Hey look! I'm making good time with my updates!

Okay, not entirely, but at least I've been able to make updates like, at least once or twice a month? I know it's pretty long for some of you but I'll do my best to at least keep this momentum.

This chapter was a lot of fun to write! I was a little uncertain on how to start, but once I did, I couldn't stop. I even got myself to type it out despite having one finger wrapped in plaster due to a cut. All those who reviewed have been amazing, thank you so much! And I hope you enjoy this chapter!

"Are you sure it's okay to not pick them up?"

"Keh, do you think they'd want to sit in such close proximity with us?"

Mamori looked around the interior of the tower car, which was rather spacey and could fit their "welcomed" guests well enough, but there was a point to what Youichi just said. She let out a hum in agreement.

It was hard not to let out a sigh of frustration and exhaustion. It was a good start for the Wizards conquest to win the Rice Bowl, but on top of some looming issues regarding the Mendou Fighters, which they intend to find out more soon, having to deal with the Satos as well made the weight on her shoulders heavier. "You didn't make a mess of the apartment yet, right?"

Silence.

"You're kidding me!"

Youichi growled. "It's the first fucking day, I needed the mess."

"Please tell me you at least confined it to your room?"

"There's some folders on the dining table, that's it."

"Oh! Should I prepare something for dinner?"

"I doubt they'd oblige enough to eat your cooking."

Mamori hummed to herself again. All these complications were getting ridiculous. "... Well, I'll just have to cook for the both of us then."

Youichi grinned. "You should make burgers and fries."

"That's a little too unhealthy for you, especially since your health is especially important throughout the next few months. But I'll take your suggestion and cook some lean hamburger steak then."

"Sounds perfect to me."

They had reached Mamori's home. She lingered in the car for a moment, wondering if there was a way to lighten the weight on her shoulders, if there was something she could say. Upon realising she really had nothing to say, Mamori gave Youichi a quick smile. "I'll tell my mother I'll be working late with you for the game after tomorrow."

Youichi nodded. "Tomorrow morning let's check out the Mendou Fighters with the rest of the team, then I'll take you to my place after that."

Mamori hesitated, realising something. "Do you think the team has noticed something about us?"

He cackled in response. "No fucking clue, but if this keeps up, they will see it eventually."

"What then?"

"Let's just say I still have a trusty old friend that will make sure they don't say anything beyond the team."

Mamori blinked once then giggled. "Ah yes, it's been awhile since I've seen you use that. Well then..."

She proceeded to open the door and take a step out. She turned to Youichi and realised she had probably been looking helpless before him for a while now, because with one steely stare, Youichi seemed to say the words he couldn't say aloud.

It'll be okay. I promise.

And with her resolve strengthening, she closed the door and went straight home.

oOo

"Ladies and gentleman, here are the Mendou Fighters!"

Cheers erupted behind the Wizards, much to their annoyance. Once the cheering died down a little, Ikkyuu turned to Yamato. "Is being here really that necessary? It's like watching a lion fight against a gazelle, it's too obvious who the winner is."

"Well, Hiruma insisted we come today to look out especially for the Mendou Fighters. There has to be a reason for that, so let's trust them on this, okay?"

"Besides," Akaba spoke up next to Ikkyuu. "Gazelles are totally capable of fighting and scaring lions off."

The game between the Mendou Fighters and the Obic Parrots was about to begin, half of the field filled with blue and yellow, and the other half yellow and red. Based on data, the Obic Parrots have a high chance of winning as most of the players are actually Americans, who were currently studying in Japan, all of which had some American Football experience. It was an obvious win based on physical strength alone.

But if Hiruma had anything to say, physical strength can only do so much in the face of really good strategies. But what can a new team come up with?

"I'm sorry I'm late!" a breathless Mamori finally appeared, carrying a lot more bags than usual. Taka offered to take some from her as he was nearby, much to her gratitude. "I actually forgot to cook the rice today, and there were a few items I needed to buy along the way."

There was a quick glance to Hiruma which very few had noticed. Yamato saw it, which made him smile a little more, but Ikkyuu was blissfully unaware as he glared at the field before him.

That was, until a bento was passed onto his lap. The smell of Anezaki's home cooking reached his nose and his stomach growled in anticipation. "Everyone, please eat up! And remember to eat well for the game tomorrow!"

The team began to eat earnestly, as the Obic Parrots finally made the kick off. Hashimoto already recording using Mamori's camcorder under her request. Everything went normally during the Obic Parrot's offense. As expected, they were a strong team, more so with their very sturdy linebacker who had no problems stopping two of the Fighter's linemen.

First touchdown. 6 points to the Parrots.

"It's barely been three minutes and the Parrots already scored," said Hiroki. "Should we really be worried about the Fighters? Let's just go home or train or-"

"Wait," said Banba, who was staring exactly at the Mendou Fighter's linemen and the way they were spread out as they prepared for offense.

They were too spread out. The Quarterback was barely protected, saved for his center. This made the Wizards sit up in interest.

"3! 3! 2! 2! Hut! Hut! Hut!"

The center snapped the ball to the Quarterback as he aimed to pass it to one of the Runningbacks. But it didn't take long for the Parrots to attack him directly.

Before anyone could see it, he had thrown his pass, and everyone in the stadium gasped as the Quarterback was tackled and the ball spun straight to the Parrots.

But for some strange reason, the ball spun sideways for a split second and landed straight into the arms of the Fighter's receiver. With the scattered protection, he was vulnerable, but he manouvered the field as fast and as nimble as a well known Eyeshield 21.

Touchdown. The crowd around the Wizards cheered, but the Wizards remained silent. Questions rose as a new play commenced.

"Did... did that ball just change direction midway?"

"How did that runningback know to wait right there?"

"Was there any secret signal? Did he say anything?"

Hiruma looked close to livid, but feigned interest to keep his cool. But Mamori was not taking this as well. For the Quarterback had just gave them their familiar hand signal after the touchdown, acknowledging their presence.

Liked what you saw?

"Keh." Hiruma began to sign back, you're a fucking asshole if you think that little shit play will-

"Hiruma-kun!" Mamori cried out as she pushed Hiruma's hand down with hers, shaking her head. "Don't provoke him any further!"

"Get out of my way, Fucking Manager! I'll tell him whatever the fuck I want!" he shouted as he pulled his hand away from hers, but her grip remained firm.

"Don't you realise the seriousness of this situation? Their entire team understands OUR language! Don't push this any further!"

The rest of the team watched in awe as Hiruma actually backed off once Mamori let go of his hand, growling in annoyance at the sight of a very smug Fighter's Quarterback.

But it wasn't until Mamori's words sank in did they realise what had happened. Upon looking back at the tape that Hashimoto recorded, as the Fighters team spread out, everyone was using hand signals to convey quick, upclose information to the Quarterback. All of their stats about the different players, the possible attack, the angles they could take, were all read and interpreted so fast that no one realised it.

The true horror that was the Mendou Fighters had finally been revealed.

oOo

The Mendou Fighters won despite being taken down a number of times by the Obic Parrots. The fact that the Parrots lost was a shock to all those aiming for the Rice Bowl, as news spread of the unexpected win.

Mamori seemed to have recovered from the shock quite well. She assured everyone that everything was going to be okay, but there was a line of exhaustion in her voice and it was becoming obvious on her face.

"Listen up you fuckers!" cried Hiruma, calling attention to the team before they take the bus home. "I hope today's game shows you that there are fuckers out there who like copying us, obviously because we're the shit! So don't let that distract you, we've got plenty up our sleeves to show them that we're capable of killing them all!"

The Wizards cheered, except for Mamori, who could only smile. "You shits better be ready for tomorrow, get a lot of fucking rest, and remember the strategies we've practiced!"

The team cheered once more, as Hiruma turned towards Mamori, gave her a quick look and headed straight to his car, Mamori trailing behind him.

"Is... Is Anezaki going to be okay? That must have been quite a shock for her. She was the one who came up with the signals after all and no one had ever been able to decipher it until now," said Hiroki.

Banba stared as they disappeared around the corner. "She will be fine. But I get the feeling that Anezaki is wearing out a lot faster than I recall in the past games."

"You too, huh?" said Akaba. "She needs more music in her soul."

Ikkyuu growled. "Really, Akaba?"

oOo

Sato Kaede sniffed disapprovingly at the sight of the apartment Hiruma Youichi was living in with his new wife. They looked too small for her taste, that the idea of having to stay there for the night alone made her feel stifled. But a quick look around made it obvious that apartments like these were the norm here. "Really, Saori, have you ever seen such a disgusting display of urban life?"

"I think it's quite lovely here," said Saori, looking around the area. "There are parks nearby, and a convenience store. I think it's a good place for young couples to start their lives off."

"You would know, wouldn't you?" Kaede looked down at Saori, who could only smile in response as she looked away. "Now, which level is it? Thank god they have an elevator here."

They proceeded to take the lift right up to the 10th floor. As they walked down the path, passing door after door to look for Hiruma's apartment, Saori began to fuss. "We're early. I know they said they would be back at this time but I think we should have let them rest and prepare for our arrival."

"If they are unable to prepare for us, then they are unworthy in my eyes. Finally, there's the door. Ring the bell."

Saori pressed the doorbell, and they heard Mamori responded cheerfully, "Yes, I'm coming!"

The door opened to reveal Mamori, hair tied up in a ponytail, holding a spatula and an apron over a simple orange dress. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting! Are you tired? I was just about to cook dinner," she said as she let them in.

"Oh, I've brought some groceries we could use, there should definitely be enough for you and your husband as well," said Saori, showing the bags of grocery.

"Ah, that's so kind of you! Thank you very much," said Mamori as she helped to carry the bags. "I hope you don't mind, Youichi is currently using the bath. Do come in and make yourselves comfortable."

Kaede had been silent the entire time as she removed her sandals to wear the home slippers she had brought herself. She looked around the house with eyes narrowed. Small. Bland. Simple.

"Please sit down, I'll get you some tea right away," said Mamori as she led Kaede to the very small living room that was just next to the dining area. "Would you like to watch some TV?"

Kaede raised her glance. Saori quickly responded. "There should be some enka music playing on one of the channels, put it on that one."

Mamori, slightly taken aback, quickly did as told and left Kaede alone to make the tea she mentioned as Saori prepared the ingredients. Kaede had seated herself on the couch, finding it rather hard and uncomfortable, as a popular enka singer's voice filled the room, lyrics that spoke of changing seasons and unfailing yearning.

Youichi appeared at this moment, face crumpled in disgust at the music. Kaede stared at him, a hint of amusement at the sight of him looking a lot more homely. "Married life suits you," she told him as he sat towards her left at another couch. "You look more tamed already."

"Oh really? My wife told me the complete opposite in bed last night," he replied with a grin.

"Youichi!" Mamori glared at Youichi as she brought the tea to the guest table before them and began to set the cups.

The sight of the silver band on her left ring finger caught Kaede's eye. She looked at Youichi's and saw it there as well. "So you're both really into such intimacy?"

"Why the hell not? We're married after all." His eyes gleamed.

"But you're both still studying. With that game you keep telling about going on I doubt you both have a lot of time for such shenanigans."

Mamori's face darkened for a moment, causing Youichi to hold back his remarks. "Not to the point that we cannot eat and look after each other," she replied, turning to smile at Kaede after having poured the tea. "Here you go..."

"Madam Sato," said Kaede. "You are to address me as such from now on."

Mamori nodded. "I understand." She looked at Youichi. "I'll be cooking dinner with Saori. The tapes on the Mendou Fighters are on the desk for you to edit."

"Ah," said Youichi. He took the tea Mamori had made for him and got up. "Well, gotta get to work, Fucking Witch, so that I can make time for my wife later."

Kaede would have told him off for calling her that, but knew there was no culling his ridiculous ways. She merely took the tea Mamori had prepared and sniffed it as her way of telling Youichi to just leave her with tea and enka.

"My mother baked some cookies, please take your time to eat them," Mamori suddenly appeared, holding a tray with a variety of plain looking cookies. She bowed with a smile as she left her. "I hope you enjoy them."

Kaede's eyes narrowed at the sight before her. No, there was no use culling Youichi's ways, Kaede was sure of it.

Mamori on the other hand...

oOo

"Your tea," said Kaede to Mamori, as everyone sat down for dinner.

"Was it good?" Mamori replied, as she placed the side dishes closer to Kaede.

"You could do with a little lesson on proper tea making," she said. "You have gone for proper tea lessons, have you not?"

"I..." Mamori stammered. "Well, yes. Back in Junior High."

"Sloppy," was all Kaede said. "Saori, you make the tea from now on."

Saori looked down. "Yes, Madam."

Mamori's face looked pale, her eyes watery. It had been a long day, and Kaede's words did nothing to stop the rush of emotions filling her. Youichi caught this, and stumbled his way into preparing the rice for Mamori's bowl, as Saori did for Kaede.

"Oi," said Youichi, his voice low. "You look starving, you better eat first."

Mamori smiled in return.

"Saori, what is this?" Kaede asked, pointing at the hamburger patties. "Who cooked this ridiculous American food? You know how much I detest them."

Mamori gaped, unable to reply. Youichi quickly took over. "I fucking asked her to, it's my favourite. You don't have to eat it if you think it's a piece of shit."

Kaede glared at Mamori, who was more keen in looking in Youichi's direction. "Saori, which dishes did you cook? I'd like to eat only that."

Saori nodded and pointed out the ones she cooked. They proceeded to eat dinner silently, no one wanting to say a word about the heavy tension around them.

Kaede noticed both Mamori and Youichi's left hands were below the table. Without needing to glance down, she knew the two of them were possibly holding each other's hands for support.

Kaede resisted the urge to grin at the hilarious display.

oOo

"You can cry if you want to."

"I'm too tired to cry."

Mamori laid in the futon, back turned towards Youichi. She was emotionally spent after such a rough day, of realising the truth about the Mendou Fighters, of getting the the place ready and of dealing with Sato Kaede, who was now resting in the room next to theirs.

"I can take the kind of bullshit the Fucking Mendou is giving us," said Youichi. "But what the fuck is up that old witch's ass to make her constantly attacking you? I've been giving her shit all day but she's still after you."

"I'm too tired to even comprehend what happened today."

Her voice cracked. Youichi remained silent for a moment, and was really tempted to call it a day, but it just didn't seem right. It's been a rough day, with very little to be happy about. And knowing Mamori was going to bed miserable just didn't sit well with him.

"Fine, then don't comprehend this shit," said Youichi. "All I fucking know is I don't want you lying there defeated. I put you through this shit. There's got to be a way to end this better."

"Look, I'm not defeated and you don't have to make this better."

"Are you claiming I can't make this better?" Mamori heard a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I didn't say-"

Youichi had grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to lie on her back as he straddled her, his head hovering above hers. "Youichi, what-?"

"Come on, what's there to be shy about? We've done this plenty of times!" Youichi's voice rose, his eyes glancing at the wall.

"Youichi, that's not the point! Why are you even...?" Mamori's voice trailed off as she realised where Youichi was looking. She gasped. "Oh! No!" she whispered.

"Fuck yes," he whispered back. "Come on... you know you want to get back at her somehow. Just play along."

She was quiet for a moment, eyes wide with horror. "N-No!" Mamori cried out, louder. Startled, Youichi wondered if he went too far.

Her head turned towards the direction of the wall. "Not now! It's too embarrassing!"

Youichi cackled as Mamori suppressed a grin. "Come on now, my little wife! You know you like it!"

"Nooo..." Mamori couldn't contain her giggles, causing Youichi to grin further.

He whispered to her. "Bear with me for a bit." He raised his head even more, voice aiming at the wall. "Urgh, Mamori, you're so fucking good."

Youichi moaned a little more, the sight of it unbearable for Mamori who found the entire ordeal they were in ridiculous. She did her best to calm herself as she spoke in her best sultry voice, which was mostly her choking on her laughter. "Ah, darling, please..."

"Ooh! You really want it, huh?"

They heard a rustling in the next room and a prompt knock on the wall. "You're free to do whatever you want there, but please keep your voice down," they heard Kaede say.

"Ah shit, hearing the voice of such a disgusting old witch has now left me flaccid!" Youichi exclaimed. "I'm sorry darling, you'll just have to wait another day!"

Mamori buried her face in her pillow as Youichi laid back down, unable to stop herself from laughing any further. When she finally raised her head to breathe, smiling from ear to ear, she saw Youichi looking at her with such amusement, yet it gave an aura of warmth.

"So. Did I make it better?"

She finally calmed down. Lying her head down to look at him, she closed her eyes with a content look, the last sight before she slept was the sight of Youichi reaching out to brush her hair from her face.

"Much better."