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

he next morning brought no rest. Training began before dawn, the cold air biting against their skin. But no one complained — the stakes were too high.

Kaede was the first on the field, already working on his shots. His movements were wild but powerful, like an untamed beast. But Renji noticed something.

"You rely too much on force," Renji called out.

Kaede scowled. "It works, doesn't it?"

"Until it doesn't," Reo added from the sidelines. "You waste energy. What happens when you're too tired to strike?"

Kaede's frustration showed, but he didn't argue. Instead, he turned back to the ball and kept shooting.

Reo stepped forward next. His control over the ball was incredible — his dribbles quick, his passes razor-sharp. But when it came to finishing, his hesitation showed.

"You overthink," Renji said as Reo's shot went wide.

"I calculate," Reo shot back.

"Sometimes instinct is faster than calculation," Renji replied.

Riku worked quietly, his focus entirely on defense. His patience and timing were unmatched, but his lack of aggression left gaps.

"Defense isn't just waiting," Renji told him. "Sometimes you have to attack first."

Riku nodded, absorbing every word.

As the day stretched on, their growth became clear. Kaede's shots grew more precise. Reo's hesitation faded. Riku's calm became sharper, more decisive.

By evening, they weren't just individuals — they were a unit. A team.

And when the next match came, they were ready.

Kaede was the first to strike — his newfound control turning his raw power into a weapon. The ball flew into the net like a bullet.

1-0.

Reo dominated the midfield, his passes slicing through defenses. But when the opportunity came, he didn't pass — he fired.

2-0.

Riku stood like a wall, intercepting every attack. But when the moment was right, he surged forward, stealing the ball and launching a perfect counter.

Kaede finished it with a vicious strike.

3-0.

When the final whistle blew, there was no doubt — they were evolving.

In the locker room, Kaede grinned. "Looks like we're not so bad after all."

Reo smirked. "Let's see if we can keep it up."

Riku's calm voice cut through the excitement. "We have to. The real battle hasn't even started."

Renji looked around at his team — his brothers in this fight. And for the first time, he knew they weren't just surviving.

They were rising.