Blue Lock: Isagi the egoist

The room buzzed with voices as Team Z gathered after their grueling physical tests. The players were scattered around, some sitting cross-legged on the floor, others leaning against the walls, still catching their breath. Isagi stood at the center, arms crossed, a calm yet commanding presence.

"So," Raichi growled, breaking the tension, "who plays where?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Kunigami said, adjusting his sweatband. "We all want to be strikers."

"That's not gonna work," Kuon said, leaning back with a sly grin. "Someone has to play defense, midfield, and so on, or we'll be wiped out."

Isagi stepped forward, the number 299 on his jersey catching the light. "I'm a striker," he said, his tone firm and unwavering. "I don't care where the rest of you play, but I'm staying up front. Decide amongst yourselves."

The room fell silent. His words weren't a suggestion—they were a declaration.

"Cocky much?" Raichi sneered.

"It's not cocky if I'm right," Isagi replied with a smirk.

Bachira, sitting cross-legged on the floor, grinned. "I like it. Let's see what you've got, Isagi."

The group eventually agreed on positions, resembling the lineup from the game against Team X:

Okuhito Iemon – GoalkeeperWataru Kuon – DefenderHyoma Chigiri – DefenderAsahi Naruhaya – MidfielderGin Gagamaru – DefenderYudai Imamura – MidfielderMeguru Bachira – MidfielderRensuke Kunigami – ForwardJingo Raichi – MidfielderYoichi Isagi – StrikerGurimu Igarashi – DefenderThe First Match: Team Z vs. Team X

The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the whistle blew, signaling the start of the game. Team Z stood in formation, but all eyes were on Isagi, who stood in the center circle, the ball at his feet.

Barou Shoei, the towering "King" of Team X, smirked from across the pitch, his confidence radiating. "Let's see what you've got, 299."

Isagi ignored him, focusing entirely on the game.

The whistle's shrill sound echoed, and Isagi exploded forward, the ball glued to his feet. He darted through Team X's players with ease, weaving between them as if they were cones in a training drill.

"Hey! Stop him!" Barou roared, but his teammates were powerless.

Even Team Z, stunned by Isagi's raw speed and precision, found themselves chasing after him.

"He's not passing?" Chigiri muttered, his crimson eyes widening.

"Why would he?" Bachira said, grinning wildly. "This is his game."

Isagi broke through the final line of defense, faced the goalkeeper, and with a swift, calculated shot, buried the ball into the net.

The crowd of players—both Team Z and Team X—stood frozen.

Barou clenched his fists, his teeth grinding audibly. This guy...

Isagi jogged back to the center circle, his expression calm but his eyes alight with an intense fire. "One down," he muttered.

As the game progressed, Team Z slowly began to understand Isagi's level. His relentless attacks, precision, and ability to read the game left them in awe.

"Is this guy even human?" Naruhaya whispered after another one of Isagi's jaw-dropping goals.

Team X scrambled to mount a counterattack, but Isagi intercepted their plays effortlessly, turning their every move into an opportunity for himself.

Barou, the self-proclaimed King, couldn't contain his frustration. He roared as he charged at Isagi, but even his overwhelming physicality wasn't enough. Isagi danced around him with finesse, his movements smooth and decisive.

"Damn it!" Barou snarled.

By the time the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read: 10-1.

All ten goals belonged to Isagi Yoichi.

Team Z erupted in cheers, rushing to Isagi with wide smiles and pats on the back. Even Raichi, who had been skeptical, couldn't hide his admiration.

"You're insane, man," Kunigami said, shaking his head in disbelief.

Isagi, still calm and composed, nodded. "This is just the start."

In the control room, Jinpachi Ego sat alone, watching the match replay on multiple monitors. His wide, manic grin reflected on the screens as he leaned back in his chair.

"Yoichi Isagi," he muttered, his voice dripping with excitement. "You're a freak of nature, aren't you? The perfect unpolished diamond."

Ego let out a laugh, his voice echoing through the empty room. "Ray Dark saw it, but he couldn't handle it. You're not just a striker—you're a phenomenon. And these other lumps of potential don't even come close."

Ego's eyes gleamed as he leaned forward, his fingers steepled under his chin. "This... This is going to be fun."

Team Z settled into their dormitory after the match, their spirits high. Isagi lay on his bunk, staring at the ceiling.

One step closer to proving it to the world, he thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. I'll show everyone what ego means. This is just the beginning.

As sleep claimed him, the words of Jinpachi Ego echoed in his mind:

"The birth of the world's best striker begins here."