Ego explains why Nagi failed to prove himself as a great player.
The previous chapter of the Blue Lock manga left things off on a massive cliffhanger as we saw Seishiro Nagi place 24th on the final list. As only the top 23 players will be able to move forward, this means Nagi is officially out of Blue Lock. In the recent chapter, Reo tries to argue with Jinpachi Ego about Nagi already having proven himself to be a genius footballer. However, the Blue Lock director points out how the “genius” let go of his dreams after he thought he defeated Isagi.
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
Blue Lock Chapter 299 recap
The scene opens with FC Barcha players celebrating their 3-2 win against Manshine City. The list is made public, and we see Nagi on the 24th position right below the cut-off. As the winners celebrate, people who were locked off are seen standing miserably around the field. Ego says that other than the 23 people who were selected, everyone can go home as they’re no longer a part of Blue Lock. Isagi asks why Nagi didn’t make it. Ego answers that he couldn’t prove himself in a match. Despite his talent, his skills are inconsistent, and the salary he received is right for a player of his caliber.
Suddenly, Reo protests and asks him to redo the calculations. He points out that despite being off sometimes, Nagi is a genius and there are plays only he can make. The whole world already acknowledges his capabilities as a football player. But Ego tells the boy to shut up as this isn’t a sheltered school, but a laboratory to create the world’s best team. And when it comes to being a genius, Ego points out that Nagi’s talent has withered away. Talent is the power to believe in and prove one’s abilities, and it changes based on surroundings, goals, emotions, rivals, and friends. Sometimes, people get results that surpass talent, and Nagi’s feint chain in the third match of NEL was proof of this.
However, that move made everyone expect more from Seishiro Nagi as audiences from around the world started praising him. But the player’s biggest mistake was thinking that he defeated Isagi with that one goal. The main reason behind withering up isn’t fear or despair, it’s satisfaction. Although he didn’t actually beat Isagi, his one move satisfied his desire and his fire was extinguished. In the last match, he could’ve proved his worth by playing on his own, even if he lost.
But his final choice to team up with Reo is what killed his future. Unfortunately, despite saying he wants to be the world’s best, Nagi can't dream beyond defeating Isagi. Reo tries to protest, but Ego stops him and says he only needs crazy players who won’t be satisfied until they’re at the top. Normies who are comfortable with anything less are worthless to him. He tells Nagi to go home. The final panel shows Reo crying on the field. Nagi, who is sitting on the ground beside him, calls his name and starts saying something.
Blue Lock Chapter 299 review
Blue Lock proves once again that the main reason behind a person’s loss of drive is their dependency on someone else. The moment they become afraid of playing on their own, they fall prey to the rest of the egoists on the field. This is what happened to Nagi, who let his fire fizzle out after pulling one over Isagi. In his frenzy to not lose Reo, he forgot his actual goal of winning the World Cup alongside his best friend and being the world’s best. Unfortunately, in probably any other sports manga, Nagi and Reo will be each other’s strength. But in Blue Lock, true power comes from being an egoist. Although it’s heartbreaking to see Nagi and Reo part ways, this was always the intended outcome of their co-dependency. Hopefully, the two of them will be able to flourish in their respective careers and continue to be friends.
Blue Lock Chapter 300 release date
The next chapter of Blue Lock is coming out on Tuesday, 22 April, 2025. International fans will be able to read the manga on Kodansha’s K-Manga website.
