Chapter 9
With the first selection concluded, the players from Team Z and Team V celebrated their victory. Akashi, Isagi, and Bachira decided to take a moment to relax and gather some drinks. Isagi thanked Akashi and Bachira for believing in him and passing him the ball during the crucial moments of the match. Bachira humbly stated that Isagi was the one who had done something amazing and realized his true talent.
Isagi revealed that he had finally understood his weapon and talent as a striker. He explained that he tended to lose shooting chances when trying to control the ball after predicting its path. However, he had discovered that his direct shots were his true strength, and he felt that his time as a striker had begun.
As they enjoyed their drinks, they noticed players from other teams leaving Blue Lock, their dreams shattered. Niko, from Team Y, approached them and congratulated them on surviving. He shared how Isagi's influence had awakened him to switch his style and take more shots himself. Niko vowed to crush Isagi in the upcoming challenges, and Isagi expressed his determination not to lose to him either. The rivalry between the two friends had become an inspiration for their growth.
The next day, Ego informed the players that they would be undergoing physical conditioning without touching the ball. Raichi was annoyed by the delay in starting the second selection, but Ego reminded them that they were at the bottom and needed to follow his instructions.
For the next ten days, the players endured rigorous physical training, preparing themselves for the next stage. The announcer then revealed that the first selection had officially ended, and the players were instructed to gather in the central basement area of Building 5.
As they assembled, Isagi noticed that some players looked beat up, and they learned that players from Buildings 1 to 4 did not exist; they had been a ruse to ignite their hunger for becoming the best in the world. Ego clarified that the second selection would be much harder, with five stages to clear. Only those who passed each stage would advance, and the survivors would participate in a training camp with top players from around the world.
Ego emphasized that the second selection would sift out those who relied on luck or good teammates, leaving only true egoists. He urged the players to go through the door one by one when they were ready to face the challenges ahead.
The players deliberated on who should go first, and Rin Itoshi surprised them by skillfully kicking two balls into the air. Akashi, in his usual nonchalant manner, intercepted one of the balls and effortlessly went past Itoshi Rin. He confidently lined up at the door, declaring he was done with his warm-up and ready to enter. Rin Itoshi's name appeared on the challenger list, revealing he was Sae Itoshi's brother.
The tension in the room increased as Isagi and the others marveled at the unreal talent surrounding them. However, they each found the courage to step up and claim their own uniqueness. Isagi decided to go first, passing through the door to face the challenges of the second selection, ready to prove his worth as a striker. The next chapter of Blue Lock had begun, promising even greater trials and transformations for the players.