Yoichi Isagi successfully conquers the solo training room and advances to the next stage of the Second Selection, which turns out to be a ruthless, small-sided team battle called the Rivalry Battle. Eager to test his progress, Isagi forms an immediate three-man alliance with Meguru Bachira and Seishiro Nagi. They boldly challenge the top three ranked players in Blue Lock, led by the incredibly gifted and analytical Rin Itoshi. The match serves as a harsh reality check for Isagi's trio; Rin's absolute control over the pitch and mechanical precision completely overwhelm them. After a crushing defeat, Rin's team exercises the selection rules, stealing Bachira away and leaving Isagi and Nagi devastated.