Chapter 51: Maximum Style
Kira advanced steadily down the dimly lit corridor alone. The entrance to the first challenge stood ahead. As someone privy to this world's workings, he recalled this initial stage involved a shooting drill—score 100 goals within the time limit to proceed. Though the specific mechanics remained fuzzy, he trusted his ability to adapt.
He pushed the heavy door open, revealing a vast, sterile training area. A single goal stood at the far end, protected by what appeared to be a shimmering holographic goalkeeper. The projection gestured provocatively, a clear challenge.
'Trying to provoke me? How amusing.' Kira stretched leisurely, genuinely curious to gauge his current capabilities.
Thump!
A football launched from the left wall. Kira instantly calculated its trajectory, positioned himself perfectly, and fired toward the goal.
"GOAL!"
The ball found the net effortlessly as the hologram's desperate dive proved insufficient. The display behind the goal updated: Time Remaining: 89:55. Goals Needed: 99.
'Too easy,' Kira noted with mild surprise.
Thump! Thump! Thump! . . .
The walls kept launching balls in random patterns as Kira continuously adjusted his footwork, sending precise shots into the net. With each strike, he refined his understanding of power distribution and shooting angles, his technique visibly sharpening. This challenge proved remarkably effective for shooting development.
Kira maintained his scoring rhythm, his hands naturally settling on his hips in a casual, confident posture.
…
Monitoring Room
Ego Jinpachi observed the multiple screens with evident satisfaction as participants confronted the challenge. "This training facility represents an enhancement of explosive power training systems used by elite German clubs. The players are completely surrounded by-"
"Ego-san, our budget reports demand immediate attention!" Anri Teieri's voice cut through Ego's triumphant exposition.
"Silence, Anri! Can't you appreciate the brilliance of this equipment demonstration?" Ego retorted irritably. That woman had an uncanny talent for undermining his moments of triumph.
"Hmph!" Anri pouted, feeling unjustly chastised yet again.
Ahem. Ego composed himself and resumed his explanation: "This environment embodies my ideal training philosophy. For players who depend on others rather than their own abilities, these 90 minutes will prove particularly grueling..."
On screen, several participants already showed signs of strain, their uniforms dark with sweat. The monk Igaguri appeared especially strained, his face flushed with exertion—clearly struggling with the challenge's demands.
"But for those who've successfully transformed from [0] to [1], this stage provides the perfect evolutionary crucible to refine their innate talents..." "Ego-san, certain participants appear to be handling this with excessive ease. I'm not observing the evolutionary pressure you described..." Anri noted with characteristic bluntness.
A prominent vein bulged on Ego's forehead. 'Anri Teieri, must you constantly sabotage my authoritative presence?' He mentally lamented his assistant's timing while following her gaze.
Indeed. The monitors displayed participants like Itoshi Rin and Kira Ryousuke moving with fluid, economical motions. Kira in particular maintained an almost leisurely pace, taking shots with his hands resting on his hips!
'The subsequent stages will provide adequate challenge for everyone!' Ego adjusted his glasses with barely concealed frustration.
…
Challenge Room
"Thirty completed." Kira had effortlessly netted 30 goals within minutes.
"Difficulty increase?" Kira noted the field's transformation as human-shaped obstacles materialized before the goal. 'Simulating match conditions now. Basic but effective.' "These minor adjustments won't hinder me."
Kira's hands left their casual position as he began moving with purpose, rapidly calculating trajectories to thread shots through the newly formed defensive gaps.
"GOAL!" "GOAL!" "GOAL!" ...
Kira's strikes continued finding their mark with mathematical precision.
"Just forty more to go!" Kira made a show of wiping his brow, despite the absence of perspiration.
"Maximum difficulty setting?" The display now showed LV.MAX. 'Fascinating—the obstacles began moving in coordinated patterns!'
THUMP!
The launch velocity increased significantly. Kira immediately noted the balls now emerged with dramatically enhanced spin and unpredictable trajectories.
THUMP! Kira's shot deflected off a moving obstacle!
"MISS."
His first failed attempt registered on the display.
Kira's expression shifted to focused intensity. These were no longer the perfectly weighted passes he received from Isagi and Bachira during matches. The wall-launched balls followed chaotic, physics-defying patterns that challenged conventional shooting form.
During actual games, Kunigami and Chigiri typically created spatial advantages by drawing defenders—luxuries he now had to create through sheer technical precision.
But Kira understood the fundamental requirements for success under these conditions! He needed to instantaneously process the entire spatial arrangement, predicting both the obstacles' movements and the goalkeeper's positioning.
Precisely intercept the ball's trajectory, accurately judge its complex spin and bounce characteristics, and perfectly modulate his shooting power and placement. Channel complete focus into that critical moment of ball contact.
THUMP!
His thoughts manifested as action when Kira's perfectly timed volley connected with the incoming missile. "GOAL!"
A confident smile touched Kira's lips. Clearing this stage was now inevitable.
... Ding! First stage cleared.
Kira finally wiped genuine moisture from his forehead. The continuous high-intensity shooting—over 100 attempts with increasing difficulty—had demanded significant physical and mental energy.
Exiting the challenge room, Kira entered the transition corridor. A spark of anticipation ignited within him. Given his performance metrics, could he have been the first to finish? Itoshi Rin likely finished earlier with his refined technique. Perhaps he'd secured second place?
Carrying this hope, Kira entered the second stage chamber.
"Ah, the white-haired prodigy claims third position? It appears my style remains unsurpassed..."
Kira's gaze fell upon a tall, elegant figure meticulously adjusting his long hair while offering a languid greeting. Another presence stood silently against the wall, eyes closed, radiating palpable cold intensity—Itoshi Rin in his characteristic pose.
Confronted with this scene, Kira offered a relaxed smile while scratching his head. "Good to meet you both! I'm Kira Ryousuke!"
"Kira Ryousuke? The name carries definite stylistic appeal. I am Aryu Jyubei. As clearly evidenced, a practitioner of refined aesthetics."
Kira responded with an acknowledging nod. This character remained as wonderfully theatrical as remembered. His attention then shifted to the silent figure.
"Our stylish companion prefers contemplative silence. This is Itoshi Rin..." Aryu provided the unnecessary introduction.
"Itoshi Rin, of course... I'm familiar with your work!" Kira's voice carried genuine recognition.
"Hmm?" Rin's eyes snapped open with clear suspicion. "You know who I am?"
"Naturally! You're the younger brother of Itoshi Sae—that genius midfielder currently training with European elites!" Kira answered with complete sincerity.
"Marvelous. No wonder you carry such inherent grace, young man. To have an elder brother of even greater refinement." Aryu observed with theatrical flourish.
The atmospheric temperature seemed to plummet instantly. Kira could physically feel the icy aura intensifying around Rin's form.
'Jyubei, you're playing with fire here.' Kira mentally acknowledged the boldness.
Aryu remained blissfully unaware. Why would this stylish individual react so strongly to mention of his own sibling?
"Tch..." Rin's voice cut through the tension like shattering ice: "I have no interest in idle conversation. My presence here serves one purpose—qualification for the U-20 national team."
"Crushing Itoshi Sae represents my singular reason for existing in football."
"All of you are nothing more than fodder for my rise to the top...."
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