Eclipse of the Eleven – Episode 2: Welcome to the Eclipse League
Eclipse of the Eleven – Episode 2: Welcome to the Eclipse League
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Arrival in Tokyo
The train rattled as it sped through the heart of Tokyo. The bright city lights painted streaks across the window, flickering against Hikaru's face. His heartbeat pounded against his chest, each second bringing him closer to the Eclipse League—Japan's greatest soccer competition.
The city was a different world from the quiet countryside he had left behind. Here, dreams were made—or crushed.
He gripped the worn soccer ball in his lap, its faded leather cracked from years of training. It was the only reminder of the life he'd left behind—the village, his grandparents, and the fireball jujitsu style his grandfather had taught him.
Most of all, he thought of Seiji Arata.
His childhood friend. His greatest regret. The best player in the world.
"Would he even remember me?"
The train came to a halt. Hikaru stood, clutching his bag as the doors slid open. The air outside smelled different—electric, alive. This was where the best players in Japan gathered.
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The Eclipse League Facility
The Eclipse Training Facility towered over the surrounding buildings—a sprawling complex with glass walls reflecting the city lights. Banners displaying the league's emblem hung from every corner.
Hikaru's eyes locked onto a massive digital screen above the entrance. The rankings flashed across the display:
001 – Seiji Arata (Shadow Blades)
002 – Adrien Beaumont (Midnight Howlers)
003 – Timmie Ogunride (Titan Crushers)
His heart clenched at Seiji's name, untouched at the top. He had always known Seiji would become great, but seeing his name at Number 1 made it real.
Hikaru swallowed hard.
"He's really that far ahead now."
A cocky laugh snapped him from his thoughts.
"Lost already, country boy?"
Hikaru turned to see a tall player with spiky green hair leaning against the wall.
"Who are you?" Hikaru asked.
"Daigo Renji. Rank 099. And you?"
Hikaru's eyes narrowed. "Hikaru Kiyoshi. Rank 101."
Daigo smirked. "Figures. You've got that fresh meat look. Don't worry, I'll knock you down where you belong."
Hikaru clenched his fists but said nothing. This wasn't the time for words.
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The First Test: 1v1 Duels
Inside the facility, hundreds of players gathered on the pristine indoor field. The air buzzed with tension.
A coach in a black tracksuit stood on the platform, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. His voice echoed through the stadium.
"Welcome to the Eclipse League."
All eyes snapped to him.
"Your current rankings are temporary. Today, you prove whether you belong here… or not."
The massive screen behind him flickered, showing the list of 440 players. Hikaru's name sat at Rank 101, just outside the top 100.
"Your first test will be a one-on-one duel. Five minutes. Attack. Defend. Score."
Whispers spread through the crowd. The tension thickened.
Hikaru's pulse quickened.
"Perfect."
The screen flashed with matchups.
Hikaru Kiyoshi (101) vs. Daigo Renji (099)
Daigo's laughter echoed across the field. "Looks like I get to crush you first, country boy."
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The Duel Begins
The small, enclosed field was surrounded by bright lights. The rules were simple:
Each player had five minutes to score.
The winner moved up the rankings.
The loser moved down.
Daigo started with possession. His movements were sharp, his confidence obvious.
Hikaru crouched low, reading him.
"Let's see if you're all talk."
Daigo lunged forward, flicking the ball through Hikaru's legs—a nutmeg.
"Too slow."
Hikaru spun around just in time to see the ball slam into the net.
1-0.
Daigo grinned. "This league's too much for you, country boy."
Hikaru's breath caught. But the fire in his chest only burned hotter.
He took the ball for his turn.
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The Fireball Awakens
Hikaru dribbled forward, his movements steady. Daigo shadowed him, confident.
But Hikaru wasn't normal.
His feet began to flicker—sharp, unpredictable steps passed down from his grandfather's teachings. The Fireball Jujitsu Style.
Daigo's grin faded. "What the—?"
Hikaru shifted at the last second, vanishing from Daigo's line of sight.
"Inferno Step."
With one fluid motion, Hikaru unleashed a blazing shot—his signature Inferno Volley.
BOOM!
The ball exploded into the net, shaking the goalposts.
1-1.
Daigo stumbled back, eyes wide. "What the hell was that?"
Hikaru smirked. "I'm just getting started."
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Timmie Ogunride Watches
Up in the observation deck, Timmie Ogunride leaned against the glass, watching the match unfold. His sharp eyes narrowed as Hikaru pulled off the Inferno Step.
"That kid… he's different."
Beside him, Adrien Beaumont watched in silence, arms crossed.
"Maybe… but different isn't enough."
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The Final Strike
The final minute ticked down. Both players were drenched in sweat.
Hikaru controlled the ball, his heart pounding in his ears. Daigo's legs shook from exhaustion.
With one final burst of speed, Hikaru activated his Fireball Jujitsu Style once more.
"Inferno Volley!"
The ball rocketed toward the top corner—unstoppable.
GOAL!
The whistle blew. 2-1.
Hikaru stood victorious. His chest heaved, his heart racing.
The screen flickered.
Hikaru Kiyoshi – Rank 099
Daigo Renji – Rank 102
He had done it. His journey had begun.