A/N
Yo, welcome back to another new chapter!
The site/app is still having issues, but good news I'll also be posting on Ao3 soon. It'll take me a few days to get familiar with the site, but updates will be available there as well.
Now, let's talk about the story so far. Keep in mind that this takes place before Blue Lock has even started, which means Loki was still a youth player until recently.
Why isn't Naruto playing first team football yet? The same reason Sae can't PIFA regulations prevent minors (under 18) from signing internationally. Loki plays in France and is a French born player, so those rules don't apply to him the same way they do to Naruto and Sae.
A few more things Naruto's Emperor and Belial Eye abilities will remain unique to him. The Belial Eye is specifically activated when he enters his Flow State.
Some have asked why I chose Inori as the pairing. For one, she's not a common choice, and I prefer using unique pairings. Plus, she's underrated, give her some love!
Thanks for reading.
Let's dive into the chapter!
Chapter 13 – Not Enough
The morning of the match had arrived.
The Japan National Team Hotel was buzzing with energy, but inside the dining hall, things were quieter.
Naruto and Sae sat at a corner table, away from the noise, eating their pre-game meal. The rest of the team had scattered around, some eating together, some keeping to themselves, all of them mentally preparing for what was coming.
Today, they had to win.
As Naruto forked a piece of his omelette into his mouth, his phone screen glowed brightly, showing the latest media headlines.
LSPN Football - "From Outcast to Japan's Saviour – The Rise of Naruto Uzumaki"
ENG Sport - "The New Generation of Football: Is Japan's Future Here?"
Marca (Spain) - "Is Uzumaki The Real Deal? Spain's Nightmare, The World's Next Star?"
Kye Sports - "Naruto Uzumaki vs Julian Loki – A Rivalry for generations to come".
Kicker (Germany) - "The Emperor vs. The God-Chosen: Michael Kaiser Speaks"
Naruto clicked on the last one, raising an eyebrow.
Sae, across the table, exhaled. "Kaiser's talking already?"
Naruto scanned the article quickly, his eye narrowing slightly.
Michael Kaiser - "Naruto Uzumaki? He's entertaining, I'll give him that. But one good game doesn't make you the best. Let's see what happens when the world isn't cheering for him. Let's see if he's still shining when the lights get brighter. That's when the real greats show themselves."
Naruto grinned.
"That arrogant prick," he muttered, scrolling down.
The article continued, quoting football analysts discussing Naruto's future.
"Uzumaki's performance against Spain was legendary, but let's not forget – Spain underestimated Japan. Costa Rica will be different. They'll sit deep, play ugly, and frustrate him. If he struggles, this media hype could collapse just as fast as it built up."
Naruto leaned back, smirking.
"So now people think it was a fluke?"
Sae, stirring his coffee, barely looked up. "That's how it is. One game, you're a god. The next, you're just hype."
Naruto tilted his head, tossing a grape into his mouth. "I guess I'll just have to shut them up, huh?"
Sae's lips curled slightly. "Obviously."
From across the dining hall, Naruto could see some of his teammates watching him and Sae.
The players, were glued to their phones, reading every tweet, every news article, every piece of speculation about today's match.
Some looked nervous.
Some looked determined.
Naruto clicked on his Twitter feed.
Trending Topics in Japan -
#JapanVsCostaRica
#UzumakiTime
#EmperorVsGodChosen
#NarutoSaeDuo
Millions of eyes were watching.
Naruto chewed his toast slowly, feeling a familiar fire burning in his chest.
The whole world was waiting for him to prove himself again.
He didn't mind.
He loved this feeling.
Sae set his coffee down, finally looking at Naruto directly. "You ready?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Do you even have to ask?"
Sae exhaled, leaning forward slightly. "It's different now. Against Spain, you had nothing to lose. Today? If we screw this up, we're out."
Naruto didn't react immediately.
Then, his lips curled into a smirk.
"You worried about me, Sae?"
Sae scoffed. "No, I'm worried about the team. You and I will be fine."
Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, if that's the case, then there's nothing to worry about. We're gonna win."
Sae studied him for a moment, then let out a small chuckle.
"You really believe that, huh?"
Naruto tilted his head, grinning. "Do you?"
Sae exhaled, looking away for a second. Then, his smirk returned.
"Yeah."
After breakfast, the team gathered in the lobby, waiting for the bus to take them to the stadium.
The mood was intense.
Some players had their headphones in, blocking out the world. Others were stretching, bouncing lightly on their feet, keeping their bodies loose.
Naruto stood near the entrance, checking his phone one last time.
A message popped up.
Inori - Game day, Emperor. Make it count.
Naruto smirked, quickly typing back.
Naruto - You already know I will.
He locked his phone, rolling his shoulders.
Sae stood next to him, arms crossed, watching as the team manager called for them to board the bus.
Naruto let out a breath, staring out at the bright sky.
The time for talking was over.
The Japan National Team bus rolled through the streets of St. Petersburg, its dark blue frame reflecting the morning sun.
Inside, the atmosphere was a mix of calm focus and quiet intensity.
Players sat with headphones in, eyes closed, mentally preparing. Others stared out the window, watching as the massive Zenit Arena loomed closer.
Sae sat near the back, his arms crossed, resting his eyes. Naruto sat beside him, completely still.
Just waiting.
He had already made up his mind.
They weren't losing today.
The bus finally slowed, turning into the private player entrance of the stadium. The moment it stopped, a wave of noise hit them.
Even inside the vehicle, they could hear the cheers of Japanese fans waiting outside.
As soon as Naruto stepped off the bus, the atmosphere changed.
The sheer scale of the stadium was overwhelming, home to 68,000 fans, and today, the battlefield that would determine Japan's fate.
A mixture of blue and red filled the stands, Japanese fans waving flags, while Costa Rican supporters roared with pride.
Naruto walked toward the entrance, his navy blue tracksuit with Japan number 7, clinging to his body.
He passed the media section, cameras instantly locked onto him.
Flashes. Microphones. Reporters whispering.
They knew who the world was watching today.
Sae stepped beside him, stretching his arms over his head. "It's loud."
Naruto smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Good. They should be loud when they watch a masterpiece."
Sae sighed, shaking his head. "You and your ego."
Naruto chuckled. "You love it."
The air inside the tunnel was thick.
Both teams stood side by side, waiting for the signal to walk onto the pitch.
Japan, dressed in their iconic blue kits with white shorts, stood tall and focused.
Costa Rica, in their red home shirt, looked calm, confident.
Their captain, a tall, rugged defender, stood at the front, glancing at Naruto with a measured look.
Naruto smirked. "You ready?"
The captain didn't respond, but his teammates whispered among themselves, staring at Naruto cautiously.
They had seen the Spain match.
They knew what he could do.
Naruto felt a tap on his shoulder.
Sae muttered, "They're watching you."
Naruto grinned, cracking his neck. "Let them."
The Costa Rican goalkeeper, a seasoned veteran, finally spoke, his Japanese thick but understandable. "One game doesn't make you a legend, kid."
Naruto's grin widened.
"Good thing this is just the beginning, then."
John Parker (English Broadcaster) - "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the final match of Group E Japan vs. Costa Rica! A match that will decide Japan's fate in the World Cup!"
Goro Takemura (Japanese Analyst) - "And what a moment this is! After their historic win against Spain, Japan comes into this match knowing that a victory is their only way forward."
John Parker - "But standing in their way is a disciplined Costa Rican side that will not make it easy for them. Japan will have to work for every inch of space today."
Goro Takemura - "And, of course, all eyes will be on one player, Naruto Uzumaki. The 16 year-old who stunned the world against Spain with his four goal performance. Can he do it again?"
John Parker - "Or will Costa Rica shut him down and send Japan home? We're about to find out!"
The referee called for the teams to step forward.
Naruto took one last breath.
Then, with a grin, he walked onto the pitch.
Inside the Uzumaki Household.
Kushina sat on the couch, arms crossed, eyes glued to the massive flat screen TV.
Minato sat beside her, a calm smile on his face, but even he couldn't hide the slight tension in his posture.
The moment the broadcast switched to the stadium, showing Naruto standing in the tunnel, stretching his arms behind his head with that confident smirk, Kushina exhaled heavily.
"That little brat. He's always acting like he owns the world."
Minato chuckled, sipping his tea. "Well… he kind of does right now."
Kushina scoffed, shaking her head, but there was pride hidden beneath her frustration.
The camera zoomed in on Naruto's Number 7 Japan jersey, his eyes burning with excitement as he glanced at the Costa Rican players.
Kushina tensed.
Minato smiled softly.
"Let's see what our son can do."
Inside a large, a classroom, nearly every student sat at their desks, their eyes locked onto the huge projector screen mounted on the wall.
The Japan vs. Costa Rica match was being shown live.
At the back of the room, two familiar figures watched closely.
"Damn, he really made it this far, huh?"
Reo Mikage sat with his arms folded, his usually playful demeanour a little more serious than usual as he watched the broadcast.
Next to him, Nagi Seishiro, his white hair slightly messy, yawned lazily, resting his head on his arms. "Mmm… he's kinda cool, I guess."
Reo gave him a side glance. "Kinda? Dude, he's playing in the World Cup. At sixteen."
Nagi shrugged. "Yeah… but it still looks like too much work."
Reo sighed. "I swear, you're impossible."
A few seats ahead, another pair of eyes locked onto the screen.
Mikasa Ackerman sat with her hands clasped under her chin, her sharp gray eyes following Naruto's every movement as he walked onto the pitch.
When the camera zoomed in on his smirk, she could almost hear his voice in her head.
"Who do you think I am? Of course we're gonna win."
Mikasa exhaled through her nose. "You better win, Uzumaki."
Inside a darkened room, a massive wall of screens flickered, each displaying different angles of the Japan vs. Costa Rica match.
The glow of the monitors reflected off a pair of glasses, a thin smirk curling at the lips of the man watching.
Jinpachi Ego.
His fingers steepled beneath his chin as he observed the Japanese players stepping onto the field.
"So… he's finally back on the centre stage."
The camera cut to Naruto Uzumaki, cracking his neck, his body loose, his eye practically glowing under the stadium lights.
Ego adjusted his glasses, his smirk widening.
"Show me what you've got, Egoist."
Elsewhere, far from the school classrooms, far from the public eye, one person watched the match with intense focus.
The room was small, the only light coming from the television screen.
A young man sat on the edge of his bed, elbows resting on his knees, his sharp blue eyes locked onto Naruto Uzumaki.
He had dark, messy hair, an athletic frame, and a quiet aura of determination.
Isagi Yoichi.
He had watched the entire Japan vs. Spain match.
And now, he was watching again.
But this wasn't just a fan watching in admiration.
This was a player analyzing a future opponent.
"Uzumaki Naruto…" he muttered under his breath, leaning forward slightly.
The roar of 68,000 fans filled the stadium, a mix of Japanese and Costa Rican supporters creating a thunderous atmosphere.
On the pitch, the players took their positions. Japan, dressed in their blue kits, stood ready. Costa Rica, in deep red, prepared to absorb the pressure.
The referee signalled, and the moment had arrived.
Kick off.
John Parker - "And we're underway here in St. Petersburg! Japan vs. Costa Rica the final match of Group E, and Japan's World Cup hopes are on the line!"
Goro Takemura - "That's right, John. Japan must win today if they want any chance of progressing. A draw or a loss, and they're heading home. No room for error."
From the opening whistle, Japan took immediate control of possession.
Sae, stationed deep in midfield, dictated the tempo with effortless precision.
Short passes. Quick movement.
Naruto, positioned as a false nine, drifted between Costa Rica's centre-backs, looking for openings.
Costa Rica, as expected, sat back in a low defensive block, five at the back, four in midfield, their lone striker barely pressing.
Naruto clicked his tongue, already sensing how annoying this would be.
"Alright, let's break this damn wall."
In the 3rd minute a sharp exchange between Sae and Naruto as he received the ball just outside the penalty area.
With a quick touch, Naruto turned and fired a shot…
Blocked.
Costa Rica's defenders swarmed immediately, crowding him out before he could get a clean strike.
Naruto exhaled, narrowing his eyes. So that's how they wanted to play? Fine.
For the first time, Costa Rica broke forward.
A misplaced pass from Japan's right-back led to a quick turnover, and suddenly, Costa Rica's midfield surged forward.
Naruto and Sae turned their heads, tracking the play.
John Parker - "Costa Rica on the counterattack! This is where they're dangerous!"
Their winger, lightning-fast, raced down the left, cutting inside past Japan's left-back.
The Costa Rican striker timed his run perfectly, darting into the box as the cross came flying in.
A header, the ball flew toward goal as the keeper punched it away.
Japan's goalkeeper dived, fists smashing the ball clear!
The stadium gasped, then erupted in cheers.
Goro Takemura - "A huge save! That could've been an early disaster for Japan!"
Naruto let out a sharp breath, jogging back into position.
Costa Rica had shown their game plan.
Sit deep.
Defend.
Counter hard.
It was going to be a long battle.
Japan reset, building from the back.
Sae received the ball near midfield, eyes scanning ahead.
Naruto dropped deep, his Emperor's Eye flickering as he analysed the movement of Costa Rica's defensive line.
He saw the space before it opened.
"Sae."
Sae barely glanced at him before launching a long driven pass over the top.
The ball whipped through the air as Naruto exploded forward.
A burst of speed. One perfect touch on the run.
The Costa Rican defender closed in.
Naruto slowed down, then suddenly cut inside.
John Parker - "Uzumaki! Inside the box!"
He pulled his leg back, ready to shoot.
A last-second slide tackle knocked the ball away.
The crowd groaned, but Naruto was already back on his feet.
Sae jogged up, giving him a look. "Close."
Naruto grinned. "We're getting there."
Costa Rica's defenders were locked in, but Naruto felt them starting to shift.
He could see the gaps forming.
And so could Sae.
As Japan passed the ball around the edge of the penalty box, Naruto suddenly dropped deep again.
A midfielder followed him but that was a mistake.
Because that meant Sae was free.
Naruto, without looking, backheeled the ball into space.
Sae, already anticipating it, sprinted forward, and let it rip.
A powershot from outside of the box.
The Costa Rican keeper dived at full stretch with a fingertip save.
As the ball barely missed the post, rolling out for a corner.
The Japanese fans erupted, sensing the first real moment of danger.
John Parker - "Japan is knocking on the door now! They're getting closer and closer!"
Naruto walked back into position, his breathing steady.
He could feel it.
The goal was coming.
Japan had finally broken through Costa Rica's defensive wall, forcing a corner kick after a shot from Sae.
Now, the entire Costa Rican defence was on edge.
Naruto jogged into the penalty area, his Emperor's Eye scanning the setup.
Costa Rica had all eleven players inside the box, ready to defend with everything they had.
But that didn't matter.
Because Naruto could see it.
The exact space. The exact second.
The moment that would win them this duel.
Sae walked up to take the corner, his expression unreadable.
From the commentary booth, the analysts felt the anticipation rise.
John Parker - "Corner kick for Japan! Itoshi Sae steps up to take it. Could this be the moment?"
Goro Takemura - "It's their first set-piece opportunity of the match. Costa Rica is known for their strong defensive structure, but Japan has the height advantage here."
Sae placed the ball near the corner flag, rolling his shoulders before glancing at the penalty area.
His teal eyes flicked toward Naruto for just a second.
That was all Naruto needed.
Sae already knew where Naruto wanted it.
He took a step back, exhaling slowly.
Then he struck it.
A perfect in-swinging cross, curling with laser precision toward the near post.
Naruto was already moving.
As the ball curled in, Costa Rica's defenders scrambled to react.
Naruto timed his run perfectly, slipping between two centre-backs.
He exploded upward, his leap higher than anyone else's.
The ball met his forehead with a loud crack.
A power header straight into the back of the net.
Goal…
Japan 1-0 Costa Rica.
The stadium erupted.
The Japanese fans exploded into cheers, while Costa Rica's defenders stood frozen, stunned by what had just happened.
Naruto landed smoothly, sliding onto his knees near the corner flag, his right hand casually pointing toward Sae.
A simple, effortless gesture.
Thanks for the cross.
Sae, walking back toward midfield, smirked slightly, giving a small nod before turning away.
John Parker - "And there it is! Japan takes the lead! Naruto Uzumaki, once again, delivers!"
Goro Takemura - "What a perfect header! The technique, the timing, this kid is unbelievable!"
John Parker - "And let's give credit to Itoshi Sae as well, what a world-class delivery on that corner!"
Goro Takemura - "This is why these two are different! They create something out of nothing!"
As Japan celebrated, the live score updates from the other match in Group E flashed across the screen.
Spain 2-1 Germany
Luna had already scored twice.
And if Spain won while Japan won…
Japan would be eliminated on goal difference.
Inori, seated in the press box, typed furiously on her laptop.
"Japan takes the lead, but the real battle isn't just here. With Spain leading Germany, Japan's World Cup fate is still hanging by a thread."
She exhaled, her pink hair falling into her face as she stared at the screen.
Japan had controlled the match after taking the lead through Naruto's powerful header, but Costa Rica refused to roll over.
For the last ten minutes, they had pressed forward aggressively, forcing Japan's defence to hold firm.
Naruto watched it all unfold, his body loose, his breathing steady.
His job was done… for now.
Sae stood slightly behind him in midfield, watching with the same detached expression.
Neither of them looked worried.
Because if Japan lost this lead, it wouldn't be on them.
Costa Rica launched one final attack, their winger cutting inside and firing a dangerous shot toward goal.
Japan's keeper punched it away, and before the ball could be recycled, the referee blew the whistle.
Halftime.
Japan walked off the pitch leading 1-0.
As he jogged toward the tunnel, he noticed the coaching staff whispering intensely, their eyes flicking between a tablet screen and the scoreboard.
His gut told him bad news was coming.
The players entered the dressing room, many of them still catching their breath, wiping sweat from their brows.
Some were smiling, others giving each other silent nods of encouragement.
But Naruto and Sae just sat down, grabbed water bottles, and waited.
And then the head coach finally spoke.
His voice was grim.
"Spain is leading Germany 2-1."
The room froze, some players blinked in confusion, while others immediately understood.
If Spain wins and Japan wins, Japan is out on goal difference.
Naruto took a slow sip of water.
Sae exhaled through his nose, leaning back against the bench.
One of the senior defenders frowned. "So… what do we do?"
The assistant coach sighed heavily.
"If Germany doesn't equalize, we need to score more. A 1-0 win isn't enough."
Murmurs filled the room. Some players nodded determinedly, while others exchanged nervous glances.
Naruto remained silent.
His hands rested on his knees, his Emperor's Eye dull, almost lifeless.
Because at this point, it wasn't up to him anymore.
As the conversation swirled around him, Naruto stared blankly at the floor.
His heart rate wasn't rising.
He wasn't angry.
He wasn't desperate.
He felt… nothing.
Because the truth was simple.
He had done his job.
He scored. He gave Japan the lead.
If Germany couldn't handle Spain, if Japan couldn't score more, then that was on them.
Not him.
Sae, sitting beside him, had the exact same posture.
Arms folded, gaze impassive, jaw relaxed.
They were both thinking the same thing.
They had already proven themselves.
The head coach rubbed his face, clearly stressed.
"We can't afford to sit back. We have to push forward."
One of the assistants nodded. "Then we need Uzumaki and Itoshi even more in the second half. We play through them."
Naruto barely reacted.
He already knew that.
Sae exhaled sharply. "We just keep playing. That's all we can do."
The coach hesitated, then finally gave the order.
"Alright. We attack. No holding back."
Players nodded, fists clenched in determination.
Naruto and Sae just existed in the moment.
If it worked, it worked.
If it didn't? Then it wasn't their fault anyway.
As halftime neared its end, the commentators began setting the stage for the second half.
John Parker - "Japan leads, but it might not be enough! If Spain holds on against Germany, Japan will still be eliminated!"
Goro Takemura - "This is the brutal reality of the World Cup. Winning isn't always enough. Goal difference matters."
John Parker - "So the second half will be crucial. Does Japan keep attacking? Or do they hope Germany rescues them?"
Inori sat in the press section, her fingers flying across her keyboard.
"Japan is in an impossible situation. They're winning, but it's not in their hands anymore. The fate of their World Cup run depends on two things: scoring more goals, or praying that Germany saves them."
She glanced at the broadcast, the camera zooming in on Naruto sitting on the bench, his expression unreadable.
Looks like he's already accepted whatever happened next.
The roar of the crowd filled the stadium as Japan stepped back onto the pitch.
Spain was winning 2-1 against Germany, meaning Japan's World Cup hopes were still hanging by a thread.
Naruto walked onto the field slowly, his body loose, his Emperor's Eye flickering as he scanned the opposition.
But this time he wasn't the main focus.
As he took his position, Sae stepped forward.
For the first time in this tournament, Itoshi Sae was about to take over.
As Japan restarted play, the ball immediately found its way to Sae.
He turned on a dime, effortlessly skipping past the first Costa Rican midfielder.
Naruto, positioned slightly behind him, watched without moving.
He could see it already.
Sae's rhythm was different now.
His touches were sharper, his passes had an extra kick to them.
A sudden burst forward.
Sae, who had spent most of the game controlling the midfield, surged past the second defensive line.
Naruto smirked. "About time."
Costa Rica's defenders rushed in, expecting a pass... but Sae wasn't passing.
Sae cut inside, smoothly gliding past a defender with a quick double touch before entering the box.
A centre-back lunged in too slow.
Sae flicked the ball past him, positioning himself for the shot.
John Parker - "Itosh Sae! Into the box! This could be it!"
The Costa Rican goalkeeper rushed out, closing the angle. But Sae didn't care.
With a perfectly timed strike, he curled the ball low and fast Into the bottom right corner.
Goal…
Japan 2-0 Costa Rica.
Sae barely reacted.
No celebration.
No smile.
Just a calm jog back to midfield, his eyes sharp and unforgiving.
Naruto walked past him, giving him a smirk. "Took you long enough."
Sae sighed. "Shut up."
Goro Takemura - "There it is! Itoshi Sae shows why he's Japan's best midfielder! That was world-class composure in front of goal!"
John Parker - "And look at his reaction, he doesn't even care! That's how high his standards are!"
Goro Takemura - "With Sae stepping up and Naruto still lurking, Japan is coming alive in this second half!"
In a separate part of the stadium, a massive screen showed the live feed of Spain's game.
As Japan's fans celebrated, a sudden gasp came from a small section.
Spain 3-1 Germany
Luna had just scored again.
Japan's reality was starting to settle in.
For the next fifteen minutes, Costa Rica looked broken.
Sae dictated the midfield with ruthless precision, and Naruto bided his time, waiting for the right moment.
And then it came.
Naruto saw the space first.
Sae's pass was already coming before he even called for it.
A sharp Trivela through-ball, cutting through the entire Costa Rican defence.
Naruto, running at full speed, took one perfect touch to control it.
One on one with the keeper.
He didn't hesitate. A quick flick of the ankle a chipped shot over the diving goalkeeper.
Goal…
Japan 3-0 Costa Rica
Naruto turned away instantly, walking back toward midfield.
No screaming. No excessive celebration.
Just a slow, confident nod toward Sae.
Sae, still near midfield, gave a small wave, as if saying 'you're welcome.'
Naruto smirked. "Appreciate it."
The crowd exploded in celebration.
Japan had done all they could.
But in the stands, Inori's face remained tense.
Her phone screen showed the updated score from the other match.
Spain 4-1 Germany
Luna scored all four goals, while Kaiser had scored Germany's only goal.
Japan had won their battle.
But they had lost the war.
The referee brought the whistle to his lips.
The stadium roared as the match officially came to an end.
Japan had won 3-0.
But there was no celebration.
Because, just as the final whistle blew, the scoreboard flashed the result from the other match:
Spain 4-1 Germany
Silence fell over the Japanese squad.
Naruto stood near the centre circle, hands on his hips, staring up at the screen.
It was official.
Despite their victory, despite their best efforts, Japan was out of the World Cup.
The reaction was mixed.
Some players collapsed onto the field, heads in their hands. Others just stood there, staring blankly at nothing.
A few of the older veterans sighed heavily, their World Cup dreams shattered in an instant.
Naruto took a slow breath, then exhaled.
There was no anger.
No shock.
Just… acceptance.
This was out of his control.
He had done everything he could.
Sae, standing beside him, let out a deep sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Tch… what a joke."
Naruto smirked slightly. "Yeah, but at least we went out winning."
Sae snorted. "Hmph. I guess."
The coaches walked onto the field, their expressions mixed.
The head coach was clearly frustrated, but even he knew there was nothing more to say.
Slowly, one by one, the older players of Japan stood up and walked towards the fans.
Even in defeat, there was still tradition to uphold.
The team gathered at the edge of the pitch, facing the thousands of Japanese fans who had supported them.
Together, they bowed.
A deep, respectful bow.
The Japanese supporters, in response, stood on their feet, applauding with all their strength.
They had come here expecting nothing.
But they had left proud.
Naruto and Sae joined the others in the bow, standing next to each other.
John Parker - "And so, just like that… Japan's incredible World Cup journey comes to an end."
Goro Takemura - "It's heart breaking, John. They did everything right today. But football can be cruel. Sometimes, winning isn't enough."
Kushina sat on the couch, her hands clasped together, her lips pressed tightly.
Minato, beside her, let out a slow breath, before reaching over to gently squeeze her hand.
"He did well," Minato said softly.
Kushina sighed, rubbing her temples. "I know. I just… wanted more for him."
Minato smiled. "This isn't the end. It's just the start of something bigger."
She nodded slowly, though the disappointment in her eyes remained.
The room was silent.
Nagi, still slouched in his chair, finally stretched, letting out a quiet yawn.
"Well. That sucks," he muttered.
Reo, sitting beside him, clenched his fist. "They were so close."
From a few seats away, Mikasa leaned back, arms crossed, her grey eyes focused on the screen.
She watched as the broadcast showed Naruto walking off the field, his face calm but unreadable.
She could tell.
Even if he didn't show it, this loss stung.
"He'll be back," Mikasa muttered under her breath.
Inside an empty training field, a lone figure sprinted across the pitch, the sharp sound of cleats grinding against the turf echoing through the night air.
Dribbling.
Shooting.
Dribbling.
More shooting.
Over and over again.
His Turquoise eyes burned with silent rage.
Itoshi Rin.
The younger brother of Sae had watched the World Cup unfold.
And he hated it.
He hated seeing his brother play as a midfielder.
He hated seeing Uzumaki Naruto act like he was the best striker in Japan.
He hated not being there.
With every kick of the ball, with every sprint, with every second he spent on the field his hatred grew.
Until finally, he stopped, his breath ragged, sweat dripping from his brow.
And in the quiet darkness of the training ground, he muttered under his breath.
"Next time… I'll be the one on that stage."
The press room was packed.
Journalists, analysts, and reporters from around the world had gathered, eager to hear from the teenage prodigy who had stunned the football world over the past few weeks.
Naruto, dressed in his Japan training jacket, sat at the podium, calm, composed, and completely in control.
The air was thick with anticipation.
Despite Japan's elimination from the World Cup, Naruto had become one of the tournament's biggest talking points.
And everyone wanted to know what comes next?
The first few questions were routine.
"Naruto, you and Sae were two of the standout players in this Japan squad. Despite your efforts, Japan is out. How are you feeling right now?"
Naruto leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers against the table.
"It is what it is."
A few reporters chuckled at the blunt response.
Naruto continued, his eyes sharp under the bright media lights.
"We won our game. We did what we were supposed to do. But sometimes, football isn't fair. It's a team sport. No matter how much effort we put in, it wasn't in our hands anymore. That's just how it is."
Then came the question everyone was waiting for.
"Naruto, what's next for you? Will you be returning to Italy to rejoin Ubers immediately?"
Naruto exhaled through his nose, tilting his head slightly.
Then, a smirk formed on his lips.
"Nope."
The room stirred slightly.
Naruto continued, leaning forward.
"I'm taking a break. Gonna spend some time with my girlfriend first."
And then he turned his head slightly, locking eyes with Inori as he winked.
The entire room burst into quiet murmurs and chuckles as the cameras quickly flashed toward Inori, who stiffened slightly, clearly not expecting that.
She barely reacted, simply raising an eyebrow, but the faintest shade of pink dusted her cheeks.
Naruto, as if completely unaware of the chaos he just caused, leaned back in his seat, looking completely relaxed.
Another journalist quickly followed up.
"When you do return, are you considering staying with the Ubers full-time after your loan, or is a return to Re Al in your future?"
Naruto grinned, but this time, he didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he rested his chin on his hand, tapping the mic with his finger.
"No comment."
The reporters immediately began whispering among themselves.
It was a vague answer, but a calculated one.
The uncertainty surrounding his future would only make things more exciting.
For now, Naruto was heading back to Japan.
That was all they needed to know.
Just as the interview was about to wrap up, a final question came.
"Naruto, with Japan eliminated, France, Germany, and Spain are all moving on to the knockout stages. That means both Julian Loki and Michael Kaiser are still in the tournament."
The journalist adjusted his glasses, voice steady.
"Do you feel like they are ahead of you right now?"
The room went silent.
Naruto blinked.
Then he laughed.
A full, genuine laugh.
When he finally calmed down, his expression became dead serious.
"No. They're not ahead of me."
The reporter raised an eyebrow. "But their teams are still in the tournament—"
Naruto leaned forward slightly, eyes sharp, voice firm.
"That's not because of them. It's because of their countries."
The room fell completely silent.
Naruto's Emperor's Eye gleamed.
"This is football. You need a team. Right now, France, Germany, and Spain are stronger than Japan. That's all. Loki and Kaiser aren't ahead of me. They just play for better teams."
His confidence radiated across the room.
Then he finished with one final statement.
"I consider myself one of the best strikers in the world. And one day, I'll be the best ever."
The entire room buzzed with energy as Naruto stood up, stepping away from the podium without another word.
As soon as Naruto stepped out of the press conference hall, he stretched his arms above his head, rolling his shoulders lazily.
A few steps later, he saw Inori waiting for him.
She had her arms crossed, an unreadable expression on her face.
"Really?" she asked flatly.
Naruto smirked. "What?"
Inori sighed, shaking her head. "You just had to wink at me in front of the entire world, huh?"
Naruto chuckled. "What? Thought you'd like the attention."
Inori gave him a side-eye glance but didn't argue.
Instead, she tilted her head slightly. "So… Japan is out. What now?"
Naruto exhaled, looking up at the night sky.
"First? I'm going home."
She hummed. "And after that?"
Naruto smiled.
"Guess we'll see."
As Naruto stood with Inori outside the Zenit Arena, the cold night air brushing gently against them.
The stadium behind them still buzzed quietly with activity as media and fans slowly dispersed, leaving only the quiet hum of distant voices.
Naruto took a deep breath, hands resting casually in his pockets.
He glanced down at Inori, a small smile on his lips. "So…wanna come to Japan with me?"
She tilted her head slightly, considering it. Then, with a soft smile, she nodded. "Yeah. It's about time I saw my mom anyway."
Naruto's smile widened. "Great. Maybe you can meet my family, too."
Inori raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a teasing smirk. "Already? That's pretty fast, isn't it?"
Naruto laughed, shrugging. "Why waste time?"
She shook her head slightly, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Fine. Let's do it."
For a moment, they stood quietly, enjoying the comfortable silence.
Suddenly, Naruto's phone buzzed loudly in his pocket, interrupting their conversation.
He frowned slightly, pulling it out. The screen showed an unfamiliar number.
Inori glanced at him curiously. "Who's that?"
Naruto shook his head, unsure. "Don't know."
He swiped the screen, holding the phone up to his ear.
"Hello?"
The voice that answered was calm, measured, and filled with unmistakable authority.
"Hello. Is this Uzumaki Naruto?"
Naruto blinked, slightly cautious. "Yeah. Who's this?"
A pause.
Then, the voice spoke again, carrying an intensity that immediately grabbed Naruto's attention.
"My name is Jinpachi Ego. And I'd like to speak with you about the Blue Lock Project."
Naruto's eyes widened slightly, his entire posture changing as he felt an unexpected surge of curiosity.
Inori looked up at him, sensing something had shifted.
Naruto took a slow breath, his eyes sharp with interest.
"Alright, I'm listening."
Chapter 13 – Not Enough End
A/N
And that's the end…
Unfortunately, Japan is out of the World Cup. I know some of you wanted them to advance and face France or even Germany, but realistically, it just wouldn't make sense. They fumbled the bag by not starting Naruto and Sae in the first game, and it cost them.
We did get to see more Blue Lock characters making their appearances, though, so I hope that was a good trade off. There's still one more chapter left in the World Cup arc before we officially move on to the next phase... Blue Lock.
Just a reminder, Naruto will not be joining Blue Lock.
Thanks for reading!