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Are you wondering where to start reading Blue Lock or which part the anime has covered? Check this guide to know all the current arcs.
Blue Lock and its unorthodox players turn football into a cutthroat sport under the supervision of Coach Ego Jinpachi. This drastic project aims to produce the best striker for the Japanese national team after their loss in the World Cup. Similarly, the protagonist, Isagi, just missed his chance to join the national team and is desperate to get another shot. The Blue Lock project is the perfect opportunity for him.
This is the premise for the manga and anime, Blue Lock. Football typically relies on teamwork among players. However, Blue Lock pushes the idea of individual ambition above all else. Throughout the story, Isagi shows his determination to be the best striker in this ambitious project. But he doesn’t get to stroll through without competition; other talented strikers are also striving to be the best.
The story of Blue Lock is a breath of fresh air in the world of shonen manga and anime. Currently, the manga is in its sixth story arc, spanning over 282 chapters and still ongoing. The anime is in its second season, which premiered in October 2024. If you want a clear look at the plot points, check out this guide for Blue Lock arcs.
Arc Guide with List of Arcs
Blue Lock’s story is still long and far from finished. Currently, the manga is in its sixth story arc, covering the Neo Egoist League. The anime has around half of the U-20 arc left to cover. If you would like to skip some plot points and jump to a specific arc, here is the list along with the chapters and episodes:
- Introduction, manga: Chapter 1 to 4. Anime: Episode 1 and 2
- First Selection, manga: Chapter 5 to 38. Anime: Episode 3 to 11
- Second Selection, manga: Chapter 9 to 86. Anime: Episode 11 to 22
- Third Selection, manga: Chapter 87 to 108. Anime: Episode 23 to 5 (season 2)
- U-20, manga: Chapter 109 to 151. Anime: Episode 6 (season 2) still ongoing
- Neo Egoist League (Chapter 152 to 283 ongoing)
Which Are the Longest and Shortest Blue Lock Arcs
The Neo Egoist League arc is the longest in the Blue Lock storyline, covering 130 chapters and still ongoing. So far, this is the main focus for Blue Lock manga readers. The arc covers Ego Jinpachi’s new idea to make a league where players train under various countries and later face off on the field. However, anime-only fans must be patient since the anime hasn’t reached this point.
The shortest arc of the story is the Introduction, while the Third Selection arc covers only seven chapters. The Third Selection serves as a build-up for the following U-20 arc, which starts rolling in the anime after episode 5.
Should You Skip Any Blue Lock Arc
If you have already watched the first season or some episodes of the second season, you can skip some arcs. Specifically, the anime has covered all arcs up to the Third Selection arc. You can start from chapter 109 in the manga. However, keep in mind that some manga panels and chapters didn’t make it into the anime, such as certain scenes in chapter 94 and the entirety of chapters 88 and 89.
The anime adaptation is still ongoing, with the current episode being episode 6. If you want to jump directly to where the anime left off, start from chapter 109.
What Is the Current Blue Lock Arc in the Manga and the Anime
The Blue Lock manga has progressed beyond the U-20 arc and is now in the Neo Egoist League arc. The story picks up after the Blue Lock and U-20 National Japanese teams’ match. After their victory, Coach Jinpachi gains control of the Japanese National Team, acknowledging his radical method. Investors begin pouring resources into his Blue Lock project.
With new resources, Jinpachi sends Blue Lock and U-20 players abroad to train under top teams in their chosen countries. This training aims to give players a broader perspective on the sport, preparing them for international competition. Then, the Neo Egoist League begins—a round-robin league where each team will face all others at some point.
The anime, however, is still in the middle of the U-20 arc. This arc showcases the showdown between the Blue Lock team and the current U-20 Japanese National team, pitting a squad of strikers against a traditional team—a clash of radical innovation versus conventional strategies.
In this arc, fans see Jinpachi’s concern about the current Japanese National team’s mindset. The Blue Lock team represents his belief that goals scored are what matter most, prioritizing the striker position. Additionally, this match highlights the rivalry between the Itoshi brothers, with fans finally witnessing Rin Itoshi’s drive to surpass his brother, Sae Itoshi.
Conclusion
Blue Lock offers a drastically different tone than most sports shonen series. The focus on individual ego is an uncommon approach where themes like the power of friendship usually dominate. The manga continues to captivate readers with its compelling plot and stunning art style. Currently, it’s in its longest story arc, the Neo Egoist League.
However, the anime’s second season hasn’t reached this arc yet. Fans must wait for news on its adaptation. So, if you decide to dive straight into the manga, refer back to this guide to pick up where you want to start reading.
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