Chapter 66: U-20's New Recruits
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U-20 Football Association – Secret Meeting Room
Tap. Tap.
"How's it going, Hōichi? Have you notified everyone about the welcome ceremony for the new members?"
Buratsuta Hirotoshi, the president of the Neon Football League, leaned back in his soft chair as he addressed his assistant.
"Don't worry, President Buratsuta," Hōichi Yasumori replied, standing with his hands behind his back. "Everything is arranged. The U-20 squad is very excited to welcome the two new recruits."
Buratsuta slowly stood, twisting his large frame, and placed a heavy hand on Hōichi's shoulder.
"There must be no mistakes in this match against Blue Lock. We need to win—decisively."
"Understood!"
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Tap. Tap.
"Ah! Wait—Sae-chan, you can't just barge in like that!"
Itoshi Sae ignored the protests of his agent, Ginolan, and casually pushed open the door to the meeting room.
"Oh! Itoshi Sae, you're finally here," Buratsuta greeted him with a forced smile, quickly standing up. "We've been expecting you!"
"We've prepared a welcome ceremony just for you," Hōichi added, bowing slightly.
Sae glanced at them, then looked back at Ginolan.
"Who's the fat guy with the crooked bangs?"
"Sae-chan, please…" Ginolan whispered. "That's the president and coach of the U-20 National Team!"
Sae exhaled through his nose.
"Good. Saves me the effort."
Turning back to Buratsuta and Hōichi, he spoke bluntly.
"Hey, old men."
"I've seen all the U-20 match footage."
"Straight up—they're trash."
Buratsuta's face twitched, but Sae kept going.
"Especially the forwards. Like some third-rate stew made out of broken fruit and boiled vomit."
"I only joined because I want to face the Blue Lock guys. But this team? You're a joke."
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Cough. Cough.
A soft cough interrupted the tension.
"Excuse me… This is the right room, right?"
Yūshin Zeya stepped in, scanning the room. He let out a small sigh of relief.
Good thing we left two hours early.
He spotted Sae.
"…Sae? You're here too?"
Sae turned. "Zeya? What the hell are you doing here?"
Zeya shrugged. "Got dragged into this. Forced recruitment."
Sae grinned. "Well, at least now there's someone worth watching on the team."
"Haha! So Sae approves of Zeya's skills?" Buratsuta laughed nervously, trying to smooth over the tension. "Well then! Let's begin the welcome event. You'll get to meet the rest of the U-20 players."
"Why bother?" Sae scoffed. "I'm not here to be friends with garbage."
"Just go," Zeya said with a calm look. "It might be useful."
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U-20 Japan National Team Training Room
Step. Step.
Hōichi Yasumori entered the room where the U-20 players were assembled. At the back, team captain Oriva Aiku sat, arms folded, watching quietly.
"Everyone's here?"
Aiku nodded. "Yeah."
Clap. Clap.
"Alright, everyone," Hōichi began. "In two weeks, we face Blue Lock."
"To prepare, we've brought in two new players."
"The first is a world-renowned member of the New Generation World Eleven—Itoshi Sae."
Gasps and murmurs swept across the room.
"And second, the youngest player ever called to U-20 and one of the Yūshin Twin Stars—Yūshin Zeya."
Step. Step.
Sae and Zeya entered.
"Holy crap—it's really Itoshi Sae!"
"He's so cool…"
"Wait, who's the guy next to him?"
"Yūshin Zeya, I think. Some call him a Twin Star of Japan."
"Heh, back in my day, I was called the Yūshin Rocket!"
"Too many nicknames flying around these days."
Light laughter filled the room.
Hōichi leaned toward the two newcomers.
"Sae, Zeya—say a few words."
Sae stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"You should feel honored to be on the same field as me."
The room went silent.
"I don't care who you are. Just don't waste my time."
Hōichi blinked awkwardly.
Suddenly—
"Don't look down on us, genius!"
Sandō, a domestic A-League striker, stood up.
"You're just a youth player. I'm already a starter in Japan's top league."
"Right now, I'm the one who's better."
Sae looked amused. "So what?"
Before he could fire back, a hand touched his shoulder.
"Then let's prove it," Zeya said calmly. "Let's play. If we win, we run the team. If we lose, we follow your orders."
He looked around the room.
"Well? Anyone got the guts to accept that?"
The room stirred.
"Who the hell do you think you are?"
"You're just some overhyped brat!"
Zeya narrowed his eyes.
"You're not just weak—you're delusional and weak."
"Come on, Sae. Let's go. No one here's worth our time."
Sae raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised—but followed.
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"Wait."
A voice rang out behind them.
Oriva Aiku stood, tall and confident.
"Don't be so quick to leave."
"We're still your teammates—don't underestimate us."
"We accept your challenge."
"…Aiku!" Sandō gasped.
"What?" Aiku smirked. "Afraid of a little match, ace?"
He stepped forward, one green and one purple eye glowing with resolve.
"And besides… we've got your back."
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To Be Continued…