The EOS players stood in silence.
Their bodies were sore. Their minds were still processing Kaizen's shocking announcement.
And yet—Kaizen wasn't done.
He walked forward, his voice sharp and commanding.
"This was just the beginning."
Everyone's eyes locked on him.
"The next stage will be an official league. A world-level competition."
Silence.
Then—chaos.
"A world-level league?!"
"You mean we'll be competing internationally?!"
Kaizen smirked.
"Did you think EOS would just stay in Japan? The whole world has seen you now. That means scouts, clubs, and national teams are paying attention."
He turned, looking at each player.
"You'll be scouted based on what you showed in this match."
"The best players will be chosen to step onto the global stage."
The weight of those words crashed down on them.
EOS wasn't just about surviving anymore.
It was about proving they belonged at the top of world football.
__
The Other EOS Players React – Anger and Frustration
Kaizen's next words only fueled the fire.
"As for the rest of you—your match will be next."
"You'll be facing the Old Legends."
A second broadcasted match.
This time, it would be the players ranked Top 11 to Top 20 along with Jin Kazama, the second-best goalkeeper.
But instead of excitement—there was frustration.
Sho Nakata scowled.
"Tch… We didn't even get a chance against the World 11."
Rikuya Asano crossed his arms.
"So, what? We're just stepping stones now?"
The lower-ranked players were furious.
Kenji Takahashi gritted his teeth.
"This is bullshit! We should've been given a shot!"
Kaizen's eyes sharpened.
He laughed.
And then—his voice dropped, cold and absolute.
"Best gets best."
"If you want the best stage—be the best."
The room turned silent.
His words stabbed into their egos.
Kaizen stepped forward.
"If you didn't play against the World 11, it's because you weren't good enough."
His gaze swept over them.
"You want more? Then prove you deserve it."
__
After the announcement, some of the World 11 players began leaving.
Thiago Santos, Edgar Van Dijk, and Kylien Marcel had prior commitments.
Even Kaiser Eberhart and Noah Weiss were gone.
But—a few players stayed.
Sunil Rajput, Adrian DeLuca, and Leonel Castillo decided to remain behind.
"We could use some rest before heading back," DeLuca said with a smirk.
Sunil stretched his arms."I also want to see how EOS develops. That last match was… intriguing."
Their presence alone made the atmosphere tense.
The EOS players were being watched.
Judged.
The next stage was coming—and only the strongest would rise.
To Be Continued…