The intensity on the field hit a fever pitch. Sweat poured from the players as they circled Ryusei Hoshigaki [Old Legend], their eyes blazing with determination. The man in front of them wasn't just a teacher — he was a monster they had to surpass.
Kazuki Shindo's enhanced speed had finally kicked in after the weights were removed. His movements were sharper, faster — but speed alone wouldn't be enough to take down Hoshigaki.
"Let's see how much you've really evolved!" Hoshigaki called out, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Renji Kurogami's breathing steadied as he activated "Specter Drive" again — his modified version of Hoshigaki's key. It still lacked the fluidity and unpredictability of the original, but Renji had started seeing the gaps in his technique.
This time… I'll close the distance.
Kazuya Mori raised his hand, taking charge. "We're not breaking him down individually — we'll devour him as a team! Use your strengths!"
They surged forward.
(Real football skill: Gegenpressing.)
The moment Hoshigaki received the ball, the top five collapsed on him. Gegenpressing — an aggressive pressing system where multiple players close down the ball carrier instantly, cutting off all passing lanes.
Shindo attacked from the left, his blistering speed pushing Hoshigaki to his right. Kisaragi closed in from the center, his precise positioning blocking the next route. Aikawa flanked from the back, prepared for the steal.
And Renji waited. He didn't attack directly — instead, he watched. Studied.
He saw it — the faintest opening.
"Now!" Mori commanded.
Renji burst forward.
(Real football skill: Cruyff Turn.)
But just as he closed in, Hoshigaki pulled off a flawless Cruyff Turn, dragging the ball behind his planted foot and pivoting away with breathtaking ease.
Renji skidded past him — but this time, his vision caught something.
Hoshigaki's left shoulder dipped — his next move was clear.
"Specter Drive!"
Renji copied the unpredictable motion, his modified key skill closing the gap. And for the first time, he moved in perfect sync with Hoshigaki.
Their feet danced — quick steps, impossible turns — and for a fleeting second, Renji's eyes caught up.
"I see you!" he growled.
But Hoshigaki only grinned. "Too slow."
(Real football skill: Elastico.)
Hoshigaki's foot snapped the ball in one direction before immediately flicking it the other way — the devastating Elastico. Renji's balance wavered—
But Shindo was already there.
"Not this time!" Shindo roared.
He intercepted with his newfound speed, his foot smashing against the ball in a desperate steal. The ball ricocheted toward Mori—
"Go!" Mori shouted.
Aikawa didn't hesitate. His powerful shot flew like a missile—
But Hoshigaki was still faster.
(Real football skill: Rainbow Flick.)
With a quick backward roll of his foot, Hoshigaki flicked the ball over Aikawa's head, sending it sailing past the charging forward.
The top five froze — but only for a second.
Because Renji had already moved.
"Specter Drive — Vision Line!"
It wasn't perfect — but Renji's enhanced field vision, honed through Nakamura's guidance, let him predict the ball's path. He intercepted the flick midair with a stunning chest trap, grounding the ball with control he hadn't shown before.
Hoshigaki's eyes narrowed. "You're getting closer."
The final battle had truly begun.
(To be continued…)