The atmosphere around the training ground grew heavier as Renji stepped off the pitch. His heart was still racing — the taste of that new power, the 10% of Hoshigaki's key skill, still surged through his veins. But there was no time to dwell on it. The top three players were yet to take their turn in the Predator's Gauntlet.
"Next up — Tetsuya Aikawa!" Hoshigaki [old legend] called.
The forward from Team Omega stepped onto the pitch with his usual air of confident arrogance. Aikawa was ranked second overall for a reason — his physicality and aerial dominance made him a nightmare on the field. But this was different. This was a test of his ability to break through with nothing but his own power.
The whistle blew. Three defenders closed in instantly. Aikawa didn't hesitate — he pushed forward with explosive speed, using his powerful frame to shoulder past the first defender. But the second came from his blind spot, attempting a clean tackle — only for Aikawa to leap into the air at the last second.
(Real Football Technique: Chest Control)
He brought the ball down perfectly, using his chest to absorb the momentum before spinning into an immediate volley. The third defender lunged — but Aikawa fired a missile of a shot toward the goal.
The keeper barely reacted before the ball smashed into the net.
"Goal!"
Renji's eyes narrowed. Aikawa had done it in just 40 seconds.
But Hoshigaki didn't seem impressed. "Too reliant on your strength," he said coldly. "In a real match, the moment you're up against someone who can match your physicality — you'll crumble."
Aikawa's eyes flashed with irritation as he walked off the field, but he kept silent.
"Next — Yuto Kisaragi!"
The captain of Team Delta, ranked third overall, stepped forward with an air of calm confidence. Unlike Aikawa's explosive power, Kisaragi was known for his surgical precision and vision on the field.
The whistle blew — and the defenders surged. But Kisaragi didn't rush forward. Instead, he moved with slow, deliberate steps, eyes scanning the field like a predator waiting for its prey to make the first mistake.
And then it happened — one of the defenders overcommitted.
Kisaragi slipped the ball through his legs with a perfectly weighted pass to himself, using the narrowest of spaces.
(Real Football Tactic: La Pausa)
He paused — just long enough to draw the second defender toward him — before a sudden burst of acceleration left them both behind. The third defender lunged — but Kisaragi didn't even look at him.
A subtle flick of his ankle sent the ball rolling just out of reach — and with the keeper still adjusting his position, Kisaragi chipped it over his head.
"Goal!"
Renji's fists tightened. That calm, surgical precision… it was terrifying in its own way.
"Not bad," Hoshigaki said. "But your hesitation will be your downfall against a faster opponent."
Kisaragi only nodded, completely unshaken.
"And finally — Kazuya Mori."
The number one player in EOS walked forward slowly. Kazuya's presence alone seemed to darken the pitch — his eyes sharp, his expression one of pure, controlled madness.
Renji felt a cold shiver crawl up his spine.
The whistle blew — and the world exploded.
Kazuya didn't just attack — he devoured. His first touch sent the ball skimming between two defenders, and before they could react, he was already past them.
(Real Football Skill: Elastico)
A lightning-fast feint sent the third defender stumbling in the wrong direction. Kazuya didn't even look at the goal — his body knew where it was. His shot curved like a bullet, slamming into the top corner.
"Goal!"
12 seconds.
Renji's breath caught. Even Hoshigaki's eyes widened in rare surprise.
"...That's it," the old legend murmured. "That hunger. That's what it takes."
Kazuya walked off the pitch without a word. But as he passed Renji, he spoke quietly.
"Catch up soon, Kurogami. I don't want to get bored."
Renji's teeth clenched.
He wouldn't just catch up. He would surpass them all.
To be continued…