Chapter Text
Isagi's first impression of Rin is, What a beautiful kick!
Their first meeting is at the second selection, but Rin barely spares Isagi a glance before moving on to the first stage, and Isagi doesn't even know Rin's name until it pops up on the screen.
Itoshi Rin - it sounds familiar.
Igarashi murmurs, "Itoshi...one of the top 11 in the world of the new generation?"
Imamura shakes his head. "No, that guy is Itoshi Sae."
And then Isagi has to keep morale up within a discouraged Team Z, score 100 goals against an AI, and he doesn't have time to think about Itoshi Rin.
Not until he reaches the third stage. It's a 3V3 team battle, with Isagi, Nagi, and Bachira on one side, and Rin, Jyubei, and Aoshi on the other.
"Don't misunderstand. To me, you are just stepping stones," Rin says to his teammates. "You guys, and this 'Blue Lock' as well."
The look in his eye darkens. "It's all so I can become Japan's representative and overcome my brother. To crush Itoshi Sae is what my football's all about."
Isagi's second impression of Itoshi Rin is, whoa! Scary. And really intense.
But Isagi wants him anyway. As a teammate, that is.
I'll win and make him one of us!
He scores the first goal and celebrates with his teammates, but Rin soon levels the score.
"You're a bunch of lukewarm mobs. Let's end this already."
Rin looks perpetually angry and bored with the world. Isagi is starting to think that's his default state.
Thus, Isagi's third impression of Itoshi Rin is, what an asshole.
Isagi confronts Rin. "Hold up. I'm playing soccer for the sake of my dream, same as you."
Rin scoffs. "Dream? It's not a lukewarm thing like that. Soccer is a deathmatch. Just come already so I can kill you."
A deathmatch, huh? Fine.
Isagi will make Rin regret looking down on him.
It hurts as Isagi blocks Rin's shot with a header and falls to the ground. But he forces himself through the pain to glare back at Rin.
"You thought I wouldn't be able to see the same scenery someone of your level is able to, Rin?" Isagi say mockingly. "That was lukewarm of you."
It was probably a bad idea to taunt the genius soccer player.
Rin crushes their team into pieces in the next few goals, from strategy to physique to vision.
The difference between them is overwhelming, but Isagi can't help admire the beauty of the parabola drawn by Rin's kick.
Rin's team beats them 5-2, and ends up stealing Bachira.
"I'm going, since it's the rules. But Isagi, I won't be waiting. If you want me, come and steal me," Bachira says.
Nagi and Isagi retreat to the second stage.
His first battle with Itoshi Rin ended in miserable defeat.
Isagi's ego takes a hit. The loss proved to Isagi that he couldn't win on his own.
"You're useless without Bachira, aren't you," Nagi says. There's no expression on his face as usual, and somehow that's even worse than Rin's condescension.
"Shut up. That's why I'm irritated." Isagi grits his teeth. "I'll prove I can fight even on my own."
Nagi seems to appreciate his determination. He cocks his head. It would be cute if Nagi weren't so infuriating.
"Hey 'soulmate,' I teamed up with you because I thought it would help me get better at soccer. Prove to me that it was worth leaving Reo for you."
Isagi grins. "Let's win, Nagi. Unfortunately, this fire won't cool down otherwise."