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

The training ground was silent — a rare thing after the storm they'd just been through. The whole team had been given a rest day, and no one was happier about it than Kaede.

"I swear," Kaede groaned, lying spread-eagle on the grass. "My body feels like it got run over by a truck. Twice."

Reo smirked from his spot on the bench. "That's because you keep throwing yourself at defenders like you're trying to win a wrestling match."

Kaede shot him a glare. "Hey, it worked, didn't it?"

"Barely," Riku added, walking up with a bottle of water. "You also ended up in the medical wing. Again."

Kaede waved him off. "Details."

Renji watched them from the side, arms crossed. For the first time in what felt like weeks, the tension was gone. No strategy meetings, no pressure — just the team being… the team.

"Hey, Renji!" Kaede called. "You've been brooding over there for like twenty minutes. What's the deal? You finally figuring out you're not as cool as me?"

Renji raised an eyebrow. "You mean the guy who got tackled into next week?"

Riku coughed, clearly hiding a laugh. Reo wasn't as subtle.

Kaede sat up, looking betrayed. "Et tu, Riku?"

"I'm just saying," Reo added, "if your plan is to take out defenders by letting them take you out… maybe it's time for a new plan."

Kaede pointed at him. "One of these days, I'm gonna score so hard you'll write a song about it."

"I don't sing," Reo deadpanned.

"But I'd pay good money to hear it," Riku muttered.

The whole group burst into laughter, and for a while, the weight of their battles faded.

Later, they gathered in the rec room. A game of cards quickly turned into chaos.

"Riku, you're too quiet," Kaede accused. "You're totally cheating."

"It's called strategy," Riku replied, completely unfazed.

"Strategy my—" Kaede's words cut off as Reo laid down his hand, winning the round.

Kaede slumped in defeat. "I hate all of you."

Renji grinned. "Rest day's almost over. Better enjoy this while you can."

Kaede groaned dramatically. "Why is our captain such a tyrant?"

"Because someone has to keep you in line," Renji shot back.

As the laughter filled the room again, Renji knew one thing for sure — this team wasn't just getting stronger.

They were becoming a family.