Blue Lock chapter 280: Isagi questions the meaning of a "genius" as Igaguri stops Rin

Modified Oct 22, 2024 18:07 GMT

Blue Lock chapter 280: Isagi questions the meaning of a "genius" as Igaguri stops Rin — Igarashi and Isagi as seen in Blue Lock anime (Image via 8bit)

With the release of Blue Lock chapter 280, the manga series saw the protagonist Yoichi Isagi experience a new rock bottom. Up until now, he competed with his rivals, thinking that he was on par with them. But following the latest developments, Isagi realized that he was just a stepping stone for his rivals.

The previous chapter saw Isagi try to intercept Kaiser's free-kick and score a goal for himself. Unfortunately, due to Kaiser's Magnus shot, Isagi failed to reach it on time. Nevertheless, Julian Loki, who started moving much later, was able to reach the ball and blocked it using his godspeed.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Blue Lock manga

Blue Lock chapter 280: Ego Jinpachi hints at a new evolution for Isagi

Isagi and Noa as seen in Blue Lock chapter 280 (Image via Kodansha)

Blue Lock chapter 280, titled 'The Wall of the Talented,' picked up from the previous chapter. Right after Julian Loki blocked Kaiser's free-kick, the free ball dropped to Tabito Karasu, who headed it to Zantetsu Tsurugi for the counterattack. Just as Zantetsu started running, Bastard Munchen players tried to stop him but were outmatched by his pace.

During this, Isagi started pondering the meaning of "genius." Up until now, Isagi labeled any amazing player as a "genius," but after witnessing Julian Loki's speed, he could not categorize him with others.

With questions in his mind, Isagi asked Noel Noa what he should do next. However, Noa was only interested in those players who could best him. With Isagi no longer feeling like that, he wasn't interested in him.

Igarashi Gurimu as seen in Blue Lock chapter 280 (Image via Kodansha)

This exchange left Isagi shocked and certain that he was not a "genius" but only a talented player capable of adapting to geniuses. Geniuses were those players who were illogical and despite playing the way they liked had the world of football follow them.

Blue Lock chapter 280 then switched back to Paris X Gen's attack as Charles Chevalier made a long pass forward. Ryusei Shidou thought that it was for him and prepared to receive it. Just then, Michael Kaiser arrived to intercept the pass. But in reality, the pass was for Rin Itoshi.

Yoichi Isagi as seen in Blue Lock chapter 280 (Image via Kodansha)

Just as Rin received the ball, he charged towards the goal using his rapid dribbling. Just then, Igarashi Gurimu arrived to stop him with his malicia. With that, the right back managed to stop Rin for the second time by forcing the striker to commit a foul on him.

As for Isagi, he started questioning his future. He was only able to compete with the geniuses because he used his logic to brush up his talent. But as far as the world stage is concerned, it is full of genius strikers. Isagi wanted to defeat Rin Itoshi and become the world's best one day, but after realizing his true status as a player, he could no longer imagine such a future.

Ego Jinpachi as seen in Blue Lock chapter 280 (Image via Kodansha)

During this, Ego Jinpachi keenly looked at Isagi through the cameras and gave an analogy of his situation. Isagi had hit the wall of the talented. While it was a hopelessly illogical place, only those who have reached that wall can discover a new path. Hence, Ego believed that Isagi could use the opportunity to learn the formula of evolution.