Simple Job

Drago restarts play with an Ubers throw-in as Isagi works to sell Raichi on a plan. A flashback shows Isagi asking Raichi to blanket Snuffy and duel him. Raichi doubts he can handle Snuffy alone, so Isagi prescribes Protractor Covering, staying within two meters of Snuffy and across the 180 degrees ahead of him. The method could let Raichi steal possession, but its real purpose is simply to be a nuisance in Snuffy's path. Reluctant at first, Raichi warms to it once he grasps that flustering a world-class player would make his own name known.

Raichi applies the advice through a Stalking Horse Defense, hugging a half-circle radius around his target. Snuffy notes that Raichi is dogged and has a solid core. Isagi reasons that even shutting down half of Snuffy's passing choices restricts him and frees the rest of the squad to cut off the remaining routes.

Reading the flow, Isagi intercepts a ball meant for Lorenzo, but Aiku slides across to deny him possession and floats a precise cross to Baro, who is hemmed in by Grim and Birkenstock. As Baro readies a shot, Gagamaru sets himself, confident he can keep it out.

Isagi persuades Raichi to mark Snuffy and choke off his passing options. Baro lines up a shot while Gagamaru prepares to guard the net.

This is the third chapter of Volume 26 and the 224th overall, set within the Neo Egoist League Arc. It released in Japan on July 12, 2023. Muneyuki Kaneshiro writes the manga and Yusuke Nomura draws it.