Blue Lock: I, Ryōsuke Kira, Start With Thunder Breathing

As the screen appeared, all eyes turned to Jinpachi.

"A stray dog dares to talk big." Rin said softly, leaning against the wall with furrowed brows.

[There are 100 days left until the U-20 World Cup. We might have a chance at winning — though it's just a chance.]

Jinpachi gently stroked his chin, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.

[I've been thinking — we need to strike while the iron is hot in the second phase. I've considered ways to make you evolve quickly. Here's a question: what can make you stronger?

The awakening of desire? The awareness to turn potential into weapons? But there's only one crucial factor that brings these out — environment.

You're already in the closed environment of Blue Lock, but to advance to the next level, you need something even more challenging. So I've decided to throw you into an even more intense environment.]

Jinpachi's smile grew more pronounced.

[For Blue Lock's second phase, I'm sending you to the world's highest stage — Europe's top five leagues!]

"The Big Five?!"

Exclamations arose from below. The Premier League (England), La Liga (Spain), Serie A (Italy), Bundesliga (Germany), and Ligue 1 (France) — these five leagues represented the pinnacle of world football.

[Some of you may have already stepped into these leagues, but the matches you'll face will be far more intense and brutal than the original competitions! Next, you'll choose from among these five countries.

Let's see what you can achieve at the world's peak! Spread your wings and face the world! The stage is set!]

Jinpachi was undoubtedly a madman, but his madness had a way of firing up people's spirits.

Soon, everyone followed instructions and retrieved their personal terminals from the cabinets beside the hall. The screens displayed the flags of five countries.

"What about you all? What are you choosing?" Hyōma turned to ask the others.

"I'm not sure..." Yoichi hesitated beside him.

"I'm choosing England. I want to test my speed in that environment." Unlike Yoichi's indecision, Hyōma's purpose was very clear.

"I'm going to England too. It sounds like there's good money there." Reo said with a laugh.

While others contemplated their choices, Sae slowly walked up to Ryōsuke, "I'm choosing Spain. Where are you going?"

He had previously played in a Spanish La Liga club's youth team, so joining there again made perfect sense, with his goal being Real Madrid.

Though not directly stated, his intention was clear — he wanted to invite Ryōsuke to join the same country.

"Ah, Sae Itoshi..." Beside them, Ashito swallowed hard, his heart racing.

To him, Sae was already a world-class star, someone he'd never normally meet. And now, here he was, standing right in front of him.

For Ashito, it felt like a dream.

"It'll probably be Germany." Ryōsuke answered with a smile.

His goal was clear — Germany was an excellent choice.

For one, Ryōsuke knew that Noel Noah, the world's number one star, would represent Germany in Blue Lock. Training alongside the world's best player could only help him improve.

And while Bastard München included troublemakers like Michael Kaiser and Alexis Ness, he wasn't concerned. In a team, ability alone determines influence.

Moreover, Michael, like Sae, was one of the New Generation World XI — already a highly acclaimed player. Being on the same team would help increase Ryōsuke's worldwide exposure.

The more attention, the more Competition Points he could earn from each match.

"Oh, then I'll see you on the field." Hearing his words, Sae's expression remained unchanged as he gave a brief response before leaving.

"Kira, you're going to Germany?" Yoichi asked curiously from the side.

"Yeah."

"Then... I'll choose Germany too." Having heard his decision, Yoichi made up his mind.

Since his idol was Noel Noah, Germany was the best choice for him as well.

"Then, then I'll choose Germany too!" Ashito quickly added.

Choosing a country was one thing, but among all the people present, he was only familiar with Ryōsuke. Though he had met Haruhisa a few times, they had no real connection.

"You're choosing Germany too?" At this moment, Genzō, who had overheard their conversation from nearby, came over and said, "I'm going with Germany as well."

Previously, he had played in the Bundesliga for Hamburg with impressive results — though his hands were injured near the season's end, and he was still recovering.

After coming to Blue Lock, Genzō could both heal and adjust his condition. One day, he would achieve his revenge on the field.

"That's great." Ryōsuke nodded at him with a smile.

Genzō could be considered the country's strongest goalkeeper, possessing excellent technique and sharp instincts. Although Gin showed great talent, the experience gap between them was simply too large — he still had far to go before matching the Number 1 Keeper.

Soon, everyone had chosen their countries.

Ryōsuke, Yoichi, Ashito, along with Kenyū and Gin chose Germany (Bastard München).

Reo, Hyōma, Seishirō, and others chose England (Manshine City) — Haruhisa also joined this team.

Meguru and Eita chose Spain (FC Barcha), and this time they had Tsubasa joining them. In the original story, Tsubasa ultimately joined Barcelona in La Liga.

Kojiro Hyuga joined Italy (Ubers) along with Shoei, Oliver Aiku, and Ikki.

As for Rin and Ryūsei's group, they joined France (Paris X Gen).

[Alright, selections complete!]

Jinpachi's voice rang out again.

[Selected raw gems, proceed to your respective country's rooms!]

Ryōsuke and the others carried their luggage and opened the door marked with the German flag.

He looked around; the faces were familiar from the original story: Yō Hiori, Teppei Neru, Jingo Raichi... and Rensuke.

Though Rensuke had joined Germany just as in the original story, there was one key difference — he hadn't yet turned dark, hadn't been poisoned by Jinpachi's extreme ideology.

"Didn't expect to be with Kira!"

"I'm getting fired up!"

"Wonder what this Second Phase will be like?"

Everyone chatted as they walked through the corridor to the next room.

It was a vast, dimly lit space with a huge circular platform in the center. Twelve unfamiliar faces stood there, and in the middle was someone they all recognized but had never seen in person.

Noel Noah! The acknowledged strongest forward in the world!

"Is that Noah?!" Yoichi exclaimed.

"Oh my god! It's really him!" Ashito's voice trembled as his whole body shook.

Since joining Blue Lock, this was his first time on such an elite stage. Having been just a reserve player in a club's youth squad, he never dreamed he'd reach the world's pinnacle. His heart raced with a mix of excitement and nerves.

Noel stood on the platform, his serious gaze sweeping across everyone below before finally settling on one person.

Ryōsuke Kira.

[Thanks to the previous match's success, the Blue Lock project has captured worldwide attention. With enthusiastic sponsors backing my vision, we can now smoothly proceed with the Second Phase.]

Embedded in the wall, the large screen illuminated as Jinpachi's figure appeared.

[And this isn't just for Germany — it applies to all participating countries!]

During the renovation period, Blue Lock's five buildings had been transformed into territories for the five nations.

[We've not only secured these world-famous master strikers but also gathered core members from various nations' U-20 teams!]

Jinpachi's face radiated excitement as he introduced the master strikers from each national team — all genuine world-class superstars!

Julian, who had previously challenged Ryōsuke, had arrived as the French team's mentor forward.

Before today's return to Blue Lock, Ryōsuke had received Julian's invitation to join the French camp early.

However, he had declined — after all, Ryūsei was on the French team. In Ryōsuke's mind, that peculiar man posed far more problems than someone like Michael Kaiser.

[Now for the detailed explanation of Second Phase. First, you must undergo training with the mentors, who will evaluate players and select the starting eleven. Next, you'll compete in round-robin matches against selected players from the other buildings! These matches have special rules.

First is unlimited substitutions — you can make substitutions freely during the match, without restrictions.

Second, in each match, you get one chance to field your mentor forward for ten minutes — this is the Giant Entry System! These rules are designed to maximize entertainment!]

As Ryōsuke listened, he noted how these rules differed from the original story.

Originally, master strikers could only play for three minutes, but now it was extended to ten. The previous three-point lead rule, where scoring three points meant victory, had been eliminated.

Jinpachi had briefed him about these changes beforehand — they were necessary due to the increased number of participants and their higher skill levels. The rules had been adjusted to make matches more thrilling.

[As mentioned, this is the final selection for the U-20 World Cup. You'll see real-time rankings that update with each match — we'll choose the U-20 members based on these rankings!

This is the new battlefield I've created! The world's highest-level next-generation football arena!

The Neo Hero League!]

Jinpachi spread his arms wide, his face blazing with excitement and ambition!

Below him, nearly every player felt their blood surge with anticipation.

[The stage is set, the actors are in place! The world's most intense heat is right here! Blue Lock's Second Phase, Neo Hero League, officially begins!]

At Jinpachi's declaration, the room's lighting transformed, the dim space suddenly flooding with brightness.

Under the new illumination, the room's true scale became apparent — even more vast and imposing than before. Before them stretched a massive winding track that coiled upward toward a platform whose summit vanished from view.

The entire space's layout was filled with futuristic technology — this was the product of Blue Lock's substantial funding in Second Phase.

"Advance toward the finish line. I'll be waiting there." With those brief words, Noel departed.

Ryōsuke looked up, his gaze meeting someone on the platform ahead who was staring back with equal intensity. Despite never meeting before, Ryōsuke instantly recognized him by the rose tattoo adorning his neck.

Michael Kaiser.

His lips curled into a predatory smile, like a wolf eyeing its prey.

Kaiser had come to Blue Lock with one purpose: to use Ryōsuke's growing reputation as a stepping stone, boosting his own value to secure a transfer deal.

This was what Kaiser relished most — trampling others' dreams to elevate himself. Now Ryōsuke was squarely in his sights.

Suddenly, a projection materialized on the gleaming floor.

10, 9, 8... The countdown began!

"Are we racing?"

"Time to face off against these Germans!"

"Let's crush them!"

The challengers rushed to take their positions at the newly revealed track, enthusiasm burning in their eyes.

❖❖❖

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