Jinpachi Ego’s voice continued over the massive screen.

“Then, with every stage you clear, you’ll gain one more teammate!”

“The teams that manage to form five-player squads and reach the fifth stage will officially pass the second round of selection!”

After hearing that, Meguru Bachira asked curiously, like an excited kid,

“What happens to the teams that lose?”

Whether answering him directly or simply following the script, Jinpachi Ego went on,

“The remaining members of the losing team will return to the previous stage. If they lose again in a 2v2 match…”

“And aren’t selected by another team, that final unchosen player will be eliminated.”

“That’s the full structure of the second round—you’ll compete against rivals in what’s called the ‘Rival Conquest Battle!’”

“Also, you’re free to choose your opponents. A match only begins if both teams agree.”

Meguru Bachira tilted his head.

“So that means more three-man teams will show up here later?”

“Exactly~”

Seishiro Nagi nodded absentmindedly, while Yoichi Isagi glanced toward Rin Itoshi’s trio, thinking,

(So… that means we don’t have to fight them.)

Seishiro Nagi suddenly raised a finger, as if realizing something.

“If winning lets us steal a player, then if we want to recruit someone, we can just challenge their team, right?”

On the big screen, Jinpachi Ego spread his hands and replied,

“Precisely! Choosing who to fight—and who to fight with—is the key to clearing this stage.”

“For your reference, I’ll now reveal the new Blue Lock rankings!”

The numbers on each player’s arm began to flash before locking into place. Jinpachi Ego continued,

“This time, the rankings are real. They’re based on how quickly you cleared the first stage.”

“You who made it this far have already turned the zero on the field into a one.”

“This is a survival match—where ones collide, merge, and push each other higher!”

“Only those whose selfish desires can spark chemical reactions will earn the next ticket as forwards.”

“To win, you must do whatever it takes!”

With that, Jinpachi Ego clapped his hands and disappeared from the screen.

“These rules are seriously harsh.”

“So basically, as long as we beat our opponents and recruit up to five members, we pass?”

“Yeah. Looks like there’s no need to rush picking an opponent yet. What do you think, Yoichi?”

Meguru Bachira and Seishiro Nagi, both completely relaxed, turned to Yoichi Isagi.

Yoichi didn’t answer right away, tapping his chin in thought.

(Should we wait for another team to show up… or…)

“Hey! You three over there—how about facing us?”

“Our Rin’s already itching to—uh, I mean—dying to battle you guys!”

Ryūma Banjō grinned, but immediately felt a freezing glare burning into his back.

“Hmph. If we’re going to fight, we should pick the ones ranked fourth, fifth, and sixth.”

“That’s the trendiest choice!”

“Seriously, even if we beat those country hicks, it wouldn’t make me any prettier!”

Rin Itoshi’s patience snapped.

“Shut up! The opponent doesn’t matter.”

“We’ll win fast and move on. I’m not wasting another second here.”

Meguru Bachira blinked, confused, and turned to Nagi.

“Trendy?”

“Means stylish, I think,” Nagi replied blankly.

While Isagi sat there deep in thought, the two of them were already chatting casually like nothing was happening.

“And don’t get the wrong idea,” Rin said coldly. “You’re all just stepping stones to me.”

“You, Blue Lock—everything.”

“As long as I win, I’ll make it to the U-20 national team. I’m only here to use this system.”

“Everything I do is to reach the national team—and surpass my brother.”

“Beating Sae Itoshi is the only reason I play football!”

Yoichi’s pupils shrank at his words.

(So it’s true… He’s the younger brother of that genius midfielder, Sae Itoshi!)

“Hah, that guy’s way too self-centered.”

“That whole team’s packed with weirdos,” Nagi said plainly.

Ryūma Banjō froze, panicking internally.

(Wait, does Nagi think I’m one of them? T﹏T)

(Let me explain—I don’t even know these two freaks! I’m totally normal! T﹏T)

Meanwhile, Jyubei Aryu flipped his hair with one hand and pointed at Rin with the other.

“Even your family background is trendy? As my teammate, you pass the vibe check!”

Yoichi finally made up his mind.

“Bachira, Nagi—sorry!”

“I know this is risky, but…”

“It doesn’t really matter who we choose, right?”

He slowly lifted his head, blue light flashing in his eyes as a green aura ignited around him.

“My ego says…”

“Let’s fight!”

Meguru Bachira’s grin widened.

“That’s the spirit!”

“I was already thinking the same thing.”

Nagi gave a calm nod.

Jyubei Aryu scratched his head.

“Wait, are you talking to me?”

Rin replied coldly,

“Doesn’t matter who the opponent is.”

Yoichi stared straight at Rin, his determination blazing.

(Most of all… I want him.)

Once all six players changed uniforms, the White Team—led by Yoichi Isagi—took the kickoff.

Ryūma glanced at his mark, Seishiro Nagi, thinking idly,

(Yeah… white looks way better than red.)

The giant screen flashed:

White Team vs. Red Team — Kickoff!

At the whistle, Yoichi passed straight to Meguru Bachira, then charged forward alongside Nagi.

“Ready, set—go!”

Meguru stormed into the Red Team’s half with his usual unrestrained energy.

“I’ll block you perfectly, bangs!”

That voice came from Jyubei Aryu, marking Bachira. Before the match, he’d wanted Ryūma to face him,

but Ryūma had refused, claiming, “Only the trendiest guy deserves to take on Bachira!”

Upon hearing that, Aryu had instantly volunteered himself.

“Rankings only show who cleared the first stage fastest, right?”

With that, Bachira broke into a Ultra-fast step-over feint, his feet moving so fast that Aryu couldn’t predict his next move.

At the last second, Bachira flicked the ball to the right and darted left—

—but Aryu wasn’t so easy to beat. Using his absurdly long legs, he blocked the ball heading right.

“Da~me!”

Bachira reacted in an instant. As he lunged left, he pivoted sharply, stomping the ball underfoot and spinning it leftward with a Marseille Turn—slipping right past Aryu.

“A Marseille Turn after a Ultra-fast step-overs? That move’s pretty trendy, bangs!”

Aryu twisted around and sprinted after him.