6. Isagi Learns from Barou Shouei

Isagi pondered the concept of goal reproducibility, which requires a striker to be able to use their skills at any time, without relying on chance. He realized that while his spatial awareness was a valuable asset, his weakness in dribbling and one-on-one situations held him back.

Determined to evolve, Isagi approached Barou, who was training alone on the field. Isagi stated that he was there to learn how to become like Barou. In response, Barou kicked the ball hard, hitting Isagi’s face, and told him to figure things out for himself.

However, Isagi pleaded with Barou not to abandon him, admitting that he admired Barou’s ability to score goals on his own during matches. Isagi also confessed his fear of being eliminated from Blue Lock and his determination to become a player who could fight alone.

Barou then invited Isagi to a one-on-one duel with the intention of crushing Isagi’s dreams, which he deemed filled with worthless ego. Barou began dribbling toward Isagi’s goal. Meanwhile, Isagi planned to focus on Barou’s footwork and the ball, hoping to steal it when Barou let his guard down.

Barou zigzagged from left to right, trying to trick Isagi, who stood just outside the penalty box. Isagi remained calm, knowing Barou had yet to pass him. But suddenly, Barou took a shot from outside the penalty area, aiming for the top right corner of the goal. The ball flew in from over 20 meters away, leaving Isagi amazed by Barou’s precision.

7. Isagi Yoichi Understands Barou Shouei’s Weapon Formula

Isagi challenged Barou to another one-on-one duel. As Barou dribbled, Isagi kept his focus on each of Barou’s movements, determined not to lose again. Isagi made sure that Barou had no opportunity to shoot. They clashed physically as Isagi tried to steal the ball with his foot when Barou prepared to shoot.

However, Barou only feigned a shot. He passed the ball to his right, chased after it, and shot again from outside the penalty area, sending the ball into the top right corner of the net from over 20 meters away. Once again, Isagi was stunned by Barou’s skill. Isagi concluded that Barou could score from anywhere and at any time if he spotted an opening.

Feeling he had understood Barou’s goal formula, Isagi challenged him to a third one-on-one duel. Isagi estimated that Barou’s long-range shot limit was 23 meters, so he focused on blocking Barou from entering the “Emperor Zone”—Barou’s prime area for scoring.

As Barou twisted his body to evade him, Isagi grew more confident that Barou could only score within his absolute zone. However, Isagi also realized that in real matches, when Barou was surrounded by defenders, he couldn’t easily enter that zone. Barou had to rely on his speed and physical strength to break through the defense—which was why he trained so hard to strengthen his physique.

Barou suddenly stopped his movement as he faced Isagi’s block. He told Isagi that his shooting range was actually 27 meters. Without any hesitation, Barou took a shot from that exact distance, sending the ball straight into the top right corner of the goal. The ball sailed past without Barou even needing to pass Isagi, leaving Isagi in awe and convinced that Barou was truly a monster on the field.

Isagi thanked Barou, feeling that he had learned something valuable from the experience. However, Barou bluntly stated that he had no intention of teaching Isagi anything. He only wanted to assert his presence on the field so that “fools” like Isagi would stop despairing. Nevertheless, Isagi still expressed his gratitude.