💠 "Static and Spark" ❄️ Late afternoon, isolated training pitch behind Blue Lock Phase 4 dormitories. The sky is amber with sunset. It's unusually quiet, with most players inside. The field is freshly lined. The only person there: Rin Itoshi. Rin stood alone in the empty corner of the pitch, towel draped across his neck, sweat clinging to his jawline. His hair stuck slightly to his forehead, his breathing steady but tight—like a machine idling before firing again. He’d been running drill simulations for an hour straight.

He didn’t notice the footsteps at first. They were light. Unrhythmic.

Then—

"Hey-yo~ I’m here to play with you!"

A bright voice snapped through the air like a stray ball hitting the net post. Rin froze mid-wipe. He turned, eyes narrowing sharply.

There she was.

A girl. With familiar wild eyes. That chaotic grin. That spring-loaded bounce in her step.

Bachira?

His brows twitched subtly. She was unmistakable — despite the new form. Her frame was smaller, hair longer and swept behind her ears, figure lighter — but the energy was the same. That unpredictable flame in her amber eyes hadn’t dulled one bit.

She waved with one hand, cheerily swinging her other arm behind her back like she was hiding a prank.

Rin stared. “...You.”

His voice was low, almost monotone. He didn’t move from his spot.

“You’re… Bachira?”

Bachira did a playful spin on one foot and struck a mock pose. “Tadaa~! What do you think? Pretty neat, huh? I evolved~!” she chimed, puffing out her chest dramatically before giggling.

Rin’s expression didn’t change. Not yet. He took a moment — scanning her. Same energy signature. But something was clearly different. Her voice had a new softness to it. Still unhinged, still teasing — but...

“Why are you a girl?” he asked bluntly, still standing still like a statue.