Hello, everyone! I'm back! I know it's been a while, and I still haven't updated the Burning Mist (-_-), but I am working on a rewrite! It's pretty slow going, so naturally, I made the very intelligent decision to start a new story instead! Yeah, I know, but hear me out. I've been reading a lot of Yara Meijer's stories lately, and I love them. Accidental Reverse has been a major inspiration for this story, but I wanted to change it up a bit. There is no time travel here, folks. Instead, this is a rewrite of Inazuma Eleven Go's first season, but somethings go a bit differently before season one begins. I think you'll understand what I mean pretty soon. I hope you enjoy this because I think I will!
The players of the original Inazuma Eleven were special people. Their actions had saved numerous people and even an entire country. One striker even saved the life of a little boy and his dog, but, shockingly enough, it would be the actions of one windy defender that would inadvertently change the entire future of Raimon Junior High's soccer club.
Kazemaru Ichirouta is lost. Not only physically, but mentally as well. He has no idea what to do after the Dark Emperors fiasco. Sure, the team has forgiven him and all, but he couldn't just forgive himself for hurting his friends and teammates, could he? Even if he chooses to return to the track team and forgets about his time in the soccer club, the memories and scars he had from their time together would never fade, and returning to the club so soon after trying to destroy them seemed a bit in poor taste…
Ichirouta is so lost in thought that he barely notices when he almost tramples a small pink-haired child as he paces around the unfamiliar park. It's only the shocked squeak of the child that drags Ichirouta out of his head. The child is sprawled on the ground, gazing up at Ichirouta in shock and awe. What's most surprising about the situation is the lack of tears. He doesn't have much experience with kids (he's an only child, and that's fine with him), but he knows most young children cry when they get knocked to the ground. This child, though, seems far more preoccupied with staring at the teal haired defender than sobbing, and Ichiroua is not complaining at all. Then it hits him how rude he's being, so he bends down and takes the child's hand while muttering a soft apology, helping him back to his feet before turning to leave.
"Hey! Don't just go! You're from Raimon, right?" The boy calls out to him.
Ichirouta turns and nods, deciding the boy at least deserves a proper introduction, "Yes. I'm Kazemaru Ichirouta, and I was a defender at Raimon."
"Wow," the boy smiles before introducing himself too, "I'm Kirino Ranmaru. I've watched you play on TV. You're so cool!"
Ichirouta blushes at that. "I don't know if I'd go that far, and I'm sorry for running into you. I've had a lot on my mind and wasn't paying too much attention to my surroundings."
"It's fine," the boy's smile is even brighter this time, "I'm just glad I got to meet you. I play soccer too, and I'm a defender like you. I like it, but nobody seems to pay attention to defenders. But when you're playing, it's different. You're so cool and strong, and everybody knows they have to be careful if they want to win while you're on the field. I want to be like you someday!"
"You're definitely on the right track, Kirino-kun, I can tell. With determination like that, I'm sure you'll become a great defender," Ichirouta flashes a grin to the boy, but he doesn't seem satisfied quite yet.
"I mean, I want to be great too, but I want to be like you more," Kirino sighs. "I want to be an ultra-reliable defender that supports and leads the team, even from the back, like you do."
The kid knows how to flatter people, and he's almost enough to make Ichirouta blush. Ichirouta isn't sure how to respond at first. Is he supposed to give Kirino his "big secret to success?" Ichirouta doesn't have one, and he's pretty sure that he shouldn't be advising little kids after all that he's done recently. He looks to the sky instead, "I'm glad that you think so, but I don't think I'm the best example for you right now."
"Why not?" Kirino stares at him in pure shock. "I know about your evil team, but I don't care! You were still really awesome there too. It doesn't matter if you did something bad. People will still forgive you, right? If you were really that bad, there's no way you would've helped me earlier. I know you're a good person and a good defender, and I want to be like you!"
Ichirouta has to admit that the boy's little rant surprises him, but the very valid points Kirino made shock Ichirouta even more. If a kid like Kirino can believe in him, maybe it's time for him to start believing in himself again too. It'll take some work, Ichirouta knows, but now he feels lighter, less burdened if only a little. He finally feels ready to start forgiving himself and move forward, and although he is certain it won't be easy, he is finally confident enough to take the first step.
He turns back to Kirino and gives him a (recently) rare, genuine smile. "Thanks, Kirino-kun. I needed to hear that. Is there something I can do for you? I want to thank you."
Kirino's face morphs from concern to shock to amazement all in the span of what must only be seconds. He blushed a bit before meeting Ichirouta's brown eyes. "I want some advice. I have a friend, and we play soccer together. He's a midfielder and is our captain. I'm happy for him, but sometimes it's like I'm not even playing in the game. What should I do? I want to be like you and help my team, but they barely even notice me at all!"
Ichirouta looks at the dejected boy for a moment. He's shared the same feelings at times but never to the extent Kirino seems to. He crosses his arms and closes his eyes, thinking for a moment. When he opens them, he looks straight into Kirino's blue eyes and says, "I don't know exactly what you're going through, Kirino, but I think I have an idea. If your captain is anything like Endou, he's a bit silly at times, right? He forgets all his common sense because he's playing soccer?"
Kirino nods, and Ichirouta continues, "Well, there's your answer right there! Give what your friend can't give the team: common sense. Let him do his thing and lead the team on the field and lead them off the field. Make sure your captain's choices make sense and take care of your teammates too. I think you've got a good head on your shoulders, so I think you can handle it! What do you think, Kirino-kun?"
Kirino's eyes brighten, and he tackles Ichirouta in a hug even though he only comes up to Ichirouta's waist. Ichirouta bends down and returns the hug gently. The hug seems to go on forever, and Kirino's grip is amazingly strong for a kid his size. When they finally break apart, Kirino is still looking at him in wonder. Ichirouta smiles a little at the boy's inability to hide his emotions, but the kid did do a lot for him, even if Kirino himself is completely unaware of that.
He looks down at the child with pink twintails as he straightens up and prepares to leave. "Tell you what, I've got to go, and I'm sure you do too. It's getting dark now, but I want you to call me Ichirouta if that's alright with you."
Kirino is shocked, and his brain short circuits a little before the boy can reply. "Yeah! But if I'm calling you Ichirouta, then you should call me Ranmaru. It's only fair, right?"
"Sounds good to me. I have to go, so maybe I'll see you later," Ichirouta nods before turning to leave through the park's gate.
Ranmaru waves and runs down the path to another gate near the back of the park. He waves once more before disappearing from Ichirouta's sight. It's only then that Ichirouta remembers he's lost and has no idea how to get home. Oh well, hopefully the locals are friendly.
If he's completely honest, Ranmaru is shocked at how helpful Ichirouta's advice turned out to be. He'd become a pivotal member of his recreational soccer team and eventually his elementary school team, which was one of the only reasons Ranmaru had managed to convince his family to send him across the city to attend Raimon Jr. High. Shindou's parents had sent him in a heartbeat, but Ranmaru knows that his family does not have nearly as much money as the Shindous. Switching schools was expensive, but Ranmaru had received a scholarship, partially for his grade and partially for his soccer playing. Ranmaru's just glad he and Shindou can keep playing soccer together.
Their first year flies by, and both Shindou and Ranmaru grow as people and soccer players. Shindou is appointed captain (of course he is. Ranmaru wouldn't expect anything less), but he still lacks confidence in his abilities. Ranmaru follows Ichirouta's advice and encourages Shindou while working to bring the rest of the team together. He is only partially successful, though. Fifth Sector's tight hold on the soccer world makes it hard to truly motivate the team, but Ranmaru does his best anyway. Shindou grows into his captain role, and by the end of the season when Raimon plays in the Holy Road finals, Shindou finally acts like a proper captain. While Raimon is frustrated at their loss, they are happy to have finally played a real game and know they did their best.
By the time his second year rolls around, Ranmaru has a bit of a reputation as the team's secondary captain. He's developed a few strong hissatsus for defensive plays, and if Shindou is the team's head, Ranmaru is the team's heart. Ranmaru is the one to calm Hayami's nerves and Kurama's anger. He's the one to deal with Kurumada's wild nature, and he's the one his teammates come to for emotional support. He is also the only one capable of handling Shindou's mood swings with any degree of control, so the team has a lot of respect for him on and off the field.
It's not until he meets the first years that he realizes how much of a soccer mom he really is. He had been practicing with the first team in the morning when they heard about a commotion involving the second team and a Seed. Ranmaru is ready to run out at that moment, but Shindou insists they finish their current drill. Ranmaru is about to drag him out by his hair, but Sangoku shakes his head, signaling for Ranmaru to let it go. Ranmaru does, but he and Shindou will certainly be discussing this later. Sangoku slows them down, even more, when he runs off to chase a runaway soccer ball. Ball tucked in his right arm, he starts walking back to the field to set the ball down, but Ranmaru grabs his left arm and drags him out. By the time they're done and have made it to the school's front field, the second team has been annihilated by a dark-haired Seed, and the Seed has moved on to bullying a small brown-haired first year.
The first team stays out of sight and observes the situation, much to Ranmaru's frustration. The Seed holds nothing back, and the first year falls after every shot, but the first year never stays down. He gets back up and keeps trying. Vaguely, Ranmaru realizes the boy is moving in ways to protect himself and his body, and Ranmaru is somewhat impressed, but he is mainly worried. It is only Shindou's hand on his shoulder that keeps him from charging down onto the field and facing the Seed himself. He knows his skills have improved greatly, but he's not sure if he could face off with a Seed and win. Even so, he would still be a better opponent than the poor boy down on the field. If this goes on much longer, I'm going to intervene, he resolves, and Ranmaru is sure Shindou knows what he's thinking without even looking at him.
Thankfully, the boy manages to finally take the ball from the Seed and declares himself the winner of the contest. The boy passes the ball back to the Seed, and to the horror of everyone, the Seed shoots the ball right at the brunette boy's face. Ranmaru yanks the ball from Sangoku's arm and, thankfully, kicks it quickly enough to knock the Seed's ball off course and save the brunette. Ranmaru has had enough and shoves Shindou into the boy and the Seed's sight, elbowing him and whispering, "Say something, Shindou. You're the captain."
Shindou blinks in shock but recovers quickly and launches into a speech about tarnishing the soccer club's "sacred ground" (Ranmaru isn't laughing, he really isn't), but Ranmaru tunes out what Shindou says after that. Instead, he focuses on the Seed's disgusted face and the bruises covering the boy's body. He frowns. This shouldn't have happened. The first team should have come straight to the field instead of doing drills they've already done tens of times. He doesn't realize his body is shaking with rage until Shindou's hand brushes his. Sangoku comes up behind him and places a steadying palm on his shoulder. Ranmaru closes his eyes and breathes deeply, opening his eyes as he exhales. He's fine. He's in control, and he can deal with this Seed, no matter how strong the Seed is. He has choice words for Shindou, Sangoku, and the rest of the team, but they will have to wait for now.
Ranmaru starts down the hill to the field. His team follows, but he can tell from their soft gasps and whispers that they are surprised by his actions. Ranmaru laughs inwardly. They've been together for over a year. If the first team really thought Ranmaru would let a Seed bully a first year, he's not sure they know him all that well.
Shindou quickly falls in beside him and matches his stride, as he should. He really should have been the one to lead them down (he is their captain), but after years of knowing Shindou, Ranmaru is well aware that Shindou is not the most decisive, especially under pressure, which is why Ranmaru now has no problem with taking charge and pushing Shindou into action. He knows their relationship is a bit odd to some (Kurumada and Amagi once told him they were shocked that they got along so well), but he figures it's better to let people think what they want instead of starting fights.
Ranmaru has never been one to start fights on a whim. He tries to only fight to defend others even if he wants nothing more than to duke it out with a few particularly annoying people. He's always been fairly relaxed, but that never stopped him from practically flying to the aid of others in need. The brown-haired boy certainly fit that mold if the way everyone around only watched the Seed ruthlessly attack him was any indication.
Ranmaru strides toward the dark-haired Seed, body relaxed and head held tall. He stands in front of the Seed as Shindou makes his way to the other boy and starts pulling him away from the Seed. The Seed tries to intervene, but Ranmaru steps between his captain and the Seed, staring into the Seed's orange eyes (he didn't know people could have naturally orange eyes, but that's not important right now). Ranmaru gives the Seed a flat smile, allowing just a bit of anger to shine in his blue eyes.
"Hello, I am Kirino Ranmaru, a defender for the Raimon soccer club's first team. And you are?" He's not expecting the Seed to give him his name just because Ranmaru asked nicely, but if the Seed does, he won't be upset.
The Seed's eyes darken as he shoots Ranmaru an ugly smirk. "What a warm welcome. I didn't expect the entire team to come out here to give me a personal welcome to the soccer club!"
The enthusiasm is all fake, and if there was any doubt that the dark-haired boy is a Seed, there isn't anymore. In the corner of his eye, he can see Shindou pulling the brunette along towards Sangoku and the others, and Ranmaru realizes he has to keep the conversation going for a while. They don't want the boy near the Seed after what they'd just witnessed. "Of course. We take good care of our members, new and returning."
"How nice." The Seed is growing more frustrated by the minute, and his fake enthusiasm has vanished completely. "But there is something you should know, Kirino-senpai. I'm not like your other members. I am-"
"-A Seed. We know. You aren't being very subtle," Ranmaru quips airily as the Seed gnashes his teeth together in irritation. Shindou and the boy have now successfully reached the rest of Raimon's first team, and the boy is placed between Sangoku and Shindou to keep him safe and away from the Seed. "But you still haven't told us your name. If you're going to join our club, we have to know who you are."
The defender's smile is bright, but both he and the Seed know it's false. The Seed scowls, probably realizing that Ranmaru has a point, and mutters his name in a low voice, "Tsurugi Kyousuke."
A grin settles itself on Ranmaru's face. He has won their little face off and bought enough time for Shindou to get the other boy away from the Seed and over to the rest of their teammates. "Welcome, Tsurugi-kun. If you're joining our club, we should go to the club room. You need a uniform and to be properly introduced to the rest of the team. I can show you if you want." He may not like the boy, but his offer is still completely sincere. However, having seen Tsurugi's behavior for the past few minutes, Ranmaru doubts Tsurugi will take the offer.
"Hmph. I don't need your help," Tsurugi hisses, "and before I forget, I challenge the Raimon soccer club on behalf of Fifth Sector to a match for the fate of the soccer club's existence. My team, the Black Knights, will face the Raimon Eleven, and when we win, we will replace the Raimon Eleven. Are those terms agreeable to you?" Tsurugi asks chairman Kyouzou (who has just been standing there watching one of his students beat up the other because he could or something). The chairman, being the slimy creep he is, immediately agrees to the Seed's terms.
Kyouzou looks to Shindou, "You heard him, Shindou-kun. Prepare your team for the match this afternoon."
The team is uneasy, and Ranmaru knows many of them will be too scared to stick around for the match, no matter what he says. Some of the more cowardly ones are already departing, too frightened of crossing Fifth Sector to stay, though Hayami remains weirdly enough. Ranmaru locks eyes with Shindou. They both know they won't stand a chance if they can't keep enough members for the match. Luckily, only three walk away, so the team still has eleven members. They just might be able to pull this off.
Tsurugi's smirk is full of malice, and his orange eyes meet Ranmaru's blue ones. "Thanks for the help, Ranmaru-senpai," he sneers before beginning to dart away from the remaining team members.
Ranmaru knows Tsurugi only called him by his first name to aggravate him, but the little petty voice in his head is begging for a comeback, so Ranmaru calls after him with words he will definitely come to regret in the future. "You can call me Ranmaru, Kyousuke. I don't mind."
Ranmaru can see the faintest of hints of blush on Tsurugi, no, Kyousuke's cheeks as he runs off to… somewhere, and he can hear the faint chuckles coming from his teammates. He doesn't get why they're laughing. Did he say something funny…?
His face turns the color of his hair when it finally dawns on him. Ranmaru had just given a Seed and total stranger the right to call him by his first name! Of course, his team was laughing. You didn't just let strangers call you by your first name. That was a right to be earned by friends, family, or other people close to you, and here Ranmaru was, just letting a creepy, dangerous Seed address him like they'd known each other for years! It was a dumb mistake, and Ranmaru was sure he wouldn't live it down for years to come.
Ranmaru takes a deep breath and lets the pink fade from his face before turning to the rest of his team. "We should go. The game will start soon, right Shindou?"
The captain blinks and frantically searches for a clock (no one had their phones with them, as per practice rules). "Yes, you're right, Kirino. We should go back to the soccer building and get ready." He turns to the rest of the team, "You're dismissed. Practice is over for the morning." Then he turns to the brunette, "We'll hold a try out after school in two days, uh, what's your name?"
The brunette smiles brightly, "I'm Matsukaze Tenma! Um, would it be alright for me to come to the match today too?" His smile dims into more of a shy grin, but determination burns bright in his grey eyes.
Shindou freezes, so Ranmaru steps forward with a kind smile. "Of course, Matsukaze-kun. Do you know where the stadium is? We can show you if you want."
Matsukaze beams and nods enthusiastically. "Yes, please! You can call me Tenma. Matsukaze sounds so formal."
Ranmaru hums as he pulls Shindou along to the stadium, "You can call me Ranmaru, then, Tenma, but I don't know what Shindou wants you to call him."
Shindou recovers from his daze and turns to stare at Tenma while they walk. "Shindou is fine."
Together, they make their way to the stadium where the fate of their team will be decided. Ranmaru isn't sure how he feels. Somewhere between nervous and terrified with a dash of excitement. Today, they'll take on Fifth Sector for the first time in Ranmaru's soccer career, and as great as that is, he is well aware that Fifth Sector could tear the soccer club apart like it was made of paper, which scares him stiff. But even so, there is nothing more Ranmaru wants to do than play real soccer, not the Fifth Sector communist soccer they play now, and he is willing to do anything to get it back. He knows that deep down, Shindou feels the same, but Raimon's captain is nothing if not incredibly stubborn, so Ranmaru has no way to predict how Shindou will act when they face Fifth Sector. The only way he'll truly know is when Raimon faces Fifth Sector later that day, and Ranmaru can't wait for the match to begin.
And it's done. If you hadn't noticed, my writing style has changed a bit over the years. I'm trying to write more in the present tense because I think it conveys more energy and makes the reader feel more connected with the characters. Let me know what you think.
Can you tell where this AU is going? Some events have already been altered, and this is just the first chapter. I'm excited to write this and see where it goes, and I hope you are too!