The sun climbed high over the EOS training field, its heat bearing down on the five players standing across from Seiji Nakamura [Old Legend]. The air was charged with tension — everyone knew this would be their last chance to prove themselves under Nakamura's training.
Nakamura stood calmly with the ball at his feet, his presence radiating control. "This is your final test," he said. "One simple rule: steal the ball from me. You can use everything you've learned from me and Hoshigaki — your vision, your movements, your keys. Show me what you've got."
The five players — Renji Kurogami, Kazuya Mori, Yuto Kisaragi, Tetsuya Aikawa, and Kazuki Shindo — exchanged glances. They knew it wouldn't be simple. Nakamura wasn't just a midfielder — he was a master.
"Come at me," Nakamura said.
The game began.
The Impossible Task
Mori was the first to move — charging forward with his sharp acceleration. He closed the gap in seconds, aiming to pressure Nakamura. But the old legend didn't flinch. With a subtle flick of his ankle, he pulled off a perfect Elastico, sending the ball one way while his body shifted the other.
Mori stumbled — and Nakamura was gone.
"Too obvious," Nakamura called out, his voice calm.
Yuto was next. He didn't rush in like Mori — instead, he waited, watching Nakamura's movements. When Nakamura made his next touch, Yuto anticipated it and slid in for the tackle — but Nakamura read him just as easily. With a delicate touch, he lifted the ball over Yuto's leg with a Sombrero Flick, landing smoothly on the other side.
"Not fast enough."
Renji's fists clenched. The gap between them felt immense. But he couldn't afford to hesitate. He signaled to Shindo and Aikawa — they needed to attack together.
The three of them closed in from different angles, forcing Nakamura into a tight space. Aikawa came in with blistering speed, while Shindo cut off his passing lane. Renji waited, his eyes tracking Nakamura's every movement.
For a second, it looked like they had him — but then Nakamura moved.
With the ball glued to his feet, he executed a Marseille Turn, spinning away from all three of them in one fluid motion. The elegance of the technique left them flat-footed, and before they could recover, Nakamura was already breaking forward.
"Is that all?" Nakamura asked, his voice taunting.
Renji's Gamble
Renji wiped sweat from his brow, his mind racing. He couldn't beat Nakamura alone — that much was obvious. But maybe he didn't have to.
He glanced at Mori and Yuto — the two players evolving the fastest. A plan formed.
"Follow my lead," Renji called out.
As Nakamura advanced, Renji positioned himself ahead of him, acting as a decoy. He rushed in — but this time, he didn't commit. Instead, he feinted, forcing Nakamura to react.
At that instant, Mori surged in from the side. Nakamura's attention shifted — and Yuto was there, cutting off his escape.
But Nakamura wasn't done yet. With breathtaking control, he executed the McGeady Spin, twisting past both players with lightning-fast footwork. It was a world-class move — and it almost worked.
Almost.
Because Renji was waiting.
Reading the spin, he darted in — and with perfect timing, intercepted the ball with a Hook Tackle, stealing it cleanly.
For the first time, Nakamura was caught off guard.
"Well done," Nakamura said, a smile playing at his lips.
Renji stood there, the ball at his feet, his heart pounding. The plan had worked. And it was only possible because of the relentless training — the late nights, the failures, and the obsession to stand at the top.
Aftermath
As the five players gathered, catching their breath, Nakamura nodded approvingly. "You've all grown. But Renji… you're starting to understand what it takes to control the game. That's good."
Renji's eyes burned with determination. He wasn't satisfied yet. He knew this was only the beginning.
"Tomorrow," Nakamura continued, "a new legend will push you even further. Be ready."
The players exchanged glances, the excitement and tension building. And as the sun dipped low, Renji knew one thing — his path to the top was just beginning.
(To be continued…)