Kazuki quickly gave instructions on how they would play before turning to Matsuda. "You, go play defense," he ordered.
"Okay," Matsuda replied, heading off without any objections.
The game began, and Kazuki locked eyes with Ryunosuke. Both were the captains of their teams. Ryunosuke had a strong build and an aggressive smile. He carried himself with such confidence that most players wanted to be on his team—even Kaichi, who had played with Matsuda in yesterday's game was now on Ryunosuke's side.
Kazuki, on the other hand, had bright red hair and a friendly smile. Though his build wasn't special, Ryunosuke didn't take him lightly. Anyone watching could see that these two had a shared history.
"Thanks for letting us kick off first... I hope you won't regret it later," Kazuki said with a cheeky grin.
Kazuki's team kicked off, and Ryunosuke immediately shouted orders: "Mark! Mark! Don't let them get comfortable with the ball! Press them!" His yellow team pressed hard, making it tough for Kazuki's side to move forward. They had to pass out from the back.
One of Kazuki's players won the ball and sent it down the left wing for a counterattack. The winger, though slim, was quick as lightning, pushing the ball toward the corner flag. But before he could get there, a yellow-green defender blocked his path. The winger stopped and tried to fake his way past, but the defender stayed focused, reading his every move.
Kazuki sprinted forward, drawing the defender with him and getting ready for a cross. Just before the ball went out of play, the winger cut inside and, instead of crossing with his left foot as expected, surprised everyone with a right-footed rabona, lofting the ball into the box.
Kazuki, running in from midfield, got to the ball just in time. The goalkeeper yelled, "Mine!" but Kazuki met the ball with his head, sending it into the net before the keeper could react. The goalkeeper could only watch as the ball sailed past him.
The coach, watching closely, nodded and then spoke to the goalkeeper. "Nagumo, once you call for the ball, you need to commit. Go for it fast! Don't let them get a head on it. You've got the advantage with your hands. If you can't reach it, stay in your spot and be ready."
"Okay, coach," Nagumo replied.
Though it was just a training match, the coach was firm. "Good ball, Kazuki," he added.
"Thanks, coach," Kazuki replied with a grin. With the score at 1-0, the players reset for the restart. "Nice play," Kazuki said to Ryunosuke, who smirked in response.
"I won't go down that easy," Ryunosuke replied with confidence, stepping back as the ball was placed in the center circle. A determined look crossed his face.
Kazuki quickly caught on to Ryunosuke's plan and shouted, "Otowa, quick! Watch the ball! He's going to go for a direct shot!" he warned his goalkeeper.
Before the warning could fully register, the whistle blew, and Ryunosuke fired a powerful shot. The ball soared toward the goal, curving slightly before swerving left. Otowa, however, was ready. He stepped forward, diving to his left, and tipped the ball over the bar just in time.
"Great save!" Kazuki cheered, grinning at Ryunosuke, who rolled his eyes and prepared to contest the first corner of the game.
The green team moved forward for the corner. The ball was placed near the flag, and the taker scanned the crowded box, spotting Ryunosuke, who was marked by Kazuki. Noticing Otowa was slightly out of position, the taker decided to aim for goal directly. The ball curled toward the net, but Otowa reacted fast again, punching it away. The ball landed right at Matsuda's feet.
For a moment, Matsuda hesitated, unsure of what to do. "Ahh, Seems even the ball can't escape a legend such as myself" he joked in his head.
His teammates called out, "Pass! Pass!" One of the strikers made a run, signaling for the ball, while the winger moved behind Matsuda, wanting a pass.
Matsuda felt overwhelmed. Unsure, he pushed the ball forward himself. Kazuki was pleased—as long as they were getting out of their defensive third, it was a win. He sprinted ahead, leaving Ryunosuke in the box.
Before Ryunosuke could react, Kazuki was already charging toward the opposing goal. Being one of the fastest players on the field, it made sense.
"Fall back!" Ryunosuke shouted as he began to retreat and defend.
"Pass! Pass!" Matsuda's teammates urged again.
But Matsuda kept moving forward, torn between passing or holding onto the ball. "Which will make me stand out more?" he thought. "If I pass, someone else gets the glory. Shouldn't I try to prove myself?"
As he neared a defender, his teammates yelled, "Don't dribble! Just pass!" But with a quick body feint, he slipped past the defender. His teammates sighed in relief.
Then, Matsuda heard Kazuki call from behind, "Pass now!"
"Sure," Matsuda muttered, deciding to attempt a no-look backheel pass, thinking a teammate was behind him. The ball rolled backward, away from the attack.
Everyone froze. Kazuki, who had sprinted ahead, looked baffled as the ball moved in the wrong direction. "What?!" he gasped.
Ryunosuke, now back in defense, was equally stunned. The ball had been passed right to him. He stood still for a moment before reacting.
Matsuda, realizing his mistake, mumbled, "Damn... I screwed up."