Blue lock: the true egoist

[3rd POV]

For every player, time came to a sudden stop. 

They knew this was by far the most difficult game they would have to experience. 

2-2.

The current score was satisfying enough. A tie was enough to ensure that both teams would have the best chances to qualify for the next selection.

Yet, in the very last minutes of the game, Jude was getting ready to change that. 

Abusing his new weapon one last time, Jude exploded into a full sprint, sliding the ball to the right at the very last moment. This would've been enough to get past any high schooler, but Karasu was already far above that level. 

"This is getting annoying." Karasu used his hand to block Jude and keep him at a good distance from him.

Unfortunately for him, team X's striker already knew all about those tricks. 

"You'll have to innovate if you want to stop me." Jude mocked as he rolled the ball back to his side, before changing direction with a quick chop dribble. He knew Karasu wouldn't let him move away that easily, so as soon as the crow tried to use his hand, Jude pushed it away with his elbow before launching another sprint and getting past him.

"What..?" 

This move took everyone by surprise.

Especially Karasu, who struggled to keep up with Jude, his stamina was at its limit — actually he was already way past his limits since 5 minutes ago.

The only thing keeping him going was the adrenaline pumping through his veins.

In the worst moment, he suddenly sobered up. All the pain from his body overtook him as his legs finally gave up on him right as he attempted a final sprint to block Jude. 

"Fuck.."

Karasu wasn't able to run anymore, even standing straight was impossible for him currently. All he could do was curse to himself as he helplessly watched in the VIP seat Jude whip the ball into the net. 

3-2.

..

..

////////////

The three long whistles indicated the end of the match.

"This bastard, I really underestimated him..." Karasu mumbled to himself. 

"Do you understand why you lost?" A voice suddenly grabbed Karasu's attention.

He turned around, only to find Hiori standing beside him, his eyes focused on the sight of Team X cheering from afar.

"We were supposed to win, if we played as usual we would've won. I have no doubt about that. The only reason we lost is because you lost yourself."

"What do you mean by that?" Karasu was puzzled. 

Perhaps the exhaustion got to his brain. His usual quick thinking was nowhere to be seen. Under normal circumstances, he would never allow his body to get to such a pathetic state.

"You were trying to imitate Jude. Leaving behind your identity and ego only to be able to prove to yourself that you're better than him." Hiori spoke in soft voice, only to be met with the same tired gaze

"Have you ever seen a crow try to race an eagle?" He added with a sneaky smirk.

"I would've never expected that I would one day witness you scolding me. Blue Lock also had an effect on you, huh." Karasu replied as he took Hiori's outstretched hand to help him stand up.

"I understand your words now. It's stupid of me to turn into something I am not." Karasu smiled. 

He finally gave up. He lost to Jude. It was useless for a crow to attempt to reach the heavens.

His playstyle wasn't wrong, nor flawed. He didn't need to fix anything.

Instead he shall dive to the dirtiest and darkest places of this world. He needs to go even lower, and finally becomes the ultimate scarvenger. 

This is Tabito Karasu's fate and ego.

..

..

/////////////////

(Team X's locker room) 

"I finally admit it."

"You are superior to me. I shall bow before you and never play football again." Yanagi said in a solemn voice, bowing down in a theatrical way to make it even more dramatic. 

"Hm, I still think it lacks something. Maybe a few tears?" Jude chimed in. 

"What are you guys even doing...?" Miyata finally came back to his senses after almost passing out from exhaustion. 

"Isn't it obvious? We're all taking turns and imitating the shitty crow at the end of the game." Akira replied with a snicker. 

"Aren't you guys exaggerating a little too much though?" Miyata asked awkwardly. Only to be met with every single one of his teammates shaking their heads in rebuttal. 

"I still can't believe that this is our last game." Yanagi said as he laid down, looking at the ceiling. 

Now they only had two weeks left before the start of the second selection. One week for the remaining games to finish, and then another for physical training. 

..

..

//////////////////

[Jude's POV] 

[Congratulations on completing the special quest "payback"!]

[Your special weapon "Excitement (C)" evolved into "Flow State (B)"]

[Congratulations on obtaining your first permanent title]

[You have obtained a permanent title "Stamina Freak (+1 stamina)"]

'Open status' 

[Player status:

Name: Jude Sanchez

Age: 16

Permanent titles: "Stamina Freak"

Temporary titles: "Osaka's Emperor", "Team X's striker"

Version: Professional

Total: D (52) 

Offence: D (54) 

Shooting: D (50) 

Dribble: D (52) 

Speed: D (53) 

Defence: E (47) 

Pass: E (46) 

Pro points: 0

Random pro points: 0

Special Weapons (5/6): Greed (Z), Eyes of the Lord (Z), Flow State (B), Emperor's Aura (C), Quick pass (D)]

'It's finally starting to look decent', I nodded to myself after checking out my status. 

My titles were now divided between permanent and temporary. It seems that they also grant me some useful boosts. Raising my reputation can be helpful if it allows me to gain more titles. 

[Flow State:

Rank: B

When activated, increases the player's focus for 10 minutes. The player's thought speed as well as instincts get heightened. The player also gains an additional 1 point in every single stat when the special weapon is activated.

Special note: Cooldown of 6 hours.]

My new special weapon is also a major boost to my overall power. The duration is twice as long as "excitement", but this time the drawbacks aren't as heavy.

This will give me way more flexibility. 

Maybe I could finally use it during training?

Being able to activate the Flow State intentionally will give me a major boost over any opponent. 

But this is still far from enough.

In the second selection everyone will improve tremendously. I won't be able to keep up with the top ranked players like Rin and Shidou if I don't increase my stats. 

And I still need to wait a week until I get to receive the reward for the main quest.

Since all the matches aren't over, I'm not the best striker in this block — or at least not officially. 

For now all I can do is train until it finally begins. 

"The second selection is coming."

.. 

.. 

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Author: You probably noticed it, but I had a problem with my laptop and had to get it fixed. Until then I couldn't write at all. 

Double chapters coming tomorrow to finally end the first selection and enter our 3rd volume!