Eclipse of the Eleven – Episode 4: The Shadow of Number One

Eclipse of the Eleven – Episode 4: The Shadow of Number One

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The Challenge That Shook the Stadium

Silence fell over the training grounds.

Every player within earshot froze, eyes locked onto the two figures standing at the center of the field.

Hikaru Kiyoshi. The rookie who had barely broken into the top 100.

Seiji Arata. The undisputed best player in the Eclipse League, Rank 001.

Hikaru's heart pounded. He hadn't seen Seiji in years.

The last time they spoke was before Hikaru had been forced to leave for his grandparents' home in the countryside—before their friendship shattered.

Now, Seiji stood before him, his expression unreadable.

"You. Play me next."

The words felt heavier than they should have.

Hikaru clenched his fists.

"He's testing me. But why now?"

A low murmur spread through the players. Even the top-ranked competitors who usually ignored lower-ranked matches were paying attention.

"No way... Seiji Arata wants to play a rookie?"

"Did they know each other before?"

"This isn't even fair. There's a reason he's Rank 001."

Coach Saito's gaze flickered between them before crossing his arms.

"Fine. We'll do a 1v1 challenge. Five minutes. If Kiyoshi manages to score even once, he wins."

A ripple of shock went through the crowd.

Hikaru stiffened.

"Just one goal? Against Seiji?"

Seiji smirked, his cold eyes locking onto Hikaru. "That's more than fair, don't you think?"

Hikaru exhaled. He knew exactly what Seiji was doing.

"He wants to humiliate me in front of everyone."

But backing down was not an option.

Hikaru stepped forward. "Fine. Let's do it."

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The 1v1 Duel Begins

The field cleared, leaving only two players standing at the center circle.

Hikaru cracked his neck, stretching his legs. Seiji, in contrast, stood perfectly still, hands in his pockets.

The referee blew the whistle.

Game on.

Hikaru started with possession. He tapped the ball forward—

And Seiji was already in front of him.

His speed was unreal.

Hikaru immediately activated his Fireball Jujitsu footwork, flickering to the right in a blur.

Seiji didn't move.

"Wait—"

Hikaru realized too late.

The moment he tried to push forward, Seiji stole the ball with a single, effortless touch.

The crowd gasped.

"What was that?!"

"He read him like a book!"

Seiji sighed. "Still too predictable."

Hikaru's teeth clenched.

"Damn it! He didn't even react—he already knew where I was going."

Seiji rolled the ball under his foot lazily.

"Is that all you've got, Hikaru?"

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The Weight of the Past

Hikaru knew this wasn't just a match.

This was a message.

A reminder of the gap between them.

Memories flashed through his mind.

They had once played soccer together as kids, dreaming of becoming the best duo in Japan.

Back then, Seiji was the genius, and Hikaru was the hard worker.

Even when Hikaru lost, Seiji would always give him advice, pushing him to be better.

But now—there was no warmth in Seiji's voice.

Only cold distance.

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The Final Minute – Hikaru's Last Chance

Time was running out.

Four minutes in. Hikaru had yet to touch the ball again.

Seiji controlled the pace effortlessly, toying with him.

But Hikaru wasn't done yet.

"Think. If my Fireball Jujitsu won't work, then what will?"

Seiji advanced, preparing to finish Hikaru off with a final fake-out.

Hikaru stared into his eyes.

That's when he saw it—

A pattern.

Seiji wasn't just moving randomly. His body faintly shifted before each feint, predicting the next step.

Hikaru's eyes narrowed.

"If I can read him... I can counter him."

Seiji went for the final move.

Hikaru reacted before he did.

Instead of dodging—Hikaru stepped forward.

Seiji's eyes widened for the first time.

"What—?"

Hikaru blocked the ball with his body, forcing Seiji off balance!

The crowd erupted.

"No way! He read Seiji's move?!"

Hikaru didn't waste time. He launched into a sprint, ball at his feet.

Seiji recovered instantly, chasing him down.

But now—Hikaru had control.

"Just one shot. One chance."

He reached the edge of the penalty box—Seiji was right behind him!

Hikaru twisted his foot—

"Fireball Flicker Shot!"

A blinding flare of motion—

Seiji blocked it.

The whistle blew. Game over.

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Aftermath – A Glimpse of Acknowledgment

The score remained 0-0.

Hikaru fell to his knees, panting.

He had failed to score.

But as Seiji stood over him, his smirk was gone.

For the first time, he looked mildly impressed.

"You've improved."

Hikaru looked up, surprised.

Seiji turned, walking away. "But not enough."

Hikaru's fists clenched.

He had lost.

But—

For just a brief moment, Seiji had acknowledged him.

That was enough.

For now.

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Rankings Update

After the match, the weekly rankings were updated.

Seiji Arata (Rank 001) – Unchanged.

Hikaru Kiyoshi (Rank 099) – Unchanged.

The crowd murmured. "He didn't drop in rank…?"

Coach Saito smirked.

"He may not have won, but he proved he deserves his spot."

Hikaru exhaled.

This was just the beginning.

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To Be Continued