Introduction Arc

The **Introduction Arc** is the first arc of the *Blue Lock* manga series.

## Synopsis

### Japan's Loss in the 2018 World Cup

Japan's national team loses in the 2018 World Cup, and the Japan Football Association is having a meeting led by the new member, Anri Teieri, who suggests developing a plan in order to improve Japan's world cup performance. The president, Hirotoshi Buratsuta, is convinced that their profits are still good. He declares that football is nothing but a business only. He further says that they should just get a foreign coach to give the team a spark amidst all the Japanese players and as long as they maintain the Japan national team brand, they'll be fine reaping the profits generated by it. Anri keeps silent from what the president said.

The president then asks Anri what to do if the reform affects the bottom line and further tells her that they should value more the current situation and it's that simple. Then, the president jokingly asks his fellow members if they remember Osim, just because he remembered it when he mentioned the word "simple". The other association members then fool around even more.

Hearing the president's response, Anri Teieri declares that if the situation continues, Japan will never win the World Cup. The president mocks her and asks if she really thinks that Japan can win the World Cup. Anri replies that she is. She says that it's her dream for Japan to win the World Cup. She then proposes a plan whose goal is to create the ultimate player that can lead Japan to its first World Cup and introduces Jinpachi Ego. Ego will act as the coach to create the foundations of the current national team.

### National High School Football Qualifiers

Meanwhile, the National High School Football Qualifiers are taking place between Ichinan High School and Matsukaze High School with the current score 0-1. Yoichi Isagi is currently the one with the ball. Isagi contemplates whether to pass or shoot the goal himself. He then decides to pass the ball to his teammate Tama who failed to make a goal. Suddenly, Ryosuke Kira, does a counter-attack. He manages to score goal making the score 0-2. Shortly after, the game ends, making Kira's team the winner and Isagi's team the loser.

After the match, Kira is flocked by several players. Kira is asked about his thoughts in regards to playing for Japan's U-18 National team. Kira responds that, for now, he's got his sights of winning the nationals with his team. He then says that the reason for his success is from having a capable team he can rely on. Meanwhile, Tama apologizes to his team for being unable to score. Then, Isagi's coach made a closing speech for his team. Devastated by the loss, the coach cries while giving his advice to see defeat as something meaningful and worth remembering. He then declares that this team is still the best in Japan. Nonetheless, Isagi believes they are just one of the teams that fell one step short of playing at Nationals.

After the match, Isagi is on his way home. He then thinks of Noel Noa. Isagi believesthat he will never be a great hero like him. He then reminisces his childhood days watching Noel Noa play. Isagi remarks that Noel Noa inspired him to play football. He then remembers his previous match. Isagi ponders on what could've happen if he didn't pass and scored a goal by himself. Isagi wonders if his fate will be different if he didn't pass. He then says to himself that what-ifs are pointless in football. He notes they didn't lose because he chose to rely on his team. He remarks that football is a sport played with 11 people. He then shouts and cries because he wanted to win but failed to do so.

Then, Isagi arrives at his home. His mother comes up to him and tells him that he got a letter from the Japan Football Association for a Player Improvement Project.

### Blue Lock

The next day, Isagi arrives at the Japan Football Union building and encounters Kira. Immediately, Kira recognizes Isagi and talks to him. Kira tells Isagi that he remembers him since he is quite a player. Kira says to him that he has an impressive field perspective and high football IQ. Upon entering the facility, Kira and Isagi saw several players also waiting in the area. Then, a man appears and begins his speech. He tells the players that they are chosen based on his criteria alone and proceeds to introduces himself as Jinpachi Ego. He remarks that his job is to make Japan a team capable of winning the World Cup. He says that he will forge the best striker in the world among the 300 U-18 forwards he has invited. He explains that, to do so, he will implement and manage Blue Lock. He then states that all players will live in the building and will strictly follow his regimen. After losing, Ego says that the losing player's football career is over. Ego further emphasizes that if anyone manages to defeat all 299 players and be the last one remaining, the last player standing will become the best striker in the world. Shocked by what Ego said, Kira disagrees and says that their current teams are their priority. He states that he cannot accept those terms mentioned. After Kira voiced his opinions, all the other players agreed.

Ego then responds and asks them if they rather be a high-school champ than becoming the best striker on the world. He then tells the players that he cringes at the look of Japan's future in their hands. Japan may be the best in organizational skills in football but, in everything else, they are second-rate. Ego then asks the players what is football to them. Ego tells the players that seeing it as a sport where you try to score goals in teams of 11 players is wrong. He remarks that "Football is, at its core, a sport about scoring goals even at the expense of your teammates. The best player is the one that scores the most goals." Kira responds and tells Ego that what he said was insulting. Kira notes that players like Honda, Kagawa, and others are those who shape Japan's National line up and instill the value of team play.

Ego then mocks the mentioned players. Ego remarks that the players named by Kira have not won a single World Cup yet. He then mentions Noel Noa, Eric Cantona, and Pele as revolutionary strikers, but their extraordinary "egoism" is what Japan lacks. He then plays a scenario wherein the hopes of all Japan lie in their shoulders. He then states that if they want that "rebellious egoism", then they should step through the gate. He then says his last message. He remarks that football is a sport to develop the players as strikers and think of literally everyone as supporting them. He tells them to throw away their common sense. According to Ego, in football, they are a star.

Isagi shivered after hearing Ego's words. Isagi decides to step through the gate. Confused, the other players also step through the gate with the hopes of becoming the best striker. After that, Anri talks to Ego. Anri praises Ego for persuading all 300 players to join. She then says to him that she will follow his command. She tells him that she will leave the future of Japan's football in his hands. Thrilled, Ego says that it will become football's critical moment.

Isagi is on a bus on the way to the Blue Lock facility. Upon arriving, they were given uniforms with a number and letter. Isagi is given the number 299 and letter Z. Apparently, the Z represent their respective rooms. Isagi enters the facility and goes to his respective room. Upon entering the place, he learned that Team Z's room is a shared room. Kira calls out Isagi and tells him that he is relieved to see a familiar face. Suddenly, a shirt hits Isagi's face. Upon removing it, the player apologizes to Isagi and tells him to watch his steps. Isagi looks down and finds a sleeping player on the floor. Isagi then changes into his uniform. Then, a player named Gurimu Igarashi, a second-year forward, introduces himself to Isagi and Kira. Igarashi tells them that he was born in a temple and has a promise with his old man. If Igarashi became a professional football player, he will not have to inherit his temple duties. Igarashi then reveals that he was pumped up by Ego's speech.

After talking, Ego appears at a screen stating that everyone in the room will be each other's roommates and rivals. He then reveals that the number attached in their uniform is their ranking among the 300 players in the Blue Lock. Their rankings, however, will change base on several factors. Ego then reveals that the top five players will participate for Japan's U-20 National Team for the World Cup. Moreover, those defeated will be permanently barred from the team. He then tells them that they are looking for "ego" and it will be the ones measured in the facility. Ego then announces a game "Tag" where the time limit is 136 seconds and whoever is "it" when the timer runs out will be removed from the team. The first "it" is the lowest among the team, which is Gurimu Igarashi. Ego explains that "tag" is just one of many exercises professional football players use to warm up themselves. Ego notes that the game of tag will provide him a great insight on the selfishness lurking behind the strikers.

### Dormitory Test: Oni Pretend

#### Tag: Gurimu "Igaguri" Igarashi

The timer starts, while Igarashi has the ball. A player asks him if he really believes what Ego said about being barred from Japan's U-20. Igarashi replies that he doesn't know for sure but he'll do anything to avoid losing because, if he loses, he will come back to the temple and be a monk. Igarashi then decides to target Isagi, who is only one rank higher than him; however, Isagi manages to dodge the attack. The other players run away. Kira then voices out that there's no way pros train like this. Kira reveals that the reason he entered Blue Lock is to reject Ego's ideology. He then further tells them that risking their football careers on a two-minute play of tag is screwed up. He affirms that he cannot let Ego destroy his future. While listening to Kira's thoughts, Isagi thinks about his goal to run away and not to get hit.

While failing to hit anyone. Igarashi spots a sleeping guy and decides to change his target. Upon kicking the ball, Gurimu was kicked at the face by the player. The player was then approached by another player and tells him that he hates dirty play and to play fair and square.

#### Tag: Rensuke Kunigami

Unattended, the player which reveals to be Rensuke Kunigami, rank 291 was hit by the ball and is now the "it". Kunigami was furious after Igarashi hit him while he was defending him. Kunigami made Igarashi his target.

#### Tag: Yoichi Isagi

Igarashi uses Isagi to defend himself, resulting in Isagi being hit by the ball. With only 1 minute and 3 seconds left, Isagi became the 3rd "it". Isagi then tries to attack but fails to hit anyone. After failing to hit anyone, he decides to attack Igarashi which is the lowest rank player. With only 50 seconds left, Isagi still chases Igarashi. 45 seconds left on the clock, Isagi still hasn't hit anyone and tells himself that he doesn't want to end it like this. He won't let his dream end yet.

The player who hit Igarashi calls Isagi's attention while restraining Kunigami. The player says that he's giving Isagi a chance to attack Kunigami while he's currently restrained. Kunigami throws him resulting in him hitting Igarashi. After that hit, Igarashi strained his foot and cannot move. Kira then shouts at Isagi and tells him to take the shot. With 29 seconds left, Igarashi is begging Isagi to spare him and apologizes for aiming at him earlier. Isagi stops at his tracks. If Isagi tags Igarashi, he can win but it will end Igarashi's career. He struggles to make a decision but decides that if he doesn't do it, he will lose. For him to accomplish his dreams, Isagi concludes that he needs to destroy the dreams of others. With 21 seconds left, Isagi is planning to kick the ball towards Igarashi. With 15 seconds left, Isagi stops and decides to attack those higher than him.

#### Tag: Meguru Bachira

After the deciding to spare Igarashi, Isagi decides to attack others; however, Meguru Bachira, rank 290, steals the ball from him. With only 10 seconds left, he decides to go for Kira. Kira manages to dodge the attack. 7 seconds left, Bachira tries to attack Kira with his leg but also dodges it. 5 seconds left, Kira runs away and Bachira hits the ball towards Kira's direction. 4 seconds left, the ball is coming towards Isagi's direction. Oddly, Isagi kicks the ball and hits Kira. The timer reaches 0 making Kira the last target. Shocked and feeling betrayed, Kira asks Isagi what he had done. Isagi also in shock apologizes to Kira and tells him that the ball came so fast.

#### Loser: Ryosuke Kira

The game ends. Ego then appears again at the screen and declares that Kira is expelled. Shocked and angry by the result, Kira confronts Ego stating that he's throwing away the future of Japan. Kira tells him to expel Igarashi or Isagi instead. Kira then asks the point of the game. Kira believes that tag is in no way related to football. Ego replies that everything they do at Blue Lock is related to football and tells Kira to look at his environment. He then tells that the room is 16.5 x 40.32 meters, which is the exact same proportions as the penalty area. Ego notes that 75% of goals are scored from that area and it is a striker's domain. He also said that if one cannot survive under those conditions, they are not qualified to be strikers. Kira then replies that tag has nothing to do with football. Ego replies that a skill required by the fleeing side is tactical awareness or positioning. As for the pursuer, what they need is not only accurate dribbling but precision to make shots and that's what is optimal in football training.

Kira angrily tells Ego that he can't expect to know all that stuff in under two minutes. Kira notes that football lasts for more than 90 minutes. Ego replies that an average time a player possesses a ball during a match is about 136 seconds. Ego says they were given the exact same opportunity in the tag game. Still confused, Kira asks Ego what he expects him to do in just 10 seconds. Ego questioned if that is how Kira would react in a real match. Stunned, Kira wasn't able to give an answer to Ego's previous question. Ego then replays the scene and tells Kira that he had 1 second left to survive. Either shooting it at an injured Igarashi and yet he wasted his chance. Shortly after, Kira was asked to leave the shared room.

#### Purpose of the Test

Ego then tells an imaginary scenario wherein he is in the middle of the match, standing in a penalty area. His teammate's shot didn't reach the goal and hits his body. When this happens, he already gave up; but, he didn't notice that by sheer luck that the ball falls before him. If he had just tapped the ball, he would be saved from his own mistake. Ego then tells the players that the one who is "it" in the tag, the one who has the ball, decides who they want to win but also gets to decide who they want to lose. Ego notes that a striker carries all responsibilities on his back. According to him, a striker is the one who keeps on attacking until the very second. He then praises Isagi for choosing to defeat those that are higher than him, and Bachira who took the initiative to aim for the strongest player. Ego states that they are perfect examples of people who'd rather do what's best for their team . Ego then says that they had the tenacity and courage to pursue their own will. Ego remarks that it's the egoism that Ego is looking for.

Ego then expels Kira. Kira still cannot believe he is out. Isagi calls him but Kira gives him an angry look and proceeds to leave the facility. Isagi still wonders why he hit Kira. Isagi looks at Bachira and approaches him. Isagi asks Bachira why he passed to him. Bachira replies that he thought he would kick it so he passed it. He tells Isagi that he believed in him so he won. Igarashi then voices out that it is nonsense from the beginning to the end.

Hearing this, Ego agrees that it is nonsensical but so is the world. Ego remarks that either you win or lose. Ego states that, while they are getting excited over mediocre successes, true strikers tread a path of winning or losing everything. Every single day they risk their careers in order to keep on surviving. Ego then asks how it felt. He questioned if they felt true danger and tells them that the football they've played their lives are for weaklings. Ego then declares that the remaining players have passed the entrance test. Their room is designed for no more than 10 people and the eleven players (Jingo Raichi, Wataru Kuon, Okuhito Iemon, Yudai Imamura, Asahi Naruhaya, Gin Gagamaru, Gurimu Igarashi, Hyoma Chigiri, Rensuke Kunigami, Meguru Bachira, and Yoichi Isagi) will be Blue Lock's Team Z.

After the dormitory test, Team Z is doing their regimen which includes running tests and jumping tests. After the training is meal time. Other players are already sleeping but Isagi is too nervous to sleep. He then decides to practice on which he encountered Bachira. They decided to play a one-on-one game. Isagi asks Bachira whether he pass to him thinking that Isagi would get rid of Kira. Bachira responded that there is a monster lurking inside of him who said to pass to Isagi. Bachira then reveals that he also has a monster inside him. Bachira told Isagi that he is glad he came to Blue Lock because he met him.

All the players of Team Z were told to gather at the room for an announcement of rankings. Igarashi moved from 300 to 275. Isagi's rank moved from 299 to 274. Ego discussed the Blue Lock in which it is arranged into five different strata and here are 25 teams ranging from "B" to "Z" with each set of five times in a stratum living in the same conditions. After the game of tag, there are only 275 players left. The first selection was then announced.

### Sae Itoshi

Meanwhile, somewhere in Japan, The Football Journal is doing an interview on surprise star player Sae Itoshi. He is a 17 year old Japanese Midfielder, who highly detests football in Japan. Though he has no interest in Japanese football, he already has a spot on the Japan National Team. He states that it's not important to him at all. Sae makes a bold declaration and promptly leaves the interview. It is revealed that Sae is only back in Japan to renew his passport. However, while leaving the building, Sae stumbles upon a press conference for Blue Lock. Reporters bombard Anri and Hirotoshi with questions on the realism and reliability of Blue Lock. Anri responds with confidence that Blue Lock will succeed and definitely fix Japan's broken soccer by creating a hero. This piques the interest of Sae Itoshi.

### The First Selection: Round-robin Tourney

The First Selection is explained in detail. It will be a round robin tourney between the 5 teams of the 5th stratum, and only the top 2 teams will advance to the Second Selection. Another way to advance is to be the top scorer and most dominate player on your team. Tourney rankings are based on points that are awarded dependent on game outcome; A win is 3 points, a draw is 1 point, and a loss is 0 points. Also the amount of points lost is taken into account to rank teams with the same amount of points. Team Z is taken aback as they realize they will have to play together to advance. Then, they start debating about who plays what position.

Back in the conference hall, Anri talks about the history of Japanese Football. Anri notes how Japan has come so far and gotten so close to the World Cup, but always comes out short. With Blue Lock, the dream of being the best in the world is officially revived. A hero must be born and they must lead Japan to victory. That hero will be born from Blue Lock, a facility packed to the brim with people who want nothing more than to be the best. At that moment, Itoshi Sae tells his manager to cancel all his plans. Sae chooses to observe what kind of players Blue Lock will create.

## Characters Introduced

 **Yoichi Isagi**

 **Meguru Bachira**

 **Rensuke Kunigami**

 **Jingo Raichi**

 **Wataru Kuon**

 **Hyoma Chigiri**

 **Gurimu Igarashi**

 **Gin Gagamaru**

 **Asahi Naruhaya**

 **Yudai Imamura**

 **Okuhito Iemon**

 **Ryosuke Kira**

 **Jinpachi Ego**

 **Anri Teieri**

 **Hirotoshi Buratsuta**

## References

*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 1.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 2.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 2.
*Blue Lock* Manga: Chapter 3.