A/N:
Sorry for the late update, I've been busy with life as of late.

I read one of my readers' reviews, then it got me thinking for some while, now I will try to focus on remaking this story.

Please keep in mind that in terms of football knowledge, I am at best, mediocre. I do not know what some formations are, as my first exposure to football was only a few matches and Blue Lock as well.

First and foremost, I wanna remove Hikigaya from Barou's team, outright putting him in a different stratum. as it would suggest that Team X would have to pass the first selection, thus ruining the story.

And second, I will not make Hikigaya interact with the main cast, only when the Second Selection comes around.

And lastly, This Hikigaya I made isn't exactly the one we all know and love, as he is more… egotistical in a sense. and please bear with me, as my writing isn't perfect, I would appreciate it if you would express your opinion freely, That is all.

Now on with the chapter, CHAPTER 1(RESTART!)

Football, at its most basic, is a game where grown men chase and kick a ball around, aiming to put it into a net more times than the other team, it's perplexing how this simple activity has ballooned into a global phenomenon. Eleven players on each side, often obscenely overpaid, working together to achieve what? Another victory in an endless cycle of games.

They refer to it as "the beautiful game," but a keen eye would see it as a massive circus. Aspired to fame and a luxurious lifestyle, football stars are a common desire shared by people all over the world. But this goal appears more like a well-marketed delusion, fueled by millions of people's financial donations and admiration, to support a billion-dollar enterprise.

With a ball and a clear environment, playing football is indeed accessible. However, the excessive commercialism in the game overshadows its simplicity. The top players are less athletes and more walking billboards, their images plastered across ads and merchandise. Clubs function as profit-driven businesses, and scandals, exorbitant transfer fees, and a never-ending quest for money all work to erode the credibility of the sport.

Even the enthusiasm and feeling of camaraderie that football is supposed to create are frequently appropriated, transforming sincere enthusiasm for the sport into a commercial show. Supporting teams who may view them more as clients than as devoted followers, fans give their all financially and emotionally.

With that said, even with all these flaws in the "BEAUTIFUL GAME", it's the only thing that gave a loner like me a sense of purpose, fulfillment. With this ball, I was unstoppable, even if I was ostracized, even if everyone saw me as the weird kid with dead-fish eyes, it didn't matter to me.

As long as I have this ball, everything will work out.

Ichizawa clears the ball as he kicks it upwards, another counter attack would then be initiated, my eyes drifting towards the goal, then back to the positioning of the defenders.

The score was 0-1, at the 56th minute of the match in the second half, itching for an opportunity to score one back and equalize.

I step back a little as the ball moves, giving the impression that I'm not interested in the play at hand. This gives the defenders a false sense of security and leads them to conclude that I provide no immediate threat. I could jog idly or even slow down to a stroll, disappearing into the field's background noise.

The moment the ball was at the feet of our Midfielder, I locked eyes with him. This is the signal. I time my run perfectly, accelerating into the gap that has opened between the retreating defenders. I aim for the blind spot of the center-back, making a sudden burst to lose my marker.

The defender glared, pacing towards me but toward no avail, The perfectly timed run was enough to shake me off and provide a clear chance of a goal.

My teammate saw the opportunity and then sent a lob just ahead of me, as the ball bounced once, I was already in the perfect position to strike back, to equalize.

The Goalkeeper was ready to react, but I gave him no time to dilly dally as I quickly swung my left leg back to POWER it through the top right corner, the ball going in between the armpits of the GK.

"BEAT IT!" I would then run towards the corner flag exhilarated at the fact that I scored, I TIPPED the scales. Celebrating with the small crowd gathered at the stands as I would just raise my fist up, my teammates following as one jumped on my back, and the others giving me words of acknowledgement.

"LET'S GO!" As the fever of an equalizer slowly went down, we started to walk back to our own half, before I was stopped by a familiar face.

"That was some great positioning, Hikitani-kun." Hayama Hayato utters, a hand raised up with his typical nice guy smile, wooowing the girls at the stands. I wordlessly accepted the high five, walking back towards our own half, with Hayama trailing behind me.

The match restarted, but it was just an intense tug of war between the both sides, with some clear chances but with each of the teams responding with a clutch play, which lead us to the 91th minute, 4 minutes added of extra time, the score is still 1-1. However their forward was dangerously close to breaking through the defense, as he cleaved through them with raw technique and skill.

Every move he made with the ball appeared deliberate, keeping one step ahead of the defenders who were trying to contain him.

The center backs turned to watch him soon after he received the ball, slightly inside the midfield line. He delivered the ball between the first defender's legs with a brilliant flick, turning around him in a single motion. His deceptive pace left the pursuing opponents lagging behind, as he combined controlled speed and agility.

Two additional defenders closed on him as he got closer to the penalty area in an attempt to block his path and force him wide. That forward, though, was unfazed. One defender overcommitted after a fast left-wing feint, and he quickly moved the ball to his right foot, slipping past the second defender who made a fruitless push.

The keeper who was now all alone, advanced forward, anticipating the shot, his eyes focused only on the ball. Their forward prepared to shoot, raising his leg… NOT! He was pretending to shoot towards the near post, he momentarily stopped the goalie before deftly chipping it upwards as the keeper was too low to reach the ball and punch it away.

As if time had stopped, the ball slowly bounced towards the goal line… marking the 3rd goal scored by both teams, as they celebrated, we only watched in horror, losing our one and only chance to finally get a crack at winning the nationals.

I looked at my team, exhausted as they sat down on the ground defeated. I felt a sickening feeling under my stomach… I found myself looking down on them 'Pathetic.' As the ball was returned, there were still 3 minutes left.. If we can.. No, IF I CAN EQUALIZE!

As the referee blew the whistle, the ball rolled towards me. Instead of taking only one touch, I took another. There was no time to hesitate!

I could feel the first defender getting close as I dribbled forward. I felt the pressure of my body pressing against my back as I tried to shield the ball. I suddenly gained strength and spun around, knocking him off-balance. I maneuvered the ball into the wide area with precision as my feet danced around it.

Another defender moved in, this one more assertive. His determination was evident in his eyes, but it didn't stop me. I took a fast step across and then a hard cut to the right. He rushed, but I saw him coming, and I sped away, sliding the ball past him with the sole of my boot.

The midfield attempted to close down the space as I moved forward, accepting the challenge. I managed to knock one opponent off balance with my upper body strength while maintaining the ball firmly planted on my feet. Using a combination of strength and deft maneuvering, I moved past other players as if they were just roadblocks in my way.

If my team can't forge a path ahead… THEN I'LL MAKE MY OWN! The surge of adrenaline fueled my ambitions, driving me forward with single-minded determination. My selfish play distorted the situation on the field, creating chaos and confusion among the defenders. Advancing toward the attacking third, I saw several openings appear in my peripheral vision—teammates ready to receive a pass. Only 30 yards left. If I pass to them… We can equalize…

"PASS THE BALL! NOW!" A teammate's voice pierced through the noise. I glanced to my left and saw Hayama Hayato, positioned perfectly to finish the move. The weight of the moment pressed down on me. I could feel the collective breath of the crowd, the anticipation hanging in the air. My senses screamed to follow the team, to play it safe, to win the game together.

I gritted my teeth, torn between the urge to be the hero and the responsibility to my team. The goal loomed ahead, tantalizingly close, a testament to my resolve. But in that split second, I made my choice.

No, there was only one choice! And that was to SHOOT! I ignored their demands, shooting from 30 yards out, the ball accelerated forward, the goalkeeper was unable to react, diving into it late as the ball traveled in a straight line, making it into the top left corner, equalizing the match and keeping the dream of winning the nationals alive, I celebrated, the team celebrated.

Eventually, after a few minutes of football, the game was to be decided by penalties, it was decided that I would be the first one to hit a pen, responding with a nod and walking towards the penalty area as I placed the ball square on the spot, assuming a stance.

My eyes concentrated. I started the run-up as soon as the referee's whistle rang out. The ball shot high and into the left corner with a quick hit. The goalie, diving in the other way, was only able to observe as the ball hit the back of the net. Goal.

With every player confronting their crucial moment, the shootout went on. With a fantastic stop in one place and a failed shot in another, the score stayed close. When the last kicker of the match emerged, the outcome was decided.

The last player, their forward who scored an otherworldly goal, stood on the penalty area with a calm gaze.

He was positioned to shoot. The whistle announced the attempt, and he fired the ball high into the upper corner with steely resolve. The goalie's last-ditch jump proved unsuccessful. GOAL!

I grimaced, watching the opposition celebrate, some of them crying even, I finally let fatigue take over as I sat down on the ground, panting as I blankly looked at the sky…

I've known since I was a child that football is the only thing that really gets me. I was OK without anyone else. With this ball, I was unstoppable. But as I sat here on the field, my spirit crushed under the weight of loss, I saw that dream slipping away. I had an opportunity to compete at the Nationals, but it was taken away from me, leaving me with a void in its place.

Regardless, I stood up and accepted my defeat, relinquished it, learned from it, and made sure that in the next match…

I'll never lose, never again.

(POV CHANGE)

"Great hold-up play, Amazing physique, Surprisingly good technique! and that shoot ! Is he both footed? This boy… I didn't expect to see another diamond in the rough. He even outshined the ones we were initially supposed to be scouting for; we can give him a chance, Ego-san!" In the stands of the football stadium, there was a small, attractive young lady with chocolate-brown eyes and neck-length brown hair with two braids braided on either side in the back. Her left side is adorned with square bangs, She was dressed in an impeccable white button-down shirt with a pointed collar that exuded refinement. Her pencil skirt, a smooth blue that clung to her hips and waist, ended just below the knee and featured a little opening at the back to allow for maximum mobility.

"Yes, I'm certain! This boy... He's a perfect fit for BLUE LOCK!"

Little did Hikigaya know, this defeat was not just another setback on the field—it was the catalyst for a profound change in his life.

A/N: hello, like i said at the intro, this story is a revamp of my old fanfic, you can expect some sort of consistency as I finally have some free time, this time I'll be making sure that Hikigaya is gonna be one hell of a character from here on out, If you'd like, you can review and add some insights, if you find any mistakes with my football writing feel free to criticize! This is pr140wl, signing out!

Next Chapter: Dazed Egoist