In front of the Japan Football Union headquarters.
This building is grand. Kira looked up at the towering glass structure, knowing that this was the true starting line of his football life.
Over the past few days since receiving the notification, Kira had noticed something during his training sessions: his spatial awareness had actually improved. It was subtle, but real. He found himself noticing details he usually missed—like exactly how many convenience stores he had passed on his way here.
This was something the original Kira had never experienced.
Does using the attribute experience cards actually lead to permanent growth? I'll have to find a chance to verify that later, Kira mused.
Suddenly, a young, familiar voice called out from behind him.
"Kira, from Matsukaze Kokuou?"
"I knew it was you! So you were invited too!"
[Detectable Attribute Found!]
[Vision +18 (Decaying)]
[Duration: 10 Minutes | Retention: 24 Hours]
[Would you like to absorb?]
Kira let out a knowing smile. He had been waiting for this.
Absorb, he commanded internally.
[Absorption Successful. Obtained: Isagi Yoichi Attribute Experience Card.]
The attribute points were slightly lower this time. Is it because my own vision has increased, making the gap between us smaller? Kira theorized.
"Kira?"
Kira turned to see Isagi looking at him with an uncertain expression. Immediately, Kira flashed his trademark "National Treasure" smile.
"Yo, Isagi. Good work in the finals. I'm surprised you recognize me."
Recognize you? Isagi thought with an awkward smile. I've seen your face in my nightmares every night since we lost. "Of course. It was only a few days ago that I lost to you, after all."
"I have a deep impression of you, too," Kira said, offering the same praise he did in the original story. Only someone who had actually played against Isagi knew how terrifying his potential truly was.
"Your ball sense is incredible, and your vision is wide. When we were playing, I actually thought... if we were on the same team, you'd be able to send me some amazing passes!"
"Eh? Thank... thank you."
Isagi felt a tremor in his chest. Seriously? Was I just praised by Ryosuke Kira—Japan's rising superstar?
"Let's go, I think the meeting is inside. Oh, and no need for honorifics. We're the same age, after all!" Kira laughed, leading the way into the building. He was impatient to see the others.
"O-okay," Isagi stammered.
Is it really possible for someone to be this talented and this easy to get along with? Isagi wondered, following closely. If someone like him recognizes me, maybe I really am better than I thought.
The lobby was already packed.
Kira scanned the crowd. He immediately spotted Itoshi Rin standing alone, radiating an "anti-social" aura with his chin held high. In another corner, Shidou Ryusei looked like he was vibrating with chaotic energy.
Besides a fully evolved Isagi, these were the only two players Kira truly considered threats.
[Detectable Attribute Found! (Itoshi Rin)]
[Vision +30 | Dribbling +20 | Shooting +20 | Speed +20]
[Detectable Attribute Found! (Shidou Ryusei)]
[Vision +15 | Strength +30 | Speed +30 | Shooting +20]
[Detectable Attribute Found!...]
In an instant, Kira felt like his head was going to explode. Over a hundred lines of data flooded his mind simultaneously.
Absorb!
[Absorption Successful. Obtained: Itoshi Rin Attribute Card.]
[Absorption Successful. Obtained: Shidou Ryusei Attribute Card.]
[Current System Limit: Only 3 attributes can be stored. Unable to absorb more.]
[Upgrade available after passing the entrance exam to expand storage.]
[Remaining unabsorbed attributes have vanished; rescanning available in 24 hours.]
Inventory, Kira thought.
In his mind lay three cards: Isagi Yoichi, Itoshi Rin, and Shidou Ryusei. It seemed the system detected anyone whose specific stats were higher than his own. Passing the first round would be his "Level Up" to expand his backpack.
Interesting.
"Kira? Kira! You okay?" Isagi's voice pulled him back to reality.
"I'm fine. Just didn't sleep well last night." Kira shook his head and refocused.
"Is it just me, or do a lot of these faces look familiar?" Isagi asked, looking around the room.
Of course they do, Kira answered silently. Every high-potential striker in Japan is in this room.
"Ahem... Congratulations, you unpolished gems."
A spotlight hit the center of the stage. A thin man in a suit wearing square-rimmed glasses appeared. Ego Jinpachi had arrived.
"I have hand-selected 300 strikers based on my own biased criteria. All of you are under eighteen," Ego began his speech. "My name is Ego Jinpachi. I was hired to make Japan win the World Cup."
The room erupted.
"Who is this guy?" "World Cup champions? Is he serious?"
Kira rubbed his forehead. As expected, Ego was beginning his "brainwashing" routine. He explained that this was Blue Lock—a prison designed to create the world's greatest striker. 300 would enter, but only one would remain after devouring the other 299.
He insulted the "traditional" Japanese style of team-play, claiming it killed the ego of a true striker.
"What is this nonsense?" "I have the Nationals to go to!" "Who would stay in a place like this?"
Kira knew the script. In the original timeline, the "old" Kira would have stepped forward to argue, leading to Ego's legendary speech that fired everyone up.
But this time, Kira decided to be a bit more arrogant.
"Excuse me. I have something to say."
Kira raised his hand. Every eye in the room—including Ego's—locked onto him.
"Isn't that Ryosuke Kira from Saitama?"
"The monster who scored four goals in the finals?"
"What is he going to say?"
Ignoring the murmurs, Kira prepared to hijack the stage.