Archive of Our Own

Notes:

The roar of his own blood pounding through his veins in raw, unfiltered rage drowned out the cheers of triumph. Michael Kaiser’s focus was fixed solely on the insufferable figure at the center of the crowd—Isagi Yoichi. That bright grin plastered across his face as he soaked up the praise from the other Blue Lock players made Kaiser's stomach twist with disgust. Yoichi’s second goal had sealed Bastard München’s win against Ubers... but more painfully, his own win against Kaiser. That lowly scum just kept getting in his way, slowly taking everything Kaiser had meticulously built. His glory, his value, his ace status in Bastard München —everything was slipping through his fingers like sand.

…

Kaiser hadn’t thought much of Isagi Yoichi when he first saw him. At a glance, Yoichi was a very average, even dull-looking boy with an unimpressive stature and no spark to him—clearly inferior to Kaiser himself in every way. Even his performance in the U20 match had done little to impress him. Yoichi seemed like nothing more than a minor inconvenience, another ambitious fool who didn’t know his place.

…

But then Yoichi had looked at him like that.

When Kaiser had lifted his chin, expecting submission or perhaps even fear, Yoichi’s dark blue eyes widened— all Kaiser saw in them was pure disgust.

Yoichi had immediately slapped Kaiser’s hand away, as if Kaiser touching him was somehow vile. The sting of that rejection hit harder than Kaiser would ever admit. That had sparked the first flicker of hatred in Kaiser’s heart for the insolent boy. How dare this nobody recoil from him like that?

To Kaiser, he had been a guy clearly out of his mind trying to pick a fight with him, aiming to surpass him. Kaiser had kindly put him in his place, since he was so clearly lost… But then, Yoichi started evolving. On the field, he was no longer weak and unremarkable—he was a monster. There was no better way to describe Isagi Yoichi. He was pulling off feats that should’ve been impossible for someone in his position. Even when the odds were against him and Kaiser was sure he had the upper hand, Yoichi would push himself just a little further and prove him wrong. And with each impossible play, he didn’t just challenge Kaiser—he made him feel the sting of the slap all over again.

…

And now Kaiser stood in the field after a game that his team won and yet nobody was showering him with praises. He grit his teeth, the scene before him blurring with rage.Kaiser was meant to be the heart of Bastard München, the one who shone the brightest. Clubs were supposed to be vying for him. Who was Isagi Yoichi to try to take his place? I'll fucking destroy him. With that seething promise to himself, Kaiser turned on his heel and stormed off the field, Ness hurrying after him.

For the next several days, Kaiser immersed himself completely in training. With the match against PXG only twelve days away, he viewed it as his last chance to surpass Yoichi. Each time his muscles ached with exhaustion and begged him to stop, Yoichi’s infuriatingly bright grin would appear in his mind. The intense desire to see that joy replaced by crushing defeat drove Kaiser to push himself to the limit. Training until he was on the verge of collapsing became a part of his routine. Ness would come by to check on him now and then, but he never crossed the doorway after the first time Kaiser snapped at him. Kaiser wanted no distractions while he trained, and Ness’s nagging about taking breaks or staying hydrated only grated on his nerves.

 

That particular day was no different, except Kaiser pushed himself harder than usual. He stayed in his usual training room long after most of the players had gone back to their rooms for the night. The room was in complete silence except for kaiser’s laboured pants and the erratic beating of his heart in his ears. Suddenly, the room seemed to close in on him as Kaiser’s vision went hazy and his legs buckled beneath him. Before he knew it, he was on the cold floor. He laid there, fighting the crushing weight of exhaustion, vision still blurry. Time seemed to stretch endlessly before he heard the door creak open and footsteps rushed towards him.

“Kaiser!” a voice shouted, followed by a string of Japanese he couldn't understand. He hadn’t bothered with his earbuds while training alone. But he didn’t need them to know who it was. What is he doing here!?

“Stop!” Kaiser snapped, swatting Yoichi’s hand away when he tried to help him sit up. Using every bit of strength he had left, Kaiser managed to push himself upright. Yoichi immediately started rattling off more words in Japanese that Kaiser was quick to cut off — “Shut up! I can’t understand you.” He pointed to his ears for good measure.

Blinking rapidly, Kaiser finally cleared his vision enough to see Yoichi kneeling in front of him, his expression a mix of concern and anger. Without warning, Yoichi pulled out an earbud from his ear and pushed it into Kaiser’s.

“What the— that's disgusting!” Kaiser protested, reaching up to take it out, but Yoichi grabbed his wrist to stop him.

“What is wrong with you?!” Yoichi demanded, his eyes wide and intense.

“What do you mean?” Kaiser angrily countered.

Why was this boy here at this hour, pushing his buttons like this? Kaiser was already in a sour mood, and he had no patience left to be provoked.

“Are you trying to get yourself benched for the next match? You pushed yourself way too far!”

Kaiser let out a bitter laugh. “Wouldn’t that be perfect for you? You can score all the goals—”

He was interrupted as Yoichi grabbed the front of his shirt and yanked him closer. It was meant to be threatening, but all it did was force Kaiser to notice every detail on the other’s face — being so close he could catch the heat of his breath. He could see the flecks of prussian blue in Yoichi's irises, the way his eyelashes cast faint shadows over his high cheekbones, and the slight furrow in his brow.

“Listen here, you arrogant bastard,” Yoichi seethed, his eyes cold. “I don’t need you to sit out for me to win.”

Kaiser pulled his hand away. “All that confidence from one lucky break, huh? Too bad for you, I won’t let it happen again.”

“I’d love to see you try,” Yoichi retorted. “And that’s why…”

He stood up and extended a hand. “Come on, let's get you to the medical room.”

“I’m not going there. I’m fine,” Kaiser stated firmly. “Leave me alone.”

“You look like shit, Kaiser. You need rest. Get off your high horse for once.”

Kaiser ignored Yoichi’s outstretched hand and struggled to push himself up, his legs almost giving way under the sudden weight. Yoichi quickly slipped his shoulder under Kaiser’s arm to support him. He despised this feeling of helplessness. Frustrated, Kaiser tried to shove him away.

“Whoa, calm down.” Yoichi exclaimed, tightening his hold on Kaiser. “I’m just trying to help.”

“You’re such a pain in the ass, Yoichi,” Kaiser growled, scowling. “I don’t need your help.”

“Oh, shut up. I don't care what you want. I’m just not leaving you here,” Yoichi shot back, a hint of annoyance in his tone.

Why is this little shit so pressed about my own wellbeing?

“Leave me. I just need some time.” Kaiser glared at him.

Stop acting like you care. Pathetic.

“And then what— You’ll go back to training? No.” Yoichi declared firmly.

"You just love pissing me off." Kaiser scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping him.

A brief pause followed before he sighed, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “Fine. But I’m going to my room.”

So you can get out of my sight.

“Great, you’re finally making sense.” Yoichi said with a smile.

He hated it. He hated it so much his skin prickled.

 

The walk to Kaiser's room felt painfully slow. The German stratum was the farthest in, and each step seemed to stretch time like an eternity. No matter how hard he tried to ignore it, he was extremely aware of Yoichi’s body heat pressing against his own. It was unnervingly distracting, the way Yoichi’s height was just right for him to drape his arm across his shoulder for support. His senses were keenly focused on the warm hand gripping his side and the subtle, lingering scent of vanilla that clung to the younger boy. All of it was nauseating.

“Shit, I forgot we’re probably being filmed,” Yoichi spoke suddenly, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

Ah, BLTV.

Kaiser had completely forgotten about it while focusing on his training. The shitty commoners all over the world were watching them almost every moment they were in the facility. Kaiser wasn't concerned about his less-than-friendly behavior towards others being broadcasted live. He didn't care about putting up appearances — his skills were all that mattered to him. Not to mention, he had die-hard fans that would defend him even if he were to commit a serious crime, like, say— murdering Yoichi in cold blood.

“Oh, don’t worry. They’re too busy drooling over me to think about you,” Kaiser smirked, eager to pick a fight with Yoichi.

Yoichi gave a forced, tight smile. “Yeah, I hope that’s the case.”

Kaiser was taken aback by Yoichi’s reply. That wasn't their routine. Yoichi was supposed to talk back to him and they were supposed to argue and—

“Since when did you start agreeing with me?”

Youchi shrugged, trying to act casual. “Since I realized I’ve got bigger issues to focus on than your shitty personality.”

“Is that so? And what could be more important than me?”

He was genuinely curious. Given the intense rivalry between them, where each challenge from Kaiser seemed to push Yoichi to his limits, Kaiser expected that defeating him would be Yoichi’s sole focus. What other thoughts could possibly plague that little brain of his?

“…Not everything revolves around you.” The delayed reply was evasive.

Kaiser was about to give him a smug reply, but his room was just ahead, and the retort died on his lips.

As they reached his door, Kaiser quickly released Yoichi’s support and clicked the button that opens the door. Yoichi peeked inside, immediately making a face.

“You have the whole room to yourself? Privileged jerk.”

“Did you really think I’d be rooming with those subhumans?”

“I guess not. That ego needs a room all to itself,” Yoichi replied dryly.

“It makes room for people who deserve it. Turns out, nobody does.” Kaiser shrugged.

“Not even Ness?” Yoichi asked but didn't wait for an answer. “You rooming with him would've been… nice.”

Kaiser's brow furrowed in confusion. “Why do you care?”

“Oh, I’m just saying, you two get along so well and…” Yoichi paused, looking oddly flustered, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks. It was a completely different look from the defiance he usually showed Kaiser. “Anyway, I’m leaving — don’t kill yourself or something,” he added quickly, before abruptly turning and sprinting down the hallway leaving a startled Kaiser behind.

What’s gotten into him?

Kaiser entered his room and closed the door behind him. Suddenly, he remembered he was still wearing Yoichi’s earbud. He pulled it out and stared at it for a moment, turning it over in his hand. Stupid boy. How could he forget something so important? Kaiser sighed and placed the earbud on his table. Yoichi can get it back from him tomorrow.

Kaiser always showed up early for breakfast, liking the quiet before the cafeteria got crowded. He sat in his usual spot, feeling a bit better after a good night’s sleep, even if his body still ached in places. Annoyed, he’d decided to skip his training today—no point pushing it at the expense of his health. As he picked at his food, Ness appeared, tray in hand and a cheerful grin on his face. “Morning, Kaiser.”

“Yeah, morning,” Kaiser muttered.

Ness’s grin stretched wider as he slid into the seat next to him.

 

It was always just the two of them at their table. Ness was the only one at Bastard München Kaiser could even remotely commend—a loyal pawn, sharp with his assists and practically worshiping the ground he walked on (as one should).

“Did you turn in early last night?” Ness asked, his tone light but his eyes probing. “I went to check on you in the training room, but you weren’t there.”

Kaiser gave a nonchalant shrug. “Yeah, I wrapped up early.”

Ness’s smile didn’t waver, but there was a hint of something darker underneath. “Is it because you pushed yourself so hard you collapsed?”

Kaiser’s brow furrowed. “How do you know about that?”

Ness’s smile grew slightly tighter. “Oh, it’s all over Twitter. Those foolish BLTV viewers won’t shut up about it… But don’t bother with that, Kaiser. It’s not worth your time.”
Twitter? Kaiser hadn’t bothered with it in ages. It was a cesspool of lowlifes obsessed with spreading nonsense and making up drama. Besides, Bastard München’s manager handled all the social media for the players, so he hadn’t felt the need to even visit that dumpster fire of a platform —until now. Out of sheer curiosity, Kaiser decided he might check it out, if only to see what had Ness so worked up.

 

Kaiser’s thoughts were interrupted by a burst of laughter. Yoichi and his group of lackeys were seated at a table near Kaiser’s.

“I ain’t joking, Isagi-kun,” the cyan haired boy, Kaiser recalled his name was Yo Hiori, said. He grinned, enjoying himself. “It’s all over Twitter, yeah!”

“People are loooving it~” A blonde guy (Kaiser hadn't felt the need to remember who he was) leered. Yoichi’s face was turning red, reminiscent of the previous night. He could see it so much better in the bright light… and he hated it. He hated the softness, the unexpected vulnerability. Yet, he couldn’t tear his gaze away.

“Take a look, look!” The Redhead shoved his phone at Yoichi, whose eyes nearly popped out of his head.

“That’s disgusting! I’m trying to eat, guys!” Yoichi snapped, his face growing redder.

“He’s pretending he hates it, but he actually loves it. Right, guys?” Blonde Guy chuckled.

“If I were Ego, I’d make ‘Kaisagi’ canon to boost BLTV’s ratings!” Yo piped up.

“Shut your sadistic ass! I’d rather die!” Yoichi shouted back.

“Hiosagi is getting pretty popular too,” Kenyu added, smiling mischievously.

“Seriously!?” Yoichi looked panicked, trying to scoot away, but Yo pulled him into a tight hug. “Where do ya think yer going, darlin’?” Yo… no, Kaiser decided he’d call him cyan brat simply because he was pissing kaiser off, teased. “Don’t ya love me?” cyan brat cooed, trying to stay in character but immediately broke into a fit of laughter. The whole table followed suit except for a very flustered Yoichi.

Kaiser’s jaw clenched slightly as he eyed the arms around Yoichi. Even now, the sensation of Yoichi’s body pressing into his from the previous night lingered uncomfortably in his mind. Seeing someone else invade that same space, touching Yoichi so casually ignited a sharp pang of annoyance within Kaiser. How absurd. Why does this bother me at all? Yoichi wasn’t his concern. He didn’t care who Yoichi let into his space.

But the feeling didn’t quite fade and kept grating on his nerves.

 

Yoichi never came to retrieve his earbud. With no team activities scheduled for Bastard München, he didn’t have any reason to engage with the foreign players. So the forgotten earbud rested in Kaiser’s pocket as he sat in the monitoring room of the German stratum. Since he had decided to take a break from physical training, he opted to review PXG’s past matches instead.

Halfway through the first game, he paused, piecing together a hypothesis: PXG’s strength seemed to revolve around Itsoshi Rin and Shidou Ryuusei — both formidable players, each dominating one half of the game because they couldn’t function together. Kaiser wasn’t concerned, no, but he felt irritated by the number of thorns he’d need to pluck out.

 

Pausing the footage, he decided to take a break and check twitter. He logged into an old throwaway account he had made long ago for something he didn't even remember anymore. He opened the tab for the trending topics and as expected, it was flooded with posts about the Blue Lock project — pictures of the players, fan edits, and goal clips. There were plenty of thirsty posts about him, naturally, along with Itoshi Rin and Chigiri Hyouma. But then, he stumbled upon something unexpected: compilations of “cute” Isagi Yoichi. Kaiser blinked, thrown off. Yoichi and “cute” didn’t belong in the same sentence. The guy was the most obnoxious pest he had dealt with in a long time.

Still, curiosity got the better of him, and he clicked on a video. It showed Yoichi blushing when the other players praised him, playing rock-paper-scissors to win the last piece of gyoza in the cafeteria and pouting when he lost, jamming out to music with his headphones on. There were more clips, each more ridiculous than the last, yet Kaiser found himself watching. Even though he’d never call them “cute” out loud, he was annoyed to find that he was oddly captivated by how these moments played out.

Sighing, Kaiser scrolled further and eventually saw something that stopped him in his tracks.

Kaiser sat there, staring at the screen, trying to process what he had just seen. Kaisagi? As in - Kaiser and Isagi? So this was what those bottom feeders were talking about. People were pairing him with Isagi Yoichi, of all people. What the actual fuck? Kaiser loathed Yoichi, and he was damn sure Yoichi didn't even like him. They were at each other's throats all the time. Even the video title was misleading — Yoichi hadn't even enter his room.

The absurdity of it all almost made him laugh. Almost. Instead, his irritation only grew, a tight, uneasy feeling coiling in his chest.

He scrolled down to read the comments.

Kaiser scoffed. Him and Yoichi being... romantically involved (even thinking of it that way made him cringe) was about as canon as Ness hosting a seminar on self help.

Kaiser really hoped this person was fantasizing about Yoichi entering his room, stabbing him and leaving him to die rather than… whatever else their twisted mind was conjuring up.

The ridiculousness of the fanbase was getting on Kaiser's nerves. Sure, Ness was clingy but this was just next level. Kaiser couldn't even entertain the idea that Ness was into him like that and was actively trying to get between him and Yoichi… because there wasn't anything to get between.

… cyan brat and Yoichi? What a joke. They didn't suit each other at all. Not that Kaiser cared, of course.

Finally, an enlightening comment. It seemed these people were intrigued by him and Yoichi not getting along. It was genuinely fascinating how a group of people could collectively be so delusional, declaring two real, living people as “lovers” without any consideration for their actual feelings.

Some people have way too much time on their hands.

Kaiser exited out of the thread.

Well, that was certainly an experience. The Blue Lock fans’ reactions to his and Yoichi’s dynamic was something Kaiser could’ve gone his entire life without knowing. It didn't matter whatsoever what those simpletons behind the screens thought, but now he knew about it and he didn't know what to do with this information.

Kaiser tossed his phone carelessly to the side and resumed the match footage on the bigger screens. With a determined exhale, he immersed himself in the analysis, the thoughts of the day’s encounters fading into the background. The future was clear— he would forge his own path, no matter how the world tried to divert him, crushing anyone in his way.

---

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