Hey hey~ here's chapter 5~! Enjoy!

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Accidental Reverse Arc 1

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A few hours after the debriefing on their next match, Tenma is on his way home when the exhaustion that has plagued him since this evening becomes too much. He sits down on the stairs that lead to the soccer field next to the river, feeling a headache come up from his messed up thoughts.

'Maybe I should put some painkillers in my bag... I've got a feeling I'm going to get a lot of headaches.'

He's broken out of his thoughts by a voice. ''What're you doing out here?''

The brunet looks up, blinking in surprise when he sees none other than Raimon's keeper, holding a bike. ''Sangoku-senpai,'' he greets softly.

The older boy raises an eyebrow. ''You okay?'' he asks, a little put off by the weird behavior. He might not know the younger boy very well, but he doesn't exactly seem like the quiet type.

Automatically, Tenma grabs his school uniform above his heart, which doesn't go unnoticed by the keeper. Sangoku's attention is pulled back when the brunet speaks.

''I'm fine, just got a lot to think about...'' he mutters and stands up. He blinks when he sees the bag in the rack of the bike. ''Running errands?'' he asks.

''I'm in charge of dinner today,'' answers the keeper.

Tenma fakes confusion. ''In charge of dinner?'' he repeats, even though he's known the older boy long enough to know he sometimes cooks. But hey, he's not supposed to know that. Yet. ''You cook?''

Sangoku puts a hand on the bag. ''Yep, but only when mom comes back late from work,'' he answers with a smile.

''Cooking, huh?'' repeats Tenma, thinking back to the cooking lessons he- and the rest of the team –has gotten from the members of the team with cooking experience. ''Impressive! Wish I could cook...''

(He doesn't like to admit it, but he is a horrible cook. At least, that's what his teammates told him when he managed to blow up rice. But, he always defends himself, though he might not be able to cook very well [an understatement], he is the best baker on the team! He's learned a lot from Aki-nee's baking...)

''I've been told I'm like a bull in a china shop when I'm in the kitchen...'' the time traveler chuckles sheepishly.

Sangoku laughs and seems to think for a moment. ''Want to come over?'' he asks after a short while of silence.

Tenma blinks, vaguely remembering something like this – or was it one of those other times he came over? Even so, he answers the smile with one of his own. ''Can I?''

The keeper's smile widens. ''Of course.''

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And that's the reason Tenma is currently sitting at the table together with his older teammate, smiling in nostalgia when he tastes the familiar food. ''It's good,'' he tells the other boy. ''As good as Aki-nee's cooking!''

''Aki-nee?'' repeats Sangoku questioningly.

Tenma nods, knowing his teammate won't know about that, since he hasn't told anyone at school about it yet. ''She's a distant relative of mine,'' he explains. ''I live with her.''

Sangoku looks surprised. ''Your family lives with a distant relative?''

The brunet shakes his head. ''Nope, it's just me. My parents are back in Okinawa,'' he tells the keeper as he takes another bite.

''What?'' the other's voice is slightly alarmed. ''You're not living with your family?''

The time traveler sighs and puts down his fork. ''Hm,'' he hums in confirmation. ''I went to live with Aki-nee when I was nine,'' he explains. ''She helps me with a lot of stuff.''

Sangoku looks at him with wide eyes. ''You haven't lived together with your parents since you were nine?'' he repeats in a stunned voice.

Tenma shrugs, a bit uncomfortable. 'It was easier when everyone already knew about this,' he thinks, but shrugs it off to focus on the conversation at hand. ''It's really not a big deal,'' he says. ''I mean, I missed them when I first moved, and I missed home... everything's so different from Okinawa, but I see my parents every holiday and sometimes even in between that, and I can always visit home if I want to,'' his eyes soften in nostalgia. ''And I like it here. I can't swim as much as I used to, but I can play soccer so that's fine.''

''You swim?'' asks the keeper curiously.

The brunet grins. ''You forget, senpai. I'm from Okinawa.''

The older boy rolls his eyes good-naturally. ''It's not like every Okinawan swims,'' he shoots back easily.

The time traveler shrugs. ''Point taken,'' he agrees.

Suddenly a voice comes from the door. ''I'm home!'' the door opens and a familiar woman enters.

''Welcome back, you're early,'' greets Sangoku.

The woman closes the door behind her. ''The meeting ended early,'' she explains. As she turns around, her eyes fall on the brunet. ''Oh, a friend? That doesn't happen often.''

Tenma bows politely. ''Hello. I'm one of his juniors in the soccer club, Matsukaze Tenma,'' he introduces himself.

''Tenma-kun, so you're from the soccer club?'' she says as she puts away her bag. ''Coming back from practice?'' she takes of her jacket as the brunet confirms the question. ''You guys are aiming for the championship this year too, right?'' she asks.

Unlike the first time 'round, the time traveler keeps a cool head. ''I'm going to do my best,'' he answers smoothly. ''And I'm sure the others will follow the expectations as well.''

Sangoku's eyes widen as he looks at the brunet, confusion clearly written over his face. He wipes the look off as his mother joins them at the table. ''My son doesn't talk much about soccer,'' she says. ''Maybe because he's reached that difficult stage at his age? With no father around, there's a lot he won't talk to me about. It really has me in a pickle,'' she says with a fond look at her son, who pointedly ignores her. ''Tenma-kun, are you like that with your family too?''

The brunet shrugs after a moment of thought. ''I don't know,'' he says eventually. ''I don't see my parents a lot, so...'' he trails off.

Her eyes narrow at his words. ''What do you mean?'' she asks, a sharp edge to her voice.

The future captain smiles reassuringly. ''Well, I'm originally from Okinawa,'' he tells her. ''I'm living here to attend school, but my parents have to work, so they're still at home. I live with my relative now... since it's so far from home, I don't see my parents all that often,'' he explains.

The woman hums, impressed. ''You don't live with your parents, huh...'' she glances at her son. ''Must be hard...''

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When dinner – and a very uncomfortable conversation in which Sangoku's mother promises she'll cheer for them (even though Sangoku isn't planning on winning yet) – ends and Sangoku's mother has left, the keeper looks down. ''You guys just want to play soccer for what it really is, but...''

Tenma bites on his lip and sighs. ''I get it,'' he says finally, and the keeper's head snaps up. The brunet doesn't meet his eyes, lost in memories. ''Staying true to yourself isn't always easy,'' he mutters. ''Finding the path you're supposed to walk, especially when everything seems to be against you... I understand where you're coming from, I really do,'' he chuckles softly, ''but I've always been told I'm too stubborn for my own good.'' He sighs. ''I'm sorry if I'm too pushy, but I just want everyone to enjoy themselves.''

The keeper gapes at him. ''Matsukaze...''

The brunet stands up and smiles at him. ''Thank you for the food, but I think it's time for me to leave now,'' he says softly, just as Sangoku's mother returns.

''Tenma-kun, you're leaving?'' she asks, and the boy nods.

''Ah, hai. Thank you for having me over,'' he says, bowing politely.

The woman waves it away. ''You're welcome. It's nice to see my son making friends!''

Sangoku stands up as well, albeit a bit hesitantly. ''See you tomorrow, then,'' he says after a moment of silence.

Tenma nods, about to respond, when another wave of exhaustion hits him and he gasps. Due to his earlier moment of weakness, though, he's prepared for it this time and manages to catch himself when he stumbles, clutching his heart while clenching his eyes shut against the pain.

A second later, his senses rush back to normal and his eyes snap open. 'Hope they didn't see that... oh, who am I kidding? How could they not miss that?'

And, as expected, Sangoku's mother reaches out to him worriedly. ''Tenma-kun, are you okay?''

The brunet glances at her concerned eyes and attempts a smile. ''I- I'm fine,'' he says, a little breathlessly. Tenma shoots a look at his senpai, startled by what he finds.

Sangoku's mouth has fallen open slightly, concern and more than a bit of shock showing in his eyes. For a moment, the older boy seems to struggle to find his voice, but when he does the question that follows is one Tenma can't brush off easily. ''Matsukaze, what was that?''

Tenma averts his eyes, the silence thick with tension. ''I... it's nothing to concern yourself about, senpai,'' he says finally. ''I must be a bit tired from training the past few days.''

The keeper's eyebrows furrow in disbelief, and he's about to open his mouth to say something when his mother interrupts. ''Oh, you poor dear!'' she says, feeling his forehead gently. ''You're not getting a fever, are you?'' when there's no sign of a fever, she frowns in concern. ''Perhaps you should take it easy for the rest of the day,'' she advices. ''Go to sleep early, okay?''

For once, the brunet is thankful for the mothering, since it keeps Sangoku from asking unwanted questions. The midfielder smiles and nods. ''I will do that,'' he says. ''I should really get going now. Good night.'' He shoots a look at the older boy. ''See you tomorrow, senpai.''

He slips out of the door, leaving a lot of unanswered questions behind.

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During the opening ceremony of the Holy Road, Tenma can feel eyes on him, but he acts like he doesn't notice the suspicious stare of the keeper. 'I can't afford to have an attack like that in front of Sangoku-senpai again,' he tells himself. 'He's already suspicious enough as it is. If I insist enough, I can brush it off as just a moment of exhaustion after practice I'm not used to, but if he sees me falter like that again... he'll know something's up for real.'

Soon after, Tenma and his teammates are lining up for their match against Tengawara. The brunet inwardly scowls in annoyance at the mocking of their opponents. ''It's too bad you have to lose on the first game,'' says a spiky-purple-haired forward, grinning mockingly. Raimon's members narrow their eyes.

''C'mon now,'' says a blond-haired midfielder next to him, a taunting smile tainting his lips. ''Don't tease them, Andou. We get to win against Raimon after they won second in last year's championship. Be happy about it.''

''That's true,'' agrees the forward, Andou, the smile not leaving his lips. The lighter purple-haired midfielder that Tenma remembers as a Keshin user on his other side doesn't say anything but smiles mockingly as well. Tenma's eyebrows rise the slightest bit at the sight of the boy's purple lips and dark eyelids.

'Hmm... interesting.' He hides a grin as his mind comes up with a plan, because he can't just stand by and watch his team get mocked like this. 'Time to make the first change in this match.'

Tenma suddenly yawns obviously, putting as much disdain and boredom in the one movement as possible. The eyes of the trio immediately snap to him, and he blinks at their malicious looks. ''Sorry, did you say something?'' he asks innocently, letting his amusement shine in his eyes. ''I was a bit distracted, you see, I have an essay coming up and since my team probably won't be doing anything this match...'' he shrugs helplessly, a contempt half-smile on his face. ''We have to lose, and for that to happen none of us can move from our starting position.'' He chuckles, his voice dripping with disdain. ''But even that amount of resistance should be a challenge for you, right?''

''Wha- how dare you!'' hisses the blond midfielder. ''We can beat you with our eyes closed!''

Tenma nods mockingly. ''Yes, that's why you need Fifth Sector to decide the score for you,'' he agrees, the sarcasm in his voice impossible to miss. ''Your team's skill comes from a piece of paper. Very impressive.''

The Keshin user next to Andou joins the conversation. ''Tengawara is better than Raimon will ever be,'' he declares with no small amount of pride.

The time traveler rolls his eyes. ''Oh, yes, because this match definitely proves that,'' he says and then frowns. ''Wait...'' he tilts his head innocently as he stares at the Keshin user. ''...is that make-up? I thought girls weren't allowed on the teams?'' he asks sweetly.

Shinsuke next to him can't stop a snicker from leaving his lips, and even Kirino on his other side can't hide how his lips twitch upwards at the indignant and shocked expression on the Keshin user's face.

With that it's time to go to their positions and Tenma turns around, throwing one look over his shoulder at the purple-haired Keshin user. ''Let's have a good game, miss.''

He leaves the fuming Tengawara players behind him, hearing the captain apologize to Shindou for their behavior, and he makes his way to his position, avoiding his teammates because he doesn't need to get scolded about his behavior just now. Or asked, for that matter, when he sees the amused glints in their eyes and realizes they probably won't scold him since they enjoyed it way too much (even though they'd never admit it).

Immediately after the kickoff, Tengawara attacks. The girly midfielder from before seems to take a lot of pleasure in going one-on-one with Tenma, his mocking words from the first time 'round replaced by furious glares. Eventually though, he passes to his teammates as they make their way to Raimon's goal.

The forward, Andou, easily passes Amagi, who isn't even trying. ''He passed Amagi!'' yells the commentator and the forward smirks, going for the goal.

Suddenly, Tenma is in front of him and steals the ball. ''First-year Matsukaze makes a good save!''

The brunet easily spots the Keshin user (maybe he should start figuring out their names) and quickly scans the field for his teammates, hopefully one who wants to win as well. Gritting his teeth he passes to Kurama, who fakes a stumble so that the blond midfielder from before can steal the ball.

Tenma narrows his eyes, remembering this part of the match quickly. 'My first injury, how could I forget?'

Mind set on not letting it happen again, he moves in front of the blond midfielder, who smirks at him, yet the brunet can see a spark of annoyance. Tenma immediately notices how the other slows down, fully intending on tripping him. Instead of falling for it like last time, he moves out of the way just in time and manages to kick the ball away from the Tengawara player.

''What?!'' hisses said player, and the brunet smiles as he moves in the direction of Tengawara's half. He evades the players (because honestly, he wasn't entirely lying before. Tengawara might be good, but in skill Raimon is definitely better, not to mention, Tenma has three years' worth of memories that can help him this time).

The brunet grits his teeth as one of Tengawara's defenders runs up to him to stop him. 'Not yet...' instead of passing the boy, which he could easily do, the time traveler scans for his teammates. He throws a look over his shoulder but Shindou is still too far behind to take a pass.

He bites his lip and instead passes to Minamisawa, who lets the ball get stolen by Tengawara soon after. Tenma doesn't stay behind to watch, not having an ounce of faith that anyone else besides Shindou and Shinsuke will do anything this match, and instead moves back towards Raimon's half without a backward glance.

''Hayabusa!'' the ball is passed to the girly Keshin user, now known as Hayabusa. He easily passes Hamano, Kurumada and Kirino and passes to the blond midfielder.

Tenma grits his teeth as the blond makes his way to the goal and passes to Tengawara's captain, Kita. The time traveler can easily see the hesitation on Sangoku's face and he knows, without a doubt, that the keeper won't stop the shot.

And he was right, for Sangoku doesn't move as Kita makes the shot. They are all surprised, however, when someone steals the ball out of the air.

The brunet smiles as Shindou lands gracefully, his eyes filled with resolve. Both Tengawara and Raimon players stare in shock. The blond Tengawara midfielder smiles, a bit shocked. ''Hey, it's easier if you just let us score now,'' he says.

''I won't let you score.''

There is no sign of hesitation in Shindou's voice, even as the Tengawara midfielder falters in surprise. ''I'm not following Fifth Sector's orders,'' states Raimon's captain resolutely, and his eyes narrow angrily. ''I'm going for a real win!''

Tenma's smile widens at the shocked looks from both teams. ''No need for jokes now,'' says the blond midfielder.

The brunet almost beams when he sees Shindou's genuine, challenging smile. ''I'm serious!'' and with that he sprints forward, surprising everyone with his speed. The Tengawara players shake their shock off and try to follow him, but Raimon's captain is too fast.

Hayabusa blocks him. ''Have you lost your mind, Shindou? You don't have a future going against Fifth Sector!''

Raimon's game maker tries to pass him. ''I'll make my own future!'' with that he starts to run again.

''Forget your future, this will be the end of Raimon itself!'' Hayabusa tries to steal the ball and Shindou looks around for any of his teammates.

'There's my chance.'

Tenma suddenly runs forward, into Shindou's line of vision, and their eyes meet for a split second. A moment later the brunet receives the captain's pass, continuing to run in the direction of the goal.

Tengawara's Keshin user focuses his attention on the first-year. ''Do you really want to destroy Raimon's future?'' asks Hayabusa, narrowing his eyes. ''If you don't want to doom your teammates, let us win!''

The time traveler smirks, surprising the purple-haired boy. ''If you want to win, work for it,'' he says casually, waiting for the game maker to do his job.

''Tenma!''

Aha, there it is. The brunet follows the glowing line of Shindou's God Baton without a moment of hesitation, running through Tengawara's lines of defense. The forward from before, Andou, enters his vision. ''Think you can come at me from the front?'' challenges the spiky-haired boy.

'Not my plan.' Feeling a bit bad for stealing Shindou's future move, he suddenly slows down majorly when the forward reaches him. Said forward didn't expect the sudden change in speed and stumbles past him. Tenma grins and runs forward, waiting for his captain's orders as Tengawara's defense surrounds him.

Shindou sends a line of light high up and without hesitation the brunet kicks the ball into the air. Shinsuke easily jumps into the sky to receive the pass, a hidden smile going over Tenma's features. 'Can't wait till you become a keeper...'

Following the captain's orders, Shinsuke passes to Tenma. Said brunet sees one of the defenders and frowns, not waiting for Shindou's orders. Instead, he suddenly kicks the ball in the direction of none other than Hamano, not giving any warning.

A smile stretches on his lips as he sees how the other midfielder is taken by surprise. Not having enough time to think clearly, Hamano automatically passes the ball to the first teammate he sees.

Shindou easily receives the pass, making use of the perfect chance to score now that no one is in his way. ''Fortissimo!'' the keeper is surprised by the sudden shot and doesn't react fast enough to stop it.

The time traveler looks up at the scoreboard with a smile. 1-0 for Raimon.

The captain makes his way back to Raimon's half, smiling at the two first-years who assisted him in the goal. ''Nice thinking, Tenma,'' he compliments.

Tenma chuckles sheepishly. ''No, not at all,'' he quickly denies. ''Those were actually moves from someone else,'' he admits, Shindou raising his eyebrows curiously.

''Hm, must be a good player, then.''

The time traveler hides a smile. 'Oh, you have no idea.' Instead of showing the amusement in his eyes, he grins. ''Nice goal, Shindou-senpai.''

The captain's smile widens.

''Thanks.''

They make their way back to their positions. Once there, Tenma ignores the Tengawara players who are currently discussing Raimon's idiocy. Instead he looks back towards Raimon's goal, biting his lip at the sight of their keeper.

'Sangoku-senpai...'

He remembers vaguely that the older teenager joins the 'rebellion', if you can call it that at this point, during this match, but the details are a bit hazy.

'Note to self, start a diary.'

Only a few minutes later, Tenma narrows his eyes at the rough play from the other school. 'Jeez, anger issues much?' he can't help but think as the blond boy (who he has finally learned goes by the name Nishinosora) knocks Hayami over.

Shindou tries to order the defense to move back, but the defenders hesitate. 'Damn it... note to self, kill Fei for all the trouble he's putting you through.'

''You look pathetic, Captain.'' Tenma rolls his eyes when he hears Tsurugi's comments from the sideline. He's standing close enough to hear his words because the forward isn't exactly speaking softly. ''It's no use being God's Baton if you can't get anybody to move. The only ones resisting Fifth Sector are you three. How are you going to fight against eight people who aren't even on your side and eleven-''

The forward is suddenly cut off by another voice.

''Could you please kindly do us all a favor and shut up?!''

Tsurugi falters, his eyes widening at the annoyed glare from Raimon's time traveler. ''Wha-''

Tenma, again, cuts him off. ''Look, I don't care if you want to be a pessimistic emo, but could you do it somewhere else?''

(He's enjoying Tsurugi's speechlessness way too much, but he honestly doesn't care.)

''What are you even doing here? You're not even gonna play in this match, are you?'' suddenly, Tenma smiles innocently. ''You know, you deny you're a stalker but you're acting really stalkerish right now, Stalker-san.''

Tsurugi's eye twitches but before he can think of a retort the brunet is already running over the field again.

Meanwhile, Tenma is taking in the situation. Shindou declaring he'll do it himself if his teammates won't help, girly midfielder intercepting... Ah, seems like Hayabusa is going to bring out his Keshin-

Tenma's eyes widen.

'Oh damnit.'

Throwing all caution in the wind, he races forward as Hayabusa throws his arms in the sky, about to call forth his Keshin. Looks like Lady Luck is on Tenma's side for once, because he manages to use a sliding tackle to steal the ball from the other's possession, successfully stopping him from using his Keshin.

He breathes a sigh of relief. 'I can mostly see what will happen during a match, judging from how my teammates and the opponents play, but a Keshin is too unpredictable.'

But the danger's not over yet, because he's taken by surprise when Kita suddenly steals the ball from him. Without a moment to lose, the captain breaks through Raimon's defense and shoots.

Tenma can see how Sangoku grits his teeth and moves to stop the shot but is pushed to the side by the force of it, the ball flying in the goal.

''It's in!'' exclaims the commentator. Just then, two whistles sound, announcing the end of the first half. ''The first half ends here, at a tie of 1-1!''

  ~'0'~  

A certain time traveler stares at the downtrodden faces of his teammates and then directs his gaze to an empty point in the air, staring at it intently while he gets lost in thought.

'Hmm... not too bad, for now. If I remember correctly, the first time 'round it was 1-1 when the second half started as well...' he hums to himself quietly, a habit he started somewhere in his third year at Raimon Jr. High. 'But that Seed is going to cause some trouble... not only could his Keshin turn the whole match around, I'm not even sure if Shindou-senpai can stop him with Maestro!'

''Could you stop humming?'' an annoyed voice snaps him out of his thoughts.

He blinks at Tsurugi and automatically gives a retort. ''Could you stop being such a pessimist?'' then his eyes widen slightly. 'Ehehe... didn't mean to say that... if I keep reacting like that, Tsu-chan will never warm up to me...' so, to reduce the damage, he smiles apologetically. ''Sorry, habit.''

Even Tenma himself doesn't know if he means the humming or the retorts.

The Seed narrows his eyes in annoyance and the brunet smiles innocently. Tsurugi gives him one last glare and then turns to Raimon's other members, a small smirk pulling at his lips. ''Tengawara's Hayabusa is just like me,'' he says.

Tenma keeps himself from asking 'an annoying pessimist?' because that probably wouldn't end well. 'Not that I can help it... Tsurugi's so... well, pessimistic right now! Hmpf.'

''A Seed.''

'Where does that name come from, anyway? Is there a higher form of a Seed? Another level? What would they be called... hmm, a tree?'

Meanwhile, Tsurugi is continuing his little monologue about Hayabusa. ''He can freely control his Keshin. Unlike you, captain.'' Shindou grits his teeth and the forward smirks. ''Now do you still think you can win?''

'A flower?' suddenly a very disturbing image of Tsurugi dressed in a flower dress pops up in his head, and the brunet shakes his head to get rid of the thought. 'I hope not... that would be so...ieuw,' he shudders. 'Gross.'

''Even if wimps like you chose to cross Fifth Sector, nothing will change. Nothing can change. Raimon's defeat has been decided!''

'Hmm... what about a vegetable?'

Suddenly another voice speaks up. ''That's not for strangers to decide,'' says Endou with a smile as he stands up. ''Like I said... No matter who it is, I won't let them decide the results before the match.''

Tsurugi narrows his eyes, a sharp edge to his voice. ''What?''

Endou's smile widens. ''The only one who gets to decide victory and defeat is the goddess of victory.'' He turns to the rest of Raimon. ''But the goddess of victory will never smile upon those who don't actively seek to win. Are you guys satisfied with the soccer today that's controlled, even its scoring?'' he turns to the keeper. ''Sangoku.''

'Maybe a fruit?'

''H-hai!'' said keeper looks up.

The coach smiles down at him (not that that's any different from his usual expression). ''You were told to lose, but you tried to stop that shoot.''

Sangoku looks away. ''Th-that was...''

''That was the instincts of a true soccer player.'' Endou walks towards the other players, leaving a stunned keeper behind. ''No matter what shoot comes at you, you try to block it.'' He walks through the aisle between the benches, looking at every player. Hayami tenses and looks away, and when Endou passes him he puts a hand on the boy's head for a moment, surprising said boy. ''No matter who you're up against, you try to dribble past them. You try to make a shoot that's stronger than anyone else's. And you try to win,'' he finishes as he passes Tsurugi.

(Meanwhile, Tenma is speculating about dancing Seeds dressed up like fruits and vegetables while singing happily, mostly missing the conversation going on in front of him.)

(The worst are definitely Tomato Tsurugi and Mango Mahoro.)

''That's a soccer player,'' finishes Endou as he stops in the front of the room to address everyone, placing a fist over his heart. ''The feelings that all of you have. Do you honestly feel that it's right? To lose without even trying? Ask yourselves these things. Is the soccer you see today the soccer you want to play? What is real soccer? What is your soccer?''

Suddenly the door opens. ''What is this I'm hearing?'' Chairman Kinzan and the tall guy (who Tenma finally remembers as the assistant principal, Fuyukai something) enter the dressing room.

''You've learned nothing, have you!'' spats the assistant principal.

Kinzan looks at the coach grimly. ''Holy Road isn't just a tournament for soccer championship. It's an important election that will decide the Holy Emperor!''

Fuyukai continues. ''If we disrupt it, our-'' he cuts himself off and pushes up his glasses uncomfortably. ''I mean, Raimon's reputation will be jeopardized.''

The chairman points threateningly to Endou. ''As their coach, say this to them now. Fifth Sector's orders must not be disputed. You must not fail to lose this match.''

Endou closes his eyes and answers without hesitation. ''I've said everything that needs to be said.'' He looks at the Raimon players. ''The rest is up to you to decide. As an individual soccer player.''

He walks past Fuyukai and Kinzan, who is shaking in anger, and stops in the doorway. He throws a determined smile over his shoulder. ''I'll be waiting on the field.'' Endou ignores the other two adults who try to stop him and, when that doesn't work, follow him.

Silence is left in the clubroom, as the players share a few hesitant looks.

''So... what do we do now?'' asks Hamano, looking at his teammates.

Tenma almost hums thoughtfully, but remembering Tsurugi's earlier annoyance at the sound, refrains from doing so. Instead he looks at the Seed in question. ''Tsurugi,'' he suddenly says.

The forward glances up, glaring when he sees who addressed him. ''What?'' he snaps.

The time traveler looks at him, completely serious. ''Promise me you'll never wear a flower dress. Or dress up like a vegetable, for that matter.''

The Seed chokes on air. ''Wha-!''

Raimon's other players stare at the brunet in utter shock. ''What the hell, Matsukaze?!'' Ah, that's Kurumada, who is currently gaping at the time traveler. Everyone is, for that matter.

Shindou recovers from his shock first. ''Tenma, what the heck goes on in your head?!'' Hmm, maybe he hasn't recovered as much as the brunet first thought.

Said brunet simply blinks. ''Ah, I don't think you want to know that, senpai~''

Meanwhile, Tsurugi finally seems to find his ability to speak back. ''Why the hell would you think I'd do something like- like that?!''

Tenma blinks. ''I don't,'' he says simply. ''I was just making sure.''

Tsurugi's eye twitches and the time traveler can swear flames are rising up behind him. Not wanting to be there when the forward explodes, the brunet slips out of the door with the excuse of ''the second half is starting soon~!''

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Tomato Tsurugi is awesome. Well then, until next chapter, I guess~!

- Yara Meijer