Project: Bland King

Chapter 74: Blue Lock Japan

Social Media was all over the U-20 World Cup Group Stage lottery with the creation of what is now being called... the Group of Death.

'Grouped with France and England? They're screwed. Even Nigeria is crazy strong.'

'Talk about a death group.'

'Blue Lock is done.'

'I believe in them.'

'Baro will figure something out. Not that I'd know.'

'They'll make it through, trust.'

'67.'

'They'll need a miracle to even beat Nigeria. A team of strikers can't win a professional game. The U-20 exhibition match was a fluke!'

...

Ego addressed everyone who arrived.

"Time for Orientation. You're no longer the players you were two weeks ago. You've acquired various new weapons, and their respective combinations will be the lifeline to victory. The history of your victories so far, your bonds, any crass ideas of doing things 'for the sake of Blue Lock'..."

His eyes widened, looking on in utter delirium.

"Throw it all away. I will use all of you to achieve my dream. So, I want you to use me to achieve your dreams. Right now, you're shouldering the hopes of Japanese football. But what of it? Don't make this moment the peak of your life. Don't be someone who lives just on the foundation of this memory."

He scrunched his hand.

"TRANSCEND ALL THOSE EGOS. LET'S GO."

Kiyotaka slouched on the wall, glancing ahead.

I didn't really check social media while I was abroad, but the public must be unhappy about this. Getting England and France is quite unfortunate; I didn't think I'd face Loki again so quickly.

Ego stretched out his hands as icons of Nigeria, France, and England popped on the screen behind him.

"Our first game is against last year's African Champions, Nigeria!! Next, we'll face the world's top-ranked team, France. And in the third match, the birthplace of football, England!!! Come with me, you lumps of talent. It's time for the special training that will lead you to victory. In the thirty days before the tournament... I'll reform you into a brand-new egotist team!"

Isagi smirked, "All right!"

The U-20 World Cup... final training starts now!!!!!

Shido smirked, "I've never been this fired up."

Kiyotaka raised an eyebrow, "Really?"

"Of course. I got some ground I gotta catch before I debut as a professional footballer."

Ego pulled up Blue Lock's schedule for the following 30 days, already getting to work.

...

...

...

With his white hoodie on and aimlessly playing in an arcade by himself, Nagi Seishiro's eyes were dead, empty of the resolve he showed a week prior.

That was the right choice, right? I mean, that was the only choice... If I'd accepted that slave contract just to make money for him... it wouldn't be my ego. Betraying Blue Lock and becoming a villain isn't worth it, just for football...