Blue Lock season 2 subtly leaves an easter egg for Aiku's backstory

Modified Nov 12, 2024 13:30 GMT

Blue Lock season 2 subtly leaves an easter egg for Aiku's backstory (Image via 8bit)

Blue Lock season 2 episode 6 featured many anime-original scenes, and amongst them was an easter egg of the later-appearing Oliver Aiku's backstory. After failing to convince Sae about not including Shidou in the U-20 Japan team, Aiku went on a stroll. He then sat down and opened his cell to view the Blue Lock homepage. While looking into his rival team, Aiku thought about the past.

A few panels were shown with a young Aiku requesting his coaches and father to let him play how he wanted. Unfortunately, his request was denied because he was a defender based on his extraordinary physique, and this rejection killed the striker inside him. Oliver then returned from his thinking and moved forward.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Blue Lock manga series and has the author's opinion.

Blue Lock season 2: Exploring the easter egg of Aiku's backstory

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In Blue Lock season 2, episode 6, Itoshi Sae was stopped by Oliver Aiku, who didn't want Shidou on the U-20 Japan team, even though the former had just appointed him as a crucial part of the team. The reason was Shidou's violent behavior which might backfire on his teammates. So, Aiku recommended that Sae win the match against team Blue Lock without Shidou.

Sae branded Aiku as a selfish leader and denied his request, saying he would see what the U-20 Japan team could do. Aiku then went on a run while the people around him discussed the upcoming match. Aiku sat on a bench and opened the Blue Lock website to look into his opponents. While looking, he got lost in his thoughts.

A plant as seen in the backstory of Aiku (Image via 8bit)

The episode then showcased a few panels from Aiku's backstory where his young self asked his mentors to let him play the way he wanted. His father and coaches denied his request as they wanted him to play for his team. The backstory also showcased a cutting of a plant, after which Aiku returned to the present and smiled.

Chapter 134, set to be adapted in Blue Lock season 2, highlights Aiku's backstory. As a young boy, Aiku was a genius on the field and had the talent to become the best striker. So, one day, he asked his coach to let him play as a full-time striker because he aimed to become the best.

Unfortunately, the coach denied his request and wanted him to play as a defender due to his physical build. The coach even said that if Aiku wasn't willing to play the role he was assigned (defender), he would be left out of the squad. Due to this, he had to start playing as a defender.

Oliver Aiku as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)

Soon after, Aiku realized that the person inside him who wanted to become the best in the world was already dead (which was what the 'cutting of a plant' symbolized). So, he confronted his coach and said football hasn't been fun lately.

The coach, to make his player feel good, said that he still had the potential to become the best striker in the world. Alas, Aiku denied his coach's claims and stated that the person inside him who could reach the top of the world died long ago. So, Aiku aimed to become the best defender in the world and play for his team.

Final thoughts

The role of a defender might be one of the most under-appreciated ones. They can't gain the spotlight due to their role as the guards of their goal. Even though they get assigned the captain role, like Oliver Aiku, fans just want to see who scores the goal or makes the passes. The backstory of Aiku is a prime example of someone's sacrifice to keep playing the beautiful game.

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Edited by Shreya Das