Chapter 9: 異なる戦場へ (Kotonaru Senjō e / Into a Different Battlefield)

The air in the AI training facility buzzed with an uneasy tension. After the grueling passing drills, the players were already at their limits. Coach Takeda, known for his unpredictable methods, stood before the exhausted first-years with a sly grin on his face.

"Today, we're shaking things up," he announced, his voice carrying an unsettling edge. "You'll all be playing in positions you're completely unaccustomed to. And to make it more interesting, you'll be facing the starting lineup, who will also be in unfamiliar positions."

A collective gasp rippled through the group of first-year players. Saijo's heart sank as Coach Takeda continued.

"Saijo, you're on the left wing."

Saijo's stomach churned. He was a right-footed midfielder, and the left wing was the last place he wanted to be. It felt like a cruel twist of fate. He glanced at his teammates, each of them equally bewildered and worried.

Roy, the envious midfielder, was assigned to play as a central defender. His face turned a shade darker as he clenched his fists. Gon, the timid player, was put in as the goalkeeper—a position that required confidence and assertiveness, two traits he struggled with. Kaito, the agile striker, found himself as a right-back, while Daisuke, usually a solid defender, was now tasked with playing as a forward.

The third-year starting lineup, the titans of the team, seemed unfazed by the announcement. Takeshi, the formidable captain, usually a defender, was now positioned as a striker. Yuto Nakamura, the creative playmaker, switched to a defensive role. Yuta Hayashi and Yuta Nakamura, , were placed in midfield and on the wings respectively, positions they had never played competitively. They exchanged confident smirks, clearly enjoying the challenge.

The first whistle blew, signaling the start of the match. The first-years, already fatigued and sweating profusely, struggled to find their footing in their new roles. The third-years, however, moved with an uncanny ease, their experience and skill evident despite the unfamiliar positions.

Saijo tried to get used to the left wing, but it felt alien to him. His attempts to dribble were clumsy, his passes lacked the precision he was known for. Meanwhile, Takeshi, playing as a striker, showcased his strength and control, bulldozing through the first-year defense with ease. 

Yuto Nakamura, despite being out of his usual playmaking role, intercepted passes with a surgeon's precision. His tactical awareness and positioning were flawless, making it difficult for the first-years to find any rhythm. The Yuta twins, though initially awkward in their new positions, quickly adapted, their natural synergy allowing them to dominate the midfield and wings.

Roy, now a central defender, felt the weight of his new responsibility. He gritted his teeth and tried to focus, but the experienced third-years exposed his inexperience time and again. Gon, in goal, was a bundle of nerves. His fear was evident in his hesitant movements and shaky saves. Each shot that came his way felt like a cannonball, and the third-years took advantage, testing him with relentless accuracy.

Kaito, the agile right-back, found himself constantly outpaced by Yuta Nakamura on the wing. Daisuke, thrust into an attacking role, struggled to find opportunities. His defensive mindset clashed with the forward position, making him hesitant and unsure.

The third-years didn't just rely on their physical abilities; their psychological warfare was in full swing. Takeshi's booming voice could be heard taunting the first-years. "Is that all you've got, rookies? This is your best?"

Yuto Nakamura joined in, his tone mocking but with an edge of truth that cut deep. "I thought you were supposed to be the future of this team. Pathetic."

The first-years' legs shook with extreme fatigue. Excessive sweat poured down their faces, dehydration setting in. They were completely outmatched. The third-years' tricks and taunts added to their burden. Takeshi's powerful shots, Yuto's precision passes, and the Yuta twins' relentless pressure pushed the first-years to their breaking point.

As the first half drew to a close, the score was a humiliating 3-0 in favor of the third-years. Takeshi had scored two goals, showcasing his adaptability and strength, while Yuto Nakamura added a third with a well-placed strike from outside the box.

The first-years huddled together, their breaths ragged and their spirits battered. Saijo looked around at his teammates, their faces etched with exhaustion and frustration. They had been thrown into a battlefield they were unprepared for, and it showed.

Coach Takeda's voice cut through the silence. "This is only the first half. Dig deep. Show me your resilience."

The challenge was clear. The first-years had been pushed to their limits, but they still had another half to prove their mettle. As they prepared to re-enter the field, their hearts pounded with a mix of dread and determination.

The second half awaited, and with it, a chance for redemption. The tryout arc continued, each player facing their own internal battles as they braced for the final push against their formidable seniors.