The sun dipped behind the horizon, and the EOS training field was drenched in the cool tones of twilight. The air was still, save for the soft sound of a soccer ball being juggled. The only two figures on the field were Renji Kurogami and Seiji Nakamura [Old Legend].
Renji's body ached from the relentless training of the day — but his mind was burning. The sting of defeat against Mori and Yuto still lingered, and the frustration of his own limits gnawed at him. He needed to evolve — faster and stronger than anyone else.
Nakamura watched Renji silently, his keen eyes reading every twitch of his body. "You've improved your vision," Nakamura said. "But you're still relying too much on your special skills. Specter Drive, Phantom Step… they're flashy. But in real football, fundamentals win games."
Renji's fists tightened. "Then teach me how to sharpen those fundamentals."
Nakamura smirked. "Good. Let's start simple. Tonight, no special moves. We focus on control, precision, and awareness. Show me if you can play real football."
One-on-One: The Master vs. The Challenger
Nakamura tossed the ball into the air, and the game began.
Renji charged in immediately, trying to close the gap — but Nakamura's control was flawless. With a simple feint, he shifted his body weight and sent Renji lunging into empty space.
"Too eager," Nakamura chided, flicking the ball past him.
Renji adjusted, keeping his eyes locked on Nakamura's movements. No more rushing in. He focused on his positioning and timing, waiting for an opening.
Nakamura advanced, and Renji recognized the technique — the La Croqueta. Nakamura shifted the ball smoothly from one foot to the other, sliding past him with perfect control.
Not this time.
Renji mirrored the movement, cutting into Nakamura's path. Their feet collided as they both reached for the ball — but Nakamura was faster. With a quick pullback, he switched direction and kept possession.
"You're reading me better," Nakamura said, his voice calm even as his movements stayed sharp. "But reading and reacting aren't enough. You need to dictate the game."
Renji gritted his teeth. If reading wasn't enough, then he'd take control.
He backed off slightly, giving Nakamura space — and when the old legend pushed forward, Renji struck. Anticipating the pass, he cut in with a Step-In Intercept, his foot connecting cleanly and stealing the ball.
But the moment he turned to attack, Nakamura was already on him. Their game shifted into a tight dance of close control and swift touches — Renji using quick passes and body feints to maintain possession, Nakamura pressing with relentless precision.
For the first time, Renji felt it — the rhythm of the game. The field opened up in his mind, his vision expanding as he tracked every movement. And as Nakamura closed in, Renji executed a V Drag Back, pulling the ball away and spinning into open space.
He broke free.
"Good," Nakamura called from behind him. "Now let's see if you can keep it up."
End of the Session
Renji collapsed onto the grass, his chest heaving. His body screamed with exhaustion, but his mind was clear. The game had slowed down for him tonight — every movement, every opportunity laid bare before his eyes.
"You're starting to get it," Nakamura said, standing over him. "But you still rely too much on instinct. Once you learn to control the flow of the game, no one will be able to stop you."
Renji looked up, his eyes blazing. "Then I'll master it."
Nakamura smiled. "Good. Because tomorrow, the real training begins."
(To be continued…)