Jingo Raichi/Synopsis

**Table of Contents**
History • Introduction Arc • First Selection Arc • Second Selection Arc
References

## Plot

### Introduction Arc

Raichi attends the initial Blue Lock meeting and agrees to join the program like the other 299 high school forwards. When he arrives at Blue Lock, he receives his uniform and training gear like everybody else. He then goes to his designated room and awaits what's next while sitting on the far side of the room.

   Team Z's shared room.After entering Team Z's shared room, Ego appears on the screen and greets the players in the room. He explains their current room situation and the Blue Lock ranking system. Ego also explains that the top 5 players at the end of Blue Lock will have a guaranteed spot on the Japan U-20 team for the U-20 World Cup. Nevertheless, there are also consequences to joining Blue Lock. To elaborate, players who lost at Blue Lock would be permanently barred from ever playing on Japan's National team. With those details, the first test of Blue Lock is announced. For the dormitory test, play a game of tag.

Given a limited amount of time, the "it" of the game must pass the ball to someone else and hit them. Once the time runs out, the last "it" would be eliminated from Blue Lock. Shortly after, a ball drops in the center of the room and Gurimu Igarashi is noted as the person who is "it" since he is (currently) the lowest-ranked person in the room. By the end of the dormitory test, Ryousuke Kira was tagged. Thus, Kira is eliminated. The 11 players in the room will now live there together as a group called Team Z.

Afterward, Team Z spent the next few days training their bodies to condition themselves into the way of living at Blue Lock.  Following the training, Ego announces the new rankings in Blue Lock. He then informs Team Z that they are currently the lowest-ranked team in the facility. Lastly, Ego reveals that Blue Lock will be having its First Selection soon.

### First Selection Arc

#### Team Z vs Team X

Team Z is playing rock, paper, and scissors to see who gets to pick their desired position. Isagi wins the game and chooses to become forward. Shortly after, the match between Team Z and Team X begins. The game is set to last for 90 minutes with a break in between.

   Isagi, the forward, is having a hard time breaking through the opponent's defense. While thinking of a strategy to pass through, the ball is taken away from him by Raichi, a teammate. Kunigami then steals the ball from Raichi. After that, all of the players in the field started playing for themselves. Nevertheless, one player was able to take the ball amidst all the chaos. Shoei Baro appears to steal the ball from his opponents and teammates. His skills overwhelms everyone, resulting him scoring a goal.

After Baro's goal, his teammates were ecstatic and joyful. Baro, however, stated that he is not scoring in this match to make friends. He remarked that his teammates' sole purpose is to make him shine, declaring that he is the one true king. On the other hand, Team Z was not pleased with Team X's goal. Igaguri blamed Iemon for failing as a goalkeeper. Raichi then blamed Isagi for his incompetence as a forward. Raichi then told Isagi to stick on defense instead. Because of this, Kuon tried calming the other players.

To take advantage of Team Z's meltdown and selfish playstyle, players from Team X decided to pass all the balls to Baro to win. Isagi, seeing Team X playing as a team, considered Team Z's win as hopeless and impossible. The game reached a score of 5-0 with Team X in the lead. To make a comeback, Bachira suggested that he and Isagi must score to win.

During the game, Bachira successfully passed the ball to Isagi. Isagi drives the ball and believed that the only thing left to do is to surpass the goalkeeper. Much to his surprise, Baro appears, making Isagi doubt his chances of scoring. Isagi then starts to lose confidence in himself. Raichi and Kunigami then appear, asking for Isagi to pass the ball instead. Isagi believes that he shouldn't pass the ball to survive Blue Lock.

   Surprisingly, he unconsciously kicks the ball towards Kunigami. Kunigami kicks the ball and scores. Raichi, on the other hand, is furious at Isagi for choosing to pass to Kunigami than him. Unlike Kunigami, Raichi is unmarked and in a preferable location. After that, Baro calls Isagi talentless. Baro stated that a striker who chokes in front of the goal does not have what it takes to be one.

After the game, Team Z is changing their clothes, and Raichi states that Isagi's failure as the center forward and striker resulted in the team's loss. Raichi notes that he should be replaced with Isagi. Team Z becomes chaotic, with each player claiming that they should be the striker in the next game. Kuon then scolds Team Z. Kuon reveals that losing in their next match will result in Team Z's elimination. Thus, it isn't time for them to be thinking of their selves alone.

#### Team Z vs Team Y

Inside Team Z's shared room, each player distinguishes their unique weapons. Raichi says that he excels in his shooting technique. After a few minutes, everyone besides Chigiri and Isagi has identified their weapons. Isagi has a hard time selecting his weapon, so he asks for a little bit of time to think. Kuon then asks Chigiri about his. Chigiri, however, does not want to tell it. Raichi found Chigiri's actions arrogant; Raichi then asks the team to move on without Chigiri and Isagi's weapons.

The following day, Kuon then tells Team Z and Team Y are in a similar situation. Like Team Z, if Team Y loses, they will be up for elimination and unable to recover. Also, Kuon warns the team to watch out for Hibiki Okawa, rank 254.

Several hours passed, and the match between Team Z and Team Y begins. Team Z is employing the "**I'm the next 9**" strategy. Currently, the next forward will be Kuon. To fully utilize Kuon's weapon, Team Z attempts to pass the balls at a very tall height to put the opposite team at a disadvantage. This, however, proves to be difficult since Team Y has an excellent defense. Fortunately, Isagi was able to realize vital information in the match. Apparently, Team Z should focus on Niko, not Okawa. Niko was pulling the strings and calling all the shots all along.

    45 minutes have passed. Inside the breakroom, players of Team Z are shown having mixed emotions, none of which is positive. With a score of 1-0, Chigiri questions if the "I'm the next 9" tactic is effective. Chigiri's doubts angered Raichi. Raichi believes Chigiri is in no place to complain, seeing that Chigiri chose to conceal his weapons from the team.

The match resumes, marking the start of the second half. During the game, Isagi is starting to understand Niko’s weakness. Isagi remarks that Niko would always pass instead of scoring by himself. Isagi used his hypothesis to counter Niko. Soon after, Isagi has the ball. Isagi then scores a goal. Although it was a rocky battle, Team Z's efforts were not wasted as they won against Team Y. The match ended with a score of 2-1, with Team Z in the lead.

#### Team Z vs Team W

    To prepare for the upcoming match, Team Z trains and enhance their weapons. During this, Isagi is unsuccessful in scoring a goal. Raichi jokes that Isagi's goal in the previous match might have been a fluke. Isagi takes a break from the training and drifts into wonder. Isagi believes that everyone in Team Z is better than him. To be helpful to the team, he needs to understand how his weapon really works. While daydreaming, Isagi remembered Chigiri's words to him last night. Isagi was shocked to see a new side to Chigiri.

Several hours passed, and the match against Team W starts. Fortunately for Team Z, everything seems to go by the way they want. Thirty minutes have gone by in the first half of the game, and Kuon has scored a total of two points. Following their new tactic, the three forward players will be Gagamaru, Raichi, and Naruhaya. To stop Naruhaya, who has the ball, Junichi grabs Naruhaya's jersey.

Because this is a foul from Team W, Team Z is given a free kick. Bachira, doing the free-kick, sees his target. Instead of scoring by himself, he kicks at a height advantageous to only one player, Kuon. Kuon hits the ball with his head, scoring another goal. The new score is 3-0, with Kuon scoring all of those 3 points.

After half-time, the second half of the game starts. Raichi has the ball. Kuon then tells Raichi to slow down the time and asks for the ball. Raichi says that Kuon better gives it back to him later. Shortly after Kuon received the ball, Keisuke appears from Kuon's back and steals the ball. Raichi gets mad and calls Kuon an idiot. Keisuke then passes to Junichi, and Junichi tries to score a goal. This surprises Iemon, making him too late to respond to Junichi. Junichi kicks the ball and scores.

Kuon tells his team to not panic over one score. Oddly enough, Kuon kicks the ball to Isagi, but his pass back was short, allowing Junichi to steal it. Junichi strikes again, changing the score to 2-3. Meanwhile, Raichi shouts at Kuon for being reckless. Kuon apologizes wholeheartedly, making the others accept his mistakes. Nevertheless, Isagi saw Kuon smile cunningly after his teammates have dispersed. Isagi is left confused as to why Kuon smiled after having the opponents score twice.

    Raichi, provoked by the sudden revelation, attempts to punch Kuon. Because of his violent behavior, Raichi is given a yellow card. The other players are then asked to return to their specific positions to resume the game.

Once Team Z realized Kuon's betrayal, they were baffled. Nevertheless, time was running. Although the sudden disloyalty was frustrating and disheartening, Team Z opted to focus on the game. The score was 3-4, with Team W in the lead. If Team Z lost this match, they will be evicted. Thus, they chose to settle on a tie instead. Fortunately, their efforts weren't wasted. The match ended in a draw, with a score of 4-4.

#### Team Z vs Team V

After joking around, Imamura recommends having a tactical meeting before the game. Hearing that, Raichi remembers their former tactician and his betrayal. He comes near to Kuon and tells him he hasn't forgiven him yet. Out of anger, Raichi strangles Kuon. Also mad at Kuon, Igaguri and Naruhaya asked to join in. Before things go out of control, Isagi stops Raichi. Frustrated, Raichi asked Isagi if he feels sorry for the strangled Kuon. Isagi tells Raichi that the team needs Kuon to win against Team V. Missing a player would lead to the ultimate loss of Team Z.

    Following this, the team proceeds with their tactical meeting led by Iemon. After several minutes, the strategizing ends. Raichi tells Kuon to do nothing for the whole game. Kuon will stay in the halfway line glued to the floor. Raichi then threatens Kuon, saying that if he leaves his mark, he'll make sure (through violence) that Kuon won't be able to move after. Kuon snarks at Raichi and tells him that he's not interested in helping Team Z to win. Kuon believes that, since he's the team's top striker, he doesn't need to risk anything to survive the first selection.

Shortly after, the match between Team Z and Team V begins. Team Z needs to win this game to survive and pass the first selection; however, it will be difficult since Team V remains undefeated in the fifth strata.

Reo steals the ball and kicks again towards Nagi. Isagi, seeing the ball's trajectory, shouts Raichi and Igaguri's names, telling them to stop Nagi. Unfortunately for Team Z, Nagi was able to trap the ball once again. Igaguri is shocked to see Nagi stopping the ball's momentum so smoothly. Nagi then kicks the ball towards the net, scoring a goal.

    Following this goal, Isagi asks Raichi to cover Reo. Raichi then tells Isagi that he doesn't take orders from anyone. Isagi then says that Raichi's physique is much better than him, making it possible for Raichi to stop Reo. Isagi then tells Team Z that they must focus on stopping Reo. Everyone from Team Z agrees except for Raichi. Reluctantly agreeing, Raichi threatens the team, saying that if Team Z loses in the match, he'll hunt each and everyone's entire bloodline.

Reo, in possession of the ball, tries to get past Raichi's defense; however, Reo finds the task difficult. Although just defending, Raichi declares to Reo that he won't let his football career end in this match. Finding it impossible to get past Raichi, Reo passes the ball to Zantetsu.

After several minutes, the ball was retrieved once more by Team Z. Nevertheless, it was stolen from Isagi shortly after. Raichi then shouts at Isagi and calls him stupid. Raichi remarks that he should've scored a goal, but he choked. As a result, Isagi tries to find out what he's missing. After a few minutes, Isagi got the ball back. Reo yells at Nagi and tells him to mark Isagi. However, before Reo can move to follow Nagi, Raichi stops him. Reo comments that Raichi is like a predator. Raichi agrees, telling Reo that he is his prey.

    Reo, with the ball, finds it difficult to do something because of Raichi's defense. Reo likened Raichi to an annoying stalker. Reo wonders why Raichi, who has been running since a while ago, is not yet tired. Raichi then tells Reo that he knows how Reo plays. Raichi says to Reo that, before every pass he does, he looks around the field. Reo looks around for teammates who are in a comfortable and safe spot, avoiding any mistakes.

Raichi then says that without Nagi, Reo is just a poor dexterous guy. Offended by Raichi's taunts, Reo punches Raichi. Because of this, Reo is given a yellow card for malicious foul play. Raichi then steals the ball from Reo, who is distracted by his sudden yellow card.

Raichi passes the ball to Chigiri. Because of this, Chigiri was able to score a goal. The match against both teams was heated. Nevertheless, although Team V was a difficult opponent, Team Z managed to score a few goals. With that said, the score is 3-3.

The game resumes. Reo has the ball. While dribbling the ball, Reo vows that he won't lose. Reo remarks that he is not his family's toy. Reo then says that he won't be satisfied with people giving him anything he wants. He wants to be able to get the things he wants with his own hands. Raichi then appears in front of Reo. Raichi asks Reo if he is afraid of losing. Raichi remarked that a guy who lived a luxurious life like him might have never experienced a loss ever since. Raichi then says to Reo that he'll be the one to hand Reo his first loss.

With Raichi marking Reo, Reo finds it hard to do something with the ball. He can't pass it to Zantetsu because he is currently being blocked by Chigiri and Naruhaya. Besides, Nagi, who is in front of the goal, is blocked by Igaguri and Imamura. Plus, Reo can't forcibly pass through Raichi because he might lose the ball. Having a difficult time, Reo believes that the field is currently controlled by Team Z.

Nagi sees Reo's troubled expression. Surprisingly, Nagi starts moving away from his place. At that moment, Nagi's slumbering potential was awakened by Team Z. Due to this, Nagi's play would now be unpredictable and overwhelming. With only 15 minutes left in the game, Team Z is near to having a nervous breakdown. Gagamaru says that if nothing is done, Team Z will lose.

Kunigami then asks what they can do to stop Nagi. Chigiri says that they can't predict Nagi's movements anymore. Hearing Team Z struggling to find a solution, Raichi yells, telling them that they should attack. Raichi threatens them, saying that if all his efforts are wasted, he will kill them. Raichi remarks that, as strikers, Team Z should be able to fight back.

The game resumes. The ball is tossed from one team to the other. Fortunately for Team V, Nagi has the ball and is right in front of Iemon. Oddly, Kuon appears and tackled Nagi to stop him. Everyone in the field is stunned. Because of Kuon's actions, he is given a red card and is asked to leave the match. Moreover, Team V is given a free kick.

    The game resumes with a free-kick from Reo. Iemon tries to predict how Reo will act. Fortunately, Iemon's guess was correct, allowing him to stop Reo's kick from hitting the net. Now the ball is loose, both Team V and Team Z tries to retrieve it. The fastest player from both teams, Chigiri and Zantetsu, race for the ball; however, Zantetsu is nearer. Zantetsu kicks the ball but is stopped by Raichi.

The ball is now sent flying. Nagi picks it up, hoping to score another goal. Raichi, Igaguri, and Iemon try to block the ball's course. Nagi's kick passes the three players. Luckily, Gagamaru stops the ball. Isagi receives the loose ball and says that this is his last chance.

With only 35 meters to the goal and 2 defenders in front, Isagi passes the ball to Kunigami. Suddenly, Zantetsu appears in between them. Zantetsu kicks the ball, making Kunigami lose the ball. Zantetsu tells Kunigami that he won't let him do his mid-shot. The ball is now loose, with both teams desperate to retrieve it.

Raichi runs toward the ball and picks it up. Raichi passes to Bachira. Meanwhile, Isagi finds the spot where he can make his goal. If Isagi manages to get there, Isagi will have a one-one with the goalkeeper. Bachira sees Isagi asking for the ball. Bachira says that he believes in Isagi, telling him that this is their last chance. Just as how Isagi predicted, the ball is going toward him. Before Isagi can trap the ball, Nagi appears in front of him. Suddenly, Isagi's goal scent disappeared.

Nonetheless, Isagi let go of all his doubts. With a direct shot, Isagi thrusts with all his might in this goal. Because of this, Isagi successfully scored the winning goal that Team Z needed to survive the first selection.

    On the other side, Kuon watches Team Z rejoicing after their win against Team V. Kunigami calls Kuon and tells him to join them. Kuon rejects his offer and tells him that it's fine. Kunigami tries inviting him again; however, Raichi tells him to stop. Raichi says to Kunigami that no one can erase the betrayal that Kuon did. Plus, Raichi notes that he hasn't forgiven Kuon yet. Raichi believes, nonetheless, that, thanks to Kuon grabbing Nagi's head, Team Z didn't lose. Raichi then extends his hand and invites Kuon. Kuon comes closer and reaches for Raichi's hand. Before Kuon can touch his hand, Raichi punches his face. Raichi then says that he hates Kuon, but he'll move past his betrayal with a punch.

## References

*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 2.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 3.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 5.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 6.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 7.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 8.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 9.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 10.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 11.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 12.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 15.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 17.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 18.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 22.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 24.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 26.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 27.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 29.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 30.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 31.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 32.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 33.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 35.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 36.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 37.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 38.