The tension on the field was suffocating. The five top-ranked players stood in a loose formation, their eyes locked on Eiji Kobayashi [old legend], who balanced the ball at his feet with casual ease. But there was nothing casual about what was coming.
"Today's your last day with me," Kobayashi announced, his voice sharp and commanding. "And we're done playing it safe. If you want to prove you've evolved, score — but not from inside the penalty box."
The five players stiffened. No penalty-box goals? That meant every shot would have to come from distance, through defenders and pressure. This wasn't just about striking power — it was about accuracy, timing, and using everything they'd learned so far.
"One more thing," Kobayashi added, his smirk widening. "I'll be defending."
A ripple of disbelief went through the group. Kazuya Mori, the top-ranked player, narrowed his eyes. "Tch. You're underestimating us, old man."
Kobayashi chuckled. "We'll see."
The game began with a fury. The five players scattered, immediately vying for dominance.
Renji activated Vision, the field unfolding before him — but he wasn't the only one evolving.
Tetsuya Aikawa surged forward, using his overwhelming physicality to push through Ryota Minami's challenge. With a brutal spin, he broke free — but before he could shoot, Kazuki Shindo intercepted, his speed even sharper now that his weights were gone.
Shindo's movements were almost blinding, and he snapped a pass to Yuto Kisaragi, who was already calculating the field with his impeccable vision.
But Renji was faster. Anticipating Yuto's play, he cut the pass with Specter Drive, his body vanishing and reappearing in an instant. The ball was his — but just as quickly, Mori was on him.
"Don't think I'll let you shine alone, Renji." Mori's voice was low and dangerous.
Renji twisted, using Phantom Step to throw Mori off-balance — but Mori didn't fall for it. Instead, he adapted, staying right on Renji's heels.
"Let's see if you can keep up," Renji muttered — and with a sudden burst of speed, he activated Void Strike.
He fired — but Kobayashi was waiting. The ball disappeared mid-flight — only to reappear in the goalkeeper's outstretched hands.
"Too predictable," Kobayashi taunted.
Renji gritted his teeth. He wasn't the only one growing.
The rivalry between the five intensified. Aikawa's sheer power began to shine through, his presence on the field undeniable. Shindo's speed was sharper than ever, his footwork crisp and lethal. Yuto's tactical mind controlled the flow of play, and Mori… Mori was evolving in silence, waiting for his moment.
But Renji wasn't backing down.
He combined Vision, Specter Drive, and Phantom Step, weaving through his opponents with fluid precision. The ball was an extension of his body — and when he finally saw his opening, he took it.
But the instant his foot connected, Mori appeared beside him.
"You're not the only one who can devour, Renji."
Mori didn't steal the ball — he adjusted his positioning, his timing perfect. As Renji's Void Strike flew forward, Mori stepped into its path — and with a single touch, redirected it.
The ball soared past Kobayashi, hitting the net with a thundering crack.
Renji's breath caught. He'd been used.
Mori's grin was razor-sharp. "Looks like you still have a long way to go."
The match ended with that single goal — but the fire between the five players only grew hotter.
And as the sun dipped below the horizon, their next trial loomed.