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

The next match was about to begin — and this time, it was Reo Hisame's turn.

"Finally," Reo muttered, rolling his shoulders. "I was getting tired of waiting."

Kaede patted his back, still grinning despite his own match's exhaustion. "Go show 'em what we're made of!"

Renji just nodded. "Stay focused."

Reo stepped onto the field, his sharp eyes locking onto the screen above.

Reo Hisame vs. Akira Hoshino

Akira was tall and lean, with an air of quiet confidence. But there was something unsettling in his smirk — like he knew something no one else did.

The whistle blew.

Reo didn't hesitate. He took possession and surged forward, his footwork smooth and precise. Akira closed in, but Reo was ready. A quick feint — and he was past him.

But then…

The ball disappeared.

Reo froze. Akira was already behind him — ball in tow.

"What—" Reo spun, heart pounding.

Akira glanced back with a lazy smile. "Too slow."

Renji watched from the stands, eyes narrowing. "That's not normal speed."

Riku's voice was calm but serious. "He's reading Reo's movements. Predicting them."

Reo gritted his teeth. "You think you're fast? Let's see how long you keep up!"

He went on the attack. Every time Akira got the ball, Reo took it back. Every time Reo pushed forward, Akira blocked his path. It was a deadlock of speed and skill — and the tension kept rising.

Until Akira broke it.

One flash of movement — and he was at the goal.

0-1.

Kaede slammed his fists on the railing. "Come on, Reo!"

But Reo wasn't discouraged. If anything, he was smiling.

"Alright," he whispered. "No more games."

The restart was brutal. Reo's pace doubled — his control tightening, his movements more unpredictable. Akira struggled to keep up.

And when Reo saw an opening, he took it.

The shot was perfect.

1-1.

The stadium roared.

Akira's smirk faded. "Not bad. But can you keep it up?"

The final minutes were a blur of speed and intensity. Akira pushed harder. Reo pushed back. And in the very last second — Reo struck.

The ball sailed — and hit the net.

2-1.

The whistle blew.

Reo stood there, breathing hard, his victory undeniable.

Renji smiled from the stands. They were all evolving.

But the real fight was still ahead.