Chapter 15:
Day 3 of the Selection.
The 3v3 matches had ended—but the pressure didn't.
New teams were forming again.
But this time, not random.
Now, it was strategic.
"From here on out, you'll form your own trios," Kiyoshi announced on the central screen.
"Pick your teammates. You have 10 minutes."
Panic.
Movement.
Some players rushed toward top-ranked names.
Others stood still—unsure, calculating.
---
Haru, still ranked #2, stood alone by the wall.
Until Renji walked up.
"You're quiet. I like that."
"Join me."
Soon after, Minato approached them.
"You two think. I strike. Fair?"
They nodded.
Team formed.
Calm. Deadly. Efficient.
---
Elsewhere:
Kaito rejected every offer thrown at him.
Until Kazuma appeared.
"You. Me. One more."
They grabbed Kai, the flashy dribbler.
The most chaotic team was born.
---
Match Format Update:
"You'll face random teams. 7 matches total."
"At the end, the lowest-performing 3-man squad… is out."
"The top team gets to challenge a special test. Privately."
A hush fell over the crowd.
The top team wouldn't just win.
They'd level up.
---
Match 1:
Haru, Renji, Minato — vs — an aggressive, physical trio.
Quick passes.
Mental plays.
Control.
A double-direct shot from Minato and a silent through-pass from Haru sealed the win.
---
Match 2:
Kaito, Kazuma, Kai — vs — a defensive team.
It was brutal.
Kazuma smashed through blocks.
Kaito curved the ball with a shot dubbed:
"Silent Vortex."
Kai danced around.
Win. Destruction.
---
By the end of Day 1...
Haru's team: 2 wins.
Kaito's team: 2 wins.
Several teams already lost twice. Tensions rising.
---
Final scene:
Haru sits alone at night, watching a replay of their match.
"So many egos in one place…"
"But mine's not loud."
"Mine sharpens."