The latest chapter of Blue Lock has fans abuzz with excitement, particularly due to the unveiling of the Final Auction Rankings for the Neo Egoist League. These rankings not only establish the hierarchy among the players in the training program but also serve as a pivotal selection criterion for Japan’s U-20 World Cup team.
In a surprising twist, Seishiro Nagi found himself ranked 24th, effectively disqualifying him from the training program and jeopardizing his chance to represent Japan at the U-20 World Cup. Despite this setback, there’s speculation that Nagi might follow in the footsteps of Kunigami Rensuke, a character whose own journey faced numerous challenges.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Blue Lock manga.
Could Seishiro Nagi Rise to the Level of Kunigami Rensuke?
Historically, fans have noted that Nagi lacked enthusiasm for football prior to his encounter with Reo Mikage, and he was often perceived as lacking the creativity and flair evident in his peers. Given his performance, critics argue that his ranking below several less prominent players in the Final Auction Rankings was justified.
However, many fans expressed their frustration over the rankings, feeling that Nagi was unjustly placed behind players whose skills appeared inferior. This outcry has sparked hopes for Nagi’s return to the Blue Lock program.
While some fans remain skeptical about Nagi’s future in the series, evidence from the anime suggests otherwise. Ego Jinpachi’s portrayal of the Blue Lock program indicates that disqualification isn’t necessarily the end of the line. A prime example is Kunigami Rensuke, who managed to return after his own disqualification.
Notably, the only players who faced immediate elimination were those who were disqualified during the program’s initial selection phase. Meanwhile, those eliminated in subsequent rounds had the opportunity to enter the Wild Card training program, where a select few could be reinstated. Kunigami was one of those fortunate players, making a triumphant return during the Neo Egoist League.
Currently, no players have exited the training program since Kunigami’s return, suggesting that future opportunities could arise for those deemed “disqualified.”The critical question remains: in what form will these chances present themselves?
Nagi’s significance within the overall narrative is underscored by the existence of his spinoff series, Blue Lock: EPISODE Nagi, which minimizes the likelihood of him being entirely written out of the story. This connection suggests a possible redemption arc for him.
Speculations abound that Ego Jinpachi may choose to train these “disqualified”players to keep them ready as potential replacements in the event of injuries or illnesses during the U-20 World Cup. This strategy would not only cultivate hidden talent but also maintain competition levels among the selected players, ensuring they stay sharp and focused. How Muneyuki Kaneshiro chooses to unfold these developments will certainly be a thrilling aspect to follow.