After about a week, the first round of the Asian qualifiers ended.
Japan Youth advanced to the second round with a perfect record! They averaged over eight goals per game and hadn't conceded a single goal in the competition!
{T/N: Just to explain, this first round is called the AFC Youth Championship Qualification, where numerous Asian teams face each other in separate groups. After that comes the AFC Youth Championship, which serves as the second round. The teams that perform best will finally go to the U-20 World Cup.}
This impressive record established Japan's dominance in Asia for the time being.
Following the first round, officials evaluated players based on their performances.
The MVP (Most Valuable Player) was, without a doubt, Ryōsuke.
Averaging 4 goals and 3 assists per game with countless steals, he dominated the first round. No other player came close to his level.
Ryōsuke also claimed the top scorer award. Sae won best midfielder, Oliver best defender, and Ken best goalkeeper — Japan swept nearly all the awards.
"Although we've successfully advanced, we haven't yet made it out of Asia. There's still another round to play — and our next opponents will definitely be much stronger than those in the first round." Jinpachi said seriously to Ryōsuke and the others at the Blue Lock facility, "Among them, Thailand is the most concerning."
As he spoke, he nodded slightly, and Takeshi walked out from the side. After tapping the computer lightly, data about Thailand Youth immediately appeared on the large wall screen.
The Thailand team had also advanced to the next round with a perfect record in their group and scored nearly double-digit goals in each match, proving they were formidable opponents.
"According to my information, after Blue Lock became well-known, Thailand doubled their investment in football. Their players' skill levels have improved dramatically. On offense, they mainly rely on the Khongsawat Brothers, former sepak takraw players whose excellent ball control and seamless coordination make them especially dangerous."
"Those three guys, can't forget them." Yoichi said from the side. He clearly remembered how they had previously come to provoke Blue Lock.
"So you've already had contact with them." Takeshi said, "But the most crucial player is another person, their defender — Bunnag, Singprasert Bunnag. This guy is extremely difficult to deal with; he used to be a Muay Thai boxer."
"A boxer coming to play football..."
"Not only that, there's a troubling pattern — every team that has played against Thailand has had their ace player injured." Takeshi said with a meaningful smile, "And these aren't just minor injuries. Shoulder fractures, broken noses, ankle sprains — all have happened to players who faced Bunnag. This isn't limited to the U-20 World Cup; my research shows the same pattern in Thailand's domestic leagues."
"He caused all those injuries?" Ashito asked in shock, unable to believe such a player existed.
No... He had seen similar tactics before. Nagisa Akutsu from Esperion's Youth A-Team had used such methods against him previously. But even that guy wasn't this vicious.
"How does he avoid being sent off?" Haruhisa asked.
"He's masterful at disguising his actions." Takeshi explained, "He makes subtle movements during challenges and deliberately uses the ball as a weapon — all while making it look unintentional and exploiting the referee's blind spots. Beyond these tactics, his physical attributes are impressive; he's an extremely aggressive defender."
Tatsuya shook his head, disgust evident in his eyes, "Even though he's exploiting rule loopholes and referee limitations, players who rely on methods outside of football won't go far."
As he spoke, he looked down at his leg.
His professional career had been ruined by injuries. Had he remained healthy, he could have achieved a far more brilliant career. This experience made Tatsuya deeply concerned about players' physical well-being, and he thoroughly despised Singprasert's tactics.
"If we were using Blue Lock's internal monitoring system, these dirty tricks would be impossible." Jinpachi said, pushing up his glasses.
Blue Lock employed cutting-edge monitoring technology with zero blind spots that could automatically detect fouls. The system eliminated all inconsistency in refereeing standards.
If Singprasert competed at Blue Lock, he would have no room to operate his tactics and would likely be sent off in every match.
"Unfortunately, due to cost constraints, while the foul monitoring system might be used in the main tournament, the preliminary rounds will still rely on human referees. For now, we can only develop countermeasures against their tactics."
"Also, their team excels at drawing fouls." Tatsuya added, "Be careful during the match. This is a legitimate tactical aspect of the game — we can't underestimate them."
"Understood."
"So, Kira, as our Captain, what do you think?" Jinpachi turned to Ryōsuke, curious about his approach.
"First, we will win — that's beyond doubt." Ryōsuke said, his expression turning extremely serious, "I don't approve of behavior that violates sports ethics. We will defeat them fairly on the field. And I absolutely won't allow them to injure any of our players. If they attempt anything excessive, I will make them pay the price."
He narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze becoming razor-sharp. What he detested most were people who used such unethical methods.
"Hmm." Looking at his expression, Jinpachi nodded, "The second round will start in a few days. Prepare well. Although our goal is to win the world championship, we must take every match seriously."
"By the way, Mr. Ego." Ryōsuke said, seemingly struck by an idea, "I have a rather special plan..."
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Meanwhile, at Thailand Youth.
"Our next opponent is those guys from Blue Lock…" Chana Khongsawat, the youngest of the three brothers, looked at Singprasert with concern, "How should we deal with them?"
Although Thailand had completely dominated their previous matches, they had watched Japan's games and knew that simply beating them wouldn't be enough.
Especially with a monster like Ryōsuke on their team!
The Thailand team had watched Saudi Arabia's match — a team that, while not a powerhouse, was certainly not weak — yet they had no way to handle Ryōsuke.
Thailand Youth knew that defeating Japan would be extremely difficult.
However…
"What is there to be afraid of!"
At that moment, Singprasert threw a punch, smashing the nearby punching bag and bursting it open!
This was already the third punching bag he had destroyed since arriving at the U-20 World Cup. Each of his punches generated enough speed to cut through the air — a direct hit on an ordinary person would likely result in a broken bone. While others frantically practiced coordination and ball skills before the match, he spent every day training in Muay Thai.
"Currently, Ryōsuke is the absolute core of their team. Although each player has excellent scoring ability, only he poses a real threat to us — I just need to completely destroy him!" Singprasert unwrapped the bandages from his fists and smiled, "If Ryōsuke gets injured, their team morale will surely collapse, and they won't stand a chance against us. If any other threats emerge, we'll eliminate them too. We've done this before!"
The smile on Singprasert's face grew even more sinister.
"Strong teams often get knocked out during tournaments when their key players are injured. Unexpected situations are part of competitions! We're simply making these situations more controllable. As long as we maintain this strategy, winning the championship won't be difficult — we'll eliminate every opponent in our path!"
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Three days later, the second round of matches began.
The most anticipated match was between Japan and Thailand!
As the match was about to begin, players from both teams lined up in two parallel rows in the tunnel. They faced each other in silence, tension filling the air.
Suddenly, Singprasert approached Ryōsuke, smiling and extending his hand.
"Looking forward to a good match! Ryōsuke Kira!"
He displayed a kind facade in public, the very picture of hypocrisy. Aware that reporters were filming around them, he carefully performed for the media.
These external impressions could influence referee judgment. Players notorious for brutality on the field naturally drew more attention from officials.
Though Singprasert behaved viciously on the field, he disguised it well. To spectators, he even maintained the image of a tough but fair player.
"Looking forward to it as well." As Captain of the National Team, Ryōsuke stepped forward to shake hands out of courtesy.
Singprasert's palm was rough and enormous, engulfing Ryōsuke's hand like a fishing net.
As they shook hands, Singprasert's face broke into a delighted smile. He leaned forward as if to embrace Ryōsuke and whispered in his ear.
"Ryōsuke, I'm going to completely destroy you."
Simultaneously, his massive hand secretly applied pressure, attempting to crush Ryōsuke's hand!
His goal was clear — intimidate his opponent and make him lose face in front of the media!
"Is that so?" Ryōsuke responded with a calm smile.
Singprasert was bewildered. Despite applying considerable force, Ryōsuke's expression remained unchanged, as if nothing was happening.
To Singprasert, it felt like he was gripping stone. Despite years of Muay Thai training and terrifying grip strength that could easily crush an ordinary person's hand, Ryōsuke didn't budge an inch.
Then, Ryōsuke began applying his own force.
Singprasert's hand immediately distorted as sharp pain shot through it. His face paled and sweat beaded on his forehead. The intense pain left him stunned, but with media surrounding them, he could only endure silently.
As a former Muay Thai fighter, being overwhelmed in grip strength by Ryōsuke was utterly humiliating!
Despite his efforts to maintain composure, Singprasert's expression grew increasingly strained, his eyebrows twitching. It felt as if a hydraulic clamp was crushing his hand with terrifying pressure.
"That's enough for greetings." Ryōsuke said with a smile, releasing his grip.
Singprasert immediately withdrew his hand as if freed from a trap. Looking down, he saw bright red marks across his right hand.
"What's with this grip strength?" Singprasert wondered.
"I'm looking forward to playing against your team." Ryōsuke maintained a polite smile on his face.
"Hmm…" Singprasert could only nod with an awkward smile, suddenly more wary of his opponent.
This person... who is he really?
'How can his strength exceed mine — a Muay Thai fighter? Is he some kind of monster? No matter... I will destroy you completely, Ryōsuke!' Hatred filled Singprasert's eyes.
He envied people like Ryōsuke who captured the world's attention.
The deeper his envy grew, the more he wanted to destroy his rival. He didn't care if it meant ending Ryōsuke's professional career.
'Just wait and see, Ryōsuke.' Singprasert gritted his teeth.
The announcement echoed through the players' tunnel, and both teams entered the field in sequence.
After a brief entry ceremony, the match prepared to begin.
"This will be a tough battle for them, won't it?" Takeshi said from the coach's bench.
"No." Jinpachi pushed up his glasses, "This is just another step they need to overcome."
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