Rin Itoshi

* Appearance
* Profile

**Rin Itoshi** (糸(いと)師(し) 凛(りん), *Itoshi Rin*?) is a main character in the fan-made series **Universal Warriors**, and member of the **Kanto Manji Gang** and he is a major supporting character of the **Blue Lock**.

Rin Itoshi is a contender of Blue Lock, who currently plays as a regular for France’s **Paris X Gen** in the **Neo Egoist League**. He is Yoichi Isagi’s greatest rival in Blue Lock.

Rin is the younger brother of **Sae Itoshi**, who started playing football with him at a young age. He has played as a forward on every team he was on and has always been regarded as one of the top players. He is regarded as Blue Lock’s best player until he is officially confirmed to be by Jinpachi Ego at the beginning of the Third Selection.

Rin’s main goal is to become the world’s best striker. He used to be fixated on defeating his brother in football and in turn, getting revenge for abandoning their shared dream, but after the Blue Lock Eleven played against the Japan U-20 he let go of his revenge and decided to change so that he may become the world’s best striker, defeating anybody in his path.

Rin is an ideal candidate for the type of striker Ego strives to create.

## Personality

As a young boy, Rin was very innocent and in awe of his brother, Sae, wanting nothing more than to become a cool and strong player like him. He started playing football because his brother told him to, following his orders without question. As they played football together, Rin listened to whatever Sae said and adjusted accordingly. When Sae left for Spain, Rin found football was more difficult without his brother but strived to become just like him and replace him. This is where Rin’s core style of play would begin to shift from his instinctive style to a more logical style.

Initially, he was a good team player and captain for his high school team, appearing to be on good terms with some of his teammates. However, due to his fallout with his brother, he has become cold, blunt, and overly serious. He is entirely focused on soccer, to an almost obsessive degree and is also very egoistic, as he is always putting his goals first over everybody and their motivations. Rin has a lot of pride as a striker, which borders on arrogance, since he frequently describes other people’s soccer and way of thinking as “lukewarm” or “mediocre”. These mannerisms and behaviors came from his brother; in an attempt to be like his brother, Rin copies his words and embodies his mindset.

Rin seems to respect almost nobody. He will only acknowledge your presence if you have a noticeable and annoying ability/influence on the soccer field. He seems to have no friends, only rivals (with only Isagi and Bachira seemingly being on generally even terms with him). By the time of the Japan National Representative match, he is more noticeably talkative with the team, giving instruction on the pitch and conversing with Isagi specifically.

Rin commits to a routine of aftercare at the end of each and every day, to improve his physique, and he is often found in the training room doing drills or weights. Despite his arrogance and aloofness, Rin truly lives and breathes soccer, dedicating every waking moment to improving himself. This mentality combined with his personality is what makes him the top candidate for Blue Lock’s supposed best striker. Everything Rin does is to enable him to beat his older brother and end the rivalry, but after Rin moves past his revenge against his brother and his rivalry with teammates, he reaches a clarity in his decisions. He now aims to free himself from anything that ties him down and establish his own identity as an egoist without relying on his brother, teammates or rivals.

## Character Design

Rin is a surprisingly tall teenager with a slim but powerful build. He is noticeably taller than Yoichi Isagi who is older than him. He has black hair with a bang going across his face more in his right eye than left eye, slim teal eyes, and distinct eyelashes that he shares with his brother Sae Itoshi. As a young boy, Rin looks largely the same, his facial features just become more distinct as he gets older.

At Blue Lock, Rin wears the standard issued body suit (black with gray stripes) and tracksuit. During Second Selection, he wore Team Red’s #1 jersey and wore Team A’s #1 black jersey during the Third Selection. Only once the Japan U-20 match begins does he don an official blue Blue Lock player uniform with the jersey #10 and a captain’s armband.

## Abilities and Equipment

### Powers and Abilities

* **Playmaker**: A player who controls the flow of the team’s offensive play, and is often involved in passing moves which lead to goals, through their vision, technique, ball control, creativity, and passing ability.
When he was younger, Rin was an instinctual player but being trained and guided by his brother made him develop a notably logical and predictive style of playing. Whether on offense or defense, Rin’s playstyle consists of him grasping the abilities of both his teammates and his opponents and forcing out their best plays and abilities, manipulating them in his efforts to score goals for himself.

#### Skills

* **Piloting Skills**:
* **Superior Football Technique**: Rin is one of two players in Blue Lock who has top tier stats, along with Ryusei Shido. During the Third Selection, he scored an average 2.5 goals a game, which was the highest among the Top 6. His spatial awareness, ball control, power, and kick accuracy are only rivaled by a handful of players. Though Shido can be described similarly, the thing that makes Rin the best in Blue Lock is his willingness to cooperate with and create chemical reactions with his teammates, while Shido scores goals completely independently. Rin’s experience and techniques are advanced enough that he is able to play the role of captain, act as the focal point for an offense, play in defense and even overcome high-level defenders, using their own strengths against them.

* **Perfect Kick Accuracy**: Rin’s primary weapon is his highly accurate kick. His shooting/passing accuracy is near perfect, as demonstrated when he kicked two balls in such a way that they travelled different trajectories, yet still hit each other in midair. Rin’s kicks are so accurate that he is able to score from long distance; Isagi implied that he could potentially score from anywhere below 35 meters, free kicks and even directly from corner kicks. Even when being physically pressured by players like Ryusei Shido or Tabito Karasu, he is able to make a pinpoint shot. Oliver Aiku notes that his shot power and accuracy decrease when he uses his left foot, but in most conditions where Rin can get off a shot, it is on target. Rin needs space and range to set up his shooting pattern, the denial of which can result in his shot being off. However, he uses his other weapons to find himself with plenty of both, making him one of the top scorers in Blue Lock.
	+ **Pinpoint High Speed Free Kick**: Rin fires a blazing fast free kick with incredible accuracy. This free kick was so fast and accurate that it went right over Isagi’s head without giving him a chance to react.
	+ **Vertical Spinning Direct Shot**: A direct shot from the corner spot, which targets the furthest top corner of the goal. This shot can take players off-guard if they do not expect it, though it can be prevented through positioning.
	+ **Line Drive Shot**: Rin attempted to replicate his brother’s shot by dribbling to the byline and using his left foot to fire the ball over the goalkeeper and into the far side netting. However, the decrease in shot power and accuracy meant his shot was saved and hit the post.
	+ **Jump Shot**: After feinting to circumvent an opponent’s defense, Rin lifts the ball and performs a jumping roundhouse kick. With this technique, Rin is able to both shoot with frightening accuracy and evade a challenge from an opponent.
	+ **Blind Shot**: Rin takes advantage of the movements of another player to shield the ball from the keeper’s vision before firing a blind shot that the keeper cannot react to in time.
	+ **Trivela (Shot)**: A technique wherein which one puts spin on the ball using the outside of their foot. Rin hides his form, to force the assumption that he will shoot with his left foot, before shooting with his right. Rin is able to do this and score from outside the penalty area, as demonstrated against the Japan U-20.
	+ **Trivela (Pass)**: A technique wherein which one puts spin on the ball using the outside of their foot. Rin can use this technique to pass the ball, manipulating the opponent into thinking his pass has missed, only for it spin back to its destination.

* **Oppressive Pass**: Rin makes a difficult pass to his teammate in order to continue a play. He will usually play this pass into the optimal space for his teammate to retrieve it and return the pass (in the case of Aryu) or into the space where he expects his teammate to breakthrough (in the case of Bachira). This pass, as opposed to a more creative one, challenges the limitations of Rin’s team, forcing them to rise to meet his expectations.

* **Spatial Awareness**: Rin analyzes the entire field, including the positions of himself, his teammates and his opponents, in order to determine the best play. Rin’s tactical ability and spatial awareness are at such a level that only Isagi can understand, counter, and rival his analytical ability. Rin is routinely able to predict the positioning and movements of other players, including Isagi, setting up traps and baits to lure them into unfavorable positions, intercepting their plays and setting up his own.

* **Spacing**: By reading the weapon of his opponent, as well as the positions of other players on the field, Rin spaces himself in such a way as to allow for him to predict and respond to whatever they decide to do.
* **Synchronization**: Rin is also able to use his spatial awareness defensively; through reading and understanding the core of his opponent’s football, he can overlap his thoughts with theirs to predict what they will do next. He used this to halt the combined offense of Sae and Shido during the U-20 match. However, focusing solely on playing defensively makes it difficult for him to join the offense to score his own goals.

* **Off-the-Ball Movements**: A term used to describe the moments where players are not in possession of the ball.
Rin makes use of these movements to position himself in an opponent’s blind spot, as well as to maneuver into goal scoring positions. He does this after determining the field of view of the players on the pitch, similar to Isagi.

* **Positioning**: Rin has incredible positioning, constantly moving to areas where he can receive the ball in space and still be able to score a goal. If Rin realizes that he will not receive a pass, he always positions himself in a place where he would be able to score if he should receive the ball by chance. He demonstrated this positioning during the Second Selection, as well as during the U-20 match. Rin also uses this defensively in combination with his spatial awareness. After using his spacing, Rin gives himself enough room to predict where the opponent will likely break through, then uses his positioning to intercept them.
* **Super-Speed Interlock**: By using the movements of another player as a precursor, Rin moves into a position where he can meet a quick cross in an open space. He used this in conjunction with Bachira to score against the Team World Five.

* **Puppet-Controlling Soccer**: Rin’s main play style is about controlling and manipulating what his opponent thinks. After identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each player on the field, Rin uses his superior technique, tactical and physical ability to manipulate them into scenarios that will result in a goal. He can do this by using his own abilities against the opponent, or by combining his strengths with his team’s. This style of soccer, pushes his team’s abilities to their limits and beyond, resulting in highly complex and effective passages of play that often result in a goal.

* **Feints**: By positioning himself at a range where he can shoot, Rin manipulates his opponent into thinking he *will* shoot. This draws in the opponent to attempt a block, before he feints in order to bypass them. Rin can also use this in reverse. By changing his form and hiding his motion he fools his opponent into thinking he *won’t* shoot before he does.
* **Marseille Turn**: After manipulating his opponent into thinking he will perform a regular feint, Rin transitions into a roulette to get around their defense.
* **Elastico Nutmeg**: Rin knocks the ball sideways with the outside of his foot in order to force a challenge from his opponent, before using the inside of his foot to push the ball between their legs and get past them. He used this to get past Sendo.

* **Flow State**: Flow, as described by Ego, is the state of “total immersion” or “being in the zone”. It is the mental state in which a person performing some activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity.
Rin finally reached Flow in the final minutes of the Japan U20 match. Rin’s style of football usually revolves around precisely calculating the weapons of the players on the field and drawing them out to utilize them, manipulating the field for the best way to score. However, when in Flow, rather than bringing out other player’s weapons to efficiently utilize them, Rin draws out their weapons in order to shut them down. This usually involves Rin baiting them in some way, to use their strongest weapon, before overcoming them directly. While in Flow, Rin is noted to be several levels above his standard abilities. Rin was able to completely defeat Teppei Neru, Miroku Darai and Kazuma Nio in quick succession, using each of their weapons against them. Even Aiku could not stop him alone but when assisted by Shido they were able to pressure Rin. Despite this, Rin was able to kick a powerful curve shot that missed only by a couple of inches. Rin is even able to neutralize Sae’s dribbling as seen in the last minute of the U-20 Match.

* **Opposite Acceleration**: When facing someone with speed as their weapon, Rin knocks the ball to the side, in order to bait their acceleration forward, before he suddenly accelerates in the opposite direction, nutmegging them in the process. He used this to get by Neru.
* **Off-the-Ball Movements**: When facing someone with off-the-ball movements as their weapon, Rin will cross them multiple times to get in behind, before using his hand to prevent them from turning around to stop him. He used this to get by Darai.
* **Center of Gravity Full Burst**: When facing someone with core strength as their weapon, Rin will force a physical pressure duel, knocking the ball up as bait. When they charge in, Rin will shift to stance with a low center of gravity, to break their balance, using their own charge against them. He used this to get by Niou.

## Story

### Original

Reo was born as the heir of the Mikage Corporation (with total assets valued at 705.8 billion yen). From an early age, he got anything he wanted such as games, toys, and gaming consoles. However, as he grew up, Reo expressed his boredom and said he wanted something for his own, something he could treasure himself. Most importantly, he wanted something that wasn't easy to obtain. It was during his first year of high school that he stumbled upon a video of the World Cup and found something that he had been seeking for so long.

His father refused to support his football dreams and wants him to give up on it, saying that only those chosen by football itself can make a living out of it. His parents want him to graduate from an elite high school and become an elite businessman who can take over the company.

However, rather than being discouraged, it fueled his desire even further. He was confident that he would lead his school to the nationals until he realized that the school's football club was trash because he attended an elite high school. Reo walks around the school while thinking of more ways to prove himself to his father. Distracted by his thoughts, Reo accidentally bumps Seishiro Nagi, making Nagi drop his phone. Before the phone could hit the ground, Nagi catches it with his leg. Seeing Nagi's excellent skills, Reo asks if Nagi was part of the football club. Hearing that Nagi has never played football in his whole life made Reo find him more astonishing. Reo found it so captivating to meet someone so talented in football without the help of training. Because of this, Reo regarded Nagi as his own gem. Reo invited Nagi to play football with him, and, in turn, he'd pay him money.

## Relationships

### Original

#### Family

* Sae Itoshi (older brother)
* Unnamed mother
* Unnamed father

### Universal Warriors

* Main Characters
* The Another World

* Jennifer Amantea
* Natsu Dragneel
* Lucy Heartfilia
* Gray Fullbuster
* Erza Scarlet
* Wendy Marvell
* Aladdin
* Alibaba Saluja
* Morgiana
* Hakuryuu Ren
* Kouha Ren
* Sinbad
* Kougyoku Ren
* Gingka Hagane
* Kenta Yumiya
* Madoka Amano
* Yu Tendo
* Masamune Kadoya
* Benkei Hanawa
* Kyoya Tategami

* Rebecca Bluegarden
* Juvia Lockser
* Cana Alberona
* Mirajane Strauss
* Levy McGarden
* Zeref Dragneel
* Mard Geer Tartaros
* Seilah
* Sonya
* Animus
* Suzaku
* Elie
* Lucia Raregroove
* Weisz Steiner
* Homura Kōgetsu
* Sister Ivry
* Holy
* Eraser
* Feather
* Mashima Heroes
* Yoh Asakura
* Tao Ren
* Horokeu Usui
* Silva
* Hao Asakura
* Genjo Sanzo
* Snow
* Nanashi
* Sakura Li
* Kurogane
* Fai D. Fluorite
* Eren Yeager
* Mikasa Ackerman
* Annie Leonhart
* Reiner Braun
* Sasha Blouse
* Hange Zoë
* Zeke Yeager
* Pieck Finger
* Porco Galliard
* Colt Grice
* Yelena
* Cecily Fairchild
* Anavel Gato
* Aina Sahalin
* Gym Ghingham
* Cagalli Yula Athha
* Mu La Flaga
* Neil Dylandy
* Lyle Dylandy
* Allelujah Haptism
* Patrick Colasour
* Ali al-Saachez
* Full Frontal
* Akihiro Altland
* Gaelio Bauduin
* Zoltan Akkanen
* Lane Aim
* Suletta Mercury
* Guer Jeturk
* Elan Ceres
* Shaddiq Zenelli
* Yukimura Sanada
* Nobunaga Oda
* Ieyasu Tokugawa
* Shiemi Moriyama
* Shura Kirigakure
* Cheng-Long Liu
* Ri Shin
* Duke Hyou
* Ou Ki
* Ou Sen
* Kan Ki
* Ou Hon
* Mou Ten
* Ri Boku
* Ordo
* Ka Rin
* Kan Mei
* Slaine Troyard
* Elizabeth Liones
* Escanor
* Derieri
* Tristan Liones
* Ikoma
* Mumei
* Ayame Yomogawa
* Biba Amatori
* Meteora Österreich
* Vladilena Milizé
* Anju Emma
* Yuna Akashi
* Kazumi Asakura
* Yue Ayase
* Ako Izumi
* Akira Okouchi
* Misora Kasuga
* Makie Sasaki
* Chizuru Naba
* Haruna Mutsuishi
* Honoka Tsukii
* Chisa Akagawa
* Airi Eniwa
* Miharu Yomine
* Aya Kamuro
* Riko Hinakura
* Rinne Myojin
* Lü Bu
* Kojiro Sasaki
* Poseidon
* Raiden Tameemon
* Qin Shi Huang
* Tomoe Gozen
* Elizabeth Bathory
* Cleopatra
* Mata Hari
* Mary Read
* Musashi Miyamoto
* Kaolan Wongsawat
* Brunhilde
* Manjiro Sano
* Keisuke Baji
* Chifuyu Matsuno
* Kazutora Hanemiya
* Seishu Inui
* Hajime Kokonoi
* Meguru Bachira
* Hyoma Chigiri
* Haruka Sakura
* Hajime Umemiya
* Kyotaro Sugishita
* Hayato Suou
* Ren Kaji
* Naotora Takeda
* Tatsuomi Uesugi
* Tsubasa Tokugawa
* Soma Date
* Seiroku Inukawa
* Aijiro Inue
* Imari Inuyama
* Towa Higurashi
* Akira Renbokoji
* A-drei
* H-neun
* Gashin Tezuka
* Shion Shishibe
* Brad Watt
* Alexei Zelenoy
* Tokaku Azuma
* Ryoma Nagare
* Tetsuya Tsurugi
* Anya Alstreim
* Susumu Kodai
* Adeltrud Alter
* Atlee Ariel
* Zetsu Daidan
* Fine Forte
* Tughril Mahmut
* Lelederik of Ellvaldez
* Al-Kaplan Balaban
* Nancy Schaal Bancroft
* Daryun
* Shimon Ikaruga
* Noelle Silva
* Fena Houtman
* Alisha Diphda
* Adele von Ascham
* Mischa
* Tenma Tsukamoto
* Suou Pavlichenko
* Koumei Ren
* Lenalee Lee
* Kei Mizusawa
* Virgo Fudō
* Torque
* Mora Chester

## Trivia

* According to his Character Profile:

* Rin's favorite subject is english, physical education, and history, while his least favorite subject is calligraphy.
* His favorite food is ochazuke, especially ochazuke with bream.
* The people he respects or admires are Miorine Rembran.
* The people he dislikes or fears are Naotora Takeda.

* According to the Blue Lock official character book:
* He says he doesn’t cry.
* His favorite food is ochazuke, especially ochazuke with bream.
* His favorite manga are Dragon Head and Ciguatera.
* His favorite animal is the owl.
* His favorite movie is “The Shining”.
* He is unfriendly/blunt.
* He is fluent in English.
* He spends his holiday either by playing horror video games or immersed himself in horror movies.
* He is not good at calligraphy.
* If it’s his last day on Earth, he will fight with his brother.
* He doesn’t remember how many Valentine chocolates he got last year because he declined all of them.
* Rin ranked 6th in the first popularity poll with 1,028 votes.
* As seen in chapter 40, during the first selection, he was part of his stratum’s team V with his final ranking being 221st.

## External Links

* Rin Itoshi on the *BLUELOCK* Wiki
* Rin Itoshi on the *HEROES* Wiki