Theo, Renjiro, Tatsuro, Haruka, and Minji gathered in a tight huddle near the side of the training ground, glancing over at the other team who looked just as ready to claim the pitch. Theo spoke first, his tone firm. "We need to watch out for that one player who suggested this match. He's got a different energy about him, like he's really out to prove something."
Minji nodded, frowning. "I agree, Theo. There's something about him… I've got a bad feeling."
Before anyone could respond, a voice interrupted from behind them. "You guys done with your little chit-chatting?" It was Ken, his expression laced with impatience. "Let's start the match already. Or are you too scared?" His smirk was full of arrogance, and he bounced the ball with an easy confidence that got under Theo's skin.
Theo kept his focus and thought to himself, This is a four-on-four match, but I've got to stay on my toes. This guy… he's different. He gave a nod to his team, signaling that it was time to start.
As soon as the whistle blew, the other team took the initiative, sending a long ball upfield with precision. One of their players shouted, "Here you go, Ken!" as the ball sailed through the air. It landed right in Ken's path, and he controlled it with a flashy first touch, his footwork making it look effortless.
Without wasting a moment, Ken darted toward their goal, only to be met by Renjiro, who stood firm in his path. "Try getting past me, Mr. Confident," Renjiro challenged, setting up his defense.
Ken only smirked, unfazed. He launched into a rapid sequence of movements, his footwork a blur. With a sudden flick, he nutmegged Renjiro, sending the ball straight through his legs. Renjiro's jaw dropped as he stumbled, barely able to believe what had just happened. "How'd he manage to get past me like that?"
Seeing Renjiro beaten, Theo and Minji moved in to press Ken, aiming to corner him. But Ken's confidence was unshaken. In a swift move, he spotted his teammate Itsuki and passed the ball. "Pass it back to me, Itsuki!" he called, positioning himself.
Itsuki sent in a perfect cross, and Ken jumped to meet it with a powerful bicycle kick. Tatsuro dove for the ball, stretching as far as he could, but he couldn't reach it. "I can't reach it…" Tatsuro muttered as the ball rocketed into the back of the net. Ken landed and sprang up, brushing off his uniform with a smug grin.
Ken turned to Theo's team, his voice laced with arrogance. "Now," he said, a self-satisfied smile on his face, "the pitch is ours!"
The air felt heavy, everyone momentarily stunned by Ken's incredible goal. But suddenly, João Gabriel Silva Jr. burst onto the field, his face lighting up with excitement as he bounded over to the group. "The match isn't over yet!" he announced, practically vibrating with energy. Without hesitation, João moved to Renjiro and tapped him on the shoulder. "Sorry, amigo, but let me take it from here!"
Renjiro stepped aside, giving João an intrigued look. Theo exchanged a quick nod with João, and the game resumed with renewed energy. Theo skillfully maneuvered around a few players before passing the ball to João.
The moment João received the ball, he sprang to life, his movements electric. He blazed down the field, effortlessly dribbling past defenders, each touch of the ball calculated and precise. His dazzling footwork left everyone in awe as he broke past the opposing players one by one, weaving through them like they weren't even there.
At the end, João found himself facing Ken, who stood ready, his eyes narrowed. The two locked gazes, tension thick in the air as Ken braced himself. "You think you can get past me, Brazilian hotshot?" he sneered, his tone mocking.
João's grin widened, unfazed. "Oh, you have no idea." He moved with a quick feint, throwing Ken off balance, and with a graceful sidestep, he slipped right past him. Ken stumbled, visibly flustered, but João didn't even glance back. He was already aiming for the goal.
To make it even more spectacular, João executed a rabona shot, the ball arcing beautifully toward the goal. It slipped past the keeper and hit the net, an impossible shot that left everyone stunned. João immediately broke into a celebratory dance, spinning and clapping his hands, his energy infectious as he hyped up his teammates.
Finally, he stopped, posing with a confident smile. "I am João Gabriel Silva Jr., the #1 of Black Team!"
Theo and the others cheered, surrounding João with laughter and pats on the back, the tension from earlier completely gone. Ken's team stood off to the side, looking furious and deflated. Ken clenched his jaw, clearly annoyed, but kept his expression neutral. He turned to his teammate, Itsuki, and muttered, "Let's go," before walking off the field, his shoulders tense with frustration.
Theo and his team watched them leave, still riding high from João's game-changing move. As they made their way off the field, they couldn't stop talking about João's goal, the excitement keeping them on a high.
The group decided to unwind together after the intense match, heading to the nearby hangout spot by the training center. Laughter filled the air as they replayed João's goal over and over, each of them adding their own commentary and cheers. For the first time, Theo felt a strong connection with his teammates, realizing they had a chemistry that went beyond the game.
As they relaxed, João grinned at Theo, his eyes alight with determination. "This is just the beginning, Theo. Black Team's got the skills, but we've got the heart."
Theo smiled, feeling that same confidence. He couldn't wait for the next match, and with his team beside him, he knew they'd be ready for any challenge that came their way.