The Blue Lock training facility buzzed with energy as the players poured onto the field for another grueling practice session. Rin Itoshi stood at the center of it all, a figure of calm amidst chaos. His piercing teal eyes scanned the field, calculating every move like a chess master. Rin was a prodigy, and everyone knew it—but that didn’t make him any easier to get along with.
Across the field, Yoichi Isagi jogged into position, determination written all over his face. The recent matches had been a whirlwind for him. After unlocking his "meta vision," Isagi felt closer than ever to his dream of becoming the world’s best striker. But standing in his way was Rin, a teammate who also felt like a constant rival.
“Isagi,” Rin called out coldly, his voice cutting through the hum of the crowd. “Are you going to stand there daydreaming, or are you ready to lose again?”
Isagi clenched his fists. Rin’s words always had a way of getting under his skin. He wasn’t sure if it was Rin’s condescending tone, his flawless skills, or the fact that Rin always seemed so… untouchable. Either way, Isagi wasn’t about to back down.
“We’ll see who loses,” Isagi shot back, running into position for a scrimmage match.
The coach blew the whistle, and the game began.
---
As the match unfolded, Isagi found himself matching Rin play for play. For every goal Rin scored, Isagi countered with one of his own. It was a dance of precision, strategy, and raw determination. The other players watched in awe, realizing they were witnessing something extraordinary.
Rin smirked as he intercepted one of Isagi’s passes. “Not bad, Isagi. But you’re still a step behind.”
“Don’t count me out just yet,” Isagi retorted, surging forward to challenge Rin for the ball. Their bodies collided as they fought for possession, the intensity of their rivalry sparking like a live wire.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Rin’s emerald gaze locked with Isagi’s deep blue eyes, and something unspoken passed between them. It wasn’t just rivalry—it was a connection neither of them could fully understand.
---
The scrimmage ended in a tie, but neither Rin nor Isagi felt satisfied. As the team dispersed for the day, Isagi found Rin sitting alone on the bench, lacing up his shoes.
“Hey,” Isagi said, approaching cautiously. “That was a good game.”
Rin glanced up, his usual stoic expression softening ever so slightly. “You’re finally catching up. But don’t get comfortable. I’m not going to wait for you.”
Isagi grinned. “I wouldn’t expect you to. But don’t think I’m going to stop pushing either.”
Rin stood, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Good. I’d be disappointed if you did.”
As Rin walked away, Isagi felt a strange sense of pride. Beneath Rin’s icy exterior was someone who respected him, someone who saw his potential. And for the first time, Isagi wondered if their rivalry could be something more—a partnership that would make them both stronger.
Little did Isagi know this was only the begging.
End of Chapter 1
To be continued…
