Chapter 148: Declaration

As the last seconds drain away, Tereasa's amplified voice narrates the climax and Yoichi Isagi's blistering direct strike settles into the net. The Blue Lock Eleven explode with joy, Nagi, Bachira, and Isagi wrapping into a wild embrace, and the whistle confirms a 4-3 defeat of the U-20. Anri Teieri weeps happily while the squad piles onto Isagi, who lets out a primal roar. The beaten U-20 players sink to the turf in dismay, and Rin Itoshi, Shoei Baro, and Yo Hiori stand apart, faces mixing disbelief with resentment.

Ryusei Shido questions why Sae Itoshi did not simply pass forward immediately given the ticking clock. Sae stays calm, explaining that with a minute left, a chain of passes carried too much risk, so a direct attack was the smart call, and he had meant to feed Shido until Rin cut it out. Shido cheekily claims the goal for himself, teases Sae for being beaten by his brother, and even demands Sae's phone number. Jyubei Aryu compliments Isagi on his stylish finishing sequence, confusing him and cracking Bachira up. Oliver Aiku seeks Isagi out to congratulate him and asks whether he aimed for his blind spot on purpose; Isagi confirms he deliberately targeted Aiku's weakness, impressing the captain into a show of sportsmanship.

Sae admits he had misjudged the potential of Japanese football and praises Isagi for igniting Rin's dormant instincts, declaring that Isagi's egoistic ambition could reshape the country's game. Rin, thinking the praise was for him, is left furious once he grasps it was aimed at Isagi. Amid the aftermath, Gurimu Igarashi hauls Isagi to a waiting news crew. Overwhelmed at first, Isagi ultimately declares his intention to carry Japan to victory at the upcoming U-20 World Cup, a bold statement echoing through the stadium.

Isagi's goal secures a dramatic 4-3 win and the team celebrates around him. Shido questions Sae's strategy, and Sae defends the direct approach while revealing his blocked plan to pass to Shido. Aiku congratulates Isagi, who admits he aimed at the captain's blind spot. Sae credits Isagi for awakening Rin and names him a future of Japanese football, further inflaming Rin's rivalry. Overwhelmed by the media, Isagi declares his ambition to lead Japan at the U-20 World Cup.

This is the eighth chapter of Volume 17 and the 148th overall, part of the U-20 Arc. It released in Japan on September 29, 2021, in Issue 2021-44, and in the United States on January 17, 2023. Episode 38 of the anime adapts these post-match scenes.