The day after the match, Jim sat alone under a tree, eyes locked on his phone. He was watching the highlights of Phantom Force's latest victory—a 3–1 win.
His teammates had shined.
But not him.
He wasn't even there to celebrate. He had walked away after being subbed off… and hadn't returned.
As he watched the crowd cheer and Volt's celebratory pose, a voice broke through the silence.
"Enough watching. It's time for your training."
Jim looked up. It was Yuu Kenzo.
"Y-Yes, sir," Jim stammered, quickly turning off the video.
Meanwhile…
Back at the Phantom Force training camp, Alex, Volt, and Coach Tenjo were deeply worried.
"He didn't even come back last night," Volt muttered.
"No replies. Nothing," Alex said calmly, but concern flickered in his eyes.
"I knew he'd take it hard," Coach Tenjo said, folding his arms. "But vanishing like this…"
Training Under the Old Master
Back in Jim's village, the real work had begun.
"Let's start with the basics," Kenzo said. "Steal the ball from me."
Jim smirked. "This should be easy."
But within seconds, he realized… he was wrong.
Kenzo, despite looking like a man in his seventies, moved with the speed of a bullet and the control of a master. His dribbling was so precise, so fluid—it was like the ball was glued to his feet.
No matter how hard Jim tried, he couldn't get close.
"C'mon!" Jim growled, frustration bubbling. "What the hell?! Why can't I steal the ball from an old man?!"
Kenzo didn't stop dribbling. He just chuckled.
"Old man?" Kenzo smirked. "Even a five-year-old plays better than you."
Jim's eyes widened.
"You think you're good enough for the national team with this level? Forget nationals—you can't even secure a spot in your club team."
Those words hit Jim like a punch to the chest.
Am I really that far behind?
Training ended.
That night, Jim lay in bed, unable to sleep.
Kenzo's voice echoed in his mind, over and over.
You're good for nothing… can't even keep your club position…
It felt like his dream had shattered.
The Promise
The next morning, Jim stood in front of the mirror in his small village home.
He stared into his own eyes.
"I will become the best in the domestic circuit," he said. "And I'll reach nationals… with Alex and Volt."
From that day forward, his training took a new turn.
He still struggled—but something inside him changed. He stopped complaining. He stopped hesitating. He showed up every morning, drenched in sweat, ready to be torn down and rebuilt.
Each day, his technique improved.
His movements got sharper.
His mind clearer.
His spirit tougher.
By Day 5, he could finally steal the ball from Kenzo—fair and square.
Kenzo nodded, pleased.
"Good. You've mastered the basics of football."
Jim panted, smiling faintly.
"Now," Kenzo said. "Tomorrow, we begin your sprite training."
Reconnecting
Later that night, Jim sat under the stars and messaged his friends:
"I'm okay. I'm in my village with my grandpa, getting some fresh air to clear my head. I'll be back before the next match. Congrats on the win."
Volt replied almost instantly:
"DUDE WHERE WERE YOU I WAS ABOUT TO CALL THE COPS!!"
Alex simply sent a thumbs up and a calm:
"Take your time. Just come back stronger."
Understanding the Sprite Bond
The next day, Kenzo stood on the field, arms crossed.
"Now that your fundamentals are set, let's talk about your sprite."
Jim stood at attention, focused.
"The power of your sprite doesn't depend just on emotion or brute force. It depends on sync level—the harmony between you and your spirit."
Kenzo pulled out a small glowing device, placing it near Jim's chest.
"Let's measure yours."
A holographic number appeared.
Sync Level: 25%
Way below average.
Jim's jaw clenched. "Only 25…?"
"That's why you couldn't awaken it in the last match," Kenzo said. "Your connection is weak."
"So… how do I raise it?"
Kenzo raised three fingers.
"First—Believe in your sprite partner. Even 1% doubt can destroy your bond in the middle of a match."
"Second—Clear your mind. Distractions, overthinking, doubts… they all affect your gameplay."
"And third—Strengthen the bond. The deeper your trust and connection, the closer you'll get to 90–95% sync."
Jim absorbed every word, nodding.
"I understand."
And with that, training began again.
Return to Phantom Force
After several days, Jim returned to the team's facility.
He was calmer. More grounded. His posture had changed.
Coach Tenjo called him aside.
"You've been missing for days," he said sternly. "But you've got one last chance. Don't waste it."
Jim nodded.
"I won't."