A/N

Well… here it is, my long awaited Blue Lock story!

I hope you enjoy it :)

Chapter 1 - The Ego of A Striker

What does it mean to be the best?

In football, the striker is the lone wolf on the battlefield. They are the spearhead, the focal point, the predator who hunts for the back of the net. While others defend, orchestrate, or assist, the striker exists for one purpose and one purpose alone - to score goals. Every striker, no matter their style, is ultimately judged by a singular question.

Did you score?

To be a striker is to embrace selfishness. It is to demand the ball when it matters most. It is to take the shot even when others call for the pass. It is to accept that your success means another's failure.

But the path to becoming the best striker in the world is not paved with mere skill or athleticism. No, it is carved by something far deeper - Ego

An egoist is a player who believes, I am the one who will decide this match. They see the world as theirs to conquer, the pitch as their kingdom, and their opponents as obstacles to be dismantled. To be the best striker is to embrace the arrogance of believing you can achieve what no one else can. It is to take every touch, every movement, every decision, and claim it as your own.

But ego is a double edged sword. Misused, it isolates, blinds, and destroys. Yet, wielded correctly, it is the ultimate weapon sharpening instincts, fortifying resolve, and transforming an ordinary player into a legend.

To become the best striker in the world is not merely to master the game, it is to master yourself. To find the balance between ego and teamwork, to turn selfishness into artistry, to stand above all others and say with absolute certainty...

"I am the greatest."

In the heart of Tokyo's most affluent district, a teenage boy stands on a private football pitch. The sun sets behind him, casting a golden glow on his spiky blond hair and blue eyes that glimmer with an intensity far beyond his years. His name is Uzumaki Naruto, heir to the Uzumaki business empire and a boy who, despite his privileged upbringing, feels the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders.

Naruto juggles the ball with effortless precision, each touch a rhythmic counterpoint to his thoughts. The pitch is immaculate, the kind of field most players could only dream of training on. But to Naruto, it feels empty. Soulless. There are no cheers, no opponents, no stakes. It's a stark reminder of the life he's lived a life where everything is handed to him but nothing feels earned.

"All my life…" Naruto mutters under his breath, catching the ball with the side of his foot, "I was told I was meant to be the best. The heir. The genius. The kid who could do it all."

He stares at the goal in front of him. The white frame looms in the distance, pristine and untouched.

"But what does being the best even mean?"

Naruto thinks back to the countless hours spent under the tutelage of the finest coaches money could buy. Drills, tactics, fitness regimens they had been drilled into him from the moment he showed the slightest interest in football. But no matter how hard he trained, no matter how many goals he scored in youth leagues, something always felt missing…

His parents, Minato and Kushina, praised his efforts but rarely had the time to watch his matches. His peers envied his talent but resented his privileged background. Even his victories felt hollow, as if they were the expected outcome rather than a hard fought achievement.

He places the ball on the grass and takes a step back, preparing to shoot. In his mind, he hears the voices of his critics, his supporters, and even his own doubts swirling together in a chaotic symphony.

"You'll never know what it's like to truly struggle." "He's good, but he's not great." "Why does he even bother? He'll inherit his parents' empire anyway."

Naruto grits his teeth, he silences the noise with a single thought.

"I'm not doing this for anyone else. I'm doing this for me."

Naruto takes off, his body a blur of motion as he drives toward the ball. His steps are quick, deliberate, his form textbook perfect. As he strikes, the impact reverberates through his body. The ball rockets forward, slicing through the air with precision.

It slams into the top corner of the net, the perfect strike.

But Naruto doesn't celebrate. He doesn't feel elation or satisfaction. Instead, he stares at the ball lying in the back of the net, as if searching for something that isn't there.

"Is this it?" he whispers. "Is this what it feels like to be the best?" As he looks off into the distance.

Naruto's moment of introspection is interrupted by the arrival of a figure from the estate staff. It's one of the housekeepers, carrying a crisp white envelope with an embossed seal.

"Master Naruto," she says with a polite bow, "this came for you."

Naruto takes the letter, his curiosity piqued. As he opens it, the contents make his heart skip a beat.

Dear Naruto Uzumaki,

You are invited to participate in the youth trials for Re Al Football Academy. This is an exclusive opportunity to compete among the finest players in the world. The trials will take place on…

Naruto doesn't read the rest. His mind is already racing.

Re Al. The pinnacle of football academies. The gateway to a professional career. And more importantly, a place where he could finally prove himself on a stage that mattered.

As the sun dips below the horizon, Naruto clutches the letter tightly. This was it the chance he'd been waiting for. But along with the excitement came a gnawing fear. What if he wasn't good enough? What if he failed?

"No," Naruto says aloud, shaking his head. "I'm not going there to fail, I'm going there to win."

For the first time, a flicker of true determination ignites in Naruto's eyes. The goal ahead of him is no longer just a net on an empty pitch it's the dream of becoming the greatest striker in the world. To get there, he knows he must embrace the ego that fuels every true striker. He must become an egoist.

"I'll show them all," he says, his voice firm. "I'll prove I'm not just the heir to some company. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I'll be the best striker in the world."

As the stars begin to dot the night sky, Naruto sets the ball down once more. This time, when he strikes, it feels different. Not just a shot, but a declaration. A promise to himself and to the world.

The Uzumaki family estate was a symbol of wealth and influence, sprawling over several acres in the heart of Tokyo's most affluent district. The mansion itself was an architectural marvel a blend of traditional Japanese design and modern luxury. Large glass windows reflected the golden glow of the sunset, and meticulously maintained gardens surrounded the property, complete with koi ponds, cherry blossom trees, and a private football pitch.

Inside, the air was as pristine as the marble floors. The scent of fresh flowers, carefully arranged by the house staff, lingered faintly. It was a home of perfection, but to Naruto, it sometimes felt less like a home and more like a museum a place that demanded silence and excellence.

Naruto sat at the dining table, the crisp letter from Re Al Academy clutched in his hand. He was waiting for his parents to return, unsure of how to tell them about the opportunity. Kushina Uzumaki, his mother, was the first to walk in. Her presence immediately filled the room with warmth and energy, a stark contrast to the cool, sterile environment of the estate.

Kushina was a striking woman with long, vibrant red hair that seemed to glow under the soft lighting. Her sharp eyes softened as she spotted Naruto, and her expression shifted into a smile that could disarm anyone.

"Hey, sweetheart," she said, kicking off her heels as she approached. "You look like you've got something on your mind."

Naruto hesitated, holding up the letter. "This came for me today."

Kushina's eyes scanned the letter, and her brows lifted in surprise. "Re Al Academy? The one in Spain?"

Naruto nodded, unsure of how she'd react. His mother had always been supportive of his football dreams, but she was also fiercely protective. Her business acumen made her sharp and decisive, but as a mother, she was softer, though no less formidable.

Kushina leaned on the table, her crimson hair cascading over her shoulder. "Naruto… this is huge. Re Al doesn't just invite anyone. You realise how big of a deal this is, right?"

"Yeah, I know," Naruto said, his voice quieter than usual. "But… what if I'm not good enough?"

Kushina straightened, her expression hardening into something resolute. " Uzumaki Naruto, you listen to me." She crouched down, meeting his eye level. "You've got talent, and you've got guts. But more than that, you've got heart. You've always been the kind of kid who keeps going, no matter what anyone says. That's what makes you special. So, no more doubting yourself, got it?"

Naruto felt a lump in his throat but nodded. "Got it."

Kushina smiled again, ruffling his hair. "Good. Now, let's tell your dad. He'll be over the moon."

Minato arrived home late that evening, as he often did, but not without making time for his family. His sharp suit was immaculate, his blond hair neatly styled, and his calm demeanour exuded confidence. Despite being the CEO of the Uzumaki Corporation, Minato always tried to maintain a sense of humility and approachability.

Naruto found him in the study, leafing through documents. The room was filled with the smell of leather and old books, a quiet retreat from the chaos of the outside world.

"Dad," Naruto said, standing in the doorway, "do you have a minute?"

Minato looked up and immediately smiled, setting his work aside. "Of course, Naruto. What's on your mind?"

Naruto stepped forward, holding the letter. He handed it to his father, watching as Minato's eyes scanned the page. There was a flicker of pride in Minato's expression, followed by a contemplative look.

"Re Al Academy," Minato said softly. "This is incredible, Naruto. An opportunity like this doesn't come often."

"Mom said the same thing," Naruto admitted. "But… I'm not sure if I'm ready."

Minato leaned back in his chair, his sharp blue eyes studying his son. "Naruto, do you know what I think when I look at you?"

Naruto tilted his head, confused. "What?"

"I see someone who refuses to give up," Minato said with a small smile. "You're not just my son, you're someone I admire. You have a fire in you, Naruto. That fire will carry you further than talent or training ever could. But," he added, his tone serious, "you'll need to work harder than ever. Re Al isn't just about talent they test your spirit, your discipline, and your ability to adapt."

Naruto nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes."

"That's my boy," Minato said, standing and placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Your mother and I will support you every step of the way. But this is your journey, Naruto, make it count."

Over the next few weeks, Naruto threw himself into training with an intensity that surprised even him. His family's wealth gave him access to the best facilities and trainers, but Naruto made it clear he didn't want special treatment.

Every morning began with a gruelling regimen -

Endurance training - Long distance runs to improve his stamina.

Strength training- Weighted drills to build explosive power.

Tactical sessions - Watching recordings of professional matches to study positioning and movement.

Evenings were dedicated to skill work dribbling, passing, and shooting. Naruto spent hours on the pitch, pushing himself to perfect every aspect of his game. His parents occasionally watched from the side lines, offering quiet encouragement.

One evening, as Naruto sat on the patio overlooking the pitch, Kushina joined him with two mugs of hot tea. She handed him one, sitting beside him.

"You know," Kushina began, "when I was your age, I had dreams too."

Naruto blinked. "You did?"

Kushina laughed softly. "Of course. I wanted to become a writer. I even wrote a few short stories when I had time between school and helping out with the family business. But life had other plans."

"Do you regret it?" Naruto asked.

"Sometimes," Kushina admitted. "But I learned something important along the way. No matter what you choose to do, Naruto, make sure it's something that sets your soul on fire. Something you can look back on and say, 'I gave it everything I had.' That's what matters."

Naruto stared into his tea, her words resonating deeply. "I think football is that for me, Mom."

"Then go for it," Kushina said, placing a hand on his. "And don't let anyone, anyone tell you that you can't do it."

The day before his departure for the trials, Naruto stood on the pitch with his father. Minato held a stopwatch, timing Naruto as he sprinted across the field.

"Faster, Naruto!" Minato called. "You're almost there!"

Naruto pushed himself harder, his muscles screaming in protest. When he crossed the line, he collapsed to the ground, panting.

Minato approached, kneeling beside him. "You've done well. But remember, the competition will be fierce. Stay focused, trust your instincts, and don't forget what makes you unique."

Naruto looked up at his father, a grin spreading across his face despite his exhaustion. "Thanks, Dad. I won't let you down."

The next morning, Naruto stood at the airport with his parents. Kushina hugged him tightly, whispering, "You've got this, Naruto. Go show them who you are."

Minato placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, his expression proud but composed. "Remember, son, it's not about where you start it's about where you finish."

As Naruto boarded the plane to Spain, his heart raced with anticipation. He was leaving behind the comfort of home and stepping into the unknown. But he knew one thing for certain, he was ready to give it his all.

The warm Spanish sun greeted Naruto as he stepped off the plane at Madrid Barajas Airport. The air was crisp and carried a faint hint of sea salt, a stark contrast to the familiar, humid atmosphere of Tokyo. This was it, Spain, the heartland of football. Naruto could feel his pulse quicken as he clutched his travel bag, its strap slung over his shoulder. For the first time in his life, he wasn't just representing himself but an entire dream, one that he was determined to seize.

Naruto scanned the bustling terminal, his eyes wide with a mix of awe and determination. People moved briskly, chattering in Spanish and other languages he couldn't quite place. The airport buzzed with life, yet Naruto felt a strange stillness within himself, a quiet resolve that anchored him amidst the chaos.

Naruto's thoughts were interrupted by a sharp, professional voice. "Naruto Uzumaki?"

He turned to see a man in a crisp suit holding a placard with his name. The man's demeanour was all business stern and efficient.

"That's me," Naruto said, stepping forward.

"I'm Mr. Escudero, your liaison for Re Al Academy. Welcome to Spain," the man said, extending a hand. His handshake was firm, almost testing. "Follow me. The academy's shuttle is waiting."

Naruto nodded and followed Escudero through the terminal and out into the vibrant cityscape of Madrid. The ride to the academy was both awe-inspiring and nerve wracking. Towering cathedrals, bustling plazas, and vibrant street markets zipped past the window, but Naruto's thoughts were focused inward. He clutched the letter of invitation in his pocket like a lifeline.

The shuttle pulled into a sprawling complex just outside the city a fortress of footballing excellence. Re Al Academy was a state of the art facility surrounded by lush green pitches that stretched as far as the eye could see. Towering floodlights loomed overhead, casting long shadows over the pristine grass. The sound of whistles, shouted instructions, and the dull thud of balls being struck echoed through the air.

Naruto stepped out of the shuttle, his heart pounding. This was it. The place where dreams were made or broken….

"You'll be staying in the players dormitories for the duration of the trials," Escudero explained as he led Naruto through the grounds. "Your schedule will be rigorous. Each day will begin with physical conditioning, followed by tactical drills, scrimmages, and evaluations. The coaches will be watching everything."

Naruto swallowed hard but nodded. "Understood."

Escudero paused and looked down at Naruto, his expression softening slightly. "One more thing. Don't let the reputation of this place intimidate you. Everyone here started where you are now nervous, unsure. The question is, will you let that stop you?"

Naruto's fists clenched at his sides. "No way. I didn't come all this way to back down."

Escudero's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. "Good, follow me."

Naruto was shown to his dormitory a modest but comfortable room outfitted with a single bed, a desk, and a locker. His belongings barely filled the space, but he didn't mind. He wasn't here for luxury. He was here to prove himself.

After unpacking, Naruto headed to the cafeteria, where the other trialists were gathering. The room was abuzz with energy, filled with players from around the world. Naruto scanned the crowd, his eyes narrowing as he sized up the competition. Some were laughing and joking, others sitting quietly with headphones on, but all of them exuded an air of confidence.

Naruto grabbed a tray of food and found an empty table, his nerves finally catching up to him. As he picked at his meal, he overheard snippets of conversations.

"Did you see that guy from Argentina? He's already playing in a youth league back home." "Yeah, but the kid from Germany is insane he scored 30 goals last season." "What about Itoshi Sae? I heard he's here, too."

Naruto's ears perked up at the mention of Sae. He had heard of Japan's prodigy before everyone had. Sae was a legend in the making, already made his professional debut in Europe at just 14. The thought of facing someone like that sent a shiver down Naruto's spine, but it also ignited a spark of determination.

The next morning, the trialists were herded onto one of the academy's main pitches. Rows of coaches stood with clipboards, their sharp eyes scanning the young hopefuls. The first trial was simple: a series of drills designed to assess the players' basic skills dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control.

Naruto's group was called first. He stepped onto the field, feeling the weight of dozens of eyes on him. The drill was straightforward: weave through a series of cones, then take a shot on goal.

Naruto took a deep breath as the whistle blew. He exploded into motion, his feet darting between the cones with precision. When he reached the end, he struck the ball cleanly, sending it soaring into the top corner of the net. The coaches made notes on their clipboards, their expressions unreadable.

"Not bad," one of them murmured, loud enough for Naruto to hear.

As the trial progressed, Naruto found himself drawn to one particular group of players. Among them was Itoshi Sae, his every move a masterclass in efficiency and elegance. While others stumbled or hesitated, Sae glided through the drills with a confidence that bordered on arrogance.

Naruto couldn't take his eyes off him. Sae wasn't just good he was leagues ahead of anyone else on the pitch. Watching him, Naruto felt the gap between them like a chasm.

"You staring at him isn't going to make you better," a voice said from beside him.

Naruto turned to see a boy with sharp, dark eyes and messy brown hair. He recognized him from the cafeteria Kaiya Riku.

"He's incredible," Naruto admitted, his voice low.

"Yeah, but so what?" Kaiya Riku said, shrugging. "You think he wasn't staring at someone better than him when he started? Everyone's chasing someone. The question is, who's chasing you?"

Naruto blinked, taken aback by the question. Before he could respond, the coaches called the next group, and Kaiya Riku jogged off with a wave.

By the end of the first day, Naruto was exhausted but exhilarated. The drills had tested every ounce of his skill and stamina, but he had held his own. As he collapsed onto his bed that night, his thoughts were consumed by the challenges ahead.

This wasn't just about making it into the academy. It was about proving to himself and to everyone else that he belonged. And though the shadow of players like Sae loomed large, Naruto felt something stir deep within him.

As the moonlight filtered through the window, Naruto sat up, staring at his hands. The doubts that had plagued him before were still there, but they were quieter now, drowned out by a single, burning thought.

"I won't lose. Not here. Not to him. Not to anyone."

Naruto clenched his fists, the fire in his chest rekindling. Tomorrow was another day a chance to fight, to prove, and to claim his place among the best.

The journey had only just begun...

Chapter 1 - The Ego of A Striker End

A/N

Small chapter to start us off, let me know what you think.

Here are some discord invites, if you'd like to join both are amazing servers :)

Aizen's server - /QSX5Qm6J & Grumpy's server - /KmT3bf6J

Kaiya Riku is an OC