Blue lock: Reborn Egoist

Two weeks had passed since Eito's first lesson in soccer. In those two weeks, he had trained relentlessly under his father's watchful eye. Ego Jinpachi's teachings were harsh but effective. He pushed Eito harder than any child his age had ever been pushed. Ego saw potential in him, and in return, Eito gave everything he had to prove that he could rise to meet it.

Every morning, Eito woke up early, ready to face the grueling drills set out for him. His body ached at the end of each day, but his mind remained sharp, focusing on every lesson, every detail. He had learned to feel the ball, to read his environment, to move like a striker—not just physically, but mentally. The instinct to strike when it mattered most was beginning to take root.

And now, two weeks later, the results were undeniable.

As he sat in the small courtyard outside their house, Eito couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had come so far, so quickly. His legs, once shaky and uncoordinated, had developed the strength to keep up with his growing ambition. His feet, once clumsy, now danced around the ball with precision. Every step, every kick, felt deliberate—controlled.

Ego stood nearby, his arms crossed over his chest, studying him with an unflinching gaze. He didn't smile, didn't show any emotion. But there was a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. Eito had made progress, and now, it was time to measure it.

The familiar sound of the [Egoist System] buzzed in the back of his mind, and he felt the familiar surge of energy as a notification appeared in his vision. This time, it wasn't a quest—it was an update.

━━━ [Stat Update] ━━━

Eito's Stats:

Name: Eito Jinpachi

Age: 5

Height: 3'5"

Weight: 40 lbs

Physical Stats:

Strength: 26 (G: Beginner)

Agility: 30 (F: B Team U15 Player)

Endurance: 24 (G: Beginner)

Speed: 28 (F: B Team U15 Player)

Technique: 25 (G: Beginner)

Stamina: 42 (F: B Team U15 Player)

Mental Stats:

Focus: 39 (F: B Team U15 Player)

Instinct: 41 (F: B Team U15 Player)

Adaptability: 35 (F: B Team U15 Player)

Ego: (No Value)

Current Quest:

[Instincts of a Striker] – Improve your kick accuracy and power. (Reward: +5 Unassigned Points)

Unassigned Points: 0

━━━

Eito's gaze flicked over the stats, analyzing the changes with precision. It was clear that the past two weeks of training had made an impact. His physical stats had all risen, some by significant amounts. His strength, while still in the beginner range, had improved, giving him a sturdier foundation for his movements. Agility and speed, though still lacking compared to older players, were coming along nicely. But it was his mental stats that showed the most interesting change.

His Instinct had jumped to 41, now in the F rank, moving him closer to an average U15 player. It was something he hadn't fully understood yet—how instinct worked in the context of soccer. But now, it was becoming clearer. He wasn't just reacting to the ball; he was anticipating it. He could feel where it was going, where he needed to position himself, and how to strike it.

His Focus had also improved, reaching 39—an increase that indicated a stronger ability to concentrate on the game and block out distractions. It was still a far cry from where he wanted it to be, but it was progress. His Adaptability had gone up slightly, another sign that he was learning quickly. Eito understood that soccer wasn't just about memorizing plays—it was about being able to adapt to any situation.

But the most significant change had come in his Stamina stat. Eito had chosen to allocate all his Unassigned Points to stamina, bringing it up to 42, which was now in the F rank, alongside his agility and speed. This represented a significant improvement in his ability to sustain effort over longer periods, a crucial component of a striker's performance. The higher stamina would allow him to maintain his intensity throughout the entire game, not just in brief bursts.

The Ego stat, however, remained blank. There was no value listed next to it. Eito had heard his father speak about ego many times. To Ego Jinpachi, it was the core of a player's potential—the driving force that pushed them to surpass limits. Without ego, there was no true desire to win. No will to become the best.

Eito had always understood this on a conceptual level. He knew that the ego was what fueled the great strikers, what made them obsessed with becoming better. But seeing the lack of value besides his own ego stat unsettled him. Was this a sign that he hadn't unlocked that part of himself yet? Or did it mean something else?

He didn't have time to dwell on it now. Ego's voice cut through his thoughts, sharp and commanding.

"You've improved. But you're far from where you need to be," Ego said. He didn't move, still watching Eito with his calculating eyes. "Your physical stats are decent for your age. But the true test is your ability to execute in a real match."

Eito nodded, understanding the weight of his father's words. He had been training in isolation for the past two weeks—no other players, no competition. This wasn't enough to prepare him for the challenges ahead.

"What comes next?" Eito asked, his voice steady despite the flicker of doubt that gnawed at him. He knew what was required—he had to be more than just strong and fast. He needed to be a striker, to dominate the game with his mind as much as his body.

"Next?" Ego said, his lips curving ever so slightly. "Next, we put you up against real competition. It's time to test your instincts. Let's see how you perform under pressure."

The challenge was set. Eito felt his pulse quicken. This was it. The moment when everything would come together. He was ready to show his father that he was more than just potential.