Author's Note: It is recommended you read up to chapter 56 before reading this chapter for full context.
The local kabuki theater is a full house. With the new Holy Emperor having been crowned shortly after his arrival, the famous Avalon family troupe were brought in to entertain him and his business cohorts. But the audience did not consist entirely of stuffy suits: families from across the region, including a few Raimon students, flocked to see the show. As the theater lights dim, the spotlight flicks on, shining upon center stage.
"Long ago, during the age of the earliest civilizations," the narrator's voice booms, "the sport that we call 'football' had been born." The spotlight turns off, then, seconds later, the stage is flooded with light, revealing two young actors standing across each other, poised as if prepared to duel. The narrator continues as they dance, in graceful-yet-fierce motions, ending in one of the actors falling dramatically, feigning death. "In its infancy, the game was originally designed to determine all sorts of religious decisions, including human sacrifices. As time went on, this aspect was abandoned, becoming a safe, active form of entertainment beloved by the world. Everything was peaceful, until..."
The fallen actor stands up once again, this time accompanied by others, sporting more militaristic garments. The actors impersonate fighters on the field, swinging fake swords and guns. "Many decades later, a great war shook the whole world and nearly tore it apart. During this war, many lives were lost, and mankind nearly went extinct." A spotlight shines on one of the young actors, a young man with forest green hair. The young man moves slowly, creating a series of gestures similar to summoning, as a group of black-dressed individuals appear from stage right, giant, handcrafted dragon puppet and flowing, flame-like ribbons in tow. "But then, all of a sudden, a miracle happened: young children all over started to unleash special powers, once believed by the ancient to be blessings straight from the gods." The green-haired actor "unleashes" his powers upon his foes, who fall as the dragon and flames loom over, then past them. "When these abilities were discovered, those children were drafted into the military, trained into becoming super-soldiers. Once the war ended and what was left of the human population began to reconstruct themselves, they made regulations to accommodate these talented youths, which eventually took form in the football that we know and love today."
After the encore, the audience trails out of the theater and onto the lamp-lit streets. Among the last to go out is Ryoma Nishiki, still in a daze. Since the match against Almighty Faith, nothing feels right. Still addled from the mind-altering fog, he needs a chance to relax and clear his head. When Zack Avalon, the famous young actor, invited him, he didn't know what to expect. He always loved football, but he never realized the dark history behind it.
In his aimless wandering, he bumps into a tall figure in front of him. He raises his head, about to let out a soft swear when he cuts himself short, recognizing who they are. Tan skin, rosy pink hair, and sharp blue eyes. "Mr. Cinquedea, I didn't—"
"Nishiki, long time, no see!" Roma turns his head to a figure, closer to his height and age, yet almost identical in appearance to the tall man. "Did you enjoy the show?"
Brows furrowed with worry, Roma says, "Of course I did. But that story… was any of it true?"
"A few details might have been embellished," Mr. Cinquedea replies, "but the rest is one-hundred percent fact. That dark spot in history had been kept under wraps for many years, but secrets only stay that way for so long. It's not something people like talking about."
"I see," Roma mutters. It's all he can think of saying, now that he's aware of the truth behind this terrible tale.
Noticing his discomfort, the younger Cinquedea speaks softly in Italian to his father, who nods in approval, then refocuses on Ryoma. "Hey, I know this is last minute, but would you like to come with me? Father will be meeting with the Holy Emperor, and I won't have anything to do."
"Quentin…" Slowly, his worry seeps away, and a grin spreads across his face. "'Course I'll come! Big fancy place means big, fancy meals, right?"
Quentin blinks in confusion, then lets out a boisterous laugh. "Nishiki, you really are something! I think I'm starting to like you."
Once at the Cinquedea manor, the two boys share a meal with Quentin's father and his business partners, Mr. Naga and Rice, then hang out in an indoor spa, where the hot, steamy waters cleanse their bodies and soothe their spirits. Roma, his mind cleared of its earlier burden, starts conversing. "So what's your relationship with Rice, anyway? You didn't talk much at the dinner table. I thought you rich kids get on well with each other."
"I once made a request to join Garshield's training program, but he rejected it. Said I 'didn't meet their expectations', or something of that sort." He crosses his arms and says, frowning, "Maybe I'm not as strong as I thought."
"Quentin, I went up against you, and I know that's bullcrap. I've been to Italy and back, and in all my years, I've never seen a goalie as strong as you." He stands up, exposing himself as he says aloud, "Let's grow stronger together and show that Rice brat who's boss!"
The pink-haired young man's flush a subtle shade of red, initially flustered by the sight, but smiles back. and stands to meet him eye-to-eye. "Until we meet again on the pitch next year, keep fighting. I'm betting on your victory." As they slap hands in affirmation, their eyes, behind the fires of intense determination, show a soft glint of mutual understanding.