A/N
Hellooo everyone!
Welcome to another update! This chapter is a bit on the slower side, but I hope you all still enjoy and appreciate the buildup.
Before we continue, I want to take a moment to answer some reviews, it's been a while, and I've missed talking with you guys!
Aruto-kun – Inori is from the anime Guilty Crown, a hidden gem.
atengawchok – Mikasa will still appear from time to time. I can't just remove her after introducing her earlier, and I have a nice arc planned for her soon.
Keyy213 – Yes, Naruto will face the Blue Lock 11!
Arrexu – Had to tweak things a bit due to her being a reporter.
Oshigami – We'll get some better moments leading up to the U-20s match.
darkwolfz – I always aim for a balance between realism and Blue Lock's unique style.
Lichi Sechino – Exactly, my old friend! Everything so far has been completely AU and hasn't followed canon at all, but now we finally enter Blue Lock! However, don't worry I'll still be putting my own spin on the main plot points.
Jagsboy – He's back in Japan this chapter, but Sae will make an appearance next chapter.
Yohnos – That's in this chapter, bro. The coach gets grilled lol.
SDfic – I rate Loki highly. If you check my notes from the last chapter, I explained why everything played out the way it did.
Cold Daylight – Sorry, dude! I just need some slice of life moments to carry the plot forward, or it would be all action with no build-up. I'll try my best to balance both.
That's all for now! I'll continue answering reviews going forward.
Quick Announcement - This story is now crossposted on AO3 under the same name (SpellRGN). If FFN is glitching out for you, you can read the chapters there without any issues.
I'll also be posting exclusive stories over on AO3, including ones where Naruto isn't the MC. If that interests you, check it out!
Now, please enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 14 - The New Generation Rises
The hum of the airplane engines filled the cabin, but inside, the Japan National Team sat in near silence.
The World Cup was over, France had won it all.
Some players were exhausted, slumped in their seats, eyes shut as they tried to escape the reality of their elimination. Others stared out the windows, their minds still replaying every moment of the tournament.
Naruto, however, wasn't thinking about the past.
His body was relaxed, but his mind was already moving forward.
He leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head, stealing a glance toward Sae.
The midfielder sat across the aisle, earphones in, pretending to be asleep.
But Naruto knew better, Sae wasn't sleeping.
He was thinking, just like him.
Because despite everything their World Cup dream being crushed, the frustration of carrying an entire team on their backs they had accomplished something huge.
They had forced the world to acknowledge them.
Naruto shifted in his seat, his fingers tapping against his thigh.
Outside the airplane window, the Tokyo skyline was beginning to appear on the horizon.
He could already feel it.
The entire country was waiting for them.
And when they landed…
Things would never be the same again.
As the plane descended, the Japan National Team braced themselves for what awaited them outside.
The moment they stepped off the aircraft, they were immediately blinded by flashing lights.
Reporters. Cameras. Fans.
Hundreds of people packed into the arrival terminal, all desperate to catch a glimpse of the players who had shaken up the football world.
Naruto didn't even flinch.
He had expected this.
What he hadn't expected…
Was the respect.
As he and Sae walked through the crowded terminal, the murmurs from the crowd were different this time.
Before the World Cup, Japan saw them as arrogant kids.
But now? they saw them as the future.
"Look, it's Uzumaki!"
"He's the real deal, huh?"
"He carried the team!"
"And Itoshi too, man! Japan would've been destroyed without them!"
Naruto felt the shift in energy, for the first time, Japan truly saw him.
Not as some rich kid trying to play football.
Not as an arrogant teenager.
But as one of the best players they had ever seen.
And he loved every second of it.
The Japan Football Union had arranged a formal press conference for the returning team.
It was meant to be a standard affair—thank the fans, reflect on the tournament, talk about the future.
But from the moment the head coach took his seat at the table, it was clear this was going to be anything but routine.
The reporters were waiting.
And they were angry.
The second the floor opened for questions, they pounced.
"Coach, many people believe that Japan's old-school tactics held the team back. Why did it take so long to start trusting the younger players?"
The coach cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable. "We had experienced players who deserved the first chance—"
"But they failed. And then the team only started performing once you put Uzumaki and Itoshi in. Why didn't you start them from the beginning?"
The coach gripped the microphone tightly. "It was a difficult decision—"
"No, it wasn't," another reporter snapped. "Everyone saw it. The old generation failed. You were forced to rely on Uzumaki and Itoshi, and when you did, Japan finally played like a team that could win. Isn't it true that if you had used them earlier, Japan might still be in the tournament?"
The room buzzed with murmurs.
The coach was cornered, and for the first time, he had no excuses left.
Naruto, sitting further down the table, leaned back in his chair, a small smirk forming on his lips.
He didn't even need to say anything. The media was doing it for him.
As the press continued tearing into the coaching staff, the conversation naturally shifted toward the future of Japanese football.
One reporter cleared his throat, his voice firm.
"We've seen the rise of young talent in this tournament. It's clear that Japan's future lies in players like Uzumaki and Itoshi. Some analysts have even started calling them part of the 'New Generation Eleven'."
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
New Generation Eleven?
Sounded kinda cool.
Sae, sitting beside him, let out a tired sigh. "Great. More labels."
Naruto chuckled. "Relax, midfield prince. It suits you."
Sae clicked his tongue but didn't argue.
The press conference was nearing its end, and despite the tension in the room, one thing had been made clear.
Naruto Uzumaki and Sae Itoshi were no longer just young talents.
They were the face of Japan's future.
But soon, a new group will arrive and try take it from them.
The night air was cool against Naruto's skin as he stepped outside, stretching his arms over his head.
The press conference had been exhausting not physically, but mentally.
He had let the reporters ask their questions, let them pick apart Japan's failure, and watched as the head coach got torn apart on live television.
It wasn't his problem anymore.
The New Generation Eleven.
That was what they were calling him and Sae now.
Naruto chuckled to himself, leaning against the wall just outside the venue as he scrolled through his phone. The notifications were insane from mentions, reposts, stories, DMs.
A million followers.
He had broken a million.
The World Cup had changed everything.
His stock was through the roof now. He wasn't just another promising player anymore he was a name. A player people had to watch.
"Hmph. That's what happens when I take the field."
A voice next to him made him glance up.
Sae stood beside him, hands in his pockets, his usual uninterested expression on his face.
"You enjoying the fame already?"
Naruto smirked, locking his phone. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."
Sae scoffed. "Figures."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
They had spent weeks together, carrying Japan on their backs, and now, it was over.
It almost felt strange to be heading in different directions again.
Naruto exhaled, pushing off the wall. "So, what now, Sae?"
Sae tilted his head slightly, glancing toward the Tokyo skyline. "First, I'll renew my passport and go back to Spain. Re Al still needs me."
Naruto hummed. "Yeah… Guess we'll meet again soon."
Sae finally turned toward him, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You really think you're gonna take my spot?"
Naruto grinned, his voice dripping with confidence. "Not your spot, midfield prince. But Luna's? Yeah, I'm coming for it."
Sae let out a quiet breath through his nose, almost like a laugh. "You're ridiculous."
Naruto shrugged. "You love it."
Sae clicked his tongue, turning away. "Tch. See you around, Emperor."
Naruto smirked as he watched Sae walk away, his mind already moving toward the future.
Re Al, That was the end goal.
But for now… he had a home to return to.
As soon as Naruto climbed into the backseat of his private car, he let out a long exhale, his body sinking into the seat.
The city lights blurred past outside the window, Tokyo's energy still alive even in the late hours.
His driver glanced at him through the rear view mirror. "Welcome back, Uzumaki-sama."
Naruto chuckled, waving him off. "C'mon, man, you don't need to be formal. Just Naruto's fine."
The driver gave a small nod before focusing back on the road.
Naruto pulled out his phone again, scrolling through his notifications.
It was insane how fast things had changed.
1.2 million followers.
Just a few months ago, he was barely at 60K.
The World Cup had done numbers for him.
Messages flooded his inbox.
Some were from players. Others from fans. Some from random brands trying to get him to promote their stuff.
And then, there were the ones that mattered.
A missed call from Inori.
Some messages from Lorenzo.
Texts from his parents.
He clicked on the one from Kushina first.
Mom - Where are you? We're waiting! Hurry up before your father starts crying!
Naruto rolled his eyes, shaking his head with a smirk. Of course, his mom was the same as ever.
He quickly typed a response.
Naruto - On my way. Tell Dad to hold the tears for a little longer.
Then, he switched over to his other messages.
Lorenzo - YO Emperor! We gotta talk when you're free. Some interesting stuff happening over here in Ubers.
Naruto leaned his head back, raising an eyebrow. Interesting, huh?
He quickly typed back.
Naruto - I'll catch up with you tomorrow.
Then, the last one Inori.
She had called him twice.
And left a simple text.
Inori - Call me when you get back. We need to talk.
Naruto exhaled through his nose, tapping the screen absentmindedly.
We need to talk? He wasn't sure if that sounded good or bad.
Still, he texted back.
Naruto - Gotcha. We'll talk tomorrow.
His eyes flicked back to Instagram for a moment.
It had been a while since he posted. Might as well remind the world that he wasn't done yet.
He quickly selected a few photos from the World Cup his iconic free kick, a shot of him standing with Sae, and a candid moment of him staring at the pitch after the Spain match.
Then, he typed out his caption.
Naruto Uzumaki ( UzumakiNaruto) –
"Thanks for all the support. We're just getting started. #Fighting #JustGettingStarted #Chills"
He hit post. The moment it went live, his notifications exploded again.
A smirk played on his lips. The World Cup might've ended, but his story was just beginning.
As the car turned onto the familiar road leading to his home, Naruto stretched his arms and rolled his neck.
Tomorrow, he would figure out his next move… after his talk with Ego, Naruto wanted to stay in Japan for a while.
But tonight?
He was just Naruto Uzumaki, coming home.
The gates slid open as Naruto's car pulled into the massive driveway of the Uzumaki estate.
As the car came to a stop, Naruto exhaled, stretching his arms above his head before stepping out.
He barely had time to close the door before—
"NARUTO!"
A blur of red hair crashed into him, arms wrapping around his neck in a bone-crushing hug.
Naruto stumbled back slightly, his hands instinctively catching his mother, before she strangled him to death.
"Damn, Mom—can't breathe—"
"I don't CARE!" Kushina pulled back just enough to grab his face in her hands, her violet eyes fierce with emotion. "My baby was just at the World Cup! MY BABY SCORED FOUR AGAINST SPAIN!"
Naruto groaned, his ears ringing as his mother shook him back and forth like a ragdoll.
Minato, the calmer of the two, stepped forward with his usual warm smile. "Welcome home, son."
Kushina finally let go, but only to smack his shoulder. "You little brat! Why didn't you text more?! You had us glued to the TV every second!"
Naruto rubbed his arm with a smirk. "Didn't know you were such a fan."
Kushina glared. "OF COURSE, I'M A FAN, YOU IDIOT! You're my son!"
Minato chuckled, stepping beside them. "She was practically breaking my hand every time you took a shot."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Every shot?"
Minato sighed dramatically. "Yes. I'm lucky to still have bones."
Kushina smacked his arm. "You're being dramatic!"
Minato simply smiled. "You're just too passionate, dear."
Naruto grinned, shaking his head.
Yeah, this was home.
Naruto tossed his duffel bag onto the couch,
Kushina was already in the kitchen, firing up a meal, muttering to herself about how her son probably hadn't eaten a proper home cooked dish in months.
Minato sat beside him at the dining table, resting his chin on his hand. "So… how does it feel?"
Naruto blinked. "Huh?"
Minato's blue eyes studied him. "Your life changed overnight. You're a household name now, Naruto."
Naruto exhaled, tilting his head slightly.
Yeah. It had changed. He had over a million followers.
The world had finally seen him.
And yet—he felt the same.
"It's weird." Naruto finally admitted, leaning back in his chair. "I don't really feel different. I just… wanna play more."
Minato chuckled. "You sound just like your mother when she was younger."
From the kitchen, Kushina shouted over her shoulder. "That's because I WAS the best! Until SOMEONE knocked me up!"
Minato sighed, shaking his head with an amused smile. "No regrets."
Naruto snorted. "You two never change."
A few moments later, Kushina walked over, placing a steaming bowl of ramen in front of Naruto.
She crossed her arms, watching him carefully as he took the first bite.
Naruto froze.
Then, he exhaled through his nose.
"God, I missed this."
Kushina smirked. "Damn right you did."
But then, her expression softened.
"…I'm proud of you."
Naruto looked up, a little surprised.
Kushina's eyes shone with emotion.
"I mean it," she continued. "You did something incredible out there. You proved that you belong on the world stage."
She placed a hand on his cheek, gently this time. "No matter what happens next, don't forget you're a star, Naruto. And you're only getting started."
For once, Naruto didn't have a cocky response.
He simply nodded, taking another bite, letting his mother's words sink in.
The sun hung high in the sky, casting golden light over the rippling river. The cool breeze brushed against the tall grass where Naruto and Inori sat, the city's soft hum lingering in the background.
The moment felt peaceful a stark contrast to the roaring stadiums and flashing cameras that had filled Naruto's life for the past few months.
He leaned back on his elbows, his gaze drifting toward the clouds. "So," he started, "what did you wanna talk about?"
Beside him, Inori hugged her knees, her expression unreadable. "It's about what I heard… Project Blue Lock."
Naruto hummed, his fingers absentmindedly plucking at the grass. "Yeah. Seems interesting, right?"
Inori tilted her head slightly. "It does. But… it also makes me wonder."
Naruto glanced at her. "Wonder what?"
She exhaled, watching the water flow. "Why you don't qualify."
At that, Naruto smirked. "Because they want to develop the ultimate striker in Japan." He gestured vaguely toward the skyline. "And even though I'm Japanese… I was made in Europe."
Inori nodded, her sharp eyes locking onto his. "Exactly. The whole point of Blue Lock is to create Japan's first truly world-class striker. And you…" she hesitated before continuing, "…you already are one."
Naruto's smirk widened slightly, but he didn't interrupt.
"So why are you interested in it?" she pressed.
His expression turned thoughtful, his voice quieter this time. "Because from what I've heard, Ego might be the key to the future of Japanese football."
Inori watched him carefully as he continued.
"Look at what happened in the World Cup. Me and Sae were the only ones who actually played at the highest level. The rest? They weren't ready. Their football isn't ready."
His golden-blue eyes flickered with sharp focus. "But Ego… he has a plan. And I wanna see what this so-called 'Blue Lock' is all about."
Inori exhaled, rubbing her arm. "I figured you'd say that."
Naruto grinned. "You know me too well."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the small smile tugging at her lips.
But before their conversation could continue, Naruto's attention shifted toward the pathway nearby.
Two familiar figures walked in their direction.
Naruto sat up slightly, narrowing his eyes. "Wait a second… isn't that…?"
Nagi Seishiro strolled lazily beside Reo Mikage, his silver-white hair catching the sunlight as he yawned mid-step. Reo, on the other hand, walked with purpose, his purple eyes scanning the surroundings before locking onto Naruto.
Reo's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Japan's golden boy."
Naruto arched a brow, grinning. "Reo. Didn't expect to see you here."
Naruto shrugged. "Even emperors need a break."
At that, Nagi tilted his head slightly, finally paying attention. His sleepy eyes scanned Naruto before he let out a quiet 'oh' of realization.
"I know you."
Naruto blinked. "Do you?"
Nagi nodded slowly. "You're Uzumaki…and we've also met before."
Naruto's eyes widened before a laugh rumbled in his chest. "Ohhh, you're that lazy dude with the crazy ball control."
Reo looked between them, his brow furrowing. "Wait, you two have met before?"
Naruto nodded. "Not really met. More like I saw him flex his ridiculous control skills and thought, 'damn, that's not normal.'"
Reo grinned. "Yeah, well, now he actually plays football."
Naruto's eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise. "Oh really?"
Before he could continue, he paused and gestured toward Inori. "Anyway, introductions first. This is Inori Yuzuriha."
Reo's eyes flicked to Inori before a devilish smirk crept onto his face. "Damn, Uzumaki, how'd you pull this off?"
Naruto, unfazed, casually leaned back on his hands. "Maybe because I'm just handsome and one of the best players in the world?"
Reo snorted. "Hah, right. You're good, but you're not the only talent around here."
Naruto's eyes gleamed with interest. "Is that so?"
Reo's grin widened. "Me and Nagi have been working on our game. I'm pretty sure we could give you a run for your money."
Naruto chuckled, stretching his arms before standing up. "Wanna bet?"
Reo's smirk grew sharper. "Oh, you're on."
He turned to Nagi. "What do you think? You in?"
Nagi let out a lazy sigh, scratching his head. "Didn't expect to play against Uzumkai, but… why not? Could be fun."
Naruto's eyes flashed, the competitive hunger within him reigniting.
He cracked his knuckles, his Emperor's Eye gleaming like a predator spotting prey.
"Alright, then."
"Let's see what you two are made of."
Inori shook her head beside them but couldn't hide the fond amusement in her eyes.
It was nice to see Naruto relaxing, enjoying himself not as a World Cup player, not as a rising superstar, but as a kid who just loved football.
The sound of concrete crunching underfoot mixed with the faint rustling of trees as Naruto, Inori, Reo, and Nagi walked toward the small 6-on-6 street pitch nearby.
The area was empty, perfect.
As soon as they stepped onto the turf, Naruto rolled his shoulders, taking in the surroundings. The space wasn't huge, but it was enough. The walls surrounding the field made sure the ball would always be in play, and the compact space meant pure technical ability would be the deciding factor.
Reo was already spinning the ball between his fingers, a confident smirk playing on his lips.
"So, what's the setup?" he asked, tossing the ball up and catching it smoothly.
Naruto stretched his arms over his head before flashing a grin. "2v2. I'll take Inori."
Inori blinked. "What?"
Reo let out a sharp laugh. "Oh man, you're making it too easy for us."
Naruto smirked, tossing an arm around Inori's shoulders. "C'mon, you're not scared, are you?"
She deadpanned. "Naruto, I don't play football."
Naruto hummed, tapping his chin dramatically. "Nah, you play in my heart."
Reo gagged. "God, please shut up."
Nagi, who had been silent this whole time, finally spoke up, his gaze shifting lazily between Naruto and Inori. "Wait… so, you're saying this is uneven?"
Naruto's grin widened. "Exactly."
Reo narrowed his eyes. "You're underestimating us."
Naruto's Emperor's Eye flickered. "No. I'm giving myself a handicap."
Reo scoffed, tossing the ball down and stepping onto the pitch. "You really think you can carry the whole game alone?"
Naruto gave a casual shrug. "Obviously."
Nagi sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. "…That's kinda annoying."
Naruto chuckled, his fingers cracking slightly as he flexed them.
"You should know by now, I don't lose."
Reo crossed his arms. "Alright, then. If you're that confident, let's make this more interesting."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Reo smirked. "If we win, you post a story on Instagram saying 'Reo Mikage is my football senpai.'"
Naruto blinked.
Then, he let out a sharp bark of laughter. "Okay, okay. That's funny."
He cracked his neck before his own smirk grew sharper. "Alright. But if I win, you have to post 'Naruto Uzumaki is my football daddy.'"
Reo froze.
Nagi tilted his head. "Football daddy?"
Naruto nodded seriously. "Yeah, that's right."
Reo's eye twitched.
Inori covered her mouth, failing to hide her growing smirk.
Reo, still twitching, finally muttered, "You're insufferable."
Naruto grinned. "That's a yes, right?"
Reo sighed, rubbing his temples. "…Fine."
Nagi yawned. "Mmm. Whatever. Just don't make me do anything weird."
Naruto patted his own chest. "Just worry about keeping up, sleepyhead."
Nagi's eyelids lifted slightly. "That so?"
Naruto grinned.
Reo tossed the ball up, spinning it between his hands before letting it drop to his foot.
The game was set.
And now, it was time to see who would own the night.
The sun cast a golden glow over the small, enclosed street pitch, the soft hum of the city surrounding them as Naruto, Inori, Reo, and Nagi stepped onto the artificial turf.
Naruto rolled his shoulders, exhaling slowly as his mind switched into game mode. His Emperor's Eye gleamed, scanning every angle of the tight field. This wasn't a World Cup stage, but for him, it didn't matter.
Football was football. And when he played? He played to win.
Reo casually rolled the ball under his foot, smirking. "Alright, let's do this. Standard street rules, first to five."
Naruto grinned, placing his foot on the ball. "Cool. Inori, you defend. I'll handle the rest."
Inori blinked, giving him an unimpressed look. "You do realize I don't play, right?"
Naruto chuckled. "That's fine. Just stand your ground and get in their way."
She sighed, shaking her head. "This is gonna be embarrassing."
Reo laughed, spinning the ball on his finger. "Alright, Naruto. Let's see if all that World Cup hype means anything on the streets."
Naruto's smirk widened. "Oh, you'll see."
And with that, he flicked the ball up, tapped it forward, and the game was on.
Reo and Nagi immediately pressed forward, closing in to try and take the ball.
Naruto, however, wasn't fazed in the slightest.
With a swift step-over into a lightning-fast La Croqueta, he slipped the ball between Reo and Nagi, forcing them to separate instantly.
Reo lunged, but Naruto anticipated it a lightning-quick elastico sent Reo stumbling.
"Tch—!" Reo clicked his tongue, already frustrated.
Nagi switched immediately, his sharp reflexes kicking in as he positioned himself to block Naruto's next move.
But Naruto's Emperor's Eye had already seen it coming.
He dragged the ball back with his sole, then with an impossible sharp turn, nutmegged Nagi clean.
The ball rolled behind him as Nagi turned his head, wide-eyed.
Naruto grinned. "Too slow."
Inori watched, her mouth slightly open. "This is the Emperor… the one everyone talks about."
With both Nagi and Reo caught off guard, Naruto wasted no time.
He flicked the ball into the air with the outside of his boot, let it drop to his chest, and with a single touch, flicked it over Reo's incoming slide.
Then, without looking, he volleyed it cleanly into the net.
The ball smacked against the metal fence, echoing through the pitch.
Naruto turned casually, grinning as he placed his hands on his hips. "You two might be my friends, but once we step on the pitch… I don't play around."
Reo clenched his fist, biting his lip. "Dammit. We knew this wouldn't be easy, but…"
The gap between them felt massive.
Nagi, however, remained still, his gray eyes locked onto Naruto.
For the first time in a while, he felt excitement.
And he wanted to win.
Naruto jogged back to position, resting his hands behind his head. "Alright, let's see what you two got."
Reo smirked. "Fine, but teamwork will win this game, not just individual skill."
Nagi yawned lazily, but his eyes remained sharp. "Just pass me the ball, Reo."
Reo kicked off, knocking the ball lightly back to himself before sending a perfectly weighted lob over Naruto's head toward Nagi.
It was pinpoint.
Naruto saw it coming his Emperor's Eye immediately picking up Nagi's movement.
But then, Nagi did something absurd.
Instead of just taking the shot immediately, he faked a mid-air volley, forcing Inori who had nervously tried to position herself to move in panic.
Then, with inhuman smoothness, he trapped the ball on the other side with his left foot, placing himself into a perfect shooting angle.
To finish, he planted one hand onto the ground to balance himself, lifted his body back up, and struck a curling volley into the net.
Or at least, he would have.
Because just before his shot could connect, Naruto launched himself forward, blocking the ball with his forehead.
The impact sent the ball bouncing back toward midfield, stopping the play immediately.
Nagi landed, his mouth slightly open.
Reo's eyes were wide. "What the hell—?"
Naruto shook off the slight sting on his forehead, his grin never fading. "If I didn't already know how insane your control was, you would've scored there."
He pointed toward them, his Emperor's Eye flashing as he declared.
"But you won't score today."
"Not here. Not against me."
Nagi stared at him for a long moment, his fingers flexing at his sides.
Then, something inside him lit up.
For the first time in a long time, he felt genuine excitement.
"I wanna beat Uzumaki."
Reo's ears perked. "Hah? What was that?"
Nagi's lips curled slightly, his usual sleepy demeanour shifting just slightly.
"Let's go again."
Naruto smirked, rolling his neck. "Good. Come at me with everything you got."
And just like that, the game had truly begun.
Naruto rolled his shoulders, his eyes locked onto the two players in front of him. Reo and Nagi. Two of Japan's new promising talents, one fuelled by pure ambition, the other by instinctual genius.
But against him?
It wasn't enough.
He had already scored once, and he had no intention of stopping.
The game resumed, and Reo immediately tried to play a fast one-two pass with Nagi, looking to bypass Naruto quickly.
But Naruto's Emperor's Eye picked it up before it even happened.
The moment Nagi tapped the ball toward Reo, Naruto was already in motion.
Reo barely had time to react before Naruto was on him like a shadow, pressing him so tightly that he had no choice but to hesitate and that hesitation was all Naruto needed.
With a swift interception, Naruto cut the ball off cleanly, spinning around Reo in one fluid motion.
"Tch—!" Reo clicked his tongue, turning just in time to see Naruto already accelerating forward.
Naruto felt the ball at his feet like an extension of his own body, weaving through the tight space with perfect precision.
Nagi moved to challenge him, but Naruto anticipated it his right foot flicked the ball up slightly, shifting it mid-air before launching another lightning-fast elastico.
Nagi stumbled.
Reo lunged.
Naruto's feet danced across the turf, his Emperor's Eye breaking down their movements like a puzzle, and before either of them could recover, but he was already past them.
A single calm strike sent the ball flying into the top corner of the net.
2-0.
Naruto let the impact settle before turning back toward them, his voice calm but filled with undeniable weight.
"You two are good." He tilted his head slightly, a grin curling on his lips. "But I'm better."
Reo clenched his fists. "Damn bastard… It's like I can't even breathe against him."
Nagi, however, wasn't frustrated.
He was intrigued.
It wasn't just that Naruto was better.
It was the way he played.
Nagi had always been able to react, always been able to adapt. But against Naruto…
It felt impossible.
He didn't just react, he saw everything.
And that… That made Nagi's heart race.
The game pressed on, and Naruto continued his relentless control.
A fake shot into a sharp turn left Reo chasing shadows.
A feint followed by a nutmeg left Nagi frozen in place.
He was toying with them.
Reo and Nagi adjusted their positioning, but it didn't matter Naruto was always two steps ahead.
Another shot. 3-0.
A cheeky flick over Reo's head before burying the ball into the bottom corner. 4-0.
The gap was insane.
And yet Nagi wasn't discouraged.
He was excited.
As the next play started, Reo sent another high chip toward Nagi.
Naruto moved immediately, his eyes already reading the play.
But then something changed.
Nagi, instead of controlling the ball as usual, suddenly shifted his body at the last moment.
With a near-effortless flick, he redirected the ball behind Naruto, spinning his entire body in a way that shouldn't have been possible.
Naruto's eyes widened.
For the first time in the match he was outplayed.
Nagi landed, balanced himself, and smashed the volley into the net.
4-1.
Silence followed.
Then Naruto grinned.
"Heh."
Nagi landed, blinking as he looked down at his own foot. "That was fun."
Reo exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Holy shit, Nagi. Where was that five minutes ago?!"
Nagi shrugged lazily, but his gray eyes remained locked onto Naruto.
"Uzumaki makes me want to try."
Naruto stretched his arms, smirking. "Good. Because I don't go easy on people who give up."
Despite Nagi's evolution, it was still Naruto's game.
The final play began, and Naruto exhaled slowly, letting himself sink completely into the rhythm of the game.
As Reo and Nagi pressed forward, Naruto read everything.
Reo feinted left—Naruto already knew.
Nagi moved to overlap—Naruto anticipated it.
With a single fluid motion, he cut through them both, his Emperor's Eye tearing through their defense like a blade.
He stepped forward, planted his foot, and with complete ease sent the ball curling into the net one last time.
5-1.
Game over.
Naruto sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, that was fun."
Reo groaned, rubbing his face. "You're a monster."
Nagi…
Nagi just smiled. "I wanna play again."
Naruto smirked. "Then get stronger. Next time, I won't let you score."
As the four of them stepped off the field, Naruto tossed the ball back toward Reo.
Reo caught it, still fuming. "I'm not posting that stupid story, by the way."
Naruto laughed. "Yeah, yeah. I'll let it slide this time."
Inori shook her head, arms crossed but smiling. "You're ridiculous."
Naruto smirked, tilting his head toward Nagi. "So? What do you think of football now?"
Nagi stretched, sighing. "Annoying."
Then, his lips curled slightly. "But fun."
Naruto grinned. "Good. Now let's see if you can keep up next time."
The sun had dipped lower, casting a soft golden hue over the city as Naruto, Inori, Reo, and Nagi made their way out of the small street pitch.
Despite the casual setting, the match had been anything but friendly.
Naruto had dominated.
But Nagi had awakened something within himself, and that was exciting.
Reo was still fuming, muttering under his breath about how unfair Naruto's existence was, while Nagi just stretched lazily, his body still buzzing from the thrill of the game.
Naruto, however, was about to check out completely until his phone buzzed.
He pulled it out, glancing at the screen.
Itoshi Sae
Naruto raised an eyebrow before unlocking his phone.
Sae - Change of plans. I'm staying in Japan for a while.
Naruto stopped walking.
"Huh?"
Inori looked at him curiously. "What's up?"
Naruto ignored her for a moment, reading the next part of Sae's message.
Sae - Have you ever heard of Blue Lock?
Naruto's eyebrows shot up slightly.
That name again. He had already spoken with Ego about it once, but hearing Sae mention it now was interesting.
Naruto, without thinking, muttered aloud.
"Blue Lock?"
That was a mistake.
Because the moment those words left his mouth
Reo and Nagi both snapped their heads toward him.
"WAIT—how do you know about Blue Lock?!" Reo asked, eyes narrowing.
Naruto immediately covered up, shoving his phone into his pocket. "Oh, uh saw something about it online."
Inori raised an eyebrow at him, but didn't call him out.
Reo, however, wasn't buying it. "Tch. Right, sure. Just 'saw something online.'"
But before Naruto could change the subject, Reo crossed his arms, smirking slightly. "Well, whatever. It doesn't matter, because me and Nagi are joining."
Naruto blinked. "Huh?"
Reo's purple eyes shone with determination. "We got an invite. Blue Lock is looking for Japan's next best striker and we're in."
Naruto's eyes flickered toward Nagi. "You're going too?"
Nagi stretched, yawning lazily before nodding. "Reo said I should. So… why not?"
Reo grinned, confidence radiating from him. "We're going so we can surpass you, Naruto. Next time, we won't be a step behind."
Naruto paused.
Then he grinned.
"Good. Can't wait to crush you both again."
Reo clicked his tongue. "Tch. Cocky bastard."
Nagi, however, simply smirked slightly. "Should be fun."
Naruto felt a familiar excitement bubbling in his chest.
First, Ego contacted him.
Now, Sae was staying in Japan.
And Reo and Nagi were entering Blue Lock.
Something big was about to happen.
And Naruto wanted to be right in the middle of it.
Chapter 14 - The New Generation Rises End
And that's a wrap for this chapter!
Next time, we're diving straight into Blue Lock, so things are about to pick up big time.
I skipped Naruto's conversation with Ego on purpose don't worry, it'll be shown next chapter, and trust me, it's worth the wait.
I know this chapter was a bit on the slower side, but believe me, I'm cooking something huge for the upcoming ones.
Small hint - Next chapter… the World 5 makes their entrance.
Thanks for reading, and as always,
Until next time
byebye!