As I promised, an OoS update. Hope y'all enjoy!

~'0'~

Friday means it's time for Tenma's second and last library shift of the week. He arrives early and moves towards the counter, nodding at the two students just finishing up there. He recognizes one of them as Hirota, the senpai he shared his first shift with on Monday.

''Ah, good afternoon, Matsukaze,'' says the third-year in greeting, clearly recognizing him. ''I think you're partnered with Komuro today.''

As if it was a sign, the committee president appears in the doorway that leads to the small lounge behind the counter. He's not wearing his blazer and the sleeves of his blouse are rolled up. ''Oh, hey Matsukaze,'' he gives the brunet a small wave. ''Just so you know, Ito-sensei should be passing by sometime this hour. She's the assigned teacher of the committee.''

Tenma hums in understanding as he pins his nameplate on his uniform, glancing at the clock. Only a few seconds later, the bell rings.

''Well, that's our cue,'' says Hirota, grabbing a school bag standing on one of the chairs. ''Good luck you guys.''

Komuro and Tenma are left alone, the other two leaving the library and presumably going to their next classes. There's no one in sight, but there are probably some students sitting at the work tables further into the hall.

They settle into an easy rhythm, Tenma assigned to do the same task he did last Monday – returning the books to their correct places – which keeps him busy for the next twenty minutes. It's a little quieter this time around, but there are more books, probably since it's the end of the week, so it still takes him a bit longer than last time.

When he returns to the counter, Komuro is just finishing with checking out a student's books. The brunet doesn't mind him and instead moves towards one of the computers to check the system like Hirota taught him.

Only a minute after, the student is walking away and the committee president is focusing on him. ''So,'' grins Komuro as he reclines in his chair, ''how's that other club of yours going?''

The brunet raises an eyebrow, half wondering if all of their future conversations are going to start this way. ''I joined,'' he answers simply, keeping his attention on the screen in front of him.

''Aw,'' and it sounds almost like the older student is pouting, though Tenma refuses to check, ''come on, you gotta give me more than that. What's the story? Dramatic sworn-brother betrayal? Romantic tragedy? World-saving hero fate?'' he demands.

The younger boy snorts. ''You make it sound like I live in an anime.''

Then he pauses.

World-saving hero fate.

...fuck.

Unfortunately, Komuro seems to notice his reaction and immediately pounds on it. ''I was right?'' suddenly, he throws his arms into the air. ''Yes! Take that, Katsuragi!''

''Need I remind you this is a library, Komuro-kun?''

At the new voice, the president immediately lowers his arms and straightens, until he's the picture of a perfect student. ''Ito-sensei! What a surprise to see you here!'' he laughs, although his voice is quiet.

Tenma inspects the woman, Ito, who doesn't seem to be impressed. She seems to be in her early thirties, her pale blonde hair held back in a high ponytail. She's dressed in dark purple, nearly black dress pants coupled with a matching jacket. Her blouse is a nearly white lilac.

She sees him looking and her exasperated smirk turns into a friendly smile. ''Hello there, you must be one of the new members,'' she says, offering a hand over the counter.

The brunet shakes it and foregoes a bow. ''My name is Matsukaze Tenma, it's nice to meet you, sensei.''

''Likewise. Ito Himari, at your service.'' She retracts her hand and places her other on her hip as she shoots Komuro a glare, although it lacks any real heat. ''Now, what have I said about shouting?''

Seeing as his innocent act isn't getting him anywhere, the president pouts – and yes, this time, Tenma is sure of it. Then he perks up. ''But sensei! Matsukaze was about to tell me about his dramatic life story!'' he tells her, making his eyes very wide as if that'll somehow convince the woman to let him off lightly.

She rolls her eyes. ''You ask everyone for their story, when did you ever come across anyone who had something interesting?''

''Well, this time!'' Komuro pipes up. ''He reacted when I asked him! Either he was betrayed by his sworn brother, someone stole his girlfriend, or he saved the world! Personally I'm voting for the first option.'' He adds the last part thoughtfully. ''So which one is it?''

Yeah. Like Tenma's going to tell anyone he more-or-less saved the world from aliens, even if existence of said aliens is public knowledge at this point. It'd still be a major clue to everything he does not want anyone to know.

Definitely not going there.

''Nothing.''

''There was totally something!''

Thankfully, the teacher interferes. ''Komuro-kun, that's enough. Let the boy be. And for the love of god, fix your uniform.'' The president backs off, even if he's sulking, and Ito turns her back on them. ''I'll check if everything's going well, but I trust you can keep everything in order after I leave?''

Both of them voice agreements and with a distracted wave, she disappears between the bookshelves. They settle in to work and a few minutes later, the blonde-haired teacher leaves the library, apparently satisfied with the going-ons at this time. The second the doors close behind her, Tenma is pinned by Komuro's stare.

''Senpai...?''

The president's eyes narrow and he points at the brunet with a- is that a pen? ''Don't think this is over.''

By all means, Tenma should be annoyed at the very least.

But, looking at the older student in his rumpled uniform, holding a pen as if it's as dangerous as a real-life gun, he can't help but burst out laughing.

What idiots have I gotten involved with this time?

~'0'~

Tenma is arguably a little baffled when, after soccer practice on Saturday, the second team decides to go out for ice cream.

Apparently, it's tradition.

Or so Yamaki says.

Yamaki being the girl who added him to the group chat, a third-year student with long blond curls and bright eyes behind her glasses. She kind of reminds him of Taiyou in her playful enthusiasm as she slings an arm around Shinji's shoulders – the redhead shrinking away under the touch, his pale skin revealing his embarrassment – and announces to the entire team that they're going for ice cream.

The older students sigh in exasperation in response, but don't try to protest. Clearly, they're used to it.

The new first-years – five of them in total – go along because they really don't know what else to do, and so they find themselves at a small ice cream parlor only thirty minutes later in an unofficial 'team bonding' exercise.

Yuuichi, after hearing Yamaki's exclamation, merely smiled and told them to have fun, but didn't accompany them.

Their orders are finished surprisingly quickly and the senpai quickly hoard the newest players outside. Five minutes later, they're settled on the grass of the riverbank. Tenma isn't familiar with this part, the soccer field he used to frequent being further down the river, but it's peaceful and the sight of the street is blocked by several high trees.

The brunet is seated next to Shinji, content with just eating his ice cream as he watches his new teammates chat cheerfully.

What a difference.

It's only been a week, but as he sits there, watching them, he can't help but compare them to his original team. It had taken them weeks to get along, although that was largely due to the threat of Fifth Sector hanging over their heads.

And then his own role.

He had been so very obvious back then, unable to be ignored. He was loud and enthusiastic and cheerful, dragging everyone along with his plans.

He doesn't regret it in the slightest, but he can admit he has matured. In comparison to the first time he joined a soccer team, this time around he's being much calmer in his approach, preferring to just get to know them at his own pace. His other duties help with that too – he loves soccer as much as he always used to, but the novelty that drew him to focus all his attention on it when he just started out as an official player has left him now.

Now he knows it's okay to take it easy.

He's pulled out of his musings by, unsurprisingly, Yamaki. The senior claps her hands together to catch everyone's attention, grinning brightly when she does. ''Alright! So, as I said, this is for team bonding! And team bonding is what we're going to do!''

The captain Tenma spoke with on the day he met the team, Teruya, rolls his eyes. ''Yamaki...'' he says warningly.

The blonde turns to him, hands on her hips. It would've been much more impressive hadn't she been sitting. ''Come on Teruya, this is necessary!'' she focuses back on the team. ''I want introductions, guys! Personal introductions! Tell us something about yourself! Hobbies, other than soccer, soccer history, favorite color, that kind of stuff! You!''

Shinji squeaks when she suddenly points at him. ''M-me?''

''You start!''

The poor boy looks like a deer caught in the headlights, a blush rising to his cheeks as he finds everyone staring at him. He opens his mouth, but he's stuttering too badly to really say anything.

It's Teruya who hurries to reassure him. ''Hey, it's alright,'' he tells the first-year. ''Take your time! We're all friends here.''

The other players support his words with kind smiles and Tenma nudges Shinji to get the redhead's attention, shooting him a bright grin when he does. The other boy nods, a little jerkily but still a nod, and takes a moment to breathe. ''Al-alright,'' he tries again, this time with only a slight hesitance, ''well, I'm Sawaki Shinji and I'm sixteen. Um, I used to play for Genei Academy for two years and was part of the starter lineup for my last half year there.''

Tenma's eyes widen at that and several of the others give his friend impressed looks.

Genei Academy? That's certainly not nothing – it has been one of Raimon's main competitors for years now, and although they've never taken the title from them, they came close two years ago in the Winter Road. No wonder Shinji made second team here.

''I- I joined Raimon this year both for its soccer and educative status,'' continues the shy redhead. ''I'm really looking forward to playing with all of you! And um, as for other hobbies, I really like reading.'' He glances hopefully at Yamaki. ''Um, is, is that enough?''

The girl purses her lips, her features pulling into a frown. Then a grin breaks out on her face as she sees Shinji start to fidget. ''No worries, I'm just kidding!'' she reassures him quickly. ''One thing though! Favorite color?''

Shinji, who tensed at her added words, quickly relaxes again. ''U-um, blue?''

He gives a slight jump when Yamaki claps again. ''Great! That was perfect, Shinji-kun – is it okay for me to call you that?'' the redhead barely has time to nod before she's talking again. ''Alright, you can pick the next one!''

Tenma is not surprised in the slightest when Shinji turns to him, eyes wide and pleading. With how shy he is, he already expected him to choose someone he's familiar with.

The brunet smiles warmly. ''My turn, I guess?'' he hums, shifting a bit to get comfortable as all eyes turn to him. ''I'm Kaze,'' he starts easily, ''and I'm sixteen too.'' He lets a pause fall there, giving Yamaki a challenging look. The girl narrows her eyes at him and he sighs. ''Alright, fine. I played for a team in junior high when I was thirteen.''

Shinji next to him straightens a bit in surprise.

He'd carefully avoided mentioning that fact, after all.

Unfortunately, his hope for leaving it at that is easily defeated by Yamaki's annoyed look, although he can see the smile in her eyes that tells him she's not serious. ''Aw, come on, Kaze-kun!'' she whines. ''I want details! Why'd you only play for a year?''

Tenma is prepared for that question. ''I moved away,'' he answers simply – it's partly true, after all. ''I was part of the starter lineup though, although that was also because we didn't have any extras when I joined. As for my hobbies, I like reading too. And my favorite color is green.'' He gestures for the next player to start their introduction.

He listens with interest as the others talk about themselves. He had his doubts about joining the soccer club, and that was mostly because of his former teammates, true. However, some of his hesitation also came from the idea of joining a new team. After what happened last time? He wasn't sure if he was ready for such a thing yet.

But still, he can't quite bring himself to regret it right now, listening to them talk about soccer with the same passion he has.

Who knows how this will end up? It's at least worth a shot.

~'0'~

Tenma has absolutely no idea what it is that makes it seem like a good idea to go back to the riverbank field after returning from the ice cream outing. His dad won't be expecting him yet anyway, since he sent a message explaining the team's activities, so he has the time, but still.

It's been three days since his first encounter with the Inazuma KFC in years so why is he already returning?

Especially with Mizukawa there?

Since he still doesn't actually want to see any of his former teammates, manager or not?

But his legs still carry him there and before he can retrace his footsteps and go home, he's spotted by one of the children. He recognizes Eiji, the little boy with the hissatsu shot he helped with.

''Kaze-nii!''

And suddenly all the children are cheering his name. Part of Tenma curses the fact that he's always had a soft spot for kids, for it now betrays him by guilt tripping him into going down to the field. Immediately he's surrounded by the young players, who are, once again, launching questions at him.

The brunet laughs slightly and glances at the bench, where Handa, Kisaragi and Mizukawa are, and he holds up a hand in greeting.

When he manages to get rid of his small friends, partly with Handa's help when the coach orders them to go back to training, he joins the three of them. ''Good evening. I hope you don't mind me dropping by?''

Handa laughs and waves his worries away. ''Of course not. In fact, they seem much more energized now that you're here.'' His eyes twinkle as if he's telling a secret joke. ''I think your playing inspired them – they've been telling me about how 'awesome' their 'Kaze-nii' is for the past three days. I think they want to impress you now.''

Tenma grins and gives the kids a thumbs-up when Hana, the captain, manages to score. ''They're plenty good if you ask me.''

''That they are.''

They settle down to watch practice for a little while, both Tenma and Handa calling out some tips. The brunet is hesitant in his advice at first, not sure if it's welcome, but when he sees the coach nod in approval, he gains a little more confidence.

It gets to the point where he's more on the field than off it, correcting stances and demonstrating some moves. The whole time, he's aware of a furious glare directed at him, but he manages to ignore it.

When Handa calls for a break, Tenma and the KFC players move back towards the stone bench. The managers immediately start to hand out water bottles as the kid chat cheerfully.

Tenma is about to join Handa on the bench when a flash of dark teal passes him, roughly shouldering past him. He glances at her, the tension in her form standing out, and rolls his eyes.

Drama queen.

Instead of commenting on Mizukawa's actions, he takes a seat next to Inazuma KFC's coach. Handa glances at him with a curious expression. ''Did you do something to antagonize Minori-san?''

Tenma hides a wince.

'Do' is not the right word for it, but how could he ever explain it without giving himself away?

Besides, who knows how long Mizukawa has been a manager for this team. Handa is more likely to pick her side in whatever conflict this could lead to.

So instead the brunet shrugs. ''I'm not sure,'' he tells him honestly, because he isn't sure what causes her behavior. They've never been close, so she has no reason to be so angry. ''Maybe she just doesn't like me?''

''Maybe,'' agrees Handa, a hint of confusion in his voice. Thankfully, he doesn't push the issue, instead switching topics to discuss the children's current skills. Tenma settles into the conversation, giving a few new ideas for training and growing more confident when the coach takes him seriously.

Soon, however, the break is finished and Tenma joins the Inazuma KFC on the field again. He spends the next half hour like that, a wide grin on his face the whole time. He might have to tone down his full skill, but playing like this is fun, the young ones' enthusiasm bringing his own to heights it hasn't been for a long time.

Ah, how he missed this.

By the time Inazuma KFC's practice finishes, he's had quite the workout, although nothing in comparison to the official matches he used to play in. Still, he's a bit out of breath when he makes his way to the bench again, gratefully accepting the bottle Handa hands him.

As he's cooling down, the coach compliments him on his success with the junior team. ''I don't think I've ever seen them so determined,'' he says, smiling. ''Seriously, whenever you feel like it, come join us for another practice! We're happy to have you.''

Tenma thanks him profusely, excusing himself not long after to go home. He stayed out longer than usual, after all.

He's barely on time for dinner as it is, but his dad doesn't seem to mind, instead telling him to take a shower ''because you're a teenager and teenagers smell, buddy, especially when they've been sporting''. Fifteen minutes later he's downstairs again, wolfing down his dinner – he'd forgotten how hungry he could get after being so physically active – while wildly gesturing around as he recalls everything he did today.

It's been so long since his weekends were spend outside with others, instead of him just reading or practicing by himself.

He hadn't realized quite how much he missed it and as he helps his father clean up once they've finished eating, his lips curl upwards in excitement at the prospect of going to school Monday.

Soccer practice and a library shift?

He cannot wait.

~'0'~

It's early as Tenma makes his way to the second outside field for morning training. He spent Sunday finishing his homework and finishing the first book of a new series, and he's certainly refreshed now, despite the hour. There's a nice breeze that gets rid of any traces of sleep that might still be there, and the sun is already promising to make it a bright day.

As he walks the by-now familiar route to his destination, his attention is pulled to a different field.

To get to the second team's regular training spot, he has to pass the main field.

The one the first team usually uses.

The last week, ever since coming in for morning practice, he's ignored the training going on here to the best of his ability.

But now, as the shouts and encouragements reach him, he can't quite stop himself from looking over. It's close enough that he can make out the individual players – they seem to be playing a match, which must've started only a few minutes ago – and he pauses.

He hasn't seen Raimon play except through a screen for years, after all.

They're good.

Scratch that, they're great.

It might be because they're still full of energy this early, but even then, it's clear to see how skilled they are. It's definitely some high-paced play and Tenma knows that they're not even going all-out. He's seen that first-hand, after all.

''Kaze!''

The brunet glances up, a smile crossing his face, and he gives a cheerful wave. ''Shinji, good morning.''

The redhead pushes up his glasses, returning the smile. ''Hello!'' he glances at the field below. ''Were you watching the first team train?''

''Mm,'' Tenma nods, a little surprised at the other's clear words. Shinji isn't a horrible stutterer, but the brunet hasn't seen him this comfortable talking before either. He's glad the other boy seems to be relaxing around him. ''They're good.''

''Definitely!'' Shinji coughs, a little embarrassed at his own enthusiasm. ''I mean, um, they're amazing.''

They continue on their way to their own training. ''Have you ever played against them?'' Tenma asks curiously. If he'd been part of Genei's starting lineup, there's a big chance he's faced the Raimon team before.

''Ah- yeah, some of them,'' Shinji answers, lowering his voice a little. ''Only those in the same year as us. Trainer Tsurugi's brother is really terrifying!''

Tenma laughs at that. ''I can imagine!''

They've reached the second field by now and, considering both are already dressed in their soccer uniforms, immediately make their way down. Several others are already there, mostly seniors.

It's Teruya who notices them first. ''Kaze-kun, Shinji-kun,'' he greets merrily, ''nice to see the first-years coming in early!''

The two dispose of their bags, Tenma raising an eyebrow as he takes note of the bulletin board that isn't there usually, and it doesn't take long until the entire team has arrived. Knowing the drill by now, the teens gather to wait for their coach's instructions, talking amongst themselves as they wait.

Soon enough, Yuuichi, who had been discussing something with several of the third-years until then, calls for their attention. ''Good morning everyone!'' he starts off, the greeting returned by several players. ''Before we get to the actual practice, I've got several announcements!

''First, I've finished your evaluation and decided on your positions.'' Yuuichi quickly pins a large poster-like paper on the board, depicting the new starting formation, before turning back to the team. ''We're using a 3-5-2 to start with, possibly switching it with a 3-4-3 if need be. Does that sound okay?''

No one objects, instead scanning the new positions. Tenma quickly finds his own name amongst the midfielders, a little surprised to find himself on the left side. So Yuuichi wants to put him as wide midfield?

Hm. He used to play as center, prefers it, even – although later on he did end up becoming more offensive, even playing as attacking sometimes. His dribbling skills have always been important for the team's pace.

But maybe a change would be nice?

For now, he'll go along with it. He's never played wide, after all, and he's curious to find out what exactly Yuuichi is trying to accomplish.

Shinji has also kept his old position, playing as the other wide midfield, on the right side. That's something Tenma can definitely agree with – he's fast, with a quiet confidence that surprised the brunet when he first saw it.

''Seems okay,'' Teruya nods, summing up everyone's thoughts. ''You want to switch Fukui between forward and midfield?''

''Yup.'' Yuuichi nods, glancing at Fukui. ''That's okay, right?''

The girl in question, a quiet but kind second-year, agrees with a smile. Tenma has seen her play and she's definitely great – fast and flexible, easily adapting to new situations. An interesting choice, and he's looking forward to see how that will work out.

There are some more points touched upon, but overall, everyone seems satisfied. ''And switches can always be made later on,'' Yuuichi adds. ''I'll decide the starting lineup in time for our first match. Which brings me to our next point – there's a match scheduled against Aoba Academy coming Sunday!''

A thrill of excitement goes through the team at the prospect.

Their first match! Aoba's a good team, not amongst the top but still a challenge, and a good start of the season.

Yuuichi grins, seemingly just as pumped up as they are. ''Which means we're going to train hard to work as a team, okay guys?'' he laughs at the enthusiastic responses. ''Great! And then the last thing I wanted to discuss with you, especially the first-years – special training.''

A little surprised, Tenma can't help but raise his eyebrows. He hasn't heard anything about 'special training' before.

''Of course this option is also open for any second or third-years who want to join this year,'' their coach quickly assures the older students, ''so don't worry about that. Anyway, special training actually means super skill training. Keshin and Soul! Raimon High gives players the chance to sign up for this and try their hand at awakening their own powers.''

There's a rustle of excitement amongst the other four first-years. Keshin have been a hype for nearly a decade now, and Souls have grown popular too in the last three years. There are barely any Soul users, Raimon High in fact being famous for their large amount, since it's so rare.

Tenma himself is a bit interested at the concept, but he's already quite sure what his answer will be. He has both of those super skills, after all, why train for it?

Yuuichi's next words only cement his decision. ''The training will take place after regular practice, on Wednesdays and Fridays, under direction of several of the first team's players. Let me warn you,'' there's no mistaken the severity in his voice now, ''this is hard training. It's incredibly taxing and only a handful people manage to finish it every year.'' It dims the excitement a little, but not by much, and the coach's smile widens. ''I'm glad to see you all so determined for this! If you want to sign up, let me know at the end of today, alright? Now then, enough chatter. Let's get started with actual training!''

~'0'~

Shinji and Tenma make their way to their classroom after practice has ended, waiting for homeroom to start. It's still empty when they get there, which they're both used to by now. It won't be long before the first team's players arrive from their own training, but for now, they've got the space to themselves.

The redhead, seemingly forgetting to be nervous in his excitement, can't stop talking about the special training. ''I mean, I did work on Keshin a bit before in junior high but never seriously! And Souls! Can you imagine having a Soul? It's so amazing-!''

Holding back laughter, Tenma takes his books out of his bag and asks, ''so you're signing up?''

''Absolutely!'' Shinji nods. ''And you? It would be so much fun to do it together!''

The brunet smiles sheepishly. He doesn't want to disappoint his new friend, but he also definitely doesn't want to join that training course. ''Afraid I'm going to have to decline,'' he says, trying to appease him with his next words. ''It's been three years since I last played professionally, you know? I want to get back in it first, get used to the basics again before going on to a higher level. Maybe I'll join next year...''

It's obvious the redhead is disappointed, and a frown pulls at his features. ''The basics?'' he repeats, fiddling with his glasses. ''But Kaze, you're really good!''

Tenma laughs, a little regretful. It's true, he supposes – he did make the second team, after all. But he's nowhere near where he used to be.

But Shinji is looking at him with such confusion, and Tenma pauses, indecision plaguing him.

On one hand, he doesn't want to talk about anything that happened back then, and yet...

He hasn't even known Shinji for a week, but they're already pretty good friends. He doesn't owe him an explanation, but part of him wants to tell him at least a bit of the truth.

For a moment, he balls his fists underneath his desk.

Then he sighs, shoulders slumping a little.

''Kaze?''

Tenma looks up, meeting Shinji's gaze. Where before there was confusion, there's now also a bit of concern at his reaction, and the brunet offers a smile. ''The truth is...'' he could still back out now, but he pushes on. ''I actually suffered a leg injury.''

Green eyes widen in shock.

For a soccer player to have leg trauma could, after all, mean the end of their career.

''It happened a while ago,'' Tenma continues, grimacing, ''and it's healed a lot at this point. It usually doesn't hinder me at all, not even during training, but I was unable to play for a time. I... kinda wanna get back into it before jumping to the serious stuff, I guess.''

''That's completely understandable,'' Shinji agrees immediately. ''Thank you for sharing this with me, Kaze.''

Tenma can't stop the smile from forming on his lips.

It's as if a bit of the weight on his shoulders has let up, somehow. Shinji doesn't push it for which he's grateful and they delve into a discussion about the new formation and the match at the end of the week.

The redhead's enthusiasm is contagious and soon, the brunet himself is just as hyped for it. Even when Sakura, Kariya and Hikaru come in his mood isn't ruined and he manages to give them a polite greeting between sentences.

Nerves about the match will come soon enough, he knows, but for now, he'll enjoy the excitement before it.

To be continued...

~'0'~

Little boring, I know, but don't worry! Next chapter it'll start to get interesting~

And yes, AR will be updated soon.

- Yara