Chapter 133: The End of Advancement
Watching Rin Itoshi still carefully organizing his belongings, Yoichi Isagi couldn’t help but admire him inwardly.
(Seeing you so unwilling to accept defeat just proves how incredible you are, Rin.)
(For me, the world-class level is still something to admire…)
(But for you, it’s already a rival you need to surpass.)
(The one who’ll stand at the very top of the world will definitely be someone like you.)
(So the day I defeat you… that’s the day I’ll have reached the world-class stage!)
(I’ll surpass you, Rin—and become the best in the world!)
...
Third Round Selection – Second Task: “Foreign Language Study”
A few days later, the five of them each approached the task in their own way.
Yoichi Isagi wore headphones, deciding that starting with listening practice was the best idea.
“Teeyousi! Toosi! Doosi!”
“Dishronga—was that right, Rin?”
“Ah—ow! I bit my tongue!”
Rin Itoshi groaned in frustration, covering his ears.
“Shut up! I’m not your private tutor!”
Meanwhile, Ryūma lay sprawled comfortably on his bed, completely unbothered. From the moment this task was given, he hadn’t lifted a finger.
He knew full well that studying languages now was a total waste of time—there would be translation earpieces later anyway.
What did surprise him, though, was seeing Seishiro Nagi staring seriously at his phone.
Ryūma stretched lazily and walked over to Nagi’s bedside.
Nagi was lying on his stomach, completely absorbed in whatever was on his screen—so focused he didn’t even notice Ryūma approach.
When Ryūma glanced at his phone, he froze, dumbfounded.
“I actually thought you were studying? Guess I still don’t understand you at all, Nagi.”
He reached out and roughly ruffled Nagi’s white hair. Nagi groaned, clutching his head in protest.
“Hey, you’re one to talk—you’re not studying either, Ryūma!”
“Besides, I’m pretty good at English anyway. I can pick it up in no time.”
For some reason, seeing that smug look on Nagi’s face made Ryūma want to mess him up even more.
“Damn it, Nagi! Don’t compare your genius brain to ours, okay?”
Nagi sighed as if giving up and let Ryūma continue messing with his hair. Then he pointed at the phone screen.
“Look at this guy, Ryūma. If I could learn this kind of first-touch trap, don’t you think I could create more plays like this in a match against the Team World Five?”
Ryūma smiled. “Yeah. When we face them again, we’ll definitely settle the score.”
“Mhm.”
Before long, the familiar mechanical female voice echoed through the room.
Ding-dong, ding-dong—
『The Third Round Selection – First Task has concluded——』
『All players advancing to the Second Task of the Third Round have been determined!』
『Please change into your numbered vests and uniforms, and report to the Central Connection Room immediately!』
“Finally, the next stage~!”
Jyubei Aryu stuck his tongue out as he spoke, words slurred.
“Aryu, straighten your tongue before talking. I feel like I’m talking to an alien.”
“Let’s go, let’s go~”
Seishiro Nagi quickly changed into his uniform, clearly fired up.
“You’re in high spirits, huh, Nagi? Alright, let’s move!”
“Can’t wait to see if my dear Hiori made it through!”
Ryūma cracked his neck and was the first to step out of the room.
Once all five entered the corridor, the mechanical voice sounded again.
『Seven teams, thirty-five players in total, have advanced. Please enter according to your clearing order!』
(Here we go!! The next phase is starting!)
(I wonder if the other teams actually studied any English…)
Yoichi Isagi clenched his fist, eyes burning with determination.
“Only seven teams left, huh? A lot of people got cut.”
“Yeah.”
Ryūma slung an arm over Nagi’s shoulder and grinned.
“Heh, worried about your buddy, Nagi?”
“Don’t sweat it. From the way you described him, someone as talented as Reo wouldn’t get eliminated here.”
Nagi brushed his bangs aside and nodded.
“Yeah, Reo won’t lose that easily.”
While Ryūma and Nagi chatted, the group reached the corridor exit.
(I wonder if they made it through...)
At that moment, the mechanical voice spoke again.
『First up——』
『Please welcome the first advancing team!』
1st CLEAR TEAM
『Rin Itoshi · Jyubei Aryu · Ryūma · Yoichi Isagi · Seishiro Nagi』
“Hurry, hurry! Let’s see what kind of monsters made it through!”
Ryūma’s excitement made Aryu chuckle.
“One thing’s certain—no weaklings made it here.”
『Next—— Please welcome the second advancing team!』
As the mechanical voice echoed, Yoichi Isagi turned toward the slowly opening gate, his thoughts racing.
(That’s right! Only those who’ve fought their way here have earned this place!)
(No matter the path taken, reaching this stage means you have the right to aim for the top!)
(Whatever happens, I’ll face it head-on!)
(This is Blue Lock——)
As the doors opened fully, the second team was revealed.
2nd CLEAR TEAM
『Meguru Bachira · Hyōma Chigiri · Shōei Barō · Zantetsu Tsurugi · Jin Kiyora』
“Yo, Isagi!”
Bachira waved cheerfully.
“I’m here, you scrub.”
“Haven’t seen you in a million years!”
Nagi’s eyes brightened. “You’re here too, idiot Zantetsu!”
“So you guys made it after all…” Aryu pushed back his bangs, speaking coolly.
Isagi blinked in surprise before murmuring, “You guys…”
(Thank god!)
Seeing his expression, Chigiri, Bachira, and Barō surrounded him immediately.
“Huh? Isagi, why do you look so relieved?”
“Did you think we wouldn’t make it? You really underestimated us.”
“Acting all high and mighty, huh? Pretty full of yourself!”
“You totally treated us like side characters~”
“Eh!?”
Isagi flailed helplessly as the trio teased him nonstop.
Meanwhile, Zantetsu pointed toward Jin Kiyora, explaining to Nagi,
“I’m the fourth, he’s the fifth!”
Then he turned to Ryūma.
“You’re Ryūma, right? I heard from Chigiri that your burst speed’s insane—faster than his, even faster than mine?”
Ryūma rubbed the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly.
“Ah~ nothing like that. Maybe just a liiittle faster~”
Nagi glanced at Zantetsu, deadpan.
“Stop dreaming, idiot Zantetsu. If Ryūma goes all out, you won’t even be within five meters of him. Even if you’ve improved.”
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