Rensuke Kunigami/Synopsis

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Quick Answers

What chapter does Kunigami return in Blue Lock?

Kunigami makes his return in Blue Lock manga Chapter 158. Following his elimination, he re-enters the competition through the wild card door.

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How does Kunigami's journey progress in Blue Lock?

Kunigami's journey in Blue Lock includes both setbacks and comebacks. He initially joins the program with other forwards. In the Second Selection Arc, he teams up with Chigiri and Reo Mikage but loses to Isagi's team, leading to Chigiri's departure. Kunigami then loses to Ryusei Shido's team, resulting in his elimination. Despite this, Kunigami returns by entering the wild card door.

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What happened to Kunigami in the Wild Card?

Kunigami returned from the Wild Card colder and more serious. He gained the ability to use both feet for scoring, a skill developed for survival. Despite this, his left side remains stronger. His relationship with Isagi became strained, marked by rudeness, though Isagi was the only one he spoke to in the Germany Stratum. Kunigami did not hinder Isagi's goal to be the top striker.

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Did Kunigami get eliminated in Blue Lock?

Kunigami was eliminated from Blue Lock after losing to Ryusei Shido's team, with Reo Mikage being selected. He later returned by entering the wild card door.

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Does Kunigami have any rivalry with Isagi?

Kunigami and Isagi share a rivalry rooted in mutual respect. They first bonded in the First Selection and later competed in a 3v3 Rivalry Battle during the Second Selection. Isagi's team won, but he chose not to advance with Kunigami, prioritizing his progress in Blue Lock. Despite this, Kunigami respected Isagi's decision, indicating their rivalry lacks animosity.

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Plot

Introduction Arc

Kunigami's shirt flies at Isagi.

After attending the initial Blue Lock meeting and agreeing to join the program, Kunigami is seen in the Team Z dormatory, changing into the Blue Lock uniform. While changing, his shirt smacks Isagi in the face. He apologizes and tells Isagi to watch where he is going being that Bachira sleeping on the floor. Kunigami's initial rank is #291, the third highest of the 12 players in the room.

During the start of the game of tag when Igaguri is "it", he targets Bachira's sleeping form though is surprised when Bachira springs into a handstand and kicks Igaguri in the face. Igaguri complains about the use of violence, though Bachira points out that the only rule was to not use their hands. Kunigami confronts Bachira and tells him he would rather play fair. Bachira complains that Kunigami is taking everything too seriously.

Kunigami targets Igaguri.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Igaguri kicks the ball into Kunigami's face. Kunigami responses with a power shot aimed at Igaguri, though accidentally hits Isagi since he was being held down by Igaguri. He apologizes to Isagi since he had not aimed to hit him.

Bachira tackles Kunigami.

Bachira calls on Isagi to retaliate against Kunigami, hopping on his back to restrain him. Frustrated, Kunigami throws Bachira to the ground. Bachira falls onto Igaguri, whose foot is injured by the fall. Isagi thinks to target the injured player but decides that he would rather target a stronger player. Bachira is inspired by this and takes the ball from him.

With 10 seconds left, Bachira aims to tag the highest ranked player, Kira. Kira initially believes that he has dodged Bachira's ball only for the ball to go to Isagi, who kicks the ball into Kira's face just as the timer ends. With Kira's elimination, Kunigami's rank is raised, becoming the second highest ranked player on Team Z after Bachira.

First Selection Arc

Team X vs Team Z

Kunigami stealing the ball.

Isagi wins a game of rock, paper, scissors to take the position of Forward for the start of the game. While thinking of a strategy to get through the opponent's defense, the ball is taken away from him by Raichi. Disturbed by this lack of sportsmanship, Kunigami then steals the ball from Raichi. As the two begin to argue, the opposing team takes the opportunity, ultimately allowing Baro to score a goal.

Taking advantage of Team Z's meltdown and selfish playstyle, players from Team X decided to pass all the balls to Baro to win. Kunigami continues to battle Raichi and Igaguri throughout the game, making no progress in the score. With the game reaching a score of 5-0 with Team X in the lead, Isagi becomes hopeless about winning though is encouraged by Bachira to make a comeback.

Kunigami and Raichi calls Isagi.

Bachira successfully passed the ball to Isagi, who is ultimately stymied by Baro. With Isagi losing confidence in himself, Raichi and Kunigami encourage him to pass, though Isagi remains determined to score on his own to survive in Blue Lock. Unconsciously, Isagi kicks the ball towards Kunigami, who scores.

Kunigami shares a plate of steak with Isagi.

Eating in the dining hall after their lost match, Kunigami thanks Isagi for passing the ball to him. Isagi asks Kunigami why he plays football, and Kunigami responds that he wants to be a superhero. Isagi noted that the resolution that Kunigami has is what he lacks. As a result of Kunigami's goal, he earns the reward of a 300g sirloin steak. Kunigami offers Isagi half the steak, believing that he deserves half the credit for the goal he scored. While eating, Kunigami asks Isagi why he passed to him and not to Raichi, who was in a better spot and unmarked. Isagi laughs and tells Kunigami that he passed unconsciously, like a reflex. Kunigami suggests that Isagi's weapon may be the ability to smell the goal.

Team Y vs Team Z

Kunigami is blocked.

Team Z implements their game tactic of “I’m the next-9” during their match against Team Y. During Kunigami's 9 minutes playing in the position of striker, he finds difficulty in getting past Team Y’s defenses. Kunigami overlooks Niko's presence allowing Niko to steal the ball from Kunigami and pass it to his teammate.

Kunigami overlooks Niko.

When Isagi retrieves the ball from Team Y, he passes to Kunigami. Desperate to stop Team Z from attacking, Team Y opts to foul than allow them to score a goal. Before being swarmed by the opponents, Kunigami passes the ball to Bachira. Bachira then sees Isagi and passes the ball to him allowing Isagi to score a goal against Team Y.

After Team Z wins the match, Kunigami praises Isagi for his goal. Gagamaru asks Isagi if he knew where the ball was heading. Isagi explains that he just ran because he wanted to score, adding that it may have been sheer luck. Bachira, on the other hand, tells Isagi that he saw Isagi, so he intentionally passed to him. Kunigami remarks that Isagi's weapon may be his goal scent.

Team W vs Team Z

Kunigami and Bachira steal the ball from Junichi

Kuon scores the first goal of the match against Team W, prompting Keisuke to scold his teammates for poor defense. When Junichi has the ball, he appears to be playing half-heartedly, making it easy for Kunigami to steal the ball from him. Kunigami then passed the ball to Bachira, who sees Kuon unmarked, allowing Kuon to score a second goal. After Kuon scores a third goal, members of Team Z begin to notice Kuon making simple mistakes, allowing the Wanima twins to score goals. Upon Isagi confronting Kuon, asking him if he betrayed the team, Keisuke confirms this, tellin them that Kuon shared with Team W everyone's strengths and weaknesses. Raichi, provoked by the sudden revelation, attempts to punch Kuon and is given a yellow card.

With Team Z behind by one point, Kunigami encourages the team to score at least one more goal to end the game with a draw. Kunigami tells Isagi to pass the ball to him since he cannot win alone; however, Isagi smells a goal coming from Chigiri and passes to him instead. Chigiri's goal allows the game ended in a draw (4-4).

Kunigami stops Keisuke.

With Team Z running to Chigiri to praise him for his game-changing goal, Kuon is getting kicked and stepped on by Team W on the other side of the field. Team W believes that Kuon hid information about Chigiri's weapon. Keisuke, angry at Kuon, shouts that he'll get his revenge on him. Isagi and Kunigami stop Keisuke to prevent any more violence, allowing Kuon to escape the playing field.

Team V vs Team Z

During Team Z's tactical meeting, Kuon states that he will not cooperate in the next game against Team V since he is the top scorer, such that he will not be eliminated even if Team Z loses. Kunigami challenges him saying that if he scores three more goals, he will outrank Kuon as Team Z's top scorer. Kuon laughs at this, though Kunigami insists he will do this. Before the start of the match, Iemon, announces their strategy that Kunigami, Gagamaru, and Chigiri will be their key players since they have proven themselves to be team Z's best strikers.

Reo steals the ball.

During the match, Reo steals the ball from Kunigami, passing the ball to Nagi. Nagi effortlessly receives the ball and scores an impressive goal that shocks Team Z. In their next play, Isagi passes the ball to Kunigami; however, Reo approaches Kunigami from his blind spot and tells Kunigami that he studied every skill Kunigami has. Thus, Reo knows that Kunigami is not yet in his shooting range. Reo then steals the ball and kicks again towards Nagi, who scores another goal.

While most of the Team Z players start to lose hope, Bachira becomes excited by the challenge, untimately dribbling past defenders to earn Team Z their first goal. After Bachira scores, Reo tells Bachira he cannot score again. Bachira agrees, though explains that he is not alone and states that it is time for Team Z's revival, passing the ball to Kunigami.

With Kunigami in possession of the ball, Reo shouts for his team to stop Kunigami from entering his shooting zone. Gagamaru appears and tells Kunigami to pass to him. In his mind, Kunigami believes that, as a striker, passing should only be his last resort. Stuck in his thoughts, Kunigami is startled when he hears Isagi telling him not to panic. He encourages Kunigami to take the risk like a football superhero.

Kunigami scores a goal.

Thanks to Isagi's words, Kunigami tries to surpass his limits. Despite not entering his shooting range (28 meters), Kunigami kicks the ball, hoping to score. Team V tries to stop the ball; however, the ball seems to have an irregular course. A player from Team V notices that the ball is not spinning. Team V failed to stop the ball, earning Team Z a goal. The first half ended with a game score of 3-2.

In Team Z's Locker Room at the half time, Naruhaya, Imamura, and Igaguri are ecstatic and hopeful. Igaguri tells Kunigami that he was shocked to know that he had a long shooting range, and Kunigami replies that he was also surprised, remarking that he may have found a new intuition for a goal. Imamura jokes, saying that Kunigami surpassed his limits a while ago. Hearing that, Isagi remembers Bachira, who also went beyond his limits.

Kunigami scores another goal.

When the game resumes, Isagi appears in front of Nagi, calling him naive. Isagi blocks Nagi with Chigiri retrieving the ball while Zantetsu tries to catch up. Chigiri kicks the ball, but he hits the pole and misses. Gagamaru rebounds the ball but is stopped by Reo, who supports their goalkeeper. Kunigami retrieves the ball, scoring again, tying the game 4-4.

With only 5 minutes left, Kuon is in awe of Team Z, managing to catch up with Team V even though they are disadvantaged with only 10 players. With Nagi in position to score another goal, Kuon suddenly tackles Nagi. Kuon is ejected from the game with a red card, and a free direct kick is given to Team V.

Reo runs toward Nagi, asking him if he is fine, then yells at Kuon. Nagi tells Reo that he is okay. Zantetsu then calms down Reo, saying that if Reo gets another yellow card, he'll be out of the game. The game resumes with the free kick, which Iemon successfully blocks. Chigiri and Zantetsu race for the ball with Zantetsu reaching the ball first; however, he is stopped by Raichi.

The match resumes with Isagi in possession of the ball, saying that he has a goal scent coming from Bachira, Kunigami, and Chigiri. Though after an exchange with Reo, telling Isagi that he will put a stop to him, Isagi begins to believe that he will be the one to kick the finishing goal. Before Reo can steal the ball from Isagi, Isagi passes the ball to Bachira, who is tackled, sending the ball back to Isagi. Isagi kicks the ball to Chigiri who is outnumbered by defenders, such that he passes back to Isagi. With only 35 meters to the goal and 2 defenders in front, Isagi passes the ball to Kunigami.

Zantetsu marks Kunigami.

Zantetsu approaches Kunigami, making him lose the ball, though this is saved by Raichi, who passes to Bachira, who passes to Isagi. Nagi appears in front of Isagi, making him lose his confidence. Chigiri and Kunigami both call on Isagi to pass to them, but Isagi formulates a plan to score the goal himself. Rather than trap the ball, he decides to make a direct shot, earning Team Z their victory.

Kunigami helps Kuon stand.

With Kuon watching Team Z celebrate at a distance, Kunigami calls on Kuon to join them. Kuon initially rejects his offer, and when Kunigami makes another invitation, Raichi tells him to stop telling Kunigami that nothing can erase Kuon's betrayal. However, Raichi admits that Kuon tackling Nagi did contribute to the team's win. Before Kuon accepts Raichi's concession, Raichi punches Kuon in the face. Following this, Kunigami helps Kuon stand, inviting him to join the celebration.

Second Selection Arc

Kunigami passes the first stage of the Second Selection with a rank of #50. He teams up with #44 ranked Chigiri and in trying to find another player to form a group of three, ultimately pick Reo Mikage, who is depressed after Nagi decided to play with Isagi instead of him. They lose their first game to the trio formed by Isagi, Nagi, and Baro, with as score of 4 to 5. Chigiri chosen to join the winning team.

Upon arriving the second stage with Reo, Kunigami encounters Shido who is on a rampage and injuring other players after losing his last game. Just as Shido is about to injury his teammate, Igarashi, Kunigami steps in to defend his former Team Z teammate. Shido asks Kunigami if he is a knight in shining armor, but Kunigami explains that he hates violence and is here to play soccer. Shido chides his "outdated, idealistic, peace-loving senility called 'sportsmanship'" but challenges him to a match.

Kunigami asks Reo if he is ok with matching against Shido, being that he is identified the top goal-scorer on a different wing during the first selection, but Reo considers their odds of losing low since Igarashi is Shido's partner. Kunigami and Reo lose to them with a score of 2 to 5, and the winning team choses Reo, eliminating Kunigami. Upon exiting the second selection, Kunigami is offered a path to continue training by entering the wild card door.

Kunigami continues training via the Wild Card program

Wild Card

After losing in the Second Selection, Kunigami is given an offer to continue training via the Wild Card path. After returning to Blue Lock for the Neo Egoist League training. Kunigami reveals that the program was designed to build a player similar to Noel Noa.

Neo Egoist League Arc

Kunigami is chosen to play with Bastard München, training under Noel Noa. He plays during all 4 tournament matches scoring 2 goals (both assissted by Isagi) and 1 assist (to Isagi). During the last match against PXG, Isagi baits Kunigami into assisting him with a goal by reminding him about how he has previously assisted Kunigami's goals in the past, including their very first goal scored in Blue Lock after which Kunigami shared half of the steak he had earned with Isagi for assisting his goal.

Kunigami earns an opening bid of 24,000,000 Yen from Kawasaki Breakerz during the Round 1 of bidding, which was the third highest bid behind Rin and Bachira. His bids steadily increase over the course of the tournament, with bids of 47,000,000 and 50,000,000 Yen coming from RPB. His final bid of 66,000,000 Yen from Berserk Dortmund ranks him in 8th place, securing him a spot on the Japan U-20 team to play for the U-20 World Cup.

U-20 World Cup Arc

Kunigami is not selected as a starter for Japan's opening game against Nigeria.