The next morning, Coach Tenjo called for a team meeting.
No drills. No training. Just the entire squad gathered around him.
He stood with arms crossed, his voice serious.
"I've heard the whispers. Some of you want to reach Nationals."
Volt whispered to Jim, "Whispers? I've been yelling it since day one."
Jim smiled but stayed quiet.
Coach Tenjo continued.
"I'll be honest. Most of you don't have what it takes. Not yet. But if you're serious, then listen carefully."
He stepped forward and drew three numbers on the board.
"To reach Nationals, you need to win three stages of Japan's domestic tournaments."
He tapped the first.
"Type 1 Tournament. Each region has over 20 academies. Only one team qualifies. The rest go home."
The room fell silent.
"That means you'll be facing teams with better sprites, better facilities, and way more experience. You think you've played strong opponents before? You haven't seen anything yet."
He tapped the second number.
"Type 2 Tournament. You'll go up against the top 8 teams from every region. These aren't just strong—they're monsters."
Finally, the third.
"Type 3 Tournament. Only the top 4 teams in the country reach this point. This is where scouts, sponsors, and the national committee watch every move you make."
He folded his arms again.
"Win all three. That's your only road to Nationals."
The weight of his words settled like a storm cloud.
But then Volt stood up, eyes burning with fire.
"Then we'll win all three."
Alex nodded quietly. "I never planned to lose."
Jim looked at them both.
For a moment, he remembered all the times he was alone on that field.
But not anymore.
He stepped forward and said,
"We'll make it. Together."
Coach Tenjo looked at them.
"Big talk. I've seen teams fall apart in the first round. Friendship's nice—but it won't be enough."
He paused.
"This journey will test you. You'll cry. Bleed. Maybe even break. But if you're truly serious…"
He looked Jim straight in the eyes.
"Then prove it."
Jim clenched his fists.
"I will."