Survivor

by Mayonaka no Sasayaki

In her haste to be on time for her high school entrance exam, Kobayakawa Sena unknowingly sealed her fate when she ran past a certain demonic quarterback. Now with an early start to the American Football world, things are sure gonna be a lot crazier from here on out. May kami-sama help her. FEM!Sena -Eventual Sena/Hiruma pairing- and rated for Hiruma's foul language.

14. 13th DOWN: TRIAL OF FIRE

IMPORTANT: I'm gonna be very busy for the next few months so there won't be monthly updates for awhile. But when I find the time, I'll be sure to update. One thing I can say it's that y'all don't have to wait for the next update for more than three months. That's why here is an extra long chapter that I hope you will enjoy, which I'm sure you noticed, has been posted on Halloween since I personally think that the holiday suits the Devil Bats.

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DISCLAIMER: I do not own Eyeshield 21 or it's characters.

NOTE: Please read and review because I would really like to know what you think! Especially constructive criticism because I won't be able to improve if no one is willing to point it out to me. Your time and thoughts would be most appreciated. Thank you and please enjoy!

You can also find me in AO3, Tumblr, and Twitter. Just search for Mayonaka no Sasayaki and one way or another, you're gonna find a picture of a white wolf which is me XD

Also, if you want to support me on Ko-fi: I2I3D8UJ (after typing Ko-fi's website) or just search for Mayonaka no Sasayaki

CULTURE NOTES: Japanese schools have different coloured indoor shoes for each grade.

WARNING(S): There's some mildly heavy themes in this chapter.

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SHOUT-OUT: Fanart by the AMAZING lucy-dont-give-a-fuck that was drawn for my fanfic:

post/179620384715/fanart-by-the-amazing-lucy-dont-give-a-fuck-that

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13th DOWN: TRIAL OF FIRE

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Stuffing her shoulder pads into her duffel, Sena zips it up and slings it across her chest to get ready for first period. Even though it's light training, Sena is happy that at least she can join morning practice again.

"Eyeshield-chan."

Sena turns to look up at Mamori, sighing internally when she sees the disapproving frown. Lowering her voice to the guttural, gravel pitch that she's been using whenever she's around those that don't know her identity, Sena nods politely at the older girl. "Yes, Anezaki-san?"

'It's so weird calling Mamori-neechan that.'

Mamori clears her throat then straightens up and says firmly. "You should stop playing football. It's unsuitable for girls."

Sena blinks behind her eyeshield then rolls her eyes. Of course. Sena has been wondering when Mamori is going to bring up the issue of a girl playing football to her. It's only been two days since the quarter-American joined the club as a manager and already it seems like Mamori is trying to run it like the Disciplinary Committee. Not a good thing if Hiruma catch wind of it since the captain made it clear that Mamori isn't to meddle with other members about their jobs or roles in the team.

Sena shrugs. "Duly noted."

"Eyeshield-chan, this is a serious matter," Mamori lectures as her frown deepens. "You shouldn't—"

"What right do you have to tell me what I should and should not do, Anezaki-san?" Sena cuts the girl off before she can start, something she wouldn't have been able to do if she's speaking as Sena to Mamori. "And I'm aware how serious this is since I have no intentions to content myself with just the Christmas Bowl."

Mamori looks appalled. "You want to go pro? That's ridiculous! Not only it's wrong and unsuitable for a girl, there's no way the NFL would accept."

Fingers tightening on her duffel strap, Sena is dimly aware of the quiet locker room. A quick glance shows that her friends are frozen at their respective lockers, tense and ready to jump to her defence if needed. Sometimes, there are no words of how much she loves her friends. Sena feels a pang when she spies the discomfort on the Taki siblings faces; Suzuna is even glaring at Mamori, feminine fury burning her eyes at the blatant discrimination from a fellow girl.

Swallowing down her anger, she takes a breath. Sena rather not cause any trouble for the team so using her budding tactician mind, she chooses a different approach. "What is your dream career, Anezaki-san?"

"…what?"

"Answer me, please," Sena demands softly, tone breaking no argument.

Mamori presses her lips into a thin line but answers nonetheless. "A pre-school teacher."

"Is that so?" Sena tilts her head, internally apologising for what she's about to say. "Such an unsuitable choice, Anezaki-san. "

Mamori sputters. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Sena shoves her trembling hands into her jacket pocket. "A girl should only focus on being the perfect housewife. Having a career or a job is unsuitable for girls, don't you know? I mean, it'll distract them to take care of the children and husband." Sena chuckles hollowly. "So just give up and focus on being a good wife, yeah?"

"Thats…! You have no right—!"

"Don't I?" Sena shoots back. "Just like you have the right to tell me how to live my life?"

Clenching her jaw, Mamori looks away. "That's different."

"No, it isn't and the sooner you realise that, the better." Sighing, she softens her tone. "I know you have good intentions, Ma-Anezaki-san but forcing your opinions on others is wrong and unfair. I acknowledge that it's your opinion but that does not mean I agree with it. My life, my choices and decisions along with the consequences they bring, the good and the bad are mine to have and no one else."

Mamori is tensed as she bites out. "I still believe it's wrong."

"And I disagree but again, I acknowledge that it's your opinion." Sena adjusts the strap of her duffel. "Class is about to start so I will be taking my leave."

"Something you should've helped the brats adhere to five minutes ago, fucking manager," Hiruma drawls out from his spot at the lockers' entrance, scaring the team from his sudden appearance.

Smirking at the curses the Sankyōdai are throwing at him, Hiruma glances at Mamori, eyes hard and displeased. "And here I thought you'd be able to honour the deal, fucking manager. I specifically told you not to meddle with the members of the team."

Mamori bristles, marching over to the quarterback. "This is different, Hiruma-kun! How can I just leave this matter alone when there is a girl playing football." Mamori straightens, glaring at Hiruma. "Unless you forced her into this which is low even for you, Hiruma-kun. In fact, I'm disappointed in all of you for not stopping Hiruma-kun. You shouldn't let him bully a girl around," the strawberry blonde scolds her friends then, turns to Sena with a look of pity. "I'm sorry, Eyeshield-chan. If you had told me, I would've—"

Sena slams her locker shut.

"Do not ever imply that I have no will of my own, Anezaki Mamori," Sena snarls in the cold, silent locker room. "Please do not speak such rubbish again." Sena walks up to a pale-faced Mamori, lips pressed into a thin line. "Also, never insult the captain or talk down to my friends. I have absolutely no patience for those who disrespects my teammates. Now, if you will excuse me, Committee-san, I have classes to attend."

Before she walks out, Sena catches the proud smirk Hiruma sends her, leaving her feeling familiarly warm and wistful. Ducking away to hide her smile, Sena power-walks to the side of the school and immediately feels guilty from her harsh treatment to her oldest friend.

'That's the second time I've snapped at her this week.' Sighing, she rubs her neck. 'Should I've said it more nicely? I mean, what Mamori-neechan did wasn't right but—'

"Hie!"

Sena almost jumps out of her skin when Suzuna suddenly appears and links their arms together.

"Ya~!" Suzuna whisper-shouts. "That was so cool, Sena!"

Freezing, she turns so stare incredulously at the other girl. "…what?"

Suzuna snorts. "I'm a lot more perceptive than I look. I know it's you, Sena, don't try to deny it."

Sena stares at the dark-haired girl for a long moment before she lets out a sound that's between a groan and a sigh. "Am I really that obvious?"

"Not really," Suzuna says, shrugging. "Also, I might've fibbed a bit. Your voice turned back to normal for a bit when you slammed your locker and I noticed."

Sena chokes, feeling panicked. "It did? Then Mamori-neechan—"

"Didn't notice a thing," Suzuna reassures, looking deadpanned. "Frankly, I'm surprised. I thought she's your childhood friend?"

"Practically my sister at this point." Sena leads them to the 1st-year toilets, thankful to find it empty because of the early hour. "And well, you've been in the team for two days now so I think you might've noticed how she acts around me when I'm just Kobayakawa Sena."

While the smothering and overprotectiveness are not as bad like usual, which, is probably because of the deal to not meddle with the other members, it's still noticeable enough that even Monta is getting annoyed and that is saying something.

Suzuna grimaces. "Even I don't treat my brother like that and he's a bona fide idiot."

Sena picks a stall and sees the bottom of Suzuna's skates leave the ground, likely because the girl is sitting on the sink counter. Sena sighs and changes into her school uniform. "Yeah, well, unfortunately I let her enable me a lot growing up. That, and I never really had that much independence or confidence."

"You did pretty good back there."

"Thanks but...it wasn't always like this." Sena thumbs her jersey with a bittersweet smile. "I was an easy target for bullies. So to avoid getting hurt too much, I became a gofer."

"…I see." Sena hears the sound of skates hitting the tiles. "Are things better now?"

Sena smiles, warm and genuine as she sees her friends and family in her mind's eye. "Yeah, it is. Much better actually."

"Good."

Exiting the stall, she sees Suzuna smiling warmly at her. Perplexed, she gives Suzuna a curious look. "You don't pity me."

The dark-haired girl snorts. "Even though he's an idiot, my brother can pick up pity from a mile away. I've learned early on from him that pity helps no one. That's why," Suzuna points to Sena with a Devil Bat grin which is quite amazing since it's only recently that the other girl joined the team. "Instead of wasting time in pitying you, I rather be your friend."

It's a testament of how much Sena has grown that she doesn't burst into tears at the offer of friendship. Sena might've teared up a bit though. Maybe.

Clearing her throat, she gives Suzuna a wobbly yet sincere smile. "I'd like to be your friend too, Suzuna."

Suzuna beams. "Ya~! By the end of the week we're gonna be best friends!"

Sena laughs. "Then that makes three best friends. I'm very lucky."

And she is. It astounds Sena to no end when she finds people who wants to be around her and be her friend because they actually like her. Sena hopes the days she's allowed to have them around will not run out too soon. The most would be until graduation, wouldn't it? Sena certainly hopes so. Ah…then she has to treasure the days even more.

"Three?"

"Yeah." Snapping out of her maudlin thoughts, Sena shows three fingers at Suzuna. "Monta, Komu and you."

Suzuna pouts. "Ya! Then I'll be your bestest best friend!"

Eyes crinkling at the happiness bubbling beneath her ribs, Sena chuckles. "Thank you in advance."

Leaving the toilets, they walk leisurely in the hallways, greeting any passing students and teachers alike.

Sena glances at her newfound friend. "How do you like being in the team so far?"

Beaming, Suzuna spins in place and skates backwards. "Awesome! Both me and Nii-san are really happy we made the choice to come to Deimon. I mean, meeting MonMon was great because we got curious about the Devil Bats after we met y'know? After we got home, we went to check the team's website and found the videos about Eyeshield. Trust me, it pretty much sealed the deal for us."

"Wait, I helped too?"

"You bet!"

"Oh…" Sena smiles at her shoes. "That's nice to hear."

"Just so you know," Suzuna skates in front of her, unconcerned of the fact that she's still skating backwards. How in the world does she do that? "I think what you're doing is amazing and I hate the fact that someone you consider your sister and a fellow girl, is putting you down like that."

"Thank you, Suzuna." Sena nervously tries to keep an eye on any obstacles behind Suzuna. "But really, I'm just a girl playing football."

"Exactly," Suzuna hums happily. "And you have no idea how amazing that actually is."

Unconvinced but grateful for the compliment, she nods. "I guess I'll take your word for it."

"Wise choice, that."

When they arrive at Sena's classroom, Suzuna glances at her then bumps their shoulders together.

"Hey, Sena?"

"Yeah?"

"I really hope Mamo-nee will come around one day."

Sena gives the other girl a sad smile. "Me too, Suzuna. Me too."

Going their separate ways, Sena enters the classroom, smiling when she spies the Sankyōdai waiting for her at her desk. "Hey."

Jūmonji ruffles her hair with a smirk. "There's the badass."

Sena chokes on a giggle. "What?"

"Do you even realise how cool you were when you stood up for yourself?" Togano grins as he whispers. "Don't worry, Hiruma-senpai pretty much threatened Anezaki to leave you alone, both as Sena and Eyeshield."

Sena winces. "Is Mamori-neechan alright? I mean, it wasn't too bad was it?" Fretting, she bites her fingernails. "Maybe I should buy a cream puff for her at lunch as an apology? Wait, is that actually enough? Ah..."

"Calm down, Sena," Kuroki chuckles as he crosses his arms. "Hiruma-senpai said that if Anezaki doesn't honour the deal then not only will she be out of the team, but the team will write up a complaint to the school administration and life in the Disciplinary Committee will be a livin' nightmare." Kuroki grimaces. "In his own words of course, ya know how his threats are."

They all collective sweatdrop at that, knowing very well how scary the demon quarterback can be with his threats.

Jūmonji shakes his head. "Anyway, you shouldn't apologise for defending yourself, Sena. Good intentions or not, it ain't right for Anezaki to force her opinions like that or steamroll our decisions in how we do things in the team. There's gotta be a compromise, y'know? Even Hiruma-senpai, for all of his dictating habits, prefers us to be autonomous in our roles in the team."

"I know…hm?" Sena gives the Sankyōdai a curious look. "Since when did the three of you address Hiruma-san as Hiruma-senpai?"

The Sankyōdai shrug before Togano scratches his head. "After Koigahama, I think? If nothing else, then he's definitely our senpai in delinquency and trash talkin'. Gotta respect that."

"That's why?" Sena deadpans before she giggles helplessly. It seems like Monta was right saying that Hiruma and the Sankyōdai would end up bonding about the best insults. "That's pretty amazing in its own way."

Kuroki puffs up his chest. "Right?"

Jūmonji snorts then, glances questioningly at her. "You ready for the Massacre?"

The Massacre is basically a term coined by Hiruma to the onslaught of challenges that came in after the interview. Teams from all around Tōkyō are eager to go up against the Bats. Some wants to challenge them because they saw the match against Ōjō while others want to teach her a 'lesson' that a girl shouldn't play football. And with them being the Devil Bats, what started out as a declaration of war has become an expedition for a massacre, one they are not allowed to lose.

Sena groans in exasperation. "I really have no idea how to feel about that term." Sighing, she gives the three boys a grin. "But yeah. I'm kinda looking forward to it."

"That's the spirit!" Togano whoops.

They get into their seats when the bell rings, signalling first period. After that it's the usual school routine, from classes to lunch then, P.E; which means dance classes aka Sena making a fool of herself by dancing out of routine. Again.

"Stop!"

Stumbling to a stop, Sena looks up at an exasperated Nishimura Ayumi; a third-year in Dance class as the older girl reaches out to correct her haphazard stance.

"You're dancing out of routine again, Kobayakawa-chan."

Sena hangs her head with a sigh. "I'm sorry, Nishimura-san. I don't really know what I'm doing wrong."

Nishimura laughs softly, nudging Sena's right knee before giving a satisfied nod. "Not wrong per say. It's just that you dance to your own beat, Kobayakawa-chan. Now that's not a bad thing but it throws things off and it can cause some trouble if you're not careful with your steps." Nishimura signals the other students to get back into position. "From the top, everyone."

It's almost three weeks since the school year began. Three weeks since Musashi had enforced the Bats to find an activity to minimise their weaknesses or if not, then something to amplify their strengths.

Because of the choices of different classes, all of the Bats separate to find what is best for each of them.

With Sena in Dance, Monta chose to partake in Volleyball to help with his tosses and jumps while Komusubi picked Sumo to find a way to fight with his short stature. In a surprise turn of events, the Sankyōdai have chosen to take separate classes with Jūmonji taking up Jūdo to help with his technique, Kuroki in Aikido for his speed and Wrestling for Togano because of his power. Since he's a tight end, Taki is suitable for quite a number of sports and because of that he still has a hard time choosing. Plus, they still haven't properly evaluate the blond's overall performance yet so it kinda adds to the confusion. Finally, the Maō trio consist of Hiruma in Kyūdo to help bring order to his Chaos, Kurita in Boxing to cultivate his bloodlust and defence while Musashi is in Soccer to have more control and technique for his powerful kicks (with the older teen usually joining up with neighbourhood teams until he's ready to come back to school).

Now if only Sena can get the footwork down!

After class, Sena trots up to Nishimura in hopes to have get some advice regarding her habit of dancing out of rhythm.

"Hmmm." Nishimura taps her chin in thought. "Well, I think music works best in this. If you have a hard time concentrating on the steps, maybe try to focus on the music instead."

"Maybe…" Now it's a question of how to do that. Sena bows at the older girl. "Thank you, Nishimura-san."

"No problem. See you tomorrow, Kobayakawa-chan."

After changing back into her uniform, Sena walks towards her classroom, deep in thought. Music and dancing tends to go hand in hand and Sena has seen dancers dance in time with the music but the question is, how? Sure, she knows the footworks to the dances that they're learning but because she's concentrating in trying to keep up with the steps, it ends up backfiring on her and she messes up. Should she research and watch some videos? Or maybe she can ask someone?

But who? Who does she know that can help her understand music bett—

Sena stops dead in the hallways as dark humming crosses her mind.

"Hiruma-san," Sena mumbles then bites her lip in thought. "But should I really trouble him?"

Checking her wristwatch, Sena finds that she has enough time to meet with the quarterback before the last class of the day begins. And really, who better to ask than someone who has a strong musical background? Sena just hopes Hiruma won't mind her visiting him outside of the team or evening jogs (something they started doing after she decided to stay in the Devil Bats). Making a decision, she makes her way to the second floor where all the 2nd-year classes are.

Finding her partner's classroom is not all that hard when one knows what to look for. In this case, it's the way passing students and teachers scurry away from the room. Pausing, she glances up at the classroom sign; Class 2-1. A quick check inside confirms her suspicion, spying an earphone wearing Hiruma, goggles perched on his head as he watches a football match on his laptop at his desk.

A 2nd-year glances at Sena's shoes before looking up with a smile. "Are you looking for someone, 1st-year?"

Sena bows, returning the smile. "Yes, thank you but I already found him." Excusing herself she heads over to Hiruma's desk in the middle of the third last row, faintly aware the quiet murmuring of students falling into a dead silence.

Stopping in front of Hiruma's desk and making sure that she's within sight, Sena taps three fingers onto the table; a signal they created that basically says 'may I have your thoughts?'

Hiruma blinks in surprise, likely believing that she might've been someone from his class then, glances up at her before taking out his earphones. Hiruma then gives her that half-smile of his when he's not particularly scheming anything.

"Yo."

Sena gives the quarterback a warm smile. "Hi." Playing with her bangs, her smile takes on a nervous twinge. "Do you have a minute?"

Hiruma shrugs then, jerks his chin at the empty seat in front of him. Nodding in thanks, she drags the seat back, the silence in the classroom making the screech of the chair more deafening. Doing her best to ignore the stares, Sena watches as Hiruma closes his laptop and puts it aside, giving her a questioning look.

"Um." She didn't really think this through did she? Glancing around, she frowns when she notices that Kurita isn't in the classroom. "Where's Kurita-san?"

Hiruma pops his bubblegum with a snap. "The three of us aren't in the same class this year. Thought'd be better to have some independence." The blond gives her a manic smirk. "That, and we can cover more ground in getting more recruits."

Chuckling fondly at the typical Hiruma-style scheming, Sena clears her throat and takes out a notepad from her belt. "I hope you don't mind but I want your advice on something."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Sena says with a sheepish smile. "I'm having trouble figuring something out for Musashi-san's homework."

Raising a brow, Hiruma glances at his classmates then taps his throat. Oh, right. People might figure out that she's Eyeshield from their conversation.

Clearing her throat, Sena nods, agreeing to switch into A'rgouraer; the constructive language they created through the combined effort of Hiruma's computer program and Sena's knowledge in symbols and too active imagination. It's still a work in progress but they've been practicing to have full conversations with one another. Though to be honest, Sena still stumbles with the words a lot since she tends to learn a language by it's written form. Hiruma on the other hand, tends to prefer spoken languages so he sometimes has trouble with A'rgouraer alphabets.

Propping his elbow on the desk, Hiruma rests his cheek on a palm and raises a brow. "Trouble?"

Sena nods. "Yes. Something with music."

Interest sparks in green eyes, causing the starburst to darken into teal. "Music?"

Sena pauses. It took her an embarrassingly long amount of time to realise how much she pays attention to the colour of Hiruma's eyes. At first, it was just curiosity that soon turns into a way to help her understand the captain better because she needed a way to help her pick any changed behaviour so as to avoid any trouble or schemes. What she didn't expect is for it to eventually morph into genuine interest in Hiruma himself, in who he is and all that entails.

Sena had her suspicions after the confusion that happened before the match against Koigahama that only solidified when she lay on her bed at home after hours of sleep following the Ōjō game. Lying in bed and staring up at the ceiling was when she remembered her visceral desire to have Hiruma by her side when she collapsed.

What started out as curiosity has grown into something precious that she can't explain. The connection itself doesn't scare her but there is a large part of her that is afraid to dig in too deep and ruin all that they have. And she really rather not ruin it for something that could be nothing more than a fleeting thing. That's why, even if she can't stop collecting every little thing that encompasses Hiruma Yōichi; the good, the bad and everything in between, Sena cradles her heart and holds it close.

"Partner?"

Sena sends Hiruma a reassuring smile even as a keen sense of longing hits her when she spies a hint of concern hidden behind amused eyes. A beat, a breath then, she quiets her heart.

'Hush now,' Sena pleads sadly, wistfully. 'Please don't be greedy. This is enough; more than I deserve even. So please…hush now.'

Another breath and Sena closes her eyes. When she reopens them, Sena explains her predicament with a wistful, defiant heart that still beats whispers of (always him always) quietly within her.

She stumbles on some words at times but Hiruma is patient and listens to her and by the time she finishes, Hiruma is already humming with a calculative glint in his eyes, drumming his fingers on the wood.

"Trade first," Hiruma tells her. "I'll help you figure out your problem and you do the same for me. Can't figure out the lack of power for the arrows."

"Sure."

Hiruma cracks a knuckle with a thoughtful hum. "Like your senior said, if you have a hard time trying to remember the footwork then use the music as a guideline. Instead of counting the steps like you've been doing, try to follow the beat of the music instead."

"Mess up? Um, routine?" Sena asks, jotting down Hiruma's words on her notepad.

"Not necessarily. Music has a history of creating a mood or atmosphere that effects the listeners. The rhythm, or pattern of beats in the music can influence the speed and phrasing of the movement. So you can use that instead of trying to memorise the steps in your head." Hiruma quirks his lips into a smirk. "You don't actually count your steps or try to think which foot goes first when you run, right?"

Sena giggles, shaking her head. "That's no good."

"Exactly. Move with the beat, focus on the highs and lows of the notes and see which movement go with which beat. Others try to memorise it, fine. But you're trying to bring Discipline into your Harmony not the other way around. At your core, you're Harmony. The moment you try to do otherwise is when things get fucked up."

"…I shouldn't be surprised that, first words you want created, um, curse words."

The smirk widens into a grin. "It's the fucking backbone of the language, partner."

Sena face palms with a chuckle. "Anything else?"

Hiruma shakes his head. "Try it out first then take it from there. Just remember, use the music as a guideline to time your movements. If there's no music then make your own…perhaps hum under your breath while you dance."

"Trial and error?"

"Yeah."

Sena nods. "Thank you." Giving her partner a curious stare, Sena leans forward to fold her arms on the table. "And you?"

Hiruma blows an annoyed breath over his bangs. "I hit the targets…50% of the time."

Brows raised in surprise, she points to the quarterback. "You? But your accuracy is, um, on point."

"That's the whole damn problem. The times I do hit the target, they lack power." Hiruma draws a target on a piece of paper with three arrows, all with differing depths. "Most of the time, only the tip hits the target while other students can have their arrows almost go through the goddamn things." Hiruma shakes his head with a sigh. "Fucking hell."

Sena gnaws her lip. "50%?"

"Yeah. The only clue I got is whenever the teacher lights up an incense stick, I can concentrate better." Hiruma snaps a finger at her, smirking. "Hence, why I'm asking you."

Tilting her head in thought, she nods slowly. "Incense makes sense, I think." Sena taps her nose then her head. "Scent is good for mind, especially memory or meditation."

A blink then, Hiruma suddenly pinches the bridge of his nose with a groan. "Aw, hell."

"What?"

"Kyūdo is also known as moving meditation. Shoulda figure that one out." Hiruma grimaces. "Fuck. I'm shit at meditation."

Sena blinks because she doesn't expect that. "Why?"

Hiruma snorts, tapping the side of his head. "Chaos, remember? Unless I'm sleeping, even my head can't shut the fuck up. Guess this is a part of Order too."

Fiddling with her fingers, she gives Hiruma a questioning look. "Which incense?"

"Dunno. It changes every two days." Hiruma taps his shoe on the floor. "But I think I can recognise it if I smell it again."

Sena nods before she points to herself. "Visit my mother's shop? We got good collection."

Hiruma raises a brow. "Florists sell incense?"

"Sometimes," Sena answers with a shrug. "Mostly offered for customers that want um, grave visiting flowers."

Hiruma nods. "Makes sense. Sure, when I find the time, I'll give you a call." The blond glances above her head. "You got three minutes before last period starts, partner."

Sena does a double-take, glancing at her wristwatch. That's a shame. It'd be nice if they can talk for just a bit longer. "Oh." Reluctantly getting up from her seat, she smiles gratefully and switches back to Japanese. "Thank you, Hiruma-san…ah!" Sena nervously rubs her neck before she leans forward to whisper in Hiruma's ear. "About Sakuraba-san…"

"As long as your concussion is healed, fucking chibi," Hiruma whispers back, giving her a stern glare.

"It is," Sena reassures, leaning away.

Hiruma rolls his eyes. "Fine. Just make sure you come back on time for club activities."

"I will," Sena promises, giving the quarterback a warm smile. "I'll see you at practice then."

Sena feels a bit dizzy when Hiruma's lips quirk into that rare smile of his before the quarterback inclines his head.

Turning around, she squeaks at the stares Hiruma's classmates are giving her before she squares her shoulders and bows at them. As she exits the classroom, Sena is oblivious that amongst the stares, Hiruma's gaze too follow her, as if he's reluctant to see her go.

But as it is, Sena doesn't notice so when she's out of sight, she is quick to round a corner and checks the hallways. Finding them empty, she breaks out into a sprint and arrives at her classroom in record time.

The next day after school, Sena decides to visit Sakuraba before they'll end up swamped with challenges and tryouts. She's halfway to the subway before she's joined by Monta.

"There are some things I wanna say to him as a fellow receiver," Monta tells her, a serious frown on his face.

Sena sweatdrops. "Please go easy on him."

What she doesn't expect is to meet Shin again at the hospital by the reception, a few Ōjō players surrounding him and appearing as if they're just about to leave. Spotting her, Shin excuses himself and heads towards them.

Sena bows with a smile. "Shin-san."

"Kobayakawa-san," Shin greets back with a bow of his own, brows furrowed in concern. "How is your head?"

Sena gives the linebacker a reassuring smile. "All healed. It was a minor concussion after all, thankfully."

"Indeed." Shin gives Monta a curious look to which her friend responds by giving the linebacker a grin and a bow.

"Nice ta meet ya, Shin-senpai! Name's Raimon Tarō aka Monta; ace wide receiver of the Devil Bats!"

Shin nods. "Nice to meet you, Raimon."

"How's Sakuraba-san?" Sena asks, sheepishly rubbing her neck. "I've been meaning to pay him a visit but I was told to heal up first before subjecting myself to any possible run-ins with screaming fangirls."

Looking all too serious at the admission, Shin nods solemnly. "A wise decision." Shin appears to contemplate something before he states frankly. "Sakuraba had a fractured collarbone and is healing well."

"A fractured collarbone?!"

"Yes."

"...MAX. That really was a killer tackle."

Sena hangs her head. "Monta..."

Monta chuckles. "Sorry, Sena."

Guilt roils in her stomach. Sighing, she rubs her forehead. "Kami-sama have mercy...I guess it's good we came here as soon as possible to visit."

"He would appreciate that, I believe."

"He's not angry at me?"

Shin looks confused. "Why would he? He understands that he shouldn't have charged onto the field like he did."

"Still..."

"It's not your fault, Kobayakawa-san." Shin sends her a stern look. "Do not take the blame for something that isn't yours to bear."

Monta nods sagely beside her. "He's right, Sena. Ya weren't the one to break the rules after all."

"I know and I'm...trying." Sena gives the two boys a grateful smile. "Although, if not the blame then I do bear some of the responsibility at least."

"You did. Our manager said that he felt better when he watched the interview."

"Which was MAX badass!"

Giving Monta a fond smile, Sena slumps in relief. "I'm glad...I was hoping he would watch it."

Nodding, Shin looks at the clock above the receptionist desk. "I best be going. We still have much to do for the tournament."

Monta harrumps, folding his arms. "MAX jealous."

Sena chuckles, silently agreeing. "Then we won't keep you." She bows her head, smiling softly. "Thank you for taking the time to talk to us, Shin-san."

Shin nods before the air shifts and suddenly, Sena is looking into the eyes of Japan's strongest linebacker. "Ōjō will see you in the finals, Eyeshield."

'So cool...!'

Smile shifting into her team's signature grin, Sena chuckles. "Definitely."

Parting ways, she and Monta walk to the elevator with identical looks of awe on their faces.

"That Shin-senpai was so cool!" Monta exclaims as he fist pumps.

"Right?" Sena smoothes her features and tries to mimic Shin. "Ōjō will see you in the finals."

"MAX! Ya gotta make it more cooler than that, Sena!"

Sena pouts. "Then you do it."

They pass the time on the way to Sakuraba's room by trying to one up each other in saying all sorts of ridiculous nonsense in a cool, badass fashion that results them in trying to hold back their giggles lest they anger the hospital staff.

"You shall not defeat—heh, okay nope, not that one. It'll sound MAX stupid."

Sena giggles. "Aw c'mon, Monta! Let's hear it!"

"Nope! 'Sides, we're here aren't we?"

"Oh..." Sena blinks at the room number, checking that yes, it really is 418 by the door and nods. "Yes, we are." Sena points a finger at her friend with a teasing smile. "You should know that I was winning."

Monta snorts. "No way!"

She pokes her tongue out before sobering as her nerves come rushing back. Sena really hopes that Sakuraba is alright. She glances at Monta. Not for the first time, she's really grateful for the company that Monta offers or this would be even more nerve wracking. "Ready?"

Monta nods, straightening his shoulders. "Yup."

Taking a deep breath, Sena knocks firmly on the wood.

"Come in."

---

Monta watches as Sena takes another breath before she opens the door, giving the puzzled idol a hesitant smile and a shy bow. "Hello, Sakuraba-san."

Monta gives a friendly salute. "Yo!"

Sakuraba blinks in confusion before he brightens with a grin. "Kobayakawa-chan!" Sakuraba then glances curiously at Monta. "If I'm not mistaken...you're Deimon's wide receiver, right?"

Monta thumbs his nose with a grin as he bows. "Yup! Name's Raimon Tarō but you can call me Monta!"

In lieu of a bow, Sakuraba nods with a small smile. "Nice to meet you, Monta-kun. You might already know this but I'm Sakuraba Haruto."

Sena extends the fruit basket they picked together on the way to the train station. "We're sorry that we didn't visit sooner."

Sakuraba shakes his head slightly, neck brace limiting his movements and says reassuringly. "The fact that you came to visit me already means a lot, Kobayakawa-chan."

Sena takes one of the visitor's chairs, placing it beside Sakuraba's bed as Monta does the same beside her. He doesn't need to see his friend to hear the guilt and worry in her voice as she asks the idol. "How are you?"

"I've been better," Sakuraba chuckles self-depreciatively.

Exchanging glances, he nods at Sena, who frowns then, takes out a letter from her belt. "I got something from Eyeshield for you."

"It's okay," Sakuraba sighs. "She really shouldn't have bothered. It was my fault for charging onto the field like that anyway." The idol cradles his forehead. "What's worse is that I hurt a girl."

"How'd you know that Eyeshield got hurt?" Monta asks before his eyes narrow in a glare because he really doesn't want another person to dismiss his best friend. Bad enough that Mamori does it which is MAX awful. "And you're not someone who thinks that girls shouldn't play amefuto do you?"

"The coach told me; said it was a minor concussion. And well...I don't like the fact that the player I hurt is also a girl that's all. I guess it's just the whole 'a guy should never hurt a girl' thing." Sakuraba answers, raising his hands placatingly. "But to be honest...if it were before the match, I wouldn't really know how to feel about a girl playing amefuto but after watching how she had gone against Shin?" Sakuraba shakes his head with a rueful smile, the awe and admiration clear in his voice. "I'd be an idiot not to see how much of an amazing player she is."

Monta nods in approval to his fellow receiver's words while Sena seems like she's trying to busy herself with the letter to hide the embarrassed blush on her face. Good. Sena needs all the positive feedback she can get. She MAX deserves it after all.

After a brief silence, Sena places the letter onto Sakuraba's lap. "Then please read what she had to say. You saw the interview, right?"

"I did." But again, Sakuraba shakes his head. "It's just…fans and medias alike, heck, even some teammates, said that if I was on the field, we really would have won the game easily."

As both he and Sena stay quite, they watch as the older teen struggle to speak. Monta frowns. This is too much like looking at his old self; all worried and indecisive.

After a moment, Sakuraba sighs. "But when I asked Shin and you know he never sugarcoats his words, he told me that it probably wouldn't have made a difference."

While that might be true, it probably still hurts hearing that.

Monta winces while Sena raises a hand to her forehead. "Well...Shin-san has always seem to be quite blunt. But, do you think he meant it in a bad way?"

Sakuraba scoffs. "Nah. I knew he was just telling it to me as it is and that it was just his way of telling me to play better."

"So if you know that, then what's the problem?" Monta asks, cradling his chin before internally apologising for what he's about to say. "Though, Shin-senpai is right. As a fellow receiver, I think I have the right to say that you sucked out there."

Sena face palms with a groan. "Monta..."

Sakuraba chuckles weakly. "It's alright, Kobayakawa-chan, I knew that already. And to be honest, I rather people be frank with me than just give me all these praises and platitudes." The idol frowns, looking away. "It stings but its refreshing compared to being choked by all these expectations."

Exchanging glances, Monta points to himself, asking Sena to leave this to him. His friend glances between him and Sakuraba. Probably recognising the similarities of their situation, Sena nods, relaxing in her seat. It's MAX awesome when your best friend is a...what did Hiruma call her? An empath? Yeah, probably that.

Focusing, he slaps his hands on his knees. "Well, when you put that way then, as your opponents then I can tell ya that we ain't all that happy with ya when ya charged in like that." Monta frowns, giving Sakuraba a disapproving glare. "Not only didja hurt yourself but ya hurt my teammate." My best friend.

Sakuraba winces. "I'm sorry."

"We know," Sena reassures, patting the blond's knee. "It was an accident, wasn't it?"

Sakuraba nods meekly. "I wasn't paying attention." Staring imploringly at them, Sakuraba bows his head. "But I really am sorry for it. I just wish I could tell that to Eyeshield as well."

Ah, if only the idol knew that the MAX running-back he wants to apologise to is sitting beside him. Still, he's just glad that Sakuraba apologised, indirectly or not. It's true that they all know the risk of playing a violent sport like football but it's still MAX uncool to have someone careless on the field and hurting Sena. Monta can't help but be protective since he cares about his best friend after all.

Clutching the idol's knee, Sena says with quiet conviction. "I'm sure she knows, Sakuraba-san."

"And there ya go!" Monta harrumps. "On behalf of the Devil Bats, we accept your apology." He then points to the letter. "So, c'mon! Read the letter!"

Sakuraba fiddles with the letter, shoulders hunched. "I don't want to disappoint her. I mean, she was so considerate of me by saying—"

"Those weren't empty words, Sakuraba-san." Monta shudders slightly when he sees Sena pins that empathetic stare on Sakuraba, causing the idol to stutter. A blink then, Sena clears her throat with a sheepish smile. "T-that is, I don't think they were."

"If ya don't mind, Sakuraba-senpai," Monta says after a brief silence when it seems like Sakuraba is finally ready to listen. "I wanna share a story about how I became a part of my MAX amazing team."

Sakuraba frowns in confusion before he nods. "Sure, I don't mind."

So Monta does his best to summarise about his experience, from his dedication to baseball to discovering football and realising that it's a better calling for him now than baseball was. He tells him how he reacted to that and how his team was there for him every step of the way. There are parts that he had a hard time trying to say since it just seem so silly now but having Sena beside him and pressing their knees together to support him, gives him the push that he needs. Because if he can help someone who is going through a similar experience as he did then fine, he'll do it.

Sakuraba stares at him for a long moment, looking lost and tired then shifts his attention at the letter on his lap.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are people who understands y'know? People who don't know for how much longer should they hold on before they throw in the towel." Monta glances at Sena, feeling proud of how far his friend has come since they met. "Eyeshield can understand too. Only it's the opposite since a lot of people think that she shouldn't play at all in the first place since she's a girl."

"I just...I'm scared that I'm gonna ruin the Ōjō name. More than I already have at least."

The curtains from the opposite bed are suddenly pushed back to reveal an excited familiar looking kid with a Kansai accent. "Sakuraba?! So yer really are the Sakuraba Haruto?" The kid then does a double take when he sees him and Sena. "What the…! Devil Bats?!"

Sena gapes. "Torakichi-kun?"

"Mukyaa! What are you doing here?"

Torakichi points to where his legs are resting under the blanket. "Got inta a stupid car accident, I did." Torakichi points at them. "Monta and Sena, right?"

He shakes a fist at the brat. "Respect your elders, kid! At least put a suffix in our names!"

Torakichi lowers his eyelid and blows a raspberry. "Dun wanna!"

"Mukyaa!"

While he continues to bicker with Torakichi, he's dimly aware of Sakuraba turning to Sena. "You know each other?"

"We played flag football with Torakichi-kun and his friends awhile back," Sena answers with a quiet chuckle.

"Cool."

Torakichi gasps, frantically looking around his bed. "Ōfuda! Where's the ōfuda that Oka-baba gave me?"

Monta scratches his head. "Watcha need 'em for?"

"Shouldn't that be obvious?" Torakichi crows in victory when he finds the talismans and slaps them around his bed before he dramatically points to Sena, causing the running-back to squeak in surprise. "If Sena's here then, her scary boyfriend is sure ta be nearby!"

A beat and then—

"Eh?!"

Sakuraba gives Sena a curious look. "You have a boyfriend, Kobayakawa-chan?" The blond receiver tilts his head in contemplation. "Guess that explains why you don't have any interest in Shin."

Sena gapes before visibly shaking herself. "Nonononono! I don't have a boyfriend!"

"Uh-huh," Torakichi deadpans.

Monta holds up a finger as suspicion brews in the back of his mind. If his hunch is correct, then that he's not the only one that noticed. "Just to be clear, who are we talkin' about here?"

Torakichi snorts. "Uh, who else? It's the one with the fangs, pointy ears and goes 'kekekekeke'! Duh!"

Monta nods sagely while Sena chokes.

"Hiruma-san?!" Sena shakes her head, a blush almost as red as their team jersey covering her face. "He's n-not my boyfriend, Torakichi-kun!"

"Right..." Torakichi sends an unimpressed stare at the stuttering and flailing brunette. "Imma kid, not stupid."

A glance at Sakuraba shows the older boy has frozen and staring incomprehensibly at Sena; looking like he doesn't know if he should be impressed or terrified. Not that Monta can blame him. Sena and Hiruma have always been quite a pair after all.

His amusement is cut short though when he sees the way Sena is hunching over herself, her eyes showing disbelief and...wistfulness maybe? Like the thought of having Hiruma as her boyfriend is something only in daydreams.

Monta frowns. Has Sena never had anyone look at her in a romantic light before?

"More importantly," Torakichi says obnoxiously, cutting off his train of thought. "Sakuraba! Can I have yer autograph?"

Sakuraba gives a strain smile, reaching for a marker on the bedside table. "Is it an autograph paper or CD?" The idol uncaps the marker with a quiet sigh, like he's done this too many times that he can care for. "If you want me to sign on your CD then, you'll need an oil-based pen."

"What? CD?" Torakichi stares blankly at Oujou's receiver. "Are ye being stupid or are ye makin' fun of me?"

"Huh?"

Torakichi smiles. "Even though I've only seen the game once, I dinna think ye coulda caught the ball just like that! I've always remembered yer name!" The kid brings out a football and a marker, looking starstruck. "My hero; Ōjō White Knights receiver, Sakuraba Haruto!"

The next few minutes are spent with Torakichi telling them about how he first saw Sakuraba when he caught an amazing pass in a match against Deimon last year.

Monta leans in to Sena, whispering. "Isn't that the match when we lost against Ōjō 99-0?"

Sena sweatdrops and chuckles dryly. "Yup, that's the one."

Torakichi flails in his bed. "I thought ye were amazin' back then! I mean, even though Imma shorty now, when I get older, I'll grow taller! Then, I'm gunna be a hero just like ye!"

Monta sniffs and wipes tears from his eyes, remebering when he first saw Honjō and seeing his younger self in Torakichi. "I-I can understand that!"

Passing the football back, Sakuraba ducks his head as he mutters. "That one catch was merely a coincidence."

"Yep. I had feelin' when I heard tha way ye talk about yerself just now," Torakichi states with a sage nod.

"Ya mean eavesdropping, ya brat," Monta scoffs while Sena tries to muffle her giggles.

"Shut up!" Torakichi pokes his tongue out.

"Wait!" Sakuraba looks at them incredulously. "If you heard then how could you still consider me your hero, Torakichi-kun?"

"I dun really care that ye suck or not." Torakichi shrugs, fiddling with the football with determined eyes. "Whether it's a coincidence or not...that one catch really moved me. So there."

Monta grins. "Ya heard the kid."

"What're ye sounding so proud for, monkey?"

Monta jumps onto his chair. "Who ya callin' a monkey, ya brat!"

"Better a brat than a monkey!"

"Mukyaa!"

Sena flaps her hands at them, sending nervous glances to the door. "Now now, you two. We're in a hospital, we shouldn't make so much noise."

He and Torakichi glare at each other some more before turning away from the other.

"Hmph!"

Sakuraba chuckles while Sena sighs beside him.

"Ye know," Torakichi begins after a short silence. "This guy might be a monkey—"

"Oi!"

"But his monkey wisdom is on point. If he and that Eyeshield gal got better in football then so can ye, Sakuraba."

A long moment passes before he sees Sakuraba clenching his fist, taking a deep breath as if to fortify himself and tears open Sena's letter with trembling hands before he starts reading it out loud.

"Sakuraba-san, before I say anything else, please allow me to apologise for my part in your injury. I truly am sorry for any pain or inconvenience that the incident may have caused you. Also, I cannot help but notice that you seemed deeply troubled in the match against us and though this might be overstepping my boundaries, please allow me to share these words that a dear friend of mine had taught me in a time when I needed it most." Sakuraba pauses and furrow his brows. "This...I think I recognise these words...?"

"Hm?" Sena leans over to take a peak, barely glancing at it before she grins. "I think it's Darrell Royal's letter."

Torakichi frowns. "Who?"

Monta thumbs his nose with a smug grin and tutting at the younger boy, causing Torakichi to glare at him. "Darrell Royal was a MAX coach, didn't ya know that?"

"Why ye—!"

Grinning, he clears his throat and takes on serious tone as he places a fist to his chest. "All those who play on the field will have tasted defeat. There's no player in this world who has not lost before!" Then he points to Sakuraba, who traces the words on the letter while blinking back his tears.

Sakuraba coughs before he speaks, voice cracking. "H-however, the best players will give everything they've got to stand up again...ordinary players take awhile to get back on their feet. While losers..." Sakuraba chokes back a sob, leaning into the gentle touch of Sena's supporting hand on his shoulder. "Losers will remain on the g-ground." Sakuraba sucks in a breath. "Ōjō W-white Knight's Sakuraba Haruto-san; when you're ready, please know that I will be waiting for you back on the field for a rematch. Sincerely: Eyeshield 21."

They all give the idol some time to gather himself. On the other bed, Torakichi looks inspired as he too blink back his tears.

"So cool!"

Monta chuckles. "Isn't she?"

"Like I said, why do ye have ta look so proud for somebody else's coolness, ye monkey?"

"Mukyaa!"

Sakuraba bursts out laughing, long and hard. Exchanging surprised glances, it's not long before they all dissolve into helpless giggles.

Wincing slightly, Sakuraba appears that he's trying to get his laughter under control before he gives them a shaky yet genuine grin, looking far better than he did before they visit. "Thank you, guys. I really needed that."

Monta folds his arms with a grin. "Heh, no problem."

"Glad we can help," Sena assures.

Torakichi snorts and points to himself. "Whatcha talkin' about? It's because of me!"

"Oi! Don't go takin' all the credit, ya brat!"

"Shut up, ye monkey!"

They stay for another fifteen minutes before saying their goodbyes to the two boys, walking to the subway in relative silence. When they plop down on their seats, he glances to the side and sees Sena staring at the subway lights flashing past them with a troubled frown.

"Ya know that Sakuraba-senpai is gonna be okay, right?"

"Yeah..."

Monta pauses then asks quietly. "...is this about what Torakichi said? About Hiruma-senpai?"

The flinch Sena gives is all the answer he needs.

"If ya want, ya can tell me what's botherin' ya. I'll listen." A pause. "Do you like him like that, though?"

Sena closes her eyes and swallows. "I try not to pay attention to the possibility."

"Why not?"

Sena laughs, sad and a little hollow. It's not a good sound. "We're teammates, Monta. It'll bring all sorts of trouble if I entertain it. And besides," Sena stares at her hands with a small, self-depreciative smile. "I doubt it'll be mutual much less wanted."

"You don't know that, Sena," Monta chastises softly.

"No, I don't," Sena agrees. "But Monta, the fact that I'm fortunate enough to have him as a teammate, a friend and a partner, is already a miracle isn't it? Any more than that is just me being greedy and selfish."

"Being greedy and selfish aren't always a bad thing, Sena." Monta ducks down to catch Sena's eyes. "It isn't."

"But it's still asking too much isn't it?"

"Sena," Monta sighs, fond and sad and maybe it a little angry too at the people who ever made Sena feel like she's not allowed to have more than she's given. Shifting closer, he wraps an arm around Sena's tense shoulders, hand guiding the brunette's head to rest against him. "Honestly, I think you've never asked enough."

They stay like that until their stop with Monta hoping that he can give back the comfort that Sena has always given him, even if just a little.

When they arrive, Sena tugs at his sleeve with a small, grateful smile. "Thank you."

Not for the first time, he wonders how often Sena gets the support she really needs from their peers. Most likely not that often, his mind whispers bitterly.

He doesn't hesitate to bring Sena into another hug. "Anytime."

Returning the hug, the grin Sena sends him is a little too cheeky even if it lost a bit of its effect from the shadows that stills haunt his friend's eyes. "C'mon. We still need to get ready for the Massacre."

Respecting the running-back's wish to shelve the conversation for another time, Monta nods as he grins back. "Zokugaku Chameleons are gonna be our first victim, right? We're so gonna MAX kill 'em for sure!"

Sena laughs.

It's MAX awesome that Deimon has been bombarded with challenges from different teams all around Tōkyō but it's also MAX frustrating because quite a number of those challenges are out of disbelief and outrage that Eyeshield is a girl. Because of that, there's a lot MAX stupid meatheads who wants to 'teach' Sena to 'know her place'.

And Zokugaku are gonna be the first of many to know that they're the ones who should know their place.

There's a bit of a fanfare when Saturday comes around. There's been talk about the match against Zokugaku for the whole week, even long before it was publicly announced since Zokugaku made a MAX fuss about it. It's to a point that Hiruma didn't need to do much propaganda which gives the quarterback more time to terrorise the team. Monta has mixed feelings about that.

As he steps onto the field with his team, Monta gapes at the MAX amount of people from different schools gathered at Deimon's practice field. Some are cheering enthusiastically while others are jeering insults that the majority of them being aimed at Sena.

"Just be a manager, Eyeshit!"

"This ain't no place for girls! Get off the field!"

"Quit already or you're gonna get hurt, princess!"

"You're not a player! You don't belong here!"

"You should focus on being a more suitable girl! Guys don't want girls like you!"

Frowning in concern, he turns to Sena and finds the running-back concentrating on the field as she warms up.

He and Komusubi share a glance and flank their best friend.

"Okay, fugo?"

Sena tilts her head in curiosity. "Yes?"

Monta jerks a thumb at a particularly nasty group spewing insults. "We're just worried about those MAX assholes, that's all."

"Oh." Sena grimaces. "Yeah...well, I've heard worse unfortunately."

There's a heavy pause before he and Komusubi grab their friend and probably looking MAX crazed if Sena's squeak is any indication.

"Who?!"

Sena raises her hands with a nervous smile. "A guy from the boot camp."

"And?!"

"...I think you two are spending too much time with the Sankyōdai."

"Sena!"

"Okay, okay," Sena laughs. Why is she laughing when they need to be on a MAX hunting spree?! Because if that bastard had said something worse than the crap some of crowd is spewing (and they are MAX bad) then blood needs to be shed! They're gonna round up the others and hunt the bastard down and beat him up! After Sena has the first hit, of course.

Mukyaa!

"Um...let's just say that the less you know what happened to him, the better." Sena inclines her head to Hiruma. "If you know what I mean."

They let go with a sigh of relief even as a chill goes down his spine at what sort of torture Hiruma had unleashed on the stupid bastard. He can't bring himself to pity the guy though. Jerk deserves every bit of torture Hiruma dished out on him.

"Besides," Sena hums, lips twitching into mischievous smile. "We've learned over the months that instead of being upset about the...things other people say, it's more fun to find all the different ways to shut them up."

Monta snorts before the three of them burst out laughing.

Because Sena's right. They've all come a long way since they met, Sena more so. It might've took awhile but Sena has shown to gain more resilience and wit in handling stupid people which is always a relief because Monta MAX hates seeing the brunette get hurt from other people's cruelty. In fact, Monta can proudly say that they've all developed thick skin when it comes to insults. How can they not? Especially when they're led and taught by the most foul-mouthed quarterback in all of Kantō. Surprisingly, Hiruma is MAX good at teaching them to be smart when it comes to trash talking and not letting insults get to them. And in true Hiruma fashion, one of the first things Hiruma taught them is to have fun in riling people up since it tends to piss people off even more.

"Yeah, you're MAX right."

"M-more fun!"

Monta thrusts a hand out. "Let's go kill 'em, Chibiz!"

His best friends place their hands on top of his with matching Devil Bat grins and shout out. "CHIBIZ, YA!"

As they head over for the huddle, a sudden scream echoes somewhere before the nasty group he pointed out just minutes ago, stumble and run away.

"Ugh! That smell!"

"Ew!"

"What the hell?"

"I'm gonna be sick!"

"Ya gotta be kidding me!"

Ominous cackling reach his ears and the Bats look curiously at the quarterback before they follow his gaze on the school's rooftop where Cerberus is literally taking a MAX dump on the haters and naysayers. Many are trying to avoid direct eye contact with an annoyed Hiruma as he cackles and fiddles with the bazooka on his shoulder.

They all collectively sweatdrop.

"Hiruma-kun, stop terrorising the crowd!" Mamori scolds from the sidelines.

Hiruma snorts. "Why? Shitheads should know their place, after all."

Mamori sighs, annoyed.

Silently apologising to Mamori, Monta turns away to hide his laugh since he agrees with the demon quarterback. After getting his laughter under control, he lines up with the team, glancing around at his teammates and finds the numbers of volunteers haven't decreased at all. MAX awesome!

It had surprised Sena when the brunette found out since she honestly thought there'd be less people who would want to help out now that everyone knows that Eyeshield is a girl. But really, none of the Bats are all that surprised. Anyone would have a hard time thinking that Sena isn't an amazing player once you've teamed up with her.

Rolling his shoulders, Monta clutches his knees as Hiruma shouts out the snap count.

"Hut!"

Calling it a massacre might not be an overstatement after all because they're actually sending out some of the Zokugaku players on stretchers.

Sure, Zokugaku are far better than Koigahama. Not to mentioned that their firecracker kickoff was MAX cool and gave them a bit of a trouble but it's obvious that their skill levels can't be compared to Ōjō. Because of that, any attempts of intimidation tactics they're trying on the Bats are just...MAX sad.

"Gentle Prince Catch!"

"Mukyaaa! Stop getting in the way, ya idiot!"

"Ah-ha~!"

He can do without fighting for passes with Taki though, because they're making a fool of themselves in front of the crowd. MAX embarrassing.

"What are those two doing? They're hilarious!"

Suzuna hides her burning face behind her pompoms from sheer embarrassment and grumbling about idiot brothers while Monta groans as Taki spins in place and gives a two thumbs up to the crowd.

"Welcome to my debut match~!"

There's almost a bit of an incident in the 2nd quarter when Zokugaku's linemen tried to use unnecessary violence against the Bats. But when three of those linemen are delinquents themselves with better fighting skills, Zokugaku's attempt falls flat on their butts. Literally.

Before readying themselves for the next play, Komusubi raises a questioning brow at the Sankyōdai while he points to Zokugaku's cowering linemen. "D-did you?"

Kuroki smirks. "Yep."

"And did they?" Monta asks this time.

Togano nods. "Uh-huh."

Sena hangs her head with a quiet chuckle. "I'm really glad we're on the same side."

Jūmonji grins. "Back at ya."

They still have problems with their kicks but like them, Hiruma has shown some improvement.

"Ow!" A spectator from Zokugaku cries out and collapses by the sideline while clutching his head as the football rolls near his feet.

Well...sorta.

By halftime, they manage to round up a hefty 30-7 to Deimon's delight. As people continue to watch the match, slowly but surely, there are more cheers than jeers and insults.

It's not until five minutes after the 3rd quarter that all of those insults die a swift and brutal end when Sena appears out of nowhere and levels Zokugaku's quarterback with a light-speed sack. Monta almost jumps out of his skin. The crash of their pads coming in contact is like one of Hiruma's gunshots—it practically echoes in the suddenly quiet field.

Zokugaku's quarterback hits the ground with a thud and doesn't get back up. Sena stands over him for a moment as she pants. Then Sena turns to the crowd and without a word, she extends an arm out, hand beckoning them to come down onto the field.

In the eery quiet, the message of 'Fight me if you dare' rings out loud and clear for everyone to hear.

As one, the crowd shakes their heads and flail as they yell out.

"NO, THANK YOU!"

Sena gives them a Devil Bat grin, scaring the masses even more before she turns and walks back to the huddle.

Monta clutches his stomach.

When he looks around, he sees that both teams have pretty much the same reaction as him. Well, except for Hiruma, who watches Sena with a happy grin and Kurita, who is watching Hiruma with a curious look on his face before he smiles, content. Wonder what's that about?

"Holy crap." Kuroki's awed voice drifts somewhere to Monta's left, and brings Monta out of his stupor.

"So glad she's on our team," Togano says with relief.

Jūmonji swallows hard. "Definitely."

He and Komusubi share a grin then, chases after Sena to join in the huddle.

Eventually, the Zokugaku quarterback gets up but refuses to stay in the game out of fear of being sacked by Sena again. After that, it really does end up a massacre, with Zokugaku not scoring again for the rest of the game.

The highlight of the game for him though, is when Deimon's baseball club (including the coach!) come and cheer for him, almost drowning out other students since they actually brought cheer megaphones to the game.

"Monta!"

"Raimon!"

"You go, monkey!"

Monta shakes a fist at the last one. "What didja call me, ya bastard?!"

They start the 4th quarter with a daredevil stunt, a deep pass from Hiruma to the sideline, well defended but Monta isn't training to be the best Catch Master for nothing so Monta hauls in a MAX catch in the heart of enemy territory. The crowd goes wild.

Monta strikes his pose. "Catch MAX!"

Unexpectedly, the crowd; the baseball team especially shout back and really does drown out everything else.

"MAX!"

Breathless with joy, Monta then gapes in confusion when his best friends trot over to the crowd and cup a hand to their ears while pointing directly at him. This seems to be some sort of signal because the baseball club jump to their feet and shout into their megaphones.

"CATCH MASTER, MAX!"

Monta chokes in surprise. Before rejoining the huddle, he grabs his best friends and gestures to the baseball club. "What was that? What did you two do?"

HIs friends exchange glances, snickering.

"Originally, we invited the coach to watch the match." Smiling a little crookedly, Sena shrugs. "But we weren't sure if he was gonna come so it came as a surprise when we saw him."

"C-club members came for practice but stayed because of coach, fugo!" Komusubi continues, slamming a fist to his chest. "W-we planned at halftime!" 'We conversed with the players at halftime and encouraged them to retrieve their megaphones in an act of support as they were unsurprisingly impressed with your catching skills and wish to convey that support for your uphill journey to masterhood.'

Sena adjusts her gloves and gives him a warm smile. "So we thought of a cheer for you whenever you catch a pass and—hie!"

"Fugo!"

Monta grips his friends close to him, trying to control his tears and knows he's MAX failing. There are words, he knows there are but even he can't make out his blubbering and who can blame him? He has never been more touched, more grateful to his best friends, to his whole team for giving him the chance to fulfil his dream. Words just fails him for how much he loves and cherishes his two best friends for always willing to go the extra mile for him so all he can do is MAX hug these two dorks close and hope they know how much they mean to him.

'Honjō-san, although I haven't got any better in baseball, I'll make a promise with ya. Not only for you but for me and for the people that believe in me.' Monta sniffs, feeling his friends patting his back as they return the hug. 'I will definitely become a Catch Master Hero through American football!'

Pulling back, he bows to his fellow Chibiz, proud that his voice doesn't waver as much as he thought it would. "Thank you MAX! You two are the MAX best friends I could ever ask for!"

They give him matching warm smiles and thumbs up.

In the final quarter, they manage to score two more touchdowns; a pass play that he catches with a high jump, to the crowds delight and a run play that Sena promptly trots into the end zone for a light-speed touchdown. As the final whistle sounds out through the field, Deimon lets out an earsplitting cheer as they win with a score of 42-7.

It feels MAX awesome.

---

Ryōkan is so excited!

After the match against Zokugaku, things have calmed down a bit so they can put the Massacre on hold, allowing them to get ready for the team's tryouts. Since the beginning of the Massacre, there's been talks coming in from Amefuto monthly about interviews and even rumours about the upcoming Goodwill Match against the Americans. He's not sure what it means yet but Ryōkan has a feeling that it's gonna be good!

By Monday, he and some of his 1st-year friends go out at lunchtime to buy snacks for potential club members to eat at the entrance meeting while the rest send out flyers.

Ryōkan is embarrassed to say this but he didn't sleep a wink the night before because of how excited he is. So while he and his friends wait in line at Kariya's Bakery, Ryōkan takes the time to doze off, daydreaming of finally having a complete team with his friends as they fight together to win the Christmas Bowl!

"How many should we get?" Sena's voice drifts into his consciousness.

"Hmmm…a dozen maybe?" Monta replies.

Suzuna tuts. "After all that's happened? They're gonna line up!"

"Fugo!"

Blinking awake, Ryōkan grins and shouts out their order. "Gimme a 100!"

"Eh?!"

Inspired, he walks to the worker and waves his juniors over. "C'mon! Let's pick out our portions too! They have an amazing array of flavours, y'know?"

His juniors look unsure.

"Are you sure, Kurita-senpai?"

Ryōkan nods enthusiastically. "Of course! We all deserve it!" Accepting the menu from the worker, he passes it to his friends. "Especially after the hard work you all put into."

Trading glances, the juniors come to an agreement and pours their attention to the menu for their orders. Once done, they each take a bag in each hand and head back to Deimon. Ryōkan can barely contain his excitement!

"This is great!" Ryōkan gushes as they trot out of the shopping district. "Last year, I was the only who came so it was pretty tough!"

Sena glances questioningly at him. "Last year?"

Smiling sadly, he looks to the distance. "Back then, there was only me and Hiruma. We also made flyers and held an entrance meeting but…"

With a pang, he recalls his excitement as he went to buy and prepare the snacks, the effort he put to clean their then tiny clubhouse. Waiting and waiting. They waited until late at night, so late that even Hiruma went back to his hotel room even after he half-heartedly begged his brother to stay for just a minute longer. Most of all, he remembers how he, himself waited through out the night until it bled into morning; eating the cream puffs with tears streaming down his face. Waiting and waiting for teammates that had never come.

"S-shishō!"

Breaking out of his memories, he sees the concerned faces of his friends and as he looks around, he belatedly realises that they've stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. Oh dear, they need to get back soon lest they be late!

But before he can reassure his friends, Komusubi hugs him, bags and all. "We are here, fugo!" 'Ease your worries, Shishō, for we are here! Neither you nor Hiruma-dono are alone anymore! We will happily fight alongside you!'

The three other 1st-years flock to him as they join in the hug and chime in their agreement. The fear that sometimes like to jump and haunt him (Musashi and Hiruma leaving...an empty clubhouse with him as the sole member and no one else) slowly dissipates and Ryōkan can do nothing but hug these amazing friends to him and hopes he will never have to let them go.

When they arrive back at the clubhouse, it's to the sight of an organised room and excited teammates. With a grin, he directs his friends to set up the treats before raising two separate bags over his head.

"We came bearing gifts!" Ryōkan gives one of the bags over to Komusubi who takes out his sealed packet of a jumbo chocolate cream puff then, walks around to pass everyone else's share. "We got flavours based on everyone's favourites too!"

"You know our favourites?" Kuroki asks and grins happily when he finds the orange flavoured jumbo puff. "Awesome!"

Togano grabs his coconut jumbo with a snicker. "Well, it is Kurita-senpai we're talking about here."

"The literal Food Master of Kantō," Jūmonji agrees as he reaches for the pumpkin puff.

Laughing in delight at the praise, he nods at the 'thank yous' he's receiving. Happily grabbing his extra jumbo chestnut puff, he trots over to Hiruma's alcove and extends the wasabi puff to the blond, who eyes the treat warily.

"You know I don't like anything with excessive sugar, fatty," Hiruma mutters, poking the packet.

"I know," he reassures. "But the wasabi flavour has barely any sugar in the cream or the pastry. I wanted to choose the coffee one but that was bound to be too sweet for your taste."

"Wasabi cream puff?" Hiruma takes the packet with an incredulous brow. "How the hell do we come up with these things?"

Ryōkan chuckles and passes over the umeboshi puff to Sena who sits on the chair against the alcove. "Us Japanese are innovative after all."

"That's an understatement," Sena giggles after she thanks him and shakes her packet. "I really didn't expect to find an umeboshi cream puff of all things."

"Seriously?" Hiruma snorts then takes a bite of the spiced pastry, eyes widening in surprise. "Huh…not bad."

"Not too sweet?" Ryōkan asks just in case.

Hiruma shakes his head. "Nope, but can use more wasabi though."

He and Sena laugh at that.

From the corner of his eye, he sees his friends laughing and breaking open their packets. Warmth suffuses him. It's such a stark contrast compared to last year that Ryōkan has to pinch his arm to reassure himself that it's not a dream. The sting of pain hurts but it's a welcomed answer. Making himself comfortable, he takes a bite of his pastry and contenting himself in letting the voices of his team wash over him. After a moment, Komusubi joins them, tucking himself to his side and happily munching on his treat.

A movement from the corner of his eye catches his attention. A glance shows that Anezaki has seated herself not too far from where Ryōkan is and for a moment, he's confused as to why Anezaki is glaring. It's not until he follows her gaze that Ryōkan understands why. Hiruma and Sena are sitting in the same position when Anezaki came to the clubhouse to be the manager; Hiruma by the alcove while Sena sits on the chair against the alcove wall, with the back of the running-back's head resting against the side of Hiruma's thigh. The two friends look comfortable as they talk and discuss about the entrance meeting and if Ryōkan is correct then, it appears that Anezaki can't understand why.

Ryōkan cannot blame Anezaki for her confusion but at the same time, he wonders what exactly is the reason behind Anezaki's scepticism. Either way, his two friends are always been a source of warmth for him. He likes seeing his younger brother opening up to someone other than himself and Musashi, likes it even more that Hiruma trusts Sena and has come to care so much for her. Ryōkan has always worried for the quarterback, knowing how fierce his emotions are and that they tend to scare people off because of that intensity. But not Sena. And after weeks since Notre Dame, no— since that day in January, he wonders if the relationship between Hiruma and Sena is shifting and developing into something else; something layered and intricate. Precious and unique.

Ryōkan can only watch and see, hoping for the best.

Finishing his treat and washing it down with a mug of sweetened coffee, Ryōkan gives Komusubi's hair a fond ruffle then, rearranges his chair so that it'll face his assigned desk and feeling warmed at the sight of his name and position written on the paper stuck by the front. Checking the time and seeing that he has enough time until 3:30 to take a short nap, Ryōkan shuts his eyes and dreams of countless recruits and a full team—

— and wakes up to the sting of wasabi in his nose.

Pinwheeling, he bounces down the floor and looks around in confusion.

"For how long are ya gonna sleep, fucking fatass?!"

Recalling the reason why he's here, he looks to the clock and sees that the time is 3:55 PM. Excited and embarrassed at falling asleep for so long at an important time, Ryōkan looks around and sees his friends mingling in the clubhouse...with no new recruits in sight.

He droops with a disheartened sigh.

Hiruma pauses in his rapid typing to nudge his shoulder with his foot. "You get to work too."

"Work?"

Blinking in confusion, he pays more attention to how his juniors are balancing tray after tray of drinks and snacks to bring them…outside. Rushing to the door, Ryōkan is floored at the crowd of people chatting and enjoying their snacks. There's so many of them, that there's barely any room for students to move around.

Ryōkan gapes.

"They can't all get in, so I made them wait outside," Hiruma informs him with a smirk as he stands while balancing a rifle on his shoulder. "Also, that wasabi better keep you from thinking that this is an illusion or some shit."

"Hiru, this is…"

"It's time to wake the fuck up, Kurita." Hiruma smirks knowingly at him, eyes warm and amused. "Because reality is finally better than those shitty nightmares and daydreams."

Students from all grades stand and talk with each other as they wait their turn while his friends passes the refreshments around and even sneaking in some of them for themselves.

"Oi, don't eat behind my back, fucking brats!"

His juniors laugh and apologise to the annoyed quarterback and Ryōkan can even see Anezaki sneak a pastry in the confusion. Unfortunately for her, Sena sees the evidence the strawberry blonde left behind.

"Mamori-neechan, you still got cream on your mouth."

"Eh?" Anezaki exclaims, flustered.

Hiruma cackles. "Woah, the Disciplinary officer is eating without permission~!"

"Hiruma-kun!"

Sniffing and wiping away his tears, Ryōkan stares at the sight of his friends working and joking around as they pass out numbers to hopeful students. Ryōkan does his best to sear the moment to his memory. It seems like he has a really wonderful entry to write down in the team's journal soon. "If I had known that this would happen, I would've bought 200 cream puffs!"

When they made sure that each student have a number, they settle back inside the clubhouse and sit at their assigned seats. He double checks the space. The long meeting table has been rearranged like a panel table with a sole chair set in front of it, not unlike how a job interview is conducted. Satisfied, he nods at Anezaki who had been pouting from Hiruma's teasing about the stolen cream puff.

Anezaki nods. "I'll go call in no.1 now."

"Ya~! I'm coming with you, Mamo-nee! Wanna get a feel of their personalities."

"Sure."

As the two girls go and call for the student, Ryōkan turns to his friends with an encouraging smile. "Everyone remember what Hiruma and I taught you about the basis for positions?"

The Bats nod.

"Let's hear it then," Hiruma says, folding his hands behind his head, red goggles glinting on his head.

"When we determine the positions, we ask what the person wants," Jūmonji speaks up after a moment of thought. "But we also need to see how fitting that person is for that position."

Kuroki scratches his head. "Uh…the easiest way to distinguish a person is 'are they fit for offence or defence'?"

"Oh, me next!" Togano exclaims. "Someone fitting for offence is someone who can conduct a mission with flair and accuracy; like a hitman!"

Komusubi continues from his perch on Ryōkan's shoulder. "Fugo! D-defence! Beast type!" 'Those who fit within defence are that of a beast type; one who are capable of catching prey with a wild instinct!'

Hiruma smirks, twirling a gun in hand. "Good, you paid attention. Now, how can we tell which one is which?"

"Aha-ha~! That's simple, Mousier Hiruma!" Taki says with a flourish. "It's from how they sit!"

Monta nods sagely. "If it's MAX defence, they usually sit like delinquents or all casual."

"While offence would sit politely and properly," Sena finishes softly.

Pride and joy filling him, Ryōkan nods and he reaches over his shoulder to ruffle Komusubi's hair which his apprentice happily accepts. "That's right!"

A knock on the door has them all straighten in their seats. Receiving nods from his teammates, Ryōkan calls out. "Come in!"

The door quickly slides open to reveal a balding student, shaking with nerves. "Pardon me!" The boy holds the door open for Anezaki and Suzuna before shutting it closed then strides into his seat in a perfect posture.

As one, the Bats say with confidence. "Offence."

The boy blinks. "Eh?"

A shift and he sees Sena leaning forward with a thoughtful frown, the green goggles around her neck swinging slightly. "Pardon me, but aren't you the one from that time with Ōjō?"

The teen narrows his eyes before they widen in shock. "Oh! We sat together on the bleachers, didn't we?"

"MAX! Talk about small world!"

"I'll say," Sena giggles, smiling gently at the nervous boy. "Pleased to meet your acquaintance...properly this time. My name is Kobayakawa Sena and I'm the secretary of the team."

Relaxing slightly, the boy smiles back. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Kobayakawa-chan. Um…" The teen gulps before he continues firmly. "My name is Yukimitsu Manabu from Class 2-4!"

"A 2nd-year?" Hiruma mutters from his alcove before the boy's introduction finally sinks in for them all.

"Yukimitsu?!"

Yukimitsu starts in his seat, looking around nervously at the shock looks most of them are probably giving the poor boy.

"Um, yes?"

Ryōkan shakes his head, sharing a surprised glance with Hiruma. It can't be, right? But just in case...

"Are you related to one Yukimitsu Hotaru-san by any chance?"

Yukimitsu gapes. "She's my older sister actually."

"Wait." Anezaki holds up a hand as she and the Taki siblings give him and the rest of the Bats confused looks. "How did all of you know about Yukimitsu-kun's sister?"

Ryōkan beams as he thinks about his future sister-in-law. "Because Ots— I mean, Hotaru-san is Musashi's girlfriend!"

"Musashin is the kicker of the team, right?" Suzuna asks, leaning forward in glee. "Oooh~! How did they met? Must be romantic!"

"Musashi…?" Yukimitsu mutters in confusion before he lights up in understanding. "You mean Gen-kun, right? Takekura Gen-kun?"

"The one and only!" Monta confirms. "Now that's what I call a very MAX small world."

Sena chuckles, shaking her head ruefully. "I thought you looked familiar. So you were the hard working brother Hotaru-neesan mentioned about."

Yukimitsu blushes, looking embarrassed and pleased. "Onee-san talked about me?"

"More like gushes about you," Hiruma snorts. "One of the few times we ever see the woman ramble." Then, Hiruma looks consideringly at Yukimitsu. "I didn't expect that there are any useful players in 2nd-year left after combing through."

"But we're happy to have you here!" Ryōkan is quick to reassure, waving at Hiruma to not intimidate their fellow 2nd-year so soon. "Now, on to the interview…!"

Taking her role as secretary, Sena nervously bites her lip before she leans forward in interest. "Yukimitsu-san, may we know why do you want to join the American football team?"

"I've been…attending cram school since first-grade," Yukimitsu begins hesitantly, looking down at his shoes. "My mother forbade me from taking part in any sort of extra-curricular activity. And well…third-years have to prepare for university exams and aren't allowed to be a part of clubs because of that. Therefore, I'd like to leave with some great memories…"

"Hah?!" Hiruma snaps. "What fucking memories? We're here to win, fucking baldie!"

The whole Bats almost stumble to the floor at mention of the elephant in the room as Yukimitsu gapes at Hiruma's bluntness.

"Baldie…" Yukimitsu mutters morosely.

Jūmonji snorts. "Bastard really said it."

"He ain't the demon quarterback for nothin' after all," Kuroki chuckles.

Togano snickers. "That's an understatement."

Shaking himself, Yukimitsu bunches his hands on his knees and stares at them with earnest and determined eyes. "I…I will of course try to help the team win! E-even though I'm pretty useless, I will work hard!" Yukimitsu bows his head and takes a breath. "Even though I'm short and weak…when I saw Eyeshield 21 who is shorter than I am and has become the Devil Hero from Notre Dame, I felt really moved!"

Sena twitches beside him then ducks to hide her blush. Ryōkan discretely pats the brunette's back and gives her a proud smile which Sena shyly returns.

"Since she's a girl, no doubt that she probably faces a lot of discrimination," Yukimitsu continues as he smiles, inspired. "But the fact that she's willing to face all sorts of difficulties, I'd like to be just like her…because that perseverance...it's inspiring."

Ryōkan has to bite back a smile when he sees Sena almost curling into herself, red faced and flustered. Clearing his throat, he nods at Yukimitsu and gives him an encouraging grin. "Thank you very much, Yukimitsu-kun! Once we decide, we'll be sure to tell you!"

Yukimitsu rises from his seat and bows at them. "Thank you very much for your time!"

"We look forward in MAX seeing you again, Yukimitsu-senpai!"

"Fugo!" 'Until next time!'

Ryōkan starts and calls out before Yukimitsu leaves. "And please give our regards to Hotaru-san!"

Yukimitsu beams at the mention of his sister. "I will."

As they wave and bow their heads goodbye to the 2nd-year, Anezaki goes out for a bit to call for the next student to come in.

Hiruma cackles and gets Sena into a loose chokehold, pressing their cheeks together. "Calm down or you're gonna get heatstroke, fucking chibi."

"It's hard to calm down after hearing something like that," Sena bemoans as she flails. "Yukimitsu-san is giving me too much credit!"

"Like hell," Hiruma scoffs as he lets go, not before he ruffles Sena's hair though.

"Yō-nii is right, Sena!" Suzuna wags a finger at the running-back. "Have more confidence in your charisma!"

Taki spins in his seat and strikes his pose. "It pales in comparison to my own but my sister is right! Charisma is key, Mademoiselle Sena!"

Chuckling, the brunette waves her hands at them as they give Sena mock serious looks. "Okay, okay. I'll do my best…thanks everyone."

"No.2 and no.3 are coming in!" Anezaki informs them as she gets back inside.

Ryōkan tilts his head in confusion. "Why two students, Anezaki-san?"

Anezaki looks apologetic. "They insisted since they're both from the same school and just finished transferring here right before the Ōjō match."

"We can do that, Mamori-san?" Monta asks, scratching his head. "Transferring late I mean."

Anezaki shrugs with a rueful smile. "Considering our principal's policy…"

They sweatdrop at that.

Ryōkan chuckles wryly. 'That's right…I forgot how desperate our principal is in getting more students for the school.'

"Excuse us!"

The door is slide opened again to reveal two muscular boys as they march in and stand at attention.

"Offence," the Bats say in unison.

Seeming to understand, the two boys brightens as the one with sandy blond hair steps forward. "My name is Atsumi Daisuke from Class 2-5, originally from Yūhi High School."

"From the same school, I am Haibara Shinobu from Class 1-2!" Haibara exclaims, bowing his black cap hair to them.

Hiruma shifts from his sideways position to face the front and rests his elbows on his knees as he gives the two boys a contemplative look. "So the transfer deal had gone through after all."

"Transfer deal?" Ryōkan questions, glancing at Hiruma.

"I'll explain later," his younger brother promises then, raises a brow at Atsumi. "You were in the match against Ōjō. I remember you from the trick play when you played quarterback in my place."

Monta snaps his fingers. "That's right! And it was a decent pass too!"

Atsumi grins. "Thank you! I'm no match against Hiruma-kun here but I played quarterback back at Yūhi." Atsumi nods to his junior. "While Haibara here played fullback."

"That's amazing," Sena says with an excited smile. "This is the first time we have recruits who played amefuto before Deimon." The running-back gives Haibara a curious glance. "But if you're from Class 1-2…that means you're in the same class as me and the Sankyōdai."

"Not brothers," the three delinquents intone.

Haibara chuckles as he rubs his neck with a sheepish smile. "Yeah… I wanted to approach you four but I wasn't sure if I'd be welcomed."

"The hell?" Togano speaks up from behind his manga. "If you're a fellow player then come over and hang out with us."

Kuroki shrugs. "Yeah, we don't mind."

"Better than the stink eye some of our classmates give us too," Jūmonji grumbles.

Sena nods. "Please come sit with us at lunch tomorrow, we'd be happy to have you."

Haibara beams and bounces on the balls of his feet. "I will, thank you!"

"Save that for later, fucking brats," Hiruma warns.

The four classmates grimace. "Sorry."

Ryōkan laughs at that before he clears his throat. "Can you tell us why you would like to join our club?"

Atsumi turns serious and exchanges a glance with Haibara before they both shout out. "We wish to win the Christmas Bowl!"

They blink in surprise at the bold statement before the regulars share a Devil Bat grin together.

"We fucking approve," Hiruma cackles as he nods. "We'll keep the two of you in mind."

Their two future (hopefully) teammates beam and bows at them. "Thank you very much!"

When they leave, Ryōkan turns to his best friend and sees that Hiruma is typing rapidly on his laptop. Ryōkan pokes the blond's knee. "Are you checking the transfer deal?"

"Yeah," Hiruma grunts before giving a final click on the keyboard with a satisfied grin. "What do you know about Yūhi High?"

"That they're a school full of elite sport clubs," Ryōkan answers after a moment. "But that doesn't explain why they're here."

"It's only the amefuto club that's shitty so the school administration made a deal with the students, either get benched and have other clubs play as regulars to get wins or have the club disband."

Ryōkan gapes. "What?!" And he can hear that the sentiment is echoed by the rest of his friends. "That's just…"

"Unfair, fugo!"

They nod in agreement.

"No," Hiruma rebukes. "It's logical, especially in an administration stand point."

"It's still unfair to the students though," Sena argues quietly and catches the hem of Hiruma's sleeve when the quarterback opens his mouth. "I know. I know that the students should've won more so they wouldn't have that problem but administration isn't always fair or make smart decisions either which can cause problems in ignoring other clubs while overcompensating others."

"Perhaps, secretary-san," Hiruma relents then tugs Sena's ear who pouts at the teasing tone Hiruma uses. "But their loss is our win in this case."

"How so?" Jūmonji asks as he twirls a pen as he keeps track of the responses and reasons of recruits. "Hell, how did they even transfer here?"

Hiruma smirks. "The amefuto club in Yūhi did everything they could to think of an alternative and in the end, brought the issue up to the high school division in the American Football Association and a solution was found."

"The transfer deal," Sena states with a curious frown.

Hiruma nods. "It's not unusual to have scouts stealing away students from one school into another, it happens almost every year with Teikoku Gakuen. But sometimes, it can cause a damn imbalance when teams have small numbers. It's why the Association allows transfers in the first place. It's rare but there're times when a school can request to the Association to have students transferred to their school and fill in that gap."

"Then how come we didn't ask the Association if we can have football players transfer here instead of a tryout?" Kuroki asks, scratching his head. "Wouldn't that be better?"

Hiruma shrugs. "We're not eligible to request transfers because Deimon is still a new school; only two years in operation so we still have one more year until we can." The blond pops his gum with a snap, head tilted in thought. "But, Deimon can be an option for students to transfer to...not that anyone wanted to transfer here though."

"Until now," Ryōkan breathes out, grin almost splitting his face as he connects the dots. "Because of—"

"—Eyeshield 21," Hiruma finishes, not even hiding how proud and fond he is when his eyes flicker over at Sena who ducks her head to hide her blush as they all grin knowingly. Although, Ryōkan gives Hiruma a weighted look and wonders if Hiruma even realises how adoring he sounds at times whenever Sena is brought up.

Ryōkan smiles and keeps it to himself for now.

"People saw the Rule of 21 and got interested," Hiruma continues. "Yūhi on the other hand, already had a small number in their team and not wanting to end, they instead requested to have themselves transferred and in their words, keep their 'spirit' alive."

Taki perks up. "Does that mean all of Yūhi are here, Monsieur Hiruma?"

"No." Hiruma checks his laptop. "Only two players are here in Deimon. The others are spread out in the Bando Spiders and Hashiratani Deers."

Ryōkan gasps, delighted. "To Onihei-san's team?! That's wonderful!"

Oh, happy day! To now that Onihei's team have new (presumably) strong players and that they might have a chance of facing them in the Fall Tournament is one the greatest news that he's heard today! Especially with the chance of having the whole line facing the legendary lineman and showing how strong the Devil Bats have grown since middle school! Oh, he can hardly wait!

"That's the veteran lineman, right?" Kuroki whispers to Komusubi who nods with a grin.

Sadly, whatever questions they have regarding the transfer deal has to be pushed aside since they're still going through the entrance meeting. It's regrettable but as they listen to the students more and more, they realise that a lot of them aren't all that interested in playing football. Instead, the students are more interested in getting Eyeshield's autograph or want to have their fifteen minutes of fame on television.

One of them, a 1st-year named Mitaku that appears to be the defence type, seems to be more interested in swindling the club's funds…at least according to an unimpressed Hiruma.

"The hell was up with that guy?" Kuroki grumbles before pitching his voice into a mocking tone. "If you're willing to let me show up now and then, I'll consider joining since there doesn't seem to be any members around here!"

Monta nods with a scowl. "As if we wouldn't MAX see what he was planning! I mean, seriously?"

"Mitaku said that he respects you and wants to become like you because of the funds and minions." Jūmonji glances at the amused looking Hiruma. "A too obvious ploy to get his dirty hands on the club funds, don't you think?"

"Typical example of an idiotic asshole." Hiruma taps the side of his laptop. "Don't you fucking dare fall for bullshit like that or even use such a shitty tactic because I've taught you fucking brats better than that."

Most of them frown at that, affronted.

"Of course not!" Ryōkan exclaims with a pout at his grinning best friend. "We're the Devil Bats after all! Right, everyone?"

"Yeah!"

After that, it's a slow ongoing process as they listen and interview student after student. Some have potential, others...not so much. It's a relief to know though, that they're not just interviewing potential players but administrations as well after a long discussion amongst themselves a few days ago. Ryōkan isn't sure if they will find anyone suitable until two girls unexpectedly walk through the clubhouse door, revealing somewhat familiar faces.

It's only when both Sena and Anezaki startle in their seats that he remembers why they're familiar.

"Ako? Sara?" Anezaki gapes at her friends. "What are you two doing here?"

"To join the Devil Bats of course!" The glasses wearing girl gives them a cheery wave. "Hiya, name's Suetomo Ako! Nice to meet ya!"

The long-haired girl beside Suetomo bows with a polite smile. "And I am Watanabe Sara. A pleasure to meet you all."

Ryōkan beams at the two girls. "It's nice to meet you too, Suetomo-san, Watanabe-san!" Tilting his head in curiosity, he folds his hands on top of his desk. "Before we begin, may we know if you wish to join as a player or as an administrator?"

"Kurita-kun!" Anezaki shoots up from her seat, scandalised. "Girls shouldn't—!" The strawberry-blond pauses, looking down at the table, conflicted.

Watanabe fold her hands in front of her, staring cooly at Anezaki. "Girls shouldn't what, Mamori?"

Anezaki takes a deep breath, lips in a thin line. "Personally, I don't think girls should play football at all. It's dangerous and improper. However…" Anezaki struggles for a moment before her shoulders slump, unhappy but not unreasonable. "That's my opinion and I'm beginning to understand that it's...not a view shared by everyone."

Everyone relaxes, with Sena looking the most relieved out of all of them. Well, it's a start. Smiling, he turns his attention back to the two girls as they too appear pleased at Anezaki's admission. Suetomo bounds up to Anezaki and grabs the manager's hands in a reassuring grip.

"We're glad to hear that, Mamori." Suetomo gives Anezaki a smile, who reluctantly returns it with her own before the bespectacled girl plants her hands on her hips. "Unfortunately, we're not here to be players. Neither Sara or myself believe we have anything to offer on the field like Eyeshield does but that doesn't mean we're not interested in helping the Devil Bats win!"

Hiruma raises a brow in interest. "And how is that?"

Both girls appear nervous when they glance at Hiruma before looking away. Watanabe clears her throat as she straightens up. "Managers. We saw what Eyeshield can do in the match against Ōjō and Zokugaku. It was amazing and I think we can be good additions to the team's administration since both of us have skills that can be useful to a sports team. Honestly, we didn't feel like just standing by the sidelines." Watanabe smiles slightly, glancing wryly at Anezaki then at Sena, hinting another reason why the girls wish to join.

Ryōkan nods approvingly to himself at that. At least with Anezaki's friends around, the committee member won't suffocate Sena too much with her overprotectiveness. Hopefully.

"Well, Sara mostly." Suetomo grins, walking up to Togano and pokes the delinquent's cheek, confusing the dirty-blond. "Part of the reason why I want to join the team is because I'm interested in this cutie."

Togano gapes while his two best friends look utterly outraged.

"What?!" Kuroki squawks, pointing incredulously at Togano. "Him? C'mon, I'm a far better catch!"

Togano scowls. "Hey!"

"As if," Jūmonji mutters. "If anyone is the better catch, it's gotta be me."

Suetomo waves her hands placatingly at the boys. "All three of you have the rugged looks but I have my eyes on Togano-kun here because I'm a manga otaku." Suetomo nods to manga in Togano's hands. "Saw this cutie reading volumes of Naruto in one sitting while waiting for the Ōjō match to start and he pretty much caught my attention."

Quicker than anyone can follow which is impressive since Sena is the one with the speed in the team, Togano rounds out of the desk and clasps Suetomo's hands with stars in his eyes.

"Favourite manga?"

Suetomo returns Togano's grip solemnly. "YuYu Hakushō."

"I'm a big fan of Kuwabara," Togano breathes out immediately. "Togashi-sensei is a goddamn legend."

"He is," Suetomo says with a serious nod. "Will you be the Kuwabara to my Yukina, Togano-kun?"

To their surprise, Togano kneels down in awe. "Yes. Please marry me."

Jūmonji smacks at the back of Togano's head with an exasperated scowl. "We're in high school, dumbass. Not to mentioned the very important fact that you just met each other."

"He is right," Suetomo muses, looking apologetically at Togano.

"Then after high school, so we have plenty of time to get to know one another. Maybe after we get jobs, Suetomo-hime? I'll be the best Kuwabara ever, I promise."

Suetomo beams. "Then I'll be the best Yukina you will ever know!"

Togano bounces to his feet with a grin. "Awesome!"

"He's a goner." Kuroki slaps his forehead with a groan. "He's probably gonna plan some manga themed wedding for the rest of high school."

"Holy shit, not another rom-com," Hiruma mutters, pinching the bridge of his nose while Ryōkan is busy cooing and gushing over the two teens with his camera phone.

"I think it's adorable!" Ryōkan snaps a few more pictures of the happily blushing Suetomo and Togano. "Kinda reminds me of Musashi and Hotaru-san."

"My point exactly," Hiruma sighs before shooting the two teens, who scramble away at the onslaught of bullets. "I don't give a shit about your reasons, just as long neither of you forget to win."

Both teens salute at the quarterback while Anezaki scolds Hiruma for shooting people which the quarterback ignores with practiced ease.

The Chibiz exchange confused glances as Monta scratches his head. "Did Togano just got himself a girlfriend? And that she's gonna be in the team?"

"I'm…not sure. Maybe?" Sena tilts her head in thought. "I honestly have no idea what just happened."

Komusubi shrugs, slanting an amused glance at his fellow lineman. "L-love at first sight?"

"Aha-ha~! Very true, Monsieur Komusubi!" Taki spins in place before he and Suzuna hug each other with matching conspiring grins. "This is going to be marvellous, my sister!"

Suzuna nods eagerly, a lock of her hair strangely seeming to dance on top of her head in excitement. "Definitely, Onii-chan!"

It certainly is far more lively and welcoming compare to the suffocating and silent atmosphere from last year and he's certainly grateful for that, even more so that he can share in the chatter and laughter with his friends, precious people Ryōkan hopes that will stay for the rest of his life. They're wild and rambunctious. But above all of that, they are his team and he wouldn't trade them for the world. Not for the first time, Ryōkan is grateful that Shinryūji rejected him because if they didn't, he believes that he and his brothers would've missed out meeting these amazing teens and really, Ryōkan never wants to imagine about the life he might've led if he hadn't met his friends.

After a few more questions about their skills, the two girls are warmly welcomed into the team. Accepting recruits for administration is a lot more easier than players since they can see their skills more clearly from the get go which saves them time. The only problem now is to whittle down the player recruits so as to find those who will stay to play football. A problem that Hiruma seems to already have a solution for if the scheming glint in his eyes is anything to go by.

Hiruma snaps his laptop closed. "Looks like it's time for an entrance trial."

As the entrance meeting comes to a close, Ryōkan exchanges confused glances with the Bats, feeling like whatever Hiruma has planned, it's gonna be quite an event.

---

"Leaving already, Yokkun?"

Tearing his attention away from his phone, Yōichi tilts his head down to look at Inoue Tatsunari; the president of the Shōgi Association. The wizened old man is wearing a pressed suit today, likely getting ready for a meeting for the upcoming matches.

He rolls his shoulders in a careless shrug. "I have a prior engagement."

"And did you find what you were looking for?"

"...perhaps."

Inoue hums noncommentively.

Yōichi leans against one of the entrance's pillars, raising his face up to bask in the summer rays. Damn, it's a good weather. "Not gonna tell me anything, Inoue-jiji?"

"If I could, I would, Yokkun. But your father really does his name justice. He's like a ghost, flitting in and out unnoticed." Inoue taps his cane on the steps with a thoughtful frown. "However, I do know that he has a high rank now."

"Nothing specific?"

Inoue smiles cheekily. "He wants it to be a surprise."

"Oi, oi." Yōichi twirls a gun out with a sigh. "Kishi and their strategies."

Amused, Inoue looks at the gun. "Are you going to blackmail me, Yokkun?

"As if," Yōichi snorts. "Even if I blackmail you, it'll only be a waste of time. Tou-san likely planted a false trail if I try."

"He most likely did," Inoue agrees.

"What do you think?"

"Hmmm?"

Yōichi sets his jaw. "Did he really gave up?"

"...yes. I believe he did."

"That doesn't bother you?"

"Does it have to be a bad thing?" Inoue shoots back.

"Why wouldn't it?" Yōichi hisses. "It means everything is lost. All they've worked for, gone in a fucking instant because they're too fucking weak willed to hold on."

"Perhaps. But it is human and us humans are born weak and we are full of flaws." Inoue gazes up at the sky. "Sometimes my boy, giving up can mean that they've had enough."

Yōichi frowns. "Be that as it may, I suppose it doesn't matter anymore."

"It always matters, Yokkun," Inoue admonishes before he turns curious. "But why do you believe that it doesn't?"

"He's back isn't he?"

"Yes," Inoue admits, appearing grave. "But at what cost?"

For some reason, that statement makes his blood run cold.

"I may be overstepping my boundaries but please allow me to ask this." Inoue grasps his elbow in a surprisingly strong grip, eyes beseeching. "For how long are you to punish your father for being human, Yōichi?"

"I—"

"Inoue-shachō?"

They turn to see a brown haired woman in a suit and skirt assemble, staring curiously at them. The woman bows as she addresses Inoue.

"The taxi is here, sir."

Inoue nods with a smile. "Thank you, Nakahara-kun. Ah!" The president gestures to the woman. "Yokkun, this is Nakahara Shizuka-nanadan. She's quite a strong kishi, y'know?"

Yōichi inclines his head in acknowledgement.

"Nakahara-kun, this here is Hiruma Yōichi-kun. A former student in the junior circuit."

Nakahara flinches as recognition sets in before she frowns in confusion. "I...see. Your notorious reputation precedes you, Hiruma-kun."

He cackles. "Good to know."

Inoue claps his hands happily. "I'm sorry to cut our conversation short, Yokkun but I must get going."

"Yeah, yeah," Yōichi scoffs. "Don't give out your back, ya senile old man."

Inoue harrumps as he gets inside the taxi, while Nakahara does the same at shotgun. "How dare you! I'm still young at heart!"

Yōichi smirks. "Too young, ya mean."

Inoue shakes his head with a fond grin. "Come by more often would you? It's been quiet without you causing havoc."

"Keh, I'm getting busy, Inoue-jiji," Yōichi quips but grins back nonetheless. "But I'll think about it."

Inoue laughs, waving at Yōichi as the taxi brings them out and away from his sight.

Making his way out to the street, Yōichi glances at the Association's sign with a frown. Unbiddenly, the president's words spring into mind.

Yes, but at what cost?

'What the hell happened?' Shoving his cold hands into his pockets, he locks away the mounting dread for later and heads to the station to meet up with his team at Tōkyō Tower.

He has idiots to weed out, he'll figure this shit with his father afterwards.

When he reaches Minato ward, it's Kurita that greets him first.

"Hiruma!" Kurita bounds up to him, gesturing at the students milling at the platform. "Look at how many came for the tryout!"

He smirks, feeling it pull at his lips half-heartedly. "Yeah."

For all of his cheer, Kurita has never been naive even if many consider him so, evident from how Kurita's features twists in concern. "What's wrong?"

Yōichi gazes unseeingly at all the people passing by, mind conjuring up all kinds of scenarios as the dread he locked away tries to shove its way out.

"Yōichi."

Snapping out of it, he glances at Kurita in surprise. It's not often the center calls him by his given name.

Kurita places a hand on his shoulder. "If you want, you can tell me."

He opens his mouth a few times before sighing and looks away. Yōichi cracks a knuckle and feels glad for the din of the crowd. "Would you've forgiven me if I gave up on football?"

The hand on his shoulder freezes before it relaxes then pulls him to the boy's side. "Yes, I would've."

Yōichi works his jaw as he crosses his arms. "Why?"

"Because I know you would've only given it up for a good reason."

Snorting, he pats Kurita's back before he pulls away. "Does a good reason even exist when it comes to giving up?"

Kurita hums in thought before he gives a slow nod. "Yes, I believe there is."

Yōichi sighs. "At least one of us thinks so."

Kurita gives him a searching look. "Hiru...do you and your dad have similar personalities?"

"Somewhat," he admits with a shrug. "But I've always been more chaotic. Tou-san is the quiet and calm one in the family."

Kurita hums in thought. "Do you have a hard time forgiving him because of your similarities or your differences?"

Yōichi blinks. "The hell?"

"Well," Kurita begins with a shrug. "If you're similar, maybe it's hard to forgive him because you might see it as a possible future for yourself. On the other hand, if you're different then maybe it's hard because you'd wish you were similar?"

"Neither...both." Yōichi scowls. "Fuck it, I don't know." And he's not ashamed to admit that when he's around people he trusts. "I just have this really bad feeling. My dad has a habit of downplaying things and I can't shake off the feeling that something bad might've happened to him and I didn't know."

Brows furrowing in worry, Kurita crosses his arms as they bring up the rear of the group of students with Kobayakawa and Taki leading the group to head for the tower. The combo amuses him enough to distract him from the pit in his stomach.

Since the Taki siblings and Anezaki joined them, they've decided to have the remaining members be the second-in-command for the different roles in the club. At the moment, Taki is with Kobayakawa and while Taki's sister is with Monta. The rest are still undecided since they agreed to wait after the tryouts are over.

The Taki and Kobayakawa combo cracks him up but it surprisingly works which makes it even more hysterical. Watching as the running-back steer Taki in the right direction with quiet exasperation, Yōichi is surprised when he's suddenly pinned by that familiar empathetic stare, the sunlight hitting the garnet depths as they light up in joy when Kobayakawa spots him, almost turning her eyes into a bright crimson.

The joy shifts into concern and he has to wonder if Kobayakawa can tell that he's a bit (a lot) troubled than he lets on. Yōichi wouldn't be surprised if the brunette can pick up his mood, empath that she is. He almost has to wrestle a part of himself that hopes that the reason Kobayakawa can tell is because it's him specifically that she's more attuned to and that it's not only because Yōichi is her partner.

'Go away for fuck's sake,' he tells that wishful thinking. 'What the hell? Fine, I'm attracted to her but it ain't like that. No need to stir up shit. Fuck.'

He gives Kobayakawa a half-smile and looks away because he can't do much right now. Kurita catches his gaze, concerned but he smiles nonetheless.

"I think it's about time you talk to him, Yōichi."

Yōichi sighs. "I will when I get all the facts."

"But—"

"The whole fallout happened because I made miscalculations and assumptions based on incomplete data. I'm not gonna make that same mistake."

Kurita is quiet, smiling slightly at the disbelief coursing through the students as they gape up at Tōkyō Tower. Cackling under his breath, he looks around and does a headcount. He's pleased to spot the two former Yūhi students already doing their stretches, warming up for the trial that's waiting for them.

"Personally, I believe that instead of just collecting data, you need to listen to what he has to say too." Kurita gives him a stern look. "Because data is only one dimensional and can't provide all the things you need to understand."

Yōichi snorts. "You sound like a proper big brother there, Kuri."

"That's because I am!" Kurita exclaims with a peace sign. His oldest friend points to the still gaping students. "Shall we?"

Repressing his dread and apprehension away for the moment, he nods and plasters on a manic grin, cackling loud to bring everyone's attention to him.

"What a lovely day." Yōichi makes his way to the front of the crowd, stopping beside Kobayakawa. He looks up at the tower, basking in the sun's rays. "In fact the hotter, the better."

Kobayakawa breathes a soft laugh, fanning her face. "Is this why you blackmailed the Governor of Tōkyō, Hiruma-san?"

Yōichi blows a bubble, a smirk on his lips is all the answer he gives to the exasperated brunette.

"You're incorrigible."

"Why, thank you!"

"Not a compliment."

"Kekekeke!"

The running-back is staring at him with eyes that are shining with quiet concern but doesn't say anything as she brushes their hands together instead, causing Yōichi to feel a bit of tension unwind from his shoulders. Maybe attracted might not be an accurate term.

Flashing a quick smile to the girl, Yōichi swivels to Anezaki and Taki Suzuna, completely missing the flustered, almost adoring look Kobayakawa sends him.

"We have enough ice cubes?" Yōichi asks, eyeing the ice maker with a critical look.

Anezaki nods. "Plenty."

"No worries, Yō-nii! We got it covered!" Taki Suzuna says with a grin.

It's weird to have someone call him that and for him to not feel annoyed but as far as nicknames go, it's not so bad. He might need to figure out how to differentiate the Taki siblings soon though. Taki jr? She-Taki? He's not fond of addressing people familiarly unless he's close to them so it's a slight conundrum.

Takisu, maybe? Just to make it simple. Hn...fuck it. Takisu it is.

Nodding at the smaller girl, Yōichi turns to the crowd, shooting a few rounds up in the air. "Listen up! The rules are simple!" He points to the tower with a grin. "The goal is the special observatory. Up on the special observatory, there are Devil Bats members that will be waiting for some ice. All you bastards have to do is to bring up the ice cubes!"

Kurita along with Suetomo and Watanabe wave at them as they make their way to the elevator. Kurita beams while clutching an ice shaver. "We'll be going up first. Good luck, everyone!"

Yōichi scoops up some ice and put them in a plastic bag, raising it up for the crowd to see. "Bring as many as you like. Feel free to come back for more if they melt." Tapping his rifle against his shoulder, he feels his smirk widening into a grin. "You pass even if you only have one speck of ice left when you arrive at the goal. Then, and only then will you be qualified for the team!"

After making sure the rest of his teammates participate as well, Yōichi goes up to the observatory to watch everyone's progress on the computer screens he set up earlier. The trial is deceptively simple. The bastards have to go up the stairs until they reach halfway to the grand observatory; where they will have their first trial in the form of Hell's watchdog, Cerberus.

Yōichi grins when he hears his teammates, who are the ones that are having the least trouble in the entrance trial shouting out curses at him through his earphones. In fact, he actually lost count how many times Kobayakawa calls him a jerk. The brunette always has the funniest reactions and he just loves tormenting his partner.

He almost falls out of his chair laughing when Kobayakawa spots the camera at the grand observatory and shouts directly to it.

"First, it was Cerberus! Now, it's heaters? You seriously put heaters in here?!" Kobayakawa glances at her bag, gaping at the water in it. "All of my ice are melted! You—! Gah, you are such a jerk, Hiruma-san!"

He turns on the mic with a manic grin. "Well, I named it Hell's boiling pot of oil for a reason, Co." Tilting his head, he cackles. "You're not gonna stop there, are ya? It's only the second trial after all."

"…I swear I'm gonna sack you when I get up there, Cap. Just you wait."

"You're welcomed to try, brat."

"Challenge accepted, jerk."

Kobayakawa races out the observatory, following Monta back down to grab another bag. His grin almost threatens to split his face when the rest of his teammates quickly do the same when their bags have turned into nothing but sugared water.

Kurita sighs in exasperated fondness while Watanabe and Suetomo sweatdrop. "You just don't like to make things easier for people do you?"

"Now where's the fun in that?"

While watching the video feed, he's not all that surprised when his teammates end up making it a competition amongst themselves, with Kobayakawa arriving first and winning the race. Since the two managers were told about Kobayakawa being Eyeshield as to help cover for Kobayakawa whenever Anezaki gets particularly suffocating, Kobayakawa doesn't hesitate in tossing her helmet away after handing over her ice bag to Kurita. She then proceeds to chase him around the deck as promised.

"Get back here, you jerk!"

Yōichi laughs, dodging another tackle with ease. "Gotta catch me first, brat!"

They're at the north side of the deck now and away from the team which is unfortunate for him since he can't use anyone as human shields, a fact that Kobayakawa takes full advantage of as she lunges at him, catching him by the waist. Before he can react, the girl spins them around with a burst of light-speed, pinning him against a column.

"Oof!"

Kobayakawa grins, panting and so fucking vivacious in her quiet ferocity. "Looks like I just did, Quarterback-san."

He can't help it. He starts to laugh, feeling a bit lighter and from the widening of Kobayakawa's grin, Yōichi realises that this is what Kobayakawa is gunning for. Leaning down, he presses their foreheads together with a wry smirk.

"That obvious, huh?"

The cheeky expression morphs into soft concern. "A little."

Nodding, he straightens. "I'll handle it."

Kobayakawa's gaze flits over his face before she gently grasps Yōichi's wrist with a small smile. "Please don't push yourself too hard."

"…I'll try."

When they get back to the main entrance, they find the rest of their teammates have reached the observatory with minimum problems and after checking his wristwatch, within record time as well. Good. There'd be hell to pay if the brats couldn't get to the top after the shit they'd been through these past few months.

"Oh wow!" Kurita gushes as he salivates at the amount of sugared ice just waiting to be made into shave ice. The center grin at the panting brats before he shakes the ice shaver in his hands. "Come on and sit down, everyone! I'll make kakigori for you to cool off. Pick any syrup you like!"

Predictably, the brats perk up at the promise of cold desserts then, fall over themselves to get in line.

Kurita laughs before he leans over to him. "Would you like one? I can make it not too sweet. Might keep the bad feeling away too."

It shows how worried he is if Yōichi is contemplating on accepting the offer of eating something with too much sugar.

"Nah," he says after a moment. "I'll think of something else."

When Kurita nods in acceptance, Yōichi shifts his attention back to the computer screens, checking over the security footage while rewinding the footage of his team racing up the staircase. He throws a vicious grin at the Bats that are munching on their desserts. "If any of you brats couldn't handle this, I'd throw you off the tower." Yōichi pauses as he savours the look of horror on his teammates' faces, spoons suspended in the air before giving Kobayakawa a sidelong glance, smirking. "Except Kobayakawa, since she'd actually jump just for shit and giggles."

Kobayakawa sputters. "I would not!"

"Notre Dame," he deadpans.

"That was a heist! And it was...different."

"Oh? Even though you admitted it was fun?"

"...no comment." Kobayakawa gives him an exasperated glare. "But you—!"

"Would definitely do it for shit and giggles," he interrupts with a cackle. "In fact..."

His scheming tone causes the Bats to flail in alarm. "Hiruma, no!"

"Hiruma, yes." Yōichi looks at the screens and sees some of the recruits cheating before they even reach the grand observatory. Huh, he was beginning to wonder when those idiots would do that. "However, I got something a bit better than jumping off the tower."

"Hiruma-san," Kobayakawa begins, hands raised as of to ward off any crazy schemes. "We'd be no use to the team if we're dead."

Jūmonji chokes. "That's where you're starting off?"

"We have a higher chance of survival that way," Kobayakawa states solemnly even as her eyes are bright with laughter.

Yōichi snorts. "She's not wrong." Pointing to the screens, he feels his smirk to widen into a maniacal grin. "There are fucking cheaters which we don't need. So, we're gonna go idiot hunting."

"That...doesn't sound so bad." Monta leans forward in curiosity. "But how?"

Yōichi takes one of the packets from the seaweed snacks he and Kurita were munching on while waiting for their teammates.

"I'm bored and I got a crap load of magazines filled with dehydration powder. We find the morons and we shoot their bags of ice."

Kuroki stares incredulously at him. "So let me get this straight, ya wanna hunt 'em not just because they're cheaters but because you're bored?"

"Partly. But I also want to see if these bastards have what it takes to persevere even when they have odds stacked against them." Yōichi shrugs. "Besides, it sure as hell beats boring ourselves to death up here. So, you fucking brats in or what?"

The Bats trade glances before slowly yet surely, they all share the team's signature grin and say in unison.

"We're in."

Yōichi cackles. "Fucking fantastic." Making his way to an extra duffel, he tosses the bag full of firearms to his teammates. "Then go ahead and pick your poison, fucking brats because we're gonna start a goddamn riot."

And in true Devil Bat fashion, they do.

Other than himself and Kobayakawa, the Bats carefully pick their weapon of choice then proceed to raise hell by his command. It's an unexpected twist to the already living nightmare that is the Hell Tower but it's one that they all thrive in especially when Musashi and Yukimitsu Hotaru (or Otsū as he and Kurita tend to call her) come up to join in the party since his eldest brother made sure that he had a half day at work just so he can participate. After separating into small teams of twos or threes, they set off into the riot.

It's fucking hysterical.

Steam floods the spaces between the stairs, trailing from the ruined plastic bags that was once full of ice, turning the air humid. Several students groan and curse as the Bats hunt them down one by one. But only after they personally take care of the shithead cheaters which are unsurprisingly led by the assclown Mitaku.

Yōichi takes particular pleasure at messing with the idiot by sicking Cerberus on Mitaku, after shooting the assclown dead, of course. He can still hear Mitaku's screams as he runs down the tower's steps. Strangely, he notices that Mitaku seems to be covered in puke for some reason. A curious glance up shows the reason as a tired Yukimitsu dry heaves by the edge of one of the steps.

Huh. Well, if the baldy ends up making it then learning how to pace himself will be the first lesson the team needs to teach him because a player can't be useful if they're too sick to play.

"That looks awful," Kobayakawa murmurs with a concerned frown at Yukimitsu before giving Yōichi a small smile in greeting as he plops down beside the running-back as they sit on top of an elevator.

"But necessary."

Kobayakawa hums noncommentively, legs swinging slightly as she takes aim and sweeps her arm into a graceful arc, downing three bags of ice in quick succession, shocking the cheaters that were carrying them.

"No cheating on the trial, please!" Kobayakawa calls out to the squawking students.

Snorting, he slants an amused glance at Kobayakawa who gives a sheepish shrug.

"I don't want to be rude."

"Of course ya don't."

Kobayakawa pouts at him a bit before turning her attention to the staggering Yukimitsu. "Do your best, Yukimitsu-san!"

The younger Yukimitsu pauses then smiles when he spots the running-back, features setting in determination as he slowly climbs down the steps to refill his ice bag.

Good. There might be potential in Yukimitsu after all.

It doesn't take long to kill off any ideas of cheating amongst the students now that the Bats are actively apart of the trial. Although, Taki almost took a nosedive down the tower in his idiotic enthusiasm with his shooting which, he's surprisingly decent at.

Cackling under his breath, Yōichi lies on the edge of the elevator, the stock of a long range rifle tucked into the meat of his right shoulder and peering through the sight with single-minded focus. After nearly a full minute of silence, he pulls the trigger in a precise, smooth motion. A bullet flies through the air and hits four bags in one clean line.

A beat before a number of students groan, one of them even begins a long stream of variable cursing. Yōichi full on cackles at that, Kobayakawa joining him with her muffled giggles. They stay like that for several minutes, neither of them talking as they periodically take down recruits and just enjoying each other's company. As it is though, Yōichi isn't always compatible with the quiet, evident by his lack of success when it comes to meditating. Feeling his focus wandering elsewhere and into dangerous territory of dread and anxiety, he presses his temple to the side of the gun with a sigh.

"…Hiruma-san," Kobayakawa whispers. "May I have your thoughts?"

He doesn't need to look at Kobayakawa to know how concerned the brunette is, her voice is proof enough. After a moment, he peers back into the sight because he doesn't think he can say anything without being overwhelmed the moment he looks at Kobayakawa in the eyes.

"Did I ever tell you that I'm estranged from my dad?"

Kobayakawa shifts. "No, I didn't know that."

"Yeah, well. I haven't been home in four years." Pulling the trigger, he downs another bag. "Got into a shitty fight because he gave up on shōgi. I guess in retrospect, it's a stupid thing to be angry about but this was his life's passion and well...I've never been very forgiving when it comes to anything that's related to 'giving up'."

The brunette chuckles wryly. "Yeah, I've noticed."

Lips quirked up into a chagrin smile, he glances up at Kobayakawa who is fiddling with her tessen. "Heh, I guess you have. I was a lot more rigid back when I was twelve, y'know? Black and white in my calculations instead of the chaotic grey that I am now. If something doesn't fit into my calculations, I reject it. If it's 0% then it's not…worth the effort." He spies Mitaku a floor down, giving the idiot five seconds before gunning him down. "I suppose it's the result of letting the fact that I got my degree early to my head like a fucking know-it-all moron."

"Degr—" Kobayakawa giggles, pressing a hand to her forehead. "I had a feeling that you didn't really need to be in high school, but, wow. That's amazing."

He hums, inclining his head in thanks.

Kobayakawa taps her tessen into her hand, biting her lip. "How are things now? Between you and your dad, I mean."

Yōichi shrugs. "Better. We're talking again."

"But…?"

His jaw ticks. "Something's wrong. My dad has a bad habit of downplaying things so even though I know he's okay now, that doesn't mean something hadn't happened before. And I'm this close in finding what it is."

"I see," Kobayakawa hums, eyes troubled. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Taking pity on the recruits he twists onto his back, giving his partner a wicked smirk that he knows isn't convincing the running-back much, if at all.

"Next time," he promises.

Kobayakawa's expression is quiet and contemplative, eyes always free of judgement and probably sees a lot more than she lets on whenever she looks at him. Yōichi lets her. Kobayakawa is one of the few people he trusts most after all, he doesn't have to hide whatever shitty emotion that's probably making a mess of him.

Kobayakawa nods after a moment, worried but understanding. "Okay."

Yōichi rolls back onto his stomach. "Thanks," he says quietly before turning his attention on sighting more victims. He adjusts his hold on the gun, tilting his chin and placing an elbow on top of the elevator before peering into the sight again then shoots another round of recruits, causing the group to swear and shout.

Still feeling Kobayakawa's eyes on him, the running-back sighs before reaching over to carefully thread henna stained fingers through his hair. "Always," the girl promises before the fingers in his hair trails down to his neck in an absentminded massage, easing the coiled tension.

Yōichi sighs in contentment, leaning into the touch as Kobayakawa places her hand on the back of his neck, warm and comforting. Occasionally, the brunette will rub gentle circles with her thumb and Yōichi doesn't understand because this is far beyond anything he's ever known but what he does know is that whatever it is between him and Kobayakawa, he's not ready to unearth it. Maybe not for quite some time.

Only her only.

Seeing that there's no need to hunt the recruits anymore, he calls up Musashi to send the other Bats back up to the special observatory since they've done what he sets them out to do. Now it's just a matter of ensuring that those who have the determination can rise up as they go through the obstacle course.

"...you okay?" Musashi asks before he can cut the call, voice staticky from the abysmal connection.

Yōichi blinks, confused. "What do ya mean?"

"You're stressed and it actually shows which raises alarm bells."

Sighing, he checks the scope again. "I've got it covered."

"I don't doubt that." Musashi pauses, contemplating. "Your dad?"

"…yeah."

Musashi grunts. "Then face it head on with your eyes wide open."

"The hell ya think I've been doing?"

"Before? You had one eye closed because you didn't want to see his side since it didn't fit into your calculations."

Yōichi tenses at the reminder. "I don't do that shit anymore."

"Good. Make sure it stays that way or you might end up missing something important."

"I know." Yōichi pulls the trigger at the same time as Kobayakawa sweeps an arm out, hitting their targets and share a grin together at the sound of swearing teenagers. "Now stop worrying, ya geezer."

"Like that's even an option? You're one of my best friends and my youngest brother. I'm bound to worry."

"Then get ready for grey hairs."

"I've accepted that fact a long time ago," Musashi grunts. "Don't you and Sena do anything too crazy now. Hotaru and I are heading up to where you are."

"Fine..." Yōichi groans, earning him a fond smile from Kobayakawa and an indulgent chuckle from Musashi.

As promised, halfway on through, they're joined by Musashi and Otsū, the former glancing at the elevator beneath them with a critical eye before the kicker shakes his head at him.

"No jumping."

"That's no fun."

"Sure, it is. It'll give your eldest brother a peace of mind for starters."

"Fucking dullard."

"I mean it, ya idiot." Musashi glares at both him and Kobayakawa. "Both of you. No more jumping off of high places."

"Ugh," Yōichi grunts, and then very pointedly maneuvers himself so that Kobayakawa is placed firmly in between, acting as a human shield. "Save me, Kobayakawa."

Kobayakawa snickers a little, earning herself a jab in the ribs which the girl retaliates by tugging his ear before Kobayakawa sends a chastised look at Musashi even as her eyes are dancing in quiet mischief. "We'll do our best not to, Musashi-san."

"I swear you two," Musashi mutters. "C'mon, any more than this, it'll be downright cruel. Let's go up and get some of that kakigori Kurita's preparing."

Otsū chuckles. "Besides, I believe the recruits have learned their lesson not to cheat in a trial."

Trading glances with the running-back, they both shrug and get up to their feet, following the couple down to get into the elevator and back up to the main observatory.

"You and Sena-chan seem close," Otsū says quietly as they walk side by side up the stairs after they step off the elevator while Musashi and Kobayakawa talk in front of them. The law student smiles, slanting a soft look at him. "I'm glad. We were getting worried."

Yōichi raises a brow at that. "Why?"

"Outside of family, you don't...let people in. While that is wholly your right, we still worry since you seemed discontent sometimes." Otsū chuckles. "When we first met, I often thought it was a burden for you and Kurita-kun to give me a chance."

Yōichi scoffs, smirking. "Nah. We knew you were gonna make Musashi happy so it wasn't hard. Could've done without the fucking rom-com though. You two were embarrassing as all hell. Still are."

Otsū turns away to hide a pout. "Rude."

"The truth can be damning, huh?" His gaze turns suspicious. "Why'd you bring up fucking chibi? I'm getting along with the other brats. Sorta."

Otsū gives him a sly smile and inclines her head at the running-back. "But it's Sena-chan you trust."

Yōichi opens his mouth before closing it with a sigh, not seeing the point in denying something that's true. He finds that he doesn't want to either.

"Your point being?"

Otsū smiles gratefully when he lets the older teen pass through the door first (he has manners; just selective on the people he uses them for) before he follows, glancing around to see his teammates lounging on the deck while having another helping of shaved ice.

"Merely an observation that's all." Otsū sends him a concerned glance. "It's good to have people you can trust. I guess I'm just a bit worried since you have quite a bit on your plate with the team, school." The law student nods to Kobayakawa. "And it appears that something is confusing you about your partner."

Yōichi rolls his eyes. First it was his brothers, then it was his partner and now it's his future sister-in-law? Shit, he must really be out of it if his thoughts and worries are getting this transparent. "Are older siblings supposed to be this damn nosy?"

"A mere tip of the iceberg, Hiruma-kun," Otsū states with a quiet laugh, glancing fondly at Yukimitsu on one of the screens. "We can't help it." Then Otsū glances pointedly at Kobayakawa. "So...is she?"

"Confusing?" Yōichi snorts before he settles his gaze on Kobayakawa, baffled at the burst of warmth when he sees the bashful smile and hears the familiar silvery laugh. Throwing himself into the chair, Yōichi takes a cursory glance at the screens before he eventually shrugs. "None more than usual."

Leaning against the side of the table Otsū touches the screen showing Yukimitsu climbing up the stairs with some concern, watching her brother struggle with his frozen burden before the auburn haired woman turns her attention to Kobayakawa. Otsū taps her chin in thought then sends him a weighted look. "I see."

Blowing a bubble, he pops it with a sharp snap, typing away on his laptop and even checking some files about his dad while he's added since they seem to have plenty of time still. "Yeah. It's confusing but we're partners and we sync. So." Yōichi pauses and tilts his head in thought. "Huh...is that weird? Synching the way we do."

Otsū smiles with a shake of her head. "I don't think it matters even if it is." For some reason, the woman looks up to search for Musashi just so she can give the kicker one of those adoring looks the couple still send each other even after two years of dating. Instead of feeling like gagging as he usually does at the lovey-dovey scene, Yōichi almost feels...wistful. "After all, it's no ones business but yours and Sena-chan's."

"Yeah," he says softly, gaze flitting over to the Kobayakawa and gives the running-back a smile when garnet eyes flicker up to him. Kobayakawa starts slightly, a delicate flush chasing across her cheeks before she smiles back with syrup stained lips. Yōichi feels inexplicably charmed by the sight which adds to his already mounting confusion. "It is."

Otsū smiles like she has a secret when she looks between him and Kobayakawa before sobering. "I guess my point is that, you're allowed to ask for help whenever you need to. Genius or no." Otsū throws him a pointed stare. "And not just about the team either."

Yōichi rolls his eyes with a smirk. "Duly noted." Turning serious, he jabs a thumb at Musashi. "Speaking of which, how's the plan with the company going?"

A mask of cool confidence slides over in place. Otsū might be a student now but damn if she's not gonna be one hell of a lawyer one day. "We're getting ready to finalise it. Gen will be back in the team before summer break."

"A maybe or a definitely?"

"A definitely."

Relaxing with a sigh, he nods. "Fucking finally. It's been too damn weird without him in the team."

"I believe it's a sentiment we all share," Otsū says lightly before she jumps in surprise when Atsumi and Haibara stumble onto the deck, breathing heavily with victorious grins on their faces as they show off their bags of half melted ice.

The Bats grin and shout out their joy as they welcome their two new teammates.

Yōichi cackles in approval. Took the two idiots long enough but well, the Bats could use Yūhi's enthusiasm and determination he supposes. Admittedly, those traits are good additions to the team. However, it better be something that can help keep his idiotic teammates in line and motivated them or there's gonna be a damn bullet shower in the near future.

After an hour of research, Yōichi is pleased to find another solid lead...that has an area code in Italy? That's interesting. As he's about to click open the file, he notices the slowly darkening sky. Frowning, he looks to his teammates as they lounge around, either exploring the deck, mingling or munching on snacks that Kurita brought along.

To his left, the elevator dings before it reveals Anezaki and Takisu.

"There's no one left down there," Anezaki informs him.

Takisu skates forward, head tilted in thought. "I think a lot of them got fed up halfway."

"No guts, no glory then." Yōichi gets up from his seat, stretching. "End of trial."

Kurita frowns in concern. "Please just for a little while longer, Hiruma. We still haven't seen Yukimitsu-kun yet."

"The purpose of this entrance trial is to test the recruits in their determination. They'll survive as long as they have that." Just as he finishes his statement, a body collapses onto the floor by the entrance, surprising them all at the abruptness. He lowers his rifle when he notices it's Yukimitsu plastered to the floor, wheezing. "That's one hell of a timing."

As Otsū and the other Bats fuss over the exhausted 2nd-year, Kurita takes the big bag of melted ice and pours it into a pail. Only problem is that it's just sugared water now to the disappointment of the Bats.

Sighing, he gives Yukimitsu a long, thoughtful look before coming to a decision. With everyone's attention solely on Yukimitsu, he discretely plucks an ice cube from the ice shaver then plops it into the pail. "Oh, look! There's still one left."

"Eh?"

The Bats swivel to him in surprise at his announcement before their gazes flicker down to where the nozzle of his gun is pointing at.

"The fucking baldie passed after all," Yōichi confirms with a grin.

His teammates gape at the cube in wonderment for a moment before they cheer, grinning at Yukimitsu as they warmly welcome the boy into the fold. Yeah…mercy might not be a weakness after all.

As they pack up for the day, Kobayakawa makes her way towards him to help put away the computer screens before she nudges his arm with a quiet grin. "You added that ice cube, didn't you?"

Raising a brow, he shrugs nonchalantly with a smirk. "Now what gave you that idea?"

Kobayakawa's lips curls into a fond smile as she bumps their shoulders. "What indeed."

There it is again, that click, that synchrony. Yōichi suddenly remembers the conversation with Otsū about his relationship with Kobayakawa. This thing between them, it should be strange; their friendship and partnership have an undercurrent of intimacy that can't be considered the norm. But that's the thing– nothing about this feels strange. Kobayakawa just slots so easily into his life, like there's a place carved out in it made just for her. It hasn't always been that way, obviously– there had been misunderstandings, mistrust, insecurity and stubborn pride in the way at first, too much of a mess of things to have room for much else.

But once they'd cleared things up, their lives slowly yet surely end up being intertwined with one another, even outside of football. Yōichi wonders sometimes if they hadn't accidentally swapped pieces of themselves in those times they'd spent with one another; especially when they gone up against each other in their hybrid games and eventually their disagreements and that one fight. It would explain the way boundaries and thoughts start to blur when they sit alone together, it would explain why their body language tunes in a match or even just walking in tandem or hell, even when they're standing still.

"Do you think this is weird?" he asks quietly.

"Hmm?" Kobayakawa questions, arranging the screens in a box.

"This," Yōichi murmurs, gesturing between them.

Kobayakawa looks up, brows furrowed for a moment in confusion before her expression smooths out into understanding because of course it would. Kobayakawa is his partner, of course she will understand whatever he wants to articulate. However, Yōichi is beginning to wonder if being partners mean far more than what the field and schemes are offering.

The running-back giggles before a fond, wistful smile plays upon her lips. "I have no idea."

Yōichi laughs at that. "Me neither."

By the time the team make their way down the tower and say their goodbyes to each other, it's almost dinner time when he returns back to his hotel room.

Going through player stats, he checks and rechecks their strengths and weaknesses before he sends the reports and outlines to Kurita and Musashi then makes a summary to send out to the managers. Before he finishes up, he gives out ideas for routes and game plans to Kobayakawa while also adding some minute details for his partner to recheck as a secretary. Satisfied, he goes through the Advocate Archives for any updates before turning in for the night. Club wise, at least.

After washing up and finishing his meal, he turns on his laptop and checks back on that lead he finally found. Frowning in confusion at the address, Yōichi checks the area code and confirms that it's in Trieste, Italy.

"The hell were you doing in Italy of all places, Tou-san?"

Confirming the lead allows him to finally find the right keys to unravel his old programming, causing an onslaught of files to appear on his screen. Quickly translating some of the files through a program into Japanese and English (since he's not all that fluent in Italian like Kobayakawa is), he nods in satisfaction. Perfect. Opening the main file, he starts to grin before registering the words on the main entry and— freezes.

Patient: Yūya Hiruma

Location: Trieste Mental Health Department, Trieste, Italy

Date of Admission: September 7, 2002.

Diagnosis: Depression and Anxiety

Yōichi stumbles out of his chair.

There's ice in his veins and his hands are shaking so badly that he has to wrap them around his stomach as all the pieces are finally obtained. A hand rises to grip his hair and he grits his teeth. Shit, shit, shit. Something bad did happened. Sorrow and crippling guilt flood him and Yōichi is knocked breathless by the sheer power of the emotions because while it's true his father; Hiruma Yūya might've given up on shōgi once upon a time, it was Yōichi that had…he had actually...

Oh.

"I gave up on him," he mutters, sinking back into his chair as his mind replays the fight that lead to his estrangement from his father; the hurtful words, the slam of the door as he left home, left his father to the demons that were probably already tearing the man apart and the realisation finally hits. Folding himself onto the desk, Yōichi buries his head into his arms. "I gave up on my own father."

Numbed, he doesn't move for a long while.

---

Things have been a bit weird for the past few days. Although, Kazuki doesn't realise what it is until much later since after the entrance trial, things have been one hell of a whirlwind. With their new teammates, they've been taking steps to organise their roles within the team along with a much more stable schedule and training menu. The Fall Tournament might be months away but the Devil Bats still have a long way to go in their training and experience, unfortunately. With that in mind, they've divide and conquer about the things they need to do and accomplish.

Months ago, Kazuki couldn't have imagine any of this. Belonging into a team, having friends outside of Kuroki and Togano. It surprises him even more how easy it is to be friends with his teammates, of how they like him and how he likes them all back. It's no secret that the Devil Bats are a crazy bunch and it's not just because of their batshit insane captain. All of his teammates are pretty much the stubborn sort, combined with the tendency to pull off crazy stunts together, they pretty much became a welcomed fixture in his life.

For so long, he and his best friends have been going by the motions, day in and day out. Cigarettes, fights, booze. They became the stereotype image of delinquents or yankees as their society likes to call them. The scums and trash of society. It still makes his blood boil whenever he hears people call his friends that, how it makes him angry that people are quick to judge them without knowing them. They don't know how loyal Kuroki and Togano are or how for all of their delinquent tendencies, that doesn't mean they're stupid. No one has given either of them a chance and it just pisses him off.

In the end, even if it might've earned his father's scorn, Kazuki chose to stick by his friends. He might've lost quite a bit because of that decision, from his grades to his respectable social standing but he's pretty loyal himself. In time though, he doesn't realise how instead of sticking by his friends, he instead allowed them all to fall into the trappings of a life that really would've lead them to an early grave. In his effort to prove society wrong, they ended up doing the opposite. The irony. That is, until they had a run in with Komusubi and met the team.

Things have been a great deal better since then.

Sure, he and his father still get into fights; with the older Jūmonji refusing to see his friends as anything else than the scum of society which frankly sucks since his father is a judge and should be more objective and fair than that but at least Kazuki can say that they're all taking the steps to be better people than they used to. It goes without saying that he and his buddies are pretty grateful that they're growing up together with crazy but good people.

"Keep up, everyone!" Watanabe calls out to them as she and the other two managers ride their bikes, stopwatches around their necks.

Huffing, he keeps his pace as the Bats jog together in a line around the town. Hell, he honestly didn't expect to like football either or be this determined to win together with this crazy team but there you go. After watching Sena run for the first time and then participating in that scrimmage after graduating from middle school, things have changed quite a bit in his life. Kazuki can't find himself regretting it either.

They're currently jogging back to school after watching Tōkyō's regional finals; a match that they were all eager to check out because of Ōjō who had won the spot against some sort of wild west team known as the Seibu Wild Gunmen. Barely. Which is one hell of surprise since it took the Bats everything they had to hold down the fort against the Knights. It pretty much spurned them on to actually jog miles back to school then around town because they're that pissed off at the blatant difference of skill between the Bats and all the other teams within the Spring Tournament...or at least, he's pissed.

When they arrive back at the clubhouse, he sees Kurita glancing nervously at Hiruma who makes his way to the alcove while frowning at his phone.

"Hiruma?" Kurita twists his hands together, looking worried for some reason. "What is it?"

"A status update about the Goodwill Match against America," Hiruma mutters.

"The Goodwill Match?" Kurita cradles his chin. "That's right...Amefuto monthly is looking for a team to represent Japan."

"The game is supposed to be in two weeks." Anezaki appears worried as she and her two friends collect dirty uniforms in the locker rooms. "It's right in the middle of the Kantō Prefecture Tournament, isn't it?"

Watanabe nods, giving Kurita a questioning glance. "Is any team going to participate?"

"As long as you're not in the Prefecture Games, it's fine to join," Kurita answers with his usual excited smile before tilting his head in confusion as he glances over at Hiruma. "But why did you wanted to have a status…oh, Hiruma, you didn't."

"Hn?" Hiruma pauses before his eyes flicker up to them. Bar for those who are close to the demon captain, looking at Hiruma in the eyes has never been an easy thing (it's actually hella terrifying) but for some reason, Kazuki can't shake off the feeling that Hiruma isn't really seeing them. "Yeah, I've already signed us up."

The team balks. "What?!"

Kazuki gapes while Sena facepalms beside him before she chuckles fondly.

"That was reckless, Hiruma-san."

Hiruma doesn't reply, just tugs on his blazer with a careless shrug.

Reckless is an understatement. This batshit crazy captain just signed them up for a tournament to challenge an American team even though the Devil Bats aren't even qualified for the Kantō Tournament anymore.

Hiruma grabs his laptop. "The Massacre will be put on hold until we kill the NASA Aliens. When the Americans heard that the Devil Bats is participating in the draw for the Goodwill Match, they decided that the match will be right before summer break in July."

Yukimitsu frowns down at the Monthly American Football magazine he picked up from a nearby bench, perplexed. "But it says here that the Goodwill Match is supposed be two weeks from now, just like what Anezaki-san said."

"Oberman made the rearrangements," Hiruma mutters, glancing meaningfully at Sena before he turns his attention back to his laptop. "Since the coach of the American team was planning to cancel it, Oberman stepped in and intervened, insisting to go against us instead of going through the hassle of a draw."

Sena clenches her fists, lips almost pulling back into a snarl as she tries to catch Hiruma's eyes which the quarterback deftly avoids. Strange. "What's his angle?"

"Angle?" Kazuki questions. He's only heard of Donald Oberman but Kazuki is sharp enough to know that the American player is full of shit if Sena of all people dislikes him.

"Mr. Don isn't...fond of Japan or Japanese people in general," Sena explains carefully, a pinched look on her face. "He wouldn't do this unless he has something planned."

Monta snorts before he scowls. "And by not fond, Sena means the jerk is a racist pig."

There's a story behind that and from the way Sena is shifting uncomfortably, it seems like Oberman had targeted Sena in the past. Well, hell no to that.

Kazuki exchange scowls with the rest of the team before he asks Hiruma. "So what's he planning?"

"The execution of Eyeshield 21," Hiruma says loftily. "Losing against the Aliens means that Eyeshield will forfeit the title."

Sena gapes. "He can do that?"

"He can try," Hiruma mutters before he snaps his laptop closed and makes way to the club entrance. He glances at Sena. "Brush up on NASA and keep Eyeshield informed."

Sena opens her mouth and tries to catch Hiruma's eyes again before she closes it and nods, voice quiet. "Yes, captain."

"The rest of you, keep to the schedule until I say otherwise," Hiruma orders, sliding open the door.

Since it's Thursday, they have the Devil Bat style Defence Team training that's basically using the whole term of 'the best defence is offence' kind of mentality.

The Bats nod. "Yessir."

"Where are you going though, Hiruma-kun?" Atsumi asks.

"To the Sports Magazine Corporation," Hiruma drawls out, raising the phone in his hand. "There's a dispute about who should play against the Aliens; us or the Taiyō Sphinx." The way Hiruma tilts his head, slow and calculative, brings a chill down his spine and when Kazuki glances at his teammates they too appear worried because the past few days have been weird and Kazuki is starting to think that it might have something to do with how more dangerous Hiruma seems to be. "Don't believe the magazine since it's full of lies about a fair draw because I know for a fact that the Monthly Amefuto Editing Division already have the Sphinx in mind right from the start."

"And now there's confusion on who's supposed to play— the team Monthly Amefuto picked or the team this Mr. Don is insisting on going against, right, Yō-nii?" Suzuna asks from her perch on the table, rollerblade clad feet swinging slightly.

Hiruma nods.

Kurita gulps, wringing his hands. "Taiyō? They're a heavy-class team! I'm not surprise that they want Taiyō to go against the Aliens since they have a chance to fight against the Americans physically."

"They're that good?" Togano asks, peeking up from the manga he's sharing with Suetomo.

Kurita nods. "Their team is renowned for their Pyramid Line which is said to be the best line in high school football."

"Who cares?" Hiruma scoffs. "What matters is for us to kill them."

Kurita beams with a nod before he bounds over to the quarterback. "Should I go with—"

"No, stay with the team. I'll be back soon," Hiruma says curtly before he slides the door closed, leaving them to stare at each other in confusion. When he glances at Sena, he frowns in concern at the worried look on her face. Alright, something really weird is going then. To be fair, Kazuki wouldn't be able to pick on that if it isn't for the fact that he's been paying close attention to Sena's reaction around Hiruma lately.

While not a well known fact outside of his best friends, Kazuki has a bit of a crush on Sena, so paying close attention to the girl is pretty normal. Although to be fair, it's kinda hard not to like Sena, considering how genuine and kind the running-back is. He can't say it's anything serious but he what can say is that he doesn't like seeing Sena upset.

Kazuki places a hand on Sena's shoulder. "You okay?"

Startled out of her thoughts, Sena looks up at him in confusion before she gives him a distracted smile. "Yeah…just a bit worried, I guess?"

"Anything I can help with?" Kazuki asks, words stilted and awkward since he's not used to showing open concern, even to his long time friends.

Sena shakes her head with a reassuring smile. "It's alright. Just…the NASA Aliens are a strong team." Shifting, the girl takes out her phone from her belt, frowning at the screen. "And I need to make sure we'll be ready to face them when the time comes."

"Think we're going into war?"

"That depends on the roster," Sena sighs before she smiles apologetically. "Excuse me, Jūmonji-kun but I really need to make a call to Yamato-kun for a bit."

Brows rising in surprise and a bit of alarm, Kazuki nods, watching as Sena scurries off to talk to the infamous Emperor of Teikoku. They've only heard bits and pieces about the Eyeshield of Kansai from Sena and from old magazines but Kazuki knows that if Sena needs to consult her twin about the Goodwill Match then that means there's a player in NASA that will pose a really big threat to them.

Determined, he shakes off the unease at whatever it is that putting Sena and Kurita on edge. He turns to his two friends and gives them a nod.

Returning the nod, Kuroki slaps a hand to Kurita's back. "Ya heard the captain, Kurita-senpai. We gotta get our game on so we can kill these Aliens, m'right?"

Kurita jumps slightly before he beams and clenches his hands into fists. "That's right, Kuroki-kun." Turning to the rest of the Bats, Kurita folds his arms. "C'mon, everyone! We have training to do!"

"Yeah!"

Togano adjusts his shades with a grin. "If the Sphinx have the strongest line in high school then we just have to be better because we're the ones who are gonna go up against the Americans!"

"Fugo!" 'Onwards to victory!'

By now, Kazuki isn't all that surprised that he can understand Komusubi better after months of knowing his teammate so he nods at the smaller lineman then, turns to grin at the rest of his teammates; his friends.

"Let's go and kill these bastards!"

The Bats pumps their fists in the air as they shout out their signature cry. "Ya-ha!"

As he watches the team filtering out of the clubhouse, Kazuki can say with absolute certainty now that yeah, he has no regrets at all for joining the Deimon Devil Bats. None whatsoever.

---

There's a definite shift in Hiruma, and it's not for the better.

Sena doesn't catch on at once, but in a few hours she notices something, and by the end of the third day of practice since the entrance trial, the pattern is all too clear. Abruptly, Hiruma's schedule changes and he no longer has time to train with Sena in their hybrid games or have their evening jog together after practice. Immediately after team practice, Hiruma will disappear to parts unknown (secretly, she thinks Hiruma is in one of the countless silos that are in the school grounds). Whatever it is that's demanding his attention, it has escalated so dramatically that he's barely around sometimes.

At first, she thought it was because of the Goodwill Match against America but a quick talk with the remaining Maō boys had disapprove of that since the preparations for the tournament are going quite smoothly; even if it is sponsored by Mr. Don. Although, last she heard, there's still a bit of a dispute with Taiyō which has a high probability of having the Bats go up against the Sphinx for the right to represent Japan.

Which kinda brings up some other issues that she really does not need on top of her mounting worry for her partner; namely her potential rival in the American team, Patrick 'Panther' Spencer.

The one who outran Yamato Takeru.

In an effort to know more about her twin-rival, she and Yamato had exchange quite a few stories about their matches or training. It was because of those stories that Sena was made aware about the African-American that runs like a panther; fast and fierce. From what she understands, Panther had unknowingly beat Yamato when the American abandoned his ball boy duties and ran onto the field after a match against Notre Dame.

After being informed about the NASA Aliens being the chosen team for the Goodwill Match, she had immediately called up Yamato so she can understand Panther a little bit more. Unfortunately, it also causes a few setbacks for her. The moment she watched Panther's run, she got excited and...scared. This is the one who defeated Yamato after all and because of that, she feels wholly unprepared and inadequate.

Sena knows that she shouldn't but between her worry for Hiruma and her insecurities about her skills compared to someone who is very much a natural born runner, she unfortunately got herself into a funk and it's effecting her performance in the team quite a bit.

The thought of facing Yamato one day for the title is one thing but facing the one who outran the Emperor is another thing entirely. At least with Yamato, she still has until December to face him (that is, if she can get strong enough to win the Fall Tournament with the team, of course). Right now, they only have until the start of summer break to prepare themselves against the Americans.

When she found out about Panther, she can understand why people say that ignorance is bliss. Sena wonders if it would've be better if she hadn't known about Panther outrunning Yamato, maybe she won't feel like there are chains around her and bogging her down. It's unfortunate, but one of the downsides of being so in tune with emotions is that sometimes, she can get overwhelmed by it, which, in her case, is mainly caused by fear and insecurity. Usually, if she's caught up in an emotional frenzy, Hiruma would shoot her and talk her down from it with his logic.

The fact that he hasn't is quite worrying.

Whenever he's with the team lately, Hiruma is quiet, almost eerily so. He doesn't talk unless he absolutely has to and even when he does, it's cold, clipped and to the point. It's similar to how he talked back in February but that was more because Hiruma's temper was heightened which contrasts quite shaprly with this cold unfamiliar distance. It worries her because the more Hiruma distances himself, the more work he's tackling; finishing and adding his workload with a punishing degree. Analysis, game plans, strategies, training, repeating them all like there's no end to it; as if the quarterback is using every bit work to distract himself from whatever that is wrong. And if he's not working or training or studying, he disappears without a word to anyone. Not to Kurita and...not even to her. In short, Hiruma stops interacting with anyone outside of club activities altogether.

From a few observations, Sena isn't the only one being avoided. Kurita admits to her that Hiruma doesn't go for lunch with him and Musashi anymore and that this is the first time he's ever seen Hiruma act this way. It's obvious that this is worrying and hurting Kurita, especially since his best friend and brother is avoiding him or at best, putting Kurita at arms length.

After the first day in noticing Hiruma's change of behaviour, those closest to him agree to give him some space like they did back in February. While it's a cause for concern having Hiruma keeping his distance, it's not unfortunately, even a problem hindering anyone's performance in the team. She leaves it be for the moment or at least tries to.

Because even though Hiruma's performance as captain and quarterback aren't suffering, there's something there, Sena can tell, and she just can't let it go.

Then it hits her.

There's no cackling.

No...it's more than that. Everything that used to be a trademark quirk of Hiruma is just gone. The cackling, the bluffs, the teasing, the blackmail, the firearms, the bubblegum and even the cursing! They're all gone without a trace. What's even more alarming is that it's not only the quirks that's usually associated with his troublemaker side but the more personal ones too, are absent; from the humming to the spouts of random algorithms at the oddest of times.

This isn't Hiruma distancing himself, no, this is Hiruma shutting down.

The quarterback looks the way he always does but that's not gonna work anymore because Sena needs to remember that her partner is a master of bluffs and manipulation. It's hard to spot but over time, she notices the tired lines at the edges of the quarterback's eyes, the subtle perpetual tension in broad shoulders, the constant tick of a jaw. Okay...so if Hiruma is shutting down, then she needs to go back to the basics and figure out what is in those shuttered pale green eyes—

Oh, mercy.

It's with a chill that she finds nothing at all when their eyes finally meet, not a single spark of – anything. Cherished eyes are hollow and it feels like all the air has left her lungs at that. Sena grits her teeth and does her best to calm down because if there's nothing then, that means the chaos that is Hiruma is being repressed. Even so, the blond is human regardless of his demonic reputation and no matter how well Hiruma is repressing his emotions, he can't hold that up twenty-four-seven.

By the fourth day, she catches a glimpse of something at practice. The track and field club are training nearby and some of them are doing a beep test. The moment the last beep is drawn out, it echoes long and loud even from where the Bats are, signalling the end of the test.

There's a sound, quiet and unnoticeable but because she's been doing her best to be in tune with Hiruma as much as possible lately, she picks it up then, immediately snaps her gaze towards Hiruma.

What she finds is heartbreaking.

For a moment, the shutters in those cherished eyes are gone, showing her the wretched clarity of raw guilt and hurt that are tearing Hiruma apart from the inside before they're brutally shoved back down as Hiruma ducks his head and for the first since she's known the captain, disappears from the team for the rest of practice.

That does it. It's only a glimpse; a fleeting moment but it's enough to help Sena understand that she needs to speak to Kurita and Musashi.

Now.

When she meets the two at a restaurant nearby the construction site of the Takekura Company's current project for lunch, Sena is pretty much a ball of worried anxiety.

"Hiruma-san is in pain," Sena says without preamble, sitting down on an empty seat and feeling so very helpless. "Please tell me that you two have better luck than I have in trying to talk him."

"We were hoping the same from you too, actually." Musashi watches her sombrely. "But it seems like he really is icing you out as well."

On the table, Sena clasps her hands together before she rests her weary head on top of them. "Yes."

"Giving him space hasn't helped at all," Kurita mumbles morosely. "In fact, I think it's making it worse. I don't think he's even sleeping or eating well lately either."

Rising from her slouched position, Sena sinks into her chair with a sigh. "It's about his dad, isn't it?"

"Most likely." Musashi scowls at the table. "Everytime we try to bring it up, he just shuts us out."

Kurita sniffs, blinking back tears. "Whatever he found out, Hiruma is blaming himself really hard for it."

Swallowing heavily at the memory of the guilt and pain she saw in Hiruma's eyes, Sena almost bites her lip hard enough to draw blood. Even though she only knows the bare basics of the reasons behind the estrangement between father and son, her heart aches for the two Hiruma men, wondering if there's anything they can do to help.

Musashi frowns as he crosses his arms. "And now he's doing his damnest to avoid all of us like it's an Olympic sport or something. And it's not just the three of us but literally everyone." Sighing, the kicker takes a sip from his water, staring at the depths as if it can give him some answers. "It's as if he's trying to prove that he's an island. Or a completely logical being without any emotions whatsoever that doesn't need any form of attachments."

Kurita wipes away a stray tear. "I think it's also because Hiru is overwhelmed and backed into a corner."

"And instead of processing it, he's shutting down." Musashi almost slams his glass down onto the table, looking like he's trying his best not to raise his voice. "Worst of all, he's not listening to whatever we have to say."

Sena clenches her hands together. "I don't believe Hiruma-san is inherently cruel but his words are...getting more vicious. Worse than how it was back in February, even."

It's with regret that earlier at morning practice, Mamori had a one-sided fight with Hiruma. Even though the quarterback isn't up to his usual trouble and mischief, Hiruma is still someone that Mamori doesn't approve of and would think Hiruma's shutdown as suspicious behaviour; a precedent to one of his schemes. When the manager confronted Hiruma about his increasing absence with accusations of taking priority in his blackmail over his responsibility to the team...it did not end well.

I don't want you in this team, Sena. I thought he'd be better than this but unless he fix hims—

Don't you dare finish that. Hiruma-san is a person, not a thing or a project to be fixed. I really don't want to lose my temper at you again so please, Mamori-neechan, never say that he needs to be fixed. Ever.

...it doesn't change the fact that he's nothing but a cruel, apathetic boy, Sena. The Devil of Deimon.

No. He's always been more than what you assume that he is, Mamori-neechan. He always has.

In the end, Sena had walked away before she and Mamori can get into an argument. Sena regrets that the fight between Hiruma and Mamori had caused the two to take several steps back from the minimal progress they've made since Mamori joined the team and that it caused her childhood friend to look shaken from the viciousness of Hiruma's words tend to be when he's upset but unfortunately, she can't do anything about that at the moment.

"Should we give him more time?" Sena asks quietly. "Or should we...intervene?"

Musashi sighs. "At the rate he's going? An intervention might be best."

"He'll burn himself out if we don't do something. I've honestly lost count of how much coffee he's been drinking the past week," Kurita fusses. "I actually had to hide the coffee machine."

Musashi winces because they all know that Hiruma is ridiculously fond of coffee. "How did that go?"

"...nothing."

"What?"

Kurita shakes his head in distress. "Nothing, he didn't react at all. He just went to find a vending machine instead. I don't think he even realised the fact that he actually chose white coffee."

Both she and Musashi gape at that. Hiruma? Drinking something overly sweet and not even realising it?

"Then how..." Sena gulps then tries again. "How are we to intervene?"

The Maō boys share a glance before they stare right at her. And keep on staring.

"Wait, me?" Sena yelps, straightening in her seat. "He's been avoiding me just as much! Besides, there's no way he would tell me anything if he's not willing to talk to either of you."

Kurita shakes his head, staring imploringly at her. "You're his partner, Sena-chan."

"That doesn't mean I'm more important to him than you or Musashi-san!"

It might be a stupid thing to be upset about...but for anyone, even the Maō boys themselves, to imply that they're less important to Hiruma compared to someone who knows the quarterback for only a few months instead of years is just insulting.

Musashi grabs her hand reassuringly. "Calm down, Sena. We never said that."

Noticing that she's causing a bit of a scene, Sena apologises with a bow to the other patrons before she clears her throat, blushing furiously. "I'm sorry."

Kurita gives her a warm smile. "It's alright. And I'm sorry if I implied that we're not important to Hiruma, I know we that are." The center looks to the distance, a thoughtful frown on his face. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's like football."

Sena blinks, mystified. "Football?"

"Yup." Kurita gestures at them all. "Each player and position are equally important. We have different roles in the team, yes, but no position is less important than the other. A line is important to keep the opponents at bay. The receivers, runners and kickers to gain points. And of course, the quarterback as the control tower. We've been an incomplete team for so long so I think we know the difference of one player, one position can make."

Musashi leans his arms on the table. "He's right. We're all equally important to Hiruma. It's just in different ways, that's all." The kicker points between himself and Kurita with a wry grin. "Kuri and I are his best friends and older brothers, we help anchor him. Which, I think it's safe to say that if we didn't, that idiot would've gone careening everywhere and get too obsessed with his logic. It's the same for everyone, we need people to help ground us."

"Then...what about me? I might be his partner and friend but what can I—?"

"He engages with you, Sena-chan." Kurita spreads his palms out. "Hiru told us about what happened at the river and I still remember how everyone immediately cleared out of the gym when the two of you had that fight. Both times you stayed and held your ground." Kurita extends a hand to her which she grips tight, worrying her bottom lip. "I don't know if you noticed this, Sena-chan but it's you he's avoiding the most."

"What?" Her hand twitches as hurt bloom in her chest. Did she do something to cause Hiruma's distance?

Seeing her distress, Kurita rubs her hand soothingly. "You didn't do anything wrong, Sena-chan. The things is, is that even though he's pulling away from us all, it's you he responds to and I think he knows this. So to make sure he doesn't give anything away..."

"He decides to avoid me entirely," Sena finishes and slumps in her seat, feeling a mix of relief and worry at that. "But still, why me?"

Kurita chuckles fondly, exchanging an exasperated glance with Musashi. "I think the better question is, why wouldn't it be you?"

"...eh?"

Musashi places his chin on a palm. "Basically, it's like this, Sena. No matter how far he's stuck inside his own head, you can pull him back, because he can't help reacting to you. He never could."

Sena gapes. "But what did I do to cause that?"

"You were you," Kurita answers easily. "And that has always been enough. For us and for him."

Swallowing heavily, she nods when both boys give her a stern look as she was about to protest at that statement. Sighing, she stares at the table top, heart in her throat as she desperately tries to be objective about this. Although the thought of Hiruma responding to her of all people is both perplexing and gratifying, she needs to tuck away her confusing feelings for Hiruma at the moment because this isn't about her. It's about Hiruma.

"Okay...then how are we gonna do this? How can I talk to him when he literally disappears whenever I try?"

"Let us anchor him first before he can drown himself in his head even more." Musashi grimaces. "Or at least make sure he doesn't overdose himself with caffeine. Sugared caffeine, even."

Kurita tilts his head in thought. "You two jog together, right? Before Hiruma distanced himself."

Sena nods, confused at the sudden change of subject.

"Is there anything you'd like to talk about with him? Team wise, I mean."

"Quite a bit actually," Sena admits before understanding washes over her. "I see...he'll have a hard time avoiding me if I want to talk about the team."

Musashi nods. "Exactly."

"I feel guilty in prying, especially when Hiruma-san has made it clear that he doesn't want to talk about it." Sena raises a hand to cover her eyes with a sigh. "But this...really can't go on, can it?"

"I'm afraid not..." Kurita agrees quietly. "This is different than what happened before. His health is deteriorating and he's showing no signs of stopping either."

"So we do our damnest to help that idiot," Musashi grunts. "Now, it's a matter of figuring out on how to breach the topic."

Removing her hand, Sena bites her lip in thought. "I think...maybe I should just ask him outright. I'm not a manipulator so there's really no hope for me in steering the conversation into a direction that can convince Hiruma-san to tell me what's wrong. And...even if I do have the skills, I don't think I would ever want to manipulate him like that."

Kurita shakes his head with a rueful smile. "He wouldn't appreciate that anyway. Not to mentioned that he'd be able to pick up that kind of thing the moment anyone tries."

"Besides, you don't have a poker face," Musashi jokes.

Sena touches her face with a pout. "That bad?"

"The worst." Musashi then jerks a thumb at Kurita with a wry grin. "The same level as Kurita, even. And he's horrendous."

"Hey!" Kurita protests before he sighs. "But, true."

Musashi chuckles. "Interestingly enough, Hiruma once mentioned to us back in Maō that sometimes, the only way to manipulate someone who is a master manipulator is to confront them with a truth or a need. In which case, I think you're right, Sena. Honesty is the best point of action here."

When she looks at her two friends, she sees the worry almost bogging them down for the quarterback. Seeing that, Sena really, really hopes that the Maō boys are right and that Hiruma would be more willing to talk to her because really, something has to give. Sooner rather than later.

Lips pressed into a thin line, she gives a determined nod. "Then let's just hope it'll be enough."

---

Yōichi has no idea how the hell he got himself roped into jogging with Kobayakawa again but as it is, he can't ignore pressing matters concerning the team so when Kobayakawa came up to him after practice to discuss issues regarding the Goodwill Match, he can't really ignore it. Especially when taking Panther into equation as a possible player, no matter how small of a percentage as it may be considering how racist Apollo is. He rather avoids Kobayakawa if possible though, because fuck it all, he knows the moment he looks into Kobayakawa's empathic eyes, he's gonna lose his fucking mind and lets out shitty word vomit.

"Ready?" Kobayakawa asks, breaking Yōichi from his churning thoughts.

Yōichi nods and arches his back one more time, then gets into position beside his partner.

"Set!"

"Hut!"

They shoot out into the dense Ankoku forest, jogging at a set pace on the forest footpath.

Yōichi feels his muscles and bones starting to relax as his stride clicks into place and he jogs in a comfortable pace. They past the time discussing team related things like Kobayakawa requested— that eventually petters out into stifling silence. Unfortunately, the quiet is a very fucking not a good idea for him lately since it allows his mind to wander back into dangerous territory.

For how long are you to punish your father for being human,Yōichi?

He jumps in surprise when Kobayakawa gives his arm an unexpected tap.

"Is something the matter?" Kobayakawa questions, decked in a t-shirt and running shorts, wind swept hair whipping around her face. By all accounts, it should not be that attractive but fucking hell, it is. And as confusing as things are when it comes to his gravitation to Kobayakawa Sena, he rather pay attention to that instead of the suffocating guilt and hurt that are threatening to split him open.

(Patient: Yūya Hiruma;Location: Trieste Mental Health Department, Trieste, Italy).

Actually, no. He rather not pay attention to anything at all than winning the Christmas Bowl just as it should be. No complicated emotional bullshit. Just cold, hard logic. He tries to ignore the small voice in his head that icing out his emotions will only make things worst himself. Fuck.

(Patient is diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. Progress is ongoing).

Yōichi huffs out a breath. "Nothing."

Kobayakawa bites her lip in worry. "Hiruma-san…I'm sorry but it's been a week."

He picks up his pace. "Yeah? So?"

Kobayakawa dashes forward to run sideways so she can face him. "So...I think that maybe we could—"

"Could what? Talk about feelings? Uh yeah, fuck no." A sneer curls his lips, his steps heavy and reprimanding. "In fact, let's fucking not do that. Ever."

Kobayakawa purses her lips, eyes bright with concern. "Hiruma-san, this isn't healthy. You don't look like you've slept well and you're getting more withdrawn by the day."

His heart is racing, beating recklessly. Shit, his emotions are bubbling to the surface which he doesn't need. "Oh? Where's your proof? Because my work and performance haven't dwindled," he snaps back.

Kobayakawa frowns, tensing. "No, but it is stagnating."

"It's not effecting the team," he scoffs.

Anger pulses fiercely and loudly in his head, throbbing and aching and painful. Yōichi tries to reign it in and buries it under cold logic because anything else is gonna make him unravel and he can't fucking deal with that.

Kobayakawa levels a glare at him. "At the rate that you're going, it most certainly will." Kobayakawa darts in front of him and plants her feet to the ground which causes Yōichi to stop as well. "Hiruma-san, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to—"

"Good. Now move."

"But at least talk to someone. You're repressing your emotions and it's hurting you."

Control. Control. He needs to have fucking control.

Yōichi runs a hand through his hair. "So what if I am? What I do about my emotions is literally none of your fucking concern, Kobayakawa."

Kobayakawa sighs, pale with worry. "Hiruma-san, when is the last time that you let yourself breathe? You promised."

Yōichi's fists clench tightly at his sides. He snarls, though Kobayakawa stubbornly glares at him in return. The fire and electricity in her gaze locks onto him and holds him down. "I didn't promise shit. And I sure as hell don't you need you to be on my damn case!"

Kobayakawa steps into his space and the irritation thickening between them only grows. "I'm not trying to! But you've been avoiding everyone and shutting down. You've even pulled away from Kurita and Musashi; your best friends, your brothers." Kobayakawa is inches away from his face, close enough for Yōichi to spot the specks of crimson in her red-brown eyes. "We've been trying to give you space but nothing's been helping and we're getting really worried about you. It doesn't help that all you've been doing is hurting yourself and the people who care about you because of this shut down, Hiruma-san."

He barks out a biting cackle. "I didn't ask any of you little shits to worry or care about me!"

"But we do!"

"Well that's your fucking mistake!"

Kobayakawa recoils, hurt flashing across her face. "Mis—It's not a mistake to care! Especially about you! I'm just trying to help, Hiruma-san,"

"Well, you're not helping!" He points between them with a sneer. "This is not helping! Because I don't need any of your fucking help!"

"Like hell you do!"

Damn, Kobayakawa is actually cursing. He wishes he's in state of mind to appreciate that but dammit, he really can't. If Kobayakawa of all people is cursing, then that means she's getting pissed and when people get pissed, they won't want anything to do with him and will leave him alone.

Now, it's just a matter of finding the right place to strike.

"Stop projecting for fuck's sake. Have it never cross your fucking mind that what works for you, won't work for me?" After several long, agonizing moments, Yōichi sucks in a breath, and steps away, putting some much needed distance because if he doesn't, he's gonna lose whatever control he has left. "And fucking hell, I'm fine! Everything is fine! So instead of wasting both of our times about unimportant crap, why don't you shut up that heart of yours and use your head for once? You're in no position to lecture me about emotions when you're letting yours consume you because of your insecurities about another fucking runner!"

Kobayakawa flinches. "That—that is unrelated."

Bingo.

"Isn't it?" Yōichi smirks mockingly at the running-back. "Stop being so fucking high and mighty about emotions when you're letting them interfere with your running style."

"You know what? That's it." Kobayakawa watches him, and the glare itself sears and breaches Yōichi's defences in a way that renders him angrier than before. "I don't know what you're going through, whether it's football related or your dad but that doesn't give you the excuse to be a jackass to us. To me."

"Then fuck off if you're sick of me."

"Of your attitude, yes." Kobayakawa pins him with that empathetic stare and he realises that his ploy had no chance to succeed in the first place. "Of you? Never."

Yōichi darts around Kobayakawa, fist clenching. "I'm not your pet project, Kobayakawa."

The brunette matches his stride with ease, scowling up at him. "Never once have I ever thought that so don't you dare put words in my mouth." Kobayakawa grabs his elbow in a firm and gentle grip, eyes beseeching. "Hiruma-san, please."

"Stop wasting our time with this crap," he spits out as he shakes off his partner's hold. "The team takes priority or did you forget?"

Kobayakawa doesn't try to reach for him again but doesn't step away either. "You are the team, Hiruma-san, just like the rest of us."

"I don't owe you an explanation, Kobayakawa."

"No, you don't," Kobayakawa agrees quietly then, juts her jaw out stubbornly. "Even so, I'm your partner, I'm your friend who just wants to help."

Yōichi lets his lip curl up and shifts closer to Kobayakawa until they're flushed against each other and purrs. "Oh, is that what we are?"

Kobayakawa freezes and Yōichi waits to be pushed away; for Kobayakawa to yell, to panic, to anything. What he doesn't expect is for Kobayakawa to wrap her arms around his waist and keeps them close. Kobayakawa glares up at him even if her expression has turned fragile. "Am I supposed to be so uncomfortable by this that I'd just leave you? I know that you're trying to freak me out so I would leave you alone but that's not happening or did you forget what happened at the river?"

Yōichi bites back a curse at that. Right. He did use a similar tactic and it sure as hell didn't work. A small part of him wishes to go back to a time when Kobayakawa was intimidated by him.

He looks down at earnest eyes with a heavy swallow. No. Even when Kobayakawa was intimidated by him, she never backed down either.

"I didn't leave then and I'm not leaving now." Kobayakawa tightens her hold on as if to emphasise her point. "You're being a quite a jackass right now and you can play whatever games you want, insult me, mock me, make fun of me but I am not leaving."

Yōichi's insides somersault as a sting of remorse lurks behind the chaos of his emotions as Kobayakawa swallows, looking so vulnerable that Yōichi wants nothing more than to push her away so he won't do or say anything that he might regret.

"But...honestly? I won't— can't deny that there is something between us that I can't explain but what I do know about it is that it's something precious to me and I hope...it means something similar to you too." The running-back stands on her toes so she can gently knock their foreheads together. "But this isn't about us, this is about you and the fact that you're in pain."

Yōichi draws in another breath, his hands on Kobayakawa's shoulders. His fingers twitch, not knowing if he's trying to push the brunette away or pulls her closer. He jerks his head away from Kobayakawa, his glare intensifying and struggling to keep his control before he shoves Kobayakawa away and keeping her at arm's length.

"Kobayakawa, I'm gonna make this perfectly clear so ya better damn well listen to me." Yōichi glares in warning at the stubborn brunette. "Leave me the fuck alone. You think you're helping but you're not. You know why? Because I don't need nor want help for something that doesn't fucking exist."

Kobayakawa takes a step forward but falters when he gives a warning growl. The brunette looks hurt and fuck, he can't deal with this. "Hiruma-san..."

"Don't think I don't know that you shits have been talking behind my back. What, did you and my brothers planned this?" Yōichi hisses.

"Excuse me?" Kobayakawa stiffens in indignation, pining him with an incredulous stare. "Is that what you meant by pet project? Hiruma-san, I'm here because I thought I that might be able to help, minuscule as it may be." Kobayakawa crosses her arms. "And the only thing me and your brothers talked about is whether or not we should talk to you or give you space, that's all."

Yōichi scoffs, cracking a knuckle in agitation. "Then you should've picked the latter rather than the former because I am sick and tired of others thinking they know what I need. News flash, none of you fucking don't." Memories of the past few days spring forth in his mind, recalling how those closest to him try to talk some 'sense' into him. He doesn't need it. He's fine. "Get it through your fucking head, your needs in this kind of situation are not the same as mine so stop fucking projecting them on me."

"We just...I just want to help..." Kobayakawa mumbles helplessly, wringing her hands and biting her lip.

He lets out a hollow cackle. "Well, you're not. So if you're not gonna leave then I fucking will."

Walking around the running-back, he only manages to take a few steps before Kobayakawa grabs his wrist.

"Hiruma-san! Wait, please...!"

"Let me go!" He tries to wretch his hand away but Kobayakawa is using both of her hands to hold on to him which makes it more difficult to get away. Doesn't help that his stubborn partner is digging her heels to the ground.

"I will but only after you listen, you incorrigible jackass of a quarterback!"

He stills and gives Kobayakawa a deadpanned glare. "What."

The glare that Kobayakawa gives back is admittedly impressive, fierce and bright even as she trembles like she's terrified of losing him. "This repression is hurting you and you know it, so all I'm asking is for you to— as you always like to say— get your shit together and stop hiding behind your logic."

Yōichi inches close with a cruel smirk, whispering in Kobayakawa's ear. "Why don't you do me a favour and do the same for your emotions, Kobayakawa, then maybe we'll talk."

Yanking his hand away from the slack grip, Yōichi takes to the trees and tries to ignore the pang in his chest when he sees the slump form of the running-back.

When he arrives at his hotel room, he unlocks the window and slinks inside then, slides the window close with a slam. Carding a hand through his hair, he ignores the concerned whining from Cerberus as the dog jumps down from the bed he was napping on and follows him into another room.

Raising his eyes, Yōichi looks around at the mess of papers surrounding the walls and hanging by the ceiling like paper lanterns. There's an array of colourful strings crisscrossing from one point to another. The whole room looks like something out of a damn crime scene board. On the papers are a list of locations; from Japan, America, Germany and even Italy. List of hospitals and research papers. Most prominent of them all is the pile of medical files and journals about mental health.

About depression and anxiety.

For four years, he didn't know that his own father was sick and he can't even be angry about it; knowing the severe stigma and prejudice Japan has against mental health up until a few weeks ago. For the patient and their family.

Worst of all? Yōichi might've unknowingly made his father's condition worse all those years ago.

Like a bullet sharpened with pain and guilt, it slices through Yōichi but there's no exit wound. It cuts the thin, translucent string of will that was keeping his control in suspension above water. There's a heavy beat before blood roars wildly and painfully at his temples like a powerful riptide; clawing hungrily at his control and tearing it apart until nothing but a vulnerable, flawed child is left in its place who is blind and deaf to all but his guilt and the overwhelming urge to tear everything apart.

I don't want to be careless with people.

He's staring at the evidence, at the data and all he feels is numb and hollow. There's guilt; sharp and unfamiliar and caving his ribs so deeply that he can't fucking breathe. There's pain; an open wound that bleeds, bleeds, bleeds. Too much. There's ringing in his ears because everything and nothing makes sense and he just fucking can't anymore.

Why?!

He lashes out before he knows it, overwhelmed by one blinding urge: destroy. He dives in and tears down every paper, every file, just fucking everything. He gets tangled in the strings but he doesn't care! Instead, he snaps them and tugs them out from the ceiling so harshly that some of the plaster follows.

For how long are you to punish your father for being human,Yōichi?

There's a sob breaking past his lips, eyes burning and breaths heaving as he tears everything asunder in his wake; the extra room, the bedroom, the kitchenette. Everything. He's dimly grateful of the fact that he made the hotel room soundproof all those years ago then he gets angry all over again because he wants people to hear this, wants them to know and see the mess he's leaving behind. Because okay, yeah, maybe he's not as fine as he thought he was after all.

He's back isn't he?

Yes...but at what cost?

Without warning, the haunting sound of a flatline jolts him so jarringly that he stumbles, hand barely catching the edge of a desk before he falls. Slapping his hands to his ears, Yōichi chokes on a breath as his mind pulls up the memory of the ER video feed on the day his father was brought in; thin and pale and so fucking exhausted. So far from the broad shouldered regal man Hiruma Yūya actually is.

Insomnia. Anxiety. Loss of appetite. Depression. Fatigue.

How the fucking hell did Yōichi missed all of that? Was he that much of a brat that he only saw the logical side of things? Only the numbers and data? Fuck. How much more did he miss over the years? How much time has he lost? How many times has he broken his promise to his late mother to always look out for their family?

I rather be a fool than be the sort of person that gives up on the people I care about; that abandons them. Even when they've given up, I won't give up on them.

He has all the pieces now and it's showing him a morbid picture — New York, America; the city where he lost his mother and unknowingly, his father too as the man carry the weight of grief and blame for something that he knew that was out of his control but can't let go off. Japan; their home that had suffocated his father in its ignorance and negligence with it's environment for the citizens' mental health. The whole thing is so fucked up that there's an internalised fear for mental disorders.

'Tou-san at least really did try his best but what about me? I didn't fucking try to do anything and instead took one look at him, round up the numbers and decide that it's not worth the effort.'

No one knew that his father was depressed. Hell, not even the man himself. That is, until his father collapsed after his depression took its toll on his father's body and brought him into a fucking ER. For once, Hiruma Yūya was not a doctor but a patient instead.

'I did what I hate most. I gave up and unlike Tou-san, I didn't even fucking try.'

Germany and Italy. The places where his father went to get treated. To heal. To get better.

And Yōichi wasn't there. The missed calls and the unanswered messages were probably his father's tentative way to reach out. The bastard must've thought that outright telling Yōichi would've made him feel obligated to come home and in turn, resentful. Yōichi hates the fact of how likely that is.

Personally, I believe that instead of just collecting data, you need to listen to what he has to say too. Because data is only one dimensional and can't provide all the things you need to understand.

He wants to be furious and hurt at only knowing this now but he can't. The vicious stigma Japanese society has against mental disorders is so fucking bad that Yōichi knows he would've been caught in it and that it was Yūya's way of protecting him. But it still fucking hurts. It's confusing and he knows that it doesn't make any sense, but he can't help the feeling of both the contrasting numbness and hyper-focus clouding his judgement. Which is stupid, and he knows that, but there's a sharp stab of pain in his chest and he feels like his fingers have caught frostbite.

Then face it head on with your eyes wide open.

He throws a chair against the wall, knocks the ceramics off the kitchen counter and listens to the satisfying crash on the tiles. Yōichi doesn't know if he's laughing or crying at this point. Yōichi feels tremors twitch his fingers, head feeling like it's both pressing in on itself and expanding in the space surround him. Like his own body is both too close to bear, and too far away to gain a proper grasp on. Dammit. He doesn't fucking care anymore. He's been trying to keep everything in control. It feels damn good to fucking let go.

It's a waste of time, just leave them and let them give up.

—Until his own voice echoes back at him.

Yōichi stumbles backwards and his back hits the kitchen wall, forcing him to slide down to the floor with a pained noise. He flinches when his hand gets caught by some of the ceramic pieces, cutting open his palm with a sting. He's starting to become aware of his thundering heartbeat and the white-hot searing deep in his lungs.

They made their decision. No matter what path they take, people without guts have nothing ahead of them.

There's also blood dripping from his knuckles and fingers from paper cuts, strings and other shit that he destroyed. Curling in on himself, he cradles his hands against his chest and rocks back and forth with a hiss. Yōichi's breath seems to stutter, if that's even possible in this state and he hides his face in the crooks of his elbows and his fingers clutch his head.

Dimly, he hears Cerberus whining and nudging his side in concern.

If someone gives up then, they're already dead. What the hell is wrong with you?

Yōichi runs his fingers through his hair, streaking blood through the black and blond strands, staining them red as his breathing becomes shallow, rapid, and choppy from the pain and guilt.

Shit.

There's black spots littering his vision and he feels so distant and misaligned. Yōichi can't control or repress his emotions anymore and it puts him in a panicked spiral, thoughts accelerating and spinning out of control with no ounce of logic in sight. There's not enough oxygen in the air, he's suffocating, he's drowning.

No. No. He needs to breathe, he promised Kobayakawa. Breathe, dammit!

You're a fucking walking corpse, Tou-san, that's what you are! It's fucking embarrassing to even look at you!

As he curls in on himself he feels smaller, smaller than he's ever felt before. He grips his hair so tightly that his knuckles ache and he tries to swallow down gulps of air but that seems to only make it worse as his vision starts to distort, darkness creeping into the edges of his vision.

His body shudders with a frustrated sob, chest heaving as hot tears slide down his cheeks. It makes it even harder to calm down and he gives a choked noise as something tries to claw out of his throat.

Stop making stupid fucking excuses, Tou-san! It's fucking pathetic!

"Shut up!" Yōichi chokes out. "Shut the fuck up, you stupid ignorant fucking brat!"

There's a piece of a broken mirror not too far from where he is. Yōichi expects to see his reflection, shitty and messy and not in fucking control. And it is him; twelve year old him with eyes that are shuttered and blind while wearing a smirk, ignorant and cruel.

So what's your next move, Devil of Deimon?

He screams.