The 9th day of preparation for Nationals, the campus of Squid Academy felt different from usual as many of the student looked hungry for Nationals, ready to fight on the biggest stage. Far more stoked than they should be, it was all because Squid Academy finally knew who they were playing in the upcoming tournament, and though some were a little disappointed that they were pinned in the crowded group of death with the likes of Crystal Coast, Kalebrough, the Bluerings, the Titans, and Baiji along with some alarming sleeper teams such as Towson Senior and Fujiro Industrial. Thanks to the extended coverage received from pundits around the country, Squid Academy became a hot topic of discussion as many "experts" weighed in on their thoughts regarding their entry, some opposed to their entry and some welcoming the new bloods, but the majority of the opinion were mixed with some viewing their addition as an empty slot since they'll be in the group of death. Outside the gates earlier that day, journalists and scouts alike were looking to reserve a spot to witness their team practice after school, interested to report to their higher ups about the team of phenomenal fresh talent, the reason for their appearance also stemming from the recent rumors that Sky Royale and the Elites were also part of the team's final roster; another reason why the campus was quite jubilant since they not only had the explosive first years and reliable second years, but now they had the experienced third years as well-an addition so invaluable for Squid Academy since the school would be entering the tournament with one of the youngest rosters imaginable.

As for the players who still had class to think about for the better part of the day, the third years were alert on their studies preparing for the entrance exams coming up in the summer, and for the second years, they too were locked in and focused on balancing between their work at school and how to prepare for practice, knowing this was the optimal chance to make a deep run with this roster. When it came to the first years however, they were anxious to get to practice and work on improving their arsenal. Throughout lunch when they met up, that was all they could think of-ignoring some of their lessons and even dozing off in Azule's case-all itching to get to practice, believing this to be the day they experience their breakthrough after the last few days gave them a rough idea. As practice time rolls around, everyone is quick to get to their routines and perform diligently, mostly because they had plenty of excess energy to burn that disguised itself as hype. A switch up from the usual routine, they perform their personal menus instead of doing a scrimmage on Fuchsia's request, who explained she'd like them to do plenty of self reflection and analysis on what their strengths and weaknesses and encouraged them on figuring out how they could turn those weaknesses into strengths and make those existing strengths become a lethal weapon that impacts the game. Her arms folding and her chin lowered with a serious expression, she paces the gymnasium and observes her team hard at work for their daily grind in practice and recalled how well they're making progress. The players are active and sweating furiously with some already out of breath, the team trainers hard at work in assisting them-some offering helpful tips on what they can improve and others doing their best to keep the tired players motivated when they looked ready to call it quits and get a rest. She figured that once the session is over, she can finally make her big announcement.

Completed thanks to their hard efforts and the decision of Fuchsia to call it a day after seeing the fruits of their labor starting to show, she noticed that everyone is so drained that they're unable to keep their eyes open, ready to head in for the night. But before that, she reveals that she had a huge announcement to make and requested that everyone return to the club room after their showers; a deviant smirk on her face with her hands behind her back pacing the floor up and down awaiting their attendance, the team staff also in the room with her to review everything prior. On the desk sat some numbers on white pages, which Kosami had assured her everything would go as planned, so today was the day to make it official. Soon enough, everyone returned with some wearing a towel on their head and shoulders-only attending this meeting because it was for Fuchsia, and all of them loved her dearly.

"After careful observation and consideration from the rest of the team staff, I've devised the teams we'll be working with in the upcoming tournament." Fuchsia said with the most serious expression she could show after previously wearing an innocent beam; "The game modes haven't been announced but we know who we'll be facing, so before you all leave, I'd like you to know where you stand on this team and what I'll expect from you for the coming games. To start, I will announce our starters for the first match and distribute numbers as well..." Everyone's eyes widen-all silent and anxious to know who will lead the floor against the opposition.

"Ah, but the numbers you receive won't be the ones you put on the jersey but are just to let you know what your number is and for you to keep personally. Your team jerseys will have the numbers embroidered on them and be shipped to us a week prior to our departure, of course, you won't receive your jerseys until we're in Ravia." Kosami chimed in, wanting to inform them before they got their hopes up.

"Also, the jersey designs look awesome! I designed them after all!" Tangie bragged with a smug grin, elbowing Cobalt, who could only give a sigh and agree-he also helped with the design and coloration but Tangie poured her all her effort into it.

Fuchsia clears her throat to re-establish the serious mood, "The lineup is subjected to change based on everyone's performance from game to game so for those who aren't listed as the starters, don't get discouraged. I chose these six to be our starters based on how well they were throughout practice and the work ethic they've displayed, and I'm confident that this lineup will not only face Towson Senior, but will likely be the starting six we use for every game onward. I'll make adjustments in between games, but this is the lineup we'll go with." her serious tone reaching everyone's tuned ears, who listen for their name to be called.

Kosami steps forward and reads the team sheet, "Team Captain-Azule. Number Seven."

Silence fills the room as Azule nods and walks up to Fuchsia to receive his team number, a number closely associated with the best players on a team. Gracious to be considered the team captain, he looked at the team staff and saw their bright smiles, and then when he turns around to see his fellow teammates, he saw them wearing the same satisfied expressions. The decision on him as the team captain was unanimous with everyone believing in him to become the spearhead of the team thanks to his tenacious attitude that was contagious; as team captain, there is nobody better to lead the pack.

Kosami read the next name, "Vice Captain-Pastelle. Number Six."

The captain of Kidvel wears a serious look as she gets out of her seat and takes the long walk to receive her number, aware that there was a deeper meaning behind why her close friend gave her such a number. Fuchsia knows of her alter ego as Agent 6, wearing a focused gaze as she watched her approach. As Pastelle accepts her number, she see the look in Fuchsia's eyes that told her the number bestowed to her carries an overwhelming expectation. Fuchsia didn't only want to see Pastelle play the usual amazing performances she displayed, she wanted to see the intensity of Agent 6 from the Squidbeak Splatoon, and she wanted to see Pastelle not only overcome the wall of a runner-up, but overcome her personal limits mentally that held her back. The number doesn't just represent the expectations of a coach, but also carries the wishes of a dear friend who wanted to see her blossom into a special talent.

"Todd. Number Fifteen."

Captain of the Sealions, he's surprised that he's been selected as part of the starting 6, especially after the strong performances form his seniors on the Elites and Kidvel. With this pick to have him in the starting lineup, he felt gratified to know that he was seen as more than just an asset on the team, but an individual who could make his presence felt aside from his ever-changing personality. Despite carrying a lot of promise, he's had a rocky journey to this moment, and as he stands, he's far from reaching his potential, but thanks to his maturation, he's a force to be reckoned with now that he's learned to keep a cool head and bury any meaningless grudges. A player dedication to their goal is a must, and there's nobody on the team who can doubt his resolve to make his mark at Nationals. As he returned to the table to sit with his team, he could feel the pride emanating from his loyal trio, who give him a pat on the back and make small silent claps.

"Jory. Number Ten."

Usually worn by the main playmakers of a team, a team's value was usually based on who wore that number. If Jory was selected to wear the prestigious number, that meant everyone on the staff thought highly enough of him to become a capable playmaker who will play a critical role in their campaign. As he rose to his feet, he wears a nervous smile, wanting to feel happy about the praise, but there's an unimaginable sensation that makes him wobble a bit. The heaviness of their expectations only got denser the moment he looked Fuchsia in the eyes and saw the glimmer in her irises; she's proud to see him play such a role, and he knows that he can't fail her when she's put such trust in him to meet her expectations. As he walks over to receive his number, he can feel the heat radiating off the paper and the number-almost with a sizzle. This is what it meant to be one of the most important players on the team, to be a starter. His entire time thus far he was a reserve, an afterthought, someone without a dedicated role, but now, he'll carry one of the biggest roles imaginable.

"Violet. Number Fourteen."

The hotshot sniper who was often scouted by the rest of the world when it came to Squidcom, it made sense to place her in a starting position since she'd command the turf greatly with her deadly combination of power and accuracy-teams will think twice before crossing her. But for Violet, as she walks over to receive her number, the bittersweet taste deepens. She's glad to be named the starter, and glad that she's been recognized as the key charger needed to stand a chance, but she also knew she was far from being the best in her class. Sky and Pearl were the first names she could think of when her mind wandered on who would've been a better decision, and her frustration laid in that thought process. Violet worked hard in the rank wars and helped carry the load several times and in a sense became the "shadow ace" of Squidcom to go along with Sally, and in the spring, it felt like she would only get better. But after spending time with Sky and Pearl, she realized that she still has ways to go before she could even consider herself on their level. On her return with the number, she conceals her expression as usual until she looks over at her two seniors who wear smiles and give her a thumbs up similar to proud siblings, glad to see her hard work recognized.

"And the final starting member, Reice. Number Two."

Everyone wears a smile on their face except Reice, who was in disbelief. A pat on the back by a smiling Azule prompts him to stand up and accept his number, but he still couldn't believe it. As the often overlooked member of the team for being a defensive based player, he was sure that the staff would've selected someone else-and to give him number 2? That number was usually worn by the defensive specialist of a team, and often were the second best player on the team! If they chose him to wear such a number, that meant they valued his defensive skills greatly enough to make him a starter. While it made him happy to receive some recognition as a starter, he wasn't satisfied with only being there for his defensive specialty. He wanted to shine in the spotlight too, even if the spotlight refused. There are plenty of amazing people on this team, so why can't he be amazing as well? Almost riling himself up he commits to becoming far better, huffing and puffing as he returns to his seat. After revealing the starting lineup, Kosami read the list of the substitutes and went by the teams. Of Kidvel, Parker wears No.11, Taylor wears No.16, Nelson wears No.18. For the Sealions, Sandra wears No.19, Hannah wears No.3, and Audrey wears No.20. Evelyn will wear No.4, Mason will wear No.8, and Zaneki will wear No.17. At this point, everyone wondered why Fuchsia made a starting lineup without Sky or Aaron since it felt foolish to leave off a couple of the best players on the team sitting on the bench, but Fuchsia explained that while it'd be nice to include them in the starting lineup for the first game, the Elites were limited to only playing a trio of games for the group stage, so to put them in right away for the starting line up would be jumping the gun-especially when teams will have scouted them out by then and expect to see demonic sniper and stoic elite as obvious starters; it's an attempt to blindside Towson Senior and hopefully get the jump at them. At first, everyone had some reservations, but when Fuchsia mentioned that they only had three games to play, they understood just how valuable the Elites would be in this campaign. They would be going up against the group of death and face four teams ranked within the top 25. If they were going to stand a chance, they needed the Elites for those games. Fuchsia called their numbers next: Aaron will wear No.1 as the senior of the team, Sky will wear No.5 as a reference to her alter ego as Agent 5 with the same principle as Pastelle, Pearl will wear No.13, and Austin will wear No.12. The last number that remains belongs to only one person…

Sally's eyes were closed, her face wrinkled as she did her best to hold back her frustrated emotions. Even as an injured inkling stuck on reserve, everyone acknowledged that if anyone deserved to wear the number of greatness, it should be her. The catalyst who set it all in motion for her courageous efforts leading the team in the first rank wars against all odds in the 3 on 4 handicap, the ace of Squidcom who struck fear in every opponent and only flew under the radar internationally because of her life threatening condition, the only inkling with such resolve that she fought against the fear of never being able to walk again, the number 9 belongs to Sally Walleye. Her aura is blazing as she struggles to her feet, preferring to walk there on her own power. In a sense, she was the pride of this school now and embodied the spirit of a warrior. While the others have their vows to fight on the turf, she had her vow to get back to her peak health and fight beside them. As she receives her number from Fuchsia, she stared down the octoling with a glint in her irises that stared at the coach's soul. Her intense presence is only calmed by the lax one of Fuchsia, who seemed to know something they didn't based on the way they were looking at each other. Usually, the important numbers were to be worn by active players on the team-giving Sally the number even out of respect seemed a bit too much in Sally's eyes. What was meant to be a gesture of profound respect could also be misread as patronizing. As Sally receives her number, she snorts with umbrage wearing a challenged look. "This is my answer." she said staring at her captain, then snatching the number away from her before limping back to her seat scornfully.

Fuchsia gives a sad smile,"I know…" she whispered, almost rueful of the decision.

With all numbers distributed, the coach listed her expectations of them and reminded them that there is more on the line than just their pride as players. This isn't just about facing strong opponents, but an effort to save a man's job, to restore glory that's been diminished. This is war and the theme is regret. She wants no one to ever experience that anguish that is delivered with it, but to instead be reminded of the damage it can do and avoid at all costs. At Nationals, she wants them to fight like their life depends on it and scrap for everything even if it means taking a few bruises. All of them resonated with her: from Squidcom, to the Sealions, to the Elites, and Kidvel, everyone understood the magnitude of their position as the remaining 20 players who will carry the dreams and wishes of an entire city on their backs. As she dismissed them, everyone spent that night reflecting and looking ahead. The lingering questions about themselves and of others disappeared now that they've reached the point of no return, a war is awaiting them, but one unlike any of them has ever faced. It may not carry the same importance like when the world is at stake, but something just felt different about coming home to an audience who had their hearts broken. To avoid that, they will need to spend their remaining time sharpening their weapons, creating tactics, and perfecting their techniques.