The match resumed in an unreal atmosphere.
The young players weren't afraid anymore.They weren't admiring anymore.They were playing.
And at the center of it all:Rikuo.
The King.The magician.The reason of this.
Takuma was running like never before.The defensive midfielders fought like warriors.The defenders finally stepped into their duels.
Even the pros looked surprised.
Rikuo recovered an impossible ball, surrounded by two pro midfielders.He feinted an inside cut…
Then, in the blink of an eye:
A trivela nutmeg.A move that made the scouts scream.
Minato smiled, impressed.
"So you're the kid… the one with fire in his veins."
Rikuo didn't answer.He sprinted forward at full speed.
Ahead of him, Takuma took off.
"Rikuo!"
A brilliant pass — sharp, lightning-like — cut between two defenders.
Takuma received it and shot instantly.
Goal.
3-2.
The young prodigy raised his fist, breathless.
"Thank you…Rikuo."
Respect is born on the field
The trial team, electrified, surrounded Rikuo.
"Keep going!"
"Lead us!"
"We're with you!"
Even Takuma — arrogant, proud — placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"You're not a mixed kid.You're not a foreigner.On the field, you're…"
He swallowed hard.
"…you're just the best."
Rikuo gave a brief smile.
"Then let's finish this match."
As if their pride had been poked, the pros raised the intensity again.
Rivelinho snapped his fingers.
"Vamos, amigos… mostram respeito.Let's show them what pro level looks like."
Minato grabbed the ball like a maestro.Short passes.High tempo.Smart dribbles.
But Rikuo didn't weaken.
At midfield, the two players faced each other.
The elite.
vs
The future.
Minato advanced with the ball.Rikuo stepped back, reading him perfectly.
"You're fast…" Minato said.
"So are you," Rikuo replied.
Minato attempted a lightning dribble.Rikuo anticipated.Clean tackle.Ball recovered.
The training crowd exploded.
"Incredible!"
"He stopped Minato!"
Rivelinho laughed.
"Hahaha! Esse garoto… this kid is dangerous."
A perfect combination.
Rikuo dribbled past two midfielders.Then played Takuma into space.
Full of confidence now, Takuma chipped the ball toward rikuo.He crossed it hard.
Rikuo burst into the box, controlled the ball…placed his shot.
GOAL.
3-3.
The entire training camp roared.
Kirishima, arms crossed, frowned.But deep down, a spark of pride lit up his eyes.
Three minutes remained.
Rivelinho took the ball.The Brazilian was about to show he wasn't finished.
"Agora acabou, garoto.Let's see if you can keep up with real monsters."
He beat two youngsters, beautiful roulettes and cuts, heading toward the box…
But Rikuo came back like an arrow.Their wills collided like two lions.
Rivelinho smiled.
"I know talent when I see it.You'll go far, little King."
Then he fired a rocket with his left foot.
Post!
The ball rolled back into Rikuo's feet.
Rikuo glanced at the clock:Last attack.
He dribbled past Minato.Then past the second pro midfielder.
Takuma stayed with him, creating space.The defenders were panicking.
"Rikuo! Left!"
"No, cross!"
"Pass!"
But he didn't pass.
He moved forward.
Again.
And again.
Minato caught up to him.
"You're going to take the shot? Against us?"
Rikuo answered calmly:
"That's why I came."
He drew his leg back.The defense lunged.
He shoots
The ball flew…
Perfect curve…Controlled power…
The training ground held its breath.
Rivelinho, stunned, whispered:
"…Wow."