Even before the match began, intense discussion erupted online.
Though the livestream required a paid membership, it couldn't dampen the audience's enthusiasm!
Various websites hired dedicated commentators for match coverage, while clubs gathered their players to watch the historic event.
In his office, Japan FC Chairman Hirotoshi examined the backend data, his face twitching into a greedy smile.
The Blue Lock Project had already generated massive traffic before kickoff, promising substantial advertising fees and copyright revenue.
He had also launched Blue Lock merchandise — figurines in production had already received enormous pre-orders.
The upcoming player trading cards and documentary films would bring Hirotoshi yet another windfall.
His conviction grew stronger — supporting Blue Lock had been the right decision.
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Inside the Bastard München building, Noel gathered the team, tablet in hand.
"Based on recent training results and practice matches, we've determined our optimal formation. Using numerical values to select qualified players, I'll now announce the starting lineup against Spain." Noel studied his tablet carefully, "First, as center forward — Ryōsuke Kira. Your field performance has been flawless; you are this team's absolute core."
"So it's Ryōsuke after all?"
"Of course — he achieved a perfect score!"
"Don't forget his decisive victory over Kaiser three days ago."
As murmurs spread through the group, Alexis raised his hand defiantly.
"Noel, while Ryōsuke's performance has been outstanding, Michael has always been our team's core. Wouldn't changing our core player now impact the team negatively? He's still unfamiliar with our tactics..."
Despite having lost to Ryōsuke before, Alexis still harbored some defiance.
"I've said it before — I only look at numbers. Ryōsuke's stats far exceed everyone else's, including Michael's. Since Ryōsuke is now the core, you must adapt to him, not the other way around. If you can't do that, Alexis, there's no place for you on the field."
"I understand..." Alexis managed a forced smile, not daring to say more.
Yet a bold idea took shape in his mind.
"Michael Kaiser, you'll take the left-side attack. Though you've lost your position as absolute core, your numbers still surpass the others. Any objections?"
"No." Michael replied expressionlessly, hands clasped behind his back.
His former heroic bearing had vanished, replaced by hollow eyes and a dejected demeanor.
"Behind the center forward will be Alexis Ness, and Yoichi Isagi, you'll handle the left attacking midfielder position."
"Yes, understood!" Though surprised, Yoichi nodded firmly.
In the original story, Yoichi had only appeared as a substitute in the first match due to his various deficiencies.
He had only gotten to play because of his popularity after scoring the winning goal in that U-20 match.
But now circumstances were different. Though Yoichi hadn't become the protagonist in that match, Ryōsuke's influence had pushed him to train harder than in the original story. The intense pressure from that match and studying Sae's movements had helped him master Metavision early.
The current Yoichi was far stronger than his counterpart at this point in the original story, achieving an A-grade evaluation and fully earning his starting position.
Other Blue Lock members on the team had also improved significantly. Kenyū Yukimiya, Ranze Kurona, and Gin Gagamaru all earned chances to play.
As for goalkeeper, the position went, unsurprisingly, to Genzō.
Noel swiftly concluded reading the starting eleven lineup. Blue Lock players had claimed over half the positions from the original Bastard München team.
"This isn't fair!" Erik shouted in frustration, "Why don't I qualify to play? Looking at the numbers alone, I should be better than these pieces of trash!"
He was speaking without thinking, his anxiety clear. For him, having Blue Lock players take the starting positions was an unbearable humiliation.
The other Bastard München players turned their gazes toward him, silently urging him to stop — such words would only anger Noel.
But Erik was notorious as the team's powder keg, always speaking rashly and losing his temper, frequently hurling insults like "trash" at others.
"First, the world expects to see Blue Lock players — it's in the contract." Noel said, walking directly to face Erik, his voice carrying intense pressure, "Moreover, your 'numbers' dropped significantly in the last internal practice match. With such poor field performance, how dare you speak of 'qualification' to me?
Right now, your 'number' is zero. Do you want to stay with the club? Pack your things tonight — you don't even qualify for the substitute bench in this match."
The room fell completely silent.
"I..." Erik finally grasped the gravity of his situation.
As Bastard München's star player, Noel wielded enormous authority — management would approve team transfers based on his judgment alone.
With just one word from him, the team could dismiss Erik within minutes.
"Noel, I'm very sorry! I didn't mean what I said!"
Erik hurriedly apologized, but Noel ignored him, leading the rest of the team straight to the field.
"Michael, Michael! Please help me appeal to Noel!"
Erik's voice trembled as he chased after the former core player.
But Michael walked past as if Erik were invisible, leaving without acknowledgment.
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Ten minutes later, Noel led the Bastard München members to the match field — the familiar enclosed space with its familiar grass.
FC Barcha emerged impressively from the opposite tunnel.
"Long time no see, Kira!" Walking at the front of FC Barcha, Meguru smiled and greeted his former teammate.
"Indeed, it's been a while, though the five buildings weren't really that far apart." Ryōsuke said with a smile.
Sae merely gave Ryōsuke a slight nod — which, for someone as aloof as him, counted as a proper greeting.
Another person strode up to Ryōsuke and eagerly shook his hand.
It was Tsubasa, his face bright with a sunny smile. His strong physique showed evidence of intense training.
"Do you remember me, Kira?"
"Of course, Ōzora-senpai."
Ryōsuke responded respectfully — after all, someone who had won the U-12 World Cup for their country deserved the title of senpai.
"I've watched your game footage — brilliant stuff! I can't wait to play against you!"
"Likewise, I'm looking forward to our match." Ryōsuke replied with a smile.
"Is that guy Ryōsuke Kira?"
From the sidelines, a man in sunglasses studied Ryōsuke with keen interest, an eager smile playing on his face.
It was Lavinho, The Dancer — FC Barcha's top scorer in La Liga, Brazil's celebrated genius, and international superstar. He sauntered up to Noel with a grin.
"Still as childish as ever, Lavinho." Noel said flatly.
"Fancy meeting you here, world's number one. First time since the Champions League final, right?"
"Idiot, that was the semi-final." Noel replied, maintaining his icy demeanor.
"Never mind that — how's that Ryōsuke of yours doing?" Lavinho's smile turned knowing as he removed his sunglasses, "That rising star on your team had a habit of 'stepping on others'. Has the new guy become his next target?"
"That conflict is over. Ryōsuke is now the team's core."
"What? The mighty rising star was defeated by this suddenly emerging youngster?" Lavinho's face showed genuine surprise — he was familiar with Michael Kaiser's reputation.
"You ask too many questions. Let's start the match already." Noel turned away and walked straight to his team's bench.
"Interesting. I watched the earlier broadcast and knew Ryōsuke was good, but I didn't expect him to be this impressive. No wonder Julian couldn't stop praising him."
Lavinho, oblivious to Noel's departure, kept his gaze fixed on Ryōsuke.
"However, I've got a rising star and another remarkable player on my side too!" His smile widened with confidence.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
[Ladies and gentlemen! The Second Phase of Blue Lock is about to begin! The first match pits Bastard München of Germany against FC Barcha of Spain! Before it even starts, this is already being called the match of the century!]
[The lineup for both sides is truly remarkable! Former U-20 teammates Sae Itoshi and Ryōsuke Kira will now face each other as opponents!]
[And that's not all — we also have Michael Kaiser, a rising star on par with Sae Itoshi! This match promises to be absolutely thrilling!]
The sports channel commentators enthusiastically presented both teams' lineups.
Fresh from leading Seirin to another victory, Riko brought her team to a nearby restaurant, where they waited eagerly for the broadcast to begin.
At the Esperion club, Tatsuya and Date gathered all their players in front of the TV to watch the match.
The excitement wasn't limited to Esperion — the entire world was focused on this match.
"It's about to begin."
An eager smile spread across Jimpachi's face as his eyes locked onto the screen.
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Everyone had taken their positions, with Lavinho and Noel sitting on their respective team benches, waiting for the match to begin.
Yoichi swallowed hard, his heart pounding — he felt even more nervous than during the previous U-20 match.
Though this was an enclosed environment, he knew from Ryōsuke that the whole world was watching. He never imagined he would compete alongside world-class players.
The presence of the world's number one player watching from the sidelines made it even more surreal.
"What's wrong, Isagi? Nervous?" Ryōsuke smiled and patted his shoulder.
"Can't help being nervous — but I'm more excited than anything." Yoichi smiled back.
"Alright, let's make the world shout our names again." Ryōsuke said, casting his gaze toward the opponent's half.
Meguru, Sae, and Tsubasa — their eyes were all fixed on him.
"Let's go."
"Yeah!"
As the whistle blew, Bastard München launched their first attack.
Alexis, responsible for midfield organization, quickly advanced with the ball while surveying the movement of all players on the field.
Ryōsuke was up front, advancing toward the opponent's defensive line.
"Nice position." Alexis said with a smile, but didn't pass to him immediately, "However, this is Michael's team — we must remain loyal to Michael!"
He turned slightly and passed the ball to Benedict Grim on the other side.
He planned to isolate Ryōsuke from the attacking system.
❖❖❖
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