If I win, our dream's over.
I don't want to.
I...
I don't want to play a game like this—
You ready, Rin?
This is a one-shot match.
Why?
Big bro!
Rin, in the four years I've been away...
...what have you been doing here?
AGE: 16 (HIGH SCHOOL FIRST-YEAR) HEIGHT: 186 CM DOMINANT FOOT: RIGHT
BURATSUTA (JAPAN FOOTBALL UNION) - Everything going well, Ego-kun?
BURATSUTA (JAPAN FOOTBALL UNION)
I'm grateful to you, you know.
Thanks to Itoshi Sae taking an interest in Blue Lock,
RIN SHOWS CLEAR HOSTILITY TOWARD ITOSHI SAE - the media's going bananas, and tickets sold out instantly.
A big match equals big money.
It should help pay off your deficit.
You done rambling?
Are you serious about this?
Do you really think a mishmash of strikers can beat Japan's U-20s, the cream of the crop?
I told you before.
Blue Lock is here to transform Japanese soccer.
EPISODE 25: TRYOUTS
Diamonds in the rough.
BLUE LOCK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Out of 300 high school strikers, you have survived the grueling selection process.
Now the 35 of you that remain will compete to become the world's number one egoist.
DATE OF MATCH: THREE WEEKS - The match is in three weeks.
You'll be taking on Japan's U-20s, captained by Itoshi Sae.
Win, and the right to represent Japan...
is all yours.
But if you lose...
it's the end of Blue Lock.
I was a complete unknown, a total nobody until a few months ago.
ISAGI YOICHI-SAMA: YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO BECOME A CERTIFIED ATHLETE
Then I was chosen to come to Blue Lock, learned about ego,
and went through hell to get here.
If we win this, I might represent Japan.
But if we lose, my soccer career will go up in smoke with Blue Lock.
This match...
This is where I get to completely change my life with the qualities I possess.
Hey, hold up a sec.
I get that this is our chance and all, but how are we gonna make up a team?
We're all forwards!
Are you thinking of putting some of us in midfield and defense?
Yes, naturally.
We have no choice but to play a makeshift team of forwards.
No way! We'd have no chance!
We're up against actual defenders!
To be honest, I don't mind this predicament.
Hey! This isn't about whether you like it or not—
Shut your pieholes.
I will call out six names who will make up the core of the team.
These six are...
...Blue Lock's current top six, based on comprehensive evaluation.
If your name is called, step forward.
First...
Itoshi Rin.
Rin.
I knew he'd be number one.
Next up, No.2:
Shidou Ryusei.
There it is.
Kapow.
Huh? I didn't know you were that good.
Huh.
So you're No.1 and I'm No.2. How thrilling.
Four left.
No.3: Karasu Tabito.
You know what's up, dork.
No.4: Otoya Eita.
'Sup?
No.5: Yukimiya Kenyu.
Yes. I'm honored.
One more.
I want to be it.
I want to be at the core of this Blue Lock XI Ego's putting together.
Lastly, No.6:
Nagi Seishiro.
That is all.
Excuse me.
Ego-san, why am I fifth? What's the difference between me and first?
That's simple.
Out of the 35 of you, the only ones who managed to score against the World Five...
were Itoshi Rin and Shidou Ryusei.
GOALS SCORED IN THE 1ST SELECTION - The rest is based on total goals in the first selection and evaluations by the World Five.
EVALUATION BY THE WORLD FIVE - The rest is based on total goals in the first selection and evaluations by the World Five.
And lastly...
my arbitrary decision-making.
Satisfied, Mr. Mild-Mannered Glasses-Wearing Model?
Yes.
- Thank you very much. - Wow, that guy models?
Kinda annoying.
And so, the next selection begins now.
First, these six will be divided into three teams, grouped by ranking.
The remaining 29 players must decide which pair they wish to team up with.
You will make teams of five by adding three players to the Top 6 duos.
Each team will play one five-a-side match.
I see.
He's looking for players who mesh with the attacking styles of the Top 6.
Apart from the Top 6, the 29 of you will only get one chance to play.
These tryouts will determine who makes the team for the match against Japan's U-20s.
You want us to show our presence in one match?
That feels pro-level.
Hah! Bring it on!
And because of the headcount, one of you will play two games.
That'll be No.7, the runner-up.
Bachira Meguru. You will play that role.
Aye-aye, sir.
Damn. We've been playing together up to now,
yet they're all better than me?
The Top 6 will proceed to another room.
These rankings only reflect where everyone stands at present.
Even the Top 6 can fall off their perch, if they flunk the tryouts. Don't forget that.
Now, here's a message for the remaining 29.
- The key to acing the tryouts is: "assertion and coexistence."
ASSERTION AND COEXISTENCE - The key to acing the tryouts is: "assertion and coexistence."
ASSERTION AND COEXISTENCE - Against the Top 6 with their masterful individual skills and scoring prowess,
- assert your worth and coexist with them as someone who's irreplaceable. And lastly...
COEXISTENCE - assert your worth and coexist with them as someone who's irreplaceable. And lastly...
SUBJUGATE - Subjugate them!
For you, the Top 6 aren't friends to play alongside.
They're your stepping stones. So outflank them.
To play in the match that will lead to the future I want, I have to make the team.
Now, choose.
Choose your optimal teammates who can determine your future and fate.
3RD SELECTION LARGE DINING HALL
Hey. Igaguri.
You took every dish?
It's all-you-can-eat just for tonight, so I gotta take advantage of it!
Don't underestimate my earthly desires!
Lemme have one of your earthly desires.
Get your own!
Earthly desire tastes so good with tartar sauce.
Earthly desire combo meal!
Gagamaru, use chopsticks. Here, take these.
Just shut up and eat, you jerks!
Anyway...
Guess the old Team Z didn't get a reunion.
Right. I'm sad Naruhaya ain't here.
Plus, Kuon the traitor, Imamura the womanizer, Iemon the goalie...
And...
Kunigami.
To be honest, I never expected Kunigami to be eliminated.
I mean, he's really good.
Shidou kicked him out.
But that's Blue Lock.
Chigiri?
After all, if we lose to the U-20s, this will all disappear.
We've got no time to worry about others.
True.
- Have you guys decided which pair you're teaming up with?
CIRCLE YOUR PREFERRED TEAM - Have you guys decided which pair you're teaming up with?
I'm going with Team A.
I teamed up with Shidou before.
For me, it's Team B or C.
Just on a hunch.
I'll decide by ladder lottery.
Plus, I have to play two matches anyway.
Oh, yeah.
So you're the most successful guy from the former Team Z?
That kinda bugs me.
I am an egoist!
What about you, Chigirin?
I haven't decided yet.
You, Isagi?
Well, I...
A or C, right?
Either Rin-chan or Nagi.
Well, yeah.
How'd you know?
If you want a chemical reaction with your weapon,
Team C will let you do combination plays with Nagi.
But if you want to gamble on unknown potential you haven't unlocked yet,
it's Team A with Rin-chan.
Am I right?
Yeah.
"Assertion and coexistence," huh?
Who's my best choice to team up with?
TOP 6 VIP ROOM
I'm Yukimiya Kenyu. Nice to meet you.
Nagi Seishiro.
Likewise, Mr. Four-Eyes.
I'm excited to find out who will choose to team up with us.
Yo.
Let's get along well, "No.1."
Don't ignore me. We're teammates, you know.
Do you like explosions?
Not interested.
Get lost, antenna-head.
Nice. Go for it.
Bwah, bwah, bwaaah.
Should we stop them?
Leave 'em be.
If they take each other out, it's a lucky break for us.
Whoa. Headshot.
Bastard.
Don't interfere with my game or I'll kill you.
What I'm doin' here ain't just playing soccer.
It's a biological need!
Okay, stop fooling around.
Have some self-awareness.
You're the cream of Blue Lock, so to speak.
Each pairing represents the best strike partnerships I can think of
to play in an experimental, super-attacking style.
ASSIGNMENT: NEW ATTACK PATTERNS - Show me new attack patterns you can't create on your own.
YOU CAN'T CREATE ON YOUR OWN - Show me new attack patterns you can't create on your own.
Think of the other player as a tool for you to become the best in the world.
And under no circumstances should you let anyone other than the Top 6 steal your spot.
All of you sit at the pinnacle of Blue Lock.
Never forget that the soccer you create will be the sword that destroys Japanese soccer.
I want to see you challenge yourselves.
To start with, what are we even being tested on in these tryouts?
By "coexistence," does it mean our chemical reactions with the Top 6?
And then, there's "assertion." So don't get buried by them?
So I have to work out what they mean and show results in just one game?
This selection is impossible.
Aw, man! I don't get it!
Cram it.
You doubting yourself? Lame.
Have you decided, Barou?
Anywhere but Team C with Mr. Hassle.
Playing alongside a familiar face won't help me to grow,
and wherever I end up, I'll be myself. I'll be the king.
That's all.
Well, damn. That's so like you.
Anyway, why aren't you one of the Top 6, Isagi?
Huh?
It pisses me off.
You're the person I want to crush.
Don't get buried in a place like this, donkey.
R-Right. Sorry.
Isagi-kun, I'm borrowing this acne face wash.
Huh? Oh, Niko.
Looks like you haven't picked a team yet.
Uh, right.
Ego-san's trying to stoke our competitive spirit, but at the end of the day,
I think we're being tested on whether we can gel with the Top 6.
Gel with them, huh?
Have you decided, Niko?
I'm choosing whoever lets me stick to my own play style.
I'm fed up with being a foil.
You taught me the lead role is something you steal.
Someone who lets you be in the lead role...
Anyway, Isagi-kun...
Huh?
Could you get out already?
I don't want anyone seeing me when I'm washing my forehead.
Huh? Oh, sorry.
Why would that embarrass him?
I know it won't be easy showing my worth on a team with Rin.
There's a possibility I get buried without being able to do anything.
Which means the person I should be teaming up with is...
It's not so easy to decide, is it?
Reo.
I'm the same.
Huh? I thought your only option was Nagi's team.
That's rich coming from the guy who drove Nagi and me apart.
Ah. My bad.
That was my plan, but now, I'm not so sure.
How come?
Well, he chose you over me in the second selection,
and my desire to get back at him has brought me this far.
But watching him making his way into the Top 6,
and objectively comparing myself to his current level,
it feels like he's going to a place where I can't reach him,
and I don't have the confidence to play alongside him.
But if I pass up this opportunity, I might not get a second chance.
But if I show him how weak I am, he may go even further away.
I just don't know what to do right now.
I'm the same, Reo.
You're right.
If we don't play together now, he might become someone that's out of my reach.
That's a regret I don't want to have.
All right. Thanks, Reo.
Thanks to you, I've made up my mind.
I bet it's not actually about what the right answer is.
What matters is your resolve to turn your decision into the right answer.
I'm going to prove the path I've chosen isn't a mistake.
Voting has closed.
TRYOUTS BALLOT BOX - We will begin the last assignment.
Put on your kits and report to the hall immediately.
FINAL ASSIGNMENT ASSEMBLY AREA - I will now announce the teams.
And so begins the last assignment before the match against Japan's U-20s:
the tryouts to determine who will be on the Blue Lock XI.
3RD SELECTION, FINAL ASSIGNMENT: TRYOUTS - The team I chose was...
ARYU | ISAGI | IGARASHI | KURONA - The person I want to be standing alongside...
It's you, Rin.
KIYORA | NANASE | BACHIRA | ISHIKARI
Bachira also chose Team A.
Barou, Raichi, Niko, and Chigiri are on the same team.
On Nagi's team, I can see Zantetsu and Gagamaru.
MIKAGE - Oh. Reo's in C, too.
So you chose to go where Nagi is.
- The key to acing the tryouts is "assertion and coexistence" with the Top 6.
ASSERTION AND COEXISTENCE - The key to acing the tryouts is "assertion and coexistence" with the Top 6.
The key is how to wedge myself in and show off my presence.
And after this battle, it's Japan's U-20s.
Hoicchan.
JAPAN FOOTBALL UNION SPECIAL ADVISOR - You do understand, don't you?
Yes.
U-20S MANAGER - Anything for the sake of Japanese soccer.
Crush them.
They must be crushed.
We can't have some crazy nobodies taking over Japanese soccer!
Please do not worry. They're nothing but idealists.
Japan's U-20s can't be anyone but us.
That's our "Hoichi the Earless," who never listens to anyone but the JFU.
I've become an easy target online for that nickname, so please don't.
Well, you heard. I'm counting on you, captain.
Sure thing.
We'll take you on...
Blue Lock.
We'll win! And I'll prove that...
I will be the number one striker in the world.
Blue Lock Additional Time.
THE TOP 6'S ROOMS
EGO JINPACHI - Now, start preparing for the tryouts, Top 6.
Oh, huh.
< KARASU TABITO | YUKIMIYA KENYU > - So there are two triple rooms?
< KARASU TABITO | YUKIMIYA KENYU > - We'll have to split into two groups. How do you wanna do this?
ITOSHI RIN - I'll take one room.
ITOSHI RIN - You five can have the other one.
What the hell?
No way. Not happening.
NAGI SEISHIRO - Then, let's do team rock and team paper.
NAGI SEISHIRO - We only need to split into two groups.
SHIDOU RYUSEI - Yeah, no. That doesn't excite me.
SHIDOU RYUSEI - How about the loser of rock, paper, scissors sleeps outside?
OTOYA EITA - I like that.
OTOYA EITA - It's "survival ego-ego rock, paper, scissors."
Huh? Sounds like a hassle.
- Hell yeah! This is exciting! - Hey.
- Ego-ego rock, paper, scissors. Rock, paper...
- Hey. - Ego-ego rock, paper, scissors. Rock, paper...
- Yeah, super exciting. - Scissors!
- Rock, paper, scissors. - Scissors!
How about we all point to the person we really do not want to room with?
Then, we'll split in such a way that we don't have to room with them.
- Sure. - That works.
Okay. Let's do that.
Well, then. Ready, and...
So I get a room to myself.
Uh, no, scratch that. Let's change that rule.
Then, I'll room with Rin-kun.
Nagi-kun, I'd like a strategy meeting with you, so why don't you join us?
Huh? Guess that's fine.
Disputing it any further would be a hassle, so nice rooming with you, Mr. Four-Eyes.
You, too, monster.
I'll room with whoever.
YUKIMIYA, NAGI, AND RIN ARE ROOMING TOGETHER!
Nice rooming with you, Spikehead.
Hey, speak for yourself.
Look, I'm a spikehead, too.
OTOYA, KARASU, AND SHIDOU ARE ROOMING TOGETHER!