Chapter 50

Certain that failing against Baro traps him in the second stage, Isagi tenses as Baro tries to push past. Nagi provokes him by suggesting a match they believe they can win, needling Baro's insistence that he remains a king despite falling in the rankings. Naruhaya then arrives and greets the pair, confirming he had shared a team with Baro; the brute netted four goals, but his selfishness wrecked their unity and cost them the match, with Nishioka poached as a result. Baro rejects the blame, and Naruhaya cools things down, cautioning against a reckless fight since another defeat ends everything. Baro vows he will neither flee nor hide before retreating to a rest room with Naruhaya.

Alone in their own rooms, Isagi and Nagi chew over how to triumph in one-on-ones, and Nagi decides to sleep on it. The following day, watching other beaten teams at lunch, they weigh which opponent would sharpen them, favoring a squad with strong players. While Isagi trains, he concludes that conquering Rin and the elite demands another taste of Baro. Naruhaya seeks him out on the pitch, arguing that a further loss leaves them all unpicked for their weakness in duels, and asks Isagi to face them. Unable to turn him down, Isagi agrees, and the bout is locked in.

Naruhaya is revealed as a former teammate of Baro. He tells Isagi that a loss would push him to select Nagi instead. Isagi and Naruhaya formally agree to face off in the next match.

Titled Match Confirmed (Macchingu Seiritsu), this is the 50th chapter overall and the opener of Volume 7 within the Second Selection Arc. Its events are covered in Episode 14 of the anime.