Forty years ago, a celebrated goalkeeper became the coach of a fledgling football club at Raimon Junior High. With his passion and expertise, he guided the team to greatness, earning them the name Inazuma Eleven for their unmatched strength and speed. Their inspiring journey through the Football Frontier won the hearts of many, yet not all shared in their triumph. Among the spectators stood Zoolan Rice, whose deep resentment towards David Evans led to a tragic incident that brought the legendary Inazuma Eleven's story to an abrupt end.
A list of the chapters in the story. Please be cautious before reading as it can spoil the story.
Chapter 1 Indomitable Spirit
Summary
Seymour lives with his parents above their noodle shop, Rai Rai Noodles, in the bustling Shopping Area. As he begins his second year at Raimon Junior High, he finds himself drawn into trouble when he protects a student from a gang of thugs. Just as the situation turns dangerous, a well-aimed football from a stranger drives them off. Seymour later returns the ball to the school's football club, where the stranger reveals himself as David Evans, Raimon's new coach. Although David encourages Seymour to join, he initially refuses. After school, Seymour and his best friend Ian visit the Inazuma Tower, only to encounter the thugs again. David appears, scares them off, and shows Seymour the sweeping view over Inazuma Town. He urges Seymour not to waste his strength in fights, but to use it for football. Touched by the attention he has never known, Seymour begins to reconsider. The next morning, over his bowl of noodles, he decides to join the club, with Ian following suit. In class, a new transfer student is introduced: Constant Builder, formerly of Rampage Academy. At training, however, Seymour and Ian struggle to fit in with a disorganised team that lacks ambition. Seymour approaches Constant the following day, but he refuses to join. Meanwhile, Raimon's practice catches the eye of a mysterious onlooker who reports his findings to an unknown man. Elsewhere, Rampage Academy faces closure due to financial troubles caused by unruly students. Their coach announces that salvation may come if they destroy Raimon Junior High in a football match, backed by a secret benefactor. The match is arranged for three days' time, and Raimon begins training with new determination. David personally coaches Seymour, recognising his potential as a goalkeeper, and together they refine a powerful technique at the Inazuma Tower. On match day, Rampage arrives brimming with aggression. Seymour takes his place as keeper and Ian as midfielder, but the first half is brutal, ending 0-10 with Raimon barely standing. At half-time, the Rampage coach is ordered by the benefactor not merely to win, but to utterly humiliate Raimon before David's eyes. When play resumes, Raimon suffers another blow as Marshall is injured, leaving them a man short. Watching from the sidelines, Constant recalls his past and asks David to let him play. Taking Marshall's place, he is mocked by Rampage's captain Bosh as a traitor. Bosh breaks through and fires a shot, but Seymour, remembering David's words and his team's struggle, unleashes the God Hand, stopping the ball to everyone's shock. He then hurls it forward to Constant, who scores Raimon's first goal. The team rallies, their spirits reignited. Though the score remains 1-10 with little time left, Rampage's benefactor withdraws his support, furious at their failure to crush Raimon outright. Rampage forfeits the match and walks away in disgrace, leaving Raimon with an unexpected but hard-won victory. Celebrating their triumph, Seymour and Ian are finally accepted by their teammates. David praises their indomitable spirit, reminding them that football is about heart and unity. As they look ahead to future challenges, Seymour feels a newfound sense of belonging and purpose.
Opponent
Chapter 2 Unyielding Courage
Summary
After the bruising clash with Rampage Academy, Raimon struggles to recover. Marshall, Ted, Dom, Slot and Bill are left injured and, blaming Seymour for what happened, they quit the team outright. Constant also departs, insisting he only stepped in to help and has no interest in staying. With only ten players left, Raimon's morale sinks to its lowest point. Burdened with guilt, Seymour retreats to the Inazuma Tower, wondering if joining the club was a mistake. David finds him there and reassures him, explaining that it was Rampage who caused the trouble, not Seymour, who had only stepped in to protect another student. The following day, David gathers the team and shocks them by taking full responsibility himself. He reveals it was he who injured the thugs in the alley, which led them to target Seymour. Though stunned, the team listens as David reminds them that despite the heavy defeat, their persistence forced Rampage to forfeit, securing Raimon's victory. His words rekindle their spirit, and Seymour is finally forgiven. Soon after, David is contacted by an old friend, Gregory Smith, now a football reporter. Gregory is coaching a small group of children and invites Raimon to play them in a friendly at the Riverside. Although unimpressed by the prospect of facing kids, David warns his team not to underestimate any opponent. The match goes ahead the next day, with Raimon eventually securing the win. Gregory praises them, noting the talent within their ranks. The following day, David introduces Gregory as Raimon's new team advisor, tasked with providing data on their opponents. He also announces that Raimon has been entered into the upcoming Football Frontier, Japan's premier tournament. Fired up by the news, the team is more motivated than ever, determined to prove themselves on the national stage. To prepare them, David arranges a practice match against Academic Junior High, a school famed for its intelligent and strategic players. Raimon rises to the challenge, defeating them with ease, and the team begins to believe they might truly have a chance.
Opponent
Chapter 3 Fathomless Heart
Summary
With the Football Frontier approaching, Raimon intensify their training. David gathers the team to announce their first opponents: Monument Junior High, renowned for their remarkable stamina, able to run for miles without tiring. Gregory warns the players not to underestimate them, while Arthur points out that Raimon still lack a powerful striker. The team silently acknowledge that Constant's absence leaves a hole in their line-up. David reassures them that with enough practice, they can overcome any obstacle, and training resumes. During the session, David notices Arthur's impressive kicking power, unusual for a defender. He surprises the team by allowing Arthur to follow the strikers' training methods, hinting at untapped potential. Later, Seymour confides in Ian that he must convince Constant to return, believing he is the only one who can lead Raimon to victory. The next day, Seymour follows Constant after class and sees him slip through the back gate, eventually entering a hospital. There, Seymour discovers him speaking with his injured father. Confronting him, Seymour asks Constant to rejoin the team, but Constant reacts angrily and demands to know why he was followed. His father's sadness only deepens the moment, and Constant reluctantly opens up outside. He explains that his father, once a great footballer, was attacked a year ago after his father's victory in a tournament, his legs broken beyond repair. Unable to protect him, Constant blamed himself for being weak. From then on, he devoted himself to physical strength, enrolling at Rampage Academy to instil fear in others, and swore never to play football again. He warns Seymour never to follow him again and demands secrecy. Seymour accepts, but leaves him with a message: Raimon will be playing in the Football Frontier, and if Constant ever chooses to help, the door will remain open. That evening, Constant lingers near the pitch, watching Raimon train. David approaches and asks a simple question—does he enjoy football? Caught off guard, Constant admits he does. David tells him that if he truly loves something, hiding from it will only weigh him down. Later, at the hospital, his father gently reminds him that if he still carries guilt from the incident a year ago, he should let it go—football had given them both hope, and he should embrace it again. The following day, Constant appears at Raimon's clubroom and tells David he wishes to join properly. The team welcome him back with open arms. On match day, Raimon take to the pitch against Monument Junior High. The stamina of their opponents pushes them to their limits, while Constant is tightly marked, leaving little room to strike. At half-time, David makes a bold decision: he switches Arthur to forward. The team protest, fearing the weakened defence, but David insists on trusting Arthur's training. When play resumes, Monument underestimate Arthur, dismissing him as a defender. Yet, when he seizes the ball, he unleashes a powerful new technique—Dragon Crash—sending the ball crashing into the net and giving Raimon the lead. With renewed energy and confidence, Raimon hold their ground. Against the odds, they secure their first victory in the Football Frontier regionals.
Opponent
Chapter 4 Unwavering Faith
Summary
After their victory over Monument Junior High, Raimon advance to the next round of the Football Frontier. In the clubroom, David announces their next opponent: Wild Junior High. Gregory explains that Wild are notorious for their aerial dominance, able to leap higher than most teams, and their players' immense physical strength makes their defence almost impenetrable. Arthur brushes this off, insisting they can still score by shooting, but Gregory warns that breaking through Wild's wall-like defence will be nearly impossible. David suggests an alternative: if they cannot go through, they must learn to go over. He instructs the team to begin training their jumping skills. Watching them, David eventually devises a daring new move: the Inazuma Drop. One player would leap high, serve as a springboard for another, who would then launch into an overhead kick from the sky. The team are sceptical, convinced the idea is unrealistic, especially when David selects Arthur as the first jumper and Joseph—an unremarkable and timid player—as the shooter. Joseph himself is shocked, believing he lacks the talent to succeed. Seymour and Ian mull over the idea at Rai Rai Noodles, doubtful yet hopeful. The next day, Arthur and Joseph begin training, but the move fails repeatedly. Feeling like a burden, Joseph begs David to pick someone else. When he skips training the following day, Seymour finds him at Inazuma Tower, quietly strumming his guitar. Joseph confesses his insecurity, insisting he can never match Constant's talent and fears Raimon will lose if David relies on him. Seymour silences him, reminding him he is part of the Raimon Eleven, where every player supports one another. David arrives and tells Joseph that struggle is natural—quitting is the only real way to let his team down. Inspired, Joseph resolves to give his all. On match day, Wild immediately overpower Raimon with their sheer strength, constantly pressuring their defence. Constant is heavily marked, while Joseph loses possession, allowing Wild to score the first goal. At half-time, Joseph shoulders the blame, but Seymour reassures him that mistakes are part of football, and a true team always has each other's backs. In the second half, Joseph once again receives the ball. Remembering Seymour and David's words, he trusts his team and calls for Arthur. Together, they unleash the Inazuma Drop for the first time, Joseph blasting the ball into the net with a spectacular overhead kick. The equaliser ignites Raimon's fighting spirit. With renewed momentum, they press forward and score once more, securing a 2–1 victory and advancing further into the Football Frontier.
Opponent
Chapter 5 Ice-Cold Composure
Summary
With their second victory secured, Raimon progress to the next round of the Football Frontier. David gathers the team and announces their next opponents: Occult Junior High. To everyone's surprise, Gregory has no reliable data on them. What little is known suggests something unsettling—Occult's rivals often claim they are unable to move during matches, convinced they have been cursed. This unnerves much of the team, and practice suffers as their concentration falters. Seymour, determined to protect Raimon's goal no matter what, trains alone at Inazuma Tower. Meanwhile, David and Gregory pour over recordings of Occult's matches. At first, nothing looks unusual, except for the bizarre fact that their opponents seem paralysed on the pitch. The following day, Raimon receive a new transfer student, introduced by the governor: Ray Dark. Though his demeanour is cold, he requests to join the football club. David accepts, and Ray quickly proves himself talented in practice—but his aggressive style unsettles the others. Seymour warns him to ease up, though Ray shows little concern. Later, while continuing to study Occult, David notices something odd. Inspired, he gathers Raimon for a special kind of training. Blindfolded, the players are forced to rely on their other senses, struggling at first but gradually adapting to the challenge. On match day, Raimon push forward in attack, but Occult's captain intercepts and mutters a strange incantation. Suddenly, Raimon freeze, unable to move, and Occult take the lead with a quick goal. David shouts for his team to remember their training. One by one, Raimon close their eyes, rendering the spell ineffective. Free from the illusion, they weave past Occult's defence and strike back. Through determination and their unorthodox training, Raimon overcome their fear and secure victory against Occult Junior High, advancing once again in the tournament.
Opponent
Chapter 6 Unblinking Vision
Summary
With their victory over Occult Junior High, Raimon advance to the regional finals of the Football Frontier. David gathers the team and announces their opponents: Royal Academy, the reigning champions of the tournament and one of the strongest teams in Japan. Gregory warns that their squad is formidable in every aspect, with a goalkeeper considered nearly unbeatable. Doubt spreads through Raimon, but David reminds them that hard work and determination will carry them forward—and that he has a surprise in store. At that moment, the governor enters, revealing that he and David have worked together to build the Flash Training Facility, designed to push players beyond their limits and accelerate their growth. Excited by this opportunity, Raimon throw themselves into training. David, meanwhile, continues to study their play, searching for a new strategy. That evening, Seymour and Ian return to Rai Rai Noodles, mulling over the daunting challenge ahead. Elsewhere, Ray Dark is approached by two mysterious men. He initially tells them to leave him alone, but they mention knowing the truth about his father. Intrigued and angered, Ray is told to contact them if he wants answers. Later, the men inform an unknown superior that they have found a weakness in Raimon. The next day, David introduces a new special move: the Inazuma-1. Combining the power of Raimon's two strongest kickers into a single devastating strike, the move will give them a chance against Royal Academy's mighty defence. He selects Seymour and Constant as the ideal duo. While the team train, Ray's behaviour becomes increasingly reckless, his tackles growing harsher until David angrily orders him to stop. Ray storms off, seething. At the Riverside, he meets the men once more—this time by choice. They reveal his father's past: once Japan's number one player, adored by fans, he was eventually replaced by younger talents, including David Evans himself. Stripped of his place and ridiculed as he declined, he lost his passion for football and ultimately vanished from the world. Hearing that David was the man who replaced his father fills Ray with bitterness and rage. The men encourage him to take revenge by handing Raimon's data to Royal Academy. The following day, Ray skips practice, sneaks into the clubroom, and photographs Raimon's notes. Seymour catches him but is brushed aside as Ray leaves. That evening, Ray delivers the stolen data to the men. On match day, Royal Academy immediately take the lead, exploiting Raimon's every weakness thanks to the information Ray provided. At half-time, David urges the team to trust in their new technique. Summoning all their strength, Seymour and Constant execute the Inazuma-1, blasting the ball past the seemingly invincible goalkeeper to equalise. With momentum on their side, Raimon push harder, breaking through once more to score the winning goal. Against the odds, Raimon defeat the champions and claim the regional title—unaware that one of their own has betrayed them.
Opponent
Chapter 7 Magnanimous Soul
Summary
Raimon finally reach the national stage of the Football Frontier tournament. Royal Academy also advance, securing their place due to last year's victory. David gathers his team and warns them that the national level will be far tougher than anything they have faced so far, but assures them that with dedication and the use of the Flash Training Facility, they have the potential to triumph. During practice, David receives a visit from Felix Balding, an old childhood friend who now coaches Fauxshore Junior High. Felix congratulates David on Raimon's progress and reveals that his own team have also qualified for the nationals. He suggests a practice match between their sides as preparation. Seeing the chance for growth, David agrees. The following day, Raimon face Fauxshore. It becomes immediately clear that Felix's team are trained with the same discipline and style as Raimon. Fauxshore seize the advantage and score the first goal. Frustration boils over when Ray commits a reckless sliding tackle, drawing David's warning to take it easy—the match is for experience, not glory. Both teams fight hard until Raimon rally and take the win. After the whistle, Felix thanks David, predicting his team could go far in the tournament. That evening, Seymour and Ian reflect at Rai Rai Noodles, discussing the quality of Fauxshore and how tough the national level will truly be. The next day, Gregory informs Raimon that their first national opponents are Mangrove Junior High, a team famed for their strategic play and physical strength. Motivated, Raimon dive into training with renewed determination. David pulls Ray aside, telling him to stop playing recklessly and to use his natural talent. He will be fielded in the upcoming match, but David insists he must trust his teammates and play true to his heart. When the team arrive at the grand Football Frontier Stadium for the opening ceremony, they are awed by the spectacle as all the national teams are introduced. Soon after, Raimon face Mangrove in their first national match. Early on, Ray dribbles through the defenders with ease, Constant running free alongside him. But instead of passing, Ray holds on to the ball, is overwhelmed, and loses possession. Mangrove counter swiftly and score. Seymour shouts at Ray to pull himself together. Moments later, Ray wins the ball back and, fuelled by anger, bulldozes through the defence to score an equaliser himself. Seymour chastises him for ignoring Constant, warning he is exhausting himself and hurting the team, but Ray dismisses him, claiming that scoring is all that matters. Shocked by his selfishness, Raimon press on regardless. Despite Ray's reckless play, the team pull together and eventually secure victory, advancing further in the nationals.
Opponent
Chapter 8 Steadfast Loyalty
Summary
Raimon advance to the second round of the nationals, where David once again gathers the team. Gregory announces their next opponents: Shuriken Junior High, a school famed for their blistering speed and mastery of ninjutsu. The idea of facing “ninjas” on the pitch stuns the team, leaving them unsure how to prepare. David steadies their nerves, reminding them that no team is perfect—if they train hard, they can overcome any challenge. During practice, the ball is suddenly intercepted by a figure who seems to appear from thin air. He reveals himself as Sammy Igajima, captain of Shuriken Junior High, and mocks Raimon for being such a weak team to have made it this far. Angered, Seymour declares they will defeat Shuriken just like every other opponent. Amused, Sammy calls forth four teammates and challenges Raimon to a five-a-side football battle. Seymour accepts. The mini-match is brutal: Shuriken's players dart across the pitch with lightning speed, their movements impossible to track. Raimon fail to even touch the ball as Shuriken score effortlessly. Sammy laughs, declaring they stand no chance in the nationals, before vanishing with his teammates. Demoralised, Raimon begin to question whether their training means anything if they cannot even compete at this level. That evening, Seymour and Ian discuss their despair at Rai Rai Noodles, searching for a way to overcome such overwhelming speed. The next day, David reassures the team, revealing that he observed Shuriken closely. Their weakness, he explains, lies in their lack of physical strength. He unveils a new technique to counter them: the Fire Rooster, a blazing shot combining both speed and power. To pull it off, the team must undergo special training to heighten their reaction times—if they cannot outrun Shuriken, they must at least learn to read and respond to their movements. Training proves grueling. Raimon struggle to keep up, but persist. David designates Garrett and Constant as the pair to execute the Fire Rooster, combining Garrett's speed with Constant's raw power. Over the following days, Raimon push themselves relentlessly to improve their reflexes, while Garrett and Constant refine the special move. On match day, Shuriken immediately showcase their skill, Sammy intercepting the ball and charging towards goal. But this time Seymour, recalling the reaction drills, reads the trajectory of his shot and blocks it, stunning their opponents. The match becomes an intense battle of speed versus spirit. At half-time, Sammy admits he is surprised at how much Raimon have improved in such a short time. But Raimon have more to show. In the second half, Garrett and Constant seize an opening and unleash the Fire Rooster, their combined strike tearing past Shuriken's defence and goalkeeper. With renewed confidence, Raimon hold their ground, and as the final whistle blows, they claim victory over Shuriken Junior High.
Opponent
Chapter 9 Boundless Ambition
Summary
Raimon advance to the semi-finals of the Football Frontier. In the clubroom, David announces their next opponents: Farm Junior High. Gregory explains that Farm are infamous for their ironclad defence, which no team has ever broken through. To ease their concerns, he notes that while their defence is formidable, their attack is far weaker—if they score first, victory becomes almost impossible for their opponents. Even so, Raimon doubt their chances. David reminds them that nothing is impossible. They have faced countless challenges and always emerged stronger. He urges them to “aim for the stars,” surpassing their limits each day to become better versions of themselves. His words rekindle their fighting spirit. David then unveils a technique from his own playing days: the Inazuma Break. It is a devastating shot requiring the combined power of two strikers and the goalkeeper. He selects Seymour, Constant, and Ray as the trio to attempt it. During training, Ray recklessly tackles Garrett, leaving him injured. Furious, Seymour and David order him to stop. Ray coldly replies that weak players do not deserve to be on the pitch. Outraged, David tells him that without understanding purpose, he has no place in Raimon. Ray storms off, declaring they will never agree, and quits the team. After practice, Seymour and Ian talk over noodles, troubled by the situation. With Ray gone and Garrett recovering from his injury, they have no reserves and no way to complete the Inazuma Break. David later assigns Joseph to take Ray's place, but the trio struggle and fail repeatedly. Meanwhile, Ray meets once more with the mysterious men and is taken to Royal Academy. There, he is led into a dark room where a shadowy figure awaits—Zoolan Rice, the man who secretly controls the Football Frontier. Zoolan recounts the story of Ray's father: once a phenomenal prodigy, unrivalled on the pitch, he declined with age and was eventually replaced. Zoolan coldly declares that those who cannot keep winning don't deserve to play. Enraged, Ray demands he stop insulting his father. Zoolan smirks and offers Ray a choice: join him, destroy David Evans and the Inazuma Eleven, and he will ensure Ray remains at the top of the football world. Ray lowers his head, asking how. Zoolan replies that victory is all that matters—whether on or off the pitch. Royal Academy must emerge supreme. Ray, seizing the moment, suggests moving Raimon's semi-final forward, knowing they are still unprepared. Amused, Zoolan agrees. The next day, Gregory informs David that the match has been suddenly rescheduled for today. Shocked but resolute, Raimon head to the stadium to face Farm. As expected, their defence is near-impenetrable, and without the Inazuma Break, Raimon struggle desperately. Seymour defends his goal with all his strength, refusing to let his team falter. Through David's guidance, they cleverly lure Farm's defenders out of position, creating the opening they need. Raimon finally break through and score, shattering Farm's unbreakable defence. With grit and determination, Raimon claim victory and secure their place in the Football Frontier finals.
Opponent
Chapter 10 Inner Belief
Summary
Raimon stand at the pinnacle of their journey—the finals of the Football Frontier. David gathers the team, congratulating them on reaching their last hurdle. If they win, they will be crowned the number one team in Japan. Gregory adds that their opponents are yet to be decided, as Royal Academy and Kirkwood will soon face off in the other semi-final. Determined to be ready for either side, Raimon dedicate themselves to sharpening their skills. David later calls Seymour aside for a private session. In a one-on-one, he asks Seymour to shoot against him. To Seymour's amazement, David unveils Majin the Hand, a mighty goalkeeping technique he describes as the manifestation of a player's spirit at its fullest. He tells Seymour that mastering it will be key for the final. To forge this power, he has Constant and Garrett use the Fire Rooster against him. Its sheer force overwhelms Seymour, and after several attempts he collapses in pain. David immediately halts the training, warning Seymour not to push himself too far. But Seymour insists he must go beyond his limits—he is Raimon's final wall, and he will endure anything to protect their goal. That evening, the team celebrate their achievement at Rai Rai Noodles. Their joy is cut short when Gregory storms in with urgent news: Royal Academy have defeated Kirkwood and will be Raimon's opponents in the final. Though surprised, Raimon remain confident, recalling their earlier victory over Royal. Yet Gregory privately warns David that something about the semi-final seemed off—statistically, Kirkwood should have won. The next day, David reveals a surprise to the team: he has arranged a friendly against Kirkwood. Raimon play hard, though Seymour still struggles to unlock Majin the Hand. After the match, David meets Kirkwood's coach in private. The coach confirms Gregory's suspicion: his team had been food poisoned the day before their match. Their regular chef had been mysteriously replaced by one “assigned” by the Football Federation. Disturbed, David and Gregory suspect Royal Academy's backer—Zoolan Rice, the shadowy head of the Federation. Seeking answers, they travel to Royal Academy, only for the Raimon players to overhear and insist on joining them. There, they discover the shocking truth: their former teammate Ray Dark now serves directly under the governor, the school's second-in-command. Coldly, Ray declares that Royal Academy has given him hope and the chance to rise above all, vowing to one day control the sport he despises. Raimon leave in anger, certain he was behind Kirkwood's sabotage. Elsewhere, Zoolan summons Ray. He berates him for failing to eliminate Raimon earlier and warns that if Royal lose, Ray will never see his sister again. Ray wavers, troubled by Raimon's unbreakable spirit, but Zoolan twists his doubts with his father's words: “Winning is everything—those who do not win are never cheered.” Consumed by despair, Ray's ideals grow darker still. On the eve of the final, Zoolan warns Ray that Royal Academy may not win on the pitch. He orders him to ensure Raimon never even arrive. Ray resists, unwilling to endanger lives, but Zoolan mocks him as a coward like his father. Desperate, broken, and manipulated, Ray agrees. After school, he sneaks into the Inazuma Bus and severs the brakes. The next day, cheered on by their classmates, Raimon board the bus for the stadium. Nearing their destination, disaster strikes—the brakes fail, sending the bus crashing. The team are left gravely injured. Ray contacts Zoolan to confirm the deed is done. Zoolan promptly announces to the Federation that Raimon have forfeited the final, granting Royal Academy victory by default. Royal are crowned champions of the Football Frontier. News spreads that Raimon “betrayed” their school by forfeiting. At the hospital, David is the first to awaken. Wracked with guilt, he blames himself for endangering the boys. To protect them, he instructs the doctors to declare him dead, disappearing into the shadows to uncover the truth behind the accident and the conspiracy threatening football itself.
Opponent
Post Game Warrior's Pride
Summary
Seymour suddenly wakes to find himself standing outside the Raimon football club. Disoriented, he enters the clubroom, where his teammates warmly welcome him. They tell him a special match has been arranged and urge him to come along to the Football Frontier Stadium. Still confused, Seymour decides to follow. At the stadium, the crowd erupts as Raimon step onto the pitch. Seymour is stunned to see their opponents: Inazuma National, the legendary professional team, led by none other than a youthful David Evans. Realising the impossibility of this, Seymour accepts that he is dreaming. The match begins, Raimon facing the very legends who once inspired them. After the final whistle, the young David approaches Seymour and utters the words: “Stay strong, no matter how tough it gets.” Everything fades to black. Seymour awakens again outside the club. The same events repeat—yet this time, Ray Dark is among his teammates once more. At the stadium, Raimon face a golden-clad Inazuma National, captained by the prodigy striker Tom Dark. Once again, after the match, Tom speaks the same words: “Stay strong, no matter how tough it gets.” Darkness swallows Seymour again, leaving him unsettled by the endless cycle. Meanwhile, in reality, David Evans continues his secret investigation into Royal Academy, desperate to uncover the truth behind the accident that destroyed his team. A decade passes with little progress—until one day a man named Patrick Greene uncovers hidden files referring to the Inazuma Bus crash as an orchestrated plot. David, disguised and shadowing Royal Academy, notices Patrick's troubled expression and follows him. When David confronts him, Patrick brushes him off. Only when David removes his disguise, revealing himself as the supposedly dead coach of Raimon, does Patrick relent and invite him inside. There, David shares everything: the bus had been inspected the day before the final and deemed safe, yet it failed. Stranger still, the Football Federation announced Raimon's forfeiture before the police even reached the crash site. Convinced Royal Academy was behind it, David had spent ten years searching for proof. Patrick then confirms what David always feared. He discovered that someone in a high position ordered Ray Dark to tamper with the bus after inspection, ensuring Raimon never reached the final. That same figure later installed Ray as governor of Royal Academy following the death of its previous head. Enraged, David laments how a boy was manipulated into betrayal, risking an entire team's lives for the sake of victory. Together, he and Patrick agree to reveal the truth. The next day, however, Patrick is ambushed by Ray's guards, who demand the files. David, waiting outside, grows concerned by Patrick's delay. Hearing commotion inside, he distracts a guard and bursts in to find Patrick cornered. The two flee, pursued by guards, until Patrick's allies intervene, holding them back to buy time. Escaping in a car, Patrick hands David the evidence, but David realises he has once again placed someone else in danger. To protect Patrick, he resolves to vanish completely. Taking the evidence, David decides to escape to Africa, far from Japan, where he can continue investigating and uncover the mastermind behind it all.
