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The whistle blew, and the match resumed with Ichinan High in possession. Returning to the pitch, Isagi immediately used his vision to scan for any cracks in Matsukaze Kokuou's defensive line. The ball danced back and forth, constantly leaving and returning to Isagi's feet as he orchestrated the play.
Up in the commentary booth, the announcers were impressed. "It seems that conceding a goal hasn't broken Ichinan's spirit. They are slowly reclaiming their rhythm under the leadership of Number 11."
"Matsukaze Kokuou isn't letting their guard down either. This match is far from over," the commentator added, offering his professional insight.
On the field, Isagi tried to steady his racing heart. That goal earlier... it had to be a fluke. He's superior in other areas, but I can still win this. Just stay calm.
Not far away, Kira Ryosuke stood watch, calmly observing the flow of the game. Isagi's talent was the ability to perceive the entire field, and now, Kira possessed that exact same God-eye view. Whatever Isagi saw, Kira saw clearer.
Strength, dribbling, shooting—I outclass you in every category, Isagi, Kira analyzed, a wave of dark satisfaction washing over him. In this life, you're going to lose miserably. Now, let's enjoy the show.
At the seventeen-minute mark, Isagi finally spotted an opening through the center. He sent a sharp, low-driven through ball slicing past two defenders, aimed perfectly at his teammate.
But the ball never reached its destination.
Kira, wearing that distinctive number 10 jersey, appeared out of nowhere to intercept the pass with clinical aggression.
"It's him again! Number 10 has shut down Ichinan's attack once more!" the commentator shouted in disbelief.
Isagi froze, stunned. If the first time was luck, then predicting his movements twice meant only one thing: Kira's level was far beyond his own.
Predictably, Kira turned the interception into a slaughter. He cut through the field as if no one else was there, reaching the penalty area in seconds. With a simple body feint, he sent the keeper diving the wrong way and tapped the ball into the net.
2-0.
The lead commentator stood up, losing his composure. "This match has completely transformed into the Ryosuke Kira show! He is dominating both ends of the pitch. He's reading his opponents like an open book!" He had completely forgotten his earlier comment about the match being "far from over."
Isagi stared blankly at Kira's retreating back. Did I really think I could beat a monster like that?
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The match continued, but the spirit of the Ichinan players had withered. Despair had turned them into ghosts on the pitch, leaving Isagi to struggle alone. It was futile. Even after his attribute boost expired, Kira's natural talent was enough to net two more goals.
The final whistle blew. 4-0.
The stands erupted. "Kira! Kira!" The chant was a tidal wave that drowned out everything else.
Near the Ichinan bench, the coach spoke through tears. "One day, you will realize this loss was not meaningless... Every moment in life has a purpose. To me, this team is the best in Japan."
No, Isagi thought, listening to the sentimental speech while a different voice screamed in his head. We are a team that is miles away from the Nationals. He turned away from his coach, his eyes locked on the figure surrounded by flowers and cameras. At the very least, I have to become a player like him.
On the interview podium, Kira finally understood why winning felt so addictive. The spotlight, the eyes of thousands—this was what it meant to truly be alive.
A reporter raised a microphone: "Kira-kun, the Nationals are clearly just a step for you. Do you have the confidence to make the U-18 National Team roster?"
The "old" Kira would have given a humble answer about focusing on the next game and thanking his teammates. But this Kira was different. He paused, then spoke with chilling confidence: "The Nationals are just the starting line. My goal is to become the world's number one, two, and three striker."
The reporters were stunned. This kid... They wrote it off as a teenage dream, but after today's performance, no one dared to laugh.
After the interviews and goodbyes, Kira returned home.
"I'm back!" he shouted as he opened the door.
"Welcome home! How was the match, Ryo?" His older sister, Rinko, walked out of the kitchen wearing an apron.
Looking at his family in this world, Kira smiled. "We won, of course. Your brother scored four goals."
"Heavens, four?! That sounds amazing. I don't know much about soccer, sorry!"
"Haha, it's fine. Just know that I'm going to be the man at the top of the football world."
Rinko laughed, patting his head like a child. "Don't get cocky! Wash your hands, it's time to eat."
Later, Kira lay on the sofa, rubbing his full stomach. "Sis, I'm going to be a pro athlete. Your cooking is so good I'm going to get too fat to run."
"Then eat less, you brat!"
"But it's too delicious..."
"Oh, right," Rinko remembered something and pulled a letter from a drawer. "This came for you. It's from some Football Union."
Kira sat up instantly. He knew exactly what it was.
"Ryosuke Kira... you've been selected for a 'Player Improvement Training Camp'?" Rinko looked confused. "But aren't you supposed to play in the Nationals? Is this a good thing?"
"It's a good thing, Sis. A very good thing." Kira looked at the letter, his heart pounding. Isagi would be receiving his right about now. The "Monster's Den" was calling, and he couldn't wait to meet them.
"Sis?"
"Yeah?"
"When I turn pro, I'm going to buy you a massive house."
"Eh? I'll be waiting for that day then."
Meanwhile, in the Isagi household.
Isagi curled up on his bed, replaying his life. He was just an obscure second-year striker. He wasn't like Noel Noa. He remembered being a child, glued to the TV, dreaming of becoming Japan's top scorer and winning the World Cup.
In the end, he was just an ordinary player who couldn't even reach the Nationals. His dream felt like a joke.
Kira's silhouette haunted his mind. He's so strong. His awareness, his dribbling, his finishing... he's the peak. Why was the gap so large? If he had trained harder, would the ending have changed? Or was his fate already sealed?
I'm not satisfied! I can't accept this!
Tears of frustration and despair streamed down his face. Then, a knock came at the door.
"Isagi, there's a letter for you. From the Football Union."
Isagi wiped his eyes and opened the door, confused. He read the words on the envelope, his breath catching.
"Isagi Yoichi... selected for the Player Improvement Training Camp?"
Why him? Would Kira be there? For a moment, Isagi wanted to shrink away. But then, a spark of ego flared up.
If he's there, I'll beat him. I'll take back everything I lost.