Review
Alright, so today I’m back with another chapter review, and today we will go over Chapter 261. This chapter is really special as we continue talking about Kaiser’s backstory and his time at Bastard Munch Academy. Towards the end, we jump back into the game, and Isagi will say something that makes Kaiser furious—something you definitely don’t want to miss, so be sure to stick till the end.
Kaiser’s Backstory and the Blue Rose
The chapter starts with Kaiser getting his neck tattooed with his infamous blue rose. In the background, we hear someone talking to him, mentioning that Kaiser took down seven police officers with just a soccer ball. Kaiser tries to defend himself, saying he simply ended the fight that they started.
We then see that it’s Ray Dark who is talking to Kaiser. Ray compliments Kaiser and explains that he’s traveling the world, scouting untapped soccer talent—Kaiser being one of them. They arrive at the Bastard Munch training clubhouse, where Ray tells Kaiser that this is where he belongs, but he’ll have to pass the pro exam first. Kaiser doesn’t seem too worried, as he is willing to do anything to escape his troubled home life.
Kaiser’s Struggle to Fit In
At the clubhouse, Kaiser is warmly greeted by the other players, but he views them with disdain, believing they are wanted by society, unlike himself. When they sit down to eat, something strange happens—Kaiser feels kindness for the first time, a sensation he doesn’t know how to handle. His reaction? He throws his food at one of the players’ faces. The other players try to de-escalate the situation, but Kaiser admits it’s easier for him to live as the target of malice.
This leads to tensions on the field as well, with Kaiser not getting passed the ball. He knows he needs to find a way to succeed in this environment, so he starts training like crazy to develop a weapon that will make an impact—the weapon we later know as the “Kaiser Impact.”
Ness and the Beginning of Kaiser’s Malice
During Bastard Munch tryouts, Kaiser meets Ness, who is isolated after being run over by two players. Kaiser immediately sees potential in Ness and asks him if he believes in the impossible. However, Kaiser’s interest isn’t out of goodwill—he sees an opportunity to erode Ness’s heart. Kaiser begins scoring more goals, and as his reputation grows, the other players start to fear him. But to Kaiser, that fear feels good. Victory, for him, becomes a tool to hurt and warp people.
The chapter describes Kaiser as taking great pleasure in eroding others’ hearts and living inside them as a scar. As Kaiser continues to succeed, he reflects on his abusive father, realizing that, like his father, he’s trying to maintain the feeling of being alive by hurting others. Kaiser’s goal is now to become the world’s best player, and he believes that destroying people’s dreams and rewriting their values is the path to achieving that.
The Match and Isagi’s Bold Statement
Now, back in the match, PXG kicks off with the ball, and it lands near Ness, who manages to head it towards Kaiser. Kaiser, engaged in a heated battle with Kaassu, is locked in, ready to score. However, Isagi and Rin rush towards him. Rin calls Kaiser “tepid,” and Isagi yells at Kaiser to keep going as Rin approaches. The three players clash, sending the ball high into the sky, and Kaiser loses his attack.
As Kaiser lies on the ground, Isagi delivers a shocking blow. With his back to Kaiser, Isagi tells him that Bastard Munch is no longer his team, and calls Kaiser a “shinty clown.” Kaiser’s composure begins to crack, but Noah, watching from the sidelines, says this is the moment for Kaiser to fight with his ego.
Kaiser’s Evolution Through Adversity
As Isagi runs off, Kaiser remains on the ground, reflecting on how everything he gained is slowly being stolen. He then mutters that evolution only happens in adversity, and his expression makes it clear that he’s on the verge of snapping.
We don’t yet know the title of the next chapter, but it’s safe to say the stakes have never been higher. Kaiser’s rage, his history of malice, and his desire to prove himself are all boiling to the surface, and it seems like things are going to get intense very soon.
Final Thoughts
Now, let’s talk about this chapter. I’ve noticed people switching opinions on Kaiser, and I thought I’d weigh in. Kaiser’s behavior towards his teammates is undoubtedly mean, but it’s important to consider where he’s coming from. Years of abuse and mistreatment have conditioned him to lash out, and he’s more comfortable being the target of malice than receiving kindness.
His relationship with Ness is also complex. While Kaiser treats him poorly, Ness still looks up to Kaiser as a friend. And without Kaiser, Ness wouldn’t have the opportunity to pursue his soccer dreams. Kaiser might be cruel, but his influence on Ness isn’t all negative.
Now, let’s discuss Isagi’s cold-blooded statement to Kaiser—telling him to kneel and calling him a “shinty clown.” This is reminiscent of the Manshine City game, and it’s awesome to see Isagi taking charge. However, I don’t think things will play out the same way as before. Something is bound to change, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Kaiser scores the next goal, especially since Noel Noah hasn’t subbed him out despite his mistakes.