The atmosphere in the EOS facility's dining hall was… tense.
The 26 remaining players sat at the long table, faces still clouded with frustration and disbelief from the devastating 25-5 loss earlier that day. Across from them sat the 11 old players — the "legends" who had dominated them so easily. They ate quietly, with a calmness that only added to the humiliation the younger players felt.
Renji Kurogami sat near the middle of the table, barely touching his food. His mind replayed the match over and over — the way the old players moved, their coordination without teamwork, the way they devoured every attempt the new generation made. He clenched his fists under the table.
Suddenly, a voice broke the silence.
"Oi, enough of this awkward vibe already." It was Reiji Sakamoto, the aggressive forward from Team Zeta. "You guys wiped the floor with us today, so at least tell us who we lost to."
A few players nodded in agreement, their curiosity overcoming their bruised egos.
"Yeah," Kenji Takahashi added, "if you're really legends, we deserve to know your names."
The old players exchanged amused glances. Finally, one of them — the calm and collected captain — set his utensils down and spoke.
"Fair enough." His voice was low and authoritative. "We've been called legends… but we're just players who survived EOS and kept chasing greatness. If you want to know who we are, listen up."
He stood, his presence immediately commanding attention.
"My name is Seiji Nakamura. I'm 36, and I'm a center midfielder for FC Yokohama in the J1 League. I was once the top-ranked player in my EOS generation." His eyes swept over the table. "And I promise you — the EOS you're experiencing now is nothing compared to what it was in my time."
The room fell silent. The weight of his words lingered in the air.
The next old player stood up — the towering center-back who had crushed every aerial attempt.
"Hiroshi Takeuchi, 37. Center-back for Osaka Vortex in the J1 League. If you think my defense was tough today… you haven't seen anything yet." His deep voice rumbled through the hall.
One by one, the legends introduced themselves.
Shinobu Hayashi, 36 – Winger for Kobe Strikers (J1 League) – Lightning-fast with insane agility
Daigo Fushimi, 37 – Forward for Nagoya Titans (J1 League) – Relentless with pinpoint shooting accuracy
Ryohei Sakamoto, 36 – Midfielder for Sapporo Blades (J1 League) – The general, controlling the game's rhythm
Ryusei Hoshigaki, 36 – Attacking midfielder for Shizuoka Storm (J1 League) – Creative and unpredictable with his movements
Seiji Kaname, 37 – Right-back for Fukuoka Hawks (J1 League) – Tenacious defender with perfect tackles
Eiji Kobayashi, 36 – Forward for Kyoto Flames (J1 League) – Long-range shooter with powerful strikes
Masaki Arai, 37 – Left-back for Sendai Warriors (J1 League) – Sharp passer with devastating through balls
Kenta Hoshino, 36 – Defensive midfielder for Hiroshima Guardians (J1 League) – The anchor, keeping the team's balance
Shogo Mizuki, 37 – Goalkeeper for Chiba Mariners (J1 League) – Lightning-fast reflexes and unshakable composure
As they finished their introductions, the new players stared at them with wide eyes. The reality of who they had faced began to sink in. These weren't just former EOS players — they were some of the best active players in Japan.
Suddenly, Sora Amagi spoke up, his eyes gleaming with recognition.
"Wait… I knew I recognized you!" He pointed at Seiji Nakamura. "I've watched your matches for FC Yokohama! You were the one who dominated the midfield in the J1 League finals last year!"
A ripple of recognition spread through the younger players.
"Daigo Furutani — the Nagoya Titans' ace striker! You scored that insane hat-trick against Sapporo!"
"Hiroshi Takeuchi — Osaka Vortex's iron wall! You shut down every attack in the league semifinals!"
The realization hit like a wave. They hadn't just played against EOS veterans — they had gone up against some of the strongest players in the country.
Renji's fists tightened. "If this is the level EOS produces… then we still have a long way to go."
As the excitement and recognition settled, one of the younger players — Kazuki Shindo — leaned forward, his eyes burning with curiosity.
"So tell us…" His voice was low but intense. "What was EOS like back in your time?"
The dining hall went silent again.
The old players exchanged dark, knowing glances.
Seiji Nakamura smiled — but there was something cold and dangerous in that smile.
"You want to know?" His voice was almost a whisper. "Then listen carefully. Because the EOS you know… is nothing compared to the hell we survived."
To be continued…