Atsuya can only look at his brother in stunned silence. Because what he said doesn't make any sense. What does he mean by it should have been him? Why? And what is the connection between that fucker and his brother to make his brother feel guilty? He is 99.99% sure that they had never even met before being chosen for the national team.

Shirou turns to the other guys who are gathered in the hallway. By now, even the managers have congregated due to the ruckus and girls are giving his brother an alarmed look. Mikado is even displaying highly unimpressed expressions as if contemplating whether having Atsuya on the team is worth it. The only people missing are adults like their coach and trainer or Lee Hao (but he must be either with the coach or running errands for him). He's actually thankful that adults are not present because he's selfish. He wants to make sure that this fight won't cost his brother his soccer career even before it starts and he isn't sure that he can persuade adults into not taking action against Atsuya. But the team? He's sure that he can smile prettily and convince their captain to forgive Atsuya for once. His smile is a weapon and he will use it on anyone that poses a threat to his little brother. And from what he has seen, whatever their captain does, will be followed by Goenji and Kazemaru and the rest will follow automatically. That is highly manipulative of him but there isn't a single thing in the world he won't do for his little brother.

He looks to the blue-haired boy. Ichihoshi is sobbing silently into his palms, while Asuto and Hiura are trying to help him. He can see traces of blood on his face and the sleeves of his jacket. He hopes that the damage is not severe. That will help him to convince their captain. It's not like he is not sympathetic to the boy. Atsuya's punches can really hurt and he doesn't think Atsuya held back at all. And to be honest, Ichihoshi was not responsible for his fear. Not intentionally at least. He couldn't help it. He doesn't even know why Shirou can't stand the guy. But still, a large part of him stopped his brother only because he wanted to protect him.

"Asuto-kun, Hiura-kun, please take Ichihoshi-kun to the medical bay."

He watches as both boys lead distraught Ichihoshi to get treatment and he turns to the rest of his team, bowing, "And I'm sorry guys. I apologize for the misunderstanding."

Atsuya growls at this, but Shirou grabs his brother, one hand on the back of his head and the other on his left elbow, and forces him to bow alongside him, "I'll make sure to educate him correctly." And he squeezes his brother's arm, signaling him to apologize to others. This is necessary. In the Hakuren club, all he had to do was smile his placating smile and use flowery words to convince his team to let it slide. He was their captain and game-maker. On the top of the food chain. But right now, it is the national team and Shirou is neither of those. Also, he was leaving soon. So, humility it is.

"Atsuya," he tugs at his brother again, "Apologize"

And Atsuya utters a half-hearted "Sorry" which can not convince even the densest of people. But that is all he can get out of his brother for now and Shirou knows it. He raises his head slowly and discreetly gauzes everyone's expressions. Even the captain is conflicted over whether he should trust Atsuya or not. So, he hurriedly places a pained smile on his face and looks straight into his captain's eyes.

"Atsuya didn't take the news well. And before we could discuss this in-depth, we had to part ways again. I didn't think it would come out like this, but I was mistaken. It was my fault. I promise I'll make him understand before I leave and make sure that he won't cause any trouble in the future.", he knows, it's low of him to use his injury and departure as weapons to make the captain feel guilty, but as he said, he can go to any extend for his brother.

His captain smiles at him, "I'll take your word for it, Shirou" and looks at the younger Fubuki brother with a solemn expression "And Atsuya, Ichihoshi is not a bad guy. He was in a bad situation and did what he thought he had to do. It is actually my fault for using your brother as bait. I'm sorry for this." Predictably, their captain felt responsible and bowed in return.

One down.

Even Kazemaru and a few others look guilty, which means convincing the rest of the team would be easier.

But his gaze falls to Nosaka, who doesn't look impressed. Shirou might not be as smart as Nosaka or Kidou, but he isn't an idiot. Nosaka has not bought the act because he can see through Shirou's haphazard plan. And if Nosaka feels like Atsuya is a threat to his goals, he'll use any means necessary to remove him. Because to the emperor of tactics, his general is more valuable than a mere soldier on the frontlines. Shirou's eyes hardened into a threatening glare. If Nosaka doesn't let this go, Shirou will take away the general when he leaves. Ichihoshi feels guilty enough that if Shirou plays his cards right, he will withdraw from the team on his own. Or Shirou can just go behind everyone's back to lodge a formal complaint with the FF board back at home. While that might not ban him from participating in soccer forever, they will have to ban him for investigation, which will take up the rest of the tournament. They had just decided to look the other away because they were sympathetic to Ichihoshi's plight. But if he can use that information to keep Nosaka in check, he will.

And Nosaka is smart enough to understand Shirou's threat for what it is. If Shirou complains, Ichihoshi will be removed for the time being for investigation. Nosaka will lose his general. It might not derail Nosaka's plans entirely, but it will definitely take a hit and his battle will be harder. And since Ichihoshi has already lost Orion's backing, they won't interfere in the suspension. And their coach, while highly eccentric, is a smart man. He will find a new pawn for his war against Orion but that will also take time.

He can also use guilt tactics for Nosaka, as it was his plan to use Shirou as bait. But painting a target on his back is counterproductive and Atsuya will fly off the handle again. So, threatening the emperor with his general, it is.

Irritation in Nosaka's eyes increases but he has lost his calculative gaze. He has backed down for now. Nosaka gives a cold smile to Atsuya, "Atsuya-kun, please resolve the difference peacefully. Otherwise, it will impact our teamwork. And Shirou-san, please resolve this quickly"

Shirou gives a curt nod and grabs his brother's wrist to lead him to the medical bay as well. He can hear a few people trying to follow but Kazemaru interrupts them with "Let them sort it out, guys. Shirou-kun will handle it. Come on, let's start the practice now." And they follow him to the ground grumbling.

They don't talk on the way to the medical bay. Atsuya follows him silently, like he has always done, despite his anger. They can hear a slight murmur of people talking when they reach the door to the medical bay. He tightens his hold on his brother and opens the door, which prompts Ichihoshi, Asuto and Hiura to look at them. The doctor for the team doesn't stop his work as he goes about checking Ichihoshi's pupils for possible concussion, probably. He leads his brother to an unoccupied cot and makes him sit there silently as they watch the doctor perform his tasks.

"Ok, both of your pupils are focused and equally reactive, which means you are not concussed. That's a relief. Your nose is only bruised, but your teeth cut your cheek and tongue, which explains the bleeding. Cold compress to the nose will reduce the swelling. Thankfully, it does not look like you will need medication. Come see me again, if pain increases."

Ichihoshi doesn't raise his eyes but gives a solemn nod. Shirou has subconsciously started to rub Atsuya's knuckles. It might not be injured, but bruises are starting to form. It always does when Atsuya gets into fights.

"And I will need to report this, you know." The doctor gives a sideway glance to sulking Atsuya. Shirou is ready to jump in defense of his brother, but Ichihoshi is quicker.

"I fell."

"What?" Doctor gives a dumbfounded look to the blue-haired boy but Ichihoshi does not back down.

"I was not watching where I was going and tripped over my shoelaces and slammed into the wall. That's all"

"And it caused your bleeding, how?" The doctor was humoring him because he knew. Asuto and Hiura had already given him a rundown of the tiff in the hallway when they brought Ichihoshi in. But he cannot believe this boy who is trying to protect his attacker.

"There was also a door right next to where I tripped and I slammed my face into the door knob while falling"

Asuto squawks like a duck but does not contest Ichihoshi's words. Doctor heaves an exasperated sigh and rolls his eyes, "Boys, behave and get this sorted quickly. I will let it slide for this time but if I get another whiff of a problem, I will have to report it to the coach."

"Do you need me to look at your hands, Atsuya-kun?" asks the doctor after noticing how Shirou keeps massaging his brother's hand. Atsuya refuses to speak so Shirou does it for him.

"It's Ok, sensei. We can manage it," and gives his peaceful smile. The doctor loses the sharp gaze and nods to the brothers. With this, the doctor upped and left his office. Letting the boys have space to sort out their issues.

There was an awkward pause for a minute where Asuto and Hiura looked at Shirou and Shirou held his gaze. Then Asuto got up hurriedly and dragged away Hiura. "Kazemaru-san and Captain have started the practice for today" Shirou offered to the fleeing boys. Asuto squeaked out a thanks and left them alone.

Now that they do not have a buffer between them, the atmosphere is tense and awkward. Atsuya is glaring at Ichihoshi, and Ichihoshi would not even raise his head. But after a tense minute, Ichihoshi slips down to his knees and bows in dogeza before the brothers.

"I am really sorry, Shirou-san. What I did to you can not be forgiven easily. I have hurt you the most in this team and your brother, by extension. I do not know what I can do to repent for my actions. I do not intend to harm anyone anymore, but I understand if you do not feel like you can trust me"

While Atsuya looks at the bend boy in anger, the only thing Shirou can feel for him is sadness. Therefore, he gets to his knees before Ichihoshi and helps him up.

"Ichihoshi-kun, I assure you, it is not your fault," Shirou's tone and eyes have softened up considerably. Gone are the hardened eyes that challenged Nosaka in the halls. The only thing left behind is the soft pity he feels for Ichihoshi and the Shirou he sees in his nightmares. "I did not think Atsuya would jump to conclusions and resort to this. But I have seen errors of my judgement and I need to right this mess."

"But Shirou-san," Ichihoshi's voice is still laced with tears and Shirou cannot help but feel sickened at his conviction to use Ichihoshi to threaten Nosaka. Here was a boy, a year younger than him, full of guilt and remorse at what he was forced to do. And Shirou used him like a bargaining chip. But Ichihoshi is not done, "You have to leave the team after next week. How is that not my fault?"

Shirou gives his soothing smile, which has helped Atsuya feel safe throughout his life, "It's Ok, Ichihoshi-kun. I understand your position and forgive you. I will explain everything, including the reason behind avoiding you. But to do that, I need to tell Atsuya your secret. Only then both of you will understand. Can I?"

But the look Ichihoshi gave hints that he didn't know that his case was kept a secret. The team had unconsciously and unanimously decided to not reveal his situation to anyone outside the immediate team. Seems like Ichihoshi was not aware of this decision. But he does not refuse his request and nods his consent.

Shirou looks at his younger brother and starts a tale. A tale that feels so close to his own that it leaves him a crying and shaking mess at night. And sends him into a panic when coming across the boy during daytime.

"Ichihoshi-kun had a brother. And he lost him in an accident"

Shirou is manipulative. He shows this in OG and Ares both. In OG timeline, Shirou had easiest time getting information. A soft smile here, a pretty word there and girls were falling over themselves to give whatever he wanted. In Ares, he uses this skill to stop Mabuka from getting into fight with Atsuya. This hints that he has been doing it for a long time.
I hinted this in first chapter as well. How else will Shirou get Atsuya out of trouble? That boy can manipulate people and he knows it.
And becoming a double-agent requires a level of cunningness and manipulative skill.
So, Atsuya has scary dog privilege while Shirou has Pretty boy perks
And I will die on this hill.