Training Camp's Situation(Anri POV)

Anri's POV

"Ranze Kurona, Hayashi Murano, Shoei Barou, Yo Hiori, and Ryusei Shidou have cleared the second selection's rivalry battle," I announced shortly after the conclusion of the 4 vs. 4 match.

This makes it the third team to have cleared the second selection. So far, the first two teams have failed to beat the World Five.

The World Five's dominance in the training camp is undeniable. Despite the efforts of both the first and second cleared teams, they were unable to secure a victory against their formidable opponents.

The first team, consisting of Rin, Aryu, Tokimitsu, Nagi, and Bachira, suffered a 1-5 defeat. Similarly, the second cleared team of Yukimiya, Otoya, Himizu, Yuzu, and Kunigami was also trashed 1–5, with the only goal being scored by Yukimiya.

Each world-class player in the training camp will receive 100 million yen plus a 1 million yen goal bonus. I don't think the kids are yet ready for this, especially with such high financial incentives at stake.

I asked, "Ego, don't you think that it was far too early to make them play the world's five?" I turned around in my seat to look at Ego.

'Eh!? He's eating a yakisoba cup again!?' I thought to myself, surprised that he had already eaten 20 cups.

"I'll be honest with you, Ego. We don't have any funds left."

"Listen here, Anri-chan."

"If you love your child, send them into the world. The point was to expose them to the outside world at this pivotal point in their development." Ego said that while eating yakisoba and gazing at the screens.

That is true, but what does he think about the third cleared team? Do they stand a chance? I wondered as Ego continued to eat his yakisoba cup.

So I asked, "But what do you think about the third cleared team? Are you expecting any difference? Won't it be the same?"

"Looking at the players, I would say that they could surprise us,"

How so? Now that I think about it, Ego has yet to yell at me or criticize me today, which is unusual.

He went on to explain, "Murano has managed to gather a very strong team; if it's this team, then I'm certain that they have a chance to win."

"I am aware of how strong Murano's team is, but how would it differ from Rin's team?" I queried.

"Anri-chan, broaden your perspective. This is not the time to be insensitive." He said this while holding his chopstick and pointing to his eyes.

"They have strong players who, based on my personal biases, would be included in my top 7. Plus, Murano is renowned for his exceptional talent, strategic thinking, and capacity to bring out the best in his team members." Ego stated

"That does sound promising. But what about the first team? It was made up of the top players of the second selection?" I asked.

"I know it's illogical to expect them to win, but they do have a chance. They may not have as much experience as world-class players, but that's the main point of the training camp. It's a great chance for them to showcase their potential and gain valuable experience from playing against the World Five." Ego fully explained.

In any case, the second selection is still ongoing, so I need to gather information on the players who are still engaged in their rivalry.