[Blue Lock] Chasing the Ball

[Slow burn, coming-of-age story. If you don't mind, give it some time.]

"Do you like soccer?"

"Why do you like soccer?"

Lennardo loves stepping onto the field to the deafening cheers. He loves being lifted up and tossed high into the air by his friends. Even more, he loves the wind rushing past him as he breaks free and runs, the clear sky when he leaps, and the clean, earthy scent of grass and soil when he falls. That has never changed, not even as he went from the English Championship to the field known as Blue Lock.

"I don't like soccer," he said. "I'm in love with it."

It was the first streak of light in his dark life, the morning star that broke through his confusion and gloom, the dawn he would chase for the rest of his life.

"Get up and become a predator on the field! Take everything for yourself!"

But soccer has already given me everything.

"I'll chase the ball until the day I can't move anymore." - "The Gray Lion" Lennardo

Highlight: The monk gets eliminated from the start. This is an alternate timeline where Kira Ryosuke survives. I've added my own interpretation of his personality, and the plot will change quite a bit!

The nickname "Gray Lion" has a backstory. It's only used early on and in formal settings, because the team he used to play for had a lion as its emblem. It isn't actually his nickname.

The romance throughout the story is centered on soccer.

The protagonist starts out playing in England. There is a prequel and original characters, some of whom are based on real people but have had their names changed. I've done some historical research and referenced real matches.

The author isn't a professional soccer fan, so there may be mistakes. Feel free to correct me. I love soccer too, and the story will include research and firsthand experience (I'm not very good at playing yet). Soccer really is a fascinating sport!

I'm a beginner too, so some parts may be unrealistic. I'll do my best to make sure everyone can understand!

Lennardo may not be a particularly likable character. He's clumsy and stubborn, and a mad dog on the field, but he loves soccer as much as anyone!

Theme: Clouds may occasionally cover the blue sky, but the blue sky is always above the clouds!