This episode has so much going on that I don't know where to begin! Not only is Isagi now grasping Rin's weapon and devising counter-actions, but there is also a stunning conclusion to Bachira's character journey. The former veers into the overanalysis zone that is common in many sports anime. Have you ever seen a programme where a character has such incredible foresight that they can nearly foresee the future? How do you beat up on someone like that? Just outwit and think farther forward in the future, or include factors that no rational person would expect. That boils down to, "Well, you were three steps ahead of me, so I just have to wait to think four steps ahead of you!”.
But I'm more interested in the emotional climax of Bachira's character. Bachira was the prize for this entire half of the season. Isagi and Bachira were great friends at Blue Lock, and Isagi promised to change in order to reclaim Bachira. But, the journey Isagi followed to become the stronger player that led him to this position may be the reason he does not select Bachira if they win.Consider this: these men picked selfish asshole king Baro to join their squad due of his ability and potential on the field. Bachira isn't necessarily tossing the game, but he's getting so wrapped up in the excitement of it all that he's neglecting his own growth. It's ironic that although many sports anime emphasise that it doesn't matter how good or horrible you are as long as you're having fun, Blue Lock condemns Bachira for seeking to make friends through playing soccer.If he wants to keep playing and catch up to the individuals he admires, he must act as if he doesn't care about them, like Rin and Isagi are doing now.
I appreciate how this is artistically conveyed, since the "monster" that Bachira generated is simply an extension of the sorts of people he loves to play soccer with. He's such an accomplished player that he believes only monsters can compete with him.Yet if he wants to grow as a person, he must return to playing by himself and for himself. It's really fascinating to see him fight the impulse to pass to his teammates since he sees the monster appear as them, and I appreciate how Bachira's motions grow more chaotic as he matures. Bachira evolved to the point where he could take on the full formidable squad on his own.How will this match conclude now that Isagi has thwarted such efforts? And, more importantly, who will move on to the next round after all is all said and done?