The deflected ball spun wildly into the air. Every player's eyes locked on it — and the battlefield erupted.
Renji surged forward. His body felt like it was on fire, but his mind was ice-cold.
I won't miss this chance.
Aikawa was right there beside him, his teeth bared in a fierce grin. "Not so fast, Kurogami!"
Before Renji could react, Aikawa used his Falcon Rush, a burst of acceleration that closed the gap instantly. Aikawa's shoulder slammed into Renji, trying to throw him off balance.
But Renji twisted his body mid-stride, using his Specter Drive to slip away at the last second.
"You're not getting rid of me that easily."
Mori was there too, lurking just behind them, his eyes calculating everything. Renji could feel it — Mori was waiting, letting Aikawa and him clash so he could snatch the ball at the perfect moment.
Not this time, Mori.
The ball was falling fast, and Kaede Arata was already positioning himself for a volley.
Renji saw the opening. He dashed forward, using his Phantom Waltz — his movement became a blur. Kaede swung his leg back—
But Renji was faster.
He intercepted with his Void Strike, the impact sending the ball rocketing toward the goal — a perfect, unstoppable shot.
But Takuma Ogawa… wasn't done yet.
With an impossible dive, Ogawa managed to slap the ball just enough to send it crashing into the post. The metallic clang echoed through the field.
The ball ricocheted — right into the path of Riku Saionji.
Saionji's eyes burned with determination. He controlled the ball flawlessly and surged forward.
"Not yet!" Renji shouted, giving chase — but Saionji's vision and control were on a whole new level after the training.
Renji could see it — the pass was coming.
But to whom?
To be continued…