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CH 17

After dealing with Ego's infuriating noodle antics, you decide you need a break-preferably one that doesn't involve listening to obnoxious SLLLLUUUURRRPPP sounds.

With a sigh, you stretch your arms and glance at the time. There's still a while before the players have to make their choices, so you might as well do something productive.

Your body is itching for some movement anyway.

"...Guess I'll hit one of the training rooms for a bit," you mutter to yourself, already making your way toward the practice area.

It's not like you're a player or anything-but keeping your reflexes sharp never hurts.

As you make your way through the cold, prison-like hallways of Blue Lock, the distant echoes of your footsteps bounce off the steel walls. The artificial glow of the overhead lights gives everything a lifeless, almost suffocating feel.

You finally reach the training room. With a deep breath, you push open the door-

BOOM!

The moment you step inside, a ball rockets across the field, cutting through the air like a bullet before slamming into the net with a deafening impact. The goalposts rattle violently, almost as if they're struggling to hold themselves together.

Your head snaps to the side, eyes locking onto the one responsible.

Standing there, calm and composed, as if nothing had happened, is none other than Rin Itoshi.

Rin, hearing the door open, lifts his head. His sharp, icy gaze meets yours, and almost instantly, his expression shifts into one of mild annoyance.

With a small frown and a voice dripping with boredom, he mutters,

"What the hell are you doing here?"

You let out a dramatic sigh, clutching your chest like you'd just taken a fatal blow.

"Ouch, Rin. You wound me." You tilt your head, giving him a look of exaggerated betrayal. "Shouldn't you show a little more respect to your dear manager?"

Rin doesn't even flinch. His expression stays the same-bored, unimpressed.

You drop the act with a chuckle, shaking your head. "Tch, so cold." Then, you stretch your arms casually, glancing around the training room. "I just came here to warm up a little. Didn't expect to find you here, though."

Your eyes flicker to the ball that had just been blasted into the net before locking back onto Rin.

"Honestly, I figured you'd be in the main hall, checking out who's getting placed on your team."

For a moment, Rin just stares at you. His gaze is sharp, calculating-like he's deciding whether your question is even worth answering. Then, finally, he speaks.

"Why would I waste my time on that?" His voice is calm, but there's an unmistakable edge to it.

He shifts his weight slightly, fingers idly spinning the ball at his feet. "I don't care who's on my team."

There's no hesitation. No doubt. Just pure, unyielding confidence.

"The only thing that matters is my strength." His cold turquoise eyes narrow slightly. "The rest? Just insects in my way."

His words hang in the air, heavy and unwavering. You can't help but smirk, crossing your arms.

"That so?"

You pause at the door, glancing over your shoulder with a sly grin. "You know, Rin," you say with a mocking tone, "for someone who thinks he's already at the top, you're still a bit... far from it. You're still just a chick compared to the real powerhouses."