After Lavinho left the field, the balance of power between the two sides became completely one-sided.
Although the quartet of Tsubasa, Sae, Meguru, and Eita managed to challenge the opposing team, their efforts fell short — Bastard München's overall strength proved far superior.
The final score settled at 5:2, with Ryōsuke dominating the game by scoring four goals and providing an assist to Kenyū.
Barcha's two goals came from Tsubasa's playmaking. Despite creating several chances in the second half, they couldn't penetrate Genzō's ironclad defense — especially with Ryōsuke's formidable defensive support.
Together, they formed an impenetrable wall for Bastard München.
"You're amazing, Kira-san. I've never seen such a strong player before!" Tsubasa embraced him warmly, showering him with praise.
Until today, Tsubasa had never lost a match, but Ryōsuke became the first to defeat him.
Despite the loss, Tsubasa had thoroughly enjoyed the game. His multiple clearances and spectacular overhead kick demonstrated his exceptional skill.
"Why does it feel like the gap between us keeps growing wider, Kira?" Meguru said with a wry smile. Despite his own considerable progress, Ryōsuke remained out of reach.
"Just got lucky — I'm only a bit stronger, that's all." Ryōsuke replied modestly.
Sae wiped his brow and observed Ryōsuke silently. He too recognized Ryōsuke's extraordinary talent and found himself increasingly eager to play alongside him in the future.
While the rest of the German side celebrated their victory, two players stood apart — Michael and Alexis.
As soon as the match ended, Michael rushed straight to the locker room, Alexis trailing behind him.
Despite his team's commanding victory, to Michael, it felt like a crushing personal defeat.
In a sense, he had. The opponents tore through his defense like a sieve, while Tsubasa completely shut down his offense — he couldn't manage even a single decent shot on goal.
If this were all, Michael might have accepted it. But what truly stung was Ryōsuke's exceptional performance.
Without comparison, the defeat might have been bearable, but Ryōsuke had thoroughly outclassed him.
This match was supposed to be Michael's chance to prove himself as the team's undisputed core, but the outcome was exactly opposite. The stark contrast led even his loyal supporters, like Benedict and others, to switch their allegiance.
Worse still, Michael's attempted tackle on Ryōsuke had been easily anticipated by his opponent.
Such humiliation! Such utter humiliation!
Michael's confidence had crumbled. Unable to bear watching his teammates celebrate, he rushed away, with Alexis — his most devoted follower — trailing behind.
"You know, Cyber Data Maniac, there's a truly terrifying player in your team." Lavinho said to Noel, approaching slowly, "I wouldn't be surprised if he surpasses you one day — no, maybe he already has."
He wore a meaningful smile, seemingly anticipating the response.
Noel simply looked at Ryōsuke.
"Perhaps. At least the future belongs to him."
After some brief chatting, Ryōsuke and the others were preparing to return to the locker room when the stadium's big screen suddenly lit up.
It displayed an image of Jinpachi, sitting on a sofa and holding a wine glass.
[Well done on your first match, new heroes. How did it feel? The taste of Blue Lock's world wall?] After speaking, Jinpachi took a sip from his glass, [Grape soda tastes so good... Now that the first match is over, let's announce the rankings.]
Suddenly, countless names appeared on the big screen, displaying all members of Blue Lock's second stage. Next to each name was a string of numbers.
"What are those numbers?"
Jingo asked, puzzled, though Ryōsuke already knew their meaning.
[Annual salary! Your market value from this Neo Hero League match!]
Jinpachi stood up from his seat as the screen changed, revealing the faces of numerous top football club owners from around the world.
[Remember how I said these matches would be broadcast globally? Well, football club owners worldwide are watching your performance. Every match connects directly to the bidding system. The highest bid represents your market value — this is Blue Lock's bidding market!]
A crafty smile spread across Jinpachi's face.
Everyone's eyes locked onto the screen, searching frantically for their names.
[ Rankings ]
…
[ Player: Yoichi Isagi, Bastard München | Value: ¥28,000,000 | Berserk Dortmund ]
…
"Twenty-eight million? And Berserk Dortmund?" Yoichi's eyes widened at the numbers before him.
In the original story, his value after the first match against FC Barcha had been 17 million. But as a starter in this match, he'd had more chances to showcase his abilities. His early mastery of Metavision had improved both his attack and defense, naturally leading to a higher salary.
Meanwhile, Ashito's jaw dropped so dramatically that others worried it might have come unhinged.
[ Rankings ]
…
[ Player: Ashito Aoi, Bastard München | Value: ¥7,000,000 | Hamburger SV ]
…
"Seven million? Hamburg... is that your club, Wakabayashi-senpai?"
Though Ashito's price was likely the lowest among today's players, to him it was beyond imagination. His mind already raced with thoughts of what he could buy for his family.
"Yes, that's right." Genzō said, lifting his head to find his own name.
[ Rankings ]
…
[ Player: Genzō Wakabayashi, Bastard München | Value: ¥90,000,000 | Bastard München ]
…
90 million, from Bastard München. This annual salary far exceeded his initial contract with Hamburg, which had been a modest youth contract due to his inexperience.
Despite playing several successful matches for Hamburg, Genzō's poor relationship with the head coach had led to trade rumors — his departure seemed inevitable.
The Blue Lock project could be his chance to increase his market value even further.
"Wakabayashi at 90 million? That's insane!" Ashito exclaimed, stunned by Genzō's market value.
It was more than ten times his own value — an amount he felt he couldn't spend in a lifetime.
"Damn, is it because I didn't get to play?"
Jingo grumbled at seeing the big '0' next to his name, while Rensuke's eyes scanned upward, searching for Ryōsuke's name.
At the top of the list, Ryōsuke's name appeared.
[ Rankings ]
[ Nº 1 - Player: Sae Itoshi, FC Barcha | Value: ¥300,000,000 | Re Al ]
[ Nº 1 - Player: Michael Kaiser, Bastard München | Value: ¥300,000,000 | Bastard München ]
[ Nº 2 - Player: Ryōsuke Kira, Bastard München | Value: ¥200,000,000 | Bastard München ]
[ Nº 3 - Player: Tsubasa Ōzora, FC Barcha | Value: ¥100,000,000 | FC Barcha ]
…
Ryōsuke ranked second at 200 million, designated by Bastard München. First place was shared by Sae, designated by Re Al at 300 million, and Michael, designated by Bastard München at the same amount. Tsubasa took third place, designated by FC Barcha at 100 million.
"Am I... am I seeing things?" Ashito rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
[No, you're not seeing things.]
Jinpachi said with a smile.
[After the second stage ends, these contracts will automatically take effect — though whether to accept them is your choice.] He pushed up his glasses and continued, [Additionally, excluding foreign players, the top 23 players by market value will automatically be included in the selection list for this U-20 World Cup.]
"They're using market value to determine eligibility?" Jingo frowned.
"But Kira outperformed everyone in this match, especially Kaiser. Why is his annual salary only 200 million?" Yoichi asked.
Others nodded in agreement — based on this match alone, Ryōsuke had completely dominated both Sae and Michael.
[That's because this is just the first match. Though Kira performed excellently, he's only just emerged on the world stage, while Sae Itoshi and Kaiser have already proven themselves internationally. There isn't enough data yet — that's why his current value isn't as high as theirs. But I'll tell you this: he's the only one to reach 200 million based on a single match.]
Jinpachi explained.
Though Ryōsuke's annual salary wasn't yet at Michael's and Sae's level, this was just one match. Neither of them had achieved such results in their professional debuts.
It was only a matter of time before Ryōsuke surpassed them.
[As the matches continue, your market values will gradually increase — so keep working hard.] Jinpachi continued, [By the way, the other match between France and Italy has ended. Ubers won 5:3!]
"What? Rin and Shidō lost?" Yoichi's eyes widened in disbelief.
Even though they couldn't match Ryōsuke, Ryūsei and Rin were among Blue Lock's top talents — how had they lost?
Yoichi's mind raced as he wondered who could be on the Italian team... Could it be Shoei?
At this moment, Ego Jinpachi continued:
[Let me show you the scoring rankings after today's matches.]
A new list appeared, showing the current scoring rankings.
Ryōsuke dominated the field in first place with four goals. Kojiro Hyuga held second with three goals, having completed a hat-trick against Paris X Gen!
"Who is Kojiro Hyuga?" Ashito asked curiously.
"He was my teammate on the national youth team — an incredibly strong player!" Tsubasa replied enthusiastically.
He himself placed third on the scoring list with two goals, while Shoei Baro took fourth place.
[That concludes our rankings. Now prove your worth to me — whether as forwards or in other positions!] Jinpachi announced, his gaze fixed on Ryōsuke. [Prepare yourselves. In ten days, you'll face England's Manshine City.]
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Meanwhile, in Bastard München's dormitory, Michael angrily punched the wall.
"Don't be angry, Michael — it's just one match. Let that clown Ryōsuke show off for a bit!" Alexis quickly tried to comfort him.
"Alexis, do you know why we joined Blue Lock?" Michael turned, fixing him with an intense stare.
"To leave Bastard München and increase our market value." Alexis replied without hesitation.
"But look at the result!" Michael snarled through gritted teeth, "Our market value hasn't increased — if anything, it's been damaged! Did you see? Bastard München designated Ryōsuke at 200 million after just one match! The fact that they designated him when they've already designated me means only one thing — they think he can replace me!"
His voice trembled with urgency, his face contorted with anxiety. Never before had he shown such distress.
"Alexis, go ahead without me. I need time alone... I must watch the recording of this match, study that guy properly... I will crush him!"
With that, Michael stormed off to the video room, leaving Alexis alone in the dormitory.
After he left, Alexis's expression twisted.
Hatred, anger, frustration... and jealousy.
"Damn Ryōsuke, damn Ryōsuke! Making Michael fixate on his very existence!" He bit his lip until it bled, his eyes burning with rage.
❖❖❖
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