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

The ball hit the net with a sickening finality.

0-1.

Renji pushed himself up slowly, his teeth gritted. This wasn't just a goal — it was a warning.

Kaede's frustration boiled over. "What the hell was that!? How did they move so fast!?"

Riku's eyes stayed on their opponents. "They've been hiding their real strength. And now they're showing us just how far behind we are."

The whistle blew, and the game resumed.

Koga Ren was a lightning storm. Every time he touched the ball, the air itself seemed to crackle. Renji and Kaede moved to cut him off — but he slipped past them like water.

"Too slow," Koga taunted, his voice like a razor.

But Renji wasn't backing down.

He surged forward, predicting Koga's next step — and this time, he was there first.

Their collision was brutal.

Renji stole the ball, the impact sending shockwaves through his body.

"Go!" he shouted, sending a perfect pass toward Riku.

Riku didn't hesitate. His control was flawless as he sped down the field. Kaede flanked him, ready for the assist.

But Shiro Amani was waiting.

Riku feinted left — and Shiro didn't even flinch. He cut off the pass before it could even happen, his eyes cold and calculating.

"Is that all you've got?" Shiro's voice was calm. Too calm.

Renji felt the pressure mounting. They couldn't break through.

Minutes ticked by, each one more agonizing than the last.

And then — disaster.

Koga struck again.

With speed and precision that felt almost inhuman, he broke through their defense and fired another shot.

Renji dove — but it was too fast.

0-2.

The stadium fell into a heavy silence.

Kaede's fists shook. "We're getting destroyed."

But Riku… Riku was smiling.

"Not yet," he said quietly. "We're just getting started."

Renji's heart pounded. They were down — but they weren't out. And this game was far from over.