BLUE LOCK CHAPTER 34: AT THIS RATE

At This Rate

in this chapter we dive into the intense journey of Wataru Kuon, the ambitious soccer player, and his struggle with the reality of his team and personal aspirations. The chapter paints a clear picture of Kuon’s inner turmoil, the clash of expectations, and the overwhelming pressure of his dream to push his team to greater heights. Below, I will break down the chapter into key scenes and moments, revealing Kuon’s conflicting thoughts and actions.

The Club’s Ambitious Start

The story kicks off with Kuon slamming a Club Establishment Form onto a desk, declaring his bold ambition: “LET’S AIM FOR NATIONALS!!” His teammates, including Tatsuhiko Shimoda, Eita Itabashi, Shingo Konami, and Takayuki Seto, are caught up in the excitement, all cheering to represent Japan on the national stage. As Kuon rallies them to dream big, the room buzzes with enthusiasm. Some players even raise the stakes, exclaiming that the team should aim for the World Cup.

But, amidst all the hype, there’s a dissenting voice. A teammate questions the validity of the lofty goal, suggesting that Kuon’s vision might be too far-fetched. The excitement quickly takes a hit, with some players beginning to wonder if they are setting their sights too high.

The Clash of Goals and Reality

The tension grows as the team faces their reality during a practice session. The scoreboard reads Nedanuki 3 – Kitsunezaka 0, and Kuon is visibly frustrated. He scolds his teammates for arriving late and for their poor positioning on the field. The weight of his ambition bears down on him, and he can’t understand why his teammates aren’t taking their goal seriously.

In the locker room, the dissent grows louder. One of the players, Kuon’s teammate, speaks out: “YOU’RE AIMING TOO HIGH.” This stuns Kuon, who had been so determined to push for national glory. Another player, frustrated with Kuon’s intensity, mutters: “How could a puny school like ours go to Nationals?” The idea of competing at a national level seems unrealistic to them, and their enthusiasm quickly fades. They accuse Kuon of overreacting, of being the only one truly invested in the dream.

The weight of this realization is crushing for Kuon. “IN THE END, THE ONLY ONE WHO REALLY WANTED TO PLAY FOR KEEPS… WAS ME…”

Turning Point: Kuon’s Rejection of Mediocrity

Kuon finds himself isolated, with no one sharing his dream. His teammates gradually drift away, and the dream of nationals begins to feel more like an unattainable fantasy. However, as Kuon reflects on his journey, he comes to a crucial realization. The letter arrives, confirming his selection for a special player training program. This moment marks a pivotal shift in Kuon’s character and mindset.

He thinks to himself, “THIS IS WHERE I NEED TO FIGHT… I’M NOT THE MEDIOCRE TYPE WHO LETS THEIR DREAMS STAY DREAMS!!” Kuon decides that no matter the cost, he will continue pushing forward, even if it means doing so alone. “I’LL PLAY TO WIN!!!”

The Game and Kuon’s Calculated Move

Now, the scene shifts to an intense match where Team Z faces off against Team V. The scoreboard reads 4–4, with only 5 minutes remaining. The stakes are incredibly high. If Team Z draws this match, they’ll be eliminated from the competition. As the match progresses, the commentator highlights the unpredictability of Team V’s attacks, particularly the unorthodox strategies driven by Nagi’s Awakening.

As tensions rise, the game reaches a critical moment. Kuon, in a very calculated move, assesses his position. He realizes that he can advance to the next round simply by doing nothing, thanks to his Blue Lock ranking. In a stroke of luck, even if Kuon doesn’t make a decisive move, he stands a chance of advancing. He internalizes: “THIS IS GOOD… AT THIS RATE, EVEN IF I DO NOTHING… I’LL STILL GET TO ADVANCE!!!”

The Red Card: Kuon’s Ultimate Sacrifice

The tension heightens as Team V pushes for a win. Isagi and Nagi are in a fierce battle, with Nagi attempting to make an impossible move. Isagi desperately tries to stop him, but Nagi’s skill seems to surpass everything Isagi had anticipated. The ball is passed across the field, and Kuon decides to take drastic action.

In a shocking moment, Kuon deliberately fouls Nagi, preventing him from scoring and securing Team Z’s chance to advance. “WATARU KUON, RED CARD!! YOU’RE OUT OF THE GAME!!” This ultimate sacrifice, Kuon’s ejection from the game, seems like a desperate attempt to ensure his team’s future success. He knows that his personal goals and ambitions cannot come at the cost of the team’s survival in the competition. In his final thoughts, he accepts the sacrifice: “NOW TEAM Z… CAN KEEP FIGHTING…”

Kuon’s actions and choices in this chapter set the stage for the next chapter’s developments. His personal sacrifices, the impact of his actions on his team, and the pivotal moments in the game suggest a deeper exploration of what’s to come. The red card, his self-imposed isolation, and his internal monologue promise a riveting continuation of Team Z’s journey.

For the next chapter, check out Chapter 35 to see how Kuon’s decision and Team Z’s resilience unfold under the crushing pressure of the Blue Lock challenge.