8. Isagi Yoichi Seeks His Goal-Scoring Formula

Isagi analyzed Barou’s goal-scoring formula. He understood that “A” represented Barou’s ultimate weapon: his mid-range shot and physical strength to break through defenders. Meanwhile, “B” was the optimal scenario—positioning himself at 27 meters from the goal, which maximized the effectiveness of his weapon. The combination of A x B resulted in “C,” which translated to the 10 goals Barou had scored during his time in Blue Lock.

However, Isagi realized that he couldn’t copy Barou’s goal-scoring formula, as his spatial awareness alone wasn’t enough to score goals. He understood that “A” for him was relying on his spatial awareness, but the “B” situation that supported his weapon was still unknown. Therefore, he couldn’t combine A x B to create “C”—a successful goal.

Determined to find his answer, Isagi resolved to uncover his own formula during the match between Team Z and Team V.

9. Team Z’s Preparations

In Team Z’s dorm room, Isagi felt his hands trembling. He began to fear that his soccer career might end if they lost to Team V the next day. As he trembled, Igaguri, who was lying on his bed, admitted to Isagi that he was so scared he couldn’t sleep. If he failed to become a professional soccer player, Igaguri said he would have to manage his family’s temple.

Isagi comforted Igaguri, saying that they had to fight despite their fear—because fear could make them stronger—and they had to win. The other members of Team Z silently listened to their conversation while pretending to be asleep. Only Bachira and Kuon slept soundly, while Kunigami continued training alone on the field.

Lemon took charge as Team Z’s strategist for their match against Team V, employing a tactic that relied on Kunigami, Chigiri, and Gagamaru as the trio strikers. Lemon acknowledged that Team V’s offensive line was incredibly strong, so he suggested that Team Z use a “park the bus” strategy, focusing on total defense.

Lemon urged Team Z to score goals through quick counterattacks, as he believed it was their only effective option given that they only had 10 players. With this plan, Team Z felt optimistic about their chances of defeating Team V.

Before stepping onto the field, Bachira asked Isagi if losing meant they would no longer see each other or play soccer together. To Bachira, that thought was heartbreaking, so he was determined to give it his all. Isagi then invited Bachira to fight alongside him and win the match together.

10. The Match Between Team Z and Team V Begins

As the match began, Team Z, having studied Team V’s attack patterns, tried to anticipate every offensive move. Isagi closely followed Reo, who was known as the mastermind behind Team V’s attacks. Reo was renowned for his precise passes that often led to goals, so Bachira and Isagi worked together to prevent Reo from sending any dangerous balls toward the goal.

Reo eventually passed the ball to the right side to Zantetsu, who was infamous for his deadly mid-range curved shot. Seeing this, Naruhaya and Raichi immediately blocked Zantetsu’s shooting path to stop him from scoring. As Team Z had predicted, Zantetsu passed the ball to Nagi, but Igaguri swiftly headed the ball away before Nagi could receive it, sending it toward Isagi.

Isagi immediately initiated a counterattack for Team Z by passing the ball to Bachira. Bachira dribbled skillfully, evading Team V players who tried to steal the ball, and then launched a long cross toward Team V’s goal. Using his incredible agility, Gagamaru positioned himself to receive the cross. He dove forward and headed the ball, but unfortunately, it hit the crossbar—so close to being a goal.

Reo was impressed by Team Z’s quick counterattack and immediately urged Nagi to replicate their strategy. This conversation puzzled the Team Z players. Reo then delivered a long pass that headed straight toward Team Z’s goal. Isagi thought the pass was too strong and would go out of bounds, but Nagi, flanked by two defenders on both sides, leaped into the air, trapped the ball with his foot, and fired a shot that pierced Team Z’s net.

Nagi nonchalantly called his move “easy” and wondered aloud why Team Z’s earlier header didn’t result in a goal, which offended Isagi and Bachira. The score changed—Team V now led 1-0 over Team Z. Nagi then asked Reo if he could start slacking off, but Reo told him to score five more goals.

Isagi was astounded by Nagi’s ability to control the ball perfectly, especially while running and being closely guarded by two defenders—a feat that was incredibly difficult. Yet Nagi, unfazed by the complexity of Reo’s pass, controlled the ball effortlessly and delivered a spectacular goal. Isagi was in awe as he realized that Nagi Seishiro, the highest-ranked player in Building 5, was truly a monster on the field.