Welcome to chapter 10~! Still mass-uploading AR!

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Accidental Reverse Arc 1

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Tenma is on a mission.

A very important one, at that. It's something he should've done a long time ago, but never got around to doing. Not that it was really needed in his original time, since everything has already worked out there, but hey, he has the chance to do it over, so why not?

To be honest, it's not just one mission. It's a two-in-one mission. The real reason is important, something he's really serious about doing. The other mission... isn't a real mission, actually. More something for his own entertainment.

What are those two 'missions' of his?

Well, the first one is talking to Tsurugi. He's been trying to talk to the stubborn forward for three days, ever since the Mannouzaka match, but the navy-haired teen has been avoiding him. So now, the brunet has decided to go all crazy and get that boy to talk with him.

The other mission is one that is definitely something to look forward to, though. It mostly consists out of finding his teammates and messing with them – you guessed it – for fun. And not the simple 'I say random things that scare them' messing fun, but the real messing fun.

Currently, the time traveler is waiting for any of his teammates so he can start his missions. Easier said than done, though. At least he knows where Aoi and Shinsuke are – sitting next to him while they enjoy their lunch time. Tsurugi, however, fled the classroom the moment the bell rang, and the brunet doesn't know where he is or where their senpai are, for that matter.

The other three first-years are sitting under a tree, with a clear view of the school and the other students enjoying their lunchtime. Unfortunately (or fortunately, considering who you ask) the senpai of the soccer club are nowhere to be seen.

''Mou... where are they?'' grumbles the time traveler.

His two friends look at him in curiosity. ''Who are you talking about, Tenma?'' asks Aoi. The brunet looks at his childhood friend and his pouts.

''The other members of the soccer club,'' he mutters dejectedly. ''Or Tsurugi. Doesn't really matter who.''

Aoi and Shinsuke share a surprised look and are about to ask why the brunet is searching for them, when said brunet cuts them off by suddenly going rigid. ''Tenma?''

The time traveler grins at Shinsuke. ''Found Tsurugi!'' he beams, pointing to a tree half hidden behind the school. The time traveler stands up but is stopped by his smaller friend.

''You've been trying to talk to him the whole week,'' says the future keeper. ''And he's managed to avoid you the whole time. Why do you think it'll be different now?''

Tenma pauses, a thoughtful look shooting over his face. ''You know, you're right,'' he muses aloud. ''If Stalker-san saw me, he'd just walk away again...'' the thoughtful look changes into a devious grin. ''Unless he didn't see me, of course.''

Aoi and Shinsuke look at each other in alarm. ''I have a bad feeling about this,'' says Aoi. The defender nods.

The brunet pouts. ''Jeez guys, I can just feel the love!'' then he grins again and looks at the tree they are under. ''Anyway, I'll see you in class~'' he sings and grabs a low branch of the tree.

His fellow first-years watch in astonishment as Tenma grabs another branch with his free hand, pulling himself up and placing his feet against the tree trunk. ''What are you doing?'' asks Aoi hesitantly.

The brunet doesn't look down. ''Climbing a tree, duh,'' he answers as he disappears in the leaf-covered branches. For a moment, both Aoi and Shinsuke stare at the place their friend disappeared.

Then Shinsuke breaks the silence between them. ''Is he going to get himself in trouble?''

The girl nods. ''Probably.''

''Will it be up to us to get him out of the mess?''

''Definitely.''

''Are we?''

''No.''

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Meanwhile, Tenma has already left the tree Shinsuke and Aoi are sitting under. For once he thanks his lithe build, as it helps with moving from tree to tree (read: it keeps the branches from breaking under his weight).

Luckily for him, he's always been quite agile and climbing trees is something he did a lot as a child. Moving from tree to tree is a bit harder. Still, he manages, without even being seen!

Spying through the leaves, he quickly checks if Tsurugi is still hidden in the shadows of the school. The teen is sitting under another tree, only noticeable if you know what to look for, and Tenma grins.

The time traveler quickly continues his ways through the trees and finally ends up in the one his future friend is under.

A devious grin spreads out over his face as he silently crouches on one of the lower branches. He adjusts his grip for a moment, making sure he's holding the branch tightly, and then lets his body fall forward.

''Boo!''

Tsurugi's eyes fly open and he jumps, a yelp leaving his lips when he suddenly sees something fall out of the tree he's sitting under. He falls backwards, staring with wide eyes at the upside down figure of the boy he's been avoiding the past three days.

''Oh my god!'' he yells the moment he finds his voice. ''What the hell is wrong with you?! You don't just come falling out of trees like that!'' he shouts furiously.

Tenma, still hanging upside down from the tree, grins cheekily. ''Hi Tsu-chan~''

If it wasn't for the fact that the brunet has been friends with Tsurugi for almost four years now, he probably would've been terrified by the death glare the other teen sends him.

Instead he pouts. ''Mou, I just wanted to ask you why you've been skipping practice! No need to get so angry!''

The death glare intensifies. ''Goddamn Matsukaze, why couldn't you walk up to me and ask like a normal person?!''

The time traveler grins and holds up (or down, considering he's still hanging from the branch [upside down, of course]) two fingers. ''One, because I'm not normal. Two, because you've been avoiding me this whole week!''

''And why do you think I did that?!'' Tsurugi is still furious, it seems. He finally sits up from where he fell, trying to keep some of his dignity (not that it works. Kyousuke lost all his dignity in Tenma's eyes the day that he screamed like a little girl when Kariya dropped a bucket of green slime over him while he was still half asleep (Kariya barely made it out alive)).

The time traveler shrugs in response to the question and leaves it at that. ''So, care to tell me why you're avoiding the whole soccer club?''

''I'm a Seed from Fifth Sector!'' hisses the forward, glaring at him. ''I'm not lowering myself by training with you pieces of trash! You will be replaced the moment I get my chance!''

Tenma nods, clearly unconvinced. ''Okay. That's nice.'' Then, after a moment of silence, he raises one eyebrow. ''Why aren't you wearing the required uniform?''

The navy-haired boy is thrown off by the sudden question and blinks. ''What?''

The brunet shrugs (or tries to, considering he's still hanging upside down from a tree) and repeats the question. ''I don't think I've ever seen you in our school uniform. Don't you get in trouble with the teachers?'' he asks with real curiosity. The Kyousuke from his time does wear the required uniform, but the time traveler clearly remembers his best friend not wearing the Jr. High uniform in the first few weeks of school.

The forward's surprised look is replaced by a glare. ''Why the sudden change in subject?'' he asks warily. ''Why not go on about me coming to practice?''

Tenma just gives him a smile. ''Do you want me to?''

''No!''

The brunet grins at that. ''So, have you gotten any detentions yet?'' he changes the subject again. ''Or is there some kind of secret rule that allows you to ignore the rules about the school uniform?''

Tsurugi grits his teeth in annoyance. ''Are you ever going to let that go?'' he hisses coldly.

The time traveler snorts in amusement. ''What do you take me for?''

''Thought so.'' The forward's glare returns. ''Now do me a favor and leave me alone.''

''Okay.''

Well, he clearly didn't expect that. ''What? You're just going to back off like that?'' asks Tsurugi, surprise evident in his voice and expression.

Tenma gives an upside-down-shrug again. ''For now.'' He grins cheekily and climbs on the branch again, hiding in the leaves of the tree. Just as Tsurugi breathes a sigh of relief, the brunet lets himself drop forward again and the navy-haired teen yelps. ''By the way, are you coming to practice today?''

''No!''

At the furious shout, Raimon's future captain nods and climbs on the branch, this time really planning on leaving. He quickly climbs into the tree standing next to the one he's currently in, making his way back to Aoi and Shinsuke.

Before he can, though, familiar voices catch his attention. The brunet pauses and looks in the direction the voices come from. After a moment of contemplating, he decides to go with it and adjusts his course.

After a few tree-hoppings, he finally spots his targets- err, teammates. Surrounded by trees, they're hidden from view from the main building. 'So that's why I couldn't find them!'

The brunet scans his surroundings and his eyes fall on a certain tree. Its branches are hanging directly over his teammates. The time traveler grins deviously.

He quietly makes his way to one of the branches, making sure he has a tight grip on it as he waits for the right moment. All of the senpai are there, both second and third-years. He's not going to get a better chance in catching them off-guard.

After a few tense moments, he lets himself fall forward, in the middle of the group of students. Said students scream at the sudden figure coming from out of nowhere, instinctively scrabbling backwards.

''Did you know that the average human eats eight spiders in their lifetime at night?''

The screams and yelps stop at the sudden voice in the midst of the chaos. Once the students get a good look at their attacker, they freeze in shock.

Matsukaze Tenma is hanging upside down from a tree, a cheeky grin on his face.

''Tenma?!'' yelps Shindou. The first-year looks at him and waves cheerfully. ''What the- what the hell is wrong with you?! Don't scare us like that!''

The brunet cackles at the reaction, scanning his teammates' faces. They all wear the same expressions of shock and disbelief, still startled by his sudden appearance.

''What are you doing?'' asks Sangoku in exasperation, raising an eyebrow at the cheerful expression on the younger's face.

Tenma upside-down-shrugs again. ''Hanging from a tree,'' he answers dryly.

''And you thought it was a good idea to scare us?'' Seems like the keeper is in his scolding mode. The time traveler just grins in response. Sangoku sighs. ''I'll take that as a yes.''

''Next time you do that, I'll kill you,'' mutters Kurama, glaring at the brunet.

Amagi and Kurumada next to him nod. ''We'll help you,'' adds the purple-haired boy.

The brunet simply cackles.

Shindou, having gotten over his shock and anger, sighs. ''Guys, no killing first-years. No matter how annoying they may be.'' He shoots a look at the third-years and then turns his glare to the time traveler. ''Tenma, no suddenly falling out of trees again.''

''But senpaaai~'' whines the brunet. ''You actually think I'll listen to you~?''

Sangoku looks at him sternly. ''Shindou's right, Tenma. No appearing out of trees.''

Tenma blinks and stares at him. Then he pouts. ''Fiiiiiine, but only because you said it!'' he huffs, surprising his teammates.

''You actually listen to him?'' asks Hamano. The brunet does his upside-down-shrug thing again and the other midfielder raises his eyebrows. ''And really. Eight spiders?''

''That's disgusting,'' mutters Hayami.

''But it's true,'' points Tenma out as he swings a bit. Hey, he's hanging upside down from a tree! Who says he can't have a little fun?

Shindou raises his eyebrows. ''Alright. Any more random facts you wish to share with us?'' he asks dryly.

He's surprised when the brunet grins. ''There are more chickens in the world than humans!'' he chirps. ''Oh, and one time I met a purple mouse and I named it Larry!''

''Purple?'' repeats Hayami, bordering between curious and disbelieving.

The brunet shrugs. ''It fell in paint.''

Hayami stares at him. ''Aha.''

''Because that makes so much sense,'' mutters Shindou in exaggeration.

Tenma turns his eyes on him and stares, surprisingly serious. ''Senpai, when have I ever made sense?''

The captain huffs and Kirino grins at his best friend. ''He's got you there.''

The wavy-haired boy glares at him for a moment and then turns his gaze back to the first-year impersonating a monkey. ''And what's your reason for being here, anyway?''

The time traveler blinks, taking a moment to think of a legit answer. Not coming up with any, he just decides to go with the truth. ''I was bothering Tsurugi when I heard you guys. So I decided to drop in – literally – and now I'm here,'' he says. At the astonished looks his teammates are giving him, the brunet grins cheekily and climbs on the branch again. ''See you later!''

Before they can call him back, the brunet has disappeared in the trees.

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A few hours later, the final bell rings. Tenma quickly stands up, shoves his stuff in his bag, and makes his way to the back of the classroom. Seeing Shinsuke and Aoi look at him in confusion, he quickly waves them away. The two other first-years share a look but then shrug and leave the classroom, knowing their friend will follow them eventually.

The brunet stops in front of a desk and smiles cheerfully at the occupant. Said occupant glares at him. ''What.''

The time traveler isn't fazed by the cold response. ''Are you coming to practice today?'' he asks the other boy.

Tsurugi's glare intensifies. ''No.''

Raimon's future captain nods, the happy smile not leaving his face. The forward can swear there are sparkles behind him. ''Alright! Are you coming to practice tomorrow morning?'' he chirps.

The taller teen's eye twitches. ''No.''

''Okay!'' Tenma adjusts his bag, his cheerfulness not disappearing in the slightest. ''See you tomorrow then!''

With that he turns around and walks away, leaving a fuming Tsurugi behind. Just as the brunet reaches the doorway, he turns around and gives the (ex-)Seed a wave, then disappearing out in the hall and on his way to practice.

Tsurugi just grits his teeth in annoyance.

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During lunch the next day, Tenma is sitting with Aoi and Shinsuke again when his eyes fall on the tree Tsurugi was under yesterday.

Where he is under today.

Only when Aoi and Shinsuke stop talking does the brunet realize he's smirking deviously. The other two first-years can almost swear there are devil horns on his head, but that's impossible. Just like the dark aura surrounding their friend. Really, it must be their imagination.

This time they don't protest when Tenma stands up, shoots them an innocent grin and climbs in the tree. The two just share an exasperated look and continue eating their lunch.

The time traveler hops through the trees just like he did the day before. Within a few minutes he reaches Tsurugi's tree again. That's faster than yesterday, but that's probably because he already knows the way from their tree to Tsurugi's.

The (ex-)Seed is sitting calmly under the tree, leaning against the trunk with his eyes closed. The brunet hides his devious grin (he should try harder to hide demon-Tenma, people are getting suspicious) and moves towards the branch he was crouched on yesterday.

After adjusting his grip slightly, the brunet lets himself fall forward. ''Hi!'' he chirps, a bright grin on his face.

''Gaah!'' Tsurugi's eyes fly open and he flinches backwards, almost hitting his head against the tree trunk. Once he calms down a bit and catches sight of the time traveler, his eyes narrow to a glare. ''I thought I told you not to do that!'' he hisses furiously. ''What the hell do you want!''

Tenma just smiles innocently. ''Just wondering if you're coming to practice later.''

''No!''

The brunet does his upside-down-shrug-thingy. ''Okay.'' With that he disappears in the tree again, hidden from view by the leaves. With a cheeky grin, he hops through the trees. 'Hmm... maybe I should pay the senpai a visit again?'

Deciding that yes, that's a legit idea, the brunet adjusts his course again and moves towards the same hidden clearing from yesterday. As expected, the senpai are sitting there again.

Tenma moves towards the tree branch he was sitting on yesterday, adjusts his grip slightly, and lets himself fall forwards. ''A dragonfly has a lifespan of one to six months!''

''Aah!'' is the general reaction, his senpai flinching backwards again. It's almost an exact copy of the scene yesterday.

This time there are no shocked exclamations when they recognize the brunet, instead a lot of glares. Sangoku easily catches Tenma's attention, a disapproving frown on his face. ''Tenma, I thought you said you wouldn't do that anymore.''

The brunet stills and blinks in surprise. ''Really?'' he asks, a bit confused. His thoughts return to lunch yesterday and he realizes that the keeper is right. ''Oh! You're right. Sorry, it's a habit.''

''Falling out of trees is a habit?'' mutters Kurama.

The brunet grins cheekily. ''Yep.''

Apparently, the older students decide they don't want to know. Instead, Kirino's voice attracts their attention. ''If we invited you to eat lunch with us, would you stop scaring us?'' he asks the brunet dryly.

Raimon's time traveler takes a moment to think it over and then does his upside-down-shrug. ''If I say yes, can I bring Shinsuke and Aoi?''

The senpai share a look, Shindou answering for all of them. ''I don't see any harm in that.''

And that's the reason that, ten minutes later, Aoi, Shinsuke and Tenma have joined their senpai on the hidden clearing, albeit a bit awkwardly. Well, Aoi and Shinsuke are feeling awkward. Tenma... not so much.

As the conversation slowly becomes less awkward and both first-years and senpai start warming up to each other slightly, Tenma hides a smile.

'Things will be different this time.'

Starting with Raimon's teamwork.

(Because, honestly, the whole 'team-bonding' thing in the original time only came after the Grand Celesta Galaxy. Of course, they'd become a real team during the Holy Road Tournament, eventually becoming friends... but it took them months to become the close team he had left behind. And, seeing as he's already messing up the time, why not make sure Raimon's teamwork gets better in the process?)

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At the end of the day, once the bell has rang, Tenma makes his way to the back of the classroom. He beams at Tsurugi, even as the (ex-)Seed glares up at him. ''Are you coming to practice today?''

The forward grits his teeth. ''No!''

Tenma shoots him another smile and walks towards the door of the classroom. He pretends he doesn't notice Tsurugi's orange eyes narrowing at his back.

Instead he hides a knowing smile.

'Soon...'

  ~'0'~  

''I'm sorry, Tenma-kun. I've been trying to talk to him about soccer, about how happy I am he can still play in my place, but... Kyousuke just doesn't seem to listen. It's like he thinks I'm only saying it to make him feel better.''Yuuichi sighs sadly, clenching his fists. ''Considering his current state of mind, he... probably does.''

The brunet gives him a gentle smile. ''It'll be fine,'' he says, no trace of doubt lingering in his voice. ''Everything will work out somehow.''

The older boy glances up and attempts a smile, though it doesn't look very convincing. ''You seem so sure.''

The time traveler's smile grows, a knowing touch to it. ''I am sure,'' he responds equally. ''Tsu-chan wants to play soccer, but now that he has the opportunity, he's afraid to take it. He's been hiding for so long... ever since your accident, he hasn't been able to really open up.'' Grey eyes filled with sorrow stare out at the orange sky, the same orange as his best friend's orbs. ''Showing him that he can finally stop living in the shadow of the accident is going to take time and care. We can't expect him to suddenly change his whole way of living.''

A soft chuckle escapes the navy-haired teen. Yuuichi looks out over the hospital gardens, enjoying the soft breeze and warmth of the setting sun. ''The words you speak are wise for one so young.''

A smile touches Tenma's lips. ''I suppose so,'' he agrees with an incline of his head. ''Surprising, isn't it.''

While it's not a real question, the young man next to him still nods in agreement. ''You're different from most thirteen-year-olds,'' he tells the time traveler.

Raimon's future captain doesn't even try to hide his amused smile. ''If you ask me, I am different,'' he tells the male in the wheelchair.

(After all, how many 'thirteen'-year-olds can say they've started a revolution, traveled through time, fought aliens and gone through insanity every single day for three years straight?)

The two collapse into a comfortable silence, enjoying the last rays of the sun before visiting hours are over. Tenma takes the time to let his thoughts stray to the match against Teikoku. Tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day Kyousuke will join Raimon for real.

''What exactly do you mean with that?''

Tenma looks up in confusion, seeing Yuuichi's brown orbs watching him with a concerned curiosity. ''Sorry?''

The elder frowns worriedly. ''You said you're not like others of your age. What did you mean?'' inquires the oldest Tsurugi brother.

The brunet's eyes widen at the question and he mentally scolds himself for not paying more attention. 'Damn it! I know Yuuichi is suspicious of me and I slip up like that? Ugh... the whole time thing is messing with my head!'

''Tenma-kun...'' says the young man softly when he sees the cautious look in the younger's grey eyes. ''Please. I'm just worried about you.''

The time traveler knows he is and he hates that he has to lie to Yuuichi, but he doesn't have a choice. So he lets his gaze drop to the floor, his expression carefully blank. ''I already told you, Yuuichi-san. You can't help me. I'll be fine.''

The older teen sighs and grimaces, already having expected this answer. ''Tenma-kun...''

The brunet stands up, grabbing the back that was lying on the bench next to him. His expression is closed off, not showing any of his thoughts. ''I'm sorry Yuuichi-san, but visiting hours are almost over so I should really go home now.''

The time traveler starts to walk away, but Yuuichi reaches out and grabs his sleeve to keep him from leaving. The younger boy stops walking but doesn't turn around. ''You're going to run yourself into the ground sooner than later at the rate you're going, Tenma-kun,'' he whispers sadly. ''You can't keep doing this to yourself. Whatever this secret of yours is, it's tearing you down.''

Both of them are silent for a while. Yuuichi stares at the back of Tenma's head, willing his words to reach the younger boy. After a few more moments of silence, the navy-haired male sighs somberly and lets go of the other's sleeve.

He is surprised by Tenma's voice. ''I know.''

The elder's head whips up when the words register in his mind and his mouth falls open in shock. He takes a moment to compose himself. ''Th-then why?! Why don't you confide in someone?!'' he asks, panic and disbelief coursing through his veins. ''Tenma-kun, you can't keep going on like this! If you have any troubles, you should talk to someone about it!''

That's when the brunet whirls around to face him. ''I know that, Yuuichi-san, but it's not that easy!''

The young man grits his teeth. ''Why not?!''

Tenma opens his mouth to answer, his eyes glowing blue, but then he cuts himself off and looks away. ''You wouldn't understand,'' he mutters finally.

''Then explain!'' Yuuichi almost begs, praying desperately for the younger boy to open up. ''Make me understand!''

The time traveler's head whips up. ''I can't!'' he exclaims, balling his fists. ''Even though I want to, I can't tell anyone! It's- I won't drag anyone else into this!'' he tells the older male. His eyes burn and he blinks, not allowing himself to break down now.

Yuuichi gapes at him ''Tenma-kun...'' he mutters, astonished. Then, after a few tense moments in which the brunet waits for him to say something, the elder's shoulders slump forward and his eyes sadden. ''You are far too kind,'' he says finally. ''Protecting others no matter what the cost...''

Raimon's future captain doesn't immediately answer, instead he gives a rueful smile. ''Trust me, I know,'' he mutters finally. ''It's gotten me into way too much trouble before.'' Then the weariness in his eyes is replaced by a fiery determination. ''And as long as I have any say about it, it will continue to. I don't care if I get in trouble or if I get hurt. Nothing will harm those I care about as long as I'm still able to fight.''

With that, he shoots the oldest Tsurugi brother a last smile and turns around.

''Until next time, Yuuichi-san.''

  ~'0'~  

The next day during lunch, Tsurugi isn't under his usual tree. Tenma looks at the spot the past self of his best friend was sitting yesterday and then glances at Aoi and Sinsuke. They'd been invited by the senpai to each lunch with them again, but...

''Go on without me, I have to take care of something first.''

His two fellow first-years just nod in confusion but don't stop him as the brunet walks away. His eyes narrow in thought as he mentally goes over the list of places Tsurugi could be.

It's all too easy to find him, really.

There are only a few places a lone wolf like Tsurugi will go. Considering he's even more of a lone wolf in this time, there's only one place he could be.

As expected, the back of the school is completely abandoned, save for a single person.

Tenma can't help the smile pulling at his lips as he leans out of one of the windows of the second floor. There, on the ground and hidden by the shade of the trees, is none other than Tsurugi Kyousuke.

Deciding that getting on the ground like a normal person- meaning, taking the stairs, walking outside through the main entrance and walking around the school until he reaches the back of said school -is too boring, Tenma opens the window a bit more.

After glancing around to make sure no one's around, the brunet climbs on the window sill. His eyes glow blue and he jumps.

He lands on the branch of a tree that is a little lower than the window. Tsurugi, at hearing the sudden noise, looks up and his orange eyes widen in astonishment when he sees the time traveler.

Tenma doesn't pay him any heed and instead jumps to another, lower branch. A few branches further and he lets himself fall out of the tree, gracefully landing on the ground in front of the still stunned Tsurugi.

The brunet shoots him a smile. ''Hey. Are you coming to practice later?'' he asks.

The forward's eyes narrow, all shock and astonishment leaving them. ''No.''

''Okay.''

Tenma leaves and Tsurugi needs a moment to tear his eyes away from the place he disappeared through trees.

  ~'0'~  

And again, at the end of the day, Tenma makes his way to Tsurugi's desk. The forward is already waiting for him, having realized he can't outrun the brunet by now. He glares at the time traveler but doesn't say anything.

Raimon's future captain shoots him a smile. ''Are you coming to the match Sunday?''

For a while, Tsurugi doesn't answer. Both first-years simply stare at each, cautious orange clashing with amused grey. The forward's eyes narrow slightly and something in Tenma's orbs changes. Tsurugi suppresses a shiver as previously amused eyes now look at him with a knowing glance.

And somehow that makes it so much harder to say the next word.

''No.''

Tenma supposes he can't feel disappointed, but he still does. He knows it's shown in his eyes when Tsurugi's orbs turn the slightest bit hesitant and, dare he say it, regretting.

But the time traveler doesn't comment on it, just like how he doesn't comment on the fact that the both of them know Tsurugi wants to play in their next match.

Instead the brunet just nods. ''Okay.''

He leaves.

  ~'0'~  

Only two chapters left until Arc 1 is finished and then Arc 2 will start!

- Yara Meijer