The match is over....
The most important part has arrived: the "interview."
As Ye Liangqiu had continuously helped Blue Lock score three goals, completing a hat-trick, he was surrounded by a group of reporters. He had originally intended to slip away directly, but he had no choice but to stand on the stage, which was filled with flashing lights.
"What are your thoughts on defeating the U20 National Team?"
"Regarding your replacement of the U20 National Team, what do you plan to do next?"
Various questions came one after another, making Ye Liangqiu's head swell, but when he heard one particular question, he answered, "I have no feelings about defeating the U20 National Team."
"In my eyes, this was always a game we were bound to win."
"But it also made me clearly understand that the current world is not what I imagined."
At these arrogant remarks, the reporters' faces lit up with excitement; this was explosive news. They then continued to ask, "What's different?"
"Is the U20 National Team too weak?"
Ye Liangqiu's mouth curved upward. "I'm saying... all professional players are too weak. After all, if the U20 National Team can continue to exist on the World Cup stage in this manner, doesn't that prove that the teams playing against them are all a bunch of idiots?"
"If you can't even beat it, besides the word 'idiot,' I can't think of any other metaphor. What's the point of holding football leagues in this world now?"
"Letting a bunch of idiots and good-for-nothings play football."
"If it's really that bad, they should all go play football on the Baby Bus."
In an instant, all the reporters' eyes widened as they looked at Ye Liangqiu. This guy was really arrogant... Having defeated the U20 National Team, he certainly had the right to be a bit arrogant, but now his words implicated all the teams in the world.
It's worth noting that while the U20 National Team wasn't particularly strong, it was still the face of the nation.
Suddenly, all the reporters frantically began to record, and the flashing lights continuously shone on Ye Liangqiu's calm, unperturbed face, which even showed a faint smile.
Until this Q&A session ended.
Ye Liangqiu finally walked out safely and returned to the locker room, where everyone from Blue Lock was gathered.
Even Ego was among them; he stood quietly with Anri by the door.
It wasn't until Ye Liangqiu's figure reached him that Ego Jinpachi pushed up his glasses, his tone seemingly teasing, "Oh, feeling like a big star, are we?"
Ye Liangqiu smiled, "Not bad."
"It's just that the flashing lights are a bit dazzling. Next time, I think wearing sunglasses would be better."
Ego Jinpachi chuckled, took a step forward, took the tablet from Anri's hand, and looked at everyone. As the chief commander, he was about to review the match.
"This match was within my expectations; victory was inevitable, but I didn't expect to win in this manner."
"Throughout the entire match, only five people entered the Flow state."
"Ye Liangqiu, Itoshi Rin, Shidou Ryusei, Aiku, and the finally explosive Bachira Meguru."
"Of course, I observed your 'Ego' states during the match, especially the ball-stealing segment between Itoshi Rin and Ye Liangqiu. Although we won the match, I still want to mention something."
"Blindly stealing the ball doesn't put pressure on the opponent; it puts pressure on your teammates."
"Although I often tell you not to hide your personal desires, your method of stealing the ball isn't 'personal desire'; it's 'selfishness.' Goals achieved by disrupting team harmony only bring negative side effects."
"What I need is for you to have a competitive drive, not this simple selfish desire."
"Do you understand?"
Ego Jinpachi glanced at Ye Liangqiu and Itoshi Rin, who was looking down without speaking. Neither of them said anything, clearly not agreeing with this statement.
Anri, however, smiled slightly to ease the atmosphere, "Regarding this victory, Mr. Ego has specially prepared a banquet for you all, and many celebrity players will be attending!"
"Really?" Tokimitsu, a fervent football fan, immediately stood up, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Raichi scoffed, "Tch... they're just a few football stars, aren't they?"
"Aren't we also football stars now?"
The others also had some thoughts, after all, opportunities to interact with celebrity players were rare, and Ego's arrangement must have been for their benefit.
At this moment, Ego Jinpachi's voice slowly spoke, "The victory in this match signifies that Blue Lock has completely made its name in the world."
"Congratulations, all you rough gems; this victory is not the end."
"The beginning of Blue Lock has just started."
"Although only one or two people scored goals in this match, everyone participated, and on the path ahead, everyone's opportunities are equal."
"As for, after this final banquet ends."
"I will give you one week to adjust your condition. During this time, you can choose to stay in Blue Lock to continue training, or you can choose to go home."
"Two weeks later, Blue Lock's second phase will begin."
"Get ready; Blue Lock has arrived at a stage with no turning back."
With that, Ego Jinpachi turned around and left the locker room. Anri smiled slightly, "You will all receive the location of the celebration banquet on your phones later."
"I hope everyone can participate."
"I'll be leaving now."
After seeing the two leave, the locker room was silent for a few seconds before erupting in enthusiastic cheers.
Ye Liangqiu, however, had a pained expression.
"Qiu, are you going to stay in Blue Lock... or go back?" Bachira asked.
"Of course, I'm going back..." Ye Liangqiu sighed. If he didn't go back soon, someone might literally want to kill him.
However, tonight's banquet was something to look forward to.
After all, the celebrity players Ego could invite shouldn't be simple, and it might even be the people for the next stage.
At this time, everyone in the locker room also began to leave. The banquet was scheduled for the evening, meaning it had already started, and they were just waiting for the players to arrive.
A crowd of people surged out.
Ye Liangqiu, however, noticed Itoshi Rin, who was looking down, deep in thought, but he didn't go up to bother him. Their relationship had become increasingly fractured since the last match, to the point where they could start fighting at any moment. Wouldn't Ye Liangqiu going over now just be asking for trouble?
Bachira walked over, also noticed Itoshi Rin, and quickly pulled Ye Liangqiu, preparing to leave.
He didn't want the two of them to get into another brawl later.
Ye Liangqiu smiled faintly, "Don't worry, I'm just taking a look. Let him wallow in his sadness alone here."