It had been a week since the fight that brought Kaito into the fold of the Nankatsu team. During that time, Kaito had quietly observed his teammates, slowly piecing together the bond they shared. He learned about their struggles, their dreams, and—most surprisingly—about the mysterious man who coached them.
Roberto Hongo wasn't just an ordinary coach. He was a legendary Brazilian player, one of the best the world had ever seen, whose career had been cut short due to an eye condition. This revelation stirred something in Kaito, though he didn't show it. If someone as great as Roberto believed in this team, maybe... just maybe, he could trust them too.
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The anticipation was thick in the air as the Nankatsu team gathered on their home field, prepping for the biggest challenge they'd faced so far: Shutetsu. This wasn't just any team—they were the undisputed champions of the district, a team polished to near perfection under their strict coach. And at the heart of it all was their unshakable goalkeeper, Genzo Wakabayashi, the "Iron Wall."
Nankatsu's players whispered nervously among themselves as Shutetsu's team bus rolled into view.
"They're here…" Ishizaki muttered, gulping as the bus doors opened.
One by one, Shutetsu's players stepped out, their pristine uniforms catching the sunlight. They looked disciplined, confident, and untouchable. At the end of the line stood Genzo, his sharp eyes scanning the field like a hawk. He carried himself with an aura that demanded respect—someone who knew he was the best.
Tsubasa stepped forward, his trademark grin in place, and walked up to Genzo. "Wakabayashi," he greeted casually, extending a hand.
Genzo regarded him for a moment before shaking his hand firmly. "Tsubasa Ozora. I remember you," he said, a small smirk forming. "That kick of yours left quite the impression."
Tsubasa chuckled, his confidence unwavering. "You'll see today that Nankatsu isn't just me. We're a team."
Genzo's smirk widened slightly. "We'll see. Just don't be surprised when we walk away with the win."
Behind Tsubasa, Ishizaki grumbled, "What's with this guy? So cocky!"
Kaito stood silently in the back, observing the interaction. His crimson eyes locked onto Genzo, who hadn't yet noticed him. Something about the goalkeeper's assured demeanor irritated Kaito, though he kept his emotions in check.
Yuko, standing nearby with Sanae, glanced at Kaito. "This should be interesting," she murmured. "I wonder how you'll handle him."
Kaito didn't respond, but his gaze hardened.
From the first whistle, Shutetsu's dominance was clear. Their players moved in perfect sync, their crisp passes and flawless positioning making it almost impossible for Nankatsu to gain any ground.
"Stay on them!" Tsubasa shouted, trying to rally his team.
Shutetsu's star forward weaved through Nankatsu's defense with ease, setting up an early goal that left the Nankatsu players stunned.
"Too fast…" Ishizaki groaned, picking himself up from the ground.
Despite the setback, Ishizaki threw himself into every tackle and block with unrelenting determination, even managing to stop a powerful pass at one point. His teammates cheered for him, a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise tough match.
Kaito watched in silence, his jaw clenched. Shutetsu wasn't just skilled—they were relentless.
Genzo's First Encounter with Kaito
Midway through the first half, Tsubasa managed to break through Shutetsu's midfield. His dribbling was mesmerizing, leaving defenders in his wake as he advanced toward the penalty area.
"Kaito!" Tsubasa called, passing the ball to him just outside the box.
The ball landed perfectly at Kaito's feet. Genzo's eyes narrowed as he finally took notice of the newcomer.
"Who's this guy?" Genzo muttered, adjusting his stance.
Kaito didn't hesitate. He took a deep breath and unleashed a blistering shot straight at the goal. The ball rocketed through the air like a missile, the sheer power behind it making the crowd gasp.
Genzo dove to his right, his gloves meeting the ball with a loud thwack. But the force of the shot was so immense that it knocked him back a step. His hands trembled as he gripped the ball, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief.
"What the hell was that?" Genzo muttered, staring at his shaking gloves.
On the sidelines, Roberto froze mid-drink, the flask slipping from his hand and hitting the ground with a dull clang.
"That shot… It's unreal," Roberto whispered, his eyes wide.
Even Shutetsu's coach, known for his unshakable composure, raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Yuko watched Kaito with a faint smile. "So that's what you've been hiding," she murmured.
Despite Kaito's impressive shot, Shutetsu maintained their dominance. They scored two more goals, their relentless attacks wearing down Nankatsu's defense.
Kaito, however, refused to back down. He intercepted passes, blocked shots, and worked tirelessly alongside Tsubasa to keep Nankatsu in the game.
"Kaito, pass it!" Tsubasa shouted as the clock ticked down.
But Kaito was cornered by two Shutetsu defenders. He hesitated for a split second before attempting to dribble past them, only to be dispossessed.
"Damn it…" he muttered under his breath, frustration boiling within him.
With two minutes left in the match and Nankatsu trailing 3-0, Kaito found himself in possession of the ball near midfield. The Shutetsu players closed in on him, their aggressive defense leaving him with no clear options.
"Kaito, over here!" Tsubasa called out, but Kaito didn't respond.
The pressure was overwhelming, the weight of the game pressing down on him. He could feel the eyes of everyone on the field, in the stands, and even on the sidelines.
"Move, damn it," he muttered to himself, gritting his teeth.
In a moment of desperation, Kaito struck the ball with everything he had. It wasn't a calculated move—just raw instinct and emotion.
The ball curved violently, twisting and spinning like a living thing. Its trajectory was unpredictable, snaking through the air with a blinding speed. The sound it made was almost inhuman—a sharp, roaring whistle that echoed across the field.
Genzo dove, but the ball's curve was too sharp, its speed too fast. It slammed into the net with a force that made the entire goal frame rattle.
The field went silent, everyone frozen in place.
"What… was that?" Ishizaki stammered, his eyes wide.
Roberto's jaw dropped as he stared at the goal. "That wasn't just power… That was something else entirely."
Yuko stepped forward, her voice cutting through the stunned silence. "Dragon Fang."
Everyone turned to look at her.
"That's what it was like," she said, her pink eyes locked on Kaito. "Sharp, ferocious, and impossible to stop."
Even Shutetsu's coach was visibly shaken, his composed demeanor cracking as he adjusted his glasses.
Though Shutetsu won 3-1, Kaito's shot left an indelible mark on the game. As the players lined up to shake hands, Genzo approached him.
"You've got a powerful shot," Genzo said, offering his hand. "If you ever want to leave Nankatsu, you've got a spot on Shutetsu."
Kaito shook his hand, saying nothing, but the faintest of smiles crossed his lips. It was so fleeting that only Yuko noticed, and she couldn't help but smile back.
For Kaito, the match wasn't just about proving himself—it was about breaking through his own limits. And as he walked off the field, he felt a small spark of pride.