Blue Lock Chapter 329: Loki and Kaiser shine as Isagi struggles

Isagi contemplates being the number one
Isagi contemplates being the number one (Image Source: K Manga)

Blue Lock Chapter 329 gave readers a chance to get to know Isagi, the Ace of Japan, better. While this chapter featured some incredible goals by great strikers, it also caused readers to become uneasy with the fact that Isagi found himself hiding out in a bathroom stall, questioning everything that he had worked for.

The takeaway from this chapter is that it is less about celebrating or victory laps for Isagi than it is about forcing him to face the fear that each time he touches the ball, he can ruin his teammates’ dreams, ruin the reputation of Blue Lock, and that even the greatest egoist may not be able to handle the pressure of so many expectations alone.


Loki and Kaiser Crush Their Opponents in Blue Lock Chapter 329

France wins against England (Image Source: K Manga)
France wins against England (Image Source: K Manga)

In the chapter, France played England in the second game of Group A. Julian Loki showed how he is planning to show why he is in the top tier of athleticism. He has incredible speed and took advantage of it. He scored both goals for France in the 2-1 victory over England. With both goals, Julian secured a brace and helped win the match for his country.

Blue Lock Chapter 329 shows off Michael Kaiser’s amazing game against Costa Rica. Kaiser had a huge game with a hat-trick for Germany as they beat Costa Rica 3-0. Kaiser played great throughout the game, and his confidence and skill were visible.

Germany dominates Group P after their convincing victory. This sets them up nicely to qualify out of the group stage, and Kaiser continues to show he is one of the top goal-scorers in this tournament.


Group Stage Standings Revealed in Blue Lock Chapter 329

Germany leads in Group P (Image Source: K Manga)
Germany leads in Group P (Image Source: K Manga)

The Blue Lock Chapter 329 provides comprehensive group statistics after the opening matches. Japan and France both have 3 points from their first wins in Group A, and based on how they performed in terms of goals and overall performance, there are definite leaders emerging from some of the groups.

The round-robin format means each team plays a total of three matches. The two teams that are at the top of their group after the third round will qualify for the knockout stage. Japan did really well in their first round and should be feeling good about what they can do going forward.


Teammates Recognize Isagi's Influence

In Blue Lock chapter 329, Yukimiya tells Isagi that the whole idea of the team being aggressive sounds like something Isagi would say. He's taken aback by this comment and is unsure whether his teammates are just playing around.

However, Yukimiya adds that he means it as a compliment to Isagi for how he handles pressure when he plays. Chigiri says he thinks Isagi has "spoiled prodigy" type energy, which sparks Raichi to say he also has that same type of energy. This banter shows the impact Isagi's way of thinking has had on the rest of the team.

After that, Chigiri really became serious and said that now everybody wants to beat Isagi. Raichi then made it very clear he won't let go of the title of world's number one without a fight and that he's willing to defend that title. Isagi took Raichi's offer right away by stating that this is just what the elite egoist in Blue Lock should do.


The Weight of Being Number One

Isagi feels the pressure of being number 1 (Image Source: K Manga)
Isagi feels the pressure of being number 1 (Image Source: K Manga)

Blue Lock Chapter 329's emotional core arrives as Isagi reflects alone. He tells himself not to get satisfied. He acknowledges that he has now become the number one player in Blue Lock and can compete against the best players in the world,

Isagi remembers that his relationship with Rin as fellow egoists has been developing well, and he has agreed to support Ego in his dream of creating the best team in the world. He tells himself he feels comfortable and all is going well for him right now. Then again, the anxiety starts to creep in.

The revelation smacks Isagi hard; he's afraid of being number one. He's been named as Blue Lock's focal point, the same as the goal for being named the world's best. Nevertheless, he has this underlying fear that if he does not perform at his best, Blue Lock may not succeed or will fail if he makes a critical error.

Blue Lock Chapter 329 ends with powerful imagery of Isagi walking onto the pitch. His final thought commands him to get obsessed with being number one. The chapter teases the upcoming battle as "the frenzy egoists vs France," with the France versus Japan game start confirmed for the next installment.

Edited by Akihito Chakma