The day before Team Z's match against Team W, the entire squad gathered in the video room. They sat on the floor in a semicircle, their eyes fixed on Isagi, who stood in front of the screen. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the projector as Isagi switched between footage of Team W's previous matches. Next to him stood a whiteboard, hastily filled with diagrams and scribbled notes.
Raichi sat cross-legged at the edge of the group, his posture stiff and his expression taut. He'd thrown himself into training over the past week, determined to prove he was back to full strength. Yet, an underlying anxiety gnawed at him. The idea of being sidelined or, worse, placed in the goalkeeper position, lingered in his mind like a shadow. His irritation was barely concealed, though he trusted Isagi's judgment enough to hope that his fears were unfounded.
Isagi turned to face them, his calm demeanor commanding attention.
"Alright"
He began, his voice steady but firm.
"Team W's main firepower lies in the Wanima twins. Their combination play is remarkable—it's like they can predict each other's movements perfectly. Our primary objective will be to disrupt their synergy. They both like to push forward, so we'll keep one of them marked at all times. The key is to isolate them, cutting off their connection and forcing mistakes."
He picked up a marker and sketched out a 4-3-3 formation on the board.
"We'll use an attacking setup. Here's the lineup:
Striker: Kira
Left Wing: Kunigami
Right Wing: Bachira
Central Attacking Midfield: Me
Central Midfielders: Naruhaya and Imamura
Left Back: Chigiri
Center Backs: Raichi and Igaguri
Right Back: Iemon
Goalkeeper: Gagamaru
Any questions?"
Isagi stepped back and scanned the group, his eyes sharp, searching for any sign of doubt or dissatisfaction.
Gagamaru raised his hand.
"Why am I in the goalkeeper position? I thought that role was supposed to rotate between Iemon and Igaguri."
His tone was curious rather than defiant. Though he'd only played as a keeper for about twenty minutes before, he'd found it intriguing, though not as deeply captivating as his passion for being a striker.
Isagi gave him an apologetic smile.
"You're by far the best goalkeeper we have. Your flexibility and agility are unmatched, and those are critical for saving goals. Up front and in midfield, we already have enough firepower, and our defense has improved. You'll stay in this position for the match against Team V as well."
'Gagamaru might not feel like it now, but this early experience will be invaluable for him, even in the Neo Egoist League.'
After a moment of thought, Gagamaru nodded. Isagi's reasoning was sound, and he chose to trust the plan.
Raichi, however, wasn't as accepting.
"Why am I on defense?"
He asked, his voice tinged with frustration. He leaned forward, his fists resting on his knees.
"I'm fully recovered and ready to go. I should be up front scoring some sexy goals, not stuck in the backline!"
Isagi didn't miss a beat.
"Because of your physicality and stamina. You're the only one who can keep up with the Wanima twins for an entire 90-minute match."
His response was immediate, almost as if he'd anticipated Raichi's protest.
The room chuckled at Raichi's predictability, but Raichi wasn't deterred.
"I'm a striker"
He insisted.
"That's my position! And if we're talking about stamina and physicality, aren't you just as qualified? Why don't you play defense, then?"
Isagi's gaze didn't waver.
"You're right"
He admitted.
"But my passing and shooting abilities are needed up front. Ego's philosophy is clear: we're here to evolve by facing extreme challenges. I'm not saying you shouldn't play for yourself—you absolutely should. But if you're doing that, make sure you deliver results. Otherwise, you're putting everyone's career at risk. And if that happens, I won't hesitate to treat you like I treated you during our first match."
His tone was calm but carried a sharp edge. The message was clear: this was not a game where mistakes could be afforded. The stakes were high, and the cost of failure was absolute.
The room fell silent. The weight of Isagi's words sank in, each player reflecting on their role in the upcoming match. They weren't just teammates; they were rivals, fighting for their survival in the world of soccer. And in this high-pressure environment, there was no room for ego without results.
Raichi, though still dissatisfied, leaned back and crossed his arms, accepting the explanation for now. The tension eased as the team refocused, their resolve hardening. Tomorrow's match would be a test of their skills, their strategy, and their ability to adapt—not just as players but as individuals chasing their dreams
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The day of the match.Team W stood on the field, waiting for Team Z to make their entrance. The air was thick with anticipation. When Team Z finally appeared, their energy was palpable—a confident and almost electrifying aura surrounded them. Team W's players exchanged uneasy glances. They'd spent hours studying highlights of Team Z's previous matches, and one thing was clear: Team Z was well-organized, constantly adapting their strategy. They had already changed their formation in both of their previous matches, and now, as they lined up, it was evident they'd done it again.
The whistle blew, and Team W began the kick-off. The Wanima twins took charge immediately. Despite their contrasting personalities—one stoic and quiet, the other talkative and constantly quoting his brother—their chemistry on the field was undeniable. Their movements were synchronized, as though they shared a single mind.
"You want to pass the ball?"
Kira's voice cut through the air as he charged toward Keisuke Wanima, the elder of the two, identifiable by his distinctive crocodile-shaped eyebrows. Kira marked him tightly, forcing Keisuke to pass the ball to his younger brother, Junichi, who had challenged Kira with a taunting grin moments earlier.
Junichi received the pass cleanly and began dribbling with quick, precise movements. He tried to create space, but his search for his brother was met with an unsettling realization—Keisuke was completely neutralized. Kira stuck to him like glue, denying him any opportunity to advance.
Before Junichi could think of a new plan, a blur of movement disrupted his focus. Isagi closed in swiftly, reading the play perfectly. With a clean, decisive tackle, Isagi swept the ball off Junichi's feet and immediately initiated a counterattack.
'Haa… I hope this match won't get too boring,'
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[A/N]: Hi Guys, Just letting you know that this match is going to be very short, I don't like Team W that much and want to get to the next match instead