An overnight arrival in Ravia followed by a drive to the venue for the tournament drawing, the trio of Azule, Fuchsia, and Kosami were so exhausted after barely getting enough sleep on the flight that they had to catch up on the ride there with their captain staying up. After half an hour, the groggy trio arrived at the venue where their bodies woke up immediately from the blast of heat that smacked their faces the moment they got out the cab, experiencing a wave they didn't feel when they exited the airport since it was so well cooled. The sight before them resembles a sporting event with the sheer amount of guests cramming the entrance way, unsure of whether to dive into the pile or wait patiently since they had a few hours to spare before the official drawing begins. Fuchsia believed it a better idea to be patient and wait in line since she wasn't sure how the drawing would go, and partially because she still had some fresh scars about Ravia with what happened a few weeks ago, and the last person she wanted venturing around to pass the time was Azule, who started to look restless. After almost half an hour of waiting and watching the crowd die down at the entrance, the trio arrived at a front desk where they had to sign in to receive stickers reading the school they represent. They work their way through the grand lobby following the signs posted everywhere and eventually arrive at a massive auditorium. From left to right, there were fellow players, coaches and scouts all dressed in school gear sitting together with the same stickers the trio wore that read their name, position, and school they represent. Even though there were so many seats, they didn't know where to sit and part of that came from everyone looking unfriendly while those that did look approachable were already chatting with other people. The closer to the stage they got, the heavier the pressure as they could spot some of the more imposing teams and players pointed out by Fuchsia as she talked under her breath. Already in attendance were some of the notable teams within the top 25 like the Serpents of Sanyrier, who were ranked in 18th coming into the tournament and were responsible for Beacon Hills' exit last year in the Round of 32. Also present were the Monarchs of Squirabia who sat in 14th and had some stars on their team, represented by "King of the Sea" Sinbad, the team captain who was known for his flamboyance and disinterest anyone who didn't live up to his standards. 10th ranked Toka high is there as well as the highest ranking team from Ikayumu with their captain, Shunpei in attendance. Perhaps the loudest of them all is the captain of the Bluerings-the 6th ranked team, who went by his initials C.C. and was in the same category as Rukovna and Hugh-Napri's aces, boisterous and arrogant, he led the robust Bluerings to such an impressive turnaround since becoming their captain last year.
"I am the greatest!" he shouts, echoing the nickname he earned last year for making it to semi finals on a dreamlike run.
Up on the stage, they saw a gold lottery ball machine filled with tons of balls as well as a huge whiteboard displaying all the available groups which lettered A-P. On the table nearby the whiteboard they saw several individuals sorting through slips of papers and writing on them, which must've been the teams they would stick onto the board. From what they overheard after taking a seat, the way the tournament drawing works is that teams are called up in alphabetical order and are asked to pick a ball from the machine, which reads one of the lettered groups; to make things a tad bit more nerve racking, it was all televised. Slowly the auditorium gets filled after initially looking a bit empty, and when a certain person walks through the door, everyone's attention turns to them and their bright outfit of white, yellow, and red. From his slanted mask wearing a scowl to the raising of his chin, he carried a powerful presence the moment his golden irises opened. His hands behind his back, he looked around at all the eyes peering at him, for he was the king of the turf wars. People whispered that his milky eminence jacket and milky enperrials greatly resembles what his great great great grandfather once wore, drawing comparisons to the great king of that time.
"There he is…" one person points.
Another person growled, "The Fifth Emperor…"
That wasn't all however, as another powerful presence entered the room as well from the other side; where the emperor carried a powerful radiance in his entrance with fire unmatched, on the other side laid an entrance so chilling it froze the bones and bodies of those nearby. From her teal irises and sparkling purple hair, right away many whispered at the familiarity this inkling shared with another on the same team.
"It's the Empress!" someone whispered.
"Oh man, the top two captains are here!" another said with amazement.
Azule turned to Fuchsia clueless about what's going down, "Who are they talking-" he stops once he notices her trembling irises.
Fuchsia's eye dart between the two imposing captains on opposite sides of the room, creating a such a heavy atmosphere from their presence alone. "The Fifth Emperor and the Empress are the two captains of Rukovna and Hugh-Napri, and they have plenty of history."
"Oh, the captains of the top 2 teams…" Kosami adds.
"There's some bad blood between them, Azule. Those two sides have met plenty of times throughout the years, but in recent memory it's gotten highly competitive between them. A couple years ago, Hugh-Napri defeated them in the finals at Nationals with the powerful duo of 'Empress' Shiori and 'Street Queen' Shiore, and then last year was Rukovna got revenge in the rematch final with the 'Fifth Emperor' Edward V establishing his dominance-both encounters went a full series. This year is slated to be the climatic third straight bout to settle once and for all who the greatest team is."
Kosami analyzes the two captains and draws from her memory, "If I remember correctly, both schools are tied with a record of nine championships won at Nationals alone. Talk about a potential epic clash for the ages if they were to meet again."
"In all likelihood, fate would have them on opposing sides of the brackets yet again. Many people are expecting to see the third straight battle between them in a grand finale fashion between the champion of two years ago and the defending champions. An epic conclusion between players who would graduate soon does fit the bill, but that isn't all..." she looks over towards some of the other team captains in the room; "Crystal Coast, Vulerby, Skolar. The rest of the teams to make up the top 5 also have a strong case this year for winning it all, since they are perennial finalists in the tournaments. Siot of Crystal Coast, Romaine of the Vulerby Gunners, and Carmichael of Skolar, all three captains will be looking to spoil their rival's tournament."
Azule studied Shiori for a bit, finding it amazing that she looked so similar to Shiore-her features nearly identical to the powerful inkling he crossed paths with a few months ago. He remembered studying them early on but only did so vaguely since he was mostly concerned with the lower ranking teams they'd likely run into during the tournament. He recites everything in his mind, the players, the teams, and organized them. Right away he knew that the top players in attendance weren't anyone to overlook-indeed worth every bit of the credibility to their name. "Funny running into you all…" a familiar voice calls joining them and in turn breaking his concentration; when Azule and the other look, it's none other than Zepp of the Kalebrough Inkstinct.
"Captain Zepp!" Azule chirped, thankful to meet someone else he knew-even shaking his hand happily.
"A fellow rival taking a seat beside us? Bold of you." Fuchsia jokes, also greeting him.
Zepp chuckles, "Well, when it comes to Nationals I think it's safe to say we're all on the same side. We might be rivals, but on a stage like this, I prefer to think of us as family. We call the country home and we're going up against everyone else. I don't want any hostility with fellow countrymen."
"Did you come alone?" Kosami asked, noticing he doesn't have any company.
Zepp shakes his head, "Nah, I'm here with my coaches. Apparently all the captains come to this drawing to get a look at the competition. If I remember right, Janice is here as well. So are the Carbon and the Ika brothers."
Azule's eyes sparkled, "Jin, Gin, Carbon...and Captain Janice!"
"Ora!" Janice shouts, walking down the aisle; "Another Inkopolis brother!" she points with a beaming expression, wrapping her arm around Azule.
"Wow, we're all gathered together. It's as if we have a special connection or something." Zepp said crossing his arms trying to contain his joy; as the captain of the Inkstinct, this must've been an unforgettable experience compared to where they were just a year ago.
Janice's irises sparkled the moment she turned to the Inkstinct captain, "How is my buddy Kippy doing?"
"Bummed. When she heard that all the captains from the other teams would be attending, she tried to get out of class but Kappa took care of that."
"Such an energetic spirit! I can't wait for the chance to face you again and return the favor. We aren't the same team as before!" she said flexing her other arm; on the inside, Azule and Kosami were fawning over how cool she is, dreaming how amazing it would've been if she ever met Sally.
"Hmph, you act as though we're underestimating you. We know what to expect if we ever meet, so do your worst."
Janice's smile grew larger as she nods-looking over to the young captain and pressing her cheek against his, "And you as well, Royale! Show me that fiery form of yours-Midnight!"
Azule got flustered immediately, humbled that even someone of Janice's level acknowledged him as an equal; Fuchsia was on the verge of throwing hands, annoyed by how chummy Janice with Azule despite barely knowing him, and everyone there could feel her seething jealousy except the pair. With a glance to Zepp before he could answer-unsure of how to respond to such a bold request, he's also met by an expecting gaze from the Inkstinct captain who also wears the same look as Janice, prompting the first year captain to laugh nervously with a blush. Immediately, several people announced that the tournament drawing would begin soon and as ordered, everyone took their seats; Janice and Zepp returned to their coaches, hoping to meet Azule's squad next time, though in Squid Academy's case, they hoped that time would never come. There are more people up on stage, and there sat a table of people including the octoling man Azule saw the other day-all of them introduced as the committee who was in charge of everything. The host went over what would be happening for the day and listed out the technicalities of the drawing, which lined up with what the informed teams already knew. As expected, the drawing would occur in alphabetical order with team captains walking up the stage as their teams are called and drawing a ball that sealed their fate in a group. Down the line, big name teams were called up like Beacon Hills and Kalebrough; When Rukovna and Hugh-Napri were called, the auditorium was so silent a pin drop could be heard.
"No.128, Squid Academy." The commissioner called, prompting Azule to fidget in his seat to plenty of whispers in the crowd that soon fell silent as the captain infamous team that upset the now 13th ranked team in the world was about to make his debut in the drawing. The building is shushed as all eyes turn to him, many of the top players already analyzing him with their narrowing gazes ready dissect the captain of miracle team in the last spot for claiming Nationals. A rise to his feet with a thumping in his head and chest, he stares at the board anxiously with a readable look that said "I want to play them." with the way he looked at the group bracket known as the group of death for its stacked occupants of five top ranked teams, that meant at least one of the top teams would miss out on the knockouts. Whether it was terrible luck or a lack of fear, he couldn't wipe that grin off his face. Up the steps he goes, the powerful stares of the best players in the world weighing him with each step so tense he felt his legs buckling the closer he got to the stage.
It feels like I'm carrying a hundred bricks up a snowy mountain… when comparing the hundred gazes of powerful captains and coaches. His ear pounds like a drum with a heavy breath, his head beginning to sway. This is embarrassing, I feel like I could pass out at any moment from the stress! he thought, finally on the stage and aware that Fuchsia and Kosami were watching on with their fingers crossed hoping he didn't get clumsy with the world's best watching. He arrives at the table at long last, staring carefully at the lottery box containing the remaining groups. He glanced at the group of death, that still contains a couple open spots; all he needs to do is rub the rabbit's foot and avoid that cursed group at all costs! Azule's hand twitches as his hand descends, feeling a numbing chill down his neck running all the way to his arms. That strange feeling he thought to be numbness in actuality belonged to something beyond imagination. So focused on what he'll pull from the lottery box, Azule doesn't notice a figure of light guiding his band and holding his back encouraging him to follow his heart. Luna's radiant shine pierces the barrier between life and death, a smile so wide even Azule felt it unconsciously. He heard her message and widened his eyes drawing up his magic ball immediately, his heart beating so fast he couldn't handle the destiny chosen by his own hands. A fleeting moment, she vanishes like gold dust after seeing for herself-a bright smile on her face as she disappears sending her best wishes to her her favorite boy. Azule looks at the ball drawn with a surprised look of life sparkling in his irises, his breath taken away gazing at what became not only a headlining development but destiny. Several of the people in charge had their mouths on the floor as well as the octoling who gambled everything on this, all stunned at somehow someway, the biggest underdog created a spectacle of a story for the tournament ahead.
"HE GOT THE GROUP OF DEATH!" people react, seeing Squid Academy's name get added to the cursed group of giants. Some people cheered at the obvious fact that the success story and hype of Squid Academy would meet a devastating end, while others were interested to see what fate awaits them. But where these other captains were showing such reactions, the top players all wore serious glares watching how the captain reacted to his own misfortune, disturbed that instead of shrinking or succumbing to despair, instead a glint shines in his smirk with a hungry look in his eyes, one that challenges Siot and the others in his group, and also alarms the Fifth Emperor and the Empress as well, noticing his eyes were the same as his sister's.
Bring it on! he repeats in his mind, all the nervousness disappearing as his body felt lighter with the weight on his shoulders lifted.
As he returns to his seat to a reaction filled with uproar, he takes a seat next to a pair of pouting girls who quickly pinch his cheeks as punishment for making their lives more difficult than it already is. When they returned home later that night, they all made it an effort to meet that following Monday morning before class and hear the news since the listing wouldn't be posted until that evening. When they gathered together, everyone jumped Azule upon hearing the news. A monumental task awaiting them soon, Fuchsia gave them a preview of what to expect going into the group stage. In the group of death, the teams are: 3rd ranked Crystal Coast, 6th ranked Bluerings, 7th ranked Kalebrough Inkstinct, 8th ranked Titans, 17th ranked Baiji, Fujiro Industrial, Towson Senior and themselves; everyone peers at their captain for a moment, still upset that he really put them in the worst position, calling it "group oh no" rather than group O. She in turn also brought up their schedule for the group stage-the game modes still to be announced. Their first three games will be against Towson Senior, Crystal Coast, and Kalebrough. After that, they have to face Fujiro Industrial, Titans, Baiji and the Bluerings to conclude their group campaign. She also wanted to turn some of the attention to focusing on the other groups as well, for if they were to make an advancement from group O, they would face a team from group B. In group B, the teams to watch for were the 4th ranked Vulerby who boast one of the best players around, 20th ranked Wobblegongs, who were among the dark horse teams among the top ranked; also troublesome were Xavier Tech and Burste-Riota Tech as two teams who were unpredictable and likely to advance. For the upcoming games, Fuchsia believed their best bet was to win out the games against the unranked teams and somehow steal a couple wins off the ranked teams, which she believed to be the Titans, and Baiji. As the 8th and 17th ranked team, they were still a powerful threats but different from the others because they didn't possess a clear star talent like the others and instead relied on their strong team chemistry. Afterwards, she mentioned the other teams they might be interested in knowing where they placed. 1st ranked Rukovna and 22nd ranked Polaris high were in group A, 2nd ranked Hugh-Napri headlines group C, 14th ranked Monarchs are in group D, 18th ranked Knights are in group E, 10th ranked Toka and 16th ranked Wizards are in group F, 5th ranked Skolar and 21st ranked Nimaroshi 1st are in group G, 12th ranked Blazers headline group H, there are no top ranked teams in group I-the group Squidops are in-which seemingly made it the group of life, 11th ranking Bottlenoses are in group J, group K has 9th ranked Special Forces and 24th ranked Joyriders, the 23rd ranked Lumberjacks are in group L, group M has 25th ranking Fins, group N includes 13th ranked Beacon Hills and 19th ranked Serpents, and the last group of P has 15th ranked Yermozani.
A stacked group stage, they all saw some interesting battles aside from what to expect in their group of death, taking note of that monumental clash between Beacon Hills and the Serpents especially. A tournament likely to go down to the wire, the underdog team wondered if they could survive those problematic games against the teams wearing an illustrious number next to their names. With a giant chip on their shoulder not just within their country but now in the tournament, they all looked a little nervous about their chances but nonetheless they are excited to face so many strong opponents, the next couple of weeks left proving to matter greatly in preparation.
