all it took was a single glance.

I chuckled to myself. Guess I'm not as close to seeing through Meguru as I thought.

I left, ignoring the stares of the defeated Team-Y. One stare in particular, in more awe then despair for their loss.

[P.O.V. Niko Ikki.]

That...

It was so...

I...

All I can find myself doing, is staring at her.

The girl which had shut down practically every play without even thinking about it.

This kind of person was on Team-Z...?

This...

And she looked so graceful the entire time, barely even breaking a sweat and yet still, she drew out multiple people's potential even if by only a small margin...

Only I can see it, understand the beauty of what she did.

But she didn't even seem to care, as if this was normal for her.

And in hindsight, it probably is despite her being the bottom of the supposedly bottom team.

She is the glue, the beating heart of this entire team, and it's unreal.

Everything from her reads, to her passes, to her expression, calmness, everything radiated victory. 

She's like an unwavering light...

And with her looks... She kind of reminds me of something like a... Angel? 

Yeah...

Angel of the field, Isagi Yoichi.

I felt my heart-beat go faster, until I saw that Bachira guy.

I felt my heart clench and hurt seeing at how buddy-buddy she was acting with that Bachira guy.

I don't know why, but I feel... Almost hatred, for this Bachira guy...

What did he even do to me other then be close to Isagi... 

...

That's enough, just being close to her where I should be is a crime.

We're one in the same, she's just so much better then me.

No... More then that.

The way she so effortlessly looked at the field and found the best outcome, playing to that ideal each time without fail...

The way her eyes simply stayed on me the entire time she was playing and yet still managed to out-play all of us so well...

...

Isagi Yoichi. I'll make sure to remember this well.

I'll become someone worthy of standing beside you, just you wait.

Chapter Text

{Location: Team-Z's dorm.}

[P.O.V. Isagi Yoichi.]

Team-Z was celebrating. Naturally, that would happen due to us winning.

But to me, it all felt so... Meaningless.

There was no victory in that match.

It was simply a crushing defeat.

I was sulking so I didn't notice Bachira- No, Meguru trying to feed me.

"Say 'ahhhhh', Yoichi!"

I was too deep in thought to properly function outside of my own mind by now so I just accepted Meguru feeding me.

...Hey wait.

This gives me an idea.

My gut tells me this is a bad idea, but I really want that feeling of victory again.

I stand up suddenly, startling Team-Z.

"Isagi?"

Meguru, Kunigami and some others asked as I stood up.

Most of these guys will be my teammates later...

"Kunigami."

He straightened his back. He was caught-off guard.

"With me. Meguru, with me. Chigiri, with me. And lastly, Gagamaru. With me."

Meguru stood up and next to me without any hesitation, instantly with his smile once more.

Something felt a bit off about it, but it wasn't a crushing feeling so I'll leave it be for now...

Kunigami spoke up, seeming a bit more stiff then usual...

"W-what are we doing?"

Kunigami? Stuttering?

I raise an eyebrow, but let it go.

"It's a surprise."

Chigiri raised an eyebrow at this, not getting up.

"What kind of surprise?"

I respond instantly.

"The kind you guys'll need."

There was a stoic silence in the room as the two contemplated whether to go or not.

Kunigami got up.

"I trust you, Isagi."

I nod and smile at him.

After all, he specifically won't regret it.

"What about you, Chigiri?"

I will convince you to play once more. You can't escape your fate as one of Team-Z.

He opened his mouth, going to refuse. It was clear from his posture.

But, I cut him off.

"You'll be able to play again."

He looked stunned. His mouth kept closing slightly but it kept going back agape.

"I can ensure you'll be alright, that your efforts won't be wasted."

He quickly regains his composure.

"What do you know?"

"I know that you're lying to yourself."

His face scrunches up with a frown.

"The hell do you know about me, Isagi?"

I kept my face neutral. I had to play my cards right.

"...Someone who can make you a striker again."

I extended my hand to Chigiri as he looked at me in stunned shock again.

"Come join me, Striker Chigiri Hyoma."

His eyes are wide. His hands are slightly trembling. His jaw tightening and loosening.

Hesitation.

"You'll have these sleepless nights again. You'll feel that rush again. All you have to do... Is trust me."

All of Team-Z was watching in shock, for once Meguru was included in that 'everyone'. 

I mean- I did probably look insane... Randomly saying all of this on a whim... But a world of stale soccer... I don't want that.

I will do ANYTHING, to stop that.

"I'll ask again, come with me. Chigiri."

[P.O.V. Chigiri Hyoma.]

I stare at the hand being extended to me.

Make me a striker again...?

I look for deception in her eyes but all I get are those drowning ocean eyes.

Those stupidly honest, enchanting eyes.

Why...

Why would you...

"Don't misunderstand, Chigiri."

She spoke, cutting my train of thought.

"I'm doing this for me. I will build you into a striker so you can be my stepping stone."

...

Stepping stone...

I...

"You'll prove them wrong. The world wrong."

Stop... Stop whispering...

"You'll get it all back."

Stop whispering what I want...!

"I won't let your dream die."

Stop it...! Stop!

"So, come on already. Chigiri."

...

I grab her hand. At heart, I could never really give up on soccer...

But I don't know why her message is resonating with me...

I heard this millions of times before and rejected it millions of times before...

What makes this so... Different...?

She helps pull me up and I see her face up close.

It's so effortlessly perfect... It's so unfair...

How can someone look so beautiful without trying...?

She suddenly smiled and spoke.

"I promise you, that you won't regret this."

...Why do I want to believe her?

"You can just put your trust in me."

...Okay...

I'll trust you...

I'll...

"I'll give soccer a final chance."

Her smile became radiant. It was blinding.

I had no words to describe it which do it justice, it was just simply divine.

"Great! I promise that this'll be the best choice you've made!"

I felt myself smile a little.

I hope so. I'm putting my final hope into you for some reason...

I... I'm still...

I felt a hand go on my shoulder.

It was gentle and smooth, but firm and full of life.

"I know it's hard, Chigiri... I won't ask your best of you from the start, but all I ask is that you start preparing yourself with me."

...

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

"Chigiri! Did I say something wrong?! Why are you crying!"

Thank you...

Thank you so much, my savior.

...

[P.O.V. Isagi Yoichi.]

UHHH- 

What did I do?!

Why is Chigiri crying!

I instinctively hug him, not sure what to do.

All of Team-Z is just watching in confusion. But I feel Meguru's eyes on me with... Jealousy?

That's not possible...

Kunigami's stare felt conflicted himself.

If it wasn't for my senses, I wouldn't known otherwise so they're both clearly trying to hide it...

I didn't realize Chigiri was so sensitive to this topic...

Maybe it's because I'm a girl now I chose to hug him, but I feel this is...

Too effective?

Something feels off...

Well, I'll let him calm down.

...I feel a tingling sensation in the back of my spine.

That usually means something is going wrong, but I don't know what in this case...

...At least I can go with my original plan...?

{Location: Blue-Lock Gym.}

[P.O.V. Third person.]

"Come on Kunigami! Your leg muscles are too uneven with the rest of your body, which throws off your ability to hold, your speed and even your weapon! Go, go!"

Encouraged Isagi, this had been going for a while now.

Isagi had officially appointed herself Team-Z's training coach, to force them to catch up to their levels from before much faster with her.

She had started with teaching Chigiri the proper way to handle his leg, telling him how to train, save strain, the optimal tactics which he asked of Chigiri previously at the NEL.

She had set Bachira on training his creativity, since that was all he truly needed.

Bachira however, kept whining and trying to stick to her more until she promised him to spend more time with him if he trained efficiently. 

And what a surprise, it did wonders.

Isagi was currently spotting for Kunigami, teaching him his muscles anatomy and ensuring he doesn't hurt himself.

He will need that physique which he developed at the NEL to save him here, and thanks to previous life Kunigami and Ego's observations from her previous timeline she was able to do much for the boy.

She wanted to save Kunigami from his fate in the second selection, so she gave him and Chigiri extra attention knowing how capable Bachira was.

She gave Gagamaru drills for goal-keeping to raise his potential, telling him about how his body and reflexes were more suited to this role overall and gave him exercises to help train him further.

However, Bachira wasn't very happy with that. But he kept it to himself for now as it hasn't harmed their relationship yet.

Isagi had truly become the anchor for Team-Z.

The others had joined them, doing the general training of the NEL. Of course, basically no one except Raichi was able to keep up.

But, during this period of training she didn't realize that she's created four monsters.

...

Chapter Text

{Location: Blue-Lock's Observation room.}

[P.O.V. Ego Jinpachi.]

This is interesting... So interesting.

This wasn't what Isagi Yoichi showed herself to be before.

Previously, she was smart and had potential but she couldn't turn zero into one.

However, the Isagi Yoichi I'm looking at right now suggest completely otherwise, as if she knew about weapons, my explanations and everything else.

What an anomaly.

But, she's a perfect anomaly.

Using her explosive strength, instead of stagnating like any other normal shitty genius she deliberately begun creating monsters from those with potential to rival her.

Not only that, she's begun to copy these geniuses at the level anyone can to improve her own solo performance which implies she knows her apparent weakness is a one versus one situation.

I watch through the monitor as she coaches Chigiri Hyoma and Bachira Meguru at the same time while spotting for Kunigami Rensuke.

And this training formula, I reserved it for the Neo Egoist League preparation phase.

I hadn't told anyone about it which leads me to believe she found this optimal training by herself.

That's impressive, not only that but she gave them specialized training sessions with Chigiri's focusing on speed, Bachira on his creativity and Kunigami to equalize his bodies muscles and over-all technique.

It's not that she told them their strengths, she is forcing them to figure it out with this training while also improving their so called strengths.

She's not slacking off despite all of this, doing her own specialized training variant to practice using her peripheral vision while on the field for extensively long periods.

As far as I can tell, she hasn't ever played with a professional team yet she's this competent now.

Isagi Yoichi.

Did losing at the prefectures for Japan truly motivate you this much?

I felt myself grin.

I couldn't help it, just watching this damn egoist's progress reminds me of myself.

How I hate losing, how if no one can keep up I'll force them to.

Good work, Isagi Yoichi. If you continue this way surely only you will survive.

I continue watching, noting down any important observations.

I might have only praise for her mentality, but as expected of a beginner her execution lacks in a couple areas.

Bachira's creativity stems from his intensive dribbling so an ever changing course designed for him every time would force him to forcefully learn to adapt himself or face elimination in a safe environment, and with a little mental work this life or death state will become a natural thing so when he enters matches he will be much more efficient.

For a beginner soccer player, I have reason to believe Isagi Yoichi needs only one more component to become truly a different kind of player.

The ability to force others egos to awaken.

She has shown a lot of signs of being able to do it, but she hasn't come into proper contact with a enemy she could consider dangerous or strong enough to challenge her even.

...

Another observation which I made is that the players fundamentally changed after she forced herself into their lives.

And not a small change either.

If it weren't for the cameras, I would have never believed Bachira nearly stab a teammate because they insulted Isagi.

On accident.

Chigiri had begun to exhibit signs of over-affection in this case too.

Mainly in this case, the best way to call him as innocent as he currently is a clingy cat.

Every moment Bachira is away from Isagi for whatever reason, Chigiri takes advantage of that and continues to hug Isagi in various ways, clinging to her like a life line. 

And every attempt to pry him off by Isagi, if there wasn't a valid reason he wouldn't show he was affected but I can see the signs of a sulking man.

Of course, these signs disappear instantly when Isagi does anything with him or to him.

...I would rather not remember that reaction and so I will abstain.

Kunigami seems to have the first stage these people usually undergo but it's unsure. He seems to be at the 'innocent affection' stage, which is surprising.

I will watch and see, you had better not disappoint me Isagi Yoichi.

My expectations for you now are much higher then these other average strikers. Prove to me you deserve that treatment.

Isagi Yoichi.

...