7. Barou’s Criticism Triggers Isagi Yoichi’s Trauma

Barou approached Isagi and told him that the fear he felt when faced with an opposing player blocking his path to the goal had destroyed his honor as a striker. With unwavering confidence, Barou concluded that Isagi didn’t possess the qualities required to be a true striker.

The harsh words struck Isagi to his core, leaving him in shock. Isagi reflected on his actions—he had intended to score, yet he had chosen to pass instead. A wave of regret consumed him, making him feel like a complete failure as a striker.

8. Team Z’s Crisis

In the locker room, Koun reminded Team Z that they had already suffered one defeat. Koun explained that if each team in Building 5 won two matches and lost two, every team would end up with six points. To secure their place, Team Z needed to earn at least seven points.

Koun also emphasized that if they lost their next match, it was highly likely that Team Z would be eliminated from Blue Lock.

9. Explanation of “Soccer from Zero”

Isagi then explained the meaning behind the term “soccer from zero” as mentioned by Ego Jinpachi. In soccer, individual play is considered “zero,” while a striker’s brilliant play that results in a goal turns “zero” into “one.”

A striker creates a team strategy that revolves around them, paving the way to victory and enabling the team to grow as a unified force. That team can then elevate the striker from a value of 10 to even 100.

Isagi suspected that Ego’s purpose for implementing the rule where only the top scorer can survive until the end was to push participants to play selfishly, disregarding positions or tactics. As a result, the players would focus solely on scoring individual goals without regard for the team. However, by overcoming this selfishness, a true team could be formed. Ego’s message was that soccer and teamwork are born from the presence of a great striker.

10. Ego Jinpachi Teaches the Concept of “Weapons”

Ego appeared on the television screen to address Team Z and praised Isagi’s understanding of the “soccer from zero” concept. Ego then announced that Team V had defeated Team Y with a score of 8-0. Upon hearing this, the players of Team Z were stunned and amazed by Team V’s strength.

Ego urged Team Z to realize that in soccer, scoring goals is meant to destroy the opponent’s team structure. This means that a striker becomes a spearhead of destruction, and scoring a goal is a revolution on the field that breaks down the opposing team’s formation.

Ego also reminded them not to be fixated on positional roles during play. To turn “zero” into “one,” players must rely on their best “weapon”—be it dribbling, headers, free kicks, technique, or speed. What weapon would they use to dismantle the opponent’s formation? Ego demanded that Team Z think about the strengths of their own bodies, as the weapon that can spark a revolution is the ability to score goals.