Chapter Text
It's late December 2022, and Bachra Meguru gets out of the taxi and smiles.
Two weeks ago, Japan finally did it - they finally won the World Cup. To think that four years ago, he was just in this closed off facility - convoluted by a madman obsessed with building the world's number one, hoping to be the one in 300 strikers to emerge to the top. And now, he finds himself among the people who can hold that trophy high and bask in their victory, and the fruit of all their struggle and hard work.
He pays the driver a fair sum, and begins to walk to the designated meeting place with the usual pep in his step. As he walks, he can't help but reminisce, still not fully grasping how it is that he got here.
After the events of Blue Lock in 2018, Bachira was immediately scouted to play for FC Barcha. Lavinho had put in a good word for both himself and Otoya, and existing members of the club were more than happy to formally accept him into the fold. He'd done his part, and proven himself on more than one occasion during the span of the Neo Egoist League, and it was all worth it.
"You're an asset to this team, kid." Lavinho tells him as the mentor ruffles his hair. "I know it's been rough, and your national team will probably come for you when the World Cup kicks in. But dance with us a bit more before that, alright?"
And how can he possibly say no to that? Barcha had become a part of Bachira's family, and Lavinho more than a mentor. So Bachira flew to play with Barcha until he indeed got scouted by the Japanese National team to represent the country - him, and all the other stars of Blue Lock with their coach: Ego Jinpachi.
He vaguely remembers a conversation he had with Isagi, as they ate dinner one night while the League was still running. They talked about how they were all probably going to go their separate ways after all this was over. And while that does bode well for all their dreams and careers, it made it all the more bittersweet to think he'd be leaving behind all these amazing friends he's made and bonds he's formed.
"If you think about it, we all have offers on the table." Isagi says with a smile, munching on his katsudon. "It's not to be the world's best - not yet anyway, but it's a step forward to making all our dreams come true."
"Aw Isagi! Don't worry alright? No matter where we go, you and I will always find our way back to each other!" Bachira tells his best friend ss he gives an affectionate side-hug. And he swallows the worry that Isagi might just go where he can't reach.
Isagi chuckles, but returns the affectionate gesture. "You and I will be playing some football for a long time, Bachira. So you better be prepared. I don't like to lose."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Bachira says with a grin. "This whole place would be boring if you and I didn't get each other so fired up all the time."
"You know you've got so many players around you right?" Isagi says, playfully punching Bachira on the shoulder. "I don't think I'm all that special compared to some others here. I mean, I'm pretty sure Kunigami and Raichi have me beat when it comes to riling people up."
"Eh." The dribbler shrugs, still finding it funny how Isagi always seems to default to being so humble off the field. "Sure. But no one gets me more motivated than you do."
"Flatterer."
"Nothing but the truth, I assure you."
"Whatever you say Bachira. Just make sure you don't forget about me while you're making it big in Barcha." He teases, but because it's Isagi, Bachira knows he means it and believes in their bright futures
“Oh please, if there’s anyone that’s making it big, it’s you.” Bachira says with a scoff. “Everyone’s already talking about how you’re Noel Noa’s protegee. I should be worried about you forgetting me.”
Isagi’s eyes soften at this. “That’s never going to happen. You’re my best friend right? How the hell could I possibly forget you?”
And in the years that followed, Bachira Meguru took his best friend’s words to heart. Even when they were miles apart, even when they could no longer see each other regularly due to busy schedules, they would eventually find the time.
Today was one of those days where they all promised to find the time, just as they do every year since getting out of Blue Lock. Bachira knows they’ve all just seen each other - been around each other the entirety of the World Cup, but even still - they’d keep this tradition alive.
It was their promised reunion after all, and nothing would ever stop him from showing up to it. He’ll be there - just as he promised he would.
“Thank you for dropping us off. We’ll be here a while so feel free to return at a later time.”
“No need, Young Master. We’ll park the vehicle nearby, and simply give us a call when you’re ready to return home.”
The expensive looking vehicle drives away, just as the three men step out. Reo, Nagi and Chigiri all stand tall as they take in the sight in front of them. The redhead speedster is the first to take a deep breath, and sigh. “I am never getting used to that.” He says with a chuckle.
“What? Reo’s expensive cars?” Nagi asks with a yawn. He’s feeling sleepy already, and they just got here. "Or the 'young master' thing?"
"Both."
"Oh please." Reo playfully punches Chigiri's arm. "You're a renowned football player. You've seen your share of expensive everything."
"Sure, but I'd rather not get used to that either!"
The trio walk forward, making their way to the designated yearly meeting spot - as they continue their conversation and get lost in idle chatter. They, all scouted by Manshine City coming out of Blue Lock, have gotten even closer over the years. They’ve been there through each other’s journeys and all three of them were also scouted by the Japanese National Team at the same time.
While it’s true that they did have close friends among their Blue Lock comrades, they also couldn’t deny how close they’ve become to one another. Barring spending an entire selection together, they did all sign up for Manshine for a certain amount of time after Blue Lock. And while Reo and Chigiri also got scouted by other teams for a short time before coming back to Manshine, the trio were the closest to one another in terms of location and could meet up quicker compared to the rest. That - and Reo had a bloody private jet he could use any time he wanted.
“Still can’t believe it. I'm still kind of running from the high of winning.” Chigiri says as he runs a hand through his hair. “We finally did it, we redefined japanese football, just like Ego said we would.”
“Who knew that crazy man’s insane project would actually work, huh?” Reo says with a laugh, and the happiness in his eyes couldn’t be denied. “Did you know my parents actually apologized when I went home after the win? They told me they’re proud of me, and for once - I’m hella glad I didn’t listen when they told me “no””
“Eh, you’re the one who always says that you always get what you want.” Nagi says with a shrug. “They should have known you’d get what you want with this eventually.”
“As much as I loved the win, it’s nice to finally be back in familiar territory.” Chigiri looks up at the clear sky and smiles. “It's nice weather out today, and the perfect kind of weather to meet up.”
“Nice to get away from all the media too.” Nagi groans. He never liked the active press pursuits that came with being a popular professional football star. And while there were some interviews and press coverage while he was in England, it seemed like a cakewalk compared to the kind of media attention they all got here the moment they stepped foot back home. “I’m tired of saying “no comment” all the time.”
“Makes you wonder how Chris does it, huh?”
“Eh, Chris is a special case.” Nagi replies. “He loves and basks in the attention. I couldn’t care less for it.” Granted, Nagi’s only ever cared for one person’s special attention in particular, but they don’t need to know that.
“We still have a few more days here, so maybe we can all meet up again after today if you guys want.” Chigiri suggests. “I won’t be flying back to England until after New Years, so I’ll be in the country a bit longer.”
“Clubs don’t pick back up in a while since we just finished the tournament.” And Nagi is honestly relieved. Because after everything they just went through, he’d kill for a break right now, and he isn’t in a hurry to get back to work so soon. He's more than willing to stay in Japan longer if it means getting to spend more time with people he knows.
“I hope everyone shows.” Reo sys with a sigh. “We’re all coming from the world cup after all, so I get that most of them would be visiting family and loved ones. But I hope everyone takes the time to meet up.”
“We all look forward to this reunion thing every year.” Nagi says. “And besides, I don’t think anyone would miss it unless they really couldn't make it. We enjoy seeing each other too much.”
Chigiri grins. “Seeing each other? Or seeing Isagi?” It was no secret amongst the Blue Lock crew who the favorite is. The press know it, the Master Strikers back in Blue Lock know it - heck, even Ego knows it.
Everyone loves Isagi, and even now when they can arrange this huge get together only once a year, Chigiri knows that none of them would want to disappoint the Heart of Blue Lock by missing the reunion they all committed themselves to attending. Just imagining the disappointment Isagi would feel in having one of their peers miss out, is enough to make said person feel absolutely awful for being the cause of that distress.
And it’s because of that heart, that in the four years they’ve done this - none of them have ever missed out.
“Come on, let’s hurry.” Chigiri says, picking up the pace a bit. “We don’t want to be late, after all.”
“I wonder what kind of food we’re getting this year.” Nagi asks, his hand going to his stomach. “I’m hungry.”
“So long as there’s kintsuba, I think we’re good.” Reo says with a laugh.
And as Reo and Nagi follow from behind the speedster, they could all agree on one thing: It was really good to be home, and be home together.
“Pick up the fucking pace, donkeys! You’re all slacking!” Barou barks as he motors through hauling all the stuff into the van.
Members of the former Ubers team of Blue Lock all meet up together in a middleground location before heading to the venue in a rented van that Aiku got them. Their team, or well - those Barou has enough patience to deal with, and those who still kept in touch even after moving and being scouted by other teams - are responsible for two things every year when the members of Blue Lock meetup: snacks and other necessities.
Their venue was an open space and they'd usually end up staying the whole day. Most of the players arrive around the same time every year - since they always choose to meet up during lunch. But some who couldn’t make it that early, still eventually show up - albeit a little later in the afternoon. So this made the perfect place for a crowd like them - to just get together, have ample space to eat, and not having to worry about being restricted by space or corkage.
Not that they ever really bring massive amounts of food to begin with.
When they first start this tradition, Barou immediately volunteers himself to organize it. Because in his words “You’re all a bunch of messy lunatics, there’s no way you’ll get shit done right.” And because no one had the energy, or wanted to even think about arguing with Barou - everyone agreed to the arrangement.
So far, Baou has arranged everything to perfection every year. From scheduling and making sure people showed up, snacks, water bottles, and some trash bags to help clean up in the event that they make a mess. Barou’s never failed to have a handle on it. And it helps that Niko’s there to help him organize and Aryu is there…as emotional support.
“We’re all doing a glam job.” Aryu says as he flips his hair.
“How bout you move your glam ass and carry shit.” Barou hisses.
“I think we have everything. We’re right on time too.” Niko says as he examines the back of the van. “We should make it on time if we leave now.”
“Okay then, everyone get you asses in the van!” Barou exclaims. “I don’t want that white haired genius whining about how he’s getting hungry because we were almost late, like last year.”
Aiku pats Barou on the back. “Calm down buddy, we’re fine. We’re not on the field right now so chill out.”
Just as Snuffy promises, the former Ubers Master Striker immediately recruits Barou into his team after Blue Lock. And just as Barou promises, his goal remains to surpass Snuffy as the center of the Ubers. In the years that follow the Neo Egoist League, Barou has only grown closer and closer to that goal, and Snuffy watches on as his successor becomes one of the most prominent strikers of their generation. His mentor couldn’t be prouder.
“Don’t tell me what to do.” Barou mutters, and Aiku just laughs it off - completely used to the attitude after all the time they spend together in the same team. Aiku’s entire second chance happens because of the opportunity that Blue Lock, and its members give him - and he couldn’t be more thankful about it.
He went from no longer finding his passion for football, to being here supporting these mammoths in their own football journey - all while being a mammoth himself and reigniting that passion. Safe to say, he always looks forward to this reunion every single year and he wouldn’t miss it.
“Oh, hey!” Aiku mods to Niko. “Were you able to get it?”
Niko blinks, but then his eyes soften and he grabs a backpack and opens it - showing the boxes inside. “Yeah. I bought a few more extra in case. I’ll never forget these.”
“You better not.” Barou says,and then mutters, “You know how much he loves those.”
“Alright, now that Niko’s shown us the goods, let's get moving Ubers!”
And as they all pile into the van that morning, excited to meet with all their other former Blue Lock friends, Niko Ikki clutches the bag to his chest as he vows to keep it safe. It’d be a shame if anything happened to these boxes, they're a part of the necessities after all. So he makes sure to protect them, and that they’re safe the whole trip.
Because Isagi loves kintsuba, and the Ubers always make sure to deliver.
The car ride is silent and Nanase wants to get out, ASAP. But he’s doing this for Isagi, for Hiori and for all his friends. He repeats his motivations to himself as he breathes in and out.
Usually, Nanase would be traveling to the destination alone, but for the first time - he got a message from Rin, Rin of all people? Did I even give him my number?, saying “Which station are you stopping at? Will come fetch you.”
And while Nanase did have a pretty good career going for him, especially as a member of PxG - so it’s not as if he can’t afford his own ride, he’s also never one to turn down a gracious offer. Granted, his interactions with Itohi Rin have been limited to grunts, nods and glares, even years after Blue Lock - he’s not as intimidated by Rin anymore. So he thought “Hey, what’s the harm, right?”
Nanase wonders if this is some form of creepy payback for something he’s done in the past. Because the moment he gets in the car and sees Shidou of all people in the driver’s seat, he’s oh so tempted to slam the door shut and walk right back out. Screw the convenience, Nanase isn’t sure if he can handle an entire car ride with Shidou at the helm.
“You look like you’re seein’ a ghost there.” Shidou says with a grin.
“Uhm….” Nanase doesn't want to be rude, but did Shidou even know how to drive? Safely?!
“Get in the car, bandana boy.” Shidou says, and like on impulse, he does as he’s told, but not before he notices the people in the passenger’s seat - and he gapes.
“Sae-san?!” Is this the reason why Rin offered to pick him up? Because the younger Itoshi didn’t want to be stuck alone with Shidou and his older brother?
“Hey.” The older Itoshi greets with a wave, and proceeds to look out the window as the car begins to speed forward.
“Uhm.”
Upon inspection Rin looks like he wants to be anywhere but here, Sae didn’t seem to give a damn and Shidou looks to be the only one who seems to be having the time of his life. Nanase thinks it's partly because he’s actually been given permission to drive, and second because he likes seeing the Itoshi brothers squirm and suffer. Now Nanase kinda just feels bad for them. He wonders how the hell Shidou is able to get these two in the same ride in the first place?
“Ah, how is everyone? Is uhm, are you all excited to get together again?” And ‘what’s Sae-san doing here’ remains to be the silent question lingering on his mind.
“You’re really trying your best to make conversation huh?” Shidou says with a chuckle. “Chill out. When Rin said we had to pick you up, I immediately asked Sae to move to the back seat for some brother bonding time.”
Why the hell would you do that? Goes unsaid again, because Nanase really did not want to be in the middle of all this tension, but he definitely didn't want to be the center of the attention from Shidou and the Itoshis' either.
“I hate you.” Rin mutters with a glare. Nanase isn’t sure if that’s directed at Shidou or at Sae, and he’s not asking to find out.
“You’re not exactly Mr. Happy Camper either, Rin-Rin.” Shidou says.
“Don’t call me that.” Rin glares even more.
“Oh sure, but if Isagi calls you nicknames you don’t bat a fucking eye.”
“I can keep the lukewarm one in line. You’re just a fucking mess.” Rin says with a scoff, but Nanase doesn’t miss the tone of Rin’s voice as he speaks about Isagi. Even the stoic Rin Itoshi isn’t immune to the Isagi charm, but everyone’s always known that.
“Oh please,” Sae scoffs and rolls his eyes. “ You? Keeping Isagi in line? If anything, it’s the other way around. He’s the one who knows how to keep you in line, Rin.”
“Rin and everyone else.” Nanase says, his smile softening. “Isagi always has that capability to attract everyone to him. He’s always been like that.”
“All these years later, and he’s still attracting people to him - like moths to a flame.” Sae says, and even the older Itoshi seems to soften a bit at this. “And we’re no exception to that, it seems.”
“…”
“Well,” Nanase looks out the window as he watches the scenery change in front of him. “I’m excited to see everyone again, after everything that’s happened. But I’m excited to see Isagi most of all.” He admits honestly. “We’ve all finally come so far and achieved this dream together, I'm sure he's excited about it too.”
“And now we finally get to celebrate.” Shidou says with a chuckle, his mood lightening too. “We do this shit every year…”
“But this year’s different, isn’t it?” Rin mutters.
“Yeah, it is.” Nanase smiles softly again. “So let's not make them wait.”
“Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go.”
“Kurona, calm down.” Yukimiya chuckles. “We’re already here, it’s only a short walk away from where the others are.”
“Hurry, hurry.” Kurona just about yanks Yukimiya’s arm. “Gotta hurry to see everyone, see Isagi.”
“Okay, okay!” The model and football star walks a little quicker to keep up with the redhead’s exuberant pace. He’s been messaging Hiori on the phone, and it seems like the cyan haired male was already there after hitching a ride with Karasu and Otoya.
As the two of them are walking, they stop after coming face to face with two completely unexpected company.
“Ness? Kaiser?” Yukimiya blinks. “What in the world are you two doing here?”
Kaiser scoffs. “You act as if you didn't just see us during the world cup.”
Ness smiles. The midfielder has mellowed down a bit after the events in Blue Lock, and has been a bit more sociable lately after he's found a bit more individuality after Kaiser’s transfer to another Club two years prior. “We aren’t the only ones that are here. Some of us are already with the others, I think.”
“Ah.” Yukimiya smiles. “It’s nice of you all to celebrate with us. Couldn’t wait to see us after the holidays?”
“Oh please, I’m here because I was invited.” Kaiser says with a grin.
“Since when do you listen to people’s invitations?” Ness says with a shake of his head. “It’s not that hard to admit you want to be here, Michael.”
“And who invited you anyway?”
Kaiser smirks, as he crosses his arms proudly. “Yoichi, of course. And who am I to say no when he reaches out to the emperor himself?”
“You might be a pain in my ass, but that doesn’t mean I don’t acknowledge your skill as a player.” Isagi tells Kaiser once after a practice match among the players of Bastard Munchen.
“Aww, complimenting me? It suits you.” Kaiser grins. He’s always happy to see Isagi Yoichi submit to him.
“Oh fuck off.” Isagi says with a glare. “You know I’ll catch up to you soon, just you wait.”
“Put some more bite into that bark, Yoichi. I don’t care for empty promises, you know that.” Kaiser’s finally found a stepping stone worth crushing, in Isagi Yoichi. He needs the other striker to be more - to keep growing even further so he’ll have even more value to further Kaiser’s agenda.
“You know, I might actually miss you when you go back to Germany.” Isagi says with a chuckle. They’re halfway through the Neo egoist League already, with only the conclusion with the Ubers and the match with PxG remaining. Isagi isn’t sure what else Ego has up his sleeve, but he also knows it won’t be long before these international stars have to return home.
“You talk as if you don’t plan to sign a contract with Bastard.” Kaiser raises an eyebrow. He knows the club’s already made an offer for Isagi. A far cry from his own monetary worth, but still - it’s there.
“And you talk as if you plan on staying there?” Isagi’s heard talk of Kaiser wanting to leave Noa’s shadow. So it isn’t so far-fetched to think that the younger striker will go looking for another team in the near future. A team that Kaiser can mold into his own ideals - and not live off of Noas.
“Give me a reason to stay, then.” Kaiser has the audacity to tilt Isagi’s chin up so the smaller male meets his eyes. “Keep it interesting for me, and I might just stay in Bastard long enough for you to catch up.”
Isagi shakes his head, and gives Kaiser a knowing look. “You wouldn’t be satisfied with that though, right? As if you’d give me the opportunity to catch up without doing anything about it? Please.”
The German star blinks in shock. He knows that he and the other striker have been butting heads on and off the field, but he never expected Isagi to put an effort into actually reading his actions and motives off the field too. But then again, it’s Isagi - what else did he expect?
“Just, make sure to not be a stranger okay?” Isagi says again and he raises an eyebrow questioningly, waiting for the other male to elaborate. “I spoke with Bachira and some of the others. We know that we’ll all be heading off on our own after Blue Lock is done, even if we don't know what it may be that Ego has planned for us. So once it happens - because it will - and we split up, I told the guys that we should take the time to meet up every few months.”
“During off season you mean?” Kaiser asks.
“Yeah! Or maybe after a big milestone. Maybe after we beat you guys and win the world cup in 2022.” Isagi grins.
“Oh, as if. That’s only if you even qualify for your National Team.”
Isagi’s eyes take that manic grin that Kaiser has become so accustomed - and enamored - to. Not that I’ll ever admit that. “Oh I will. I’ll qualify - no - we will. And we’ll see you on the world stage, and beat you.”
“I’ll tell you what, Yoichi. You take the World cup from us? And I’ll fly back here to Japan just to come and see you and you can tell me ‘I told you so.’” Kaiser says with a roll of his eyes. As if he’ll let such a thing happen.
“Fine. I can’t wait to say it to your face.” Isagi takes his pinky out and grins, much like a child. “Promise?”
“Ugh, what are you? A child?” Kaiser finds the entire gesture so…Yoichi.
“Come on! Do it or it doesn't count!”
And as Kaiser raises his hands and loops his fingers with Isagi Yoichi’s, he knows that one day, he will be fulfilling that promise - because Isagi Yoichi will find a way to make it happen.
And now, here he is. Michael Kaiser walks with the rest of his former teammates, and makes his way to where he knows Isagi Yoichi is waiting for him to fulfill that long awaited promise. When he arrives, the reunion is already in full swing. They seem to be the only one’s in the area, and Kaiser is thankful. He doesn’t know if anyone else pulled strings to make this happen, in a way that wouldn’t offend or disrespect others - but he’s glad that they’re all here together just like it should be.
Just as Ness says, everyone - including their former international Master Strikers, are there - a;though not all of the international players could make it due to personal conflicts in schedules. The presence of Ego and Anri also doesn’t surprise anyone.
“I’m surprised you made time, old man.” Kaiser approaches Noel Noa himself.
Noa looks over at Isagi and smiles. “Of course, how could I not?” And they both watch as Niko comes over to hand Isagi boxes upon boxes of kintsuba that he’s brought with him.
“Ah yes, the never ending supply of sweets every year.” Kaiser says, crossing his arms again.
Around him, he notices how everyone's suddenly gone quiet - looking at him. Kaiser looks back at them, and then Bachira says “Something you wanna say, Kaiser?”
Kaiser sighs, because of course Isagi told his friends about their little deal. So, he steps forward, extends his hand
…and then it drops.
MIchael Kaiser’s hand drops to his sides, his fists clench, his head bows down and he lets out a humorless laugh. “You…you promised me. You promised me you’d tell it to my face,” He takes a deep shaky breath “Yoichi. I want to hear it…so won’t you tell me, please?” And when he raises his head, to look at Isagi Yoichi, tears are running down his eyes. He feels Noa's hand on his back and he grits his teeth to stop himself from breaking down. Not here, not where all these eyes are watching. Not when this is supposed to be a day to celebrate.
Every year since, Isagi’s friends would do this - come together and reunite to visit the friend they all love the most. But for Kaiser, this is the first time he’s come to visit since that day - and he’s never felt so much all at once in his life. He hates it.
But what he hated even more is that he waited four years - only to have the one time he was more than willing to be wrong - remain as a promise that'll forever be unfulfilled…
In front of them all, sits a well maintained and decorated memorial shrine:
Isagi Yoichi
2002 - 2019
Loving Son, Irreplaceable Friend, and
The Heart of Japanese Football
The stone was well maintained, already littered with a few flowers noting that some people had already come to visit prior to them.
"Everyone’s here again, like how we come here every year." Reo says with a wobbly smile. "You said you wanted us to keep getting together right? We've been doing just that, so you don't have to worry about us."
"Niko got tons of kintsuba, and even all the mentors are here." Nagi whispers. "We got you lots of gifts."
"But today's different."
They all watch Ego place down the World Cup trophy, right next to the gravestone and say “We’re all here, and we fought hard with you in mind - always. ” To the one that inspired them, pushed them, cheered them on and reminded them about their love for football.
“We did it, Isagi.” Bachira comes forward, tears forming in his eyes - as they do every single time he visits. And he wasn’t the only one, because there wasn’t a single dry eye in the vicinity at this point. “We brought it home.”
"We told you, didn't we? We'd win for you." Chigiri says with a wet laugh, leaning beside Kunigami and Reo.
They did it. After all the hard work, sweat and tears, they finally did it. They made all their dreams come true, and Isagi’s too.
“This one’s for you, striker.”
They only wish that he could have been there with them too.