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

The clock was ticking. The score stood at 4-3, and the pressure was suffocating. Every movement, every pass felt like life or death. Renji's heart pounded in his chest, but his mind stayed clear. He knew they couldn't hold back.

Kaede charged forward, the ball at his feet. Kaito mirrored his every move, his grin gone, replaced by sharp focus. Kaede feinted left — then pushed right, his speed explosive.

But Kaito anticipated it.

In an instant, Kaito slid in, aiming to take the ball — but Kaede reacted faster. With a quick flick, he lobbed the ball over Kaito's leg, spinning past him in one fluid motion.

"Go!" Renji shouted, racing into position.

Kaede sprinted toward the goal, but Sora was already closing in. Calm. Calculated. Dangerous.

"Not this time," Sora said softly.

Kaede pushed forward anyway. He faked a shot — but Sora didn't bite. The moment Kaede shifted his weight, Sora struck.

A perfect steal.

But Renji was ready.

The second the ball left Kaede's feet, Renji lunged. He intercepted with a lightning-quick first-touch steal, keeping the momentum alive.

Renji didn't stop. He pushed forward, eyes locked on the goal. Yamada rushed in, his sheer size an imposing wall — but Renji didn't hesitate.

He nutmegged Yamada without breaking stride.

The goal was in sight.

Sora closed in from the side. Kaito was recovering fast. Renji had seconds.

He planted his foot and shot — but it wasn't power this time. It was placement. Precision.

The ball curled, low and fast, toward the far post.

Sora dove — but it was just out of reach.

The net rippled.

5-3.

For a second, there was only silence.

Then Kaede let out a triumphant yell, his arms raised. Riku smiled, his usual calm giving way to rare excitement.

But Renji didn't celebrate. He kept his eyes on Sora, on the quiet fury burning in his rival's eyes.

Because he knew this wasn't the end.

It was only the beginning.