Ryu: Please, I said I was sorry!

Ryu and Aero walked along a sidewalk, as the girl was still somewhat upset from the Blue Lock situation.

Aero: I'm glad you're happy now, but still.

She puffed out her cheeks pouting.

Aero: I thought you were mad at me for something I did for a while...

Ryu: Aero, I'm really sorry, but you know how my mom can be once in a while. She's so busy with her business that things might slip her mind until it's too late. I wanted to tell you, honest.

Aero: ... Well as long as you mean it, you big dummy.

She grabbed Ryu's hand, before jumping a bit to kiss his cheek, causing him to blush ever to slightly.

Aero: And those goals were just amazing! You finally showed the world you've got what it takes to be the best! It's about time too!

Ryu rolled his eyes.

Ryu: Yeah, you have Azure to thank for that.

Aero: Really, you would've been on the U-20's radar for sure. You were just lazy cause you had Azure and other guys to score for you. Now though...

Aero took out her phone, holding it in front of Ryu.

Aero: You and Blue Lock are famous!! They're saying all kinds of things about you!! Like "Ryu Kaizen bided his time and emerged from the Shadows to strike on the big stage!" and "I can't believe Kaito's right hand ended up being even better!" People everywhere look up to you!

Ryu: Man, I was really just known as Azure's right hand? I mean I'd at least accept the midfield general. Or the dark speedster.

Aero: Well, now you're known as the Dragonic Ace!!

Ryu: ... Okay, maybe it was worth the wait.

Aero: Anyway, we're here.

They arrived an arcade, walking inside.

Ryu: Alright, now what to do-

???: Hey, the game addict bothersome prince over there!

Ryu: O_O

Ryu turned his head, before seeing Isagi, Azure, Chigiri, Bachira, Karasu, Yukimiya, Reo, Otoya, Aryu, and Tokimitsu near a sitting Nagi.

Karasu: Yer gonna lose her friends, ya bastard!!

Ryu: ... I wanna say I'm surprised, but I can't even say that.

Azure: Oh, look who dropped by!

Aero: Ahaha, what a surprise!

Isagi: I didn't think you two lovebirds would come to an arcade of all things!

Azure: You~ must not know Ryu that well. The guy's got a gaming addiction almost as bad as Nagi's.

Ryu: -_- Well thank you for outing me like that, best friend.

Once they all began to play games, Ryu only proved Azure right, as he got high scores on most machines he used, and only lost some to Aero, who also ended up being somewhat of a gaming freak as well.

Chigiri: GRRRR, how are you so good at this?!!

Ryu: GIT GUD SCRUB!!!

Reo: You know what, let's just try Karaoke!! You can't possibly be good at that too!

Azure: *Snicker* You know what, I'm just gonna let that be a surprise.

When walking to the Karaoke center,  they saw a slight commotion, as two girls left a room. One seemed to have their hand held, before soundly slapping whoever it was.

Woman: DON'T TOUCH ME, YOU CHEATING BASTARD!!!

Ryu: Sheesh, hate to be that dumbass.

They walked over to the door, before seeing it was none other than Aiku.

Ryu: OH YOU'RE FUCKING JOKING!!!

Isagi: AIKU?!!

Aiku: Ow... Oh? Sup you, guys?

Ryu: Nope, I refuse to believe this is the same guy was a problem on the field for me. Come on Aero.

He grabbed the girls hand, walking to another room. When he opened it, he found the rest of the U-20 Starters there, singing and playing instruments.

Ryu: O_O

Keith: Oh shit Ryu?

Ryu: -_- You know what, singing can happen another day.

He walked away, still holding Aero's hand.

TIME SKIP!!

After a bowling match with the U-20 Team, with Ryu and Azure apparently being gifted in THAT as well, the couple left to a different area. This was a list green hill, as Ryu and Aero set up a picnic there.

Ryu: '... Honestly, after all that time in Blue Lock, I'd thought this would be deserved.'

As he bit into a sandwich, the wind blew, pushing his hair back.

Ryu: 'But really, right now I feel like I want to fight and prove myself more than ever. It's totally the opposite of how I was before.'

Aero: You okay Ryu?

Ryu: I think. Right now, this is all I've wanted for the last few months. But... I think I'm different now.

Aero: How so?

Ryu: Before all this Blue Lock business, I was complacent with my life. Our team was undefeated, I was able to just relax and play without putting in everything, and I could just go back and game when I was done.

He thought long and hard about the time he spent in the facility.

Ryu: Now though... My mind is already ready to get back into the action. It's like I'm not even me anymore.

Ryu looked up, trying to come to a realization,

Ryu: ... All that constant fighting for survival in that place has changed me.

Aero: ... You shouldn't think like that, dummy.

She got closer to Ryu, putting a finger on his chest.

Aero: I might just be an assistant coach, but this isn't just you being changed. At the core, from what I was looking at your game hasn't changed from it's origin.

Ryu was surprised hearing this.

Aero: All that you showed out there, it was still you. It's just been hiding under the surface because of that complacency.

Aero put both of her hands on Ryu's shoulders, looking him in the eyes.

Aero: This is who you are Ryu. It just took this to bring it out.

Ryu: You think?

Aero: Not think, know.

Ryu: Well then... I guess this'd be as good of a time to let you know I'm going back to Blue Lock-

Aero: Obviously you would be.

Ryu: In two weeks...

Aero: ... -_- Of course you are.

Aero gestured for Ryu to come closer, confusing the boy. He did so, before receiving a smooch on the lips.

Aero: You just make sure that you enter, and come out as the best.

Ryu: ... ^_^ It's a promise.

TIME SKIP!!

The time had passed, as the Blue Lock players had returned to the facility on a helicopter. Unlike before, the prospect of no longer being able to continue with daily life didn't faze Ryu, as he was the first to exit the plane and enter the building.

Ryu: 'Alright, let's see what this maniac has planned for us now.'

Once entering they saw the players brought back, along with the U-20 Team regulars.

Ryu: Woah, that's a shock. You're here too Keith?

Keith: Yup. Ego called us here. I'm looking to keep my spot on the team, so don't expect me to start off easy like last time.

Ego came up on the screen.

Ego: Hello there, you diamonds in the rough. Did you all enjoy the holiday? As you might know, I now hold the power to decide every member of Japan's U-20 Team. And since I figured even the losers might have their uses... I've decided that the new U-20 will be formed from the members I've gathered here.

Keith: Smug prick.

Ryu: I know right?

Ego: If you guys were to take part as you are... Let's see...

Ego smirked smugly.

Ego: Victory is simply Impossible for most here. This next stage will show you that, but putting it aside... "Strike the Iron while it's hot." I came up with a method to allow all of you to evolve at a rapid pace. Here's a question. What was the "Cause" of you guys getting strong?

Ryu: This psychotic and borderline illegal environment.

Ego: Correct. To rise to greater heights, a new "Environment" will be needed. And thus, I've decided to throw you guys at the hottest Hellfire that exist. In Blue Lock's Phase Two... You all will be thrown in...

Different flags appeared around Ego.

Ego: The Peak of the World: Europe's Big Five Leagues.

Ryu's eyes widened hearing this, immediately understanding what was happening.

Ryu: 'So... You mean he's here?'

Ego: Popularity. Ability. Money. These European Pro Football Leagues are at the Peak of all these things. Among these five countries, each of you is going to choose which environment you want to sharpen yourselves in. For reference...

The flags in orb form flew around Ego's hand.

Ego: I'll give my biased judgement regarding each league. First: England. A League Characterized by speed and physical battles. Where goals are stolen by the law of physical prowess. We could call it entertainment focused, as it makes you hold your breath every time.

RUSH
SPEED

Ego: Next is Spain. A League where Technique and Creativity are desired. Their citizens won't get satisfied just by seeing goals. It's a place that gathers footballers who want to express creativity and playfulness.

TECHNIQUE
CREATIVITY

Ego: Next is Italy. A League that favors slyness and tactics. They hold history in being able to win 1-0 while holding their defense. A play style that fuses individual strength with robust team organization was born here.

TACTICAL
CATENACCIO

Ego: Next is France. This league is acting as a gateway to success for newcomers and young players. In recent years, their market has received a grand lot of investments, so the money flows constantly. They're currently in a great spot to become the greatest League in the world.

UP AND COMER
BIG MONEY

Ego: And finally Germany. A League that fundamentally understands that "Football is a sport that you win by scoring the most goals." They favor getting to victory by logical and rational means. And the player who currently holds the title of of Best Striker in the World...

A picture of a well built man had appeared.

Ego: "Noel Noa" ... Is there.

Azure: ...

Ego: That's basically it. Those of you who favor positions other than forward... Make your decisions with that in mind. The survival battle in the new "Environment" you select, will double as the final selection for the U-20 World Cup, as well. And with such an environment being the peak of the world, one thing that will be the key to win your place among the best... Will be demonstrating your "Uniqueness".

Azure: 'The talent of most here will seem average at best once they get into the big leagues. This is a pretty good test.'

Ego: What you feel then, and what you believe... Will be a test for you. If even then you're still able to show you have value that no one else does... The world will be waiting for you. This is a "Rite of Passage" to becoming a preprofessional.

Ryu only had a single person in his mind, as his eyes had narrowed.

Ryu: '... Looks like it's time to meet again, huh?'

Ego: It's time to put everything you learned in Blue Lock to the test. The Stage is Set. Take on the World. Time to bet your future in choosing an environment to fight.

The flags of the countries appeared on their phones. Without hesitation, knowing exactly what he wanted out of the team, Ryu chose.

Chigiri: Woah, that quick dude?

Ryu: Yeah. It's a no brainer for me. It betters my scoring skills to a whole new level. Plus... I promised someone we'd meet in the soccer world.

Azure hearing this understood exactly what Ryu meant.

Azure: 'Sorry man, but this is something that you don't need me for. As for me...'

Azure pressed the team he wanted to be on. Time began to pass, as more and more people began to chose their countries. Once time elapsed, it was revealed who was where.

Germany
Ryu Kaizen
Yoichi Isagi
Jingo Raichi
Gin Gagamaru
Yo Hiori
Ranze Kurona
Kenyu Yukimiya
Gurimu Igarashi
Jin Kiyora

Ryu looked up at the other players, seeing where they would go.

Ryu: 'No fucking shot.'

He saw that Keith, Shidou, and Rin all decided to go to France. He looked over at the three, slightly glaring.

Ryu: -_- That's a recipe for disaster.

He looked up, seeing that Azure had gone to England.

Isagi: Looks like we're gonna be playing together again Ryu. Feels like it's been forever outside of the U-20 Match!

Ryu looked at Isagi, before smiling.

Ryu: Don't expect some average team play. If you can't keep up, I'll leave you in the dust Isagi. I'm being a real Egoist now, Hero.

Isagi: Right back at you Dragonic Ace!

???: Hey, if you forget about me for a second I'll kick you both to death!!

Raichi Gagamaru both walked forward.

Gagamaru: Yeah, I'm not gonna be outdone again.

Ryu: Bring it on Shark Teeth and Wild Child!

Yukimiya Igarashi and Hiori walked towards them as well.

Yukimiya: Don't forget me. You cost me a spot on the Blue Lock Eleven starters Kaizen. I'm gonna surpass you as well.

Igarashi: Same here ya giant! Amen!

Ryu: Alright specs and monk, you'll be going down too!

The Germany players went through a door, before entering a dark room. A hologram of Ego popped up.

Ego: Hello there, folks who chose Germany. Welcome to the Football of Rationality and Logic.

Igarashi: A hologram of Ego...!

Ego: The team that's currently the strongest in Germany is: Bastard Munchen. You will play with the members of this Team's U-20 Category... And train with them.

Ryu clenched his fist hearing this.

Ryu: 'I knew it. I'll see you there soon enough.'

Raichi: Holy shit...!

Igarashi: So we're going?! To Germany?!!

Ego: Unfortunately, it's quite the opposite.

Ego gained a mad smile.

Ego: The Environment of the Big 5 European Leagues... Will be recreated right here in Blue Lock!! For that purpose, I have Invited... Players your age, who currently play for the strongest teams in the Big 5 Leagues. From England it's Manshine City. From Italy, it's Ubers. From Spain, it's FC Barcha. From France, it's Paris X Gen. And from Germany, it's Bastard Munchen.

Ryu: ... Something feels wrong here.

Ego: Your next goal will be to win in this environment. And the one who will be guiding you won't be me, but instead...

Players began to arise from the ground, as Ryu recognized some.

Ego: The Ace Strikers who Reign over each team of these top teams. Allow me to introduce you: The Absolute Ace of Bastard Munchen, and the one who holds the the title of Best Player in the World...

All of their eyes were on the absolute unit of the Striker.

Ego: NOEL NOA, THE MASTER STRIKER!!

NOEL NOA!!

Ryu: Holy shit... It's actually him.

Ryu looked at the World's Top Striker, immediately thinking of himself.

Ryu: 'A physique that puts you over most players in terms of strength, speed, and jumping power. Like mine.'

Ryu smirked, ready to advance.

CHAPTER END!!