The Start of Blue Lock
Chapter 2: The Birth of Blue Lock
The Blue Lock project officially begins, and tensions rise as the players gather. Ego, known for his strong personality, takes the lead and delivers an impassioned speech. However, before he can finish, a figure bursts onto the field. It's Akashi Seijuro, charging in with unparalleled speed and agility, ready to prove himself as the Emperor of the Field.
At the JFU meeting, Anri Teieri, a bold and determined individual, voices her concerns about Japan's chances of winning the World Cup. Hirotoshi Buratsuta dismisses her aspirations, prioritizing financial gain over national glory. Anri insists that Japan can achieve greatness and claims that Jinpachi Ego is the key to their success.
In Team Z, Akashi replaces the character of Yudai Imamura. During a tag game, Isagi kicks the ball towards Kira, but Akashi intercepts it mid-air with a spectacular bicycle kick, aiming it at Kira's face. Confused and frustrated, Kira cannot comprehend what just happened. The atmosphere crackled with a mix of astonishment and excitement. The other participants couldn't help but recognize Akashi's exceptional skill and natural talent. Blue Lock had just gained a formidable contender in the form of the prodigy. As the dust settled and Kira regained his composure, a smirk formed on Akashi's face. This was just the beginning of his journey at Blue Lock, and he was prepared to show everyone why he deserved to be there. Akashi Seijuro was ready to dominate the field and become the ultimate striker Blue Lock sought.
Ego congratulates the winners and eliminates the losers. Kira, angered by the outcome, expresses his discontent, questioning the relevance of such a chaotic game to football. Ego explains that in Blue Lock, everything is connected to football, emphasizing the importance of mastering the limited space of a penalty area. He highlights the significance of strategic positioning, precise aiming, and a keen sense of interpersonal space for a striker.
Kira, still resistant, argues that true talent cannot be measured in a mere two minutes. Ego counters by explaining that in a typical 90-minute game, the average player only spends around 136 seconds on the ball. He confronts Kira's lack of initiative and ambition, emphasizing the importance of seizing every opportunity to make an impact on the game.
Ego discusses the presence of an "egoism" within great players, pushing them to achieve greatness. The physical test at Blue Lock was a crucial evaluation of the participants' athletic abilities. It was a chance for Akashi Seijuro to demonstrate his prowess beyond his exceptional football skills. As Team Z lined up for the sprinting test, anticipation filled the air. The signal sounded, and the runners burst into action. Akashi's legs propelled him forward with lightning speed, leaving everyone else in his wake. He crossed the finish line with ease, securing the top spot and establishing himself as the fastest in Team Z. Next came the jump test, where participants were required to showcase their leaping abilities. Once again, Akashi dominated, soaring above his competitors effortlessly. His vertical leap was astounding, and he landed with grace, leaving the others in awe of his natural athleticism. One by one, they moved through various physical tests, from strength exercises to agility drills. Each time, Akashi outperformed his peers, displaying an unmatched level of physicality. His strength, speed, and coordination were unparalleled, putting him in a league of his own.
Team Z continues training, and Isagi finds himself comparing his skills to his teammates'. Doubts and insecurities plague him until he encounters Bachira, who invites him to train together. Bachira, sharing his insights with Isagi, suggests that the monster can guide them to success. Intrigued by the idea, Isagi becomes determined to tap into this hidden potential within himself. Bachira explains the concept of the inner monster, igniting Isagi's curiosity and motivating him to uncover his own potential.
Akashi Pov
As the night settled in, Akashi found himself unable to sleep. Intrigued by the sounds emanating from the training room, he made his way there. Inside, he discovered Bachira and Isagi engaged in a fierce one-on-one training session. Bachira, a perceptive individual, sensed a hidden power within Isagi but admitted that the true monster among them was Akashi. He could feel an Emperor-like aura radiating from him—a force that demanded respect and attention. Just as the intensity reached its peak, Akashi interrupted their training, stepping into the room. The sudden silence enveloped the space as Bachira and Isagi turned to face him, surprise etched on their faces. With a calm demeanor, Akashi told them to rest and prepare for the next challenge. The statement carried a weight that echoed through the room, reminding everyone of the challenge that lay ahead. Bachira and Isagi exchanged glances, acknowledging the presence of a true monster within their team. They understood that Akashi possessed an unparalleled talent and an indomitable spirit, making him a crucial challenge in their pursuit of becoming the ultimate striker.
Their session is interrupted by an announcement calling everyone back to their rooms to check the latest rankings. Returning to Team Z's room, Isagi discovers that his rank is 274, only one place ahead of Igarashi. Ego appears on the screen and reminds the players of their current environment and the need to improve their skills to access better resources.
Ego reveals that the 1st Selection is about to begin, involving the 55 players in Building 5. Teams will compete against each other, with the top two teams advancing to the second selection. The players of Team Z engage in a heated debate about their positions, but Ego intervenes, emphasizing the importance of creating football from scratch and the need for a hero rather than teamwork.
Meanwhile, Sae Itoshi, a genius midfielder, is interviewed and expresses his disillusionment with Japan's football, stating his dream of winning the Champions League. Despite initially planning to leave Japan, Itoshi decides to stay and witness the birth of a new kind of player that may surprise him.
Uncertainty and excitement fill the air. The players of Blue Lock are about to face their first challenge, determined to become the hero that will revolutionize Japanese football and lead the nation to unprecedented success on the world stage.