SCORE (Blue Lock)

22

The PTSD of riding in the fancy black car to the press conference was only additional anxiety on top of the nervousness that was flooding my body about having to speak to the JFU. I was staring out the window in the car, fiddling with my fingers. What exactly was I supposed to say to these people? How was I supposed to convince them that Blue Lock was the key to changing Japan's future in soccer? I wasn't even the best player in the program... They should have highlighted Rin or even Isagi. He would know what to say.

"If you keep making that face you are going to sweat," Ego told me with a grumble from the seat across from me. "I need you took confident, not nervous."

"I don't like speaking in front of crowds," I whispered.

"Well neither do I, but guess what, life is full of things you don't want to do," Ego bluntly shot back. "This is one of them. Just relax."

"You should have chosen someone else," I told him with a frown.

Ego sighed. "Where is the attitude you gave me when you begged your way into this program? Harness that energy, will you? These old geezers will only respond if you make an impression on them. I want you to stand out here. You're the best for this job."

The car slowed to a stop outside a small convention center that was lined with people at the entrance. My eyes widened. "Why are all these people here?"

"To see you, Number Three," Ego stated. "I did some light advertising."

"Light advertising? Those people have cameras!" I exclaimed.

"Yes! You are going to smile at them and wave," Anri suggested, giving me a gentle smile. "Just be friendly! Don't overthink it too much."

Before I could argue and try to talk my way out of this, the driver opened the door to my car. I held back a squeak and stepped out of the car. Immediately people were taking pictures of me and staring my direction. Oh God... Anri's words moments before set in. I awkwardly smiled and waved at them as Anri and Ego also got out of the car. Anri told me I was doing a job quietly before leading me ahead and towards the entrance of the building behind Ego.

Luckily, it was less busy inside and I relaxed slightly as we moved through the building. Ego led the way to a conference room that had the doors closed before stopping outside them and turning to me. "This is it. Don't let me down, Number Three. This all rides on you."

I stiffened and had no time to think about it before he opened the doors. Inside were people sitting in chairs, some with cameras and others just casually waiting. Yet everyone turned to look at us entering the room and I looked directly at Ego's back nervously, avoiding all the eyes as we walked along the wall.

Anri directed me to wait beside her as Ego stepped up onto the small stage and got behind a podium. He looked around for a moment before starting, "My name is Ego Jinpachi. I am the director of the Blue Lock program. Today we are here to discuss the future of Blue Lock, the soccer facility that is destined to change the future of Japanese soccer and deliver the world's best striker." A screen showed several clips of players in Blue Lock during games, including some of former team and current team. "In the past numerous weeks, 300 young individuals have fought their way to continue in the program by demonstrating talent and taking out the competition through several trying games and matches. The Second Selection of our program left us with only 165 and tomorrow the Third Selection will reduce that number to only 35 players remaining. Those who are left have proven they are worthy of a chance to finally begin the ultimate test of becoming a great striker on an international field. Yet, the Japanese Football Union thinks that Blue Lock is not producing great enough results to continue the program. Today, I am here to change your minds. Today, I have brought to you a player that has defied many odds and disadvantages and yet has risen to the top a very defined and select group." A picture of me appeared on the screen. "Iteya Keiko." Some people stared at the screen as if this was news to them. "Blue Lock was originally designed to be a space for 300 male players to compete. But the dropout of a promised player allowed room for another to rise, a female with enough audacity to demand her way into the program and was allowed so on the condition that she would ranked dead last on the list of players. Many thought that allowing a female into such a rigorous program was crazy and unfair. Iteya was given no special treatment, no exceptions, no hand outs, and no advantages. Yet, out of the 165 players currently in Blue Lock, she has found herself to be ranked 3rd. So she is here to help all of you realize that Blue Lock is a program that is making a difference on the young players of Japan." Ego stopped and looked at me. "Number Three, get up here."