Guess who's back, back again~!

Hi. I'm back from holiday. It was hot, it was fun, and I met a girl who had the same voice as I do which was very creepy and awesome.

Anyway, onto the story!

~'0'~

Accidental Reverse Arc 2

  ~'0'~  

The residents of Kogarashi Manor are in for an eventful – and quite shocking – evening. The cause for this shock is none other than their landlady and the young Raimon student, who are more like brother and sister than distant relatives.

The members of the Akizora Challengers team, otherwise known as the residents of Kogarashi Manor, are making their way outside the house in order to train for their match tomorrow, when the door of the large manor slams open and Matsukaze Tenma comes storming out.

To see the youngest member of their household so angry is definitely a shock – usually the young brunet is very kind and cheerful. What is even more stunning, however, is when a furious Kino Aki follows him out of the door. ''Absolutely not!''

The brunet turns around and, to everyone's shock, glares at his sister-figure. ''You are not my guardian! You can't stop me! With or without you, I'm going to do this!'' he yells.

The landlady returns the glare with one of her own, her usually pretty smiling face set in a scowl. ''You are thirteen years old, Tenma! I might not be your official guardian but I can certainly stop you!'' she rants. ''You've been very reckless lately and I've reluctantly let you do your own thing, but this goes too far! I won't allow it!''

Tenma grits his teeth in frustration. ''Aki-nee, I know what I'm doing! I don't care if you don't allow it, I'm going to do this! I told before and I'll tell you again, you can't stop me!'' since he is facing the house, he doesn't notice the three new arrivals.

Aki doesn't notice them either, too caught up in her anger and worry. ''I will call your parents if I have to,'' she threatens and his glowing blue eyes narrow. ''Don't give me that look, young man! Your parents have entrusted your wellbeing to me and if I allow you to go through with this insane idea, I will be putting you at risk! If forcing you to go back to Okinawa means that your safety is ensured, I will gladly do-''

She's cut off by someone coughing. The landlady blinks, for the first time taking in her surroundings, and flushes when she catches sight of both the Akizora Challengers and Kogure, Kidou and Endou watching the fight with her young relative. ''Oh... h-how long have you been here?'' she stutters weakly.

Endou and Kidou share a look. ''Long enough,'' answers the Raimon coach seriously. ''What's wrong?''

They all seem anxious for the answer, but Aki seems unwilling to answer. She doesn't meet anyone's eyes, and both the Akizora Challengers and the Raimon coaches seem worried at the uncharacteristic reaction.

The woman hesitates and shoots a look at her young relative. Tenma has started petting Sasuke and his back is turned to the other people present, but they can all see how tense his form is. Aki sighs and allows herself to relax a little. ''Just a... disagreement,'' she says finally. ''Please, don't concern yourself about it.'' Before anyone can protest, however, a smile lights up her face. ''But Endou-kun, Kidou-kun, what are you doing here?''

Endou shares another look with Kidou, but then forces a light grin on his face. ''We ran into Kogure,'' he says, as if it explains everything. ''But anyway... what is this team?''

''They're the Akizora Challengers,'' explains Kogure. ''It's a team made up by the residents of Kogarashi Manor... except Tenma-kun, of course,'' he says, nodding towards the brunet who has turned around to watch the scene.

''So you're still playing soccer!'' Endou grins.

Kogure nods and turns to his team. ''This is Endou Mamoru, coach of the Raimon Jr. High's soccer club. They're our opponent tomorrow!''

''Eh?!'' Endou stares at his ex-teammate in shock. The smaller man sends him a pleading look and Raimon's coach quickly composes himself. ''A-ah, yeah... um, we were just discussing a few things for the match.''

His friend breathes a sigh of relief and then addresses his team again. ''So, were you going for a practice run?'' at the nods he receives, the man grins. ''Alright then, that's the spirit! We'll discuss the last things now!''

He quickly leads Endou and Kidou into the house, quickly followed by Aki. Tenma silently watches as the Akizora Challengers start their run, but is then distracted by his name. ''Tenma!'' he looks up and Endou grins at him. ''Want to come as well?''

The brunet nods silently, following them to Kogure's room. Aki brings them drinks and then goes downstairs to continue her preparation of dinner, leaving Kogure to explain the situation to his Raimon friends.

''So...'' hums Endou softly. ''A substitute team, huh...''

Kogure nods, a little worried. ''Hai. We haven't had a match in a long time, but the opponent backed out all of a sudden. My team was really looking forward to it, and I just don't have the heart to tell them it's cancelled... so please, Endou-san!'' begs the smaller man.

Raimon's coach crosses his arms thoughtfully. ''Well, I don't see any harm in it... it's not a real team, and we did get a new member today. I'd like to see what he is capable of,'' muses the keeper. ''What do you think, Kidou?''

The new trainer nods slowly. ''I see your point. It would be good practice... and I'd get to see their real skill in a less serious situation. I think it's a good idea.''

A bright grin crosses Endou's face. ''Well, alright then!'' Kogure's face lights up in relief as he thanks his ex-captain. The three adults then continue with the details for the match.

Once they're finished, Tenma follows the three men to the living room. They all sit down and the three older males start a conversation, but the brunet doesn't pay attention to them, instead focusing on his own thoughts.

''Tenma.'' At the sound of his name, the time traveler looks up. Both Kidou and Kogure are still talking, but Endou is looking at him. ''How about we take a walk?'' offers the coach.

After a moment of hesitation, the future captain sighs and nods. Both soccer freaks excuse themselves and make their way to the peaceful garden – Aki is still preparing dinner and the Akizora Challengers aren't back yet.

Raimon's coach watches his young charge for a few moment, before breaking the gentle silence that surrounds them. ''Is everything okay?'' grey eyes turn to him and the coach frowns worriedly. ''That fight just now... I know Aki is usually really calm. She doesn't get worked up so easily.''

Tenma sighs and gives a noncommittal shrug. ''It's... just a misunderstanding,'' he mutters softly, averting his eyes.

Endou's dark eyes don't leave him and it's clear in his expression that he knows it's more than that. When it becomes apparent that the brunet isn't planning on saying anything else, he sighs. ''Tenma, I know that you have a few... problems,'' he settles on saying. The brunet's eyes flash to him, caution and shock swirling in his grey orbs. His coach smiles reassuringly. ''I'm not completely sure what, and I know you don't want to tell me. Perhaps it's because of what happened with Fifth Sector these past few days, or maybe you're not feeling like a part of the team yet-''

''No, that's not true!'' Tenma's shout cuts him off. They fall silent, both surprised by the brunet's outburst. ''T-that's not it.''

Endou nods and smiles. ''Alright, if you say so.'' Then his expression turns serious again. ''Even so, there's something wrong. And yeah, I get you don't want to tell me, really, I do. But... I just want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to, you can come to me.'' He turns to face the boy properly. ''I'm your coach – it's my job to make sure you're alright. I want to make sure you're alright. So if you ever need anything, feel free to come to me, okay? I'll try everything in my power to help you.''

The time traveler breathes out slowly, not meeting the man's eyes. After a few moments of tense silence, he nods. ''Al- alright,'' he says softly. ''Thanks, I- I'll keep that in mind.''

Endou waits for a few seconds longer. ''Well... I'll see you tomorrow during training, then.''

''Yeah. See you tomorrow, stalker coach.''

The keeper doesn't react for a few moments, but then sighs when the brunet doesn't say anything else. ''See you tomorrow, Tenma.'' He slowly walks back inside, throwing a last look over his shoulder, but the time traveler doesn't look up.

In fact, he doesn't lift his gaze until his coach is safely inside the house. A weary look crosses his face. ''As if it's that easy...'' he mutters softly, running a hand through his hair and staring at the sky.

'As if anything is ever that easy.'

  ~'0'~  

The next morning, Tenma makes his way downstairs for breakfast. When he enters the dining room, he's greeted by a few of the other residents of Kogarashi Manor. ''Morning, Tenma-kun!'' calls Kaedeno, a young woman with dark eyes and spiky pink hair. ''Did you sleep well?''

The brunet takes the seat next to Tsukimi, a young man with light blue hair. ''Good morning,'' he greets. ''I slept well, thanks for asking.'' He scans the table – as usual, it's quite uneventful. Akiyama, a dark blue-haired high school student, is almost falling asleep again, just barely keeping her head from falling in her cereal. Henkutsu, being the grumpy middle-aged man he is, is reading the newspaper, twisting his mustache. Toyota, the keeper of the Akizora Challengers – who also has a crush on Aki – is cheerfully chatting with Kaedeno, while Tsukimi is eating his breakfast calmly, as usual.

Tenma isn't surprised that the last few members of their household haven't shown up yet. Kuriyama Hiroshi, oldest man in the house, is probably still sleeping. The oldest woman in the house, Kazeaki, is bustling around in the kitchen together with Aki. Kogure is just entering the dining room and takes a seat at the table, adjusting his tie. And then the last resident of Kogarashi Manor-

''I'm lateeeeeeee!'' comes a shout from upstairs, followed by a few loud bangs and a pained cry.

The only reaction comes from Kaedeno, who smiles amusedly. ''You alright, Johnny?''

''I'm fine!'' calls a male voice back. A moment later, the owner of the voice enters the room, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly and messing up his light brown hair even more than usual. Johnny Autumn, Australian exchange student, adjusts his glasses as he sits down on the empty seat next to the youngest resident of the manor. ''Good morning, everyone.''

A few moments later, the oldest woman in the house, Kazeaki, comes out of the kitchen with two plates. ''Ah, right on time, Johnny-kun!'' she says with a grandmother-y smile as she places one of the plates in front of him. ''There you go!''

''Thank you for the meal, Kazeaki-san!'' responds the exchange student as the Japanese woman sits down in an empty chair.

Just as she sits down, a younger woman walks out of the kitchen, carrying two plates as well. Her gentle smile is strained just the tiniest bit as she places one of the plates down in front of her relative, the other going to Kogure. ''Good morning, Johnny, Kogure, Tenma.''

The time traveler flinches. ''Good morning, Aki-nee,'' he responds, not meeting her gaze. ''Thank you.'' He quickly takes a bite of his food to avoid any more talking.

The chatting at the table dies down as the residents of Kogarashi Manor watch the two relatives. The tension between them is unmistakable, but despite having asked several times, no one knows what yesterday's fight was about.

''I made your bento.'' Aki's uncharacteristically composed voice breaks the silence. ''It's in the kitchen.''

Grey eyes flash towards her before quickly returning to the plate. ''Thank you.''

The landlady keeps her eyes trained on her young relative. ''Kazeaki-san, Kaedeno-chan and Tsukimi-kun have offered to help me cook for both teams after the match.''

The brunet nods, but doesn't look up again. ''I'll let my team know.''

Aki tightens her grip on her chopsticks. ''We will continue our... conversation from yesterday tonight,'' she says coolly. The boy's shoulders tense. ''Don't try to get out of it.''

Tenma lowers his head in a slight nod and shoves his chair back. ''Thank you for the meal,'' he says softly.

''You have barely eaten anything, dear.''

The time traveler's eyes flicker over to Kazeaki as she speaks. ''I'm not hungry,'' he mutters as he picks up his plate. ''Besides, I have to get to training.'' With that he makes his way to the kitchen.

No one mentions that he has plenty of time before morning practice starts.

  ~'0'~  

'I need to get Aki-nee on my side.'

Tenma chews on his pen, a bad habit he's picked up from Aoyama during one of the many Raimon study sessions, and absentmindedly stares at the words written in his reverse notebook. Instead of taking notes, like he's supposed to, he's been writing down ideas and plans for the 'war'.

His pen hovers above the paper, his brow furrowing in thought. 'Technically, I don't need to do this,' he realizes. 'I mean, the first time around it worked out without my help. But still...' his grip on the pen tightens as memories flood his mind. 'I won't let Fifth Sector get away with this. Not this time. Not after all the crimes they have committed. And I will not tolerate the Resistance's actions once they win against Fifth Sector – the way they just discarded the Seeds... yeah, those kids might've done something wrong, but that's no reason to cast them aside.

'I might not have to do this. I could just limit my concerns to Raimon and my other friends, but I won't. I'm not giving up on those kids – they deserve to play free soccer just as much as we do. They are victims of Fifth Sector's regime and they only have gotten to that point because no one was there to help them before, certainly not the Resistance. I won't just abandon them like that. Not again.'

With that in mind, he continues his secret planning for a good twenty minutes, waiting for the lesson to end – practice will start immediately after that. Drawing a timeline and slowly adding all the information he can remember is a good start, to say the least.

'Alright, so first things first – I need connections. Starting a war is nice enough and all, but I can't pull it off on my own. I already decided to get the public on my side, there are always people who would sponsor me or something. But how? They'll need to be able to reach me, but if I use my real name and face, Fifth Sector won't hesitate to take me out. So basically, I need a 'secret' identity and a way for people to contact me without actually meeting 'Matsukaze Tenma'. What would be the best idea for my other identity, then?

'I suppose it would be best if I play the role of 'scared, innocent child' who, despite everything, decided to do the right thing. That always appeals to the people – a martyr. Especially a young one. I need to be young, yet old enough to be taken seriously. So I suppose my physical age – thirteen – is perfect. So then what? A thirteen-year-old kid who decided to go against Fifth Sector. I can't openly attack them, that'd go against the whole new persona – perhaps reveal things in an interview? That would get the attention of the press, for sure, but I won't immediately risk my own safety if I use an alias.

'I'd need a contract with an interviewer. It would be best if they didn't work for any paper, or had at least enough freedom to be able to do what they want. They would also be my link to the media – they'd have to handle other papers and manipulate the press so that everything goes according to plan.

'Furthermore, I'm going to need money. Or rather, I'm going to need money in order to start investigating Fifth Sector. For that, I'm completely dependent on the public. Despite everything I can do, I'm still physically thirteen – I'm never going to get all the money I need by myself. I'm also going to need a safe place for it, a bank, for example, but I'm still a minor, so I'm going to need the help of an adult for that. On another note, collecting the money isn't going to be easy either. There should be a point where people could give money... somewhere safe, with competent people in charge who are completely dedicated to this ask. But where am I going to find people like that?

'Then of course, people in charge of the investigation and the investigation itself. We'd need evidence. Maybe hire a detective or something? I'd rather have more people for that – eavesdropping, making pictures, hacking files, stuff like that. I'll still need to work out the details, though. Besides, if I get the support of the government, it won't just come down on me and my people. They can do much more than I can. But how am I going to get their attention? They'd never believe me.

'Unless... unless the war grows. If it gets big enough to catch the government's attention, they will search me out for information. If that happens and I can get them on my side, or at least ally myself with them, I'd basically have the whole investigation I need. So-'

''Matsukaze, are you even listening?''

Tenma looks up at the teacher, who is looking at him with clear annoyance in her eyes. ''Or is your time too precious for the likes of us?'' she adds sarcastically.

The time traveler almost rolls his eyes but thinks the better of it at the last second. ''No, sensei,'' he says instead.

The woman only narrows her eyes and stalks towards his desk. Tenma almost sighs in boredom but refrains from doing so – this particular teacher is among the most hated adults in the school. Not only due to the subject she gives, math, but also because she takes every chance she gets to punish the students. One missing answer could earn you a detention.

The teacher grabs his notebook and inspects it. She flips through it, carefully scanning each page. A look of disbelief and confusion stretches on her face. ''I could've sworn...'' she mutters and turns her harsh eyes back to the time traveler, who inconspicuously slides the reverse notebook further under his math book. ''What were you writing just now?''

Tenma looks back, unblinking. ''Math.'' And then, as an afterthought, he lazily adds, ''and Itou-sensei, I would appreciate it if you didn't use my homework as a cheat sheet.''

Someone in the back of the class chokes and Itou's face starts to turn purple. ''The sheer insolence!'' she yells furiously. ''Detention!''

The time traveler tilts his head. ''For what, exactly?'' he asks innocently.

''Are you talking back to me?!'' the woman is almost screaming at this point.

Tenma's lips tilt upwards in a small, mocking smile. ''Yes, sensei, I believe that's how a conversation works.''

Itou throws Tenma's notebook down furiously. ''That's it, you brat! Detention for a week!''

The brunet raises an eyebrow. ''Do you have a logical reason for giving me detention?''

The teacher seems taken aback for a second that even now, Raimon's future captain isn't giving in, but then her anger returns. ''You are being very ungrateful and insolent! You will respect your teachers!''

''How am I being insolent?'' asks Tenma, his mocking smile growing. ''I merely asked you a question, sensei. That's what you're here for, right? To help students understand things?'' the woman sputters something, but before she can say anything, the brunet continues. ''You cannot give me detention when I haven't done anything, sensei. In this case, I have merely asked questions in order to clarify the situation. I have not, at any moment during this conversation, disrespected you. If I did, I did so without meaning to and I apologize deeply. Besides, your reasoning is completely illogical, so according to school rules you can't give me detention because I haven't done anything wrong.''

Itou is positively fuming by now. ''My reasoning is completely logical! As logical as the math I teach!''

'Got ya now.' The brunet gives her an innocent look. ''Your reasoning is as logical as math? Really? So, if I could prove math isn't entirely logical, will you take back everything you said? I won't have detention anymore?''

The teacher clearly isn't thinking clearly, for if she was, she would've thought twice about the time traveler's calm behavior. ''Yes!''

'Alright then,'' says Tenma, a sudden smirk replacing the innocent angel look from before. Itou suddenly doesn't seem as sure of her words anymore once she sees the smirk. Even so, she cannot do anything as the brunet stands up and makes his way to the board.

Once he's there, he grabs a marker and turns to the class. ''You are my witnesses, right?'' he asks them innocently.

Most of his classmates share hesitant looks. The soccer club members, however, are reacting differently. ''What are you doing!'' mouths Tsurugi furiously, clearly frustrated by the brunet's behavior despite the threat of missing practice for a whole week.

Meanwhile, the class representative nods slowly. ''Alright, I suppose that's fair,'' he says slowly, his classmates agreeing with his words.

Tenma grins deviously. ''Great.'' With that, he turns back to the whiteboard and starts writing. The tension is impossible to miss as everyone waits for him to finish. ''Done.'' The brunet steps aside to show the lines he wrote on the board.

x = 0,999...

10x = 9,999...

10x – x = 9,999... - 0,999...

9x = 9

x = 1

For a moment, silence is the only thing in the classroom. Tenma gives the class a few moments to process the numbers written on the whiteboard and then turns to the teacher. ''So...'' he throws the marker in the air, where it spins a few times, ''...I believe that proves my point, right?'' he asks, grinning cheekily as he catches the marker.

''I- I...'' Itou stutters, completely stunned. Tenma's grin grows as he watches her struggle. ''I won't tolerate this!'' she explodes finally. ''That's it, young man! Two weeks of detention-''

''Sorry, sensei, but you agreed to his terms,'' speaks the class representative calmly and bravely. ''You said that if he could prove math was not completely logical, he wouldn't get detention.''

Itou growls. ''Very well then! Matsukaze, come with me!''

The brunet blinks. ''Where are we going?''

''To the principal!''

  ~'0'~  

Just before the ending bell rings, Matsukaze Tenma comes walking out of the principal's office with a victorious grin on his face. Just before he closes the door behind him, he throws a smile at the people inside. ''I'm glad we managed to come to this understanding,'' he tells them. ''This really restores my faith in this school. Now, I will be enjoying my free time, so I hope you have a good day, Itou-sensei, assistant principal, principal.''

With that he closes the door, just as the bell rings. The time traveler grins to himself as he slings his bag over his shoulder and starts walking in the direction of the exit of the school.

He makes his way to the soccer club building and finds himself in the clubroom a minute later. Only a few of his teammates have arrived yet, but that's not surprising, considering school let out barely three minutes ago.

Soon after, the other members of the soccer club start to arrive. When the doors slide open to reveal the first years, though, Tenma almost winces at the glare shot his way. ''Matsukaze Tenma,'' hisses the resident Seedling, ''are you out of your mind?''

The brunet tilts his head, a confused look in his wide eyes, forming the perfect picture of innocence. ''Yes.''

''Two weeks of detention?''

That catches the attention of the rest of the club. ''What?'' demands Kurumada as he looks between the two first-years. Then he turns his eyes towards their time traveler. ''What did you do?''

The future captain puts on an indignant expression. ''What makes you think I did something?''

That earns him disbelieving looks from the entire team. ''Whenever there's trouble, you seem to be at the center,'' comments Ichino with a roll of his eyes at the same time Kurama mutters ''you're Tenma.''

Tenma huffs and crosses his arms. ''You call this trouble? Wait till I go all out.'' At the looks he gets, he grins mischievously. ''Mutant carrots. It was a complete slaughter.'' Then he turns his eyes on Tsurugi's furious form. ''For your information, I got out of the detention.''

''What?'' Shinsuke voices the thought of all first-years. ''But- but Itou-sensei was so mad!''

The time traveler nods. ''She was. And so was principal Kinzan and the assistant principal,'' he admits. ''But it's hardly the hardest thing I've ever had to get out of. I remember this one time my friends and I set fire to a pool and we were caught red-handed. In the end, they all let us go with a praise for our hard work.''

His words are followed by silence, which is then broken by Shindou's weary mutter. ''I'm not even surprised anymore. Is it strange I'm not even surprised anymore?''

Kirino sends his best friend a desperate look and then turns his blue orbs back to their wayward first-year. ''Remind me to hire you as my lawyer if I'm ever accused of commiting a crime.''

Tenma grins and salutes. ''Noted!''

  ~'0'~  

Later that evening, the entire Raimon team find themselves making their way towards the riverbank field. Instead of taking the bus, like they would usually, they decided to walk, since it's only ten minutes from school.

Tenma's cheerful mood from earlier has disappeared and instead he's frowning thoughtfully. Despite the match that will start in barely half an hour, there's something even more important on his mind.

His conversation with Aki tonight.

''What're you thinking about?'' asks a voice from beside him and he locks eyes with Kariya. The tealhead sounds friendly enough, keeping up his nice act, but the brunet can see the way his eyes are narrowed. You can only notice it if you look closely, and to the rest of the team, Kariya probably looks like the nice first-year they all believe him to be.

Well, if his teammate wants to play this part, Tenma won't stop him. ''The coach of the opposite team is angry with me and she wants to talk to me tonight,'' he answers with a shrug.

Confusion and wariness swirls in Kariya's eyes. ''Why would you have anything to do with that coach?''

The brunet's lips twitch upwards. ''She's my relative and my sort-of-guardian for as long as I'm living in Inazuma Town.'' He then raises his eyebrows. ''Why so curious? Trying to make friends, or do you just want to get to know your teammates better?'' his tone is light, but the other knows the meaning behind it.

Kariya's eyes narrow but he doesn't let it show and instead smiles. ''You caught me,'' he answers in a teasing tone. ''Interesting living arrangements, hm?''

The time traveler's only reaction is a vague nod. They fall into silence, listening to the chattering of their teammates around them. Neither is looking at the other, but both know they're keeping track of each other.

''Say, Kariya,'' starts Tenma and the tealhead's brown eyes flicker to him, ''why did you join Raimon?''

To anyone else, it might just be a question out of polite interest. To them, it's something else entirely.

What is your reason for joining the team?

The tealhead things about his answer for a moment. ''Well... I've always liked soccer, but the other kids at the orphanage I live in aren't interested. I guess I just wanted to try it for real.''

Someone else might be misled by all the different faces of the tealhead, but Tenma has known him for three years. He can only detect honesty in his words. ''Hm, is that so,'' he muses. ''So, I take it you're having fun. Think it will continue to be entertaining?''

How long are you going to keep this up?

Kariya tilts his head. ''Hm... yeah, it's fun. I guess we'll just see what happens.'' Tenma can see a little bit of his usual smirk in the smile that the tealhead shoots him.

As long as I feel like it. What're you going to do about it?

He's clearly trying to unsettle the future captain. Well, if he wants to play like that, why not return the favor? When Tenma answers next, he keeps his voice and expression just as carefully composed as they were during the whole conversation.

''Well, let's hope you'll enjoy it here, then. I'm sure you'll fit in perfectly.''

For a moment, Kariya looks taken aback and Tenma can see the calculations shooting through his sharp eyes. He's trying to find the hidden meaning behind the words, but the thing is, there is no hidden meaning. It's completely sincere.

Their little game is cut short by Shindou. ''We're here!''

It's true. They've arrived at the riverbank field, where the Akizora Challengers are already gathered and waiting. It doesn't take long for the two teams to start gathering at their respective benches, waiting for the match to start.

Tenma tunes out Endou's talk about not having any responsibilities and just playing freely – having heard it before – and instead looks at Aki as she encourages her own team.

Their eyes meet and Aki frowns. The anger that smoldered in her eyes yesterday has died down, not that Tenma is surprise. His relative doesn't really stay angry for long – of course, she's displeased, but not as furious as the day before.

Well, at least it'll make the upcoming conversation a little easier.

Soon after, the match start. The difference between the tournament games could not be any more obvious. Instead of the burning resolve to secure a win, laughter echoes over the field as both teams give their all in order to win the friendly game.

It ends with 1-0 for Raimon and it would've been a normal match, if it wasn't for Kariya's hidden rough play. It's not really noticeable, but Tenma has been keeping an eye on the tealhead – and on Kirino – and has seen it all.

He should probably do something about that before it causes chaos within the team like it did last time, but he has other things on his mind and last time it worked out too without his help, right?

''Guess I'll just take my chances,'' he mutters to himself, standing a little ways away from the Raimon and Akizora Challengers members. They're currently back at Kogarashi Manor, mingling after their match and enjoying the snacks Aki made specially for this match.

''Take your chances with what?'' asks a familiar voice from behind him. Tenma glances at Kariya from out of the corner of his eye, seeing the small smirk on his face now that none of Raimon's other members is paying attention.

The brunet raises an eyebrow and turns to face him fully. ''Why so curious?''

The tealhead's smirk grows. ''So far, you're the only one onto me – pretty fast, too. Can't blame a guy for being interested in you,'' he answers simply.

Raimon's future captain shrugs. ''Sorry, I don't swing that way.''

His future friend seems taken aback by his reaction. Tenma can see the gears in his head working as the defender goes over what he's said – he can also see the moment where Kariya realizes exactly what he is implying, because the tealhead suddenly goes red. ''Wha- that's not what I meant!'' he splutters in protest.

''Really?'' asks the brunet, faking naivety. ''It sounded that way to me...''

''No way!'' Kariya yells loudly, attracting the attention of some of their teammates standing in hearing range. The tealhead quickly shoots them a reassuring smile and then looks back at his companion when said brunet sniggers. Realization dawns in his eyes. ''Wait... you're messing with me!''

He sounds almost insulted and Tenma shrugs, a cheeky smile on his face. ''I mess with everybody,'' he tells the defender. ''Have you heard about the time I accused our resident Seedling of being a stalker?''

Kariya blinks in a mix of shock and disbelief, then apparently decides he doesn't want to know, and shakes his head to clear his thoughts. ''You didn't answer my question, though. Take your chances with what?''

Before Tenma can answer, however, someone joins them. He blinks, a little surprised by her sudden appearance. ''Aki-nee?'' he hadn't expected his relative to search him out.

The young woman smiles at Kariya and then focuses on her young charge. ''Tenma, I don't want to interrupt your conversation, but I think we should go for a walk.''

Aha. A bit surprising she chooses now of all times to do it, but not completely overwhelming.

''You're right,'' he agrees easily, and shoots an apologetic smile at his teammate. ''Sorry Kariya, but this is... important.''

The tealhead frowns thoughtfully but, after watching the two of them for a moment, nods. ''It's... alright,'' he settles on saying. ''I'll just go talk with Shinsuke-kun.'' With another long, unreadable look at the two relatives, he makes his way to the other first-year.

Aki waits for a moment and then walks towards the manor. Wordlessly, Tenma follows her, and the two make their way towards his room in silence. Once there, the young woman sits down on the bed while her sort-of-brother sits down in his chair.

The silence lasts just long enough to become uncomfortable, but neither of the two seems inclined to break it. The time traveler watches the past version of his relative quietly, waiting for her to say something.

She stares at the ground, seemingly lost in thought. When she finally does look up, though, her eyes are filled with a silent fire. ''You know I'm not happy with whatever you're planning, but my reaction from yesterday was, admittedly, a bit... extreme. I'm willing to hear you out.''

Tenma takes a calming breath and starts talking.

  ~'0'~  

'Nother cliffhanger, nope, I don't regret anything~! Until next time!

- Yara Meijer