Match Day: U-20 Japan vs. The Rivals The stadium buzzed with anticipation as fans filled the stands, their cheers echoing around the Private Arena. On one side, the U-20 Japan team stood poised and ready, their uniforms crisp and clean, the colors vibrant against the green field. The opposing team, The Rivals, looked fierce with their dark, intimidating colors and determined expressions. As the referee blew the whistle for the kickoff, Sae Itoshi stood tall and emotionless at midfield, his pinkish-red hair catching the sunlight. He quickly scanned the field, channeling all of his smart, analytical energy into the game. “Let’s go, U-20! Show them what we’ve got!” Sae shouted as he received the ball in the center circle, reminding himself to keep his attitude in check as they started the match off with a pass. "Here, Sae!" shouted his teammate, Taro Yoshida, a speedster with jet-black hair who darted to the side. Sae flicked the ball to Taro expertly with a perfect pass, setting the tone for an intense match. Sae's mind raced as he thought about their ultimate strategies. He spotted Shidou Ryusei, his aggressive forward, stretching on the sideline, impatiently waiting to be called into the game. Sae knew that Shidou’s talents would be crucial once he had the perfect opportunity to unleash his incredible skills. “Just wait, Shidou. You’ll get your chance,” he muttered under his breath, momentarily breaking his usually unkind demeanor. On the other side, The Rivals were equally determined. Their captain, a powerhouse named Marco, snarled as he shouted orders to his teammates. “Get that ball! Don’t let them pass!” As the game progressed, U-20 Japan moved the ball smoothly down the field. Sae dribbled past an opposing midfielder using his Ultimate Nutmeg, a skill he loved showcasing. “If you keep acting like my brother, you will never surpass me!” he taunted, drawing the ire of Marco, who had been keeping close watch. “Shut up, Itoshi!” Marco shot back, now aware that Sae was using his weakness against him. But Sae was already two steps ahead, sending a perfect pass to Taro, who was artfully positioned in front of the goal. Taro took a shot, but it ricocheted off the post. The Rivals quickly seized the opportunity, rushing back on a fast counterattack. “Get back, everyone!” Sae shouted, frustration creeping into his voice. He dashed back to support his defense. The Rivals' striker, Jake, approached with the ball at breakneck speed, eyeing the open space. “I’ll score this one!” he yelled, pulling back for a powerful shot. But before Jake could get a clean strike, Sae pushed himself faster and intercepted the ball with impressive precision, much to the crowd's delight. They applauded, recognizing his skill and ability. “Nice move, Sae!” Taro called out as they regained possession. It was clear that the U-20 Japan team was gaining momentum, but The Rivals weren't about to give up. “Let’s go! Time for the Dragon Drive!” Shidou screamed, now thrown into the match. With Sae now positioned near him, the duo executed the combination almost flawlessly. Sae expertly passed the ball just as Shidou jumped, combining their power into one wondrous move, soaring above everyone and then striking the ball directly toward the goal. The crowd held their breath—the ball soared, and it looked like an unstoppable force. “YES!” Shidou cheered, knowing it was a sure goal. But at the very last moment, a rival defender flung himself forward and deflected the ball, sending it out for a corner kick. The crowd erupted in mixed emotions, their hopes shattered momentarily. “It’s okay! Keep pushing!” Sae reassured Shidou. From the sideline, the coach’s voice echoed, “Keep your heads in the game, Japan! We have to play smart!” Taking the corner, Sae placed the ball perfectly in the air for Taro to jump and head it, but in the intensity of the moment, a rival defender jumped in, grabbing Taro’s jersey. “Foul!” the referee called, waving a yellow card toward the rival player. The fans cheered as they realized the momentum was shifting back to U-20 Japan. “Get ready, we’ll score this time!” Sae instructed, the fire igniting within the team. They set up for the free kick. Sae placed the ball, fiery determination replacing his earlier rudeness. With a swift motion, he curved it right toward Shidou’s path. “It’s all you!” he yelled. Shidou kicked hard, launching into the air and executing his Big Bang Drive, the ball curving beautifully as it sailed past the goalkeeper, who had no chance to save it! It struck the back of the net, and the crowd exploded in cheers. “Goal! Yes! That’s what I’m talking about!” shouted Shidou, gliding back on the field with a confident swagger. Sae allowed himself a brief smile, the emotionless demeanor cracking just a bit. “Next one’s mine,” he muttered to himself. With a 1-0 lead, the U-20 Japan team gained confidence, but The Rivals were hungry for retaliation. The captain, Marco, called a huddle, their energy echoing determination as they regrouped. “I won’t let them take this match easily!” Marco announced, his voice filled with conviction as they took their positions on the field again. The game resumed, and The Rivals launched an immediate offensive threat. Jake was back at it, weaving his way through defenders, and for a moment, it looked like he would take a clean shot on goal. But, as if on cue, Sae slid in flawlessly, using his reading ability to cut off the ball. “Good luck trying to get past me!” he declared, pushing the ball away and counterattacking with lightning speed. Sae passed the ball swiftly to Shidou, who sent it flying downfield toward Taro, who juggled it for a moment before sprinting up again. This time, Taro sent a well-placed cross into the box, and Sae lunged, aiming to connect perfectly. The anticipation was thick in the air as fans leaned forward. He connected with the ball, his weapon of accuracy painting a stunning picture as it zipped into the goal, making the score 2-0. “Best shot yet!” Taro laughed, high-fiving Sae, who maintained his composed demeanor, but deep inside recognized the thrill of scoring again. Despite the scoreline growing unfavorably, The Rivals never faltered. They persisted, launching a heated attack. Players yelled and pushed, desperate to claw back points. “Come on, we’ve got to score!” Marco shouted, urging his teammates forward. Sae, confident in his defensive strategy, intercepted another attack, but a rival player, pushed to the limit, retaliated in frustration. With an aggressive shove, he fouled Sae from behind. The referee didn’t hesitate, swiftly brandishing a red card. “Out! You’re done!” he barked, and the rival player trudged off the field in defeat. “That’ll teach them not to underestimate us,” Shidou remarked, shooting Sae a sly grin. With only ten players, The Rivals struggled but continued to fight, knowing this was potentially their last chance in this match. But Sae continued to push, calling plays with precision and authority. “Look for me, Taro!” he directed, and Taro executed another swift pass. Then came another moment—Shidou prepared to unleash his Dragon Drive again, combining powers once more with Sae. They worked together seamlessly, eyes locked as they made their move. “Let’s show them our strength!” they shouted in unison, darting towards the rival goal. But The Rivals had set up an insurmountable wall. Just as Shidou went to strike, Marco flew in, catching the ball with deft skill and annoyance. “That’s enough!” Marco shouted, sensing defeat but refusing to back down. However, the U-20 Japan team refused to give him a second chance, swarming like a pack of wolves. They managed to get back in formation, and as Jake made one final desperate push towards the goal, Sae sprinted to intercept him. In a flurry of movement, the whistle blew again. The referee charged towards Marco, As the two teams clashed, tensions rose, and another foul was called as Marco shoved Sae to prevent him from grabbing the ball. An automatic red card flew into the air; Marco was ejected from the game. “Don’t let them get too comfortable!” Marco shouted as he walked off, defeated and angry. “Now is our chance!” Sae called, rallying the troops with renewed vigor. They attacked furiously, passing swiftly, executing plays with near-perfection. “Here! Give it to me!” Shidou yelled as he charged into position. Another pass from Sae, and Shidou executed a mind-blowing Big Bang Drive, shooting the ball more accurately than ever with newfound confidence. And just like that—goal! The crowd erupted in a roar of excitement, their team leading at 3-0 against their rivals. With the time ticking away, The Rivals stood defeated, unable to break through Japan’s composed defense. The referee signaled for the final minutes, and players began to slow, exhaustion creeping in. “Keep up the pressure!” Sae shouted, reminding everyone to focus until the final whistle blew. Once the whistle blew, euphoria washed over the U-20 Japan team. As they celebrated, Shidou playfully punched Sae on the arm. “We did it!” “Yeah, just don’t get too cocky, or someone might shove you next time,” Sae shrugged, the flicker of a smug smile creeping onto his face. With the U-20 team claiming victory and The Rivals locked off from future matches, one could only imagine what awaited them during their next challenge.