Ares depicts an alternative canon following the events of the first season of the original Inazuma Eleven anime after their victory in the Football Frontier, with the alien attack from the second season never occurring. When Japanese soccer has been deemed weak compared to international competition, the Raimon Eleven disbanded with its members transferring into different soccer teams across the country to strengthen Japan's soccer at a national level. Furthermore, sponsorship has become a vital aspect in a Japanese youth soccer team's survival as it prevents a team's disbandment while being essential to partake in matches. The series focuses on the forward Asuto Inamori and his team, Inakuni Raimon, which is made up of players from the remote Inakunijima Island. Needing to maintain their club, they have replaced the original Raimon Eleven as Raimon Junior High's soccer team and compete as underdogs in the annual Football Frontier youth tournament.
3.5 / 5
Episode 1
The bright and positive Sonny Wright along with his passionate teammates make the difficult decision of leaving their island home to continue their one joy in life; soccer.
Episode 2
Sonny and the new Raimon Eleven struggle to understand the training given to them by their odd manager, Mister Yi.
Episode 3
The odd methods continue as Mister Yi gears the Raimon team up for their first official match against the school with an incredible defense, Rampart Jr. High.
Episode 4
The day is finally here. It's Raimon vs Rampart and Mister Yi is still up to his strange tactics.
Episode 5
Though an incredible striker, Elliot Ember fails to command his teammates' respect due to his inconsistent attendance and performance.
Episode 6
Things heat up as Polestar Academy goes against Kirkwood Junior High. Renowned Flame Striker, Axel Blaze, leads Kirkwood players with great teamwork and powerful moves.
Episode 7
With Elliot's evolution into a dependable ace striker, Polestar Academy finally finds its footing against Kirkwood.
Episode 8
The Raimon Eleven are left on their own against the analytical team, Anima Sana, in the 3rd round prelim.
Episode 9
The diabolical Ray Dark is once again the commander of the Royal Academy team, despite being previously condemned.
Episode 10
The morale of Royal Academy starts to fall apart when the players find out Ray Dark's dishonest approach.
Episode 11
Sonny feels lost about his motive for playing soccer. Then, he receives a letter from his late mother with a message that may change everything.
Episode 12
In the final match of the preliminaries, it's once again Raimon vs Polestar.
Episode 13
Determined to crush Raimon, Elliot's onslaught is relentless. However, even with Sonny's injured leg, the eleven stand firm.
Episode 14
The Football Frontier finals begin and the story of the mysterious Heath Moore is about to unfold.
Episode 15
Elliot's chance for revenge is here as Polestar faces off against Lunar Prime.
Episode 16
Raimon may be facing their toughest opponents yet - Alpine Jr. High. Alpine Jr. High is a refined school from the north, known for their top strikers.
Episode 17
Here to shake things up, Bunny Cottontail has entered the field. An unpredictable force, Bunny is a beginner at the game but an incredibly fast learner and runner.
Episode 18
Raimon's next opponent is the brilliant Alia Academy, but Alia faces their own darkness.
Episode 19
With Hunter on the bench, Alia Academy is in trouble.
Episode 20
Xavier blasts through as a one-man show, but soccer is a team sport. To have a chance at winning this game Hunter will have to convince Xavier to trust his teammates.
Episode 21
The Raimon Eleven are on cloud nine from reaching the semi-finals, that is until they hear they'll be facing the legendary goalie and captain, Mark Evans.
Episode 22
Under the legendary Mark Evans, Everytown Junior High has become a formidable opponent. Maxime must rise to the occasion and bring the Raimon Eleven together.
Episode 23
Now that Maxime has stepped up and rallied the team, the Raimon Eleven are back in business.
Episode 24
The final showdown between Raimon and Lunar Prime is almost here, but illness and injury plague both teams.
Episode 25
It's the final battle: Raimon vs. Lunar Prime. Will Heath and Elliot be able to overcome their animosity and play honestly? This heated match is just getting started.
Episode 26
The second half is under way and it's the fiercest fight yet. With Sonny, Elliot, and Heath all aiming for victory, who will come out on top?
