Jim, Alex, and Volt were at their training facility. They all sat together under a tree, thinking about their coach's recent lecture. Even Volt, who usually took every opponent lightly, was serious this time. Maybe it was the effect of his training with Master Kenzo.
Volt was thinking, "How do we defeat them? I ignored every opponent, but now I realize that was my problem—it restricted my improvement. I thought no one was better than me, but reality is harsh. Even that grandpa was better than me. Now I understand: my mindset is one of the reasons I'm not at Alex's level. He is calm, composed, and always thinking about his opponent. That's why he's better than me. His mindset also motivates him to improve more and more. He turns every opponent into a role model. That's why he's so good. I promise myself I will be the top scorer in the semi-finals."
Jim suddenly noticed Volt in deep thought. He gently nudged Alex and whispered, "Look at Volt. He's sitting so quiet. That's not like our Volt."
Alex replied, "That match with Master Kenzo hurt his pride. That night, he was crying in the washroom and trained harder than both of us. I've never seen him like that. He always thought he was better than everyone, but that one match shattered his pride."
Jim said, "Let's cheer him up."
Alex asked, "How?"
Jim grinned. "By training with him. Who knows, he might regain his confidence."
Jim shouted, "Hey Volt!"
Alex punched him lightly on the head. "Wakey wakey, Mr. Idiot."
Volt replied, "Now what do you guys want?"
Alex asked, "You wanna train with us?"
Jim said, "Why are you in deep thought, Volt? We're friends—you can share everything with us."
Volt replied with a sad smile, "Nothing happened. Let's go to the field."
They took their positions.
Alex said, "Let's start with shooting. Volt, give me a difficult pass. Jim, you defend."
Jim responded, "Okay. Looks like our captain wants to give us shooting, passing, and defending practice all at once."
Volt launched a high pass. Alex jumped, controlled it, and launched a direct shot. Goal. Jim couldn't stop it.
Jim said, "My bad, sorry Captain."
Alex nodded. "Now it's your turn. Try to score with your signature bicycle kick."
Jim said, "Volt, give me a pass just above my head."
Volt nodded. "Okay."
Volt passed the ball just above. Jim activated Predator Instinct to calculate the right angle, jumped backward, and performed a bicycle kick. The ball launched into the net.
Alex said, "Now your turn, Volt."
Volt said sadly, "I don't wanna do shooting. I love dribbling."
Jim and Alex replied, "Okay."
They started a 1 vs 2 dribbling drill.
Volt suddenly got excited. "Aye aye, Captain!"
Within no time, he dribbled past Alex. When he faced Jim, Volt struggled—Jim's ability was helping him.
Volt muttered, "If I can't dribble past Jim, that means I'm good for nothing. I have to dribble him."
Suddenly, Volt's feet started moving like there was lightning in them. His reactions were too fast—like a thunderbolt. His strong emotions pushed him to evolve. For the first time, Jim's ability couldn't analyze Volt's movement. Volt dribbled past Jim and scored.
Jim was shocked—his ability failed for the first time. But he was also happy for his friend.
Alex said, "Looks like you unlocked your ability."
Volt smirked. "Is someone jealous of me?"
Lightning Waltz.