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You eagerly waited with Oliver, a tablet in hand as you checked people in. You had gotten everyone so far, and when the door opened again, you immediately turned your gaze to it. Your fingers immediately hovered over the names as the U-20 team eyed the incoming BLUELOCK members.

You ignored as people said whatever to you, walking closer. "The U-20 players? How come you guys are here?" You recognized him to be Isagi Yoichi with the last time you'd seen him being back when you all bowled. Swiftly, you checked off the newcomers names, marking them as present.

Bachira Meguru.

Aryu Jyubei.

Chigiri Hyoma.

Barou Shoei.

Nagi Seishiro.

At the last name you marked, you lit up, rushing toward the much taller striker. "Nagi!" You exclaimed, tackling him into a hug. He merely pat your head in response, and you pulled back.

Out of the corner of your eye, they saw Isagi approach Rin. You were forced to ignore that, however, as Nagi spoke. "You know what's going on?"

"Yeah, and I'm really excited for everyone!" You smiled brightly, your conversation getting interrupted as Ego began his long speech. You immediately headed toward the front of the room where he appeared in a projection form.

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

"If you guys were to take part as you are, let's see... Victory is simply impossible. The 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 stronger? 'Awakening your ego.' 'Becoming aware of your innate weapons.' The reason that happened to each of you without a doubt. This 'environment.' This special and cruel enclosed space called 'BLUELOCK.' And to rise to greater heights, a new 'environment' will be needed. And thus, I've decided to throw you guys into the hottest hellfire that exists.

"In BLUELOCK's phase two, you all will be thrown in the peak of the world: Europe's big five leagues."

Excitement courses through your veins, a bright smile on your face as you watched the varying reactions of the players. Some looked amazed, and others already felt the pressure just from being told a hint of what's to come.

"Popularity. Ability. Money. There 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 each reference, I'll give you my biased judgement regarding each league.

"First: England. A league characterized by speed and physical battles. Where goals are stolen by the laws of physical prowess. We could call it entertainment-focused, as it makes you hold your breath every time.

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

"Next is Italy. A league that favors sounded 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.

"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.

"And finally, Germany. A league that fundamentally understand 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 current holds the title of best striker in the world, Noel Noa, is there.

"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 highest peak of the world, one thing that will be the key to win your place among the best will be demonstrating your 'uniqueness.'"

A small sigh escaped your mouth as you realized he wasn't done talking. For someone who seemingly didn't do much social interaction, he sure did talk a whole lot. You gripped your tablet tightly, glancing down at all of the names, which included the members of each team in their own respective tabs of the spreadsheet. Shit, you probably should've researched some of these people the night before, but you were too busy talking to Rin when you got home.

"Your talents and weapons may have stood out here in Japan, but they will fall to the average level when compared to the world. What you feel them, 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 professional. Therefore, you must accurately visualize what you want to become and choose the best environment for yourself. For better or for worse, this choice is guaranteed to completely derail your life.

"It's time to put everything you learned in BLUELOCK to the test. The stage is set. Take on the world. It's time to bet your future in choosing an environment to fight."

Ego's hologram disappeared, a countdown popping up instead as the whole room roared into chatter. If you already had one guess depending on what Ego said, Oliver was absolutely going to pick Italy. There was no doubt in your mind about that.

Your feet carried you through the crowd, eyes scanning for your boyfriend. When you caught sight of him, you immediately rushed over. Rin noticed you and nodded his head in greeting.

"So, any idea on what team your picking?" You asked, staring into his ever-gorgeous teal eyes. He reached out, wrapping his index finger around yours since the pinky was too far.

"I picked France." You nodded at his answer, thinking it would be a good team for him. "Do you have your schedule yet?"

You thought for a moment, trying to remember what days had which team. "Yeah, although, I still need to pick a home team, which I now know thanks to you." Pulling out your phone, you sent a quick text to Teieri about your decision. "My room will be in the France section near the captain's quarters."

He nodded, glancing to the time that hit zero. Rin moved you to face the front of the room as Ego began speaking once more. He switched your index fingers to your pinkies now that they were available.

"Fuck, he talks a lot." Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Rin nod his head in agreement.

"Well then, the nine of you who chose Germany, please move onto the next room." The mentioned nine walked forward into their new environment, and you immediately recognized Isagi and Neru in the group.

Following Germany was Paris, and you squeezed Rin's pinky as you began to walk forward with him at Ego's announcement. "The nine of you who chose Paris and assistant manager Aiku, please move onto the next room."

With a nod, you walked forward, eager to start the final selection.

The Neo Egoist League.

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