Hey guys, I'm back! Just had test week, now I have holidays~ yassss~
Anyway, my friend A finally finished watching the entire series (two to three weeks, not bad, but it won't beat my two-and-a-half days) so I'll allow her to read my stories now, because she won't spoil anything for herself! XD
So, onto the reviews:
AlomaAoki: Sorry for the cliffhanger, I couldn't help it! Ah, don't worry about your English – it's better than my French, at least!
seshhxkagii99: I agree, it's kinda sad. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!
Yuki Kushina: Poor, poor Tenma :(
Sonia Kumar: It's kind of complicated, this situation. I mean, from Tenma's POV – which we've seen so far – it's completely understandable that he's hurt and also that he doesn't want to tell his team, but on the other hand, they're worried about him. It won't be long now until Raimon finds out (part of) the truth! Ah, exams suck, I just finished mine. How did yours go? Minamisawa is going to keep coming back XD I wanted Aoi to have some screen time, I mean, she'd get suspicious eventually – Tenma is very different from the anime, so she'd notice, she's the one who has known him the longest. Alright, Nishika it is! School's going fine, I have now a week off~~ very happy about that XD
Meri7: I'm glad you liked it, I hope you'll enjoy this one as well!
Hoshi no Hoshi: You're welcome, it's a pleasure!
NoLife-sama: It's kind of different from the start, isn't it? Yeah, I put Tenma through a lot of emotional torture… that's not what I had in mind when I started this story. Oops!
shiho59: The fourth time? Jeez! That's a lot! I'm glad you like it though!
R: Glad to see you liked it!
OblivionWings: Sorry for the wait! I'm glad you enjoyed the previous chapter! Minamisawa literally wrote himself, he wasn't supposed to get such a major role but he did and now he won't leave XD Sorry for the angst, I did not mean for that to happen when I started the story! I hope you'll like this chapter as well!
LaLaLa: That's one long review XD I actually snorted when I read the little dialogue between Shindou and Tenma, it was awesome (shame I didn't put that in, would've been really funny)! An ''unreliable narrator''… huh, never thought about it like that, but I guess you're right, he is kind of unreliable. Yeah, he's lonely, but I personally think it's getting better – he's bonding with younger!Raimon, even though he misses their future counterparts. Jeez. Those are a lot of reasons and all of them are… scarily accurate. I didn't really realize how much I put Tenma through *sweatdrop* oops… I'm afraid those things will only really appear in Arc 3, though, I mean, I've only written two chapters for that and damn things are really getting complicated there… trust me, you don't want to know (but you will, because eventually I'll have to upload it!)
MistyLove: Yeah, Minamisawa was never supposed to get such an important role, but he just wouldn't leave! XD And don't judge Shindou too harshly, Tenma hasn't made it easy for him – I think he was just at his limit during the whole ''seizures-what-seizures drama''. About the whole, big reveal… next chapter!
Guest: Don't we all love Tenma? I know I do, that's why I tortu- uh, write about him so much! Lots and lots of angst… oops. Alright I didn't know that song so I looked it up just now. I'm listening to it as I write this, these are my reactions: [first line] …accurate… [second line] ….accurateeee…. [third line] oh god this actually really fits [jumping off of the edge or asleep in your head] a.c.c.u.r.a.t.e. [rest of the song] oh. my. god. This is too accurate! This really fits! I can see why you would think of this (also, awesome song)! Also I keep rewinding the song because I love it!
Disclaimer: don't own
Anyway, enjoy!
Accidental Reverse Arc 2
Hikaru joins Raimon and, with extension, the soccer team.
His joining is as dramatic as the first time, with being family of Kageyama Reiji and all, but after the initial shock he's fully accepted by both players and coaches.
Well, practice is certainly interesting with him around.
Still, after a few problems at the start, Hikaru's natural talent starts to kick in and after a few practices he can already keep up with the rest of the team. Between getting some extra tips from his teammates and training on his own, it shouldn't take too long for the future forward to find his place.
Tenma takes a few trips to the ice rink, catching up on his training, and pretends his team's behavior doesn't hurt him. He spends his time befriending Hikaru and teaching him about the school itself. It's nice to see his friend, albeit a younger version of him, after almost two months of having no way to contact him.
More than anything, Tenma is happy to have a friendly face around.
After the big reveal where the team found out that their resident time traveler is hiding more than they first thought, tensions between them have been running high. They're polite enough to each other and at least his teammates are finally passing to him again, but that's where their camaraderie ends.
Tenma doesn't search them out during breaks anymore, and his first-year classmates allow him to go off on his own every day. He doesn't walk home with the second-years or bother the third-years during their free periods.
Neither party knows how to act, despite their willingness to change their current situation.
Raimon wants Tenma to open up to them.
Tenma wants Raimon to trust him.
Nothing changes, until it does – with the announcement of their next opponents, Hakuren Jr. High, and a new face making his appearance.
Fubuki Shirou.
When Fubuki arrives at Raimon, he drops a bomb on them. Hakuren has been taken over by Fifth Sector.
He tells them the story of how his team was secretly infiltrated and how he was removed from his position as coach. How there are still free players in the team.
He asks for help and it stirs something in Raimon.
''I need your help,'' says Fubuki and the pain in his voice is evident. ''Help from the power of those stirring up the winds of revolution! You!''
They don't need to think about their answer and Hakuren's ex-coach offers his knowledge. They head to the clubroom to talk it over – 'it' being Hakuren's perfect defense, Absolute Barrier – and Tenma balls his fists.
He makes a decision.
Fubuki explains the basics of Absolute Barrier and when Hayami asks how they're supposed to go against that, the man boldly exclaims, ''you'll need an even stronger hissatsu tactics to break past it.''
Kidou comes with his input and Tenma watches the events unravel themselves like he remembers. ''We need two players who both have the speed to get past Absolute Barrier and enough finishing power to score goals,'' says Fubuki.
''Speed and finishing power…'' mutters Shindou thoughtfully.
Another voice breaks the heavy pressure in the room. ''We've got Tsurugi and Tenma,'' says Kurama. ''They're both fast and Tsurugi has a Keshin while Tenma has his Soul powers. If there's anyone fit for the job, it's them.''
''What about you, Kurama?'' asks Hamano.
The dark-skinned boy grins. ''I'll be the decoy. As long as I occupy the defense, these guys will have an easier time attacking.''
It seems everyone is in agreement. ''Alright, Tsurugi and Tenma,'' says Shindou decisively. ''Are you up for it?'' The Seedling nods in confirmation.
Tenma, however, sighs. He knows what he has to do, but that doesn't mean he has to like it.
''I won't do it.''
It's like he sprayed them all with ice water, with how fast all the attention is turned to him. ''What?'' Shindou asks, his eyes wide. ''Why not?''
The brunet smiles ruefully. ''I'm unreliable,'' he answers simply. ''I can't guarantee that I won't have to use my Soul Powers before we break through Absolute Barrier, and there's a time limit, so it's too risky to base everything on just that. If it ends up failing, I only have one hissatsu technique and it's not certain that it'll break past the keeper. Besides, I'm not the fastest. Or rather, I wouldn't be able to keep up with Tsurugi's passes,'' he tells them, fighting a smirk when he sees the troubled looks on his teammate's faces when they realize they only have one for the hissatsu tactics. ''However, Hikaru can.''
''Me?'' repeats the newest soccer player, shock written all over his face. ''Tenma-kun, I-''
The brunet grins at him. ''You can do it. I believe in you.''
Hikaru hesitates for a moment, but Tenma's confidence in him is clear and eventually he nods. ''Al- alright, I'll do it.''
Endou takes charge. ''Alright then, everyone to the inside field.''
The Raimon soccer club quickly follows the coach's orders and a few minutes later, they've arrived at the school stadium. As Kidou and Fubuki go over the details once more, a voice catches Tenma's attention. ''Are you sure about this?''
The brunet looks up, a little surprised to find Shindou next to him, after practically avoiding each other for days. Still, he nods and answers, ''yeah. I meant what I said – my speed isn't really attuned to others. That would mess up the rhythm and it wouldn't work,'' he explains. ''Hikaru, though, he's been practicing to play with a team and he's as fast as me, if not faster. Besides, I think he has more potential than one might think at first glance.''
The captain follows Tenma's gaze, his brown eyes settling on their newest member. ''You seem certain.''
The brunet snorts. ''I am. You should know by now, DQE-senpai, that I don't do things by halves.'' He grins at the game maker and then starts making his way to give Hikaru some much-needed confidence talk.
''Are you ever going to tell me what that means?'' Shindou calls after him.
His only answer is a cackle.
They practice for days and while both Hikaru and Tsurugi mess up a lot, the hissatsu tactics is slowly starting to form the Double Wing Tenma remembers.
Soon they get the news that Nishiki is returning from Italy. The atmosphere is lighter than it has been in days, with Hamano teasing Midori and Shindou telling their first years about the Italian Soccer League player.
It also helps with firing the team up. Practice continues, with more energy than any of the days before. The mess Raimon has become is slowly starting to sort itself out.
Sunday morning, a few hours before their match, Tenma is working on his homework in his room when Aki suddenly enters.
''Tenma! You should see this!''
He has never seen her so… thrilled before, so without pause he pushes his chair back, easily spotting the paper Aki is holding in her hands. A grin splits his face, for he's pretty sure he already knows what this is about.
''Jiro-san's article?'' he asks even as he takes the offered newspaper from her. He doesn't need a response, for the big bold letters on the front page are answer enough.
FIFTH SECTOR – SAINTS OR MONSTERS?
For almost sixty years, soccer is easily the most important sport in the world. Japan, especially, has brought forth some great players and teams. Most famous, though, would be the junior high tournaments, which have taken the world by storm many times before and continue to do so.
Five years ago, a new organization suddenly took the stage of the soccer world. Known as 'Fifth Sector', it was a whole new system. New tournaments, bigger and greater than ever before. Before the Japanese people knew it, Fifth Sector had become one of the most major soccer institutions in the country. It took them less than a year to take out all of their competitors and become the main source of soccer entertainment in the country.
It was a wild success. There was more money involved, gambling, sponsors – soccer grew even wilder than it was before and many might call it a 'golden era' for the Japanese soccer world.
However, after Fifth Sector became big, some weird things happened. It was covered up almost perfectly and it was hard to connect the dots, but once noticed, it's impossible to miss. This never reached the light, though, because everyone who looked into it disappeared under mysterious circumstances and were never heard of again.
Fifth Sector took over and matches started changing. They became less enthusiastic, less thrilling, less risky. The big teams were as amazing as they had always been, but the matches between smaller clubs changed. No longer was it a test between the best, it seemed. The teams missed perfect chances to score, started missing passes they could easily make before, stopped blocking their opponents. And while this could be seen as coincidence, it happened too much to ignore.
That was because the matches had, indeed, changed. It wasn't a competition of skill, it was one of money. There is evidence, coming from Fifth Sector itself, pointing to fake matches. The score of the matches was decided before they were even played.
And it still is. The winner of the matches is decided and a score is chosen weeks before the actual events. Tournaments are complete set ups.
''I only joined a soccer team recently and my new teammates told me of Fifth Sector. They told me they didn't get to play free soccer, instead it was decided before playing the actual match,'' revealed a soccer player who wishes to remain anonymous. ''A week before our first match, we received a note. It merely showed the two team logos and the decided score. I couldn't believe it, but it was true. And my team followed the order.''
When asked why, the answer that followed was horrifying. ''Apparently, if we didn't do as ordered, we'd get… suspended. Thrown off the team and maybe, in the worst cases, the club would be shut down. Anyone who rebels is dealt with harshly and swiftly. Players are either forced to leave the team or send to a re-education center. Coaches and trainers are fired or just vanish completely. For example, coach Fubuki Shirou, from Hakuren Jr. High. It's not public knowledge, but a few months ago, he disappeared. Not even his own team knows what happened to him, only that he's gone. At the same time, Hakuren got two new players and a new coach.''
These new players were specifically sent by Fifth Sector, as their Reinforcement Students. The soccer teams themselves call them by a different name, Seeds. They are trained by Fifth Sector in an environment that can only be speculated, but, judging from their skills, it's not a kind one. There are two kinds of Seeds: number one, the visible players, tasked with intimidating a team into cooperating with Fifth Sector, and number two, the invisible ones, who work on the uncertainties between the team. They manipulate their teammates until the players they want gone either quit, join their cause, or are suspended.
''As far as I'm aware, all teams have been infiltrated by Seeds. They're horrible, absolutely horrible. They're not afraid of anything and they won't stop, no matter what. The famous Mannouzaka-Raimon match, where the latter was beaten up by their opponents until they could no longer move, was mostly directed by Mannouzaka's Seeds. The main offenders, Mitsuyoshi Yozakura, Shinoyama Mitsuru and Isozaki Kenma, are all known Seeds. That is just one example, but there are actual reports of people never being able to play soccer again because of the injuries inflicted on them by Fifth's agents.''
The team has to go along with their Seeds or the repercussions could be horrible. Fifth Sector is, in the junior high soccer world, not known for their just character. The few coaches who haven't been replaced by Fifth Sector's agents are careful and timid, in fear of being removed or worse. Scores are decided before matches are played and anyone who might go against it disappears.
The Holy Emperor, leader of Fifth Sector, has full control of the organization and, by extension, the soccer world. The view of an adult who keeps an eye on the teenage soccer world has been forcefully ripped apart to show what lies underneath: something that could only be compared to the dictatorship that has ruled many countries in the past.
''I know people will wonder why I'm telling you this,'' says our source, ''and I get that. I mean, if Fifth Sector ever found out who I really am, I don't ever want to think about what will happen to me. I'm terrified of them finding out, but… what they do is wrong, and if I have the chance to change it, no matter how small, I'll take it. Because it's the right thing to do.''
Is Fifth Sector really the saint it appeared to be until now? Evidence says no, but much is yet undiscovered. Are they monsters under their holy disguises? Maybe, but that is still to be seen. Whatever the case, Fifth Sector is more than it seemed to be, and perhaps they are more of a danger to our children than we ever imagined.
Next time: Fifth Sector – Sponsors and Seeds.
By: Kishi Jiro
Tenma reads it twice.
It's better than he ever could have hoped.
''I- I don't know what to say,'' he mutters after a while. ''This is- this is more than I could ever imagine.''
''Well, maybe you should tell that to the journalist herself?'' Aki smiles, holding up a phone, a call going on right at that moment.
Tenma isn't sure when she called Jiro, but he doesn't care either. Instead he accepts the phone and presses it to his ear. ''Jiro-san, that was amazing!''
The girl on the other side laughs. ''You read it, then. I'm glad it has your approval. Didn't want to mess anything up.''
''My approval? This is way better than anything I ever could've thought of!'' he tells her honestly.
Even without seeing her face, he knows she's grinning. ''Seems like you're not the only one impressed, kiddo. Have you seen the forums yet?''
The brunet blinks. ''Forums?''
''Check the internet. You know, the famous sports forums? Sports4U, L!veB^ll, SoccerWorld? They're going crazy.''
Tenma does know them. Has some accounts on them, too.
(Okay, so he's maybe a bit of a fan. Maybe. And only just a little bit.)
(He ignores the Tsurugi-voice snorting in disbelief.)
Turning on his laptop and logging in on the SoccerWorld is a matter of minutes, and once he checks the main forum, his eyes widen in disbelief.
.
forevah-soccah-fan – 2m
OH MY GOD DID YOU SEE THI D
.
Peachpokemon – 2m
what the hell did i just READ
.
Ceryl56 – 1m
Im confused? is this for real? or a prank?
.
cameraPOPTARTS – 1m
I can't believe this. What this is implying – if what this 'anonymous player' says is true, it means that Fifth Sector basically kidnapped people. And those Seeds, it's heavily implied that they go through some crazy training program and are technically brainwashed to the point where they would willingly hurt others. And that's even without counting the scores being decided before the actual match.
.
SmileyCharming2 – 1m
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK guys this is terrifying, I'm really scared, my little brother wanted to become a soccer player, if this is true what would've happened to him oh my god
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kickin'theball – 54s
If 5th really is doing all this shit we gotta stop em. We can't let them get away with this, those fucking assholes can't just waltz up here and start hurting others
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Hell-Hound666 – 41s
kickin'theball but that's only if it's really true
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diedinsideYOLO – 33s
Hell-Hound666 you don't believe it?
.
Hell-Hound666 – 24s
diedinsideYOLO I don't know… I guess they wouldn't write something like this without actual evidence, but it's rlly crazy… I don't know if this is real or not
.
cameraPOPTARTS – 9s
diedinsideYOLO, Hell-Hound666, it could be fake, but Hell's right. They wouldn't actually write something like this without proof, right? And this doesn't exactly sound like something that's made up. It's too insane for that. Anyway, I'm going to look for some clues – best research is always done on your own, after all.
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diedinsideYOLO – 1s
cameraPOPTARTS good luck
.
Tenma scrolls through the comments. It's one of the smaller chats, for the actual forum is going completely crazy. ''Oh my god…''
''It's working,'' agrees Jiro. ''Everyone's talking about it and I even saw that some YouTubers made videos about it. It should be in the news by tonight. This reaction is so big, it's impossible to miss. Besides, it's already on quite a few sport talk shows. Insane, I tell you.''
The brunet runs a hand through his hair. ''I can't believe they actually let you publish it.'' That had certainly caused some worry – Jiro is still an aspiring journalist without a steady job. Her article could've gone ignored.
The older girl grunts in agreement. ''No worries. It took some convincing, but they know me. I'm pretty trustworthy and besides, they already lost a few guys to this topic. The only thing they were really worried about was my safety,'' she says and then seems to pause in thought. ''About that, it's time to wear the chips and communicators. We've started for real now, Fifth will be looking for us.''
The time traveler nods in agreement before remembering that the other can't see him. ''You're right,'' he says instead. ''I'll put them on before I leave later.''
''About that, good luck during the match. Think it'll work out?''
''I think so,'' answers Tenma. ''We're prepared. From what I know about Hakuren, we're pretty evenly matched, and we've got some hidden cards. Unless something really bad happens, we'll be fine.''
Jiro sighs, ''alright then. Talk to you later?''
''Yeah, and say hi to everyone at the HQ.''
That gets a laugh out of her. ''HQ, huh? Well, I guess it does count as our headquarters. Anyway, will do, and do your best!''
''I will,'' he promises and then they end the call.
Aki has disappeared after giving him the phone, probably to continue her duties as owner of the Kogarashi Manor, and after a moment Tenma makes his way out of his room to search for her.
It's time to install some hidden chips.
Tenma gently touches the small device in his ear. It's almost completely hidden, only visible if someone looks really closely. It fits comfortably but it's still a weird sensation.
''Stop fiddling with it.'' The brunet startles at the sudden voice in his ear, not used to it yet. ''I know it feels strange, but you'll get used to it soon enough. Besides, you don't want to draw attention to it,'' adds Seiji.
The time traveler obediently lowers his hand and instead distracts himself with his teammates' reactions once they see Snowland Stadium for the first time.
''What is this?''
''It's frozen solid!''
Tenma breathes out slowly, watching how his breath forms a small white cloud, and then lets his eyes scan the bright blue ice walls of the stadium. It's cold, but durable. Besides, they'll warm up during the actual match.
''Today's game between Raimon and Hakuren takes place at Snowland Stadium!'' the lights turn on, empathizing the blue ice field even more.
Soon enough, both teams are on the fields, warming up. Tenma keeps some distance from his teammates, checking out the slippery field. He's incredibly glad for the insight he had in finding an ice rink, because while soccer shoes and skates may be different, at least now he's found his balance again when he's on the ice.
The spikes on their shoes is what throws his teammates off, what threw him off when he first played on this field.
But, looking at Hakuren and remembering their first match, it's still possible to play here. He just has to find the right balance.
The brunet experiments with it for a while, sliding over the ice and trying to make sharp turns without falling. At the beginning, he ends up having to catch himself too many times to count, but soon enough he's getting the hang of it. Instead of fighting the spikes beneath his shoes, he uses them to control how he moves.
Tenma smiles to himself. This should work.
Barely ten minutes later both teams are in position. A whistle blows and the match starts with Raimon's kick-off.
It's horrible.
They lose the ball within seconds. The slippery ice makes the ball speed up and at the same time keeps Raimon from finding their footing to adjust.
Tenma grits his teeth as he watches his team struggle. He wants to help them, but he can't – not yet. The first few minutes he waits for an opportunity and the moment it presents itself, he takes it.
The slickness that stops his teammates from playing to their full abilities instead gives him more speed than he could ever get out of his thirteen-year-old body.
The sliding he makes is perfectly timed and the ball is kicked away from the Hakuren midfielder. The brunet pushes himself up, ignoring the coldness of the ice beneath his palm, and goes for the ball.
Another midfielder moves towards him and he sees the teenager smirk. That smirk changes into a look of shock, however, when Tenma literally slides around him without breaking pace even once.
''Matsukaze manages to break past Kitaki with an incredible move! His team might be struggling, but Matsukaze seems to have mastered the ice field within minutes!''
The time traveler grins. They haven't seen anything yet.
In a mix of running and sliding, he crosses the field. The Hakuren players only use their spikes to control their running, and that's what Tenma did too the first time he played on this field. Only now he finds that it's easier, for him at least, if he changes his movements so that rather than running, he's skating. Steps that turn into long strides, turns that become sharp twists, sliding rather than walking.
He never took to ice skating as much as he did to swimming, but that doesn't mean his father didn't make sure he wasn't trained.
And then Yukimura is there.
The Seed-who-will-soon-be-a-Seedling-if-Tenma-has-anything-to-say-about-it seems very determined to stop the brunet.
Unfortunately, he succeeds.
The moment the ball gets stolen from him, the time traveler twists around and runs/skates after the Hakuren forward. Yukimura manages to outrun him because the other Hakuren players get in his way, but Kirino steals the ball back with a sliding and saves Raimon from losing their first point.
The next fifteen minutes mostly exist out of repeating that sequence of events, with a few close calls for Raimon, until finally the ball is kicked over the sidelines. Raimon's resident time traveler skates back to their half of the field, but before he can return to his position, Shindou stops him. ''Tenma!''
''Hm?'' the brunet looks at the game maker. ''What is it?''
''How are you doing that? Running?''
It seems Shindou is not the only one interested in that, for all of Raimon's members are listening in on their conversation. ''Instead of fighting the spikes on your shoes, use them,'' explains Tenma. ''You can use them to control your movements and kind of slide, like the Hakuren players are doing.''
Kirino, who has joined them, frowns. ''But that's not what you're doing,'' he points out.
The brunet shakes his head. ''No, I'm more skating than running,'' he agrees. ''I wouldn't recommend it, though. I've been taught how to skate from the moment I could walk, but I doubt it's the same for you.''
Shindou nods in agreement. ''No, I imagine not. We'll just use the spikes method,'' he says decisively. ''Oh, and Tenma,'' he adds when he sees his younger friend starting to return to his position. ''Skating?''
The time traveler grins. ''I'll tell you later.''
The captain nods again and soon enough, the match resumes. Now that they've figured out how to use the field, Raimon manages to keep up with Hakuren and they're evenly matched for the next ten minutes.
With barely ten minutes left in the first half, Yukimura steals the ball from Hikaru and breaks past Raimon's defense.
''Stop him!'' yells Shindou, making an attempt to block the Hakuren forward. Unfortunately, Yukimura was expecting him and twists out of the way, immediately continuing his dash through Raimon's half afterwards.
He passes the defense and then kicks twice into the air. Red eyes form and a panther roars as the forward kicks the glowing white ball. ''Panther Blizzard!'' It shoots towards Raimon goal with an unimaginable force behind it, leaving an icy blue streak.
Sangoku jumps in the air and tries to punch the ground, but before he can even say 'Fence of Gaia', the ball shoots past him. ''Goal! Forward Yukimura pulls the score in Hakuren's favor!''
Tenma grits his teeth as he sees Sangoku punching the ground in frustration.
(Not that he's surprised. In the future, Hakuren's known as one of the fastest teams there are, especially with Yukimura around. He has even given both Tenma and Taiyou some lessons – when Shirosaki Katsuya, current captain and Seed, left the team, Yukimura was chosen as the new captain. The three of them have become good friends due to their similar situations – only first-years and already captains of their teams.)
The match resumes and Raimon brings the ball close to Hakuren's goal for the first time. Hamano uses his Surfing Pierrot to break past the defense and then passes, ''Shindou!''
The captain easily accepts the pass but it stopped by another defender. He kicks the ball twice and suddenly disappears. ''Presto Turn!'' the game maker breaks past and makes eye contact with their resident Seedling. ''Tsurugi!''
Raimon's forward takes the ball and moves towards the goal. He jumps into the sky, dark energy surrounding both him and the ball. ''Death Drop!''
Hakuren's keeper, Shirosaki, holds out a hand and a huge snow flake manifests, guarding the goal. ''Crystal Barrier!''
It's a powerful technique, but so is Tsurugi's.
The ball breaks past, but it has lost power and the keeper hissatsu has disrupted its path. It shoots sidewards and bounces of the goalpost, barely saving Hakuren from losing a point.
''So close!'' mutters Tenma, watching Shirosaki for a moment before returning to his own position. Once there, his eyes stray towards Hakuren's bench and the Seed sitting there. Seki Ganjirou, a big and muscular forward, is sitting impatiently next to his coach. Raimon's time traveler bites on his lower lip as he watches the Seed. 'Last time, he injured San-san and I was forced to act as goalkeeper. But now… I don't have my Keshin. I'd make a pretty unreliable keeper, for all the experience I've got.'
The only way to avoid that dilemma is by keeping Sangoku from getting hurt, but Seki will deliberately go for the keeper. If it was anyone else, Tenma might've been able to protect them, but he's a midfielder – he can't stay close to the goal the whole match.
The match resumes and Tsurugi again gets the ball. Shirosaki, however, is prepared this time. ''Makari!''
Makari, a green-haired defender, nods and spreads his arms, as if blocking something. ''Hissatsu tactics!'' four others surround him and take the same pose. Ice rises up around them and encompasses them, hiding them from sight. ''Absolute Barrier!''
Tsurugi attempts to break through, but he's blocked. ''Hakuren's hissatsu tactics stops Raimon's attack!''
Raimon gathers around Shindou. ''Tsurugi, Hikaru,'' he addresses their two forwards. ''Are you ready to use Double Wing?''
The two share a look. The Seedling merely nods, but Hikaru bites his lip and averts his gaze. ''I- I don't know if I can do it,'' he admits softly.
Before Shindou can say something, Tenma steps forward and places a hand on the forward's shoulder for a moment before lowering it again. Hikaru looks up, uncertainty swirling in his dark eyes, and the time traveler gives him a kind smile. ''You can,'' he says, without even a hint of hesitation. ''You've trained for this harder than anyone else. You've got the speed and power to make the finishing shot. If there's anyone who can do it, it's you.''
Hikaru doesn't look completely convinced. ''But- but you are so much better for this role. You would-''
''-collapse before I even make it past Absolute Barrier.''
If he said he was going to quit the team, they would've been less shocked than they are now.
Hikaru's eyes are wide as he stares at Tenma, his lips soundlessly repeating the words. Both Tsurugi and Shindou have alarmed and shocked looks on their faces, and the other teammates who were listening on the conversation are much the same.
The only one who isn't stunned into silence is Sangoku.
''Tenma…'' he trails off but continues when grey eyes meet his. ''Are you… sure?''
The time traveler smiles ruefully. ''I've thought a lot about it the past few days and to be honest, you were right. The team has a right to know.'' He turns away from the keeper and instead focuses on Hikaru again. ''One of the reasons I told you to do it is that I'm physically not as alright as I'd like people to believe. Even if that wasn't the case, I probably wouldn't be able to perfect Double Wing. I meant it when I said you were better fit for this than me. I might be faster with running, but my passes would definitely fail.''
The young forward nods hesitantly, but now it seems more out of concern for the brunet than worries that he won't be able to finish Double Wing.
''Tenma,'' says Shindou softly, pulling the attention to him. ''What-''
The younger midfielder cuts him off by shaking his head. ''Not now,'' he says instead. ''The first half ends in a few minutes. We'll talk then.''
The captain doesn't seem happy but he nods, realizing that Tenma's decision is the most logical one. He raises his voice, ''everyone back to your positions!''
It doesn't take long for the match to continue and soon the ball is passed to Tsurugi. Hakuren doesn't hesitate and the five players take their positions. ''Hissatsu tactics! Absolute Barrier!''
The Seedling shares a look with Hikaru and then passes to the newest forward, who returns it without a hitch. The passes between them connect and four other players pass them. Kariya and Hayami run in front of Hikaru while Shindou and Hamano take their positions in front of Tsurugi.
Yellow fire rises up around the six players, forming two spear points with two smaller ones inside them. A second later, the fire rises up and encompasses them and the two 'wings' race forward. ''Hissatsu tactics!'' calls Shindou, ''Double Wing!''
''Double Wing!'' echo Hikaru and Tsurugi.
Makari, the player leading Absolute Barrier, calls out ''right!'' and the ice block moves to block the right wing.
Upon impact, it shatters, showing Tsurugi, Hamano and Shindou.
And no ball.
The other wing races past the block of ice and the yellow ice dissipates, revealing Hayami, Kariya and Hikaru, in possession of the ball.
The moment of glory is short, for out of nowhere, Yukimura shoots in front of the three Raimon players and steals the ball from them. Without a pause he turns around and races to Raimon's half. Hakuren's passes connect and they soon Yukimura is in possession of the ball again, standing right in front of the goal.
A dark cloud of energy rises up behind him and dissipates to reveal a white figure. ''Abounding Snowfall Saya!''
Tenma gasps as the Keshin's energy washes over him. Something inside him tries to claw its way to the surface and the brunet forcefully pushes it down. Agony burns through his veins and body and he can hear his heart thumping in his ears, blocking out most of the sound around him.
Agony.
He stumbles and falls to his knees, barely keeping himself from screaming. He wrenches his eyes open, just in time to see Amagi punch the ground. ''Viva! The Great Wall of China!'' A high wall rises up but Yukimura breaks through with pure force alone.
He prepares to shoot, the ball surrounded by blue and purple light. ''Icicle Road!'' his Keshin gives the ball an extra push and surrounded by ice, it flies towards the goal. Sangoku doesn't even have time to respond.
''Goal! Yukimura's Keshin shoot brings the score to 2-0 for Hakuren!''
Then two whistles blow and the first half ends. Tenma grimaces and forces himself to stand up, ignoring the trembling of his body, and walks towards the Raimon bench. Halfway there he's joined by Sangoku. ''You okay?'' asks the keeper softly.
The time traveler jerks his head down in a sharp nod, not trusting his own voice not to shake. The keeper watches him worriedly but doesn't say anything else.
The brunet is grateful for the silence as he tries to order his thoughts. From the looks his teammates are giving him, they haven't forgotten his promise to finally shed some light on the situation. There's no getting out of it now.
Tenma breathes out slowly.
Time to face the music.
So, that was chapter 23! I'm not sorry for the cliffhanger, muhahaha~! Next chapter: Raimon finally finds out about Tenma's Keshin~! Look forward to it!
- Yara