Blue Lock: 13 Steps

|| Prove Your Worth ||

"You ready," Yukimiya asked Sho as they began putting on their assigned jerseys over their Blue Lock jumpsuits. "Yeah, of course, I'm just ready to see how good you and Karasu are," answered Sho, gazing towards their jerseys. "I agree," spoke Yukimiya, looking towards Karasu's number 6 badge. From across the changing room, Karasu caught Yukimiya's gaze and lightly chuckled. "No need to feel down Yukimiya, you're only four points below me. We should both worry about Sho. He's the weak link in our team." Stated Karasu as Sho pulled on the sleeves of his number 14 jersey. "You'll learn to respect me sooner or later." Said Sho as he stepped out of the changing room towards the pitch.

In the empty field, two big monitors hung from the walls. One monitor swiftly counted down from two and a half minutes until the start of their match, while the other monitor showed the rank of everyone that was about to battle.

Tabito Karasu: Rank 6

Kenyu Yukimiya: Rank 10

Shihoin Sho: Rank 14

Versus

Eita Otoya: Rank 8

Shoei Baro: Rank 12

Meguru Bachira: Rank 18

'Where have I heard Baro's name?' Thought Sho, as he soon disregarded his thoughts about the player. He analyzed the field, immediately noticing the small size of the pitch, as well as Blue Lock Man as his goalkeeper from the corner of his eye. Sho poked and prodded the hologram until the rest of the players came out from their respective sides.

"Out of the way trash. Don't stand in front of me." Angrily said from across the field.

Sho turned his back from Blue Lock Man and watched as the rest of his team and Otoya's walked out from their respective sides of the large room, housing a miniature field.

The two large monitors that hung from the walls quickly changed from their ranking and showed the mysterious man known as Jinpachi Ego, as he got straight to the point, disregarding formalities.

"This match will happen on this mini field that has an area of 40(131 feet) by 30 (98 feet) meters. The goal size is also smaller. The goalkeeper's on both sides of the field will be the hologram, Blue Lock Man. Those who win will be able to steal a player from the opposite team and advance to the next round, and the team who's a member short will go down a stage. Three versus three, first to five goals!" Jinpachi explained, releasing his finger off a button, ending his explanation.

Baro's attention was quickly averted from his trash teammates beside him to prey he's had his eyes on for more than a few weeks. Before he could confront his target, a loud ring blared every second counting, down from five, stopping him in his tracks.

He leisurely got into position and stretched his arms as everyone else followed suit, mentally and physically preparing themselves.

Animosity slowly grew in some of their hearts as both teams imagined the other under their boot.

Each second felt like an eternity as the clock counted down from three seconds.

3....

2...

1..

Kickoff!

Sho started the kickoff with a quick pass towards his higher-ranked teammate, Karasu. "Let's see what you got," whispered Sho.

"I know what to expect from him, so let me deal with him," said Otoya, addressing the rest of his teammates. "Whatever you say, I got Sho then," added Bachira.