We also get, somewhat obliquely, an explanation for just how Japan is paying for five wings of high tech soccer torture. If nothing else, it cements my suspicion that even if Japan does win a World Cup from this, Ego will likely be watching from jail. I’ve barely mentioned the characters, who are all paper thin but at least look distinct. I appreciate the attempts at fleshing them out but largely it all boils down to ‘I wanna win’ in various shapes.

After a disastrous defeat at the 2018 World Cup, Japan’s team struggles to regroup. But what’s missing? An absolute Ace Striker, who can guide them to the win. The Japan Football Union is hell-bent on creating a striker who hungers for goals and thirsts for victory, and who can be the decisive instrument in turning around a losing match…and to do so, they’ve gathered 300 of Japan’s best and brightest youth players. Who will emerge to lead the team…and will they be able to out-muscle and out-ego everyone who stands in their way? We always know where the ball is, where the important players are, we always know what’s going on. The broader field is zeroed in to what, exactly, we as readers should know. Don’t get me wrong, it’s all still patently ludicrous - if soccer had this many speed lines in real life it would’ve supplanted all sport years ago. In the face of Team V and the prodigy Nagi’s overwhelming scoring ability, Team Z has managed to catch up to 3-3 with fifteen minutes remaining. In the midst of this tense environment, all the players seek the “awakening” that will take their skills to the next level… The match against Team V reaches its thrilling conclusion! Isagi is more our guide than a full lead at this point, but I do love the way that we finally see him grow into his quirk, uh, I mean, special ability after five volumes and that it’s powerful but not overpowering. The art where the pieces literally fall into place for him is pretty great stuff. With Yusuke Nomura’s dynamic and detailed artwork, the soccer matches come to life, capturing the sport’s speed, intensity, and strategic elements. The panels exude energy, showcasing the characters’ raw emotions and the explosive action on the field.

The newly formed team of Isagi, Nagi, and Barou head to their next rival battle, where they face Kunigami, Chigiri, and Reo. Isagi knows their victory will depend on the team's ability to form a "chemical reaction" with their play styles. Isagi and Nagi have a fluid synergy, but Barou seems to be chafing against his new teammates... Who will emerge victorious from the battle of egos?! But it’s entertaining and makes perfect sense in its own stylized world and that’s super important and the difficulty in maintaining that consistency and the fact that it does is worth a couple paragraphs of praise now and again. Especially since the match takes up most of the volume and I don’t have much else to work with. Even with the outcome not especially in doubt, I do think the mangaka manages to wrench every last ounce of drama from seeing Team Z pull themselves together. If you buy into the story at all there’s some good stuff here.