Chapter 24:The Final Stretch

The practice field was alive with the intensity of training as Team Z prepared for their final match against Team V. The atmosphere was charged, each player focused on sharpening their skills and pushing themselves to their limits. It was clear that this was no ordinary practice session. The looming match against Team V, considered the strongest in the tournament, weighed heavily on everyone's minds.

Bachira was weaving through cones with remarkable agility, practicing his dribbling with laser focus. His playful yet precise movements made it seem like he was playing a game within the game. Not far away, Kunigami was hammering powerful shots into the goal after receiving one-touch passes from Naruhaya, his muscular frame adding force to every strike. But something seemed off about Kunigami today—his shots lacked their usual precision.

On another corner of the field, Isagi and Lemon were working on corner set pieces with Kuon and Imamura defending, while Raichi took charge of the corner kick drills, shouting instructions and keeping the energy high. Gagamaru, ever the imposing figure, guarded the goal, his sharp reflexes on display with every attempt to score.

Off to the side, Chigiri was running sprint drills down the right wing, his blinding speed turning him into little more than a blur. His strides were long, controlled, and powerful, showcasing the potential threat he posed to any defense.

Kira clapped his hands to get their attention, his voice cutting through the commotion. "Alright, guys, let's run a scrimmage!" he called out. Immediately, everyone paused their individual drills and gathered, dividing into two groups for a 5v5 match. The atmosphere shifted as the scrimmage began, the intensity rising with every touch of the ball.

Kira watched from the side as the game unfolded, observing how each player performed under pressure. Everyone was giving their all, eager to refine their skills and prepare for the battle ahead. Isagi, in particular, moved sharper than usual. His ability to read the game, find space, and position himself in dangerous areas was becoming more refined with every practice. Though he didn't convert all his chances into goals, his relentless pursuit of openings was catching everyone's attention.

Kira noticed Isagi's newfound drive. What's up with him? he wondered, impressed by Isagi's growth. It was clear that the young striker was pushing himself harder than ever before, a fire burning in his eyes that wasn't there before.

Chigiri, on the other hand, was fully embracing his role as a speed demon on the wing. His sprints down the right side were not just fast but purposeful. He was stretching the field, drawing defenders out of position, and creating opportunities for his teammates to exploit. It was almost as if he was toying with the defenders, his pace too much for them to handle.

Yet, amidst the high-energy atmosphere, one player seemed to be lagging behind—Kunigami. His positioning was off, and his usually powerful shots lacked their signature precision and intensity. On multiple occasions, he failed to convert promising chances, much to his frustration. The opposing team had been marking his left foot heavily, neutralizing his primary weapon, but even when given space, Kunigami's decisions seemed off.

Instead of cutting inside to find better shooting angles, he lingered too far out on the wing, taking shots from distance that lacked power. His movements lacked the sharpness and urgency that the others were displaying, and it hadn't gone unnoticed by his teammates. They exchanged glances, concerned about their teammate's performance.

As the scrimmage ended, Team Z retired to their locker room, drenched in sweat. The players wiped down their faces and bodies with towels, some heading straight for the showers, eager to rinse off the exhaustion of training. Others lingered, cooling down and catching their breath, the day's hard work etched on their faces.

"Kunigami, are you alright?" Isagi asked as he approached, concern evident in his tone. "You didn't seem as energized during practice."

Kunigami hesitated before responding, offering a weak smile. "Oh? Yeah, I'm fine, Isagi," he replied, dodging the question. "I guess I'm just more tired than usual after yesterday's match and the celebration."

Isagi frowned but chose not to press the issue. "Well, if you need to talk, we're here," he said, offering a reassuring smile. "We're all in this together."

"Thanks, Isagi," Kunigami muttered, though his response lacked conviction. The unease in his demeanor didn't go unnoticed by his teammates, but they decided to let it slide for now, sensing that Kunigami wasn't ready to open up.

While the rest of the team cooled down, Kira continued his own physical training off to the side. He had been working relentlessly to push his physique to its absolute limits, focusing on vertical training to improve his endurance and jumping ability. He knew that the upcoming match against Team V would test every aspect of his game, and he was determined to be ready.

As Kira trained, he could feel his abilities growing stronger by the day. God Speed Impulse, Perfect Body, Ultimate Copy, and Perfect Ego—each of these techniques was becoming more refined, more potent. Every day, he felt closer to mastering them completely, and with each passing moment, he felt his overall power surge. His God Speed Impulse was more fluid, his body moved with greater precision, and his Ultimate Copy allowed him to analyze and mimic his opponents' techniques with frightening accuracy.

Kira couldn't afford to relax. The V Team was the strongest team on paper, far superior to any of the others. Their Big Three—Nagi Seishiro, Mikage Reo, and Tsurugi Zantetsu—posed a formidable challenge. Nagi, in particular, was a genius with unparalleled ball control, capable of receiving impossible passes and adjusting his position for the perfect shot. Mikage Reo was a versatile all-around player with sharp passing skills, and Zantetsu's burst speed made him a deadly threat on the wings.

Kira knew that in terms of average strength, the V Team far outclassed Team Z. Defending against the combined assault of the Big Three would be no easy feat. Yet, despite the daunting task ahead, Kira remained confident. He had trained tirelessly for this moment, and he knew his team had the potential to overcome even the toughest obstacles.

We can't afford to lose momentum, Kira thought as he gathered the team together after practice. "Everyone, listen up," he began, his voice calm yet commanding. "We all know that the next match against Team V will be a tough battle. But remember, we've already secured our spot in the next stage. The result of this match will be important, but we have nothing to fear. We're going to give it our all, and we'll win."

The team nodded, their determination unwavering. The challenge ahead was daunting, but they were ready.

A few days later, the final match was about to begin. The tension in the air was palpable as Team Z gathered in the middle of the competition venue. The sight of Team V, standing on the opposite side of the field, only heightened the sense of anticipation.

"Is that the V Team?"

"That guy with white hair is Nagi. He was terrifying in the footage..." whispered one of the players.

"This time, we're going against a real formidable opponent," another muttered nervously.

Kira smiled, sensing the nervous energy around him. "What's the matter? Are you scared?" he asked, his voice light but teasing.

"Scared? Impossible!" Raichi shouted, pounding his fist into his palm. "Rather than scared, I'd say I'm excited!"

"Our Z Team is going to advance undefeated!" Isagi declared, his eyes shining with determination.

Kira looked at his teammates, the fire of competition burning brightly in their eyes. They were ready. And as the whistle blew to signal the start of the match, Kira could feel his abilities—God Speed Impulse, Perfect Body, Ultimate Copy, and Perfect Ego—sharpening, preparing him for the battle ahead.

This is it, Kira thought, his heart pounding with excitement. This is where we prove ourselves.