Rikuo quickly started to find his rhythm during training with the pros.
Little by little, he was getting used to the pace.
Every pass, every combination, every dribble put him in the spotlight but also under constant pressure.
After a particularly complex sequence of passes and movement, Minato, the Japanese midfielder Rikuo had seen play against South Korea, walked up to him.
"So here you are, young prodigy," Minato said with a calm smile.
"I'm looking forward to seeing you prove yourself with us."
Right behind him, Rivelinho, the Brazilian forward, stepped in with a sharp look in his eyes.
"Yeah… I'm watching you," he added.
"Show us what you can really do, kid."
Rikuo felt a mix of nerves and excitement.
These experienced players weren't here to admire him they wanted to test his raw talent against the highest level.
Later, Rikuo met Kaito Takahashi, the two-meter-tall goalkeeper of the Japanese national team.
He was imposing, with hands like iron gloves and a gaze that scared attackers.
"So, the new kid…" Kaito said calmly but firmly.
"Let's see if you can score against me."
Rikuo nodded. He could already feel that every shot would be a real challenge.
Then Hiroto, the number 4 defender, captain of Tokyo CF and the Japanese national team, approached him with a serious but respectful expression.
"I've heard you're a genius with the ball," he said.
"Show me it's not just rumors, kid."
Rikuo smiled to himself.
This was exactly what he wanted challenges, tests, opponents who would push him beyond his limits.
The pros set up a small-sided match.
Rikuo was placed in the center, as a number 10, with Takuma playing beside him.
From the very first passes, he stood out:
Fast, unpredictable dribbles that even surprised some pros.
Perfectly weighted passes that found Takuma despite constant pressure.
An exceptional vision of the game, able to read movements early and create space where no one else saw anything.
Minato and Rivelinho watched closely, exchanging knowing looks.
"This kid…" Minato whispered.
"He could really become a key player."
Rivelinho nodded, impressed by the speed and precision of every move Rikuo made.
Rikuo took several shots on goal.
Kaito stopped most of them, using his giant frame, but each shot became more accurate, harder to save.
"You learn fast…"
Kaito said with a slight smile.
In defense, Hiroto forced Rikuo to play smart and make quick decisions.
Every duel was a lesson, but Rikuo faced them with confidence and intelligence.
He could see respect growing in the pros' eyes and for the first time, he truly felt accepted in this pro world
By the end of the morning session, Rikuo was exhausted.
But a deep feeling of satisfaction filled him.
He had survived his first real training with the pros.
He had caught the attention of Minato, Rivelinho, Kaito, and Hiroto.
Takuma genuinely admired him—Rikuo had become an example of how to adapt to the professional level.
Most importantly, Rikuo had proven something to himself:
he could compete at the highest level.
As he walked off the field for a short break, he felt Senda's kind gaze from the sidelines.
"Keep going like this, Rikuo," Senda murmured.
Rikuo nodded, smiling, ready for the afternoon session.
The King had just laid his first stones in the world of the pros…
and he knew this was only the beginning.