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

The tension on the field crackled like electricity. Renji wiped the sweat from his forehead, his eyes locked on Sora Itsuki. Even after his Oblivion Strike, there was no sign of panic in Sora's calm face. If anything, his eyes gleamed — like he was just getting serious.

Across the field, Yamada Kensuke stretched his neck, the muscles in his body tensing like a predator ready to hunt. Kaito Shiba bounced on his feet, his wild grin even wider.

Kaede smirked beside Renji. "They're not scared at all, huh?"

"They shouldn't be," Riku said quietly. "We haven't broken them yet."

The whistle blew.

Sora took the ball — and the battlefield erupted.

Kaito sprinted down the right wing, moving like lightning. Sora didn't even look up before sending a perfect long pass into his path. Kaede went after him, but Kaito was too fast.

"Let's see if you can keep up!" Kaito jeered.

Kaede pushed harder, his eyes blazing. "You're not getting past me this time!"

Kaito danced with the ball, his footwork wild and unpredictable. But Kaede didn't back off. He stayed on him, reading his movements — waiting for the right moment.

Then Kaito shifted — and Kaede struck.

His tackle was clean and powerful, stealing the ball with sheer force. The crowd roared, but there was no time to celebrate.

"Renji!" Kaede called, launching the ball forward.

Renji took off. He sprinted with everything he had, but Yamada was already closing in — fast and furious.

"Not this time!" Yamada growled.

Renji didn't slow. He feinted left, but Yamada didn't bite. The brute was reading him perfectly.

So Renji took the risk.

He kicked the ball forward and charged straight at Yamada.

Their bodies collided like a thunderclap. Renji felt the impact rattle through his bones, but he didn't fall. He pushed back — using every ounce of his strength.

And somehow, he slipped past.

The goal was in sight. Renji fired.

But Sora was there.

He intercepted with perfect timing, stealing the ball and flipping the field in an instant.

Riku's voice cut through the chaos. "Fall back!"

But they were already too late.

Yamada received the pass and unleashed his shot.

"Titan's Hammer!"

The ball flew like a cannonball — unstoppable.

2-2.

The crowd exploded.

Renji clenched his fists. "We're not losing this."

Sora's voice drifted over the field. "You're right. Because we're ending this now."

The storm was only getting started.