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Chapter Text

It was a sudden development that Isagi never would have predicted. A theory or what he would rather call it, an experiment since it was all just in his head before he thought of executing it.

It was just him doing it. No Hiori. No Kurona. And no Yukimiya to assist him. Just him, Isagi Yoichi, alone.

Along with another person who had decided at the last second to assist him. Out of desperation and out of his will to find his ego. The ego that was deprived from meeting him .

Just like that, both Isagi and that person found their sync, found their rhythm, and never thought they would work so well together despite hating each other before. They never properly communicated, just looking into each other’s eyes is a form of communication itself already what they wanted the most.

Discard their ideals.

Find their true ego.

Chase that hunger even if it means abandoning all the things they believed in.

One of them will tread down a path of the unknown.

It was a risk. A gamble. And it was Isagi’s fear.

He didn’t want to ruin the bond he created with his friends.

But he was tired. Everything he believed in was a hoax. But that didn’t matter to him. What hurt him the most was that all this time, not any one of them saw him as a rival or an equal. Just a stepping stone for their star striker to evolve. He wondered if Kaiser felt the same way. Maybe not, even Kaiser was surprised but knowing him, he wouldn’t care less either way, everything is for him to surpass him and Noa.

He thought experiencing it with Rin was good enough, they both wanted it. They craved and devoured each other equally. Rin sees Isagi as his rival and Isagi sees Rin as his rival. That’s all that matters. They acknowledged each other’s abilities.

Yet it was weird when Noel Noa himself did it. The person he idolized for years used him. For Kaiser. Then what were all those words and assists he told and gave him?

Assists.

Isagi was a fool. He wanted to laugh. He was so hung up looking up to Noa that he had forgotten he’s the #1 striker in the world, the most egoist of all egoist players out there.

They say never meet your idols. They were right. Although Isagi knew all along at the back of his head. He did witness his friends back in Ichinan how their dreams of meeting their idols were crushed.

But he chose to ignore that ominous feeling.

This was his mistake, and his to correct.

And that’s what he did. He and this other player were also discarded. Two peas in a pond they truly are. So Isagi used that to his advantage and it seemed Ness felt the same way.

It was a small truce between the two without talking or practicing at all.

They have to rely on believing in each other’s abilities. Like how Ness always read Kaiser and how Hiori read Isagi’s mind. It was a bigger risk than Kaiser getting an assist from Kiyora to perform Magnus Kaiser Impact.

After all, Isagi had no plan and Ness had no plan. They both have to sync each other’s minds and come up with the same plan without communicating.

Yet, they both felt they needed to do something. To discard the things that they held onto to fully sync with each other. Rely on their instinct and make their minds bloom. This was their gamble and the two weren’t afraid of it.

Ness and Isagi were thrilled to find they had something in common. Most especially Ness. It was the first time in a long time since he had this feeling. He wanted to create his magic for himself. One that surpasses and surprises the audience’s expectations. One that he made for himself. Not for the other or Kaiser.

Isagi understood that and followed Ness's rhythm.

And Ness danced to Isagi’s rhythm.

Isagi wanted to apologize to Kurona, Hiori, and Yukimiya. Especially Yukimiya. The last time he remembered, Yukimiya had told him how he was terrified of him before the match with Manshine City ended. It’s as if he was controlling the plays of every player in the match. It was a slight brush-off from Yukimiya but that did stick in Isagi’s mind for a while until the Ubers match. 

Isagi wanted to experience that same feeling again. No hard feelings on Yukimiya.

The moment Ness got the ball, it felt as if his soul left his body for a second. Someone he knows fairly well is controlling his body. It was his egoistic side that later bloomed after entering Blue Lock. Isagi wondered if he was only selfish and egoistic back at Ichinan, would he have bloomed earlier? He was afraid of losing the friendship he had with his teammates and the trust of his coach. He was afraid of getting isolated from his selfish desires.

That was until Ego came and motivated him to do what he wanted to do the most. Even if it means being the most egoistic striker of all. But has he truly been egoistic all this time? Was it enough? Isagi looked back at what he feared the most.

Discard all fears and risk losing everything. Trust. Relationships. Future. A gamble he cannot predict yet something he can see if the outcome changes.

Lose the relationships of his teammates. Abandon Hiori, Kunigami, Kiyora, Raichi and Igaguri.

Lose the trust of Hiori who has always believed in and assisted him all this time.

Risk his future by trusting Ness.

“Don’t you dare look down on me, Yoichi. You’re not the only one who’s gambling his future. If you don’t make the goal yourself, I’ll kill you and shred you to pieces.”

The words he could hear from Ness when he knew the other didn’t yell at him before seeing the ball coming towards him from his peripheral vision.

Ness was looking at Isagi. Isagi wasn’t looking at Ness.

Isagi was thinking of Ness. Ness wasn’t thinking of Isagi, it was the future he put a stake in.

The Isagi back then were afraid of losing the people who cared and looked up to him. He was afraid of losing that bond. Yet, when he let go of all of those fears, he felt at ease. As if the burden disappeared all at once when he saw his goal.

HIS goal. Make it past the goalkeeper.

They won. The team won–No, HE won.

There’s no team if Bastard Munchen only sees him as a stepping stone. So he repaid them in return. He wanted to laugh. He wanted to thank Bastard Munchen for making him realize the burden he was carrying was weighing him down all this time.

Was it normal to feel this way? Isn’t this just cruel? Was he willing to let go of Hiori and Kurona and go out into the world by himself? That’s reality after all. Whether it’s soccer or not, all of us eventually, as individuals, have to step into the world by ourselves and meet new people who can match us.

Such a cruel reality. Even Isagi resented it.

Before he could do anything else, Isagi was suddenly hit with a wave of nausea, the constant ringing in his ears and head, adding the screams and whistles coming from everywhere. His body began trembling with cold sweaty hands and it was getting harder to breathe.

What was happening to him?

His vision also started to get blurry but it was also trying its hardest to get him to see properly. His head hurts. Isagi wanted to lie down and rest—sleep even better in hopes this sudden attack would leave him.

In his slightly blurry vision, he could see a team panting heavily unmoving while the others were moving about. Which side or what team is it? Was it the opposing PxG team trying to catch their breath after losing or is it the German Bastard Munchen’s team frustrated that their lowly pawn scored a goal and not their star ace or #1 striker at the final Neo Egoist League match?

Nevermind, Isagi was too tired to complain. The noise adds up to the uncomfortable feeling he’s having. He wishes for the noises to die down.

Is it possible to shut everyone up?

Isagi couldn’t hear any words thrown at him even Hiori who quickly went up to him when he noticed Isagi wasn’t responding to their calls. His head hurt so much but he couldn’t bring his hands to clutch his head. The ringing is deafening his ears. There he also noticed Kurona beside Hiori and Yukimiya slowly walking towards them.

Without Isagi’s knowledge. The entire team is looking his way when more of the Blue Lock team from Bastard Munchen’s side are gathering around him. Even Nanase, worried for his friend, came up to where Isagi was.

Loki was about to approach Isagi to see if something was wrong, even Rin who was a few inches from him about to walk where his rival, they were all beaten by the one person no one expected to do.

Ness quickly came to where Isagi was surrounded by a lot of people. To heck with being rude live broadcast, Isagi was having a sensory overload and this caused more issues to him than Ness’s public conduct.

He only had a towel on his hand, in hopes it would help block a little bit of noise that causing Isagi’s mind to overload. “Don’t listen!” He didn’t shout, the tone was in a good volume for Isagi to hear his words a bit and follow. The hands that were frozen on his sides before moved to hold onto Ness’ hands that were helping him block the noise.

Isagi wanted to pass out completely before but the gentle warm hands were telling him to hold on.

From his peripheral view, he could see Hiori talking to Ness with an anxious look on his face. Isagi wished he could hear his voice. Was he saying something important to Ness? He couldn’t tell.

There was Kunigami too but he couldn’t make out the words despite the angry look, it didn't suit the hero—heck ever since reuniting with Kunigami, it was weird not to see his friend no longer smiling. It was lonely. But he was relieved when he noticed that the angry look wasn’t directed at Isagi, it was more at Ness who looked like he wanted to get answers from him.

Then, saw Yukimiya from his peripheral vision with a worried expression as if he knew what was happening to him.

Now Isagi wanted to pass out but his body wouldn’t listen to him. His mind is mentally and physically torturing him. His breathing is uneven as if all the air in his lungs is slowly being stolen from him.

The constant ringing in his ears, the muffled noises of his surroundings, the sudden worried expression of his friends when they were just ecstatic just seconds ago, the sensitivity he felt when he could hear the sound of grass being stumbled by heavy shoes.

Now he understands, it took him a while. Isagi was having a sensory overload.

The screen suddenly changed from the score of the two teams to Ego with a serious look on his face.

Ness turned to the screen and Ego began talking. He was saying something to Ness. Before Isagi wanted to ask, the others slowly backed away and Ness slowly guided and told him that they’d go somewhere quiet where he could rest.

Isagi tried to stop him. The match was over but he wanted to see the result which he returned with a frustrated sigh from the latter. Ness was frowning at him, silently telling him he’s going to forcibly drag him out of the field if he doesn’t cooperate which could result in embarrassing him in front of millions of viewers.

Surprised at the sudden change of gesture and action Ness is displaying, Isagi is left speechless and willingly follows him.

Ness was so used to the public view that Isagi felt also frustratingly jealous of him but he won’t admit it.

Before leaving, he never fails to notice the worried expression of his friends and other Blue Lock players with the addition of Loki, Charles, and the PxG team. He wanted to apologize to them.

At the corner of his eyes before leaving through the door, Isagi saw Kaiser, the one person he wanted to talk to but couldn’t find any reason as to why. Hate yet fear building up in him, he looked away before he could see the other’s expression.

Isagi, for once, is grateful to Ness for taking him away from everyone’s eyes. He didn’t know how tired he really was.

The further they went down the hallway, the less noise invaded his ears after Ness took off the towel that was wrapped around the back of his head to block the noise on his ears. He could still hear the metal noises of the floor thanks to each step they took but it wasn't as overwhelming as the other noises.

Ness stopped walking when Isagi slightly lifted his head to see Anri walking towards them. She guided them to the clinic room where Isagi will be isolated in a room to help reduce his sensory overload.

Slowly and gently, Ness guided Isagi to sit on the bed. Before leaving, Anri asked Ness if he needed anything else, to which the other answered that he could handle things from here.

Ness didn’t wanna admit it but he did learn a bit or two from his horrible and strict scientist family. They weren’t doctors but they were at least knowledgeable when it comes to the bad effects of noises affecting one’s health.

And he admits, Kaiser once suffered from it before. But that's another story, what’s important right now is Isagi.

Ness grabbed a small whiteboard placed on the desk of the room, he opened the pen cap and wrote something. He showed it to Isagi a few seconds later, “I’ll get something from my room, wait here for a moment, and I’ll be back”.

Isagi nodded and Ness took that as a cue to leave and gently closed the door.

Isagi was alone in the room, not a single sound he could hear. It was supposed to be deafening for others how quiet it is but to him, it felt calming. The ringing in his ears was disappearing but bits of it were still there to mess up his mind.

While waiting for Ness and easing up his condition, Isagi recalls his goal before succumbing to sensor overload. A goal that he decided on to risk both his future and ego.

He’s aware of what becomes of him when he’s on-field, a genius at adapting to other people’s play and movements and taking it to his advantage to create his own goals. It was the opposite of Rin’s puppetry to make others do his bidding. Isagi didn’t wanna control others for his gain.

Except, he tasted that small part of egoism through his teamwork with Ness. The desire to force Ness to submit himself to him yet the urge to apologize to him after and instead form a truce.

He shook his head. Isagi couldn’t understand what he wanted.

At that moment, he wanted to crush and prove to Noa and Kaiser that he could evolve by himself without the two of them. He was tired of being treated like a supporting actor. He’s tired of trusting others.

No doubt Noa’s betrayal triggered something in him. No, he wasn’t affected by his idol’s actions of using him, he was more affected or hit with the reality that even your greatest ally can become your greatest enemy once they show their true selves. Isagi knew then that he could never trust anyone but himself anymore.

Thus, betting on Ness, the guy who hated him so much, was a big gamble. The midfielder who was still fixated on becoming Kaiser’s partner.

Yet.

Why did he choose to sync with him at the last second?

Noa’a actions were all for Kaiser’s sake from the beginning. Seeing their dynamic together might have given Noa the idea he can use him so Kaiser can grow out of his spoiled child self. And Isagi allowed that, by sharing his theory and philosophy of soccer.

Isagi would be lying if he said he wasn’t hurt at all, he’s human after all and even if he’s an egoist striker on the field, he can have the emotions of pain. He couldn’t comprehend the opinion of others that he never felt an ounce of pain and that he just have to suck with it.

True, he has to. And that’s why he did so in his final goal. He discarded everything. Now he doesn’t know what will become of the next Blue Lock Project. Ego will surely choose who will be the next players to be part of U20 but it didn’t answer the biggest question that he wanted the most, who’s the #1 striker to survive in Blue Lock?

Isagi thought of the words Ego said since the Blue Lock Project started, “Abandon all common sense. On the field, you’re the star. Nothing should bring you more joy than your own goals. Live only for that moment. Isn’t that what it means to be a striker.”

In those few seconds before time was up, Isagi felt that similar sensation after hearing those words from Ego. His body moved on its own, a joy he felt when he was told he could be as selfish and egoist as he wanted on the field.

The joy of his own goal for himself, not for Bastard Munchen.

Abandon all common sense. Abandon the thought of having allies.

On the field, you’re the star. Forget other egoists who shine on the field, focus on yourself.

Nothing should bring you more joy than your own goal. He didn’t like it when he lost that scent of goal when Kaiser scored that free kick, instead, he felt a sudden joy in stealing it. The joy of stealing that chance and scoring his own goal.

Live only for that moment. The moment where he abandons all the ideals and philosophy he lived until now and lives for himself even if it means controlling everyone around him—even if it means controlling Noa and Kaiser’s plays.

Is this how Rin felt when he let his monster control him back in the U20 match? Then that same feeling returned during the PxG match? A monster, huh…

Noa is his idol. Isagi has watched all his matches and idolized him afar. He knew how strong he was and there’s no way in hell he can surpass him during the Neo Egoist League yet he can’t help but admit that in that moment of betrayal and change, he wanted to see himself using the Number 1 striker again. Again. This time, a puzzle piece he wanted to play with, like a kid that found a random piece and played with it before fitting it with the other puzzle pieces.

At that moment, Isagi felt the curiosity of controlling someone.

That was when he found the first victim of his first theory, his experiment.

Ness.

Abandoned and thrown aside like him. The two players that this team has given up on. Isn’t that the person's way to strike back? Bastard Munchen has given up on both of them, they’re both no use to the team so there’s no need to keep an eye or give the ball to them.

Isagi wanted to laugh. At first, he was confused as to why Ness helped him. Second, he wanted to apologize to Ness for using him. And third, he enjoyed controlling the midfielder.

Isagi didn’t know if he had split personalities or something. He must be going crazy.

Maybe.. he has yet to discover what his ego could take him. Adapting to others’ play wasn’t enough. He needed more. He needs something more than adaptability.

“The script I wrote is not boring, Kaiser. I just… have yet to think of a plot twist to it. That was an unfinished script” Isagi muttered as he stared at the ceiling.

Isagi was so lost in his thoughts that he never knew there was another presence in the room. Yet this person didn’t make any moves to make him noticeable. He observed the person who’s dwelling in his imagination—that’ll take him to another height.

Isagi needs to rethink what he wants and recall again what he did. What does he want? What does his egoistic side want? What does Isagi Yoichi want to do from now on?

He wanted to experience that same thrilling sensation again. Back at the Manshine City match where every player danced to his rhythm and did the exact play he predicted. The curiosity and pleasure of being a step ahead of your enemy. Right… wasn’t Kaiser also step ahead of him early in matches? But what if he can go far more early than him? The feeling of dominating time and looking at the players as his puzzle pieces to see what image he’ll get when completing them.

Isagi knows the match is over but it wasn’t enough. He wasn’t satisfied yet.

He should wait for Ness to come back but he doesn’t know what the other is going to do or what he’s going to get for him. He’ll just apologize later when he sees him.

With a bit of rest, his sensory overload died down. It was still there faintly but he could handle it. So he stood up from the bed and opened the door. He wanted to know what was going on, he couldn’t care less what his ranking was anymore or if the team who offered him dropped him, he wanted to see if he could still ask for another match.

Exiting the room, Isagi headed to where the field was. He didn’t look back when he heard another pair of footsteps.

When the door opened, he was greeted by Ego’s voice, clearer than the muffled voice he heard before.

“The new and current number one top of the Blue Lock Neo Egoist League, Isagi Yoichi. With a bid of 280 million from Re Al Madrid. In addition, Itoshi Sae took it upon himself to personally bid 140 million as an offer to recruit Isagi himself.” announced by Ego on the big screen.

…

Ah. Rin is going to hate him more, isn’t he?

Isagi wished he should have shut down his inner thoughts.

Chapter Text

For the first time since the Blue Lock Project started or even before that, Ego has always eaten noodles or any kinds of food he’s in the mood to eat. It’s surprising he never had any health complications so Anri thought that while his boss eats unhealthy foods, he takes care of himself in his own way.

Now seeing the said man drinking coffee just seconds after the match between München and PxG gave her another surprise.

She sighs, turning to the screen to see the results of the match.

Bastard München (3) vs (2) Paris X Gen

The Bastard München vs PxG match was all over social media since before it started and those football fanatics called it “the most epic battle soccer-centric of the century since the last World Cup”. Anri thought it was a bit cringe.

Even people who never played or watched soccer were captivated by the players of both Blue Lock and International Teams. One such reason that got them hooked up to the sport was Isagi Yoichi’s goal from the U20 Japan match—and now, their expectations of the younger player has surpassed further.

Seeing the growth of the ace of Blue Lock is everyone's favorite story. It was a sight to behold how a single player’s goal can change Japanese soccer.

Once again, that same history repeated for the conclusion of the Neo Egoist League. The world screamed for Isagi Yoichi’s victory more than Bastard München’s.

Looking back now, Ego made the right decision—or more he would like to call it at first, a test.

The coach of Blue Lock was not someone who would favor favoritism. He sees all players of Blue Lock equal to his eyes. Which is why he and Anri handpicked different kinds of players, both prodigies and geniuses. Those who won and lost in their school matches.

He has his own philosophy and it was a need to see if any of the 300 players he’s chosen share the same view. Just one player was enough.

It was Isagi Yoichi, that much Ego confirmed after their victory against the U20 team.

Isagi’s goal then and there not only grabbed the world’s attention but it grabbed Ego’s the most.

Isagi was a prodigy yet his presence was like a genius.

This is what he has been waiting for years.

The kind of soccer he yearned for Japan to have.

The philosophy that he wanted to see unfold before his eyes. Something that he himself failed to achieve in the past.

Who would have thought that the boy who lost at his high school preliminary match after passing the ball to his teammate at the last second of the match would possess such an ego—one that willingly threw aside his personal feelings for the sake to be the main character and taste victory with his own goals.

This match was what excited him the most. He had waited for his players to see the world of football and see the reality they would soon step into in the future. The harsh gap between prodigies and geniuses.

Mere determination and teamwork is not enough.

No doubt Isagi’s and Rin’s awakening opened the door of the viewpoint. Prodigy vs Genius. The world has no choice but to acknowledge that prodigies can defeat the geniuses.

Ego chuckled. He felt wanting to give the Masters the finest of gifts for being cooperative to his experiment.

Especially Noel Noa, his old rival and friend, also the man he hated the most, for being the key to Isagi Yoichi’s ego.

I told you not to enjoy the high luxury of your throne for long. You got what you wanted, so let’s see how this will go from now on.

What matters to Ego more are prodigies who have the brains to think logically, not geniuses who are always on their high horses, boasting they’re the strongest. It irritates him. To him, it's “more brains than brawn”, he believes intelligence and strategic thinking are more valuable than strength.

Rin may have shocked the world with his destructive and monstrous ego, it didn’t have any effect on ego. He’s the same as the other geniuses out there who didn’t take interest in the Neo Egoist League.

But Isagi was different. He beat a monster through strategic thinking alone. One that most players in a game fail to understand.

Whether it was malice, admiration, friendships, bonds, Isagi threw it all to win. He was not only capable of moving people around him but also dragging them to his plans.

He formed a temporary contract with Kaiser, in hopes the latter will see the logical solution. But far from where the two were, Isagi was unaware of someone that heard their conversation.

Alexis Ness. The midfielder who got abandoned, rose back up from his unfinished grave and responded to the two prodigy strikers who almost lost to the sudden teamwork of PxG.

Just as back then Isagi responded to Rin’s ego, Ness did the same. A puzzle piece that didn’t make it to Isagi’s calculation.

But also, an egoist whose ego evolved without a witness. No one acknowledged except Ness himself in a second.

Kaiser’s evolution and Ness’ egoism. Isagi Yoichi was the key to those two.

While he was lost in his thoughts, his phone rang placed beside his cup of coffee. The thought of ignoring it if it’s going to be the JFU geezers again, demanding whatever abomination they could possibly do but Ego wouldn’t let them this time.

Until when he looked at the screen, it wasn’t those geezers but A familiar number he hadn't seen in his calls for years.

It was the director of Re Al.

When Isagi was taken to the infirmary by Ness, the screen that shows the teams’ score disappeared, replaced by Ego sitting comfortably with a tablet on his hand, wearing a usual stoic emotionless face.

“Congratulations diamonds in the rough or I should particularly say the Bastard München team for winning the Neo Egoist League.” Noa looked up to see old rival, seemingly still upset that he was used, he decided to listen anyway.

“So, how was it? Did all of you find your originality? Your hunger? Or realize something and was at a loss of thought that the world—is just as challenging as none of you expected. Congratulations, this is just the first step to that harsh reality.” the members of the PxG team reflected on those words the most, sure they all know and are aware of it. They aren’t blind. But witnessing Loki’s play, Noa’s egoism and seeing Rin and Isagi evolve a lot made the other members in lower rankings acknowledge that they still need to improve.

“As none of you know yet but the match between Manshine City and FC Barcha has also concluded seconds before this teams’ and the victor goes to FC Barcha.” On the other side of the screen, a scoreboard popped out, it was the result between Spain vs England.

Manshine City (2) vs (3) FC Barcha

“Now that both teams have finished their respective matches, all that’s left are the final bids.”

That got everyone’s attention. However, before Ego can continue a voice intervened.

“Did everything go according to your plan, master mad scientist of the Blue Lock Project.” Without hesitation, Loki spoke out his thoughts. He wasn’t mad that he was used for Blue Lock’s strikers to evolve but more on he was curious if the four glasses guy’s objective had met his expectations. After all, someone else was more upset.

“Hmm..” Some of the players glanced at the two. Confused at the situation. Of course they didn’t know except the master and–Kaiser himself. It wasn’t like he was informed but he had suspicions. After all, Neo Egoist League was a win-lose condition and gamble for every player. No doubt NEL was created not just to give the Blue Lock or any international players who want to be part of the bids an advantage to be exposed or join other teams but also push the players past their limits or bring an evolution to Japan’s soccer.

Kaiser guessed who that person was. There’s no other argument that can debunk that unless that person evolves more than him after this.

To no one’s surprise, Ego smirked but not in a sinister way, just the same one when Noa realized they’re all part of his old rival’s experiment. “Ah yes that. Good job, Masters. Thanks to you all, the world has never been this enthusiast of a soccer match besides the World Cup. So your participation was extremely.. welcomed”.

A sharp percussive noise from Ego’s hands snapped everyone back to reality. “Lest none of you have forgotten, what’s the result is the result. The world and the players are eagerly waiting for this—to see if they’ll be part of the new U-20 Japan and who’ll be the hero of the Neo Egoist League.”

Just after that, the names of players and number of offering bids appeared on screen, signaling the nervousness that players have been holding for long after their matches. They know there will never be a second chance once they see the result.

BLUE LOCK BID

NEO EGOIST LEAGUE AUCTION RANKING

『 23 』 ZANTETSU   |   ¥   30,000,000

『 22 』 RAICHI   |   ¥   30,000,000

『 21 』 TOKIMITSU   |   ¥   32,000,000

『 20 』 NANASE   |   ¥   36,000,000

『 19 』 HIORI   |   ¥   35,000,000

『 18 』 SENDOU   |   ¥   37,000,000

『 17 』 YUKIMIYA   |   ¥   39,000,000

『 16 』 NIKO   |   ¥   40,000,000

『 15 』 KARASU   |   ¥   45,000,000

The first to react was Nanase, eyes widening after seeing his bid offered by a foreign team. It’s a feeling like winning a lottery; it was too good to be a dream. This was reality. He survived again in Blue Lock and this time, he’s going to be part of the new U-20 Japan for the World Cup and there’s a team willing to offer to have him play for them. 

Then, more of the bids were shown ranking six to fourteen.

『 14 』 ARYU   |   ¥   45,000,000

『 13 』 KURONA   |   ¥   48,000,000

『 12 』 GAGAMARU   |   ¥   50,000,000

『 11 』 OTOYA   |   ¥   62,000,000

『 10 』 REO   |   ¥   64,000,000

『 9 』 AIKU   |   ¥   60,000,000

『 8 』 CHIGIRI   |   ¥   90,000,000

『 7 』 KUNIGAMI   |   ¥   92,000,000

『 6 』 NAGI   |   ¥   100,000,000

Reo looked at his bid offering, exhaustion and defeat plastered on his face. Their loss brought a little anxiety to him, afraid that even if he and Nagi did their best he was afraid it wasn’t enough and no international team would bid for him…

Yet, life gave him another surprise. His bid went up and Manshine offered it to him again.

He was still needed.

Reo thought at first that as long as Nagi survives nothing matters what happens to him. He quietly laughed even then that maybe that’s all his ego was but as he looked back… Maybe Isagi’s words to him that day resonated with him more than depending on someone.

In another team, Igarashi stood still, eyes staring quietly at the numbers of players and their bids. He couldn’t find his name. Not a single offer for him after being on field in a short amount of time. He actually was preparing himself if this were to come yet he at least hoped for some kind of miracle to happen.

Speaking honestly, he already knew he can never stand on the same stage as them. His dream of being a striker was a pipe dream and escapism from becoming a monk that his family wanted to. But it was no lie it was his dream to be a striker.

Was it really enough? Is simply escaping reality enough to win? It was too insulting to call his plan to make fouls for the other team as his ego, they’re just cowardly tactics so he can prove that he also deserves to be on the field.

No. It doesn’t.

He has no ego, let alone a hunger to keep up with these geniuses and prodigies. He’s just a coward who’s running away.

At the very least, he was grateful for Isagi’s words. Perhaps in this world full of egoists, there still remains a player who still has the compassion to empathise with anyone.

Amidst of the other player’s reaction, the top five bids were next revealed.

『 5 』 BACHIRA   |   ¥   120,000,000

『 4 』 BAROU   |   ¥   150,000,000

『 3 』 SHIDOU   |   ¥   180,000,000

Barou clicked his tongue, slightly annoyed that he’s in 4th place. This would mean Isagi is either second or first. He admits it, a shiver ran down his spine when he watched Isagi’s last goal. It was the best thing that he himself had to admit.

He bet he’s in first place, succeedingly defeating Rin.

And Barou wasn’t the only one who had the same thoughts. Almost everyone thinks the same while some bets on Rin still being first place.

The players and the world were waiting for the two last bids.

“Anri-chan, show the last two.”

“Huh? But we haven’t totaled the numbers–” Before she could finish her sentence, there were noises on the other side of the screen. Both of the adults in the monitoring room looked at the small crowd gathering one particular player, Isagi.

“What happened?” worriness in her tone.

Looking at the situation for a second, Ego concluded what was happening to the striker. “He’s having sensory overload. Anri-chan, go and help Isagi out of the field. With many players hovering over him, it’ll only worsen his condition. I’ll handle the situation with the bids”

“Right. Um, just don’t do anything.. surprising”

“You already know me. Anyway, I’ll explain later about the additional bid. It’s something none of us expected but that person did this so it’ll be his responsibility” 

She sighs at Ego’s final decision. What will happen later on will surely cause an uproar and she feels bad for Isagi who will be clueless of the entire chaos later on.

Just after Anri left, Ego was left with the sole decision. To show the last bid for someone or reveal a plot twisting bid that will shake the world for another reason.

“Then, I’ll show the last two bids. Enjoy screaming to all of your heart's content.” he tapped the button of his tablet releasing the last two names that the world eagerly anticipated to see except the number of their bids.

That’s right. The audience wants a plot twist to the story and not all geniuses… become the king.

『 2 』 RIN   |   ¥   270,000,000

『 1 』 ISAGI   |   ¥   280,000,000

A ten million difference.

A team that bid higher than Rin saw worth in Isagi’s play and they were willing to offer higher for a prodigy than a genius.

They could have chosen Rin instead even if he’s on a different team. That's how bids are, whoever bids first the highest they can recruit that player first but instead Bastard Munchen’s director wants talented learner egoist Isagi Yoichi to play for their team rather than the genius Itoshi Rin.

The world watched as the Neo Egoist League gained a hero. A prodigy that was able to defeat a genius—most of all, who also declared rivalry towards Noel Noa, the number one striker in the world.

The birth of the hero they’ve been waiting for. All of the things that happened since the start of the match have left them edging and now it has come to forth. Two teams dominated by geniuses but three prodigies fought their hardest, survived and one has obtained that victory.

Hiori, Kurona and even Yukimiya, despite being rivals against Isagi, were impressed and happy for him. If Isagi was here, Hiori would definitely not hold back giving him the biggest hug a friend could give.

As the players contemplated the final bids and the world celebrated the hero of Neo Egoist League, two familiar offers also appeared on screen. It was Kaiser’s and Ness’.

『 BID 』 NESS   |   ¥   70,000,000

『 BID 』 KAISER   |   ¥   420,000,000

Ness’ bid went up by an additional 20 million yen, no doubt Hiori thought Ness’ bid decreased somewhere in between the match against PxG when he and Kaiser no longer synchronized. But that last play at the last second of the match showed that Ness presented to the world that he was no longer a puppet or a dog to someone’s needs.

As a fellow midfielder, Hiori felt from Ness what he also experienced when he found his Ego when playing with Isagi, that’s what he observed when he looked at Isagi and Ness’ play together. He’s curious what the German midfielder is going to do from now.

Glancing at the bid next from the other, Kaiser is a different story. Re Al had bid on him ¥ 320,000,000 and it went up with an additional ¥ 100,000,000. The strongest team in the world wants Kaiser to play for them and Re Al will become even stronger in the future when they have Leonardo Luna, Itoshi Sae and Michael Kaiser on the team.

Peering through the other players, Hiori just noticed Kaiser was still looking in the same direction where Isagi and Ness had disappeared from their view. As if his own bid appearing on the big screen that will change his life for the better as a striker didn’t interest him or the guy’s ego became bigger that a reward no longer really bothers him like winning many more mansions is his everyday life.

Hiori can’t also shake that feeling as if the Emperor’s change was not only his ego but himself outside of soccer.

Maybe Isagi’s rational contract with him was the trigger.

Hiori will never know or maybe he will but for now he has to focus on what’s going to happen in front of him because now that the Neo Egoist League has concluded, there are more things to come and play.

Ego glances, his eyes intently looking at the amount of posts, comments and reviews continuously pop up more than ever since he revealed Isagi and Rin’s bids.

sproutlover @nosleepday

Am I dreaming?! Did Isagi seriously surpass Rin?!

xmas is near! @machaart

Congratulations Isagi! Best striker in NEL <3

MEGUMI @1114860

Ness assisting Isagi at the end was not in my yearly list

superstrikerfan! @symphonyluv

I never saw Isagi as a genius but did he really just beat a genius?! He’s a hero!

A hero. That’s what the world really wants.

Not the kind of hero like those in comic books children or passionate adults love to read that saves the day from an enemy. But a hero that will change soccer forever, a cycle where geniuses were always at the top of the world. He wants to prove that a player with the most egoist of ego can become the number one player.

When in the middle of an intense match, pressure and stress are bound to happen and the Blue Lock players experienced that first hand at the U20 match except the difference was, there were no international players with the world’s biggest egos there. Neo Egoist League was not an opportunity for international clubs to recruit his Blue Lock players to play for their team.

It was an opportunity for both Ego and the Blue Lock players mainly.

Ego wanted his players to experience what the world is like in this very stadium and he was grateful to the masters for doing their part.

Especially Noel Noa, his old rival and friend. He knows the guy has the world’s biggest ego and will seek powerful strikers he can compete against. He already had that pridefulness even before they parted ways years ago. Thus, his betrayal was of no surprise to him.

Instead he waited for someone to put Noa in his place. That someone is Isagi Yoichi, the striker he had kept an eye on after the victory against the U20 team.

However, this project is not over yet. Isagi surpassing Rin’s bid does not solely declare yet the last player standing out of the 300 players he handpicked. This result is their plays and their difference from each other.

Bids are bids, money is money. These international rich teams aren’t the ones to decide who will be the number one striker in Japan. It’ll be the Blue Lock Project final selection itself to decide.

Seeing how the teams and world were satisfied with seeing the results, it was time to reveal that, “Are you all done celebrating? If you are then I’ll give you another ‘exciting news’ that no one can foresee since the start of this project including me.”

A collective confusion in all of the teams of the stratum including the masters who are left uninformed about this. 

“Right after the match ended, I received an unexpected phone call from the director of Re Al. Their ace midfielder wants to partake in the bids and just after, without applying to the rules, Itoshi Sae has joined the bid and his additional offer will be counted.”

“Counted? What does this mean?” Karasu questioned.

“Hey, four-eyed glasses! What’s going on here?!” Raichi’s voice echoed through the stadium.

It felt like everyone was on the edge of their seats. Ego’s sudden announcement was a shock anticipating excitement yet ominous. First was there’s a new offer that can bypass the current bids and second, the rules were altered.

“Personally, this wouldn’t be allowed as it goes against what we’ve established since the start of the Neo Egoist League. Other than Bastard München, there was another team who offered the same amount of offer for Isagi except they came too late thus Bastard won that’s why it was not included. But Itoshi Sae found a loophole and used it to his advantage. In short, Re Al’s bid for Isagi Yoichi has now gone up.“ with a snap of his finger, a new bid popped up beside Ego that made the world shock.

〖   BID   〗    ISAGI YOICHI

「    ¥   420,000,000    」

OFFER CLUB    :    Re Al

ADDITIONAL OFFER    :    Itoshi Sae

All five teams froze in silence. Even Kaiser's eyes widened, his finger twitched when seeing the new offer for Isagi. It is exactly similar to his now and he doesn’t know how to feel. He was supposed to not care but he can’t ignore this bubbling weird emotions that’s been building up since after the match.

Rin stood still, fists clenching at his side as he glared at Sae’s bid to Isagi. However, his emotions didn’t consume his mind for too long, he loosened up his grip, muscles relaxed and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. In a second, Rin had a calm yet fixated gaze in his eyes, both towards Sae and Isagi’s name.

Losing made him frustrated was no lie. His rivalry against Isagi is not over, he won’t lose again, next time he’ll win and then Sae, his brother will be next.

But this new information was something, even he cannot comprehend. Why?

”Additional offer… from Itoshi Sae?” Beside Rin, Nanase muttered, shocked at the new offer as well.

“Hey! What the hell is going on here? What do you mean by personal offer?!” Raichi yelled.

Why did Sae bid for him? Can players even do that?

Five of the masters have the same thoughts as their players. In addition to Ego’s rules, the highest offers will only be presented to the players so that none of them will be conflicted when choosing teams unless they have other options in mind, this is to give the players the freedom to choose their own future.

Sae’s offer for Isagi, of all players, was like the joker in a card game.

“Um well Isagi-kun did win after all. I think he deserves to get an offer from one of the big teams” Tokimitsu stuttered.

“From Re Al of all teams.. I didn’t expect this. You really are amazing, Isagi-kun!.” Yukimiya grinned, his eyes sparked with admiration for his rival.

“Woah. Cool! Cool! Isagi got a really cool offer!”

“No one expected this and I don’t think Isagi knew of this either…”

A collective reaction from the ones who support Isagi, including most of the fans on social media. However, not everyone shares the same opinion.

“A word Ego-san, don’t you feel like this is a bit sudden and unfair? If you already knew Isagi had a higher offer from Re Al then why didn’t you show it instead of Bastard?” It was Loki who first voiced out his words.

“Yeah! What is this, are you showing off just because Isagi won?”

Anticipating for this to happen, Ego sighs. He wishes these people would just use their brains for once when they aren’t playing soccer. “Calm down, slowpokes. Who said anything about showing off? I told all of you to prevent any further rumors or damage that will happen later on if I make this fact known to only Isagi himself. In the first place, Bastard and Re Al’s bids are the same, both have offered 280 million yen but with the additional offer from a single player’s interference, that has changed and I can no longer ignore or pretend it doesn’t exist and this is the last match and no other teams or players can bid. Itoshi Sae has successfully exceeded our rules and wants Isagi Yoichi to be part of Re Al and demands for it, this explains why his bid has increased. And you all know I can’t lie to the world that Re Al bid the entire 420 million on Isagi alone.”

The opposition voices seized their noises. Trying to process and accept the explanations that were given to them.

Hiori thought this would be better instead of keeping it a secret and let Isagi carry the burden alone of the powerful team’s existence of wanting him. Let alone hiding Sae’s offer is like hiding a celebrity’s secret affair—people will eventually find out and Isagi will be pressured by that fact.

Honesty was better than lying in this situation.

“But no one has done this before..” Nanase commented.

Ego adjusted his glasses, “That’s right. No one did this before because no one had the morals to make a ridiculous claim unless you’re some crazy genius.”

As if some cold bucket of ice was thrown at their spine just the thought of Sae having figured out the flaw of the Neo Egoist League rules just by making his own offer. Just what kind of trick or sorcery Sae did to give Isagi the biggest offer the same amount as Kaiser?!

“As you all know, it’s not allowed for the player to choose two international teams just because they got two offers so Isagi will make a decision before the signing of contracts. And this is a message to those two teams, it would be very much appreciated if no one pressures the boy. Isagi Yoichi still belongs to Blue Lock.”

Something was wrong with him, Ness was a hundred percent sure of it.

It felt like his body moved on its own when he saw a huge crowd gathering Isagi when he was having sensory overload. First of all, did those Blue Lockers even study that overcrowding someone is bad when they’re having a panic attack? And two… why did he react so fast to the point he is where he is now?

He sighs. Ness thinks back this morning if he ate something weird before that match.

No, he didn’t. Just a normal German breakfast of one bread roll, two pieces of ham, cheese and eggs with an orange juice to accompany him unless that cheese he ate was mold then he would be having a stomach ache not an irrational decision to help the person he hated the most.

What led him to this was something he will probably think for a while or he’s afraid or refuses to admit it. Yet his body says otherwise and here he is now, grabbing a few things he has from his room to ease Isagi with his current condition.

Though his mind was still in turmoil of another thing: Kaiser.

He could still feel the lingering wretched feelings Kaiser’s abandonment inflected to him, throwing him aside when the latter found his ego. It was a shock to Ness that he was nothing but a dog to the person he admired, he can’t help now feeling a sense of sickness when he thought of what he did just after that revelation.

Why was he still clinging onto hope that Kaiser will need him?

Just like he couldn’t understand why his mind resonated with Isagi’s seconds before the last goal and his body moved to help Isagi, he can’t understand why he was so crazy enough to still want to be a dog for Kaiser.

You don’t want to be useless again like your family said.

A voice interrupted his thought. The inner voice of Ness was desperately suppressing during the match.

Maybe that’s why his mind was a mess during the match and his common sense was thrown out of the window. He didn’t want to repeat the same history he suffered from.

The history where his magic will be taken from him.

And Kaiser was that magic. A magic he dreamt of to be with and witness up close. He was even willing to act like some servant to him just so he can be with him.

It was also no lie that he was prepared Kaiser would leave him but not in a way to abandon him then and there. Ness chuckled bitterly. How stupid he was.

Perhaps he should thank Isagi for waking up from his dream. A dream about an emperor and his servant-magician who wants to witness the emperor’s great magic then suddenly came a foreign clown who showed him another kind of magic: an individual ethical egoism where he wants strikers to prove themselves to him.

He’s not a striker but a midfielder, so he’ll get to decide who deserves half of his magic. 

For the second time in his life, Ness felt independence in his own decision. The first one was when he decided to play soccer without the support of his family—

He stopped, lips curling upward and instead of bitterness, soft amusement laughter filled the entire quiet hallway.

Maybe Kaiser isn’t the only one who went back to zero. Now, it feels good to have the sense of nostalgia when he first played soccer by himself, without anyone influencing him except his own magic and self-interest.

A small part of Ness wants to thank Isagi personally from the bottom of his heart.

Or so he thought.

Head buried on his blanket, he let out a muffled scream that echoed quietly in his room like he’s falling to the deep abyss with no one to save him because it is what’s happening to him right now.

Ness lightly slapped himself trying to wake himself up if he was half-asleep because why, of all things, is he suddenly being nice to him?!

Scattered over his bed that he was just previously holding are noise cancelling headphones, scented air freshener and a small notebook with an entire detailed list of self-care for sensory overload including a list of scented products that helps ease the mind.

He was embarrassed to say the least. After all, it is kind of weird to suddenly act so nice to someone whom you just recently hated and cursed on and maybe Isagi also thought the same when he looked at him while escorting him. If past Ness was there instead, he would have left him then and there and watched from the sidelines when Isagi was having a panic attack. But present Ness now is tending to help him with overstimulation.

He admits it no, something he will never do in front of others, was watching Isagi make him change like what happened with Kaiser. He grumbled when he realized it felt like Isagi had him and Kaiser wrapped around his finger or… Isagi is really that kind of person, to have an ability to change others.

It matches up from what he heard from others a few days ago.

Ness gets up from the floor of his bed and picks up the things he scattered, wallowing in his own thoughts won’t change anything now. What happened has happened, there will be no more Kaiser in his life and Ness will have to move forward on his own now. All thanks to Isagi for changing both of them.

He won’t blame either of them. Kaiser has been his support for a long time and was the reason he is still here today. He would always be grateful for helping him save the tryouts that day even if the latter have other motives. Right after this, he wants to talk to Kaiser one last time.

For Ness it was time to grow up, a reminder for himself. He knew the painful reality of clinging and depending on someone for your self-interest while staying with his family in the past. Doing the same will just bring him the same despair he felt. So what should he do now?

To return back to his originality even if the world of soccer is filled with these egoistic geniuses while prodigies are left behind to help these monsters bloom. He’ll perform his own magic tricks like a real magician would do.

Ness opened the door of his room and with his head held high, he left to return to the clinic. He became aware of the changes he chose. When with Kaiser, he felt a sense of wanting to reach the latter’s expectations of him but now a pressure was lifted from him. Similarly when he passed the ball to Isagi, he didn't feel a bit happy yet reliveness flowed in his veins.

Gripping the notebook in his hand, Ness was dreading but steeled himself to prepare for this new path.

However, what he needs to prepare first is the sudden disappearance of the striker he escorted to the clinic.

Even before he stepped outside of the entrance after escaping the empty clinic, Isagi was greeted by Ego’s words ringing loudly in his ears. The sound of tingling in his ears followed soon, he tried to muffle it by covering his ears. Giving up on listening with his ears, Isagi looked up at the big screen and his eyes widened of the name and bid offer presented.

Re Al’s and Sae’s bid on him reflected on his eyes.

Huh?

Wait…

Re Al.. and Itoshi Sae..? Why?

Isagi couldn’t understand the logical reason as to why those two names together with his name nor does he comprehend what’s happening right now but never in the years he lived or imagined that the strongest club in the world wanted him.

To beg the question again, why? Don’t they already have Kaiser? A real experienced talented learner, someone greater and is more experienced to the world than him? Isagi felt like he wasn’t worthy even when a small part of him is tingling with ecstasy. He is amidst excitement and puzzlement but more of uncertainty. It’s like everything has been going by so fast or he’s still very much out of it.

He was still lost in his thoughts when he didn’t notice Kaiser turning his head to look at the entrance again and there he was, surprised to see Isagi standing there. Unconsciously he muttered his name but Yukimiya, with a good sense of hearing heard the familiar name. He looked at Kaiser to see his reaction and why he said Isagi’s name only to see the other looking in a different direction and he too followed his line of vision, only to see the said person Kaiser called out to.

“Isagi?”

Hiori, Kurona and a few other people followed soon after. Surprising Isagi himself when his friends approached him. 

“Isagi-kun, shouldn’t you be with Ness at the clinic?” Yukimiya asked.

“Ah—no.. I’m fine. It was just a slight stimulation that I needed for a few minutes in a quiet place.” He reassured him and Isagi looked at his friends with a smile to assure them more.

Seeing as Isagi was okay, Kurona took it as a que to tell him the exciting news, “Isagi, you have a huge offer. Huge!”

“—And two of them too.” Hiori congratulated.

Huh?

“Wait two? You mean there’s another team, not just Re Al?”

Before he gets confirmation from the three, Ego interrupts their conversation as if he can hear them despite being so far away from the screen.

“That’s right! First it’s from your team and Ego-san revealed that Re Al offered the same amount but had no choice but to include theirs after Itoshi Sae personally added his own bid for you to be part of the team.” Nanase excitedly told him the news.

“…” Isagi couldn’t process what they were all saying. He tried to reply but his head wouldn’t let him comprehend the information he got. Their voices slowly drowns as his surroundings become silent, he turns his head to look for a certain someone.

He thought of approaching Rin but he locked eyes first with the person he never expected to also be looking back at him—or glaring for some reason. Kaiser looks at him with an expression he can’t fully comprehend. It was a mix of anger, confusion, and hesitation. But most importantly, his body language screams, ‘don’t talk to me’.

Holding onto these floating feelings may not be worth it, feelings like he wants to form some sort of connection to Kaiser. He realized this when both of them are pretty much similar in some way. He thought of talking to him as well but he was… worried. Worried that he might be the only person who’s thinking this way and worried he’ll develop another hope to connect with someone then later on deduce he’s another stepping stone… or burden.

Strangely, Isagi was feeling a bit envious of Kaiser. The star ace found his ego and learned how to work and sync well with his teammates from now on. His pride no longer gets the best hold of his entire personality, it felt like the Kaiser he first met was nothing but a facade, just a stranger wearing a mask and the present Kaiser is the real one.

So why did Isagi feel envious of him? There was nothing to be envious about Kaiser so what does he have that Isagi doesn’t have?

Oh right. He remembers now. Isagi let go of everything he had, while Kaiser gained even more than he previously had. With Kaiser's newfound ego to return back to zero, he will be able to achieve more now that he can coordinate with other teammates while still making goals for himself.

But Isagi, for what empty feeling he has, is the opposite. Noa’s betrayal impacted him especially since he's someone he idolized and looked up to since childhood. But he was naive, he should have seen this coming.

Of course, the number one striker in the world holds the biggest ego of them all.

Now he wonders if Isagi’s changed, him selling his soul for soccer and risking everything he can for the sake of winning made Kaiser change his view of him or was he thankful he was his stepping stone after Noa’s betrayal?

Maybe Kaiser was thankful for him being used.

But what right did Isagi feel upset over this? There was nothing special or real connection between them. What he and Kaiser did was nothing but a logical contract, like an alliance between two opposing countries to work together to defeat a common enemy and that was PxG or mainly, Rin.

A sudden jolt of pain knocked in his head ceased Isagi from his thoughts. Yeah, thinking too much just after an overstimulation is bad. He should let go of these feelings. In the end, he and Kaiser are just rivals, not anything special in their relationship.

So what was he thinking?

“Now that the final bids have been shown to all of you, it’s time to make a decision, diamonds in the rough. Neo Egoist League is the climax of this project as this only determines the team for the new U20 Japan for the next World Cup. Hopefully none has forgotten that the real purpose of this project is to find the number one striker, the last one standing to be at the top of Japan—and soon the world. With all that being said,” Ego added. “Isagi Yoichi, after you finish your treatment, go to my office and we’ll discuss what happened today. Congratulations on winning first place and being the top, egotist striker” then the screen went black. Signaling them all to retreat to the locker rooms and end the broadcast.

And just right on time, Ness put his hand on Isagi’s shoulder, not too hard or gently but a pressure that’ll make the other not jump at the sudden touch. He was panting heavily as if he had been running, “Hey Yoichi. What the heck are you doing here? I told you to rest at the clinic, didn't I?”

The said escaped patient looked at Ness and it just came to Isagi’s realization—or snapped from his slight hallucination, the person he will never imagine to do is the one who helped him get to the clinic. Isagi was so out of it that Ness, who hated him because Kaiser was fixated on him.. actually helped him?

Isagi thinks maybe he actually fell asleep on the clinic bed and maybe this was all a dream he needs to wake up from…

However, just when everyone thought it’s gonna be a peaceful resolution after they were shown the result, an unexpected outburst from someone stopped Isagi from leaving.

“So, his bid went from ¥280 million to ¥420 million that quickly. Not even ¥300 million and it’s already ¥420 like Kaiser’s?. Doesn’t it feel like a scam?” Erik Gesner, a member of Bastard and the same person who joined Kaiser’s ‘let’s call Yoichi a clown’ group, opposed.

“Hey Erik! Don’t pick a fight, we should head back—“

Isagi clicked his tongue “So what, do you think I have something to do with this when I don’t even have any control whoever wants to buy me? I didn’t know Kaiser had another dog.” Isagi, voice as low and hollow, a hint of irritation in his voice. He wished his head was still giving him hallucinations but Ness’ arrival snapped him back to reality.

Anyone who heard that was shocked. Most of all, the Blue Lock players who were close with Isagi suddenly got worried. This isn’t like Isagi, he was being his unusual self. At the response, Hiori, Kurona and Yukimiya quickly went to Isagi to help him calm down. It wasn’t just the three of them but the entire teams, masters and the other teams who were watching. It was a good thing the live broadcast ended or else this could have caused a huge negative reaction from the public. Although, the live viewing from the other teams from other stratums are still rolling.

“Isagi..?” Bachira muttered worriedly.

Even Reo and Nagi were ready to drop everything and go to the German stratum to help Isagi. Across the screen, Isagi’s pale face can be seen and it wasn’t looking good for any of them.

Barou was also no different. He had always watched Isagi from the beginning and had complete trust in the other but today is different, something he had never seen Isagi do before.

This wasn’t the Isagi who always smiled after a match.

Theo Sachs, another Bastard member stepped in between them. “Stop, stop! I don’t want any fight happening right now just after we won. Erik, this is how Re Al works, Kaiser definitely got a fair bid but Isagi’s different and you heard it, Sae wanted Isagi. We can’t do anything, not even Isagi”

Erik’s sudden outburst no doubt caused mistrust and conflict about Isagi’s bid.

Noisy.

Another jolt of pain hit his head.

Isagi feels like a screw is being drilled into his skull when the pressure of everyone’s eyes are on him.

He knows he’s mentally strong himself but with his recent overstimulation, both his body and mind are not listening to him. Isagi felt weak and helpless that if it wasn’t for Ness supporting him, he might have collapsed already.

This is bad timing for him and in addition to the negativity he senses from other players is adding another weight to his weakened mind.

Isagi wanted to sleep and be free from all of this. 

“That’s enough, we’ll get more details of the bid later so let’s all break up for now” Loki interrupts the fight, seemingly mad how everyone became childish. He was still a bit troubled that the puzzle striker insulted him but now’s not the time for that when the other doesn’t look too good.

“If the two of you still have the energy to fight, use it to calm yourselves. The match is over and all of you are advised to rest for now. Erik, head back now or I’ll cut off your break time. Isagi, you should have never left the clinic. It's illogical to neglect your health.” Noa intercepts, he tries to break the two apart but has a horrible way of calming things down.

‘Fuck you Noa, at least comfort him instead of saying he’s a brat!’ Loki internally cursed.

Illogical? Yeah right, it is nonsense to work up this much when he’s unwell, Isagi thought. He did everything and did all the best he could to get this far even if enduring Noa’s own illogical betrayal.

But the lingering feeling of being treated as a stepping stone and second rate is still poisonous for him. He wants all the noises to just die down around him right now.

“Can you shut up? I’m not in the mood right now.”

Everyone who heard that froze in their place. Did Isagi just tell Noa to shut up?

The Isagi Yoichi who idolizes Noel Noa for years has told him to shut up…

Outside of Isagi’s peripheral vision, Kaiser stood speechless. He knew Yoichi had idolized Noa judging from what he calls the shitty master and looked up to him from the beginning when they met. Even the enthusiasm of playing with Noa brought pride and joy to Yoichi.

But this Yoichi is so different.

Loki looked left and right for anyone going to understand his signal, then he found the right person.

He looked at Ness and signaled him to help escort Isagi out of the field.

After getting the signal, Ness glanced at the other players to look for someone then his eyes found the right person.

“Hey you.”

Seeing glaring daggers from the player, Tokimitsu jumped and pointed at himself, “M-Me?”

“Yeah, you’ll go with us and make sure stupid Yoichi doesn’t run away anymore. Block him or beat him up if you want to”

“Beating him up is a little…” Tokimitsu stuttered and wanted to cry. He wishes for someone to save him.

As everyone disappeared one by one from the field, Igarashi remained from his spot. He watched everything unfold but he somehow felt at ease. He looked at the black empty screen.

No one bid for him.

No team wants him.

It’s over.

His soccer career is over.

This is his ending.

Regardless, he’s now accepted his reality. He doesn’t know what to do from now on but he’ll keep moving forward. Igarashi looked back and remembered Isagi’s words to him, the encouragement and reassurance that because of him, Isagi was there.

Igarashi was amazed. His fellow rival who was once ranked 299 on first selection has gone so far and is now the first ranked player in the Neo Egoist League. He had always admired him. Isagi deserved that spot, he knows, because he has also watched the other for a while.

He was inspired.

That’s why he asked for his help and that was enough. Igarashi was glad to be able to stand on stage with someone like Isagi Yoichi.

’Thank you, Isagi’

Chapter Text

[ Bastard Munchen Locker Room ]

“We actually won… I can’t believe we won and I got an offer too.” Gagamaru muttered.

Yukimiya chuckled, “That’s the 12th time you said that, Gagamaru.”

“It is a surprise that we were able to win every match and never lose.” Hiori added, opening his locker to change out of his uniform.

The BM locker room wasn’t as noisy as expected, unlike after the match against the U20 Japan. It was a mix of happiness, nervousness and conflicted feelings. The said players who didn’t make it to the Top 23 were quiet but there was no jealousy etched onto their faces. It was more of exhaustion.

A while later, Kurona approached where Yukimiya and Hiori were, holding three Blue Lock sports water bottles. “Here. Here. Hiori, Yukimiya”

The two turned to Kurona and thanked him, taking the bottles from him as they had forgotten about them at the bench at the field. “Kurona, did Anri say anything about Isagi’s condition?”

After Ness dragged Isagi away, the huge screen flickered again and Ego appeared, telling them to retreat to their locker rooms and end the dispute as they have no control over bids or deprive the players of their chances if such was given or offered to them. When both teams were returning to their respective locker rooms, Anri showed up to look for Hiori, Yukimiya and Kurona. There was only one reason why, when the three are roommates with Isagi. However, the manager didn’t want to bother the two players who were exhausted from their match so she asked for Kurona to stay and the latter agreed.

Back to the present, Kurona nodded and explained that Isagi is alright for now but the overstimulation doesn’t disappear that quickly so she asked if the three could look out for Isag for a few weeks and make sure he doesn’t exhaust himself. Adding if Isagi sneaked out at night again to practice, they have to force him to go back to bed.

It was already old news to both Ego and Anri that their star player sneaks out at midnight to practice for a short while since they can clearly see him at the monitoring room. Ego has warned Isagi multiple times in the past but the kid was too stubborn until he gave up, believing Isagi won’t jeopardize his own health just because he was too energetic to practice at night. 

If he did, it’s not Ego’s fault anyway. A teenager has to experience and reflect on their actions to grow mature after all.

“I’m glad Isagi is fine now. I was honestly scared when he suddenly appeared on the field, he almost collapsed but his body still wanted to keep going.” Hiori sighed in relief.

“Yeah. He looked like he still wanted to keep fighting even when the match was over.” Yukimiya added.

Just then, the door slid open to the outside and Kunigami, fresh from the showers, went towards his locker that was a meter away from the three were. While the others within the room were talking and chatting with each other, Hiori walked to Kunigami with a small smile with no indication behind it. “Kunigami, Anri said Isagi is fine now but he needs to avoid overstressing and overworking to avoid having another sensory overload.”

Kunigami blinked and if Hiori talked to him while he was eating, he might choke a bit when the latter approached him and inform him about someone, “What? Why are you telling me this? Whatever happens to that guy is none of my business.”

Normally as a close friend of Isagi, Kunigami would expect Hiori to get mad and that goes the same for Yukimiya and Kurona but he got no outburst response. Instead, Hiori looked at him as if Kunigami told a riddle he couldn’t guess. 

The cyan-haired man spoke in polite, no hint of anger in his voice. “Hm? But a while ago on the field, you looked uneasy when Isagi came to the field. You even moved from your position like you were readying yourself to catch him if he collapsed—” 

“—Stop. That’s enough. I get your point”

‘This guy’s peripheral vision is too wise for him to notice me.’

Meanwhile, ‘Since when did he become a tsundere?’ Yukimiya and Kurona unknowingly had the same thought. Like Hiori, Yukimiya and Kurona also noticed the orange-haired man behaving strangely minutes ago and it was very unlikely of the other after returning from Wild Card when he has expressed hostility towards Isagi since then, both on and off field.

Full of loud, smugness and victorious in a laugh, Raichi approached the small group upon hearing the conversation. “Looks like the ‘hero-turned-cold-hearted’ is actually just a tsundere, so much for keeping a facade.”

“Raichi..” Hiori called his name.

“Well, if Isagi is alright then this calls for a double celebration tonight: our victory and Isagi’s recovery!” Raichi exclaimed in triumph. The hotheaded egoist continues to boast and calls for a celebration feast to the others with Gagamaru joining in. The remaining members in the room, surprisingly including some of the original members of Bastard München, joined.

At the corner, Yukimiya noticed Igaguri celebrating as well. There were no words to be said, he could tell the other is holding it all in, because this is going to be the last time Igaguri will be with everyone.

Zipping his bag where he stuffed his uniform in for cleaning, Kunigami slings it over his shoulder “Count me out. I’d rather train than waste my time on pointless parties”.

Kunigami walked away from the boisterous merrymaking, until he was stopped by Hiori. “Kunigami, what about Isagi? Weren’t you two going to share stakes together again?” The orange-haired man didn’t look back. There was no reply for a moment. Hiori understood if the other didn't reply, not wanting to pry any further.

“If he’ll be there then I’ll think about it.” Kunigami then walked away without looking back.

Hiori grinned. That response alone is enough alone that there’s a chance. He may not know Isagi’s and Kunigami's entire story but to see the two communicate on the field makes Hiori wanted to see fix their relationship. His sharp observation skill was an asset to him both in and off field—he could feel Kunigami never blames Isagi completely, instead the latter was having a hard time or was confused how he should act towards his former close teammates. Then, with Isagi making that promise, maybe this is the time to finally mend their friendship.

“But isn’t Isagi not allowed to be in a crowded noise environment yet?” Yukimiya voiced out. Kurona nodded as a reply. “He might get a headache if it’s too loud. Very loud.” 

Hiori furrowed his eyebrows and stood there in his thoughts, “Then… we can have our own mini celebration after the big party and invite Kunigami. If possible, we can also invite others who didn’t make it.”

[ In the PxG locker room… ]

A sigh was uttered when the giggling from someone never stopped. “You can stop that now, Charles..”

Holding back his laughter with his hand, “That’s what you get for being a show off. I can’t believe someone who is the same age as you scolded you like a kid.” Giving up on holding back, Charles finally let out and laughed loud but not too much to disturb others.

Loki groaned. “You’re a kid”

“At least that sprouthead—I mean what was his name? Isagi? Didn’t get mad at me. He’s interesting. Hey Loki, is there a way to get to know him?” Still recovering from his peal of laughter, he let out a glimmer of excitement at the thought of getting to know Blue Lock’s ace.

The latter groaned, giving a signal he didn’t wanna talk about this but the smaller egoist continued to pry without a care.

At the other side of the room, Nanase watched the midfielder’s and striker’s continuous banter. The PxG locker room was clouded in silence when they arrived because no one could say a word. It wasn’t affected by their defeat against Bastard Munchen but the exhaustion of everything unfolded a while ago and the sound of Charles’ laughter broke that bit by bit.

Nanase glanced at the right side of the room to see Rin drinking from his water bottle and a towel draped on his shoulders. There was no anger or the looks-that-could-kill-you plastered on his face so the black-haired man with a headband couldn’t tell what he’s thinking. Even on the field, when Isagi made a surprise return when he was supposed to be resting, Rin didn’t say anything and just stared at the ranks silently.

Nanase admits that quiet Rin was scarier than vocally angered Rin.

Metal door slid open and Shidou entered the locker room like an unbothered king even after losing. It was normal, if he had to argue, because even if they lost, they had the bid results. Shidou being in third place is already a big win compared to losing with a team.

Without reading the room, the spiky blond-haired man decided to bother Rin as if it’s part of his routine. “Yo, mister number 2! How are you doing, after losing to your favorite rival?” His tone is as playful as always, not scared if the other attacks him for it.

“Shut up, antenna head. Who are you calling ‘favorite rival’?” With a tone of exasperation in his voice, Rin stood up and turned away from the latter to fix his bag beside him.

“Hmmm.” Shidou was as curious as a cat when he did that. Either you’re lucky enough he doesn’t continue and keep the curiosity for himself or he continues to annoy you because it’s fun. Unfortunately, for Rin, Shidou chooses the second option.

“Well it was odd for Rinrin to not act like his usual cold and obsessive egotistic self when Isagi got an offer from Sae. I was expecting you were going to punch him~”

“Don’t compare me to a small brain and an idiot like you, antenna freak. I’ll deal with Isagi myself later. That demon king is not going anywhere until I end our rivalry myself.” His tone emits sharpness and hostility but it wasn’t directed at Shidou but the suppressed emotions he has towards Isagi and their rivalry Rin wasn’t able to convey a while ago.

Does this mean he really wanted to confront Isagi?

“Later? That means you weren’t able to talk to him. Is it the cameras, no, you did the same before the match started and that was broadcasted to the world. Then, is it forgetfulness? Can’t be, you’re not that slow. So the only thing I could think of.. is that you’re worried about Isagi's condition and how it’ll affect him mentally if he hasn’t recovered.” Shidou hit the nail in the head when Rin just glared at him briefly and turned away, saying nothing.

Shidou in return didn’t pry any longer and continued to smirk as he watched the other’s back until the door closed. While Nanase’s thoughts were going in circles.

‘Wait… was Rin not being as murderous as he was because Isagi wasn’t feeling well?’

This.. was unexpected, it wasn’t even in the list of guesses Nanase compiled in his mind. Because this is Rin he’s talking about. He looked look like the type too—

Nanase paused. He’s getting too critical of his own teammate, better not go into a territory he didn’t wanna step on. Still, this was a rare occurrence where Rin silently didn’t bother Isagi for the sake of the other’s well-being.

Perhaps Rin still does care for some people but in his own way.

“I didn’t take you the type to meddle into someone’s affairs, Shidou. Did something happen that you suddenly turned gears?” Loki joined in on the casted-aside conversation that transpired just seconds ago. At the side, Charles seems to be in his own world now, as if the banter with Loki didn’t happen.

Shidou gasps in exaggeration, “What do mean meddle into an affair? Is that how you see me, Master?”

Loki didn’t say anything except the bored facial expression he’s wearing that he wasn’t going along with his whimsicality and that was enough for Shidou to admit it.

“Okay okay, I give~” Shidou raised his hands. “Rinrin will give you the impression he hates Isagi Yoichi the most but I can tell he just doesn’t wanna do that. That guy can respect others if he wants to. And to answer your other question, Loki…”

Putting both his hands in his pockets, Shidou nonchalantly said, “I heard that the team from Bastard are planning to have a party for their victory so I had a good idea too. Since the Neo Egoist League is ending and that you and all the other foreign teams are going back home, why don’t we end this final selection with a bang?”

That caught everyone’s attention and snapped from weariness. Loki blinked twice, he was both surprised and intrigued by the idea. If it’s done normally, things will just move on the way it is and they would all leave now that their roles (of being guinea pigs) are done. But it’s a waste to not do anything… satisfying to end the final phase without any celebratory grand occasion especially when top five teams in the world are gathered in one place to help train these Blue Lock egoistic players.

Don’t get him wrong, Loki is not a party person but it is bland to end it there especially when their team just lost and for other teams who lost twice or more. That’s really the definition of Ego’s ‘lock off’ but towards the international players instead.

“I agree. It would be good if we can forget all the deprivations of everyone and find fun.” Zantetsu confidently agreed.

“You mean ‘depression’ and ‘have fun’, right?” Nanase said. He turns to face Shidou, "I'll join in too. I wanted to see how everyone is doing and if there was a way we can properly thank the Masters for helping to train us."

“Since everyone agrees. We’ll wait for Karasu if he manage to convince that Mr. Lock Off Specs.” Shidou flashed a smile when everyone agreed.

"What is this, some kind of summer field trip..." Loki muttered.

‘So he already planned on his own in advance when he had yet to ask first.’ Everyone collectively thought.

As the others continue to chatter away with the help of Shidou bringing back the liveliness of the room, Nanase thought to the earlier question Loki asked about Shidou being this forward and prying into Rin’s space about Isagi when he has never done so before.

Then there’s one thing comes to mind,

“I wonder If Shidou is pushing Rin to settle things with Isagi. Is it because all of us are going to part ways soon?’

If there’s one thing Nanase noticed clearly about the spiky blond-haired man during the time he spent with him in the PxG stratum, on their training and any conversation he has with others, was that Shidou was the type to not favor leaving with regrets.

[ Somewhere in another location … ]

“He used those two for his own.”

“Huh?”

The said person who was confused by the other’s statement looked at him, who’s sitting beside him on the large greyish couch.

It was only the two of them alone when the others were either training and having small practice matches by themselves. It was by coincidence that they both got a few days off before they could return to training. And one of those days off was when the match between Bastard Munchen and PxG started and ended so they were able to watch the entire thing on the big screen in the living room-like area.

Luna could correctly guess what Sae was talking about but he was feeling playing the ‘clueless-role’ for now. The two were watching the last match together and needless to say, this would be the first time Sae watched a match with full interest since he joined Re Al and it’s the famous Blue Lock Project that is on their final phase, Neo Egoist League.

While they weren’t invited, it was nothing to be upset about. Whether they got an invitation or not, the head coach will turn it down because of the upcoming practice match with the Brazil team who visited the country as tourists so their manager took the opportunity to ask for a practice match with them.

And it was also because Blue Lockplayers won’t be able to catch up with the way they were before. It was like shoving someone in a hoard of bees without giving them proper gear. 

They can only watch and see which player is worth their money on and recruit them to be part of their team.

One such player is Michael Kaiser.

But Luna guesses another thing, is that Sae wasn’t satisfied with just him.

Said person tapped his finger on the couch’s armrest, “When Noa used Isagi to bloom Blue Rose’s ego, Isagi did so in return for himself. At the last second, it was like watching a chess player letting an enemy want the other to move to the positions he wanted to see and respond to the outcome he expected. But the other wanted to devour the King so he went through another route that was not left wide open. It was never a battle between two enemies, it’s a battle if the other is willing to take the easy path for victory at the given opportunity.” There was a pause for a moment, giving Luna a second to piece the picture together.

Hah.. As always, Sae uses complicated reasons  and analogies to explain something. The midfielder should know that he doesn’t play chess! So Luna racked up his brain. “In your analogy, the opponent is Isagi using the black pieces and the one he's up against is Ness using the white pieces. Isagi’s black Queen, which is the soccer ball, devoured Ness’s white King who is the goal net.”

“No.”

“Huh?” Luna looked at him as if he grew two heads.

“It’s not the goal net, it’s Kaiser. He’s the white King that got devoured”

Luna thought he had it almost right when he’s already used Sae’s bizarre analogies when expressing his takes but was a surprise. He never thought about Kaiser being the King that gets devoured when he has been shut down already by Ness, in other words, he chose to pass the ball to Isagi.

And Luna slightly regrets using his ‘clueless-role’ because he really is clueless at the one error.

“The goal net is not a representation of the white King. It’s the victory itself when you defeat your opponent. The white King is Kaiser himself.”

Sae continued, “The opposing enemy didn’t expect his opponent to take the other path and will devour the King. Ness gave Isagi a clear opportunity to defeat Kaiser and win, a clear vertical path towards the white King. But Isagi didn’t give in to that easy chance. Instead, he created his own path, using the Queen’s other method to move, the diagonal path to devour , defeat and win. Isagi’s own path is him choosing to devour his pieces because Ness’ didn’t anticipate Isagi’s true ego. At that time, he didn’t know Isagi was now capable of devouring Kaiser.”

“Like a loan shark with good intentions gave you 100 million but you refused it and want to prove to him that you’ll climb on your own through hard work instead of taking money from others.” He added.

‘I prefer that analogy…’

Luna sighed. For some reason it felt like he went through an intense debate battle with someone. “That Isagi Yoichi is too crazy. To the point, he will willingly gamble everything to find his own path to victory. He’s like a wild beast or a machine that finally gained its own will after being beaten around by those above him and returned it tenfold.”

Luna is impressed. Really impressed how Blue Lock’s ace grew so much the last time he saw him. He used to be at a loss when he went against them, the World Five and was powerless in the end as he was crushed by them. Now, watching Isagi and bringing Bastard to victory multiple times in a row since the start of NEL looks like the latter is now grown up and prepared to be part of the world stage.

“So what happens now? Whoever our director decides on who’ll be part of our team, fighting against Isagi Yoichi will be more worthwhile now.”

The magenta-haired man sat straight up, “I couldn’t care less who joins the team. If they have the potential, they’ll stay but if they don’t, they’ll just cry and go home. Everything is all the same and nothing will change. Even if Kaiser were to join Re Al and leave Bastard, he’s just another puppet I have to control on the field if he’s going to bring that arrogant and superiority complex to this side.”

Luna chuckled, “C’mon, let the guy be. From the looks of it, he changed and he started asking a pass from his other teammates that isn’t Ness. Doesn’t this mean he’s now cooperative and leaning to a more logical result.” Although it is a shame he’s leaving Bastard if he does accept the offer. His goal was to make the team his so I guess he gave up?

“Ahh ah, I don’t wanna think more of the obvious. Blue Lock’s heart you just called him just motivated me to want to know what goes on in his mind. Think about it, Noel Noa used Isagi Yoichi for Kaiser’s sake and in return, Isagi used Kaiser and Ness for his own benefit, huh. And from that bold declaration he did to the World’s #1 is like saying even if he treats him as a stepping stone many times, he’ll return that tenfold, or something.” Luna thoroughly plays out in words what the other had said.

“Even though it was clear to us, I think Isagi didn’t realize it himself. He was in ‘Flow’ because the only thing in his mind was to devour Kaiser and win with his goal. It would be funny if the kid hasn’t fully grasped it yet.”

Sae replied unconcerned in his voice, “I’m sure he didn’t and did something without a second thought, still, I wouldn’t call it reckless if he has all the cards in his sleeve already. And it’s a worthwhile gamble for Ness. Asking aide from a midfielder who he had no good relationship with is like asking an enemy to be his ally without knowing the possibility he’s getting betrayed. He’s still a growing striker”

“You sound like a parent.”

Without any warning for the viewers, the players started gathering when someone cried out someone's name, Isagi’s name. The short celebration on the winning team was stopped abruptly as Isagi was close to collapsing before someone caught him before the inevitable. 

The cameras were still not turned off during this time. Maybe it was supposed to be but some money grubbing geezers always wanted drama for views, and because of this, Luna and Sae caught a small glimpse of what was happening.

“He’s having a sensory overload. It was too much for him since he was already playing at 100% since the start of the match. With both his mind and body working continously for the entire 90 minutes, there’s bound to be consequences.” Luna observed the situation on the screen.

Sae didn’t make a comment. Instead, his gaze lingered on Isagi that is currently surrounded by his teammates, including some of the PxG team. As it felt like time moved slowly, Sae thought he wanted to do something, try even, very uncharacteristic of him to do.

Like Luna, Sae was a little intrigue on the dark blue-haired man named Isagi Yoichi who he first saw as a no threat. Then he was fooled. He could never forget, how could he when for the first time, someone exceeded his expectations, not once but twice now if he includes what happened before the match ended against PxG. With his entire focus on his little brother that he still has no idea why he was mad at him that time, Isagi came in to grab that chance–stole that chance and shoot the goal.

‘The one who drew out your instincts and who will change Japanese soccer is Isagi Yoichi. He might be the egotist to do it… Japan can still change’

He said those words and he meant every meaning of it. He thought no one would be able to evolve Rin to be independent on his own and no striker in Japan will truly change it’s destiny. That was until he heard of Blue Lock, heard of the U20 Japan, the old geezers wanting to destroy the project and the challenge to fight for Blue Lock’s future. Itoshi Sae took that opportunity to see if there’s a striker who can really live up to his expectations.

It was a small hope of his that he never thought was still alive.

Then, Isagi Yoichi came to challenge him.

Till this day, Isagi continues to live up to the words he never said to his face.

Sae wanted to see him up close. Maybe after this match, the ace striker of Blue Lock's philosophy will change or maybe not but something definitely changed him at the end of the match and it was all thanks to Kaiser and Noa for using him. It was a twisted thought for him to thank the people who almost ruined Isagi's life yet the latter gained something from those two as well.

He didn't know and Sae was interested.

He wanted to see the striker that will give hope for Japan. Something that he failed to do.

After seemingly lost in his own thoughts, Sae stood up and headed towards the door outside. Luna didn’t bother asking where he’s going so this is the usual Sae if nothing is necessary for him to watch anymore. However, he didn’t expect what came next.

“Hey Luna. I suppose it wouldn’t be troublesome for the director if I make my own bid as well, right?”

“Huh? This is rare, you never asked for something if you wanted to decide something.” You usually just decide things on your own but your actions don't threaten the team. Luna thought to himself.

“Re Al made an offer for Kaiser. I don’t know if the higher ups still plan on recruiting someone but I doubt that. So, I want to make a bid on Isagi Yoichi.”

If he was holding a cup of coffee right now, Luna would have definitely let go if it as the shards scramble all over the floor and the carpet of the room would have permanent coffee stains. “Are you… serious? You do realize how behind Isagi is from Rin’s and Kaiser’s. And even if you did, will our coach even approve?”

“I’m not competing with those losers on who gets to have a higher offer than the other. I wanted to see how the bid will go and see for myself how it’ll turn out.”

“You wanna see Isagi’s reaction?” Luna stared at him, like he was hearing something unbelievable.

“Call it curiosity.”

‘Well that damn curiosity of yours is scary…’

Luna holds out his hand, asking for a time out “Hold up Sae. Let’s think of it this way, what if Re Al had no interest in sponsoring Isagi but you do? Do you want to train him? That defeats the whole purpose of making him your rival.”

Sae turned to face his teammate “I’ll worry about that when I get there. For now, I’ll make my own gamble. And an opportunity to be given to someone and give them experience of the World Stage. The Neo Egoist League is not enough. There are other countries and clubs out there besides Germany, England, Italy, Spain, France.” Ignoring the other’s words, Sae made up his mind. Isagi changed a lot the last time he saw him. The striker that looked like a newborn chick for the football world to use and devour for their benefits is now starting to carve his name for the world to witness.

Before facing the door, Sae saw the broadcast was still on and he saw a blond-haired but with blue strikes and that signature blue rose tattoo on his neck. He couldn’t see the other’s expression as the latter’s direction was where the huge crowd was. He wondered what Kaiser is thinking now after finding his original ego but got defeated in the process. Luna said he changed, perhaps he did but he didn’t want to dwell on that since he had expected this…

‘I told him it will come back and bite him.’

Sae and Kaiser didn’t get along both in and outside of the field. That was a hard fact.

Facing the door, Sae left with a soft click of the door. There he was gone and Luna was left to his own thoughts. He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair.

“I will never get used to that guy. Now he exceeded my expectations again. Anyway, can’t do anything about that so goodluck, Sae”

Sludging on the coach after that weird Q&A from Sae, Luna sensed all the exhaustion in his body disappeared when he didn’t even practice for today. He needed a nap.