The first match for Team Z was a nightmare in the making.
They were up against Team Q, a group of players ranked #260 to #279. While Team Z was filled with players desperate to prove themselves, Team Q had already proven why they were ranked higher.
And at the top of Team Q stood their leader, #260: Raiju Okami, "The Wolf."
Raiju had sharp, predatory eyes, short silver hair streaked with black, and a lean, muscular build. His movements were sleek and calculated, his presence on the field almost terrifying.
"I hope you're ready to lose, cubs," Raiju sneered at Team Z as the whistle blew.
The Players of Team Q
As the game began, Kaito quickly realized Team Q wasn't just a collection of individuals—they moved like a pack under Raiju's command.
Here were their players:
#260: Raiju Okami
The captain and star player of Team Q. Fast, agile, and deadly accurate with his shots. His ability to read the field and command his teammates made him almost untouchable.
#261: Takuro Hayate
A speedster winger with blazing fast dribbling. His quick sprints allowed him to exploit gaps in Team Z's defense.
#262: Hiroto Kanzaki
A playmaker with incredible passing accuracy. He acted as Raiju's right-hand man, delivering perfect assists.
#263: Keisuke Asano
Known as the "Wall." A towering defender who blocked any attempt Team Z made to push forward.
#264: Renji Ogasawara
A midfielder who specialized in interceptions. His positioning was flawless, making it nearly impossible to get past him.
#265: Fuma Arata
A versatile forward who worked in tandem with Raiju to overwhelm defenders.
#266: Tetsuya Koga
A defensive midfielder with a knack for breaking up plays and delivering brutal tackles.
#267: Naoto Shirai
A left-winger who specialized in crossing the ball into dangerous areas.
#268: Yuto Mizushima
A goalkeeper with quick reflexes and a commanding presence in the box.
#269: Shigeru Matsui
A striker with a powerful shot but less accuracy, used as a decoy by Raiju.
#270-#278:
Supporting players with solid skills, but none that stood out individually. They filled in the gaps, ensuring the team worked like a machine.The Game Begins
BOOM!
The ball slammed into Team Z's net for the second time.
2-0.
Raiju jogged back to his position, his smirk growing wider with every goal.
"You're making this too easy," he called out. His voice carried across the field, mocking Team Z.
Kuroka Bachira clenched his fists. "I'll wipe that grin off your face!"
Kuroka took the ball, dribbling down the field with his signature wild movements. His control was mesmerizing, and he slipped past two defenders with ease.
But then—
"Too slow."
Raiju appeared out of nowhere, stealing the ball with a perfectly timed tackle.
"You're flashy, but you've got no substance," Raiju said, darting forward with the ball.
He dodged Kaito like he wasn't even there and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner of the net.
3-0.
Kaito's Awakening
Kaito Isagi watched from the back, his heart pounding.
He wasn't the fastest. He wasn't the strongest. But he could see the field.
He could see the gaps.
"Spatial awareness…" he muttered.
Raiju's dominance wasn't just because of his speed or power—it was how he used the space around him.
Kaito gritted his teeth. If they wanted to stand a chance, they had to think like Raiju.
The game resumed.
Kuroka looses the ball to Raiju.
"Damnit!" Kuroka barked.
Kaito nodded, his eyes scanning the field.
He sprinted forward, dodging defenders. He saw the gap—a small opening between Team Q's defense.
"This my Direct Shot Dad!" Kaito Shouts
Kaito planted his foot, focused, and swung his leg.
BAM!
The ball soared into the net.
3-1.
Kaito stumbled, breathing heavily. But he couldn't stop smiling.
Kuroka stormed up to Kaito, his wild hair flying.
"What the hell was that?!" he shouted.
"What?" Kaito asked, confused.
"That was my goal! You stole my moment!"
Kaito frowned. "But it came to me"
"Shut up!" Kuroka snapped. "You're just lucky. Don't think you're better than me!"
Kaito sighed, shaking his head. But deep down, he felt something new.
The ball, the field, the goal—it all felt natural.
He wasn't just playing.
He was finally becoming a striker.