New Level

Score:4-2

As the intense duel unfolded, Shiro's vision began to sharpen with each dribble. Every faint movement of Loki, every adjustment in his stance, and every calculated shift in his defense became crystal clear. It was as if the world around them had slowed down, allowing Shiro to dissect the mechanics of Loki's reactions in real-time.

With every move, Shiro analyzed Loki's approach: the way he used his speed to close gaps, the precision of his footwork to counter dribbles, and his uncanny ability to predict the next play. Shiro adjusted his dribbles accordingly—adding subtle feints, altering the tempo of his movements, and even experimenting with angles he had never considered before.

Despite the mounting pressure, a single thought resonated in Shiro's mind: Wonderful.

In both his lives, Shiro's football had always been grounded in physicality and instinct—a raw, untamed style of play that relied on his strength and reflexes to overpower opponents. Yet, here he was, in the heat of battle against Loki, discovering something entirely new.

This was not just a clash of bodies and skills but a clash of minds. It was a game of chess played at lightning speed, where every dribble was a calculated move, and every defense was a countermeasure.

Shiro's heart raced, not from fear or frustration, but from exhilaration. He was evolving, step by step, as the duel progressed. Football, for the first time in his life, was no longer just about instinct—it was about strategy, precision, and the beauty of adaptation.

And in this moment, locked in an intense duel with Loki, Shiro felt alive in a way he never had before. This was football. This was his new frontier.

As Shiro continued analyzing Loki's movements, his sharp gaze pieced together a plan, each step meticulously crafted to dismantle the sprinter before him. The challenge was clear—Loki's speed and professional experience created a seemingly insurmountable wall. Adding to that, Loki's increased intensity meant he was now playing at around 20% of his full power, a terrifying prospect for most.

But Shiro's mind refused to yield. A thought lingered, sparking a revelation: Loki is a striker.

Even with all his experience, it was rooted in offense, not defense. Since the start of their duel, Loki had made subtle mistakes—misjudging angles, overcommitting on certain plays—but his incredible speed allowed him to recover before Shiro could exploit them fully.

"I need to force him into an error so catastrophic that even his speed will work against him," Shiro thought, his mind racing as he pieced together the final details. I'll turn his greatest weapon into his downfall.

Shiro's eyes burned with resolve as his aura began to intensify, radiating an unshakable confidence that wasn't there moments before. The pressure surrounding him grew heavier, sharper, as if the very air around him was bending to his will.

"This is it," Shiro muttered under his breath, his heart pounding with anticipation. Loki, you're going down. I'll destroy you and everything you think you know about football.

And with that, the White Demon of Tokyo prepared to unleash his plan, one that would not just surpass Loki's speed but completely shatter his defense.

Without a moment's hesitation, Shiro dragged the ball sharply, creating just enough space to breathe. His eyes locked on Loki, reading every subtle movement. Then, with explosive speed, he dashed to the right, forcing Loki to follow closely, his incredible pace ensuring no gap widened between them.

As Shiro neared the touchline, he suddenly slammed his right foot against the ball, executing a perfect Ronaldo Chop to the left. The unexpected shift in direction threw Loki's balance off, his footing faltering for just a fraction of a second.

Seeing his chance, Shiro capitalized immediately. With a precise flick of his foot, he executed a reverse elastico, slipping the ball cleanly between Loki's legs. The move completely shattered Loki's remaining stability, and the so-called "God Sprinter" stumbled, falling to the ground.

The players on the pitch froze in stunned silence, watching as Shiro, against all odds, had just dismantled one of the most formidable opponents on the field.

Without wasting a second, Shiro dashed forward, his mind sharp and body moving fluidly. The opponents were now on high alert after witnessing Loki's fall. Determined not to underestimate Shiro again, they closed ranks, ready for his next move.

As he neared Leonardo Luna, Shiro executed a quick one-two with Kurona, the ball effortlessly zipping past Luna as Shiro surged forward. Next, Pablo attempted to block his advance, but Shiro countered with a sombrero flick, skillfully lifting the ball over Pablo's head. Instead of driving forward himself, Shiro immediately passed the ball to Hiori, who had positioned himself strategically to receive it.

Hiori controlled the ball with precision, scanning the field for an opportunity. Meanwhile, Shiro continued his run, darting into the box with determination. Trusting his teammate, Hiori delivered a perfectly-timed cross toward Shiro, the ball slicing through the air with purpose.

Dada Silva and Adam Blake rushed toward Shiro, desperate to shut him down. But Shiro's off-ball movement was impeccable. With subtle feints and quick positioning, he forced the two pros to miscalculate their trajectories, colliding into each other comically once again. "Seriously," Shiro thought as he darted forward, "these two aren't the sharpest footballers."

Just as the ball arced toward Shiro, perfectly set for a shot, Loki appeared in front of him, his expression deadly serious. It was clear that Loki had no intention of letting Shiro score again without a fight.

Shiro, unfazed, acted on instinct and unleashed his signature weapon—the Two Guns Volley. As the ball descended, he faked a powerful shot with his left leg, causing Loki to flinch and lunge in anticipation. In that split second, Shiro pivoted and struck the ball cleanly with his right leg, sending it blazing past the goalkeeper into the net.

Score:4-3

The second goal was his, and the pitch seemed to freeze as the players processed what they had just witnessed. Shiro stood tall, breathing heavily but with a grin on his face, his determination unwavering.

For a brief moment after the goal, silence lingered on the field, the sheer brilliance of Shiro's play leaving everyone stunned. Then, like a dam breaking, his teammates erupted with energy and rushed toward him.

"Shiro, that was insane!" Kurona shouted, his voice filled with awe as he grabbed Shiro by the shoulders, shaking him lightly. "You just took down Loki and scored like it was nothing!"

"You're a monster, man!" Karasu exclaimed, throwing an arm around Shiro. "That Two Guns Volley? Absolute genius. You made those pros look like amateurs!"

"That was so cool, Shiro!" Tokimitsu stammered, his face red with excitement. "I mean—wow, you're amazing!" His usual nervous demeanor had completely melted away in the heat of the moment.

Hiori approached with a wide smile, extending a hand for a high-five. "I saw that fake shot coming from a mile away, but the way you pulled it off… flawless. You're carrying us right now."

Shiro, slightly overwhelmed, chuckled as his teammates surrounded him. "Alright, alright, calm down," he said, raising his hands. "The match isn't over yet. Let's stay focused."

But his words were drowned out by the team's cheers, their spirits lifted by his incredible play. It wasn't just a goal; it was a spark that reignited their hope and belief in themselves.

While Shiro's team celebrated, the pros gathered on their side of the field, their expressions a mix of intrigue and amusement. Loki, standing at the center of the group, let out a light laugh, brushing the dirt from his shorts.

"Man, it's been a while since I've had this much fun," Loki said, his grin wide. "I think the last time I felt this fired up was during that PSG vs. Barcelona match. You know, the remontada game."

Adam Blake crossed his arms, smirking. "That kid's got guts, I'll give him that. But comparing this to that match, Loki? Aren't you giving him too much credit?"

Pablo Corasso adjusted his headband, a thoughtful look on his face. "Maybe, but he's no ordinary kid. You saw how he dismantled your defense, Loki. That wasn't luck—it was calculated."

Loki shrugged, still smiling. "Of course it was. That's why it's fun. The moment someone thinks they've got me cornered, I get to show them why I'm called the God Sprinter."

Leonardo Luna tapped his chin, glancing over at Shiro. "He's sharp, I'll admit that. But this isn't over. Let's see how he holds up when we crank it up a notch."

Dada Silva chuckled, cracking his knuckles. "They can celebrate now, but we'll see how much they're smiling after the next few plays."

The group shared a nod, their casual camaraderie masking the fiery determination now burning in their eyes. Loki's smile widened as he stared across the pitch.

"Alright, let's see what else you've got, White Demon," Loki murmured to himself. "The game's just getting started."

As the match restarted, Adam Blake turned to Loki with a confident smirk. "Alright, enough of this. Pass me the ball, Loki. Let's end this here and now."

Loki glanced at him, his usual grin fading into a sharp, serious expression. "No."

Adam raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, 'no'? I'm the finisher here. You've been playing around long enough."

Loki's eyes flicked toward Shiro, who was already taking his defensive position, a fiery determination in his stance. "That kid… he's different. I don't care about ending it right now. I care about breaking him."

Adam's smirk turned into a frown. "Breaking him? What are you talking about?"

Loki's grin returned, though it was sharper this time, more dangerous. "He's got that spark—the kind of fire that makes you want to crush it just to see if it'll reignite. Passing to you now would be boring. I want to show him that no matter how hard he fights, no matter how much he grows, he'll never catch up to me. That's why."

Adam sighed, shaking his head. "You're impossible, Loki."

Loki laughed, spinning the ball at his feet. "Impossible? No, Adam. I'm inevitable."

Loki, dashing forward with the ball, carried an air of confidence, but his focus was razor-sharp after their last encounter. The memory of being dismantled by Shiro lingered, but instead of shaking him, it fueled his resolve. Closing in, he called out to his rival.

Loki: "White Demon, I've got to admit, you're better than I thought. That last play... impressive. But don't let it get to your head. It won't happen again."

Shiro, standing his ground, kept his eyes on the ball, every muscle in his body ready for the inevitable clash. His voice was calm, but his words carried weight.

Shiro: "You sound scared, Loki. Is that why you're talking so much? Afraid I'll expose your weaknesses again?"

Loki's grin faltered for the briefest moment before returning with sharp defiance.

Loki: "Weaknesses? Don't kid yourself. That was luck, nothing more. This time, I'll show you the difference between a pro and a wannabe."

Shiro, stepping into Loki's path, leaned forward slightly, his tone filled with conviction:

Shiro: "Difference? The only thing I see is a pro who can't take being beaten. Come at me, Loki."

Loki narrowed his eyes and burst into a series of rapid stepovers, trying to disorient Shiro with his speed. Shiro, however, didn't flinch. He tracked every movement, his instincts and sharp vision now honed from their earlier duel.

Loki suddenly cut to the right, aiming to slip past Shiro's weaker side, but Shiro anticipated the move. With a quick adjustment, he shifted his weight and blocked Loki's path with his body, forcing Loki to turn back.

Loki, frustrated but not defeated, muttered under his breath, "You're getting annoying."

With a quick feint, Loki dashed left this time, accelerating with an inhuman burst. Shiro, keeping up, mirrored his movement, forcing the God Sprinter into tighter space.

Shiro, smirking: "What's wrong, Loki? Running out of room to hide?"

Their boots clashed as Loki tried to slip the ball past with a nutmeg, but Shiro intercepted it cleanly, leaving Loki stunned for a split second.

Loki immediately countered, recovering the ball with a lightning-fast flick and turning sharply. The two entered a whirlwind of movement—fakes, cuts, and spins, their duel mesmerizing as they matched each other stride for stride, neither willing to yield an inch.

Suddenly, Loki stopped mid-dash, his piercing gaze locking onto Shiro. With a sly grin, he spoke, his voice carrying a weight of confidence.

Loki: "Okay, I'll show you my full power. Be proud. I've only ever used this in the World Cup with France."

Shiro's heart raced. He remembered their earlier duel—how Loki had adapted effortlessly to his dribbles, how his speed and precision had been nearly impossible to counter. And now, Loki was about to push even further.

The game resumed with Loki in possession, his movements sharper and faster than before. Shiro charged at him, determined to stop him again.

Shiro: "What's the matter, Loki? You afraid I'll dismantle you again?"

Loki: "Dismantle me? That was child's play. Watch closely. I'll teach you the true difference between us."

Shiro lunged forward, attempting to cut off Loki's path, but the sprinter shifted his body weight in an instant, performing a double touch that sent the ball slipping past Shiro's outstretched leg.

Shiro quickly pivoted and pursued him, but Loki seemed untouchable now. Each move flowed seamlessly into the next. As Shiro attempted to shadow him, Loki performed a fake Rabona, deceiving Shiro and sending him the wrong way before darting down the field.

The duel intensified, with Shiro analyzing every move, trying to adapt as he had before. But Loki's speed and technique were on another level. Every time Shiro thought he'd closed the gap, Loki created another.

Finally, Shiro managed to corner Loki near the sideline. He moved to block, forcing Loki into a tight space. But Loki's grin widened.

Loki: "You've done well to push me this far, Shiro. But it ends here."

With a flick of his foot, Loki sent the ball over Shiro's head, spinning around him in one swift motion. Shiro turned quickly, but Loki was already racing toward the box.

As he approached, Shiro's teammates closed in, desperate to stop him. Tokimitsu, Karasu, and Hiori all lunged to intercept, but Loki's momentum was unstoppable. He feinted past Karasu with a body fake, sidestepped Tokimitsu with a La Croqueta, and lofted the ball over Hiori with a deft scoop turn.

Now, it was just Loki and the goal. Shiro sprinted back, refusing to give up.

Shiro (thinking): "I can't let it end like this!"

Shiro slid in for a tackle at the last second, but Loki anticipated it. He flicked the ball into the air, narrowly avoiding Shiro's challenge, and rotated his body mid-air.

With perfect timing, Loki unleashed a bicycle kick, the ball soaring past the holographic goalkeeper into the top corner of the net.

Score:5-3

The whistle blew, signaling the end of the match. Loki landed gracefully, turning to face Shiro, who knelt on the ground, his fists clenched tightly.

Loki: "And that's game. You've got guts, Shiro. I'll give you that. But guts alone won't close the gap between amateurs and pros."

Shiro stared at the ground, his mind replaying every moment of the duel.

Shiro (thinking): "Damn it… I was so close."

Loki began to walk away, but he glanced over his shoulder one last time, his grin softer, almost respectful.

Loki: "Keep pushing, White Demon. You've got something special. But if you want to truly beat me... you'll need more than instinct and strength."

As the pros regrouped, Shiro's teammates gathered around him. Their loss weighed heavily, but in Shiro's mind, a fire was reignited. This wasn't the end. This was only the beginning of the journey to bridge the gap between him and the world's best.

The players of Shiro's team gathered in a huddle after the match, their breaths still heavy from the intense game. The pros approached them, their expressions a mix of amusement and genuine respect. Adam Blake was the first to speak, his deep voice cutting through the silence.

Adam Blake: "You kids gave us a decent run. For Japanese teenagers, you're not bad at all."

Leonardo Luna folded his arms, his usual smirk present.

Leonardo Luna: "Decent? Come on, Adam. Some of them showed real potential. Especially you, Shiro. That second goal—brilliant work."

Shiro looked up, still catching his breath, and met Luna's gaze.

Shiro: "Thanks… but I'm not satisfied. I still lost."

Dada Silva chuckled, his massive frame looming over the group.

Dada Silva: "You've got the right attitude, kid. But don't get ahead of yourself. Today's loss shows how big the gap is between you and the pros. Keep that in mind."

Loki stepped forward, his usual playful grin replaced by something more serious.

Loki: "They're right. You all have potential, but potential alone isn't enough. Especially you, Shiro. You were impressive out there. You've just broken into a new level of football, and it shows. But—"

Loki paused, his intense eyes locking onto Shiro.

Loki: "—you're still missing something. Something essential. Until you find it, you'll never truly reach the top. When you figure out what it is and add it to your game, come find me again. I'll be waiting."

Shiro clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes. He took a step forward, his voice unwavering.

Shiro: "I'll find it. And when I do, I'll surpass all of you. I'm not just going to be good or great—I'm going to be the greatest striker in history. That's a promise."

The pros exchanged glances, a mix of surprise and amusement in their expressions. Adam Blake let out a low whistle, while Loki chuckled softly.

Loki: "Big words, kid. I like that. Don't disappoint me."

With that, the pros turned and began to walk away, their confident strides exuding the aura of champions. Shiro watched them go, his teammates standing silently behind him.

In his heart, Shiro knew that this wasn't the end—it was only the beginning. The road to becoming the greatest striker in history was long, but he was ready to take the first step.