Chapter 41

## "BLUE LOCK MAN"

**BLUE (ブルー)  LOCK (ロック)  MAN (マン)**  (, *Burū Rokku Man*?) is the 41st chapter of Blue Lock manga series.

## Summary

Isagi stands in the center of the square room, confused. He stares at the hologram in front of him, wondering what its purpose is. Suddenly, the panels behind the holograms reflect a goal net. Then, he notices that the image on the ground is moving. Its area is gradually decreasing. Soon after, Isagi realizes the situation. Apparently, inside this square room is a simulation of a soccer game.  To be precise, the situation simulated is a player who is right in front of the goalkeeper. And, without moving an inch beyond the image projected on the ground, he must be able to score a goal after the other. After assessing the situation, Isagi attempts to score a goal. However, the hologram suddenly moved and stopped the ball from hitting the net. Isagi is shocked to see the Blue Lockman stop the ball (hologram). As remarked by Isagi, a normal high schooler would not be able to stop such kicks.

After a while, Isagi looks up in the square room. There he notices a screen with a timer. Written on a screen is the number of goals he has to clear and the time he has left. During this moment, he needs to score 100 goals in less than 90 minutes to clear the first stage. With that said, the first stage is a test to evaluate the player's ego during solo fights, particularly when in front of the goal. Likewise, this stage emphasizes the necessity for a powerful weapon. For Isagi to clear the first stage, he must pass by his relying on his skills alone.

Shortly after, a panel from the square room opens. This signaled an incoming ball. In an instant, Isagi assesses the ball's trajectory and speed. Without making unnecessary movements, he runs towards the spot where he predicted the ball will stop.  Then, as the ball approaches his reach, he exerts power in his kick, creating a direct shoot. Several minutes passed, and Isagi has already cleared 30 goals. With only 72 and a half minutes left, Isagi still needs to score 70 more goals. Surprisingly, several holograms suddenly appeared, making scoring much more difficult. The increase in holograms simulates a situation where there would be several defenders. In a sense, an actual soccer game actually has several defenders. Once more, Isagi tries to look around and assess his surroundings. He attempts another direct kick but fails. According to him, the addition of defenders made the difficulty level grow exponentially.

Meanwhile, Anri and Ego are seen watching the first stage through a monitoring system. Ego explains to Anri how the Blue Lockman works. Apparently, there is a microsensor chip inserted in the balls. This chip creates a physical reaction once the hologram sense that contact was done. Ego coins this as holographic sports technology. After Ego's explanation, Anri reminds Ego that they do not have any more funds left. Ego then tells Anri to shut up. Ego proceeds and says that the first stage will serve as a test for all the players who survived the first selection. Unlike the first stage, where the players could rely on their skilled and strong teammates, the first stage required players to exhibit their individual skills and prove their worth in the facility. For those who relied on their teammates throughout the first selection, the first stage will be a struggle for them. Nonetheless, those who can turn their "0" to a "1" will use the first stage as an opportunity for them to cultivate their talent and improve it. They will use this stage to grow as strikers that will reach the next dimension. Back at Isagi's squared room, Isagi declared that he will evolve at this moment.

## Chapter Notes

* A Blue Lock man appeared in front of Isagi. This hologram will serve as the goalkeeper for this stage.
* The first stage requires the players to score 100 goals in just 90 minutes.
* There is a microsensor chip inserted in the balls, allowing the Blue Lock man to react once the ball gets near it.
* Ego notes that the first stage will test all the players' individual standing.
* Ego remarks that the first stage will separate the players who depended on their team and the players who are egoistic.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

1. Yoichi Isagi
2. Jinpachi Ego
3. Anri Teieri