It was in the middle of September at one of the private gymnasiums that were reserved exclusively for the Special Forces personnel; they were having a group meeting regarding the roster lineup for the Fall Preliminaries. At the meeting were the current starting roster (Jin's teammates), the coaching staff-who wouldn't be present until the National tournament (most schools did this), and the athletic director of the school.

"I'm concerned too, I don't feel too confident about our second-year roster. To me, it looks like they're becoming lazy because they expect to inherit our starting spots next year…" a girl said holding a clipboard in her hand; her beauty rivaled that of Sky, except her hair was short and in a tomboyish haircut as opposed to Sky's long overflowing messy hair.

"Cassidy, we know you're concerned. But, what can we do? Technically they are correct since tradition goes that the starting roster is usually third years since they've got the experience." a boy with a slicked back mohawk said with his tentacles line in the mohawk formation with multiple hair ties keeping the green tentacles neat and wrapped.

"But Archer, we can't possible trust that lazy bunch. From what I saw at boot camp last month, they are not in the proper condition to play 'Special Forces' turf wars. If we pass the torch to them, they'll surely get creamed by the other top teams-including outside the top 10." Cassidy said with a strong conviction.

"Look Cassidy, we know that. But the matter is: We're focused on Nationals and the Grand Slams and don't care for these warm up competitions." a third one said, he wore glasses and seemed to fit the bookworm stigma.

"Ferdinand, even if we don't care about them-what still matters is that we have supporters, media and other members on the team that expect us to still play a to our championship pedigree; we're the defending National and Grand Tournament champions. Our iron tight grip on the competition in this country is beginning to weaken despite us being one of the best units this school has ever seen, and doesn't that worry you in even the slightest? Teams like Octo Valley, Squidops and Beacon Hills are deteriorating slowly as their seniors prepare to make their exit. We should take this opportunity to not fall down the same path as they are."

Archer crossed his arms, "Why are you so insistent on not having the second years take part in the prelims and winter? Wouldn't that help us if they get better?"

Cassidy put her hands on her hips and arched her back-leaning forward with a glare at Archer, "Because I don't see any potential in them. They aren't ready to be on the first team. It's going to be a waste if we let them play."

Everyone cringed at her answer, stunned by her brutal honesty. She sighed in irritation at how hopeless the conversation seemed to be heading since no one else seemed interested enough to worry about who to start for the upcoming matches. Jin glances at the coaches and athletic director, who've been quiet on this issue since they preferred the students to handle situations like this. The current goal on Special Forces was to preserve the senior roster's strength for the major tournaments and let the reserves get some practice in the upcoming tournaments. However, the problem was that the second-year squads didn't look impressive enough to compete, but the senior squad and coaching staff didn't seem too concerned about it.

"Jin, what do you think? you're our captain." Cassidy asked in a last-ditch effort to push for a solution other than starting the second years.

"Well…"-Jin puts his hands in his pockets- "My opinion on starting the second years are that they shouldn't compete, but not because of their laziness. The first years look promising..."

"First years!?" everyone echoed in unison with shocked expressions.

"Yeah, the first years we got-specifically Karotitania, and the number twins of 18 and 12. They look like the bunch that'll lead this team to even more successes." Jin said with a positive tone.

"Sometimes I can't take you serious…" Archer said while face palming; Ferdinand shook his head in dissatisfaction with Jin's answer.

"What's wrong with starting them? I thought you guys didn't care?" Jin smirked; Cassidy picked up on what Jin was thinking.

"How about it? We'll start the first years! If Jin is impressed by them then they must be good, right? Hey Jin, would you like to take them under your wing and captain them for Prelims and Winter?" Cassidy asked, looking at Jin hopes he'll accept.

"Of course, I'll turn them into monsters. But be forewarned, my guess is that we won't win prelims nor the winter tourney. They're young after all. My guess is that if we go far, by the time Nationals start, they'll be prepped and in good form to lend a helping hand."

"I'm not too thrilled to hear that, but I'll trust your judgement. For the upcoming tournaments, we'll have those three first years you mentioned be placed in your care. As for you three, outside of your studies you will be dedicating your time to training and prepare for the Nationals." Their Head Coach said; the rest of what's said becomes a blur as Jin returns from that memory and stares at his young team. They all look up to him despite the personas they had, he was the best player in the country, an absolute threat on the continent whenever he played against teams from other countries, he was a deemed a hero in similar context to Agent 3, he was the "Golden Inkling" that dominated the last two years in the sport.

Jin returns form that moment with a huge grin on his face as a rush of enthusiasm overcomes him, "Alright guys, this is your big moment. Remember that the opponent you face before you are no lightweights. There's two impact players to keep tabs on in their unit: Captain Aaron, and their Ace...Sky. They'll definitely be playing with high intensity."

"Yes, sir!" they howled; right afterwards, they made their exit to the fans who chanted Jin's name in anticipation of another spectacular performance.

As both teams make their entrance with an individual introduction-something only the finalists would get- the crowd erupts with cheer with many shouting and screaming out Jin, Aaron, and Sky in hopes to catch their attention. Pearl waves to the crowd-enjoying the attention, Austin keeps his eyes lowered-concentrating only on the match, Aaron and Sky stare forward-their minds occupied with Jin; Jin grins in anticipation. Both teams step on the platforms that transport them to their spawn area; while they were waiting in the tunnels, the arena battleground elevated thanks to the work of the grounds keepers and remodeled the grounds to look like an actual map for battle thanks to the latest technology.

In the arenas that held these tournaments, they were equipped with high technology that allowed for rapid reconstruction of the field to look however suitable depending on conditions that the committee deemed; for this match, the field was remodeled to look like a suburban neighborhood with the Rainmaker being placed right in the middle of the map. Both teams entered their spawns which were the living rooms in houses-the Elites hair turned purple in the spawn while the Special Forces' hair turned a shinier gold in their spawn. The goal for both teams were placed in the front yards nearby the entrance into the team's homes, which was relatively close to where spawn point was. The layout of the entire map was a suburban neighborhood that contained two cul-de-sacs' with many obstacles placed in the layout to fill the massive space. There was one long road that connected the two cul-de-sacs with the Rainmaker in the dead center, cars parked in various locations to serve as cover from open fire, along with high fences in the front and backyards, and trucks in various locations.

Cameras were placed all over the place to give the best possible footage with the main cameras being the bird's eye view from the highest point looking down, angled cameras on houses, cars and fences, and even a Rainmaker camera. Spectators cheered as the cameras showed the respective player during their introduction, with Sky and Jin getting most of the crowd's highest praise.

"To think a match that includes three of the top ten players in the country...It's amazing how far they've come, I remembered when those four played their first match together." Chlora said with a warm smile while recalling the happy memory.

"Yeah, back then they were just a group of nobodies that had surprising chemistry…" Ollie said plainly.

"This map is set up quite devilishly…" Gileslie said in an analytic tone while observing the turf.

"Same thought here, I'm not liking all the space that's being given...it's as though they're playing this match into Special Forces advantage." Apollo said while narrowing his eyes and crossing his arms.

"I wouldn't put it past them to try something like that, and with that current Special Forces roster? Seems way too real." Cannola said as she shook her head in disgust.

For the first time in a long time, all the Elites team were gathered together in one area to watch an Elites game together-something they hadn't done in too long since Gileslie would be busy with other things; All of them sat in a long row together, rooting for Sky and the others. They weren't the only ones who'd come to support the Elites, since Todd was also in attendance-this time alone since he personally had an investment to watching his seniors in action; he wore an outfit that concealed most of his appearance without appearing suspicious looking, wearing some shades and a scarf to cover up his face while wearing a big trench coat.

That venue change was strange, but at least I can see what they're made of...that Jin guy and the Special Forces. From what I've been hearing from others nearby is that this team is a completely new team with three first years and Jin as their leading captain. Why though? Does he not think highly of these competitions...or are these rookies that good? Either way, I'll be facing them soon, so it'll be imperative that gather as much information on these new people as possible.

At another luxury box not too far from where Saint Henry and Cap'n Cuttlefish were where the other agents and Agent 3's kids stayed to watch the match. Callie and Lime were discussing the excitement surrounding the upcoming match between the two juggernauts-both chose the Elites to win with heavy bias to Sky, Callie's comrade and Lime's younger sister. Marie and Agent 3 sat together but said nothing, preferring silence as they both drank tea while viewing the TV monitor that displayed the game. Verde and his father, Agent 4 leaned over the railing talking about their past experiences in their assignments in foreign lands. Verde took a glance at his mother, bothered by something he'd been wanting to ask ever since she lied to Azule earlier; he wraps up the conversation with his father and approaches his mother, his father giving him the nod, knowing it was rare for his children to ever communicate with their mother since she rarely talked with anyone.

"Mother…"- he said politely while taking a seat next to her and Marie- "May I ask you something?"

Agent 3 took another sip and closed her eyes to savor the taste before opening her eyes once more to stare into her son's soul, "You seem troubled, what's wrong?" she asked in an uninterested tone, her focus still on the monitor as he facial expression remained the same-cold.

Verde crossed his arms and leaned back into the seat, "It's about what happened earlier…"

Agent 3 took a deep breath and then sighed, "If it's about me using Luna's name…I had no other choice. If he finds out who I am, who knows what could happen. I only did it because I wasn't sure there was any other chance I could see him up close without giving away my identity."

Verde was a bit surprised to hear his mother say so much at once; Marie also was surprised by the response but understood 3's feelings. "You don't have to feel guilty about what you did, if Azule knew the hardships you went through to make sure him and Sky would be ensured to survive-he'd appreciate it." Marie said; Verde wanted to agree, except he ended up learning the truth about what happened to Azule and Sky in that orphanage once he did some digging into the history of the orphanage, finding history and accusations about the dark side of that environment, then piecing the connections together that something must have happened.

"Mom...I meant as to why you decided to train him while you're trying to conceal your identity from him."

Agent 3's head dropped as she stared the cup of tea, "His eyes, son. When I considered the glow in his eyes, I saw no innocence left-only a broken child filled with frustration; one who desperately in need of his mother. I didn't see the same sweet angel I left behind, instead I saw something else."-she bites her lip with a pained expression- "I don't know what happened at that institution but whatever it was, they robbed my son of something…As a mother, I couldn't help but try to do something to restore whatever pain he experienced. I know it's a risky move to train since he's already suspecting me to be his mother, but I just want to spend time with my son."

Verde fidgeted uncomfortably squeezing his hands as though in restraint, "Well, I have a cl-"

"I don't want to know what happened. I already feel terrible enough for leaving my two youngest children behind."

"But mom…"-Lime said, noticing what Verde might be looking to say- "Look at Sky, right now she's competing in the Semifinals. Can't you be positive and root for her?"

"That's true...she's been playing well. I hope she can make it to the finals…" Agent 3 said with a smile, nodding towards her eldest child.

"The match is starting; shall we take a closer look-together?" Lime said holding her hand out for her mother; her mother accepts. As they passed by Verde, Lime gives him a wink-letting him know she'll take care of it. Agent 4 tries to contain his laugh, knowing that in the family the only other person who could communicate with Agent 3 would be none other than the eldest child.

Huffing and puffing intensifies as Sky takes some deep breathes, the air in the room was being sucked and released in sync with her action; her teammates could feel the heavy pressure she was releasing, knowing that this was going to be an unprecedented performance they'd see from their Ace. For the first time, Sky looked like someone completely focused on the result with her body language stiff like a rock and her eyes locked on the exit. Aaron looked at his trio of teammates and gave his orders on what to do. The strategy was to spend the first run scoping out the area and familiarizing themselves with the surroundings and learn the map since there was a time limit of fifteen minutes and it was obvious the Rainmaker would be placed in the middle of the map.

"The key for us is to spread out and survey the area, mark down any key spots for flanking and try your best to stay alive. We're up against the best in the country." Aaron said firmly.

Sky's eyes began to glow with hunger, "Leave Special Forces to me; I'll handle them." she said confidently; the others didn't need to give a response-they knew she meant every word and wasn't going to change her mind.

Silence fills the arena as the clock displays the timer and began the countdown until the match start. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, anxious to see the phenomenon about to take place, Azule felt his heart race in fear and excitement to see his sister go up against the best team in the country, Agent 3 smiled with confidence knowing her daughter was ready for this stage, and Agent 4 watched on with little interest since he already had his pick to win the whole event.

The bell sounds and the spawns open! both sides rush out with a pair from both teams rushing from the houses. Aaron and Austin-the two who selected shooters for this map anticipating a wider field- took this as an advantage to push forward and see what's up ahead; A strong tactic used by many teams were to use weapons according to maps, and a rule of thumb that Aaron and Austin had about weapon choices were to choose them solely on map selection. On the Special Forces side, both 18 and 12 were already outside making their run for the Rainmaker while Jin and Kary stayed in the spawn. Gold ink paves the turf as 18 uses his Luna Blaster, dropping into the ink after each shot while his brother 12 used a Kelp Bamboozler, branching away and looking to detour through the backyards. The plan that was set by the Special Forces were to send two out and create a distraction: One man would create the distraction serving as the bait, and one charger who'll locate a good enough spot to splat enemies and aid in destroying the barrier of the Rainmaker.

"Go Kary, that was ten seconds." Jin said in an authoritative tone; Kary nods and swims out. As Kary disappears from his vision, Jin's face turned unpleasantly angry as he gripped his Splattershot Pro, "Where's Sky Royale…" he said with veins pulsating from his forehead.

He dashes out the house and paves his own path; from sky view, six of the eight were seen with all Special Forces players taking a different route. 18 took the straight path to the Rainmaker with his gold ink in a straight line, 12 had inked a bunch of areas but was now on top of roofs and was impressively doing a hop from one roof to the other despite them being quite a distance from each other, Kary was going the opposite way of 12-cutting through the backyards instead of climbing the roof to find her best point of attack. Over on the Elites side, Sky was taking the backyard route while keeping tabs on the main linear route where Aaron and Austin took while Pearl covered the other side of that map.

Given this massive map, more than likely their formation will be like ours: two on the main route, and two on the side routes. Since these houses serve as the perfect chance to have duels, it'll be more efficient if I utilize them and avoid traveling up onto the roof…

Sky travels into one of the homes and heads upstairs, testing out a good spot to snipe from. After finding most of the homes to be out of her range to be worth her time, she takes the risky move of heading into the Special Forces territory. She fires a couple shots and swims into the house, unaware that one of the player camera were following her now. She inks the stairs behind her and proceeds to the window and scopes the area.

"Aaron and Austin are nearing the Rainmaker, Pearl is out of my vision-I'll have to trust that she'll hold up well..."-she turns her signature weapon to the right and searches for any enemies- "I can't spot any of them. Perhaps I was off?"

Sky glares around, following the sounds of the environment. Her blue eyes sharpen as she swiftly turns around and aims her gun at the open door behind her, "Who's there!?" she barked while squatting and taking cover behind the bed.

"Heh, to think you still are as people say you are...Midnight Sky." an eccentric tone answered; Sky's eye dilated with a mixture of fear and excitement overcoming her body, that voice sounded all too familiar was getting closer and closer as their breathing grew heavier-along with their footsteps.

Sky looked at the mirror across from her and was able to spot a minute view of the body of the foe that approached; his outfit clearly identified he was indeed the enemy, but exactly who? Sky knew in the scouting report that the profiles of the Special Forces she'd be facing wasn't the same deadly team that she knew. She was aware that this new lineup consisted of fresh first years with Jin remaining the team captain. Sky mastered their nature and was able to depict who was who, so that if battle ever did ensue she was able tell everyone apart and dissect them through combat.

"An eccentric tone, brave attitude to approach me while I'm in my element...Jin Ika, captain of the Special Forces. I didn't think it'd take long to run into you." Sky said with composure.

Jin laughed, "Well, I've always wanted to face you in a head to head battle. After all, you're the legendary Agent 3's daughter. I've been waiting for this chance to see you in person again-especially when no one else is around."

Sky readied her charger and lifted her head slightly into his direction, so she could follow his footsteps despite the conversation, "Sorry, but I already have a man in my life. Try again in another hundred years."

Jin gripped his gun, "Surely you jest! We both would make a perfect pair given our capabilities. The best sniper in the country and the best attacker in the country...what a pair!"

Sky threw out her sub weapon and inked the area, jumping out the window and inking the roof, then sliding down and inking the ground and turning into squid form. She looks up to see if Jin would follow-no, she knew Jin would follow regardless. Her real concern was whether she could survive long enough for her teammates to capture the Rainmaker and deliver the Knockout victory on the young and inexperienced Special Forces team. Sky stares at the window until everything settles, not seeing Jin; her senses are alarmed and in a split second a barrage of gold ink shoots in her direction, but she double rolls out the way and then does a backwards hop out of the front yard.

A thunderous footstep hits the concrete step in the doorway, and before Sky stood the best in the country: Jin Ika, ready to battle. The audience roared in anticipation of the classic showdown between the two prodigies of Inkopolis. Bullets of sweat fall down Azule's worried face as the crushing pressure of Jin can be felt from where he was sitting, Agent 3's stone face lightened as her daughter's face was displayed on the monitor-filled with confidence and composure, Saint Henry grinned as his prey was displayed before him-licking his lips while doings so, and Shiva watched with heavy eyes as fearful thoughts crept into her mind.