Striker Genesis: E.O.S (Evolution of Strikers)

The air was heavy. Every breath felt like fire in Renji's chest, but there was no time to rest. The scoreboard flashed 2-2, and the match was nearing its climax.

Across the field, Sora Itsuki stood with an unsettling calm, his eyes sharp and calculating. Yamada Kensuke cracked his knuckles, ready to dominate. Kaito Shiba grinned like a man possessed.

"They're pushing us into a corner," Riku muttered. "We can't let them control the pace."

Kaede wiped sweat from his brow, his teeth gritted. "Then let's take it back."

The whistle blew — and the war resumed.

Renji took possession, but Yamada was on him instantly. The giant's pressure was suffocating, his physicality overwhelming. Renji feinted left, but Yamada didn't budge.

"Too predictable," Yamada sneered, lunging forward.

But that's exactly what Renji wanted.

At the last second, Renji flicked the ball backward.

"Kaede!"

Kaede charged in like a freight train. The moment the ball touched his feet, he unleashed his power.

"Blazing Cannon!"

The ball soared like a bullet — but Sora was already there.

With flawless timing, Sora intercepted, his control absolute.

"Not good enough," Sora said coolly.

He launched a counterattack immediately. Kaito streaked down the right wing, faster than ever.

"Try and catch me!" Kaito taunted.

Kaede rushed in, but Kaito's movements were wild and unpredictable. With a sudden burst of speed, he broke free.

Riku was the last line of defense.

Kaito's eyes glinted with excitement as he fired.

"Phantom Strike!"

The ball twisted in midair, a curveball with impossible trajectory.

But Riku was ready.

He dove, stretching every muscle — and his fingertips brushed the ball.

CLANG!

The ball slammed into the post and bounced out.

"Go!" Riku shouted.

Renji seized the rebound and sprinted. The field opened up before him — but Sora was already closing in.

"You won't get past me," Sora said quietly.

Renji's heart pounded. Every instinct screamed at him to push forward.

He feinted right — and went left. Sora moved to block, but Renji spun, slipping past him.

But Yamada was waiting.

The brute charged, and there was no way around him.

So Renji didn't dodge.

He drove forward, meeting Yamada head-on. Their bodies collided, the impact sending shockwaves across the field. But Renji didn't fall.

He pushed through.

And the goal was in sight.

Renji planted his foot and struck.

"Oblivion Strike!"

The ball soared — unstoppable.

3-2.

The stadium erupted.

But the game wasn't over. And Renji knew the storm was far from finished.