Eclipse of the Eleven – Episode 5: The First Trial
Eclipse of the Eleven – Episode 5: The First Trial
---
The Aftermath of the Duel
Hikaru sat on the bench, sweat dripping from his brow.
The echoes of his duel with Seiji Arata still rang in his mind.
He clenched his fists. He had managed to read Seiji's movement… but it still wasn't enough.
The other players gave him glances—some impressed, some indifferent, others amused that he even dared to challenge Rank 001.
Timmie Ogunride walked over, a confident smirk on his face.
"Yo, man. You really took on Seiji and didn't get destroyed? That's something."
Hikaru sighed. "I didn't score. I still lost."
Timmie laughed, clapping him on the back. "Bruh, most guys don't even last 30 seconds against him. You? You gave him a puzzle to solve. That means something."
Hikaru looked up. Could it really mean something?
Before he could think more, Coach Saito's whistle blew sharply.
"Enough standing around! Full team training begins now!"
---
Formation and Team Roles
The Titan Crushers gathered around Coach Saito.
"Listen up!" he barked. "This isn't some random academy. You were selected because you have potential, but potential means nothing if you can't work as a team. Our first real match is in a few days, so today, we figure out our strategy!"
The assistant coach placed a tactical board in front of them.
Formation: 4-3-3.
Forwards: Hikaru Kiyoshi (LW), Timmie Ogunride (ST), Ryota Natsume (RW)
Midfield: Kaito Fujimura (CM), Riku Sasaki (CM), Akihiro Endo (CDM)
Defense: Daichi Tanaka (LB), Kazuki Morimoto (CB), Mamoru Shindo (CB), Takeshi Inoue (RB)
Goalkeeper: Renji Hayashi
Hikaru's eyes flickered to Timmie.
"You're the striker?"
Timmie grinned. "Obviously. That's why I'm built different, man."
Coach Saito cleared his throat.
"We'll be focusing on building team chemistry today. No more solo plays. You work together or you don't play."
His eyes locked onto Hikaru. "Especially you, Kiyoshi."
Hikaru stiffened.
"Yes, sir."
Coach Saito smirked. "Good. Now let's see what you can do."
---
Training Match: First and Second Team Face Off
To test their teamwork, Titan Crushers' first team was split into two.
Team A vs. Team B.
Hikaru found himself playing alongside Timmie against another set of starters.
The match kicked off—immediately, Timmie launched into action.
"Yo, Hikaru, hit me up!"
Hikaru received the ball and instinctively started dribbling. Fireball Jujitsu footwork kicked in as he weaved between two defenders—
Only for Coach Saito's voice to cut through the air.
"PASS THE DAMN BALL, KIYOSHI!"
Hikaru froze for half a second.
That was all the time the defender needed to snatch the ball away.
Timmie sighed. "Dude. We gotta work together!"
Hikaru exhaled sharply. He knew what Coach Saito was trying to drill into him—he couldn't play like he was alone anymore.
This wasn't just his fight.
---
Adjusting to the Team – Hikaru's Awakening
As the match continued, Hikaru forced himself to break old habits.
This time, instead of charging forward, he looked for openings.
A pass to Timmie.
A fake-out to Kaito in midfield.
A sudden switch play to Ryota on the right wing.
Slowly, the tide of the game changed.
Hikaru realized—his team wasn't just good. They were fast, strong, and capable.
They just needed someone to connect them.
Timmie grinned. "Now you're getting it, bro!"
"One more!"
Hikaru sprinted up the wing, receiving a cross from Kaito.
Timmie made a run.
Without hesitation—Hikaru sent a pinpoint lob pass.
Timmie caught it mid-air—
"Savannah Lion Volley!"
A devastating bicycle kick sent the ball crashing into the net.
Goal.
The first goal of the match.
---
Coach Saito's Verdict
The whistle blew, ending the training session.
Coach Saito stepped forward, arms crossed.
His eyes landed on Hikaru.
"Better. But you're still raw."
Hikaru exhaled, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"Understood, Coach."
Saito smirked. "Keep that up, and you might just survive your first real game."
Hikaru looked around at his teammates.
For the first time—it really felt like a team.
He wasn't fighting alone anymore.