The days leading up to the regional tournament flew by in a whirlwind of practice, late-night homework, and small victories on the field. With his newly unlocked Ball Control Boost (Level 1), Yuto could feel his technique becoming more refined, even during the simplest drills. His touches were lighter, his footwork smoother, and he was starting to keep up with the pace of his teammates.
The system's help had been valuable, but something had shifted in Yuto as well. Ryota's words still echoed in his mind. Trust your instincts. For the first time in a long while, Yuto was starting to believe in himself—not just in the system.
But as Yuto improved, so did the stakes.
The regional tournament was being held at a neighboring school, a sprawling campus with a pristine football field. The tournament itself was a major event, attracting teams from all over the region, each with their sights set on victory. Yuto's school was no exception. Ryota, Sora, and the rest of the team had trained hard for this, and everyone was buzzing with anticipation.
On the day of their first match, the team arrived early. Yuto stood on the sidelines, scanning the field where the other teams were warming up. His nerves were buzzing, but it wasn't the same fear that had gripped him in the past. This was excitement—anticipation for the game ahead.
"Hey, you ready?" Ryota asked, jogging up beside him.
Yuto nodded, clenching his fists. "Yeah. I'm ready."
"Good," Ryota said, slapping Yuto on the back. "We're counting on you out there."
Yuto took a deep breath. This was his chance to prove himself, not just to his teammates but to himself. The system had given him the tools, but now it was time to see how far he had really come.
As the whistle blew, signaling the start of the match, Yuto felt his pulse quicken. The first few minutes were intense. The opposing team was fast—faster than Yuto had expected—and they pressed hard from the start. But Yuto kept his cool, focusing on his positioning and his touches.
His Ball Control Boost kicked in as he maneuvered around the opposing players, dribbling with newfound precision. It wasn't perfect, but he could feel the difference. Every touch felt more controlled, more deliberate. He was keeping up with the pace of the game, and for once, he wasn't just reacting—he was playing with purpose.
Ryota, as always, was the driving force behind their team's attack. His leadership on the field was undeniable, and his presence seemed to give everyone a boost. But the opposing team wasn't backing down. They were skilled, organized, and relentless in their pursuit of the ball.
Midway through the first half, something changed. Yuto noticed a player on the other team—a tall, lean boy with sharp eyes and an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. He moved with grace, his touches flawless, and his speed unmatched.
Yuto's heart sank as he realized who it was.
Takuma Oda.
Takuma was a name that had been whispered among players and coaches alike, a rising star in the region known for his incredible skill and ruthless playstyle. He had a reputation for dominating games single-handedly, and now he was on the field against Yuto's team.
As soon as Takuma got the ball, the difference was obvious. His movements were quick, fluid, and unpredictable. He weaved through defenders with ease, slicing through Yuto's team like a hot knife through butter. The crowd gasped as he danced past Ryota, something few players had ever managed to do.
Yuto watched in disbelief as Takuma lined up a shot. The ball soared through the air, curving with perfect precision before slamming into the back of the net. The scoreboard lit up, showing the first goal of the match—Takuma's goal.
Yuto clenched his fists. This wasn't just another player. This was a rival.
As the game wore on, Yuto couldn't shake the feeling of being outclassed. No matter how hard his team fought, Takuma seemed to be everywhere at once—stealing passes, cutting off their attacks, and dictating the flow of the game. Even Ryota, as skilled as he was, was struggling to contain him.
During a break in the game, Yuto found himself on the sidelines, panting heavily and wiping sweat from his brow. Ryota walked over, frustration evident in his expression.
"That guy's on another level," Ryota muttered, his hands on his hips.
Yuto nodded, his eyes scanning the field where Takuma stood, cool and collected, talking with his teammates. "Yeah… he's incredible."
"But we can't let him get to us," Ryota continued. "We've faced tough opponents before. We just need to play our game."
Yuto knew Ryota was right, but Takuma wasn't just any opponent. He was the kind of player who could dominate a game by himself, the kind of player Yuto had always feared facing.
[ New Quest: Stop the Rival. ]
[ Objective: Prevent Takuma Oda from scoring in the second half. ]
[ Reward: Defensive Boost (Level 1). ]
Yuto's heart skipped a beat. The system had never given him a quest this specific before. Prevent Takuma from scoring? How was he supposed to do that? Takuma was leagues ahead of him, and Yuto wasn't even a defender.
But the system had given him a task, and if Yuto wanted to get stronger, he couldn't back down now.
The second half began, and Takuma wasted no time asserting his dominance. He took control of the ball, moving with the same deadly precision that had earned him his reputation. But this time, Yuto was ready.
He positioned himself in Takuma's path, determined to cut off his advance. Takuma noticed him and smirked, as if amused by the challenge.
"Let's see what you've got," Takuma muttered as he dribbled forward.
Yuto's heart raced. This was his chance. He couldn't afford to hesitate. He squared his shoulders and focused, relying on his instincts and the Ball Control Boost the system had given him.
Takuma darted to the left, trying to outpace Yuto, but Yuto moved with him, mirroring his movements. For the first time in the game, Yuto felt like he was keeping up. Takuma's eyes widened, just a fraction, but it was enough for Yuto to see that he had caught the star player off guard.
Takuma tried to feint, shifting his weight to the right, but Yuto was ready. He extended his leg, tipping the ball away from Takuma's control.
The crowd gasped as Yuto intercepted the ball, stopping Takuma in his tracks.
"Nice, Yuto!" Ryota shouted from the midfield, pumping his fist in the air.
Yuto barely had time to celebrate. Takuma wasn't done. He came at Yuto again, faster this time, more aggressive. But Yuto was ready. His heart pounded in his chest as he matched Takuma's speed, blocking his path and disrupting his rhythm. The system's Ball Control Boost kicked in again, giving Yuto just the edge he needed to hold his ground.
Takuma scowled, his frustration showing for the first time. Yuto could feel the tension between them—a clash of wills, a battle for dominance on the field.
But as the clock ticked down, something shifted. Yuto wasn't just playing to complete a quest anymore. He was playing because he wanted to. He wanted to prove that he could stand on the same field as Takuma, that he could hold his own against one of the best.
With only minutes left in the game, Takuma made one final push. He sprinted down the field, eyes locked on the goal. But Yuto was there, his body moving on instinct, intercepting Takuma's last attempt. The ball ricocheted off Yuto's foot, and the crowd erupted into cheers.
The final whistle blew.
Yuto collapsed onto the grass, his body trembling with exhaustion, but a smile spread across his face.
[ Quest Complete! Defensive Boost (Level 1) unlocked. ]
He had done it. He had stopped Takuma Oda.
As Yuto lay there, catching his breath, Takuma approached him. The star player's expression was unreadable, but there was a glint of respect in his eyes.
"You're not bad, Nakamura," Takuma said, offering Yuto a hand. "I'll remember that."
Yuto took his hand, pulling himself up. "Thanks. You're not so bad yourself."
Takuma smirked. "We'll see each other again. Don't fall behind."
As Takuma walked away, Yuto felt a surge of determination. He had faced his rival and come out stronger. But this was only the beginning. There were more challenges ahead, and Yuto was ready to face them.