A/N
Hello everyone!
Here's a faster update for you to kick off the year.
First things first, Happy New Year! I hope 2025 brings amazing things for everyone!
I've had some help with this story from good friends over in Aizen's Discord server. If you want to join and chat here's the /DDRguMdf
Now let's get to some reviews before we dive into the chapter-
OFARiolu - we're a little away from his flow state, but trust me, it's going to be insane.
Flaming Devil - It's both, really. They're friends and rivals.
Addllax - Cruyff is the GOAT, no question.
Sku3-y - Wow, thanks so much for the kind words! No money here, just writing for fun. I really hope you like this chapter.
sopojarwo401 - Oh, he's getting new skills, all right. Just wait and see!
Lichi Sechino - Expect the unexpected, my friend. Hope you enjoy this one!
Anti-weeaboo Faction - Ask and you shall receive.
Now, let's get into it!
Chapter 5 – Awakening
The sun rose over Madrid, the players were already up, their focus razor sharp as they went through a light warm up. Naruto stood at the edge of the field, stretching quietly as he watched his teammates.
Today wasn't just another match. It was a showdown. Re Al Academy vs Paris X Gen, and all eyes were on two players -
Naruto Uzumaki and Julian Loki.
Naruto's thoughts raced as he replayed the hours of preparation, the endless drills, and the countless moments where his mind wandered to Loki. The French prodigy was fast, skilled, and a natural finisher a player who could turn a match in an instant. But Naruto didn't let that intimidate him. If anything, it fuelled him.
"Stay sharp," Kaiya said, walking up to him. "Today's the day we shut Loki down."
Naruto smirked, shaking out his arms. "And take the lead ourselves."
The bus ride to the stadium was quiet, each player lost in their thoughts. Naruto stared out the window as the streets blurred past, his headphones on but no music playing. His mind was on the game, visualizing every pass, every movement, every goal.
As the team pulled up to the stadium, the energy shifted. Fans crowded outside, cheering loudly as the Re Al's bus came into view. Banners waved, and the roar of the crowd grew louder with every step they took toward the entrance.
Inside the locker room, the tension was thick. Naruto sat at his spot, the number 7 emblazoned on the back of his kit hanging behind him. He took a deep breath as he started pulling on his gear, the act almost meditative. Shinpads, socks, shirt it all went on methodically, piece by piece, until he was fully suited.
Finally, he reached for his boots. The black leather gleamed under the lights, the orange accents a subtle nod to his personality. As he laced them up, his mind cleared.
This was it...
The team gathered in the tunnel, the buzz of the crowd vibrating through the walls. Naruto adjusted his armband, bouncing lightly on his toes to stay loose. The air was electric, the weight of the match pressing down on everyone.
As Paris X Gen filed into the tunnel on the opposite side, the energy shifted. Julian Loki stepped forward, his sharp features framed by his short dark hair. He moved with the confidence of someone who knew they were the best or thought they were.
Naruto's eyes locked onto Loki's. For a moment, the noise faded, and all that remained was the silent challenge between them. Naruto stepped forward, offering a hand. "Nice... to meet you." He said in broken English.
Loki looked at him, his lips curling into a smirk. "Pleasure," he said in flawless English, his tone carrying a hint of arrogance.
Naruto hesitated, catching only the gist of the words. "You… good," he replied, his English halting but determined. "But… I win."
Loki's smirk deepened, amusement flashing in his eyes. "We'll see."
The referee called for the teams to line up, and the moment passed. But as Naruto turned to walk toward the field, the fire in his chest burned brighter. Loki's confidence only made him more determined.
As the players emerged from the tunnel, the roar of the crowd hit like a wave. Flags from Spain and France waved high in the stands, and the stadium pulsed with energy. The commentators' voices boomed over the PA system, building the anticipation for the match.
"Two of Europe's brightest young stars take the field today Naruto Uzumaki of Japan and Julian Loki of France," one announcer said. "This is the match everyone's been waiting for."
Naruto stepped onto the pitch, taking in the sight of the massive crowd. For a brief moment, he let himself feel it the magnitude of the occasion, the weight of so many eyes on him. Then he shook it off, focusing on the task at hand.
As the players took their positions for the anthem, Naruto glanced at Loki. The French forward stood tall, his expression calm but intense. The challenge between them wasn't just about skill it was about pride, ego, and proving who deserved to be called the best.
Back in the huddle, the coach gave his final instructions. "Naruto, Kaiya, you're the key to breaking their defence. Use your speed, use your vision, and don't be afraid to take risks."
Naruto nodded, his blue eyes blazing with determination. "Got it."
Kaiya clapped him on the back. "Let's take them down."
As they broke the huddle, Naruto jogged to his position, the weight of the match pressing down on him but not in a way that crushed him. It only pushed him forward.
He glanced across the field at Loki, who stood at the centre circle, ready for kick off. Their eyes met again, and Naruto smirked.
Let's see what you've got...
The whistle pierced the air, and the match was underway. Re Al started strong, their passes crisp and their movements sharp. Naruto positioned himself centrally, scanning the field as he received the ball from midfield.
Immediately, Paris X Gen pressed high, their midfielders closing down on Naruto. He pivoted smoothly, shifting the ball to his left foot before threading a pass out wide to Kaiya. The left winger darted down the flank, his quick feet outpacing the opposing right back.
"Go, Kaiya!" Naruto shouted, sprinting into the box to provide support.
Kaiya reached the edge of the penalty area, cutting inside before whipping a cross into the centre. Naruto leaped, trying to connect with the ball, Paris X Gen's towering goalkeeper, plucked it out of the air with ease.
The French keeper wasted no time, hurling the ball forward to start a counterattack.
Paris X Gen's counter was lightning fast. The ball moved fluidly through their midfield, with precise one-touch passes cutting through Re Al's defensive line. In the centre of it all was Loki, who received the ball just past midfield.
Loki's first touch was sublime, the ball sticking to his feet as he turned. His acceleration was instant, leaving two Re Al midfielders scrambling to keep up. Naruto dropped back, watching intently as Loki surged forward, his movements smooth and confident.
"Get on him!" Naruto yelled, but Loki had already spotted an opening. He slipped a pass through to his winger, who fired a low shot toward the corner of the goal.
Re Al's goalkeeper dived, parrying the ball away. The defence scrambled to clear, and Naruto sprinted back to retrieve the loose ball.
Naruto collected the ball near the edge of his own box, glancing up to see Paris X Gen retreating to reset their formation. He didn't wait. With a burst of speed, he surged forward, weaving past the first pressing midfielder.
"Wide!" Naruto shouted, gesturing to Kaiya as he threaded another perfectly timed pass to the left flank.
Kaiya took off again, his pace forcing the Paris right-back to backpedal. This time, Kaiya feinted inside before whipping a cross with his weaker foot. The ball curled into the box, dipping toward the near post.
Naruto darted in, his head connecting with the ball as it hits the woodwork going out of play for a goal kick.
"Damn..."
The Paris goalkeeper barked more orders at his defence, his commanding presence already proving to be a challenge for Re Al's attack as he kicked it up to the midfield.
The ball spilled out to the midfield, where Paris X Gen regained possession. Once again, the ball found its way to Loki, who drifted wide to the left. His movements were fluid, almost effortless, as he danced past a defender and cut inside.
Naruto tracked back, watching as Loki sized up his options. The French forward shifted the ball to his right foot and unleashed a curling shot from just outside the box. The ball curved wickedly, heading for the top corner.
Re Al's goalkeeper stretched to his limit, just barely tipping the ball over the bar. The crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and gasps as the corner was awarded.
"Close," Loki muttered to himself, jogging back into position. His smirk, however, remained intact.
The game settled into a rhythm, both teams probing for weaknesses but finding none. Naruto stayed active, dropping deep to link up with his midfield and pushing forward whenever an opportunity arose. Paris X Gen's defence was disciplined, but Naruto's vision allowed him to find pockets of space that others couldn't see.
In the 20th minute, Naruto received the ball just outside the box. With a quick turn, he spotted Kaiya making another run down the left. Instead of playing the obvious pass, Naruto lifted the ball with a perfectly weighted chip, bypassing two defenders and dropping it directly into Kaiya's path.
Kaiya cut inside and fired a shot low toward the far post, but he dove quickly, smothering the attempt. The keeper's commanding presence continued to frustrate Re Al's attack.
As the first half progressed, the intensity of the match only grew. Loki and Naruto found themselves in a battle not just of skill, but of wills. Every time Naruto orchestrated an attack, Loki responded with a moment of brilliance, keeping both defences under constant pressure.
In the 30th minute, Loki dropped deep to collect the ball, spinning away from his marker with a graceful flick. Naruto moved to intercept, closing the space between them. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and the challenge was clear.
"You won't get past me," Naruto said under his breath, his English broken but firm.
Loki smirked, stepping over the ball before exploding to the right. Naruto lunged, but Loki's quickness gave him just enough space to whip in a cross. The Paris forward rose to meet it, but the header sailed over the bar.
Naruto exhaled, relief washing over him as the referee signalled for a goal kick.
The stadium buzzed with anticipation, the fans on edge as the match teetered in a delicate balance. The commentators captured the intensity perfectly.
"This is a battle of prodigies," one announcer said. "Naruto Uzumaki and Julian Loki are both showing flashes of brilliance, but neither has been able to break through yet."
"Re Al's attack is building, but Paris X Gen's defence and their goalkeeper has been rock solid," another added. "The question is, who will crack first?"
As the game approached halftime, Naruto felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Loki had already shown glimpses of his incredible talent, and Naruto knew he had to match him or surpass him.
"This is my chance," Naruto thought, clenching his fists as he jogged back into position. "I'll show them who the real prodigy is."
The match had been a tense back and forth, neither team able to break the deadlock. Both Re Al and Paris X Gen pressed hard, their players battling for every inch of the pitch. Naruto found himself deep in midfield, orchestrating plays and keeping the tempo steady, but his focus was always on Julian Loki.
In the 40th minute, Paris X Gen gained possession near midfield. Loki received the ball with a deft touch, his movements smooth and deliberate as he began to accelerate. Naruto sprinted toward him, closing the gap between them. The crowd roared, sensing the clash between the two prodigies.
Naruto positioned himself in front of Loki, his sharp blue eyes locked on the ball. "You're not getting past me again," he said, his voice steady but firm.
Loki's lips curled into a smirk, his golden eyes glinting under the stadium lights. "Great eyes," he said in flawless English, his tone dripping with confidence. "But they won't help you."
Naruto frowned, struggling to piece together the words. "What?"
Loki didn't bother to repeat himself. Instead, he exploded forward with a burst of speed that Naruto hadn't anticipated. The shift was instantaneous, a blur of movement that left Naruto stunned. He tried to pivot, but by the time he reacted, Loki was already past him.
As Loki surged forward, he glanced back at Naruto, his smirk widening. "What's the point of seeing it," he said, his words cutting through the noise of the crowd, "If you can't react?"
The statement hit Naruto harder than the sprint itself. His eyes had always been his greatest asset, allowing him to read the game and predict his opponent's moves. But against Loki's raw speed, even Naruto's vision couldn't keep up.
Loki bore down on the last line of Re Al's defence, two centre-backs stepping up to challenge him. But the French forward was relentless. With a quick step-over, he slipped between them, his agility and precision leaving them flat-footed.
Naruto sprinted back, his lungs burning as he tried to recover, but Loki was already inside the box. The Re Al goalkeeper charged out, arms wide to close the angle, but Loki stayed calm. With a simple flick of his foot, he chipped the ball over the keeper's outstretched hands and into the net.
The stadium erupted in cheers and gasps, the Paris fans roaring with approval as Loki jogged toward the corner flag, his arms spread wide. His celebration was understated, but the message was clear
I am the best...
Naruto stopped just outside the penalty area, his chest heaving as he stared at the ball nestled in the back of the net. His fists clenched, frustration bubbling under the surface. Loki's words echoed in his mind.
What's the point of seeing it if you can't react?
Kaiya jogged over, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Shake it off," he said. "We'll get it back."
Naruto nodded stiffly, but the fire in his chest burned hotter than ever. Loki wasn't just fast he was audacious, unafraid to taunt and belittle his opponents. Naruto knew he couldn't let it end like this.
The announcers' voices rang out over the cheers of the crowd.
"Julian Loki what a goal! The composure, the speed, the finish this boy is something special."
"That burst of acceleration left even Naruto Uzumaki in his wake," another commentator added. "Re Al will have to adjust quickly if they want to contain him."
As Re Al prepared to kick off again, Naruto stood in the centre circle, his breathing steady but his mind racing. Loki's speed had caught him off guard, but Naruto wasn't about to let it happen again. He tightened his armband, his jaw set with determination.
Kaiya walked over, nudging him lightly. "You okay?"
Naruto glanced at him, his eyes blazing. "I'm fine. Let's go."
Kaiya grinned. "Good. We're not done yet."
As the whistle blew to restart the game, Naruto's focus sharpened. Loki might have drawn first blood, but the match was far from over. Naruto vowed to show the world that his eyes weren't just for watching they were for winning.
The game had grown increasingly tense as Paris X Gen continued to press Re Al defence. Naruto was relentless in his attempts to create opportunities, dropping deep to collect the ball and driving forward with precision. But Paris X Gen's disciplined backline had proven stubborn, denying every attempt at a clear shot.
Then, in the 65th minute, Naruto drew a foul just outside the box, about 34 meters out. The Paris defender who clipped him waved his hands in frustration, but the referee's whistle was firm. The crowd erupted as Naruto got to his feet, brushing off the contact.
The commentators immediately chimed in.
"Foul given just over 34 meters from goal," one announcer said. "Surely, this is too far out to shoot."
Another laughed. "Even for Naruto Uzumaki, that's a long shot. We'll likely see a cross into the box."
Naruto, standing over the ball, smiled faintly. To him, this wasn't a limitation it was an opportunity.
This is it, he thought. God's giving me my chance.
Naruto carefully placed the ball on the grass, lining it up with precision. He stepped back, his sharp blue eyes scanning the Paris X Gen wall, which had already formed.
Four players stood shoulder to shoulder, their collective height intimidating. Behind them, a fifth player lay flat on the ground, anticipating a low driven shot. Paris's goalkeeper, barked orders, positioning himself near the centre of the goal.
From the sidelines, Kaiya jogged over, his hands on his hips. "You're not actually shooting from here, are you?" he asked, his tone teasing but curious.
Naruto's eyes narrowed, his gaze locked on the goal. "Yeah. I see it."
Kaiya smirked, understanding immediately. "The golden light?"
Naruto nodded. "It's all mine."
Kaiya clapped him on the back before stepping away. "Do your thing, Uzumaki."
The crowd grew restless as Naruto prepared his run-up. The tension in the stadium was palpable, every fan leaning forward in anticipation.
Back in Japan, families across the country sat glued to their screens. In a quiet living room, Mikasa watched with her family. Her younger brother pointed at the screen excitedly. "Is Uzumaki going to score from there?"
Mikasa said nothing, her gray eyes fixed on the TV. She didn't know the answer but she wanted to see it happen.
Elsewhere, in a sleek Tokyo office, Minato and Kushina sat together with coworkers, the screen in front of them displaying the match in vivid detail. Kushina leaned forward, her hands clasped tightly. "Come on, Naruto…"
On the field, Naruto stood still, his breathing steady as he focused. The wall looked formidable, and goalkeepers imposing frame seemed to cover the entire goal. But Naruto wasn't intimidated.
It's good to know they think I'm a threat, he thought, smirking. But it won't be enough.
Naruto took a deep breath, his mind sharpening as the noise of the crowd faded. He visualized the shot the trajectory, the curve, the power. It all aligned perfectly with the golden light he saw before him.
The referee blew the whistle.
Naruto surged forward, his stride deliberate and powerful. As he reached the ball, he struck it cleanly with his instep, generating immense power
"Uzumaki Golden Deadball "The ball rocketed off his foot, curving impossibly as it arced over the wall.
The Paris defenders turned, their eyes wide as the ball dipped suddenly. It kissed the inside of the far post before slamming into the back of the net.
"What a strike! Naruto Uzumaki with an absolute worldie! That's the Uzumaki special right there!"
Naruto stood still for a moment, his chest heaving as he processed the moment. Then he turned toward the Paris half, pointing directly at Julian Loki. He gave a quick wink, his grin wide and confident.
Loki, standing near midfield, clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. His annoyance was evident, but he didn't say a word. Instead, he turned and jogged back to his position.
Naruto's teammates rushed to him, mobbing him in celebration. "That was insane!" Kaiya shouted, laughing as he pulled Naruto into a hug. "You really saw it, huh?"
"Clear as day," Naruto replied, his grin never fading.
The reaction at home was equally electric. Mikasa's brother jumped up, shouting, "He did it! Uzumaki scored from so far away!"
Mikasa allowed a small smile to creep onto her face, her eyes lingering on the screen. "Not bad, Naruto," she muttered under her breath.
At the office, Kushina nearly knocked over her drink as she jumped to her feet. "That's my boy!" she shouted, pointing at the screen. Minato chuckled, shaking his head in awe. "That shot… I don't even know how he does it."
As the players returned to their positions, the scoreboard read 1-1
The momentum had shifted, and the crowd buzzed with excitement, sensing that the game had turned into a true battle of prodigies.
Naruto glanced over at Loki one last time, their eyes meeting across the pitch. Loki's smirk was gone, replaced with a determined glare. Naruto's grin widened.
"This isn't over," Loki muttered to himself.
Naruto, standing tall in the centre circle, thought the same thing.
The equalizer had electrified the crowd. Naruto stood tall in the centre circle as the game restarted, his mind still replaying the curve and power of his Golden Deadball. But across the pitch, Julian Loki wasn't shaken. If anything, he seemed to burn brighter with determination.
As Paris X Gen moved the ball into Re Al's half, Naruto sprinted back into position. He wasn't going to let Loki take over not again. But Loki, as always, was ready.
In the 72nd minute, Loki received the ball just inside the midfield line. Naruto stepped up immediately, determined to close him down before he could build momentum. Loki slowed, his movements almost casual as he turned to face Naruto.
"You're good," Loki said in English, his tone cold but deliberate. "But you need them."
Naruto frowned, not entirely understanding but catching the implication. "What are you saying?"
"You need others," Loki continued, gesturing vaguely to Naruto's teammates. "You need passes, support, a team."
Naruto's fists clenched. "That's what football is."
Loki's smirk returned, but it was darker this time, almost mocking. "No," he said, stepping forward with the ball. "Football is about dominance. Alone, I'm strong."
Loki didn't wait for a response. He pushed the ball forward and accelerated, his movements faster and sharper than before. Naruto tried to adjust, but Loki's speed was unreal like a blur tearing through the field. His kit trailed behind him, his eyes went darker almost giving him an ethereal, demonic presence.
Naruto's heart raced. Is he faster than before?
Naruto lunged, attempting to cut off Loki's path, but the French forward was already past him. Loki's agility left Naruto flat-footed, his movements so precise and quick that it felt impossible to predict his next step.
Behind Naruto, the defenders scrambled to react, but Loki weaved through them effortlessly. His eyes seemed to darken as he reached the box, their once brilliant gold now almost shadowed by a deeper, more menacing hue.
"Alone," Loki muttered to himself as he lined up his shot, "I am invincible."
With a sharp strike, Loki sent the ball hurtling toward the far post. The Re Al goalkeeper dove, stretching desperately, but the shot was too powerful, too precise. The ball slammed into the back of the net.
The stadium erupted, Paris X Gen's fans chanting Loki's name as the French prodigy jogged toward the corner flag. This time, there was no smirk, no celebration. He simply stood, his chest rising and falling as his eyes scanned the field. He wasn't just a player anymore he was a force.
Naruto stood near midfield, his breathing heavy as he stared at Loki. His fists clenched, and a bead of sweat rolled down his temple. Loki's words echoed in his mind.
Alone, I'm strong.
"What the hell is he?" Naruto muttered under his breath. "He's even faster…"
From the sideline, Kaiya yelled, "Naruto! We're not done yet!"
Naruto nodded, but his focus stayed on Loki. He wasn't just faster or stronger he was something else entirely. His aura was almost oppressive, like a shadow that loomed over the field.
As Paris X Gen reset for the kickoff, Loki glanced back at Naruto, his darkened eyes glinting under the stadium lights. He raised a single finger, pointing at himself.
"Remember this," Loki said, his voice low but cutting. "I don't need anyone."
Naruto's jaw tightened. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. But deep down, his competitive fire burned hotter than ever. He wasn't just fighting for his team anymore he was fighting for himself.
Back in Japan, the crowd watching from homes and cafes was stunned. Mikasa's family sat in tense silence, her younger brother whispering, "That Loki guy is insane."
Mikasa didn't respond, her eyes still fixed on the screen. Naruto had been incredible, but Loki was on another level. She clenched her fists slightly, hoping Naruto could find a way to turn the game around.
In the office, Kushina leaned forward, her hands gripping the edge of the couch. "Come on, Naruto," she muttered, her voice filled with both worry and encouragement. "You've got this."
As the referee signalled for the restart, Naruto stood in the centre circle, his gaze locked on Loki. His breathing steadied as he adjusted his armband, the weight of the game pressing down on him.
"You want to play alone?" Naruto muttered to himself, his blue eyes narrowing. "Fine. Let's see how far you can go."
The ball rolled forward, and the match resumed. Naruto surged forward, his determination unwavering. Loki might have the lead, but Naruto wasn't about to back down. Not now. Not ever.
The game pressed on, but Paris X Gen had gained momentum after Loki's second goal. Re Al struggled to regain possession, their passes growing more desperate as the clock ticked down. Naruto had dropped back, scanning the field as he tracked the play. His mind was racing, his heart pounding as frustration threatened to boil over.
Re Al lost the ball again near midfield. Loki intercepted with ease, his movements fluid as he turned to face Naruto. The French forward smirked, his golden eyes glinting under the stadium lights. He didn't sprint forward immediately this time, he had something to say.
"See?" Loki said, his voice calm but cutting. "When you're not strong alone, you lose. That's just how it is."
Naruto clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as Loki's words hit like daggers. Loki stepped closer, his smirk widening.
"You're not at our level yet, Uzumaki," Loki added, his tone dripping with arrogance. "You're just not enough."
Naruto's eyes widened, the words slicing through him. He felt frozen, his legs heavy as he stared at Loki. The French forward's presence loomed larger, almost suffocating.
As Loki prepared to dribble, his posture relaxed but lethal, Naruto's thoughts spiralled. The noise of the crowd faded, replaced by a deafening silence in his mind. His chest tightened as doubt crept in.
Is this it? Naruto thought, his breathing uneven.
Are we going to lose it here?
After everything?
Loki's foot tapped the ball lightly, teasingly, as if daring Naruto to move. But Naruto couldn't. The weight of the moment bore down on him, his mind flashing back to everything he had fought for.
"All my life," Naruto whispered to himself, his voice trembling, "I was meant to be the best. No matter what. I… I'm Naruto Uzumaki…"
Loki began to move, his speed building as he prepared to blow past Naruto once more. The sight snapped something inside Naruto, the fire in his chest reigniting violently.
"I don't lose to the same person," Naruto growled, his voice rising. "Not over and over again!"
As Loki closed in, Naruto's head snapped up, his eyes blazing with determination. His left eye glowed faintly, the blue deepening to a lighter shade. A slit pupil formed, surrounded by a luminous blue ring. The world around him shifted, every detail sharpening into hyper focus.
Naruto's breathing steadied, his fear melting away as clarity filled his mind. He could see Loki's every movement the tension in his legs, the slight tilt of his shoulders, the angle of the ball.
The Emperor's Eye...
"No matter what," Naruto said, his voice steady and cold, "I will be victorious."
As Loki lunged forward, his foot shifting to feint left, Naruto didn't flinch. He moved with precision, stepping in with perfect timing to intercept the ball cleanly. The crowd gasped audibly, the sound echoing like a wave across the stadium.
Loki stumbled slightly, his smirk replaced by a dark scowl. Naruto stood tall, the ball at his feet, his gaze locked onto Loki.
"Just because you were born fast doesn't make you special." Naruto said coldly, his voice resonating with an authority that silenced the field. "Lower your head,"
Naruto didn't waste a second. He spun away from Loki, dribbling forward with speed and precision that left even his teammates stunned. Every step, every touch was deliberate. His awakened eye revealed the perfect paths through Paris X Gen's formation.
"Uzumaki's on fire!" one commentator shouted, their excitement building. "No one's been able to stop Loki before, but Uzumaki just shut him down!"
Naruto weaved past one defender, then another, his movements too quick and calculated for them to react. The golden light of his vision guided him forward, showing him the angles and gaps that others couldn't see. The stadium erupted as Naruto drove into the box, his sights set on the goal.
But Loki wasn't done. His scowl deepened, his eyes darkening as he sprinted back with an intensity that bordered on desperation. His body moved with a force that was almost unnatural, his speed accelerating as he closed the gap.
Naruto prepared to shoot, his new technique aligning perfectly with the path he saw before him. But just as he wound up, Loki and another Paris defender came sliding in, their tackles aimed with ruthless precision.
The collision was brutal. Naruto's foot struck the ball just before Loki's tackle connected, the force sending him tumbling to the ground. A sickening snap echoed through the air as Naruto clutched his ankle, his scream of pain cutting through the noise of the crowd.
The ball veered off course, rolling harmlessly to the side as the referee's whistle blew. Gasps and murmurs spread through the stadium as Naruto lay on the ground, his face contorted in agony.
The Paris defenders stood slowly, Loki's face unreadable as he glanced down at Naruto. The referee approached, his expression grim as he signalled for the medical team.
"An ugly challenge," one commentator said, his tone heavy. "Naruto Uzumaki is down, and this doesn't look good."
"After an incredible display of skill, this is a devastating blow," another added. "You hate to see it."
In Japan, the reaction was immediate. Mikasa sat frozen, her gray eyes wide as she watched Naruto clutch his ankle on the screen.
"Is he… okay?" her brother asked quietly.
Mikasa didn't respond, her fists tightening as she stared at the screen.
Kushina gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "Naruto!" she cried, her voice trembling. Minato placed a hand on her shoulder, his own expression grim but steady. "He's strong," Minato said quietly. "He'll get through this."
As the medical team surrounded Naruto, the crowd fell into a hushed silence. The young prodigy's incredible run had been cut short, his dreams of turning the game around halted by a cruel twist of fate.
Loki stood near the edge of the box, his expression dark but unreadable. He didn't approach Naruto didn't even glance at him again. Instead, he turned, walking back toward midfield as the reality of the moment settled over the stadium.
The match ended with the score line reading 2-1 in Favour of Paris X Gen. The roar of the opposing fans drowned out the muted applause from Re Al's supporters. Naruto's team trudged off the pitch, heads low, their expressions a mixture of frustration and disbelief. They had lost not just the game, but their momentum and their new brightest star.
Naruto had been carried off the field minutes earlier, his ankle heavily bandaged. The image of him clutching his leg in agony lingered in everyone's minds, a stark reminder of how quickly everything could change.
The locker room was eerily quiet. The usual post match chatter was absent, replaced by the sound of running water and the occasional shuffle of boots on the tiled floor. Kaiya Riku sat on the bench, his head in his hands, replaying the moment over and over.
"Damn it," Kaiya muttered, breaking the silence. "We were so close."
One of the defenders shook his head. "It wasn't just the match. We lost Uzumaki. Did you see Loki's face after that tackle? He knew exactly what he was doing."
The room tensed at the mention of Loki. His calculated challenge had not gone unnoticed, but the referee's leniency had allowed Paris X Gen to escape with no more than a foul.
"We can't change it now," the coach said, stepping into the centre of the room. His voice was calm but heavy with disappointment. "We have to focus on what's next."
"What's next?" Kaiya snapped, looking up. "We just lost our playmaker. Uzumaki was the reason we even had a chance out there."
The coach didn't reply, his silence an unspoken agreement.
Meanwhile, Naruto sat in the medical room, his ankle elevated and wrapped in thick gauze. The team doctor, a stern looking man with gray streaks in his hair, finished his examination with a grim expression.
"Well?" Naruto asked, his voice steadier than he felt.
The doctor sighed, removing his gloves. "It's a clean break, but it's serious. You'll be out for at least 12 to 18 weeks, maybe longer, depending on how your body heals."
Naruto's breath hitched, but he kept his face neutral. "Longer?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.
The doctor nodded. "If there are complications, it could extend your recovery time. You'll need to stay off it entirely for the first few weeks. After that, we'll reassess and start physiotherapy."
The words hit Naruto like a punch to the gut. He had fought so hard to get to this point, pushing himself beyond his limits, and now he was side lined.
The doctor gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You're young, Uzumaki. You'll heal faster than you think. Focus on recovery, and you'll be back stronger."
Naruto nodded numbly as the doctor left, but as soon as the door clicked shut, the weight of the situation crashed down on him.
Alone in the sterile room, Naruto leaned back against the chair, his chest tightening as his mind replayed the match. Loki's words echoed in his ears.
"You're not at our level yet."
The memory of Loki blowing past him, the searing pain in his ankle, the realization that he couldn't finish what he had started it all overwhelmed him. Naruto clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as tears welled in his eyes.
"All my life," he muttered, his voice trembling, "I was supposed to be the best. No matter what."
A single tear slid down his cheek, followed by another. Naruto buried his face in his hands, the frustration and pain finally spilling over. He wasn't crying just because of the injury it was the helplessness, the feeling of falling short when it mattered most.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I don't lose like this."
But tonight, he had. And it cut deeper than the physical pain ever could.
An hour later, there was a knock on the door. Naruto quickly wiped his face, forcing himself to sit upright as the door opened. Kaiya stepped in first, followed by a few other teammates. Their faces were solemn, their usual energy dimmed.
"How's the ankle?" Kaiya asked, his tone softer than usual.
Naruto shrugged, keeping his voice steady. "Broken. Out for a while."
Kaiya cursed under his breath, shaking his head. "Damn it, Uzumaki… That tackle was dirty. Loki knew exactly what he was doing."
Naruto shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It's not Loki's fault we lost. They were better. He was better."
"That's not true," one of the defenders said. "You were the only one who could stop him. And you did until they took you out."
The room fell silent again, the weight of Naruto's absence sinking in for everyone. Kaiya finally spoke, his voice firm. "You'll come back, Uzumaki. You always do."
Naruto met his gaze, the fire in his blue eyes flickering but not extinguished. "Yeah. I will."
Across the world, in Tokyo, the reactions to Naruto's injury were immediate. Social media buzzed with messages of support, fans from Japan and beyond expressing their disbelief and frustration.
RisingNarutoFan - Heartbroken for Naruto Uzumaki. That tackle was brutal. Get well soon!
Hiddenleaf21 - You'll come back stronger, Uzumaki. We believe in you.
SamuraiNinja - Loki might have won today, but Uzumaki's not done yet.
Kushina paced the room, her hands clenched tightly. "I can't believe they let that happen," she muttered. "What kind of referee—"
"Kushina," Minato said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "He's strong. He'll recover."
Kushina stopped, her fiery temper cooling slightly as she glanced at the screen. Naruto's face, captured during his triumphant free kick, appeared on the broadcast. "I know," she whispered. "But it's hard to see him like this."
That night, as Naruto lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind refused to rest. The pain in his ankle was sharp, but the pain in his heart was sharper. He replayed Loki's words, his own mistakes, and the moment his body gave out.
But somewhere in the darkness, a spark ignited.
"This isn't the end," Naruto said to himself, his voice steady despite the tears still fresh on his cheeks. "I'll come back. And when I do…"
His left eye glinted faintly in the dim light, the memory of its awakening still vivid in his mind. He clenched his fist.
"…I'll be stronger than ever."
Chapter 5 – Awakening End
A/N
That's the end...
Naruto unlocks the Emperor's Eye yes, just like Kuroko! Now he can see into the future.
Some amazing stuff is coming up, and don't think for a second that just because he's injured, he's out of the action.
Bro just wants a holiday in Italy...
Anyway, thanks for reading, and have a Happy New Year, everyone!
Until next time,
Byebye!