Blue Lock chapter 308 hints at three new players who could represent Japan in the World Cup

The Blue Lock manga is currently in its most exciting stage, with the U-20 World Cup rapidly approaching and the main cast undertaking special tasks assigned by Ego in order to hone their skills. While it was initially believed that only the top 23 players from the Neo Egoist League would be selected for the international tournament, the latest installment has added a twist to the mix.

Blue Lock chapter 308 reveals that 3 extra players selected by Hirotoshi Buratsuta can represent Japan in the U-20 World Cup. While Sae Itoshi has been confirmed to be one of them, there is good reason to believe that Seishiro Nagi and Ryosuke Kira may be the other two.

This comes as a welcome surprise to fans of each individual character who have been desperately craving for their return to the series. It may also drastically impact the existing power dynamic, with Isagi and Rin currently serving as the faces of Project Blue Lock.

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Blue Lock chapter 308 showcases Hirotoshi Buratsuta’s plans for the World Cup

Blue Lock chapter 308, titled Arrogant Chicken or Cocky Chicken, kicks off by continuing Buratsuta’s conversation with Nagi after having approached him outside the Blue Lock facility. Although Nagi didn’t initially recognize the man in front of him, Buratsuta jumped straight to the point, talking about the young footballer's wrongful elimination by Jinpachi Ego.

While Nagi remained confused, Buratsuta revealed how the Japanese World Cup squad could have 26 players in total, 23 from the Neo Egoist League and three that Buratsuta would specially select. He had gotten this power in exchange for funding Ego’s project.

Buratsuta then invited Nagi to be part of his squad of three, joining the U-20 team through the back door. He outlined the conditions, where Nagi would have to win a selection test and leave all aspects related to his football career to the JFU Chairman.

Buratsuta continued trying to turn Nagi against Ego, telling him to go back to Blue Lock and prove how his mentor’s methods were wrong. This would drive Ego into a corner, allowing Buratsuta to take over the project for himself.

Although Nagi was initially tempted by the offer, he rejected it, acknowledging that Ego wasn’t wrong and had helped the prodigy get fired up with Reo. Though Buratsuta began lashing out, Nagi refused to betray Blue Lock. Buratsuta left after hurling insults at Nagi, telling him that he couldn’t reach his peak again.

Immediately after, he received a call from Sae Itoshi, who informed him that World Cup groups had been decided. Japan would be competing alongside Nigeria, England, and France.

Buratsuta was intimidated by having to face the strongest country, France, and told Sae that his position in the special three entries to the squad was reserved even without having to take the selection test.

While Buratsuta tried convincing Sae to help Japan get past the group stage, Sae shot him down, saying that he’d only play in the U-20 World Cup to face Spain. Buratsuta reluctantly agreed, asking Sae to join the team once his finals were over.

The chapter ends with Sae expressing the need to change his mindset, stating that it would be pointless if Japan couldn’t rise to the top without him. He remains determined to use Blue Lock as a stepping stone to achieve his dream, reaffirming the importance of egoism.

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The three new players who will be representing Japan in the U-20 World Cup

Blue Lock chapter 308 has already revealed that Sae Itoshi will be one of the three players recommended by Buratsuta to play for Japan in the World Cup, though he will only join the team during their match against Spain.

The second will most likely be Nagi. While the prodigy refused Buratsuta’s offer, it was only because the Chairman was determined to drive out Ego from Project Blue Lock. Since Nagi is still a beloved character seeking to reignite his passion, he may take part in Buratsuta’s selection test without fully aligning with his schemes.

Finally, since Nagi has refused to blindly submit to the JFU, the third new player that will be part of the “Buratsuta 3” will likely be Ryosuke Kira. While there is little concrete evidence and only theories on why Kira will make his return, he was originally the Crown Jewel of Japan at the start of the series, generating significant buzz and even arguing against Ego’s ideology.

This perfectly fits everything Buratsuta is looking for - a popular player who can make money and drive Ego out of Project Blue Lock. Hence, while the third surprise entrant may only be speculative for now, this would be the ideal moment for Kira to make his comeback.