Chapter Text
Stop bothering me, is the first thought Sae Itoshi had as he entered the locker room. He just finished the U-20 vs Blue Lock game, and lost for the first time in a while. He didn’t expect that kid, Isagi, to score a goal like that last second. Now that’s what true ego looks like. The defeat was not the only problem however, there was a much bigger, much more annoying hot pink horny demoned one. The striker he chose was demanding his phone number, when he failed to score a hat-trick. His pink eyes were drilling holes into the side of Sae’s head. Sae leaned down attempting to open his locker only for it to jam shut by a pink cleat. He locked up visibly annoyed only to meet the previous mentioned pink eyes.
“Someone owes me a numberrrr!” Shidou sang. He kept his foot against the locker blocking access.
”The deal was a hat-trick. You failed to do so.” Sae deadpanned. He had no remorse or pity for failed attempts. He harshly ripped the locker open causing Shidou to stumble for a quick second.
His eyes were cold trying to telepathically tell the guy in front of him to fuck off. He leaned forward trying to pick up his duffle bag out of the locker and get the hell out of there, but his wrist was caught by tanned fingers. Sae kept his eyes down not wanting to give his demon the acknowledgment of his gaze.
“Aww come genius, I would have scored if you and your stupid brother’s rivalry didn’t get in my damn way. I’m still counting it as a goal, I only missed because of you, ya know.”
Shidou tightened his grasp on Sae’s wrist. The prodigy’s skin felt ice cold to the touch contrasting the demon’s own warmth. Sae didn’t flinch. Instead he raised his head slowly making direct eye contact. He quirked up an eyebrow silently asking if Shidou wanted to get his ass kicked. The demon of course didn’t back down however, if anything the grin on his face doubled. He didn’t mind starting a fight with the Ice prince of Japan.
“You’re making excuses, A real striker would have scored regardless.”
“Yeah? Then why’d you look so pissed when that sprout kid scored instead of me?” Shidou leaned closer, close enough that Sae could see the smudges of his black eyeliner resting under his eyes. The demon face has a layer of sweat causing his skin to glisten. Sae could feel the warmth of his body radiating off of him. This demon needed a shower badly.
Sae’s teal eyes narrowed just slightly. The game wasn’t supposed to end like that. He had calculated every pass, and every opening like normal. How on earth did some teenager manage to sneak his way past him. He had chosen Shidou as his weapon, and weapons weren’t supposed to misfire. Sae was Japan’s national treasure for fucks sake, no way in hell was this loss purely on him. He really didn’t appreciate getting solely blamed.
“You weren’t in position either, I don’t pass to strikers who hesitate.”
“Hesitate?” Shidou barked out a loud obnoxious laugh. His hand tightened yet again, it was so tight that Sae could feel the pressure on his bone. This demon was about to lose his fingers.
“You were the one hesitating. You were fighting with Rinrin and barely winning. I expected more from the talented prodigy.”
That did it. Sae twisted his wrist just enough to break Shidou’s grip. He picked up his duffle bag from the floor and threw it over his shoulder. He did not want to deal with this annoying demon anymore. Hell, he was never going to see him anyway, he was leaving for Spain tomorrow. He stood up turning his back on Shidou.
“Watch it demon. It seems you were just not good enough for the hat-trick. Stop blaming your mistakes on me.” Sae’s voice had dropped an octave. He wasn’t in the mood for their banter anymore.
“Oh, I’m good enough, I’m sure you just didn’t want me to outshine you and steal all your fame.” Shidou stood up leaning against the locker. The smirk on his face feral as ever.
Sae scoffed softly. He turned his head to the side to catch a final glance of the demon. One thing he was sure of was that Shidou could never outshine him. He was the best mid-fielder and there was no question about it. Sure the blonde had a huge ego, but it definitely wasn’t nearly as big as half the people he usually played against. He shot the boy another annoyed look not dignifying his question with a response.
Shidou tilted his head, watching as the so called genius turned his beautiful face away yet again. Sae started walking towards the exit.
“Next time,” Shidou called after him, grin turning dangerous, “I’m scoring four goals and you’re giving me that number.”
Sae paused at the doorway. He felt the smallest smile tug at his lips, if Shidou wanted a challenge he had it.
“Score five” He called out without turning.
Then he left. He never had to deal with these talentless, egoless, shitty ass strikers again. He also didn’t even get to take his after match shower, he was properly pissed off. He took his phone out from his bag and called his manager up, he needed to get the hell outta here.
”Hey Sae, the driver and me are on the way to come get you. There are a few things I’d like to talk to you about once we pick you up.”
Sae didn’t respond verbally, only making a quiet hum of acknowledgement before hanging up. He threw his phone back into his bag and waited on the sidewalk outside of the stadium. He saw various of his teammates leaving and briefly wondered how they were dealing with the loss. He saw Aiku shake hands with Isagi after the match and congratulate him, but Aiku was always a kiss up to whoever was better than him. Sae left without saying anything to anybody really, he wasn’t going to see any of these kids again so why did it matter. He wasn’t never going to play with any of them. While Shidou’s loud mouth was annoying, he sure did know how to receive Sae’s passes. Oh well, he can find countless strikers who can keep up with him, probably ones that don’t piss him off so badly. A black car pulled up beside him paired his manager sticking his head out of the passenger seat.
”Hey Sae, come on in! Let’s talk!”
Sae remained deadpanned as he got into the car. Whenever his manager said ‘let’s talk’ it was always about some stupid deal or offer. He threw his duffle bag next to him and crossed his legs preparing to hear whatever deal was about to be proposed to him.
“So, you know how you preformed at the game...”
Sae nodded readying himself for whatever critics he’s sure his manager had. Maybe he was getting an offer to play for a different team.
“Ego proposed a deal for you to help coach and maybe play midfielder for a new league he’s starting. Now I know you’ve never coached before, but they are offering you a lot of money. Now you aren’t the only one there offering to, Ego also personally asked your teammate, Aiku.”
He’s sure Aiku jumped right on board with Ego’s idea. Sae’s expression didn’t change. Of course Ego would try to pull something like this.
“Coach?” he repeated, like the word tasted wrong.
“More like… guide. He wants your visions.”
Sae looked out the tinted window, watching the stadium lights shrink behind them. He silently tapped his fingers on his knee silently wondering if the money was worth it.
“It’s temporary,” the manager continued. “Short-term contract. Massive payout. They’re marketing it as the next evolution of Japanese soccer.”
“And who’s playing in this league?” he asked quietly.
His manager hesitated.
“Well. The Blue Lock strikers, obviously. That Isagi kid…and few others who stood out. like Shidou Ryusei.”
Silence filled the car. Of course he would be there. Of course Ego would put them in the same orbit again. Sae leaned back against the leather seat, closing his eyes briefly. He debated his options, while he did like his money, he didn’t like the idea of having to coach people. He wasn’t some fucking teacher.
He especially didn’t like the thought of maybe having to coach Shidou. Sure the striker was good on the field, but his constant teasing and flirting was insufferable. ‘I’ll Score four’, he suddenly remembered the teasing voice of his demon echoing through his head. The realization that he might actually have to give Shidou his number sank in. Sae opened his eyes, gaze sharpening.
“You don’t have to accept immediately. But Ego specifically requested you. Said the project needs someone who understands ‘true ego.’ His words, not mine.”
Sae let out a quiet breath through his nose. True ego, huh?
“So is this a no?” His manager tensed at the awkward silence filling the car.
“I’ll do it.” Sae corrected calmly. If this paid off, he wouldn’t just be the best midfielder — he’d be able to expand his influence. The prodigy’s knowledge would double from both on and off the field. If he ever gets hurt he could still make a living coaching.
“If Ego wants my vision,” he continued, “he can build the league around it.”
The car turned onto the main road, city lights streaking across the window. Looks like he was going back to that shitty ass place. Which group of those egoless strikers would he have to coach. He pulled his phone out yet again and cancelled the flight back to Spain, looks like he was staying in Japan for a little longer.