The next morning, after the test of the new recruits. Aoba Johsai's gymnasium was quiet. A light breeze blew through the open windows.
Ren Takeshi was standing in the corner, watching the team practice. He was officially a member of the team now, but this was only the beginning of his journey.
Ren (thinking): " This is more than I ever dreamed of... But now I have to prove that I deserve my place. It won't be easy. "
He concentrated, watching the players in action. Oikawa, always charismatic and exuberant, made his passes with incredible ease. Iwaizumi, more stoic, focused on his reception and his blocks. Hanamaki, for his part, had fun with feints in attack.
The coach gestured towards Ren, who stepped forward, ready to train under the watchful eye of his new teammates.
Coach: "Ren, today we're going to start with coordination exercises with Oikawa. I want to see how you adapt to our game system. We don't need you to be a genius right away, but show me you can keep up."
Oikawa (with a smirk): "I'll show you how to make an attacker shine. Prepare to be impressed."
----
[ Training begins. ]
Ren stood in the center of the field, watching as Oikawa positioned himself for the first pass. He knew it wasn't just a matter of power, but of timing. Oikawa was an exceptional passer, but his passes were often unpredictable, playing on complex angles.
Oikawa (throwing the ball towards Ren): "Be careful, I'm throwing you a difficult ball. If you really want to be part of the team, you have to be able to adapt to any situation."
Ren concentrated, watching the trajectory of the ball. The next moment, he leapt into the air, higher than he would have done in his old life. He hit the ball with a force that vibrated the air around him. The ball flew, impossible to stop for Iwaizumi who unsuccessfully attempted a block.
Oikawa (smiling broadly): "Not bad, but you haven't seen everything I can do yet."
Ren landed lightly and moved away from the net, ready to receive another ball. The training continued with several passes and attacks, but Ren began to realize that he had a talent that went far beyond what he had imagined. He adapted to Oikawa's every pass with disconcerting ease, his timing perfect and his jumps incredibly powerful.
----
[ Lunch break.]
The players gathered around the table for lunch. The atmosphere was relaxed, but eyes kept turning to Ren. Everyone had seen his abilities in action, and even the most experienced were intrigued by his game.
Hanamaki (eating quietly): "So, Ren, you think you can compete with Oikawa? Because he has a giant ego, you know."
Oikawa (smiles mischievously): "He's just talking, as usual. But he's right. Ren, you don't just have the physical abilities, you also have the instincts. But do you have the head to take this on?"
Ren (with a mischievous smile): "I have what it takes. Looks like I'm making a difference here, right?"
Iwaizumi (giving him a serious look): "Remember, it's not just power. What matters here is team spirit. If you think you can go it alone, you'll fall high."
Ren (with a confident, slightly arrogant, but friendly smile): "I agree. But, in my opinion, a genius also knows how to take advantage of the team."
----
[ Back to training. ]
The afternoon arrived, and training continued with match simulation games. Ren increasingly realized the importance of the team in this sport, despite his incredible talent. But something in his mind told him that his place here would be legitimized by the way he managed to fit in and guide his teammates as much as he taught them.
During one phase of play, Oikawa sent a complex pass, full of spin, almost impossible to receive. But Ren, with his ability to read passes, anticipated the move and launched himself into the air with an ease that impressed everyone. He hit the ball, but this time he used a completely different angle, hitting the ball sideways to create an unpredictable trajectory. The ball crossed the field and hit the ground before Iwaizumi could even reach it.
Iwaizumi (looks down, visibly impressed): "That's…that's exactly it. You got it."
The training is coming to an end. Ren stood in front of his new teammates, sweat beading on his forehead. He had dominated training, not only with his power, but also by showing a sense of the game that surprised everyone.
Oikawa (approaching Ren with a smile): "Well done, 'genius'. But you better maintain this level. Otherwise, you won't have your place among us."
Ren (with a mischievous smile, imitating his Gojo Satoru style): "No worries. I'm the one who will make the team shine." ---
Ren Takeshi had just made a remarkable entrance to Aoba Johsai. His exceptional abilities were evident, but he still had much to prove. He had learned one thing today: he was no longer the eternal substitute, but now he had to face a new challenge. Not just as a striker, but as a member of a team. The real test now began.