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

The silence on the field was deafening. Every sound — the thud of footsteps, the sharp breath of exertion, the impact of the ball — echoed like a gunshot. Renji's heart pounded like a war drum, his muscles burned, but he didn't care. The scoreboard flashed 3-2, and the fire in his chest told him this battle was far from over.

Across the pitch, Sora Itsuki stood still — calm and composed. But his eyes… his eyes told a different story. For the first time, there was a flicker of something new — excitement.

Yamada Kensuke slammed his fists together, his frustration barely contained. "This isn't over!" he growled.

Kaito Shiba's wild grin only grew wider. "Now it's getting fun!"

Renji didn't let his guard down. He knew they were coming back with everything they had.

The whistle blew.

Sora started the play — and the storm hit.

Kaito exploded down the right wing, his speed blistering. Kaede went after him, but Kaito's footwork was too wild, too unpredictable. Every time Kaede thought he had him figured out, Kaito shifted direction with impossible agility.

"You'll never catch me, slowpoke!" Kaito taunted, his voice cutting through the silence.

Kaede's frustration grew — and that's when Kaito struck.

With a sudden burst of speed, Kaito cut inside and fired a lightning-fast pass to Yamada.

The giant striker didn't hesitate.

"Take this!" Yamada roared.

"Titan's Hammer!"

The shot was a cannonball — pure, overwhelming force.

Riku's eyes locked onto it, his body already moving. He dove — and barely punched the ball away.

But the danger wasn't over.

Sora was there to meet the rebound.

"Too slow," Sora whispered.

He fired a pinpoint strike toward the top corner — but Renji was already sprinting back.

At the last second, Renji launched himself forward — and blocked the shot with his body.

The impact knocked the wind out of him, but he didn't fall.

"Not today," Renji spat.

He turned and launched the counterattack. Kaede was already sprinting upfield.

"Go!" Renji yelled, sending the pass ahead.

Kaede took off, but Yamada was on him in seconds. The massive striker closed the distance with terrifying speed, his presence like a wall of steel.

But Kaede wasn't backing down.

"Let's see if you can keep up!" Kaede roared.

He pushed his speed to the limit, his footwork blazing. Yamada kept pace, but Kaede wasn't done.

He shifted his weight and cut inside, leaving Yamada a step behind.

The goal was in sight — and Kaede fired.

"Blazing Cannon!"

The ball flew like a rocket — but Sora was there.

With perfect timing, he intercepted again, his control flawless.

"You'll have to do better than that," Sora said calmly.

Renji's fists clenched. He knew they were running out of time.

But he wasn't giving up.

Not now. Not ever.

The battle was only just beginning.