Weeding Out the Weakest Players
Third Selection continues to weed out the weakest players left in Blue Lock as it pits the remaining strikers against the top six to determine the perfect team to rival and defeat the U-20 National Team. While Team A continues to dominate the field, the second round of Third Selection has introduced a plethora of new strikers and abilities that even the unstoppable Team A can’t ignore.
As Isagi Yoichi watches from the sidelines, Team C has managed to make a name for themselves against the very best of Blue Lock. Rin Itoshi may be king now, but with the skilled strikers remaining in Third Selection, a wildcard may emerge to topple the competition as Blue Lock filters the very best in Japan.
Match MVP: Mikage Reo’s Chameleon Nature Wins the Day
Adaptability & Balance Make Reo an Ideal Player
Every major player in Blue Lock possesses something special that has allowed them to reach Third Selection. From Rin Itoshi’s Field Awareness to Karasu’s ultimate defense and Isagi Yoichi’s adaptability, each player brings something unique to the table. However, Mikage Reo stands out with his completely balanced stats. He doesn’t excel in any specific niche or playstyle, but his well-rounded nature gives him a unique advantage in any match. While Reo may lack a distinctive ability that sets him apart, his balanced nature allows him to emulate the moves and playstyles of both his opponents and teammates.
During the match against Team A, Reo managed to score a single goal for his team, which ultimately wasn’t enough, as Team C lost. Nevertheless, Reo discovered something within himself that made the effort worthwhile. Like a chameleon, Mikage Reo can mimic any move he observes, as long as it aligns with his physical abilities. While he can’t replicate a move based on someone else’s physical stature, he can copy abilities that fit his balanced playstyle, such as a curveball. Although Reo’s ability to copy moves has just been unlocked, he can still compete with the best in Blue Lock, even if his output is only 99% of someone else’s original ability.
While Reo’s copied moves may be inferior to the originals, having just unlocked his chameleon nature, a 99% replication isn’t bad considering he faced some of the top players in Blue Lock during his trial match in Third Selection. Currently, Reo can’t surpass another’s ability, but even an inferior copy can be useful depending on the movement and ability he emulates. Against players like Shido and Rin, Reo may struggle, but if he can replicate his teammates’ moves while serving as a perfect support player, he can become a dark horse in any match. Despite being perfectly balanced, Reo’s chameleon ability serves as a wildcard that can turn the tides in his team’s favor.
Ultimately, while Reo has only just unlocked his true nature as a copycat player, his overall ability to adapt makes him a perfect fit for any situation on the field. He may not excel in one-on-one scenarios against the best, but if given the chance, Reo can transform the enemy’s greatest strength into their biggest weakness. Like a chameleon, Mikage Reo can blend into any situation on the field, creating a potent chemical reaction like no other in Blue Lock.
The Summit of Determination Drives Reo Onward
Reo’s Pursuit of Nagi Pushes Him
Mikage Reo has a long journey ahead to reach the peak of the summit within Blue Lock. Ever since Nagi abandoned him in favor of stronger players, Reo has carried a chip on his shoulder to prove himself worthy of both Nagi and himself. Rather than living a life of luxury where everything is handed to him, Reo is determined to grasp the forbidden fruit of victory with his own hands instead of relying on others. While he aspires to become the best striker, more importantly, Reo wants to prove to himself that he can achieve his goals independently, without relying on stronger players like Nagi.
The path his parents laid out for him may have led to a comfortable life, but Reo seeks to demonstrate his worth and abilities through his own efforts. He aims to reach a level where Nagi will genuinely recognize his achievements and skills rather than looking down at him from the summit. Beyond mere determination to prove himself, Mikage Reo is driven to show everyone around him wrong and claim victory for himself, embodying the essence of an egoist.
Instead of settling for a predictable life of luxury, Reo is willing to get his hands dirty for the sake of his dream. More than just seeking excitement, he wants to become strong enough that even Nagi will chase after him, just as he did for his former friend. Reo longs to be acknowledged by the one person he respects above all others. Although Nagi’s soccer abilities far exceed his own, Reo believes that if he perseveres long enough, his true strength as a striker will emerge, and when it does, Nagi will view him as an equal rather than someone who would hold him back.
Mikage Reo isn’t focused on proving Nagi wrong for choosing to abandon him for Isagi and the others; he simply wants Nagi to recognize his efforts. This effort is not for its own sake but rather to position Reo as someone Nagi will inevitably rely on. Ultimately, Reo desires to play soccer with Nagi in a way that fosters mutual respect and enjoyment. Blue Lock presents the perfect opportunity for the two to find common ground and engage in the type of soccer that makes each of them whole.