Jinpachi Ego had carefully selected all three hundred forwards for Blue Lock after thorough research, including Ryōsuke.
With his excellent soccer skills, natural talent, and personal charisma, Jinpachi believed Ryōsuke could become an impressive soccer star under normal circumstances.
However, this wasn't the type of forward he sought — he needed someone with extraordinary scoring abilities. Though Ryōsuke showed promise, he fell short of expectations, and Jinpachi doubted someone with his personality could survive Blue Lock.
Yet Ryōsuke's performance had exceeded Jinpachi's expectations, as he adapted swiftly to the environment and rules.
His decisive judgment and confident display of abilities in front of his teammates had gradually earned him control of the team.
Jinpachi found himself curious about Ryōsuke's future performance in Blue Lock.
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In Team Z's room, silence hung heavy after Jinpachi's speech. The sudden elimination Selection weighed on everyone's minds.
Gurimu Igarashi — a name they barely knew — had his soccer career abruptly ended. Though no one had particularly liked him, with his mediocre talent, casual attitude, and tendency for petty tricks, watching someone's future vanish so suddenly left everyone unsettled.
Survival of the fittest — this was Blue Lock's iron law.
At this moment, the familiar system voice chimed in Ryōsuke's ear.
〘 Congratulations! Earned Competition Points: 10! 〙
'So even this demon-killing game awards Competition Points? Any soccer-related competition must count.' Ryōsuke touched his chest, thinking, 'Ten points seems low, but this wasn't an official match. Once real matches begin, I'll earn more Points and unlock new Techniques to expand my attacking arsenal.'
Meanwhile, Rensuke Kunigami watched him intently from afar.
The way Ryōsuke had caught and controlled that powerfully kicked ball with his chest revealed his exceptional physical ability and technique. Though Rensuke had heard of him before, he never expected such strength.
"Um, that ball wasn't meant for you earlier. I'm very sorry." Rensuke approached with an apology.
Though the test had ended, the usually straightforward Rensuke felt embarrassed that his ball, intended for Gurimu, had struck someone else.
"It's nothing. What matters is that we both passed the selection. From now on, we're teammates—please take care of me." Ryōsuke responded with a polite smile.
Though he approached serious matters with intense focus, Ryōsuke was naturally cheerful and easy-going in everyday situations.
"Since we're teammates now, let's work well together. We'll be fighting side by side soon. I'm Ryōsuke Kira, pleased to meet you." He extended his hand.
"Yes, I'm Rensuke Kunigami, pleased to meet you too." Sensing Ryōsuke's approachable nature, Rensuke shook his hand.
Ryōsuke then gathered everyone for introductions, knowing that building team rapport was essential for their long journey ahead. This helped dispel the earlier tension, lifting everyone's spirits.
"I'm Yoichi Isagi from Ichinan High School, pleased to meet you!"
"I'm Wataru Kuon, let's all do our best together."
"Hyōma Chigiri."
…
As the introductions concluded, the atmosphere had noticeably lightened. Ryōsuke's warmth and humor helped him connect with several teammates.
The group dispersed to explore the facility. Blue Lock residents were free to use designated areas — the cafeteria, bathrooms, soccer field, and gym. These comprehensive facilities allowed them to create personalized training schedules.
As Team Z members prepared to explore their new environment, Yoichi approached Ryōsuke quietly. "Kira-kun, want to grab something to eat?"
"Sure, I wanted to check out the cafeteria too." Ryōsuke nodded with a smile and left with him.
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They arrived at the cafeteria — a shared space for all five teams in the building — which was spacious and spotlessly clean.
The facility was fully automated with high-tech equipment, no staff in sight. Players simply placed their trays at self-service machines, which dispensed meals according to their rankings.
The higher the ranking, the better the food — Ryōsuke recognized this as Jinpachi's clever strategy.
By offering privileges to skilled players, Jinpachi had created a system where class differences would fuel competition among them.
Ryōsuke scanned the room until his eyes found a sign:
{ One goal = 1 Point, can be exchanged for desired items. }
{ 1 Point: Steak, massage. }
{ 3 Points: Return of phone. }
{ 5 Points: Premium bed. }
{ 10 Points: 1-day outside pass. }
In Blue Lock, scoring goals meant earning Points for better privileges.
While the food rewards didn't interest Ryōsuke much, getting his phone back and the outside pass caught his attention. He'd need 13 Points total — meaning 13 goals in matches.
For him, that seemed within reach.
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