Chapter 112: Grand Stage

On the day of Team Blue Lock versus the Japan U-20, the starters ready themselves as Karasu rubs his shoulder, Otoya ties a shoe, and Isagi stands set in his uniform. Bachira asks how he looks, and Isagi admits the official kit feels strange after so long in Blue Lock. Chigiri marvels at how far they have come, and Nagi insists this day is only their beginning. Ego arrives late but with reason, having settled Blue Lock's twelve possible substitutes, among them Raichi, Mikage, Baro, Tokimitsu, Hiori, Nanase, Tsurugi, and Igarashi. With three substitutions allowed, he tells them to stay sharp. Two weeks of work, he says, have forged them into a unit built to win, and in the next ninety minutes they will rewrite their fates and carve their egos into a world that does not yet know them.

The speech lifts the players, who march out and run straight into the Japan U-20 Eleven. The teams line up facing each other, Rin at the front opposite Sae. Rin glares at his brother, but Sae, cracking his neck, does not even notice. Karasu and Otoya trade eager remarks, Yukimiya admits the feeling is not bad, and Aryu says he is trembling with style. Gagamaru casually asks U-20 keeper Gen Fukaku if this is his first time in goal too. Aiku, lined up beside Isagi, asks whether Shido used to play for Blue Lock, apologizes that he is not featuring today, then promises the U-20 will keep Blue Lock off the scoreboard entirely and wishes them luck. Isagi simply steadies himself.

Isagi reflects that a loss ends his football life, and that only everything he has endured lets him stand on such a stage. The doors open onto an enormous field and a stadium brimming with fans, lights, and gear, the crowd roaring "Japan" and "Sae Itoshi." High above, broadcaster Atsuto Tereasa welcomes viewers and turns to commentator Harutaro Natsuki, who calls the scene wild but electric with Sae about to play. The formations are shown, Sae expected at offensive midfield, and kickoff nears. Overwhelmed in the center of the pitch, Isagi reminds himself that what matters is focus and immersion. Rin slaps his back, calls him lukewarm, and asks why he is nervous. Isagi answers that he is only excited. The match begins.

Ego finalizes the roster and rallies the team. Blue Lock and the Japan U-20 meet in the tunnel, and Rin comes face to face with Sae after years apart. Aiku tells Isagi that Blue Lock will lose, and the national representative match kicks off.

Grand Stage is chapter 112 overall and the ninth chapter of Volume 13 within the U-20 Arc, adapted in Episode 30. The twenty-page chapter released in Japan on December 23, 2020, and in English on May 17, 2022.