Eclipse of the Eleven – Episode 3: The First Training Session
Eclipse of the Eleven – Episode 3: The First Training Session
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Morning at the Eclipse League Training Grounds
The sun barely peeked over the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo, casting long shadows over the Eclipse League Training Facility. The massive complex, surrounded by cutting-edge stadiums and dormitories, buzzed with energy as players poured onto the field for their first official team training session.
Hikaru Kiyoshi stood in the middle of it all, stretching his legs. His muscles were still sore from his 1v1 victory over Daigo Renji, but his excitement overpowered any lingering fatigue.
"This is it. My real journey starts now."
His eyes flicked across the field, scanning the sea of players. Most were warming up, chatting, or silently observing. But the real monsters—the top-ranked players—stood apart, their presence heavy.
Hikaru knew the best of the best were watching.
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Meeting the Team
A sharp whistle echoed through the air.
"All players, gather up!"
A tall man in a black Eclipse League tracksuit stepped forward. His intense gaze silenced the crowd instantly.
"I'm Coach Ryoma Saito. Welcome to hell."
The players stiffened. Some exchanged nervous glances.
Coach Saito's reputation was brutal—a former national player turned ruthless Eclipse League coach.
"I don't care where you came from. I don't care how talented you think you are. If you can't survive my training, you don't belong here."
Hikaru swallowed. The air around Saito was suffocating.
The coach's eyes scanned the lineup before stopping on Hikaru. "Kiyoshi. Step forward."
Hikaru tensed but obeyed.
"You just barely made the top 100. Think you're special?"
"No, sir." Hikaru answered firmly.
Saito smirked. "Good. Then prove you deserve to stay."
He turned back to the group.
"Today's training will be your first real test. We'll split into teams for tactical drills and a challenge match. If you can't keep up, consider your ranking temporary."
The field buzzed with tension. No one wanted to drop in rank this early.
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Speed Drills – Pushing the Limits
The first drill was speed endurance. Players sprinted back and forth across the field under insane time limits.
Hikaru pushed himself, sweat pouring down his face. Around him, players struggled to keep up.
Near the front, a tall, muscular figure ran effortlessly—Timmie Ogunride.
Despite his massive frame, Timmie moved with the agility of a panther. Hikaru barely kept pace.
Beside him, another player—Daigo Renji, still bitter from his loss—gritted his teeth and sped up.
Saito's voice boomed. "If you're not fast, you're deadweight!"
Hikaru dug deep, calling upon his Fireball Jujitsu footwork. His feet blurred as he burst forward, finishing the drill just behind Timmie.
The Nigerian gave him a glance but said nothing.
Hikaru exhaled. "Damn… these guys are monsters."
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The Passing Test – Teamwork or Failure
The next drill was a passing test, designed to expose weak link-ups.
Players were divided into groups, given one minute to complete perfect one-touch passes without losing control.
Hikaru found himself paired with:
Daigo Renji (Rank 102) – His former opponent, still glaring at him.
Takeshi Moriyama (Rank 120) – A bulky midfielder.
Jin Tanaka (Rank 111) – A speedster winger.
The test began.
Hikaru controlled the ball cleanly, flicking quick passes to Takeshi. But Daigo purposely slammed the ball too hard, sending it out of bounds.
"Oops," Daigo smirked.
Hikaru clenched his fists. "Tch… he's doing this on purpose."
Saito's whistle cut through the air. "Sloppy play gets you benched! Kiyoshi's team—restart!"
Daigo scoffed. "This is a joke."
Hikaru inhaled, calming his frustration.
"Fine. If he's going to sabotage me, I'll carry this team myself."
When the ball came to him again, Hikaru used his precise Fireball footwork, shifting his weight at the last second to adjust for Daigo's sabotage.
The passes flowed smoother. Even Daigo couldn't keep messing up.
Saito nodded. "Better."
Daigo clicked his tongue but said nothing.
Hikaru smirked. "Too bad. Looks like I can cover for you."
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The Challenge Match – Prove Yourself or Fall
The final test was the 5v5 Challenge Match.
Two teams. One field. Losers drop in ranking.
Hikaru's team:
Hikaru Kiyoshi (Rank 099) – Playmaker.
Daigo Renji (Rank 102) – Striker.
Takeshi Moriyama (Rank 120) – Midfielder.
Jin Tanaka (Rank 111) – Winger.
Kota Mizushima (Rank 132) – Defender.
Their opponents included:
Kenji Furuhashi (Rank 096) – A lethal goal poacher.
Shun Takeda (Rank 105) – A creative midfielder.
Riku Hanamura (Rank 115) – A tough center-back.
Eiji Nakamura (Rank 121) – Defensive enforcer.
Kojiro Sasaki (Rank 118) – Agile goalkeeper.
The whistle blew.
The game was on.
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The First Goal – Hikaru's Test
Kenji Furuhashi struck first, scoring with a swift falcon-like header.
1-0.
Daigo cursed. "Damn it!"
Hikaru's team had to respond.
Taking possession, Hikaru controlled the ball at the center of the pitch. Shun Takeda rushed in—fast.
"Time to show them I belong here."
Hikaru tapped into his Fireball Jujitsu style, his footwork igniting like a flickering flame.
Shun lunged—but Hikaru vanished from his line of sight.
"Inferno Step!"
Hikaru appeared behind him, completely free.
Gasps echoed from the sidelines.
Even Timmie Ogunride raised an eyebrow.
Hikaru threaded a perfect pass to Daigo. The striker hesitated but took the shot.
GOAL!
1-1.
Even Daigo looked stunned. "That pass…"
Hikaru smirked. "Now stop wasting my assists."
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Final Moments – Clash with the Top 100
The match intensified.
Players threw their bodies into tackles, fighting for every inch of ground.
As the final minute approached, the score remained 1-1.
Hikaru intercepted a pass, darting forward. Kenji Furuhashi rushed to block him.
"I need one last move… something to end this."
He activated Inferno Step again, but this time—
Kenji read it.
"What—?!"
Kenji countered, knocking Hikaru off balance.
The whistle blew. Game over.
1-1 Draw.
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Post-Match – Hikaru's Reflection
Coach Saito crossed his arms. "Not bad. Some of you have potential. Some of you don't."
The rankings updated.
Hikaru remained at Rank 099.
He clenched his fists.
"I'm still not good enough."
As he turned to leave, a voice stopped him.
"Kiyoshi."
Hikaru froze.
The crowd parted.
Standing there, his eyes cold and piercing, was Seiji Arata.
The Number One player in the world.
"You. Play me next."
Hikaru's heart stopped.
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