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

The ball flew like a missile. Renji's heart pounded as Reo's shot closed in. There was no time to think — only react.

Renji pushed off the ground with everything he had. His body stretched, his fingertips brushing the ball —

Thud!

The ball slammed into the crossbar and ricocheted high into the air.

For a breathless second, the entire field froze.

Then — chaos.

Sora and Kaede both charged toward the falling ball. Their eyes locked — neither willing to back down.

Kaede reached it first. With a powerful leap, he sent a long clearance kick rocketing down the field.

The ball sailed over everyone's heads — and Riku was already moving.

"Go!" Kaede shouted.

Renji pushed himself up, watching the counterattack unfold.

Riku controlled the ball with surgical precision, weaving through Jin and Reo like they weren't even there. Every touch was calculated, every movement deliberate.

But Sora was coming fast.

Renji saw it before Riku did. "Behind you!"

Too late.

Sora's tackle was vicious and clean. The ball slipped away.

But Riku didn't fall.

Instead, he pivoted — and in a flash, he stole the ball right back.

The stadium erupted.

"Not bad," Sora muttered, his eyes blazing with frustration.

Riku didn't answer. He was already focused on the goal.

Kaede was in position, waving for the pass. But Riku ignored him.

He wanted this.

Riku closed in on the box — and Jin moved to intercept.

The two collided — but Riku didn't slow down. He spun, cutting inside — and the goal was in sight.

Reo closed the gap.

But Riku had already made his decision.

With a sharp flick, he chipped the ball over Reo's outstretched leg —

And fired.

The shot was a bullet.

Jin lunged — but the ball was too fast.

The net rippled.

2-1.

The whistle blew — and the match was over.

Renji's chest heaved as the reality sank in. They had won. But in this stage, victory didn't mean safety.

Eizen's voice crackled over the speakers.

"Match over. Let's see the individual rankings."

The screen flickered — and the scores appeared.

1. Riku Takane — 7 points2. Sora Iwane — 6 points3. Kaede Aizawa — 5 points4. Renji Kurogami — 4 points5. Reo Hisame — 3 points6. Jin Kisaragi — 2 points

Renji's heart sank. Fourth.

He wasn't used to this.

Eizen's voice cut through the tension. "Remember — the bottom three after this phase will be eliminated. Fight harder if you want to survive."

Renji clenched his fists. He wasn't going to let this stand.

The next match was coming — and he had no intention of staying at the bottom.