Chapter 10

This chapter is mostly about what Endou feels like at the major events that happened to him after the accident, so don't feel like you have to read this chapter if you don't want to. Nothing major happens.

He had always hated hospitals. There was nothing to do, it was noisy and there was no privacy. But worst of all, was the fact that he couldn't play soccer. His friends would often find him staring longingly out of the window towards Raimon Junior High. The feeling continued for what felt like years. It wasn't helped by the fact that the team couldn't seem to leave him alone. It was nice at first, their company helped to take the boredom away. But after a while, they just reminded him of the soccer that he longed for. He seemed so close yet so far away. The friendly chatter and welcome smiles soon turned into torture. Then there was Gouenji. At first, he stayed with him almost all the time. It was obvious he was worried about him, but why. All Endou had done was hurt him, yet he was still compassionate to him. Nights were a big worry two. Gouenji was sure to have an excuse to hang around after dark. He was the only one, aside from Endou, who knew the truth, and he seemed determined to find it out. The first night was the worst. With them both nervous, they watched as the sun set, Endou making a pathetic effort to keep as far away from Gouenji, making it to halfway across the bed before collapsing in pain. Luckily, the beast inside didn't feel like coming out just then, or any other night after that in fact. Endou was always nervous around Gouenji; Kidou had noticed this straight away. The way that, whenever Gouenji had got close, Endou would retreat, burying his head in the pillows, and hiding in shame. Gouenji, on the other hand, was trying his best to help Endou. Kidou knew something had happened to those two, but Gouenji was a very secretive person, and Endou would never voice his own fears and pains. It would be impossible to get the answer, so he dropped the question before he could cause discomfort. It was a long month for Endou.

Finally, 3 weeks later, the day came round that Endou could leave the hospital. Of course, he was still on crutches, with his left arm slung up in a cast. Most of the time he had to move around in a wheelchair, and, of course, he couldn't play soccer. Still, he could have been kept in the hospital for longer. All of the team were there, smiling still, all glad that their captain was well again. But their joy was strained, as it was obvious that Endou wouldn't be playing soccer any time soon. So while they were glad to have him back, there hears still ached for their captain. The one that never gave up, no matter what the problem. Who would stand in the goal, cheering his soul out for the team. They wanted their captain back, but they would have to wait.

The first day back to school for Endou was an interesting experience. He still had to be pushed around in a wheelchair, making it difficult for him to get around. Both Kidou and Gouenji offered to help him, and Endou was allot more comfortable with Kidou there. Around school, everyone was sympathetic for him. Endou was a legend in the school, the captain of the Raimon Eleven, who was champion of Japan, and aiming for the world. He had destroyed aliens, then became friends with them (Hiroto had become rather popular in the school, thanks to his past and awesome looks). Everyone would often look over in his direction, grinning in the way he often would. He was respected and accepted like never before. Of course, he still didn't listen in class.

The first mach he went to was Inazuma Japan vs. Big Waves. The mach had been cancelled, and so Big Waves had won last year. But they wanted to see what Raimon were really like. So the next year, both teams had entered again, ending up as partners again. Endou still couldn't play, so was on the bench for the whole time. Just watching the game was complete agony for him, watching and not playing. Kidou could see it in his face, the burning compassion for the game, aching to come out. They managed to win, playing for the soccer that Endou couldn't. The score ended at 3-2, a narrow victory. But still, Endou was forced to watch.

The first mach that Endou played was against Neo Japan. They wanted the seat as Japans national team, and had spent a whole year pushing themselves to their limit to do so. But Endou's goal would not be gotten through; he was determined not to let them get any points. He was playing with the whole of his heat, letting out the frustrations he felt for spending a whole year without soccer. He was not about to let some others take his place for him. The match ended with a clear win from Inazuma Japan with 2-0. Neo Japan didn't stand a chance.