Chapter 23

**Until They Met** (出 (で) 逢 (あ) うまでは, *Deau Made Wa*?) is the 23rd chapter of the Blue Lock manga series.

## Summary

Team Z's Monitoring Room

At Team Z's monitoring room, the team discusses their next match. They also watched the game between Team W and Team Y. Apparently, the match between them ended in a draw thanks to Niko and the Wanima brothers (Keisuke and Junichi). Iemon, leading the discussion, informs the team of the change in their rankings. Team Z is now in the third position. Team V, Team W, Team X, and Team Y is in the first, second, fifth, and fourth position, respectively. For Team Z's next game, they will compete against the undefeated Team V. Chigiri then changes the conversation to ask about Niko's change. Looking back, the old Niko wouldn't score his own goals, but instead, pass and rely on others. Bachira suggested that someone might have inspired Niko. Isagi, seeing Niko's improvement, smiles. After that, Iemon shows an image of the key players of Team V. According to him, three players are responsible for Team V's undefeated status. The trio is Zantetsu, Reo, and Nagi, scoring a total of 18 points. Zantetsu has 5 goals, Reo has 6 goals, and Nagi has 7 goals; thus, Nagi is Team V's top scorer. To win, Iemon tells the team that they must stop the trio. Remembering Nagi's words then [1], Isagi grimaces.

At Team V's locker room, Nagi is seen playing video games. Zantetsu asks Nagi to stop skipping practice. Reo then tells Zantetsu that Nagi will be fine even if he doesn't join the training. Zantetsu then tells Reo that he is far too overprotective of Nagi. Reo agrees, saying that Nagi his own gem.

Before Blue Lock

Living a luxurious life, Reo has a total assets of 705.8 billion yen. He is the heir to the Mikage corporation. Growing up. Reo was nurtured with the idea of inheriting their family business. Because of this, Reo grew up spoiled; he basically got anything that he wanted. As a result, Reo got bored of his luxurious life.

Encounter with his gem

As a teenager, Reo grew into a fine man. He has attractive features, a sharp mind, and is talented at sports. He became popular at school and attracted a lot of people. Because of this, Reo wanted to find and obtain his own gem, something that is difficult to have or get. While having that mindset, he stumbled upon a program showing a football game. Ever since watching it, he made it a  goal to win the World Cup. Reo informs his dad about his passion for football, but his dad flatly refused. His dad tells him that he has a business to inherit; plus, only those who are gifted can excel and make a profit in football. His dad implied that Reo is not skilled enough to play football for a living.

As a result, Reo finds a way to prove his parents wrong.

Studying in an elite school, Reo, attempting to join the football club, believes that the school's team is probably tepid. Reo walks along the corridors of the classroom while thinking of a solution. Distracted by his thoughts, he accidentally bumps Nagi's shoulder, making Nagi let go of his phone. Avoiding a crack, Nagi catches his phone with his foot. Reo, witnessing Nagi's quick reflexes and excellent catch, is astonished by his skills. Reo asks Nagi if he belongs to the football club. Nagi answers no. Shocked at Nagi's natural talent, Reo invites him to play football together. Nagi agrees, but only if he is given money. Nagi agrees with Reo's condition. Reo's life has been filled with mundane and boring events until he met Nagi. Now, Reo has found Nagi, his own gem.

## Chapter Notes

* Niko is now scoring goals alone.
* In order to win against Team V, Team Z must stop Zantetsu, Nagi, and Reo.
* Reo was the one who encouraged Nagi to play football.
* Nagi is naturally skilled at football and does not need to practice to get stronger.
* Reo considers Nagi as his own personal gem.
* Nagi finds working hard for football annoying.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

1. Yoichi Isagi
2. Gurimu Igarashi
3. Jingo Raichi
4. Wataru Kuon
5. Gin Gagamaru
6. Asahi Naruhaya
7. Meguru Bachira
8. Rensuke Kunigami
9. Yudai Imamura
10. Hyoma Chigiri
11. Okuhito Iemon
12. Zantetsu Tsurugi
13. Reo Mikage
14. Seishiro Nagi