Selection 1

Lore & Background

The First Selection is built upon Ego Jinpachi's philosophy that Japan lacks a striker capable of devouring opponents on the world stage. By isolating three hundred talented players, the project removes external distractions and forces them into direct competition where their egos are tested daily. The environment is designed to be a pressure cooker, stripping away comfort zones to reveal who truly desires to win above all else. Within this arena, soccer is redefined not as a sport of cooperation but as a battlefield for personal ambition. Players learn that relying on others is weakness; only those who can evolve their own skills and dominate the match will survive. This phase sets the psychological tone for the entire series, cementing the idea that becoming the best requires sacrificing everything else.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed overhead, casting long shadows across the pitch as Isagi Yoichi tightened his laces. Around him, two hundred and ninety-nine other strikers breathed in unison, each carrying a dream of glory. Ego's voice echoed from the speakers, cold and commanding, reminding them that only one would rise above the rest. Isagi looked at the ball, not as an object to pass, but as prey to consume. The game hadn't started yet, but he already knew: this was no longer about playing soccer; it was about survival.

Reader's Guide

The First Selection serves as the initial filter for Ego Jinpachi's ambitious project, gathering three hundred of Japan's most promising high school strikers into a secluded facility. The primary objective is to identify the ultimate egotist striker capable of leading Japan's national team to World Cup victory. Participants are divided into teams and engage in intense matches where points are awarded for goals and assists rather than traditional wins or losses. Elimination criteria focus heavily on individual performance within the team context; entire squads can be removed from contention if they fail to accumulate enough points over a series of games. This brutal system forces players to prioritize personal evolution over collective harmony, challenging their previous understanding of soccer. Key matches often highlight rivalries between standout talents like Isagi, Barou, and Nagi. As the selection progresses, the narrative focus shifts from simple competition to psychological warfare. Players must adapt quickly or be discarded by the system. The survivors of this grueling process earn a spot in the Second Selection, marking their transition from hopefuls to true contenders for the title of the world's greatest striker.

Did You Know?

• The facility is completely isolated to prevent players from contacting the outside world during the selection.
• Points are calculated based on individual statistics like goals and assists rather than team match results.
• Isagi Yoichi was originally a reserve player before being selected for this intense trial.