A large man watched the two teams from afar as they continued their game. He could see Raimon's agitated expressions as it started. They were a determined bunch, he'll give them that but it meant nothing if they weren't strong enough. He watched patiently as he saw Raimon managing pass Oumihara until one was finally in front of the goal. It was the brat he had crossed with the other day which made him sigh. Determined, strong…but not very smart.
He could hear him cry out "Death Sword!" The ball was released towards the goal only for it to be caught in a vortex of water.
If his memory served right, that was "Whirpool Draw," a hissatsu of the goalkeeper. Not only was it powerful, it was a water-based hissatsu and water trumps fire.
The whistle blew, signifying the end of the first half and by the smashed look on the boy's face, it was obvious he wasn't going to be using the same move again any time soon.
-Soccer Field (Raimon)-
Tsurugi kicked the ground angrily. Not only has Oumihara scored a goal but he had just failed to equalize against them.
"There's still the second half!" Shinsuke encouraged. Everything was ridding on the second half. By the least, they had to score two goals if they wanted to beat Oumihara!
"Alright, let's plan our next move for the second half!" Shindou encouraged.
-Soccer Field (Oumihara)-
Despite their one goal lead, none of the players of Oumihara were willing to let their guards just yet. After all they've heard about Raimon and seen during their matches, they were well aware that one mistake could lead to defeat. It was a good thing coach Tsunami was always so excited on them having a match with Raimon they actually have been preparing for this long before the today.
"And since they know that Tsurugi's shoots have been nullified, they will definitely come up with a way to counter us." Mizushima warned his team. "The same goes for their defense. They're going to tighten it this time, I'm sure of it and so for the second half; I need you to back me up Toshiaki."
"It's for that move, right?" Toshiaki asked. "You count on me!"
Mizushima smiled at his friend. "Okay everyone, let's do our best! We won't give them chance to score!"
Everyone looked at each other hesitantly which worried the captain. "Hey, is everything alright?"
"Uuh," Akiko raised her hand. "Akiko is confused. Isn't Ma-chan our friend? If we beat Raimon, won't Ma-chan be sad? I don't want to make Ma-chan cry." The rest of the team nodded in agreement.
"Yes, I know what you mean," Mizushima said. "But losing on purpose is worse. If we did something like that, I'm sure Ma-er, Tenma will be sadder."
Everyone still remained hesitant, still wondering if they should do this.
"C'mon all of you!" Toshiaki suddenly said. The team looked at him in surprise. "Think that as much as you like but Mizushima is right! If Tenma saw us now, there's no doubt in my mind that Tenma would tell us to go and play with everything we've got! After all, isn't that how Oumihara does things?"
The rest of the team smiled with their worries eased. He was right, they couldn't lose on purpose!
Mizushima smiled at the team's renewed confidence. "Thanks, Toshiaki."
"Don't mention it." Toshiaki smiled. "Besides, I'd hate to see Tenma cry, wouldn't you agree? You two were pretty close."
Mizushima turned away when the whistle suddenly blew, this time, to signal the beginning of the second half.
-Somewhere near the field-
"Another genius tactician?" Kidou mused. "What a coincidence."
"I know right?" Tsunami chuckled. "He's almost as good as you."
Kidou frowned however. "Is that all?"
Tsunami fumbled. "Erm…"
"I've heard about a talented player in Okinawa," Kidou said. "Not only is he an excellent playmaker, he is also a powerful striker. His hissatsu shoots have been never stopped once and he is a keshin user."
Tsunami chuckled nervously. "You sure did your homework Kidou. You haven't changed a bit."
"So it is him?" Kidou said and Tsunami nodded.
"Still, the winner isn't decided until the last whistle blows. That's how soccer is right?"
Kidou nodded as he watched the second half begin.
