Blue lock: Reborn Egoist

Eito's heart raced as he stood in the center of the makeshift training field. The morning air was thick with the scent of fresh grass, and the sound of distant birds chirping was drowned out by the pounding in his chest. He had been in training for two weeks, but this—this was different. Today, he would face the ultimate test: his first real match.

Ego stood at the sidelines, his sharp eyes never leaving Eito. Beside him stood Ximena, her gaze equally intense, but tinged with concern. This wasn't just a training session anymore. It was the moment that would define Eito's potential, the moment where his skills would be put to the test against real competition. He wasn't just fighting for a win—he was fighting for his place in the world.

Eito's thoughts whirred as he prepared himself. His Instinct stat had improved. His Stamina had been boosted significantly. But would it be enough? His heart pounded in his chest as he glanced over at his opponents: two older boys, maybe a year or two older than him, both with lean, athletic builds and sharp eyes. They were ready for a challenge.

"You ready?" Ximena's voice broke through his focus, soft but urgent.

Eito nodded, his hands gripping the ball in front of him. He wasn't sure what would happen, but he was sure of one thing: this was what he had trained for. All the practice, all the lessons—this was the moment to prove he was more than just a child with potential. He had to have that potential.

Ego's voice cut through the air, crisp and commanding. "Play. Show me what you've learned."

With those words, the match began.

The ball rolled across the field as Eito sprinted forward, feeling the rush of adrenaline in his legs. His Stamina held steady; he wasn't gasping for air, wasn't flagging yet. His Speed was improving, his small legs moving faster, more controlled than ever before. But the challenge was clear—his opponents were strong, and well-coordinated. They were more experienced.

One of the older boys, with short, messy hair and an intense gaze, lunged at the ball. Eito darted to the side, barely dodging him as the boy slid to the ground. That was Instinct—he had anticipated the move, recognized the opening, and reacted before it could be a threat.

The ball was now at his feet, and with a swift movement, Eito tapped it forward. His Agility was decent, but the older boy was back on his feet and closing in. Eito wasn't quick enough to get away from the pressure, and the boy intercepted the ball, kicking it away with force.

A flash of frustration sparked inside Eito. He had been too slow, too hesitant. He wasn't where he needed to be—not yet.

As he turned to chase the ball, he heard a sharp voice behind him. "Instinct, Eito! Think, not react!" Ego's words echoed in his mind, urging him to adjust his focus.

He had to think like a striker.

The ball was at the older boy's feet, and he was looking for an opening. Eito read the situation. The boy was vulnerable. He wasn't expecting a move from behind. Eito's feet moved before his mind fully processed the decision. It was all Instinct—he dashed forward, sliding in just as the older boy lifted his foot for a pass.

Eito intercepted the ball cleanly. His legs shook from the effort, but he didn't hesitate this time. He had the ball. He was in control.

He dribbled, feeling the ball respond beneath his feet. His Technique was still raw, but it was enough. The older boy was closing in again, but Eito wasn't just thinking of escape. He was thinking of the goal.

The Focus he'd been honing for weeks became his guiding force. His breath steadied as his mind sharpened. He was no longer reacting. He was dictating the play.

He saw the opening—right in front of the makeshift goal. Without a second thought, Eito adjusted his position, his foot meeting the ball with everything he had.

The ball shot forward.

For a moment, everything seemed to slow. The ball moved, faster than Eito had ever kicked it before, heading straight for the goal. The older boys lunged for it, but they were too late. The ball hit the back of the net with a satisfying thud.

Eito stood frozen, his heart hammering in his chest. The sound of the ball hitting the net echoed in his ears, but his thoughts were still spinning. He had done it. He had scored.

The field was quiet for a moment before Ximena's voice broke through. "That's my boy!"

Ego stood silently, but his eyes were sharp, focused on Eito. "Not bad," he said, his voice low and calculating. "But you're still far from where you need to be."

Eito's chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, but there was a sense of pride in his chest. He had scored the goal. He had made the decision when it counted. The Instinct was beginning to take root. But the path ahead was still long. His stats—his journey—had just begun.

Ego nodded slightly. "This was just the first test. You have much more to prove. Get ready for the next one."