Welcome back to chapter 27 of AR and the last chapter of Arc 2!
Yuki Kushina: YEET, glad you liked it XD
R: Yes they do :'D
ShadowStriker: I'm glad you found it funny, I personally loved it too (you can thank my meme friends for inspiring this). Also, YEET is kind of a meme/vine, the basic idea started when someone had an empty bottle (or something) and just kind of went ''this b*tch empty'' and then threw it away (like, literally threw it as far as they could) while screaming ''YEET'' at the top of their lungs. Then it became a meme so now, whenever someone throws something away, it's appropriate to scream it XD You should probably look it up if you really want to understand it. I'm glad you like the name Soar, I thought about it for a long time!
Sonia Kumar: Hey there Nishika! Been awhile, huh? XD Sorry about that! Lots of developments in the previous chapter, huh? And thanks, I like the name Soar too! I have no idea how I came up with it. Yeah, I love Tsurugi Tenma friendship too! I'm really glad you liked the previous chapter ^.^ even though it's been so long... the Keshin situation is going to get some development in Arc 3, so look forward to it! Oh yeah, I'm a huge softie, Archie always tells me I am... and then she calls me a sadist XD And yes, I love cliffhangers too. Wow, it's already holidays again for me... and then another test week :'( Hopefully I'll have more time to write after that, though! Hopefully I'll have a new laptop by then - because mine is still broken and I'm using Archerr's laptop to write this. In fact, she's cheering behind me because you said you'd support her if she killed me - how dare you, Nishiki?! I thought I could trust you! :'( My meme friends have influenced me too much, yeah. And a happy delayed new year and christmas to you too~! I hope you enjoy this chappie!
Coco Baldwin: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! And happy delayed holidays to you too!
shiho59: Ah, I'm glad you're not mad! I'm also glad you liked the previous chapter (sorry for the wait), especially the meme moment - I wasn't sure if that'd go over well, so I'm glad it did - and I hope you'll enjoy this one too!
2ndOutOf7: Thank you, I'm glad you liked it, and it makes me happy to you know you like my other stories as well (even with the large update gaps... I'm really sorry about those)! Anyway, enjoy!
Hoshi no Hoshi: You're welcome! ^.^
Guest: I have a personal life, which is more important to me than fanfiction. I write for myself, not for anyone else, and I upload it here so others can enjoy it - if someone chooses not to because they get bored, then that's fine to me. I have friends who I know will support me, especially when I'm having a hard time, and that's all that really matters.
LaLaLa: Don't worry, I'm late too - because my laptop is broken (I'm using Archerr's laptop for this). I love the baby captains too, it's so adorable ^.^ Oh my god, I keep cracking up at the 'running away from his problems part', that's hilarious (and true)! Yeah, Tenma's recruitment tactics could use some work... right now it's a mix between ''oops I didn't mean to say that'' and ''WELL IT'S A CHOICE BETWEEN BAD AND WORSE'', which is hilarious. Yeah, people just end up going along with it all - and you're right, Tenma would be the next Holy Emperor, except that he's a minor XD 90% are cinnamon rolls, can confirm! And the Yukimura article, not really. There are quite some Keshin users through the entirety of Japan and while Yuki's name was stated in that article, it was only because he set a record, and to others he's still a good Seed. Mostly. Besides, Fifth Sector is too busy focusing on Raimon to worry about him. Sangomom for the win! Oh yes I love Go!Trio here too and that's going to keep coming back because I'm secretly a big softie. Little rascal, I love that so much. Kidou should be terrified, yes XD I'm glad you liked the Tsurugi-Tenma bonding moment! Oh my god you're completely right about the red wine thing, I can totally see that happening too XD Yeah, Raimon's going to keep an eye on their little rascal, also because he gets himself into lots of trouble. Lots. Yeah, the YEET was my favorite too :'D The Keshin thing is the build-up MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA- uhm, sorry, that totally didn't happen ^^' Also, more about the Keshin later! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Guest: He already appeared, I just used his Japanese name - Yuuichi.
Guest: Sorry for the wait, my laptop crashed!
Catmeow123: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
7Yacoub: Yes, torturing readers is our favorite pasttime! Ah, I haven't updated since December... but that's because my laptop crashed XD I'm glad you liked it and I will! Ah, this is Arc 2's last chapter, so the chapter after this will be Arc 3's start - hopefully I can get to that soon.
Mizuki Kokoa: Hey there Kokoa-chan! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter XD Yeah, the field idea was too tempting, I couldn't help it! I'm glad you liked the Tsurugi-Tenma moment (which Archerr has nicknamed the ''strangle moment'', she's never getting over that) Yukimura's adorable, I agree. Thank you!
seshhxkagii99: Thank you, it makes me really happy to know you like my story so much! Ah, yeah, there will be an Arc 3! Chrono Stone is (probably) going to be part of this story, but it might become a sequel of sorts if this gets too long. Yeah, Gouenji will be more important later on - about Kidou, I don't quite know yet. Tenma's attacks will be dealt with in Arc 3, so just wait for that! Happy delayed holidays to you too, and I'm glad my stories have had that effect on you - don't worry, I don't really like Ares either XD
annalisa7: Ah, okay, that's a shame! Bye bye!
Zeaphir: Wow, you read all 26 at once? O.O I'm glad you like it so much, that makes me really happy. I'm glad the ideas I had for this - weak plot points, humor and reality - are working out. Honestly, I'm just winging the humor part, I just kind of... come up with it and then write it, y'know? I don't really know why or how XD It makes me really happy to see how much you enjoyed it, that makes it all worth it. About the translating reuqest, I'm a little hesitant about that - Accidental Reverse is very important to me, so I'm not sure if I'd feel comfortable with handing it over to other people (especially when I can't read it myself, considering my French is still very basic). I'll think about it for a while, if that's alright with you?
Lightonyx: Ah, welcome back! How'd your exams go? I hope they went well! I'm glad you liked the chapters you missed before XD I personally loved the Tsurugi-Tenma bonding moment too. More Keshin revelations in Arc 3, so you'll just have to wait and see! Nah, don't worry, I like questions and I don't mind answering them XD Ah, sorry for the wait - my laptop crashed, so I'm using Archerr's laptop for this (I didn't have a chance to do so before). I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
Disclaimer: don't own
So, I wanted to explain something.
The reason I haven't uploaded in so long is because my laptop basically crashed. Internet doesn't exactly work anymore - word, luckily, still does, so I managed to save my stories - but uploading's been out of the question for weeks now. Which is why this is so late.
In fact, I am using Archerr's laptop for this (I didn't have a chance to before, because both of us were busy).
I'm so sorry for the lack of updates, but I hope you guys understand and aren't mad. I know it sucks, but I'm going to look for a laptop this week, so hopefully I'll be able to get back into writing soon, because using Archerr's laptop can't exactly become a normal thing. It's terribly inconvenient, for both of us.
Accidental Reverse Arc 2
It soon becomes obvious that Kidokawa Seishuu is fighting amongst themselves.
Or, rather, that one of their forwards – Taki Sousuke – is trying to do everything on his own, much like Tsurugi used to do.
(Tenma remembers this. It was the same the first time 'round, and so he also remembers that Taki Sousuke's younger brother, Yoshihiko, eventually managed to convince Sousuke to play with everyone (he hopes it doesn't take long for that to happen – he'd much rather see Kidokawa as a real team, like the incredible team they will become in the future, than what they are now [they have so much potential.]))
But so far, Sousuke keeps cutting off the passes between his teammates and instead goes for the goal all by himself. He breaks past Raimon's defense but is cut off by a pitch-down.
The ball ends up in the water.
''I'm switching Kamiya out for Taki Yoshihiko!''
Raimon gets a free kick and the younger Taki brother enters the field. Shindou is the one to take the free kick and passes to Hamano. ''Flying Route Pass!'' he orders.
The ball goes from Hamano to Tsurugi, but an unexpected pitch-down causes the ball to end up in Kidokawa's possession. ''Hissatsu Tactics! God Triangle!'' with their skillful passes, they managed to avoid another pitch-down.
Raimon's defense tries to stop them, but Kidokawa breaks through. It's passed to Yoshihiko, who has a clear vision on the goal, but before he can shoot his brother knocks him out of the way. ''Shove it!'' He kicks the ball and it flies over Sangoku's head, curving towards the net.
Suddenly Shinsuke is there, jumping high and knocking the ball out of the way with his head.
Sangoku, after getting over his shock, helps the younger player up and praises him. Soon the match continues and Sousuke steals the ball out of the air. He breaks past Raimon's player until Kariya uses his Hunter's Net to stop him.
Kidokawa Seishuu is an absolute mess.
Yoshihiko keeps trying to convince his brother to listen, but Sousuke ignores him. Raimon, meanwhile, gets the ball and their passes connect. Kidokawa, however, manages to steal it back.
Tenma wipes at his brow, panting heavily. 'Everyone is giving their all.' He breaks out into a run again, ignoring the exhaustion wearing him down. He can see it on everyone. 'We're leading, for now, but Kidokawa is strong. I doubt that the score stays like this if Kidokawa Seishuu starts really working together.'
Kidokawa's passes connect and they don't allow Raimon to touch the ball even once. Kurumada attempts to stop the player in possession of the ball, but he passes it to Sousuke.
Raimon blocks him and all his teammates, and the forward looks around for someone to pass the ball to until he suddenly sees his younger brother.
He grins.
So does Tenma.
'Finally. Now the game can really start.'
Sousuke passes. ''Go, Yoshihiko!'' the younger hesitates, but his brother doesn't. ''Shoot! Make the goal!''
The younger player smiles, jumps and kicks.
Sangoku won't be capable of stopping it.
''Shinsuke-kun!'' calls Kariya. ''Jump in!'' The two Raimon defenders run towards each other. Shinsuke jumps and Kariya slides, and the small player lands on the tealhead's feet. Said tealhead then launches him into the sky.
''Rage Jump Defense!'' they call together.
Shinsuke hits the ball with his head and stops it. The game continues, this time with the ball in Raimon's possession, but it's soon stolen by Kidokawa Seishuu. It's passed to Kishibe and he runs towards the goal. Two of his teammates join him and all three of them kick the ball, which glows red. ''Triangle ZZ!''
Sangoku jumps to stop it, but it's too fast. ''Goal! Kidokawa Seishuu pulls the score to a tie again! There's not much time left now!''
The match continues and soon, the ball is passed to Shindou. ''God's Baton!'' a yellow line forms around his hand and he directs it over the field. ''Tenma! Blow past the opponent and bring it to Nishiki!''
The brunet follows the glowing line and with a flicker of blue eyes, breaks past the Kidokawa Seishuu players. ''Nishiki-senpai!''
A cloud of blue rises up behind the third-year.
'Oh come on.'
''Sengoku War God Musashi!''
Well hello agony, how're the wife and kids?
As if that's not enough, the keeper calls forth his Keshin.
'God. Fucking. Dammit.'
''Heavy Machine Soldier Baron!''
Pain.
Tenma falls to his knees.
Through his blurred vision, he sees a wisp of red and black.
Agony agony agony agony agony agony-
IT HURTS.
He bites down a scream- choking -and through the excruciating pain, he clenches his fists, distinctly remembering but not caring about the small, crescent shaped cuts on his palms.
'I am so done with this.'
It's the only thought that breaks through the haze of pain in his mind.
He focuses on the wild, raw energy shimmering just underneath his skin and takes hold of it to the best of his ability, which is, admittedly, not as much as he would've liked.
He ignores that fact and yanks.
And then his world explodes in pain.
His vision goes white and every single nerve is on fire. An overload of information crashes through him, every whisper, every flicker of light, every caress of the wind is increased tenfold, burning and freezing and scathing and-
There's too much.
The few seconds feel like an eternity.
And then it's gone, as sudden as it came, and he wretches his eyes open. He catches a glimpse of dark indigo before it disappears and red fills his vision.
''Bushin Renzan!''
Nishiki kicks the ball and Musashi slashes at it in an x-form, causing the ball to glow a bright scarlet.
''Guardian Shield!''
Musashi's sword hits the shield of the other Keshin and they fight for the upper hand for a few seconds. Then Nishiki breaks past it and the ball flies into the goal.
''Goal! Nishiki makes in a hat trick!'' three whistles sound. ''There's the whistle! The match ends with Raimon's victory at 4-3!''
Tenma gratefully falls down on the bench in the changing room.
He sits there for a few moments, gathering up the strength to start changing out of his uniform and into his training suit, and instead inspects his team. They all look a little tired, but the atmosphere is light and despite their physical exhaustion, they seem to be in good spirits.
Someone sits next to him and the brunet glances to the side, smiling when he sees Tsurugi. ''That was a good match,'' he comments lightly.
The forward nods. ''It was,'' he agrees, hesitating barely a second before gently grabbing the brunet's wrist. ''You okay?''
Even as Tenma relaxes when Lancelot's relieving energy flows into him, he blinks in surprise – the Seedling didn't even lower his voice – but a quick glance at the clubroom shows that Someoka, Haruna and Kidou are somewhere else. Probably talking with Aphrodi or something.
Aware that Tsurugi is still waiting for an answer, he sighs. ''Kinda,'' he says finally. ''I swear, this must've been the worst match yet if it comes to Keshin.''
''What do you mean?'' asks Kirino suddenly, apparently listening in on their conversation.
The brunet sighs fondly when he notices that everyone has fallen silent.
They are such worrywarts.
''One Keshin is bad enough,'' he says instead of pointing that out, ''two is way worse.''
''Two?'' asks Tsurugi, frowning in confusion.
Tenma nods. ''Two Keshin projections at the same time is pretty much two times the energy, so my own Keshin reacts even more violently to that,'' he explains. ''Before this match, it only happened once – during the match against Kaiou – but, well…'' he shrugs, grimacing.
''What? I don't get it,'' says Hikaru, pretty much summing up everyone's thoughts. ''Kidokawa Seishuu never used two Keshin at the same time.''
Tenma really, really wishes he doesn't have to explain.
Shindou's horrified expression tells him he doesn't need to, and the brunet winces.
''Nishiki- Nishiki's Keshin,'' mutters the game maker, eyes wide. ''This was the first time he used it…''
The others seem to understand what he's getting at. ''You-'' Nishiki turns to Tenma and swallows harshly. ''Musashi? It- it hurt you? I hurt you?''
The time traveler grimaces. ''You didn't know-''
''I did!'' protests Nishiki, balling his fists angrily. ''I did and I didn't even realize- god, I'm so sorry, I-''
He cuts himself off when Tenma holds up a hand to stop him. ''Nishiki-senpai,'' says the brunet and the older midfielder flinches-
-only to stare in shock at the bright, beaming smile the time traveler gives him.
''Stop blaming yourself, please. You didn't realize it and yes it did hurt, but even if we didn't need your Keshin to win that match, it was bound to happen anyway some other time.'' Tenma's next words are directed at the whole team. ''I don't want to hold you guys back. I'm going to have to go through this anyway, so if we come out stronger in the end, then it just means that it wasn't completely for nothing.''
Well, nobody was expecting that.
Tsurugi slaps Tenma's head, albeit gently. ''You,'' he says exasperatedly, ''are such a martyr.''
The brunet pouts. ''Mou, Kyousuke! You wound me!'' then he turns to the rest of the group, smiling. ''You know, I just realized. We haven't gone out for ramen lately, have we?''
And that's the reason they find themselves at Rairaiken half an hour later.
''So this is a team building exercise?'' clarifies Kariya, tilting his head at the nods he receives. ''Why did you even start this? Not that I mind, of course, but this doesn't exactly seem like the… normal team bonding stuff.''
''What do you think?'' asks Kirino dryly.
The tealhead sighs. ''Tenma-kun?''
''Guilty as charged,'' grins the brunet, before taking a bite from his ramen. ''Mm, I missed this.''
Shindou rolls his eyes at that. ''You're right though, we should do this more often.'' Then his eyes turn sharp. ''As a matter of fact, you should stop running away from us.''
''Hey!'' bristles the brunet. ''That was one time! And I had things to do!''
''I don't even wanna know what 'things' are,'' mutters Hayami under his breath. ''I really, really don't want to know.'' Hamano shoots a sympathetic look at him.
''Anyway,'' Shindou turns the conversation back to the previous point and shoots Tenma a sharp look, ''are there any other secrets you conveniently forgot to mention?'' the time traveler opens his mouth to protest, but the captain continues before he can say anything. ''Like, I don't know, seizures we should know about?''
The brunet closes his mouth. ''Touché,'' he mutters finally. ''And, to answer your question, not right now.''
''Yes, because it definitely reassures us,'' mutters Tsurugi under his breath, ''when you insinuate that you are keeping secrets.''
Tenma shoots him a bland look, for once filled with seriousness. ''I am,'' he says, without even an inch of hesitation. His team looks unsettled at his sudden blunt honesty. The time traveler looks at them sharply and then sighs. ''But I suppose there are things I should've told you and I deeply apologize for not doing so before.'' He bows, although not as deeply as he would've usually because that's a little hard when seated in a ramen shop.
''Tenma,'' says Shindou and he sounds part shocked, part affronted. ''Please, get up,'' he says and the brunet does as he asks. The game maker sighs and places his chopsticks down. ''It's- I'm not going to say it's fine,'' he says after a few moments of silence. ''Because honestly, I don't understand. I don't understand you and the things you do.''
The words, while harsh, are spoken without accusation, yet Shindou watches him carefully, fearing he might've insulted his friend somehow.
Tenma's lips pull upwards in a half smile. ''I don't expect you to,'' he says with a nonchalant shrug. ''I doubt anyone does.''
(At least, not in this time.)
Shindou hesitates, not sure what to make of this, and their teammates seem as unsettled as the captain.
The time traveler puts his own chopsticks down as well and leans back in his seat, staring at nothing for a few moments as he tries to order his thoughts. Eventually, he sighs and shoots his team a smile, ''what I want is for Fifth Sector to be stopped,'' he says evenly, choosing his words carefully. ''I want free soccer back and I want everyone, most of all this team, to be able to play like they want.''
The team stays quiet for a while, until Kirino nods, his eyebrows creased into a frown. ''I think we all want that,'' he says slowly, ''and we're doing that. We've started this revolution and we're trying to win against Fifth Sector. Make Hibiki-san Holy Emperor.'' He gives the brunet a harsh stare. ''Yet something seems different for you.''
They're at a crossroads.
Tenma hesitates. 'Do I tell them, or do I keep it a secret?' pros and cons for both options are forming in his mind and he automatically starts comparing them.
He gives his team a calculating look and part of them can't help but compare them to his own team. Their faces are so young in comparison to their older selves. There's not that much of an age difference, but the things they've gone through have changed his Raimon, matured them.
A random thought occurs to him.
'What am I doing?'
What is he doing?
There is no reason for this, for any of this. Everything will be fine even if he doesn't interfere – he knows the future for god's sake! And more than that, ever since coming to the past, he's firmly believed that Fei would find a way to return him to his own time.
So why does he bother? Why does he put himself in danger by challenging Fifth Sector and the Resistance like he does?
'Maybe,' a small, traitorous part of him whispers, 'it's because, if Fei failed to return you to your original time, you want to create a different world.'
But is that really it? He's happy with the future and he's never had the urge to change it. Even when he woke up in the past, there's not been a single moment where he thought of changing the past for himself.
Then what is the real reason?
Staring at his teammates' younger faces, Tenma almost laughs at his own stupidity.
'Because there are people out there I believe deserve more. The future of this world is not set in stone and if I can make it better, I will.' Although… there's one more reason. 'It's hella fun to mess with everyone.'
He's been trying to protect Raimon but he's also given them reason to distrust him in the process. 'But that's foolish,' he knows it is. 'I know Raimon and I know that they don't need my protection, not like this. After all…'
Tenma sighs and smiles. ''Should've known I couldn't hide it from you,'' he says and lowers his voice.
'…through everything that has happened, I've never been alone, have I?'
''The truth is, I'm part of Soar.''
Whatever Raimon was expecting, it definitely wasn't that.
''You're what?'' repeats Tsurugi incredulously.
The brunet grins cheekily. ''Soar. I'm sure you've heard about us.'' He makes sure to keep his voice low, aware of possible listeners. ''Currently everywhere? Responsible for those articles against Fifth Sector?''
No one seems to know what to make of this new discovery, and Tenma turns serious again. ''I won't tell you much,'' he says, all amusement gone from his voice. ''If I did, I wouldn't only be putting myself in danger but the others as well. You would also be in danger, by association, if someone were to find out about my involvement. But trust me when I tell you that I am part of it.''
He pauses, letting that sink in, and watches for their reactions. The first vocal statement comes from Tsurugi, who leans back in his seat, his eyes wide. ''That…'' he lifts his gaze, meeting Tenma's gaze. ''Why would you put yourself in danger like that? Why would you go against the Resistance?''
The time traveler sighs, already having anticipated that question. He stares at his ramen, trying to think of how to answer that question. ''I think that what the Resistance wants is good,'' he says eventually, aware of all his teammates listening to his every word. ''Their goals are good, yet… I don't think they're doing enough. They could contact the authorities, or try to attack Fifth Sector by using the law, but they don't even try. And other than stopping Fifth, what does the Resistance actually have in mind? What will happen to the Seeds, or the normal Fifth Sector workers, the ones who don't know about all the wrong it really does? There are so many unknowns and I just don't know what to expect from them.''
His words are said quietly, but with conviction. Raimon falls silent, but it's a thoughtful silence. ''So what do you want?'' asks Hayami eventually, his expression nervous yet open, willing to listen. ''What does Soar want?''
Tenma sighs. ''What we want? Simple. A second chance for those who deserve it.'' A ripple of uneasiness goes through his team. ''I think everyone deserve another chance, and maybe those who did something unforgivable don't, yet who are we to decide that? Soar is… we're not out to control things. We're trying to give everyone a chance and it's not important whether we believe they deserve it or not, it's about whether they want to take that chance and make things better.''
His team doesn't know how to respond to that and the brunet sighs. He grabs his wallet and takes some money out, placing it on the table next to his empty bowl, and then shoves his chair backwards and stands up. ''I'm not trying to force you to join us,'' he says quietly, giving them a soft smile. ''You're my team and I think that, after everything I've put you through, you deserve the truth from me. And while I can't tell you everything,'' he lowers his gaze, clenching his fist tightly for a moment, ''I want you to know at least this. You deserve it, and so much more.''
He bows to them, properly this time, and holds it for a few moments. When he straightens again, he gives them another smile, turns around, and calmly strides out of the ramen shop.
Outside, the time traveler pauses for a moment to enjoy the sun caressing his face, and then he sets off in the direction of the Shinohara Swimming Pool.
(There's really no going back now.)
THE SOAR TEAM
Character analysis
Jū (TEAM LEADER)
Hello everyone, I'm Jū and I'd like to officially welcome you all to Soar's website! This is our team – or, rather, the 'visible' team. We've got people working in the background and we couldn't do anything without them, so a big thank you to them for making this possible, but the people here are the ones who you'll see and interact with! As to what we do, we handle announcements, keep you updated and stuff, so if anything's going on, we'll be the ones to inform you about it. I'm the 'team leader', meaning that I make sure the rest of this bunch will function smoothly – you'll be sure to see more of me! Well, that's it for now and thank you for checking this out!
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''Sounds good,'' says Seiji with a nod of approval. ''Open and welcoming, but still short and straight to the point.''
''Thanks,'' says Tenma, and scrolls down to the next entries on the Team's introduction page. ''Let's see… now we have Maiko-san and Jiro-san's entries.'' The two girls share a look and grin.
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KitCat (LEGALITIES SQUAD)
Hi there! I'm KitCat, but if you want to give me another name like Kitty, feel free! I'm the face of the Legalities Squad, dealing with the legal things involved with Soar – meaning, money, protection, double-checking all of our actions to makes sure they're perfectly legal. The Legalities Squad exists out of other people too, not just me, but any updates on this front will be dealt with through me! Any questions you may have about this will have to go through the Soar Informative Initiative, who will direct you to us, where we will be happy to help!
(For more information about the Legalities Squad, click here)
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Link (NEWS SECTION)
Hey there, I'm Link! My real name is Kishi Jiro, and I'm in charge of the official statements. Soar-related articles that have appeared are my work, and I will keep doing this to provide you all with information – both on the current happenings, future ideas and past actions from all sides. Any big announcements will go through me and the News Section and other media-related subjects are also ours to deal with.
(For more information about the News Section, click here)
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After everyone finishes reading, Tenma grins. ''It's perfect,'' he tells the two girls. ''Open, like mine, and informative, but nothing that actually makes us out as enemies of anyone.''
Jiro shrugs his compliment off, ''you're the one who told me not to mention Fifth Sector,'' she mentions casually, ''which I can understand, now that I'm reading it. Because it's not our objective to make enemies, is it?''
The time traveler shakes his head. ''No,'' he says, leaning back in his seat. ''Our goal isn't to fight, it's to protect. Protect those who need it.''
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Motoo (SOAR INFORMATION INITIATIVE)
Good day, everyone. My name is Shinohara Motoo, owner of the Shinohara Swimming Pool, or, as we of Soar know it, one of our bases. In fact, from today onward, it is no longer only known as the Shinohara Swimming Pool, but also as the Soar Information Initiative. Any questions and inquiries will be forwarded to us and people are encouraged to visit us if they want to know more.
(For more information about the Soar Information Initiative, click here)
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Kasai (CONTROL SQUAD)
Hey peeps, Kasai here! I'm the face of the Control Squad, back at our HQ! We deal with communication between our different sections and members and make sure everything is a-okay! We're the tech geniuses around here and so won't be in direct contact with the outside world, mostly working on the background, but don't worry – we're doing everything to support Soar and our goals.
(For more information about the Control Squad, click here)
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''Nice, oji-san! I like it!'' says Maiko and the man in question ruffles her hair. She swats at his hand, protesting, ''I'm too old for that!''
''Never,'' he answers calmly and turns to Tenma. ''I hope it's satisfactory?''
The brunet nods, scanning over both parts again quickly. ''Yes, it seems okay. Informative, but not too revealing – both of them.'' An upward tilt of his lips. ''And, of course, the fact that you don't mention that the swimming pool is our headquarters.''
Seiji, grinning at the compliment on his entry, leans on the back of Tenma's chair to get a closer look. ''Only our two freelancers left now?''
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Shimo (FREELANCER)
Hi there, I'm Shimo, or a walking information source, as Link calls me. To put it simply, I used to be a Seed of Fifth Sector, but after Jū worked his magic, I finally realized what I was doing and joined him. Now I help Link with her work and provide all the possible information I can, while also keeping an ear out for interesting news. I probably won't be very visible in the big works, since I don't have an official Squad, but that allows me to help out wherever needed. One way or another, I'm glad to be on board!
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Striker (FREELANCER)
Striker here, also known as the best player on the team. Shimo would disagree and say it's Jū, since our dear team leader is the one who got this little thing started, but, well, everyone their own opinion. Like Shimo, I don't have an official Squad, but I help out Kasai every now and then and I'm the voice of reason – or the one who comes up with ideas when Jū is distracted. I'm pretty much in charge when our big leader is busy – we make decisions together, but I make sure these other guys don't lose their heads. Guess that's all for now – cya!
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Suddenly Jiro starts laughing. ''Minamisawa-kun, oh my god,'' she says once she's calmed down a little. ''Arrogant much?'' The teen in question flips his hair and acts as if he didn't hear her.
The Soar Team – all of them – then gather around a new, circular table that has recently been placed in the control room. ''Soar has officially made its appearance,'' Tenma starts the meeting, once everyone is seated. ''We've been introduced, but it's still shallow. We're not Fifth Sector or the Resistance. Unlike them, we don't hide, but we still need to be careful with how much we reveal, or rather, in what way.'' He looks at the faces of his comrades. ''Any ideas?''
''How about a video?'' suggest Kogure after a few moments of silence. ''We can show more than we can with announcements on the site, and maybe introduce some people, but we can also check how much we reveal.''
''That's a good idea,'' agrees Jiro, looking thoughtful. ''And instead of merely articles, we can also make other videos. Show feeds of Fifth Sector's actions, once we get those, and maybe interview people.''
''About that,'' says Yukimura slowly, and places something on the table. Grins grow on every face when they recognize it as a flash drive.
Tenma turns to the former Seed, barely able to hold his excitement back. ''You got it?'' it's only been a few hours since his friend learnt of the new plan, after all.
But even so, the other player nods, a mischievous grin spreading on his lips. ''It wasn't hard to find a good excuse,'' he starts explaining. ''Seki made a mess of practice again and our dear coach isn't doing anything about it, Fifth Sector extremist he is. The workers at the northern branch are used to seeing me, by now, after I've complained so many times. Unfortunately for them,'' and here his expression turns positively devious, ''the northern branch isn't very… structured. I often have to wait a while before I can complain to someone and I'm left to my own devices then. Finding a computer and getting what I needed was surprisingly easy.
''I couldn't find any real serious inquiries, but there are some of the worst training schedules the northern branch has. A few videos of training sessions, which are, admittedly, harsh. The really interesting part…'' Yukimura's voice turns grim and everyone unconsciously focuses even more. ''The average Seed training and the requirements to finish it and some very, very interesting incidents from the last five years. It's not the real serious stuff, that's hidden on the main computers, but it's enough to work something out for now.''
''It's more than enough,'' agrees Tenma. ''Thank you so much for doing this, Yuki.'' The teen in question smiles. ''Alright, everyone. I want this,'' he picks up the flash stick and holds it in the air, ''sorted and once that's done, we'll see what we can release to the public and what would be interesting to look into. Furthermore, the video idea is a good one and with the feeds Yuki has managed to get us, it should be even better, so we have to work on that too. Lastly, most paper work is done for now, but there's still some left.''
They discuss the best way to proceed for now and soon enough, everyone knows their tasks and set out to fulfil them. As they leave, Tenma pulls Minamisawa aside so they can talk quietly without disturbing the rest of the Soar Team. ''Minamisawa-san, I told Raimon that I'm part of Soar.'' The striker's eyes widen and he opens his mouth, probably to protest, but the brunet quickly continues before he can. ''I didn't tell them much, they don't even know I'm part of the main group, but if anything happens, I'll direct them to you, if you're okay with that.''
The older teen closes his mouth and furrows his eyebrows, thinking. After a few moments, he nods, seeing the logic in the decision. ''They know me, so I would be best equipped to deal with them, should need be.'' Tenma nods in agreement and Minamisawa smirks. ''I'll handle them.''
The time traveller smiles gratefully. ''Thank you.''
That's at least one thing he doesn't have to worry about anymore. Raimon will be in good hands.
SoccerWorld
Chat topic: SOAR
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cameraPOPTARTS – 2hrs
So I'm not sure if you've seen the new Soar site, but for those who don't know, Soar – the group who is responsible for the recent articles about both Fifth Sector and 'the Resistance' – has created an official website. There's a main team page, where their most prominent members have each 'introduced' themselves to us and they've given us a little insight – the Legalities Squad, the News Section, the Soar Information Initiative, etc. – but what's even more interesting is their new source material. A few hours ago, about two after their website came online, Kishi Jiro, leader of the News Section or 'Link' as she's known to Soar, uploaded some official Fifth Sector documents showing us the official training regimen for Seeds and so far, it seems everything Soar has been telling us is true. What's more, Link also uploaded a few videos, all only half a minute at most, which gave us some actual insight on this training and I have to say, it's even more horrifying to actually see it than just to read about it. This is the link to Soar's website, so check it out if you haven't yet. Thoughts?
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Peachpokemon – 2hrs
i saw it just now and its terrifying
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diedinsideYOLO – 2hrs
This is rlly scary. I can't say a lot cuz I'm not a professional, but I think those feeds are real. There's no way Soar couldve faked it, that's just too hard. But at the same time its terrifying to believe its real, because if its real then that means every Seed had to go through that training. I just don't wanna believe it.
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Ceryl56 – 2hrs
I dont wanna believe its real either! theres no way fifth sector could do this without anyone stopping it!
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cameraPOPTARTS – 1hrs36m
Ceryl56 personally I'm not sure about it, but we can't just pretend it's fake so we won't have to face it. Because what if it *is* real, what if those kids are really going through all that? Are we really going to look the other way just so we won't have a guilty conscience? We can't immediately say that it's true and that we have to stop Fifth Sector, we need proof, but we also can't discard Soar's claims immediately. Something else I'd like to know, too: what is the Resistance's role in all of this?
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Hell-Hound666 – 1hrs32m
I don't believe it, it's insane, soar is just doing this for attention
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kickin'theball – 1hrs29m
Hell-Hound666 you cant just say that without actual proof! 5th has to be stopped if they think they can hurt others like that, they're not a bunch of fucking gods who can get away with whatever they like!
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forevah-soccah-fan – 1hrs28m
THIS IS INSANE guys i just saw those videos and those documents and im really scared
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Hell-Hound666 – 1hrs14m
kickin'theball you say I need proof but so do you, forevah-soccer-fan is right, this is insane, theres no way this is real
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cameraPOPTARTS – 1hrs3m
Guys, let's not fight. We're here to discuss the truth of Soar's claims and accusing each other isn't going to help. In fact, this is a link where it is confirmed that actual professionals are working on the videos right now, to see if they're fake or tempered with.
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SmileyCharming2 – 58m
WHAT THE HELL I JUST SAW THIS AND IM SCARED, I dont know what to think, I hope those professionals finish their work soon! I want to know if it's real!
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Peachpokemon – 56m
whatever is going on here is way more complicated then we knew, i mean, where did fifth sector start? and where did the resistance come from? and more importantly, where did *soar* suddenly come from and how do they know all this stuff?
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cameraPOPTARTS – 49m
To Peachpokemon and everyone else, I think all we can do now is wait. Soar is not going to simply stop here and we have no idea how Fifth Sector will react to this – whether it's real or not. If it is, it means there's a leak somewhere and if it's not, I wonder what they will say. Furthermore, I'm curious as to how the Resistance fits into all of this and if they will make a statement as well. This is the link where the professionals working on the videos give regular updates, for if you want to know when they're done and the truth behind those feeds. But until then, the only thing we can do is wait, and hopefully, we'll have more insight soon.
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End of Arc 2
Wow guys, it's the end of Arc 2 already. Just... wow. I started this story a year and a half ago and I never expected to get this far.
As for Arc 3, it's still in progress right now. I hope I can start uploading the chapters around March, so be prepared! I hope you enjoyed Arc 2 and thoughts are always welcome!
Well then, until next time, however long that will be! In the meantime, I'll also be focusing on my other stories more, once Red of Dawn is finished (when I have a new laptop)!
- Yara Meijer
Oh yeah, before I forget: Archie, do you have anything to say?
Save me from Yara, she's torturing me!
I am not, thank you very much.
What about all the times you poked me during physics? Or how I have a whole notebook full of smileys because of you?
That's how I show my appreciation for you!
Well, I don't feel appreciated.
That is not my problem.
Tsss. It is!
Well that's just rude! I'm going to stop this now (before she steals her laptop back). Until next time, guys! (Gonna say bye too, Archie?)
Goodbyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
...yeah, what she said. Yara out!