The field was chaos. Every player's ego burned so fiercely, it felt like the air itself was igniting. And in the midst of that storm — Renji Kurogami moved.
Riku Saionji's control was flawless as he surged forward, eyes scanning the field for the perfect opportunity. Renji knew Saionji's vision was exceptional — but that also made him predictable.
He's going to pass. But to who?
Kaede Arata was already positioning himself on the left, ready for a long-range shot. Sora Amagi was further ahead, his sharp presence demanding attention. Reiji Sakamoto crashed forward like a battering ram, looking for the physical duel.
But Renji saw it — the faintest glance Saionji gave toward Amagi.
There it is.
The pass flew — but Renji was already moving.
He activated his Phantom Waltz, his body blurring into motion as he cut through the chaos. He wasn't just fast — his movements were unreadable, shifting directions with impossible fluidity.
Before Amagi could even react, Renji intercepted the pass. The ball connected with his foot, and he killed its momentum instantly.
For a heartbeat, the entire field froze.
And then the world exploded.
Amagi lunged at him. Mori was closing in from behind. Shindo was cutting from the right. Even Aikawa was moving, determined not to let Renji take the spotlight.
But Renji… had already decided.
Now.
He unleashed his Specter Drive, his acceleration tearing through the gaps between the players. It wasn't just speed — it was control. The ball never strayed more than an inch from his foot.
Sho Nakata tried to block him, but Renji used a sudden La Croqueta, slipping the ball sideways and darting past in one fluid motion.
The penalty area loomed ahead. Takuma Ogawa, Team 2's keeper, was bracing himself.
But Renji wasn't done yet.
He activated his Void Strike — but this time, he didn't shoot immediately. The energy of the strike built up as he kept dribbling, the pressure rising with every step.
Ogawa's eyes widened, unsure when the shot would come.
And then — Renji stopped.
With a perfect Elastico, he shifted the ball left, then right — and unleashed the Void Strike.
The ball screamed through the air. Ogawa dove — but the shot was too fast, too powerful. The net rippled violently as the ball crashed into the goal.
4-2.
For a second, there was nothing but silence.
And then — the field erupted.
But Renji didn't hear it. He stood there, his breath heavy, his eyes locked on the goal.
This… was just the beginning.
To be continue.....