Blue Lock: Isagi the egoist

The sprawling Re Al Academy training grounds buzzed with life as the youth team gathered on the field. The boys, aged 12-13, wore their pristine white kits, chatting and laughing, their eyes sparkling with excitement as they awaited the arrival of two new players. Word had spread fast—two Japanese prodigies had joined their ranks.

Sae and Isagi stood a little apart, their posture rigid as the team eyed them curiously. They were introduced in halting Spanish by the manager, who emphasized their potential and the faith Re Al had in their abilities. The boys clapped politely, though the language barrier kept Sae and Isagi from saying much more than a shy "Hola."

Before the awkward silence could settle in, a loud cheer erupted as a figure approached the field. Leonardo Luna, a senior academy player known for his electrifying skills and charisma, strode onto the pitch with an easy confidence. He was a beacon of inspiration for the younger players, who idolized him as if he were already a star.

"Alright, team," the manager announced. "Luna will show Sae and Isagi how we train here at Re Al."

The boys' eyes widened in awe, and a few whispered excitedly among themselves. Sae and Isagi exchanged a glance, their discomfort melting slightly. Even if they didn't speak the language fluently, the universal language of football would soon take over.

The training began with intensity. The coaches put the boys through grueling drills focusing on technical skills, agility, and endurance. Despite the demanding pace, both Sae and Isagi kept up remarkably well, their movements fluid and precise. The other players noticed, and the murmurs of surprise among them didn't go unnoticed by the coaches—or Leonardo Luna.

Isagi was exhilarated. The drills were intense, far beyond anything he had experienced before, but he thrived on the challenge. Every sprint, every pass, every shot felt purposeful, designed to push him to his limits.

Sae, as composed as ever, seemed to glide through the exercises with a natural grace that caught even Luna's attention. The senior nodded approvingly, clearly impressed.

As the session wound down, Luna approached Isagi with a playful smirk.

"You're good," Luna said in Spanish, his tone teasing but with an undertone of respect. "But let's see how you handle a real challenge."

Sae, who had been picking up Spanish faster than Isagi, translated quickly. Isagi's eyes lit up.

"What kind of challenge?" Isagi asked.

"A striker duel," Luna said, gesturing dramatically. "One-on-ones first, then penalties and free kicks. Let's see what you've got."

The younger players gasped audibly, and even the coaches seemed intrigued. Isagi felt his pulse quicken. This was his moment to shine—or fall.

The players gathered to watch as Isagi and Luna took their positions. Isagi started with the ball. Luna's stance was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp, assessing Isagi with the confidence of someone who rarely lost.

Isagi launched his first attack, darting left before feinting right. Luna matched him step for step, his defensive movements impeccable. No matter what Isagi tried—step-overs, body feints, sudden bursts of speed—Luna seemed to anticipate his every move.

Frustration began to creep in, but Isagi gritted his teeth and steadied himself. He activated his Meta-Predator Vision, combining the field-reading prowess of Meta-Vision with the unrelenting focus of Predator-Eye. Suddenly, the puzzle pieces of the game fell into place. He saw a microsecond opening—a brief lapse in Luna's stance.

Seizing the opportunity, Isagi executed a lightning-quick turn, slipping past Luna with a burst of speed and scoring cleanly.

The crowd erupted into cheers, even Luna clapping with admiration.

Next came penalties. Luna and Isagi each took five shots, and both converted flawlessly, their precision and confidence unshakable. The tension in the air was palpable as each shot hit the back of the net, leaving no room for error.

Finally, they moved to free kicks. This time, Luna's experience gave him the edge. He curled his shots with precision that seemed almost effortless, while Isagi struggled to match the same consistency. Despite his best efforts, Isagi fell short by a single goal.

Luna walked over, extending a hand. "You're good, really good," he said with a grin. "But I'm not giving you an easy win. Next time, let's see if you can beat me."

Isagi shook his hand but couldn't hide his disappointment. Losing—even by a single point—stung. But rather than letting it crush him, he felt a spark ignite within. He vowed silently: Next time, I'll win.

The rest of the training session proceeded smoothly, with Sae and Isagi continuing to impress. Afterward, the two returned to their shared house, their bodies tired but their minds alive with the day's events.

Dinner was simple but satisfying: eggs, sausages, and a fresh salad. The two ate in comfortable silence, the bond between them strengthening with each shared experience.

As they prepared for bed, Isagi stared at the ceiling, replaying the duel with Luna in his mind. He clenched his fists, determination etched into his expression.

"Next time," he muttered softly, "I'll beat him."

In the room next door, Sae smirked faintly, having overheard him. "We'll see," he whispered to himself before drifting off to sleep.

And so, their first day in Spain ended, setting the stage for the extraordinary journey that lay ahead.