Ego: The formation of the Blue Lock Team will center around the 6 names that I will now call out. Given your overall evaluations as of this moment, these individuals rank as "The Top 6." With the goal in putting together a team in three short weeks, this method will be our best shot. These who are called, step forward. First as the Number 1 Overall...

The Blue Lock players waited in anticipation, before a name was finally called.

Ego: Ryu Kaizen.

Ryu:

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Isagi: 'I knew it. It just wouldn't make any sense to have anyone else at that spot now.'

Ego: Moving on, Number 2. Azure Kaito.

Azure: -_- Not really used to playing second fiddle. Especially to Ryu.

Ryu: :P

Ego: Next, Number 3. Rin Itoshi.

Azure: Well at least the numbers are kinda accurate.

Rin: Tch.

Ego: Now number 4. Ryusei Shidou.

Shidou: There it is. Bada Bing!

Ryu: 'Wait he's actually good? I thought he only had amateur fighting skills.'

Shidou: 'So that dude's number 1 huh?'

Ego: Alrighty, next... Number 5, Tabito Karasu.

Karasu: Someone gets it.

Ego: And number 6. Eita Otoya.

Otoya: Sup.

Ego: That's all.

???: Excuse me, Mr Ego?

Yukimiya spoke up, as everyone listened.

Yukimiya: Thinking about what lies ahead, I've got a simple question for you. What's the reason for me not placing? What's the difference between me and first place?

Ryu was seemingly annoyed by this.

Ryu: -_- Okay I'll just say it now, don't ever compare yourself to me again.

Ego: ... It's simple. Among the 35 of you here, the only ones able to score a goal against the World's select team were these four.

They all looked at the top four.

Ego: Ryu Kaizen, Azure Kaito, Rin Itoshi, and Ryusei Shidou. Next, I took into consideration how many goals you scored in the first selection, and the world's select players' personal evaluation. And if you want to talk about Number 1 specifically, that's a whole other story.

Ego showed the plays Ryu had made in the World 5 game, as the others who hadn't seen it were shocked.

Ego: He was acknowledged by every single player on that team. Kaizen pulled out two plays that even they weren't prepared for once they had put their guard up. Out of every player that has been in Blue Lock, Ryu Kaizen is the closest to reaching the level of those elite players. That answer your question, Mr Four Eyes Model?

Yukimiya: Yes, thank you very much.

All eyes were on the teen now, as he looked at his hand.

Ryu: '... I've really become that much stronger after coming to Blue Lock?'

Ego: Now then, I'll explain your next selection. First, the top 6 will separate into pairs in descending order. And will be assigned A B and C Ranks to make three teams. Next, the remaining 29 players will decide at their own discretion which teams they want to join. They will be added to their chosen team in randomized groups of three to make a complete team of 5. Then each of these teams will have the chance to play in one game against another, 5 vs 5 style. As a formality, members of the Top 6 will be playing in multiple games. But the remaining 29 just have one chance to play. This is the final task of the revised third selection. With a position as a regular on Japan's U-20 Team on the line... It's time for your tryouts.

Ryu: 'I'm gonna guess they have to prove that they can exist with the best of the best.'

Ego: And due to the odd numbers, the runner up to the Top 6, number 7 will be allowed to play in two games. Kenyu Yukimiya, that's you.

Yukimiya: Alright then.

Ego: The Top 6 will proceed to a different room. And remember, these ranks aren't permanent. You'll have to work to keep them all. The key to clearing the "tryout" lies in how in the face of the Top 6, you "Assert" and "Coexist".

Ryu: 'Called it. Man I'm getting really good at this stuff.'

The top 6 left the room.

Azure: So Ry, who do you think will be dumb enough to try out for our Team?

Ryu: If I had to bet, Yukimiya, Bachira, The King, and probably Nagi.

Azure: OHOHO, I might sound evil for it, but I will enjoy every second of watching Barou scramble to try and steal the ball, and then ride the bench since he won't get a single point.

A devious smirk appeared on Azure's face.

Ryu: O_O' You really have a hate for him don't you?

Rin: Who are you kidding? That King already knows he won't get a chance to touch the ball with you guys. He's probably gonna make himself go in Team C out of principle.

TIME SKIP!!

When the time had come, the matchups for the tryouts to begin.

And Azure indeed was disappointed with the results, as Barou chose to go on Team C.

Azure: COWARD!!! IS THE KING SCARED OF BEING NOTHING BUT A SIDE CHARACTER?!!!

Ryu saw Isagi was on Team B.

Ryu: Meh, he decided which was the lesser of two evils. Probably for the best, I didn't wanna give him a pity point.

Ego: Onto our First Match. Team A vs Team B.

Ryu: Well anyway I'm looking at the BRIGHTEST side of this. I get to destroy you, Rin, and Shidou ALL in one go.

A devils tail appeared behind Ryu.

Ryu: I'm gonna enjoy this one.

The players from each team were chosen, with each as followed.

Team A:
Ryu
Azure
Chigiri
Yukimiya
Kurona

Team B:
Rin
Shidou
Isagi
Hiori
Nanase

Azure: Interesting lineup. Let's see how this goes.

The two got onto the field, meeting Rin and Shidou first. Ryu and Shidou both glared daggers at each other, promising to run circles around the other in the game. Soon enough, the other players got onto the field.

Ryu: Well nice to see you guys again, I'm just gonna flat out say it now, what are your strong suits, I like to know what I'm working with. Chigiri, we've already got you covered.

Yukimiya: I guess you could say my main skill is dribbling.

Kurona: I'm fast and have good passes.

Azure: Good enough for me.

The game started, as the first team to get the ball was Team B, with Shidou bringing it up.

Shidou: I'm unstoppable~!

Ryu: Oh hello unstoppable.

Ryu got in Shidou's path, stopping him dead in his tracks.

Ryu: Meet immovable.

Shidou tried to dribble past Ryu, being incredibly physical, however the Number 1 wouldn't budge.

Shidou: Damn, you're pretty good.

Isagi: PASS IT HERE SHIDOU!!

Shidou: Oh, it's the so smart newbie.

He passed it over to Isagi, who readied for a combo play.

Isagi: 'As of now, with these eyes I can only express the things I can do!'

Isagi passed the ball to Rin.

Isagi: 'Let's do this Rin! I'll draw out your abilities, and assert myself!!'

Being defended by Kurona, Rin looked to pass back to Isagi. Once he did however, Azure was right there to interfere with the pass.

Azure: Boring. Did you really think I couldn't read all that in my sleep?

Ryu: 'Okay, I guess that I'll-'

Once having taken his eye off Shidou, Ryu found that he was gone.

Shidou: My ball.

Ryu: OH NO THE FUCK YOU DON'T!!!

Shidou having gotten a head start was at the ball, but Ryu quickly went to him.

Ryu: 'Judging from the way he's positioned, he's gonna have to pass back to Isagi, and when he does Azure's gonna be right there.'

Isagi switched positions, however Azure already familiar with his craft stayed on him. Though instead of looking for a pass, Shidou with his back turned towards the goal kicked the ball.

And making Ryu rethink everything he new about soccer, it went in.

Score: 1-0 Team B

Ryu: O_O Hold on, people normally can't do that right?

Azure: Y-Yeah... That's a new one to me too.

Shidou: All my cells divide in order to take goals. Ding. Beat them all up~! Hu hu, he he!

Ryu: 'This guy is way too fucking much.'

Azure: So that's what it is huh?

Ryu looked at Azure, seeing that he knew what this was.

Azure: This guy is like me. He's got Extreme Spatial Awareness, but whereas mine kicks in with defense, he's got a stupid offensive weapon with it.

Ryu: That's it? Then we only really have to watch out on offense.

The game started up once again, as Kurona passed the ball to Ryu.

Ryu: You're up, red head number 2.

Kurona: It's Kurona.

The two began to move forward, as Kurona didn't lag too far behind Ryu.

Ryu: 'The guy's quick, I've gotta give him that.'

Shidou immediately ran towards Ryu for the ball.

Ryu: 'Aggressive defense too huh? Not surprising.'

Ryu made a complete stop, before passing the ball to Kurona, and getting around Shidou. Kurona once getting the ball quickly passed back to Ryu, who was pleasantly surprised.

Ryu: 'This guy's actually got a nice pass. Not only that, he's got quick short turns.'

Ryu passed to Kurona again, looking ahead.

Ryu: 'With him, I get to see the entire field. There's also the fact that he can place himself in a good place for me, and bad for an opponent.'

Isagi got in front of Ryu, trying to stop him as well. Ryu looked at Kurona, which made Isagi divert his attention as well. This was enough time for Ryu to speed up, and get another pass from Kurona, trapping the ball as it was in the air.

Ryu: This is well within my range.

Ryu kicked the ball, as it got past the rest of the defenders.

Score: 1-1

Ryu: You're gonna have to do better than that you wanna stop my Dragon Strike.

Shidou: WOAH!! Forget regular explosions, that guy just tried to blast all of you with that one!

Ryu: PHRASING!!

Azure: Ryu, just give it up, you know that's not gonna stop him.

Ryu: Whatever.

Ryu looked over at Kurona.

Ryu: I gotta admit, you bring something pretty useful to the table.

Isagi: 'That Kurona guy... He perfectly compliments Ryu's abilities with those passes. Ryu gets around players with his speed, and gets to a good position to receive a pass, and he can make fast turns that throw off players.'

Kurona: Thanks.

Isagi: 'He's found a way to assert himself in this game with ease!'

Azure: Hey, Ryu, you mind if we test out a theory?

Ryu: Depends, can we test it after another point?

Azure: Yeah fine.

Team B was on offense once again, as when Isagi called for a pass, Rin didn't bother with him, seeing Azure was running in.

Azure: 'So, you realized that I could just mark Isagi easily right? A good plan on paper-'

Rin was shocked as Azure quickly switched to him.

Azure: 'But if you do it early, it's easy to start marking you.'

Yukimiya: 'Such a fast reaction. You would think he was planning to guard Number 3 from the start.'

Azure: Come on hot shot, try and get past me like you always try.

Rin: 'Tch, his super reactive defense is the worse for me to deal with.'

Ryu: 'Now that I think about it, I've never actually taken the time to understand what makes Azure's defense work. He's near the top of the list in that category in Blue Lock, but how?'

Rin dribbled to try and get around Azure, but failed at every turn he made.

Ryu: 'I haven't had too much time to practice this, but maybe it can help.'

Ryu's eyes changed, as data began to enter his mind. He saw Azure reacting to everything Rin did, slowly beginning to understand, as he actually began to react even better.

Ryu: 'Now I think I'm getting it. Azure's also using his phenomenal reflexes to react to what what Rin's next move will be. He's got the physical ability and IQ to make it work to.'

Azure: I'm not gonna waste any time with guys that won't help me evolve.

Azure plucked the ball from Rin, taking it for himself.

Azure: The one who's gonna reach the level of the World's Best is gonna be me. So show me if you can inspire-

Azure kicked the ball to the side, getting it to Yukimiya.

Azure: Mr Model.

Yukimiya: Alright then.

Yukimiya began to dribble forward, as Shidou went to defend him. He moved the ball doing drag scissors, to shift Shidou's center of gravity, before exploding past him.

Ryu: 'Woah! He's different from Bachira's dribbling style, and kinda similar to mine. Instead of relying on technical skill, he relies on power and speed to get though. I use both, but he's got some effective moves too.'

Yukimiya: Soccer's most basic form is the one on one. If I can drag the situation to that, I can proudly say that I'm the strongest in Japan.

Ryu: WOAH, slow your role number 7!

Ryu ran beside him, as his eyes were back to normal.

Ryu: You sure as hell don't have what it takes to outdo me in a one on one situation.

Isagi and Hiori both began to mark Yukimiya, as they were 30 meters from the goal.

Azure: Yeah I'm gonna need that back buddy.

Yukimiya: Trust me, it'll be more peaceful if I score by myself.

Azure: 'Wait, does that guy have range comparable to mine and Ryu's?

He kicked the ball, as it went into the air. Immediately Azure realized what would happen, as he smirked.

Azure: I'll be damned.

The ball began to drop rapidly towards the goal.

Isagi: 'A Gyro Shot?!!'

Hiori: 'Well that ain't endin' well.'

As the ball was about to enter the goal, by the skin of his teeth, Nanase was able to head the ball away.

Yukimiya: Damn!

Isagi: NICE NANASE!!

The ball was out in an open space, as Shidou saw and went for it.

Shidou: I'll be taking that!

Ryu sped past him, shocking the blonde.

Ryu: Should've gone faster bug demon.

Ryu knew he could get there first, however he also realized it wasn't an opportune place to shoot.

Ryu: 'Well holding onto the ball with him there might be a little difficult.'

Ryu's eyes had changed once again, as now he looked around fast. He turned, before kicking the ball into the penalty box.

Shidou: What are you blind?!

Ryu: Ha, if only you knew horn ball.

As the ball landed, everyone saw Azure had arrived.

Azure: Thanks Ryu.

Azure kicked the ball, scoring a point.

Score: 2-1 Team A

Azure: You're getting even better with those new eyes.

Isagi: 'No way!! How the hell does he do it?!!'

Ryu: Yeah yeah, don't expect too many more passes from me.

Team B once again got the ball, as Rin was passed the ball by Hiori. Similarly to Ryu and Kurona, they began to trade passes and get forward.

Ryu: 'So Hiori is another great passing option. The difference between he and Kurona though are that his passes are actually more similar to mine in the fact that they're exceptional, and he reads the whole field.'

Isagi tried to get to the goal area, however Ryu cut him off.

Ryu: No shot.

Isagi: 'Now Ryu's guarding me?! Those two just can't be figured out!'

Isagi tried to get into Ryu's blind spot, however he dashed ahead, and turned to face Isagi faster than he could get around him.

Isagi: 'And the fact he knows everything I can do makes it worse!

Hiori passed the ball into the Penalty Box, as it was intended for Rin.

Ryu: 'Here it is.'

Azure: 'Let's see if I'm right about those two.'

???: Nah. It's for me.

Both Shidou and Rin went to trap the ball, however they ended up colliding with each other, making the ball go a different direction.

Chigiri: I GOT IT!!

Chigiri kicked the ball forward, before dribbling fast. Immediately with his explosive acceleration, Ryu was able to briefly get past him, looking back at Chigiri.

Chigiri: 'We haven't played together in a while, but this is the best way we can.'

Chigiri passed Ryu the ball at the 30 meter range, as he used his Dragon Strike to score.

Score: 3-1 Team A

Ryu: Speed X Speed. Not a bad chemical reaction.

Ryu turned to see the chaos that would likely occur within Team B.

Ryu: Those guys though...

Rin and Shidou grabbed each other by the shirts angrily.

Rin&Shidou: THAT WAS MINE!!!!

Ryu: They're polar opposites. No chemistry.

CHAPTER END!!