The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over Hanamura High as the sports festival was officially underway. The air buzzed with excitement, students in colorful uniforms,parents cheering from the stands, and visitors from other schools gathered to watch the games. The energy was electric, and the school was alive with competition.
Tug of War – Taiki led his team to victory, pulling with all his strength, his face fierce with determination.
100m Race – Rio, as fast as ever, took the lead from the very start, crossing the finish line with a victorious grin.
Long Jump – The crowd watched in awe as the students soared through the air. Rio and Taiki came in second, but it was Rin who claimed first with a jump that left everyone speechless.
But now—Game Time—the real match. The one everyone had been waiting for. The football game at Hana Stadium.
The air was thick with anticipation. The stands were packed, and even the students from other schools were on their feet, eager to see the best players face off. This wasn't just a regular game. This was a battle between the best of Hanamura and the best of Tokyo.
Rio stood on the sidelines, his eyes scanning the field. The adrenaline was already kicking in. He was ready. His heart raced as he adjusted his jersey, preparing for what was to come.
Taiki approached him with a grin, the two exchanging a quiet word before taking their places.
> "Let's make this count," Taiki said, his voice steady, but his eyes sharp.
Rio nodded, his gaze unwavering.
The crowd went silent as both teams lined up. And then, the surprise that no one expected—Akira stood at the front of the opposing team, a cold smirk on his face. He had joined the Tokyo All-Stars.
The moment Akira stepped onto the field, Rio's fists clenched. His memories flashed back to that day—the fight, the rage, the pain. Akira had been a shadow over his life, but not anymore. Rio was no longer the scared kid he once was. He was stronger now, more confident.
The whistle blew, and the game was on.
The tension in the air was palpable, thick with the weight of rivalry. It was more than just a game—it was a war. Rio could feel Akira's eyes on him, the challenge clear. But this time, Rio wasn't going to back down.
The ball was passed, and the teams moved into position. The clash of strategies, skill, and raw power began.
> Rio darted down the field, his movements fluid and fast, his eyes locked on the goal. He could feel Akira's presence behind him, but he wouldn't let the past cloud his focus.
> Taiki, quick and agile, intercepted passes with ease, his every movement sharp and precise.
The first half was intense. Rio and Taiki worked like a well-oiled machine, pushing forward, defending, and attacking. The Hana City squad was in perfect sync, and it showed.
Then, in the 20th minute, the opportunity came.
Rio, positioned at the perfect angle, saw the ball soar toward him. His body moved instinctively, his eyes fixed on the target. He adjusted his stance, his feet planted firmly as he launched into a powerful kick.
> The ball screamed toward the goal—fast, precise, and unstoppable.
The goalkeeper had no chance. The net rippled with the sound of Rio's victory, and the crowd erupted in cheers. It was 1-0 to Hanamura High.
But Akira didn't flinch. He merely watched with that same cold smile, knowing the game was far from over.
The game continued, the pace relentless. Both teams pushed forward, neither side willing to give an inch. But just as the first half was nearing its end, the All-Stars struck back.
A swift counterattack. The ball was passed between players in rapid succession, like a well-rehearsed dance. Hanamura's defense was caught off guard, and before Rio could react, Akira broke through.
His legs moved like lightning as he danced around a defender, leaving them in the dust. He slid past another, his eyes locked on the goal.
Rio saw it happen. He tried to close the gap, but Akira was too fast. Too skilled. Too determined.
With one clean strike, Akira sent the ball hurtling into the net, scoring with a precision that left Rio frozen for a second.
The All-Stars had leveled the score.
1-1.
The crowd was on the edge of their seats. The first half had ended in a draw, and the game had become even more heated. Both teams returned to their sides, breathing heavily but already gearing up for the second half. The battle was far from over, and Rio knew that this was just the beginning.
> "Akira," Rio muttered to himself as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "This isn't over."
The second half was going to be a test. Not just of skill, but of will. The real game was about to begin.