Chapter 9: Rivalry Ignites
Neon Football Association Headquarters – Tokyo
"Itoshi Sae, don't do this. The media will eat you alive," his agent said nervously.
Sae didn't stop walking.
"This kind of thing doesn't matter."
His tone was glacial—unapologetic and certain.
Then he halted, his hands in his pockets. He turned his head slightly.
"…Where are those two now?"
"Huh?"
"Yūshin Zeya. Yūshin Seiichi."
The agent blinked. "Oh—those two. Looks like they're still playing in the national high school league. Competing locally."
Sae's brow twitched, faintly.
"…What the hell are those idiots doing?"
He scoffed.
"So many European academies begged for them. And they stayed in this football desert?"
His lip curled.
"Idiots."
Back when he left Japan, they were the only players who matched his tempo—
Especially Seiichi, whose midfield control and surgical passing could bend the entire pitch to his will.
Not even his own brother had caught up yet.
If those two are still here…
Then maybe I haven't completely wasted my time returning.
Blue Lock – Block 5
The first match of Blue Lock's group stage was about to begin.
Tension swirled through Team Z's locker room.
"Stop arguing already!" Yūshin Seiichi clapped his hands together. "Let's settle positions the scientific way—rock-paper-scissors."
"Tch. Fine," Jingo Raichi grunted. "But don't cry when you lose."
Ten minutes later…
"WHY AM I A DEFENDER?!" Igarashi Gurimu wailed.
"Didn't we all agree to accept the results?" Seiichi said, patting him on the shoulder. "Besides, we rotate every ten minutes."
"Still! This is cruel!"
"Relax," Seiichi said, tossing a ball lightly into the air. "As long as we place in the top two, we move on."
"We've got Yūshin Seiichi with us!" someone shouted.
"I'm scoring the most goals!" Raichi snapped. "You all better feed me!"
They filed out of the tunnel toward the pitch.
Their opponent: Team X.
On the Field
Team X emerged from the opposite tunnel.
Kunigami Rensuke narrowed his eyes as he scanned their formation.
"That's Team X…"
Seiichi immediately spotted him.
Barō Shōei.
The self-proclaimed king.
Barō walked ahead, swaggering, until he came face-to-face with Seiichi.
"Well, well," Barō sneered. "Didn't think I'd find you here. Where's your little twin? Scared?"
Seiichi smiled coolly. "I'm honored you remember me."
"Zeya's in another block. Too bad—you only get to lose to one of us today."
Barō's smirk twisted into a glare.
"Still arrogant as ever…"
"Oh, and look at this." Seiichi leaned in slightly, pointing at his sleeve. "I'm ranked 21st. You're 250th. That's a 229-point gap, Barō-kun~"
"You little—!"
Barō grabbed him by the collar.
Isagi Yoichi and Kunigami quickly stepped between them.
"Chill out. Save it for the game," Kunigami growled.
Barō released his grip and scoffed. "I'll crush you on the pitch."
Seiichi straightened his collar, unfazed.
"Looking forward to it."
Isagi looked at him.
"You okay?"
"Thanks, Isagi. I'm fine," Seiichi said with a confident smile. "But today, you're our center forward. So it's your time to shine."
Isagi nodded, his eyes firm. "I won't let you down."
Kickoff – Team Z vs. Team X
"Block 5 Match 1: Team Z versus Team X. 45-minute halves. Kickoff."
Whistle.
The ball rolled back from Bachira Meguru to Isagi Yoichi.
Let's go. I'm the lowest-ranked here. I've got nothing to lose.
Isagi surged forward—but was immediately double-teamed.
Should I pass? Rebuild?
Before he could decide, Raichi barreled in and snatched the ball.
"Outta my way, loser!"
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Isagi shouted.
"Whoever scores the most goals survives! I'm not passing!"
Seiichi sighed on the sideline.
Here we go again…
The chaos only worsened.
Barō Shōei intercepted a misplayed pass and burst down the middle like a storm.
"I've got him!" Isagi stepped up.
But—
Rainbow flick.
He was gone.
Then came the nutmegs—
Igarashi. Naruhaya. Gone like paper.
Barō surged into shooting range.
"Try me, punk!" shouted Iemon Okuhito, the goalkeeper.
But just as Barō drew back his leg—
Slide!
Seiichi came out of nowhere and cleanly stole the ball.
Barō turned in shock.
"You—!"
Seiichi didn't answer. He spun out of Barō's reach and sprinted into space.
Barō chased, fury in every stride.
"You're not getting past me again!"
Seiichi slowed slightly, waiting for the right moment.
Then—
Step-over. Shoulder feint.
Barō hesitated—
And fell flat.
Seiichi stood over him, foot on the ball, calm and merciless.
Checkmate.
Then—
Outside-foot pass.
The ball curled across the field like a blade.
Kunigami Rensuke timed it perfectly.
BOOM!
Right foot. Top corner.
Goal!
Team Z ties it—1–1!
The crowd roared in disbelief.
Barō punched the turf.
Seiichi turned, stretching his arms wide like a conductor finishing a symphony.
"Welcome to Blue Lock," he said calmly.