Chapter 145

**"Born Slippy"** is the fifth chapter of the 17th volume and the 145th chapter overall of the Blue Lock manga series.

## Summary

Rin Itoshi appraoches Oliver Aiku as he runs down the center of the field preparing to score. Rin thinks he just has to make it past Aiku and then he can destroy every thing that has held him down; his past, his relationships, everything that has happened on the field. He can rewrite his history with this one goal and prepares to be reborn. All he can focus on is getting that goal. Aiku notes on Rin's incredible focus and he looks nervous, exhausted, and excited as Rin comes charging forward while drooling and not even noticing; Aiku thinks that Rin is a totally different person from before. With 28 meters between Rin and the goal, Aiku is the last obstacle and he realizes if Rin gets past him then its all over so he needs to buy some time.

As Aiku shudders from the thought, he realizes the pressure that Rin has put on the U-20 and its time to update his internal database so he can stop him. Aiku thinks about how Rin aggressively yet skillfully got past all of the other defenders and how he has clearly gone up a few levels at the least. His play style is so offensive and brutal and yet it is so interesting; Aiku thinks that Rin should come and try to overcome him and everything that he is. Unfortunately as Rin comes ever closer to Aiku and he tries to analyze him, Aiku notices something. He can not possibly hope to do anything about Rin as he is moving at a skill level incomprehensible to him but at that very moment Ryusei Shido arrives to stop Rin. Shido reveals Rin's FLOW State has ignited a fire in him and won't sit around while Rin tries to claim the spotlight for himself. Aiku thinks that Shido is unexpected but is grateful as the situation and odds of winning having changed even if slightly. Aiku thinks that even if its a risk, he should take the opportunity that has presented itself or he will lose his chance. The 50/50 odds are worth staking his future on and he rushes forward to meet Shido and form a double press on Rin.

As Rin runs in closer, Yoichi Isagi is behind him ready to react to anything and as Rin tries to overcome the press, Isagi yells to remind Rin to "feel it" and to "look at him" probably with the intention to help him stay focused. Both Shido and Aiku are surprised at Isagi's presence and think they are screwed if Isagi joins Rin in the attack but Rin notes that Isagi needs to quit hovering around him, he doesn't want him to restrict his possibilities and as Isagi moves into the perfect position for a pass, Rin pushes forward in attempt to open space for himself for a shot. Aiku is confused at the motion but realizes Isagi's interference is reinforcing Rin's ego and boosting his imagination. Aiku goes to block the most dangerous shot course but as he extends his leg to block, Rin taps the ball to the side performing his classic shot feint. Rin is entirely focused and ready to take the final shot as Aiku is suprised yet unsurprised for he foresaw Rin performing the feint and explosively bounces back to cover the space Rin just opened for himself. As Rin prepares to take his shot and completely change everything with it, Aiku in his head dares Rin to try. Aiku thinks that if Rin is the hero, that will change Japan then he needs to prove it, right here and now. Rin takes a beautiful and powerful curved shot right on top of the box about 20 meters out that barely avoids Aiku's foot and curves inward towards the goal. The crowd sits stunned at the shot and as Gen Fukaku attempts to save the goal, the ball glances by him but hits the goal post shocking Rin, Jinpachi Ego, the crowd, the commentators, and Aiku who were all extremely positive that Rin would make the goal.

As the ball flies off the goal post and into the air, Isagi notices it coming his way but the one who reacts to it the fastest is none other than Sae Itoshi who claims possession of the loose ball. Sae exclaims that even after all that, Rin is still lukewarm and at that moment one extra minute of stoppage time is given. The narrator explains that the one extra minute marked the end of this era of Japanese soccer and the beginning of Japan's new dream.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

1. Aiku Oliver
2. Rin Itoshi
3. Sae Itoshi
4. Gen Fukaku
5. Ryusei Shidou
6. Teppei Neru (mentioned)
7. Teru Kitsunezato (mentioned)
8. Kazuma Niou (mentioned)
9. Yoichi Isagi