Riko noticed that Ryōsuke's body had become more muscular, with more defined lines. He had only been at Blue Lock for a few days — was it just her imagination?
His physical condition had improved compared to before. Though the change wasn't dramatic, it showed the results of consistent training. Most people wouldn't notice such details, especially since he usually wore clothes that concealed his physique.
"It must be the phone filter." She thought to herself, then nodded at him.
[Your physique is decent enough — I'll give you a passing grade!]
"Just passing? I've been maintaining intense training every day!" Ryōsuke replied.
[As you should! The training plan I made for you before was too gentle. I should have made you do survival training in the mountains.]
"Please spare me!"
[By the way, when can you all come out?]
"Theoretically, we can't leave Blue Lock until we're eliminated. I personally think I'll be staying here for quite a while." Ryōsuke said while looking at Riko on his phone screen, "Well, scoring ten goals can earn you one day outside. I might exchange for that."
[Ten goals for just one day out? What else can you exchange for?]
She asked curiously.
"Things like steaks, but I'm not really interested. Ten goals might take two or three matches — it should work out just right by the end of this round."
[What are you planning to do when you come out?]
"Come see you, of course! Your place isn't far from here, and the cafeteria food here is just so-so. Nothing compares to your cooking — I want to taste your food again!" Ryōsuke answered with a smile.
[Well...]
Hearing his words, Riko clenched her fists slightly, lowered her head shyly, and bit her lips. Soon, a smile appeared on her face as she looked at the screen.
[Alright, I'll be waiting! You better score those ten goals!]
"Got it! Don't worry!"
[One more thing!]
Her expression turned serious as she leaned forward and reached out to touch the screen, as if touching Ryōsuke's forehead.
[You have to win it all, okay? Show that arrogant guy what you're made of!]
"Yes, it's a promise." He nodded.
[You probably have training later, so I won't keep you! Contact me if anything comes up! When do you think you'll be back? I'll prepare lots of delicious food for you!]
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After finishing his call with Riko, Ryōsuke arrived at Team Z's exclusive field, where everyone turned to stare at him.
He could feel their envious gazes.
"Um, Riko isn't my..."
Before he could finish explaining, Meguru stepped forward and patted his shoulder.
"I understand. After all, you're kind of a minor celebrity, Kira. It would cause trouble if the media found out. I'll definitely keep your secret."
After speaking, he gave Ryōsuke a thumbs up with a "you can totally trust me" expression.
"..."
He sighed helplessly, knowing that explanations would be futile now.
"Everyone's tired today, so we'll keep it light. Let's practice basic coordination and tactics. Tomorrow, we'll review today's match footage in the monitoring room to analyze our performance. We also need to study Team Y and Team V's match — despite the score difference, they're both future opponents we can't underestimate."
According to the original story, their next match would be against Team Y. Though Team Y had just lost 8-0 to Team V, they weren't to be taken lightly.
They had two notable players — Hibiki Okawa, who possessed excellent scoring ability.
But his teammate Ikki Niko was even more crucial as Team Y's strategic core, masterfully planning their layout and counter-attacking tactics.
Their first-round opponent, Team V, was the strongest of the five teams. In the original story, three of their players had scored an impressive 18 goals in the first four matches.
There was Reo Mikage with his perfect control and passing, Zantetsu Tsurugi with his incredible acceleration, and the genius Seishiro Nagi, who possessed unparalleled physical talent and extraordinary ball control, capable of receiving and shooting from any angle or position.
Most remarkably, Seishiro had only been playing football for half a year, yet had already reached heights that few could achieve.
The match against them would undoubtedly be challenging.
However, Team Z's match with Team V would be their last. Ryōsuke knew he needed to focus on the immediate opponent while continuing to improve his own abilities.
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Team Y's locker room.
The atmosphere was ice-cold.
Under Ikki's leadership, Team Y had quickly established their tactics, unlike the disorganized Team X. Yet against pure talent, their strategy proved futile. Team V's three stars tore through their defense with ease, time after time.
Their ace player, Seishiro, hadn't even broken a sweat — treating the match like a casual workout, scoring at will before stepping aside to rest.
Unable to score even once, Team Y's frustration was palpable.
"What's done is done." Ikki said, clapping his hands, his thick bangs shadowing his eyes.
He hoped to thaw the frigid atmosphere while rallying everyone for what lay ahead.
With one loss already and only two of five teams advancing, they were teetering on the edge — another defeat would spell elimination.
"Let's learn from our mistakes and focus on the upcoming matches. Team X and Team Z just finished their game. We'll face both teams soon, so let's head to the monitoring room to study today's footage and analyze our future opponents."
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