Chapter 56: Recruited from U-20
20 hours remain before team selections close…
In the VIP briefing room, Ego Jinpachi stood before the six core players of Blue Lock.
"The purpose of this adaptability test is simple," Ego began. His sharp gaze swept across the room. "In the previous round, each of you made an undeniable impact."
"Now, I want more."
He clicked a remote. A formation diagram appeared—two-man striker pairings.
"Three teams. A, B, C. Each built around a double-striker experiment."
"Your job is to showcase a new brand of attack. One that cannot be created by a single player."
"Use your teammate as a weapon. Treat them as a tool to make yourself number one in the world."
Silence followed.
Ego's voice turned even colder.
"The football you create will become the sword that severs Japan's outdated football ideals."
"I expect a challenge worthy of destruction."
⸻
On the bench nearby, Seiichi nudged Zeya's shoulder, smirking. "Zeya. Don't let me beat you in the adaptability test. That'd be boring."
Zeya didn't look back. "…Let's hope your words live up to your game," he replied flatly before walking away.
Shidō Ryusei leaned lazily against a stool, watching with a wolfish grin.
"Your brother's real cold to you, huh?"
He spun toward Seiichi and added with a teasing tone, "So how about it, Seiichi ? Be mine. I'm sincere, you know~"
Seiichi blinked, distracted.
Zeya's words left him oddly unsettled.
What was that just now…?
Did he give up before the fight even started?
No… that's not like him.
⸻
Elsewhere – Blue Lock Monitoring Room
Ego slurped from a cup of instant noodles, sitting cross-legged among scattered documents and empty cups.
Click.
The door creaked open.
Anri Teieri entered without knocking—again.
Seeing the mess, she sighed and began rolling up her sleeves to clean.
But her phone buzzed.
"…It's for you," she said, holding it out. "President Hirotoshi Buratsuta."
Ego's chopsticks paused mid-air. "Tch. That guy…"
⸻
Ten minutes later…
The phone clicked off. Ego's expression was tight.
"What happened?" Anri asked immediately.
Ego took a breath, then said flatly:
"The U-20 wants to recruit Yūshin Zeya—early."
Anri's eyes widened. "But… wasn't it agreed that no one would be called until they turned eighteen?!"
Ego nodded grimly. "True. But the League is exploiting a clause. They're forcing one early selection—and they want Zeya."
He clenched his fists.
"If we lose him now, our win rate tanks. He's not just a piece—he's the f***ing backbone."
Anri frowned. "How can they do this? He's our core."
"They're using leverage," Ego spat. "Buratsuta said if I don't agree, they'll cancel the match. Claim the whole project's a failure."
His voice dropped.
"It's dirty. But we're out of moves."
"…So what now?" Anri asked.
Ego stood. "Get Zeya. I need to speak with him directly."
⸻
Later – Same Room
Click.
The door opened.
Step. Step.
Zeya entered, calm and composed. He met Ego's eyes without hesitation.
Ego spoke first. "I assume Anri told you."
"She did."
"Then you know your next stop is the U-20."
Zeya nodded. "I do."
"Any final thoughts?" Ego asked.
Zeya inhaled deeply. "Yes."
"I'd like to complete one match in the adaptability test… before I go."
Ego arched a brow. "You'll mess up the schedule."
"I know," Zeya said firmly. "But this is something I need to finish—for myself."
Ego scratched his temple, then smirked.
"…Alright. I'll allow it."
Zeya bowed. "Thank you."
"But not because I'm kind," Ego added, leaning back in his chair.
"It's because it benefits me."
His eyes sparkled with something dangerous.
He remembered that brutal, selfish spark in Team Z. The madness. The ambition.
If Seiichi and Zeya clashed on the field again—
It might just change everything.