Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kyousuke ran a bit on his way to the hospital, the test had ended quite late, and he wanted to go talk to his brother before visiting hours closed. He was in the football club, at long last.

Once he reached the hospital, quickly checking in at the reception to make sure it was okay for him to visit his brother in that moment before going up to the older Tsurugi's room. Opening the door, he found his brother looking out of the window, sitting in his wheelchair.

"Yuuichi."

His voice called the other's attention, who smiled as he looked at him. Kyousuke was still a bit grass stained as he hadn't changed before coming here, he hoped his brother didn't mind.

"Kyousuke! For a moment, I thought you wouldn't come visit me today. I assume the test went well."

Kyousuke gave a small smile in return and nodded as he approached the other.

"Yes. I passed the test. I'm officially on the first team now."

His own excitement for the fact only grew when Yuuichi smiled wider too and turned his wheelchair towards him completely.

"I knew you could do it. You've trained so hard for it, it would have been impossible for you to not make it in."

"Thank you..."

Kyousuke felt admittedly a bit embarrassed by the praise his brother gave. Even if he had passed, it still hadn't been easy and, for a moment, it had felt like he wasn't going to pass.

"Help me onto the bed, yeah? Then you can tell me all about the test and the team. I'm sure I can convince nurse Fuyuka to let you stay for a bit longer after hours if it's necessary."

Kyousuke easily obliged, helping his brother get out of the wheelchair and onto the bed before moving over to the other side and sitting on one of the chairs there.

"It was hard. I can't deny it. Captain Shindou went quite hard on us."

Yuuichi nodded as he got comfortable on the bed before turning his attention fully to his younger brother.

"Well, I didn't expect it to be a cake walk seeing as it is a school known for their football team. How was the exam done? How many others tried out for the team?"

"It was like an unofficial match of sorts. Thankfully it wasn't necessary for us to score to pass. There were six of us in total there. If I'm honest though, the three students that didn't pass only seemed to want to enter the team for the praise of it."

"There are always some people like that. We can't really help it... But that means two others passed with you, right? What were they like? Seeing as they will be your future teammates, I expect you to have at least tried to speak with them."

Kyousuke hummed at the comment even as he looked away. He admittedly hadn't talked much to them, but it wasn't like he'd been bad to them or anything either. He wasn't a very social guy, sue him.

"They are okay. They are first years like me too. Nishizono Shinsuke and Matsukaze Tenma were their names if I'm not wrong. They clearly did like playing soccer unlike the other three... They were okay. Just a bit too excitable and happy for my liking."

Yuuichi laughed lightly at his words but tried to hide it behind his hand.

"Well it's good to have some teammates who are in your same grade at the very least. Maybe, you'll finally have friends for me to meet."

Kyousuke frowned a bit and crossed his arms. He knew his brother would want to meet some of his teammates, obviously, but he wasn't bringing them here after one meeting.

"We'll see about that..."

Yuuichi still had a glimmer of humor in his eyes but let it rest for now, something Kyousuke was grateful for.

"And anything to say about the other team members? Or the coach? You told me you'd met the team manager before too, didn't you?"

"Yes. Miss Haruna is the team manager. Coach Kudou seemed okay, though he was a bit mysterious and didn't really explain the requirements to pass even after the test was over. I can't tell you much about the rest of the team either, they seem okay... The captain was a bit upset today though. I heard him saying something about my face made him angry."

Yuuichi nodded again at his words, frowning as he heard about the captain's annoyance. He hadn't been there to truly see what had happened, and he obviously didn't know the captain's life, but he didn't like knowing his brother had heard the other boy say he made him angry.

"Well, let's hope he was having a bad day or that it's not something serious. We don't really know him so maybe he was just upset over something you couldn't have controlled. I know you won't be comfortable with the idea, but you could try and speak to him about it tomorrow if you get a moment alone."

Kyousuke nodded even as his face hardened. Yuuichi was right, he didn't like the idea.

"I'll try... But only if it feels like it could affect the team as a whole. The captain having a small tantrum over my attitude or whatever isn't that important if we can still train and play normally."

Yuuichi was silent for a moment before sighing and nodding in agreement.

"I'll accept it since I know I won't convince you of anything more. I'm not the one who has met them after all. But still, remember to go to the coach or Miss Haruna if it doesn't get resolved on its own, okay?"

"Yes Yuuichi, I will."

"Good."

There was a moment of silence between them as they looked at the other before smiling as Yuuichi reached over to ruffle Kyousuke's hair as the other groaned in complaint and moved out of his brother's reach.

"Stooooppp!"

"My little Kyousuke is part of Raimon's team. I'm so happy. I promise I'll watch all your matches."

Kyousuke was frowning again at the other's infantilizing tone, but he was still too happy about his success himself to stop the small smile that quirked at the edge of his lips.

There was a knock from the door then as nurse Fuyuka walked in. Kyousuke stood from his seat as both brothers looked towards the woman, who looked at them fondly.

"Visiting hours are ending."

"Understood. Thank you."

Kyousuke turned to look at his brother one more time with a smile.

"I'll see you tomorrow or the day after, okay?"

"Alright Kyousuke, don't worry about coming every day though, I want you to focus on training now that you're in the team."

They both knew that was an almost impossible ask. Kyousuke would still use any chance he got to visit Yuuichi. Being in the team will only make him want to come more to tell him about it. Still, Kyousuke nodded.

"Sure. See you tomorrow."

Yuuichi let out a small huff of laughter as Kyousuke walked towards the door where Fuyuka was still standing with a smile of her own at the brothers' interaction.

"Goodbye Kyousuke."

Chapter Text

The bell to signal the end of class rang loud across the school. Once the teacher had left, Kyousuke began packing up his things.

"Shinsuke! Let's go quickly!"

"Yes!"

He looked up at the sound of those voices, Matsukaze was leaning against Shinsuke's desk, already having grabbed everything and waiting for the other boy to finish doing the same before they both began running towards the door, heading to the club, Kyousuke assumed.

"Eh? Hey you two, wait for me!"

The words made him turn towards the source of the voice, a girl with blue hair who Kyousuke thinks he saw the day of the entrance exam. She was still packing her bag while glaring at the door the other two first years ran through before also beginning to run after them. A friend of theirs?

Kyousuke didn't dwell on it too much as he grabbed his bag and began walking slowly. He still felt a bit unadjusted to the new school environment and didn't feel like making a scene, unlike those three.

He paused very briefly as the football building came into view before walking inside.

"Ah, Tsurugi. Good afternoon."

The boy turned as his name was called before bowing his head down in greeting to Miss Haruna and Coach Kudou.

"Good afternoon, Miss Haruna, Coach."

He then followed the two to the room where everyone else had already gathered. Aside from the team and the three other first years he already recognized, there were also two other girls there. He didn't want to assume, but they didn't look like they were part of the team. Managers, maybe?

After putting his bag inside one of the empty lockers, he joined the other new players, standing in front of the rest of the team. Maybe it was just his thoughts, but the captain still didn't look very happy even if he did seem less angry than the last day. Maybe that was just his normal face.

"Well, now the new members can officially introduce themselves."

"Alright then. You start."

Kyousuke turned to look as Matsukaze yelped a bit, watching as one of the girls he didn't recognize pushed him forward slightly. For what it was, Matsukaze seemed to take it in stride.

"W-well okay. My name is Matsukaze Tenma, I'm a first year and before joining the club I played as a midfielder. It's nice to meet everyone."

Matsukaze gave a small bow before taking three steps back. He seemed nervous but Kyousuke wouldn't have expected anything else. He himself was a bit nervous.

"Nice to meet you too. Next?"

"I'm Shinsuke Nishizono, I'm also a first year and in elementary school I used to play in defense. It's nice to meet you all, I promise to work very hard."

"Good to know. Next?"

Kyousuke paused for a small moment to breathe before turning his eyes directly to the captain again.

"I'm Tsurugi Kyousuke. I'm a first year as well. I'm used to playing as a forward but if I am placed in a different one for the benefit of the team, I'll gladly take it too."

"That's good, some versatility can be useful."

The comment came from one of the older boys whom Kyousuke recognized as the goalkeeper. He nodded in acknowledgement of his comment before taking a step back.

Then, the three girls also introduced themselves.

"Hello, I'm Aoi Sorano and I'm a first year. I hope we can get along."

"I'm Akane Yamana. It's a pleasure meeting everyone."

"And I'm Midori Seto. Though, just to be clear, I don't plan on just being a simple helper. I'm here to make sure this guys give it their all."

The last girl ruffled Matsukaze's and Shinsuke's hair a bit harshly as she spoke and as Matsukaze himself made a small sound of complaint. Midori's introduction was a bit odd, but none of the older members commented on it so he wouldn't be the one to do so either. Guessing by Midori's glare towards him though, some of his confusion and annoyance must have been showing.

After the other team members introduced themselves back, Miss Haruna walked forward with three uniforms for them. It was the first team's uniform, and this fact seemed to at least surprise Shinsuke who spoke up with confused excitement in his voice.

"Isn't this the first team's uniform?"

Kirino, one of the second years, was the one to answer with a somewhat sad and disappointed tone.

"Normally you would go to the second team first, but since everyone there has left you are being moved up."

Kuramada nodded and added his own comment after Kirino.

"But don't think that this means you are part of the real team yet. You'll have to work hard for that."

Even though the words weren't directed at him, Kyousuke found himself nodding seriously along with the other two first years.

"Yes!"

"Go change then, we'll be starting practice soon."

Everyone began trickling out after that until only the three of them remained. As soon as they were virtually alone, Shinsuke began bouncing on his spot and talking excitedly to Matsukaze.

"We are going to be on the first team, Tenma! The first team! I know it's because there aren't enough players, but still! I can't believe it!"

Matsukaze nodded along, a calmer excitement and smile on his own face.

"It's very convenient for us. Let's work hard and show we deserve our spots here."

"Of course!"

Matsukaze then turned towards Kyousuke which surprised the other as he'd thought those two had forgotten about his presence there. The shorter boy smiled wider and closed his eyes gleefully.

"Let's give it our all, Tsurugi!"

"... Sure."

Chapter Text

The next day, Kyousuke actually walked relatively close to the other first years. Not by his own choice though, somehow Sorano had managed to keep Matsukaze and Shinsuke from running this time.

"We'll be the first to get there today again."

Matsukaze spoke those words as they were nearing the meeting room only for the doors to open and prove him completely wrong as the whole team was already gathered there, Coach Kudou and Miss Haruna included.

There was an air of tension in the air but the midfielder seemed completely oblivious to it as he smiled widely before speaking again.

"Oh, good morning everyone! Are we the last to get here today?"

No one answered his question as a heavy silence covered the room instead. Matsukaze tilted his head in confusion and Kyousuke almost felt pity for the guy as he looked a bit like a fish out of water in this room with his happy smile and loose posture.

He stepped forward beside him before speaking up himself with light curiosity, his face turned to look at Shindou as he was probably one of the best bets to find an answer.

"Is something the matter?"

The silence continued for a couple of seconds longer as Hayami and Shinsuke both shifted uncomfortably before Shindou sighed.

"We'll be having a friendly match against Prodigy Grammar's team."

That explained... Nothing about why the mood was so depressing. But apparently it was enough of an answer to get Shinsuke and Matsukaze talking again.

"Oh yeah, I've heard of them. They've been getting some fame recently."

"They have?"

"Yeah, apparently they have been getting a good streak of matches as of recently."

"Hmm?"

Kyousuke continued staring forward as the other two spoke. The other players seemed to grow tenser and angrier as they talked over Prodigy's recent accomplishments.

"Ah but one of us will probably have to stay on the bench won't we?"

Matsukaze scratched at the back of his head before nodding, his expression replaced with a brief frown before it was gone again. As he turned to Coach Kudou and Miss Haruna instead.

"Coach, if one of us has to stay in the bench, could it be me? If it's just a friendly match I don't mind not playing."

The coach turned around to look at him then for the first time since they came into the room.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, it's okay. I don't mind. I'll make sure to cheer the rest of the team on from the bench though. I don't mind Tsurugi and Shinsuke getting to play first. I'm sure it won't change much of the result whether I'm on the field or not."

It was a nice gesture that Tsurugi thought fitted right in with what he'd seen of Matsukaze's personality so far. It wasn't like he was going to complain about getting to play either.

However, again, something in his words seemed to piss the others off as they tensed again and Kyousuke could swear he heard one of them muttering about naivety. What was going on?

"Alright, that's fine by me. Shinsuke and Tsurugi will be the ones playing then."

That seemed to finally remove whatever was keeping the team as still as cardboard cutouts as they moved to change into their uniforms for training. Matsukaze followed after too.

Glancing to his side, he caught Shinsuke's and Aoi's own gazes as they exchanged a look of confusion. So at least it wasn't him who was going crazy or missing something, good to know. Maybe he'd ask his brother what he thought about it later.

Practice after that was quite unassuming, the team seemed to fall back into usual routines so that weird tension didn't resurface until it was nearing the end of practice and some began leaving. It had been a weird day and everything was replaying inside Kyousuke's brain, there was a sour taste in the back of his tongue too.

Once it was time for him to leave too, he successfully avoided Shinsuke and Matsukaze who had wanted him to go with them by saying he didn't live near them and had to take a completely different route to get to his house and made a show of going the opposite direction at the front gate.

He still didn't consider the other first years friends, he didn't want to actually tell them where his house was or let them follow him to the hospital either. So, just to be sure, he took the slightly longer path to the hospital.

It was just his luck that it was the same path Shindou took as he saw that mop of grey hair he had turn a corner in front of him. That was alright, he'd just pass by that turn and take the next one. As he moved by however, he couldn't help but catch a glimpse of Shindou talking to a woman with purple curls who was standing in front of the captain with another boy that looked like her son.

"-Just a little goal, that's all I'd need."

The woman let out a small laugh as Shindou tensed and tried giving something back to the woman that Kyousuke didn't catch.

He should have kept walking, shouldn't get involved but... Everything and everyone was acting so weird.

He leaned against the wall, out of sight from the captain and listened in.

"Miss, please. You don't have to give me this. I-"

"Oh don't worry darling. It was just by chance that I had them on me. Don't worry about it... We are counting on you. Let's go Hitofude."

The woman left with hurried steps after that, followed by her son and leaving Shindou alone on the street. When Kyousuke looked just around the corner, Raimon's captain was holding some sort of tickets tight on his hand and his posture screamed of frustration.

Seeing as he wouldn't get any more information, Kyousuke continued on his path to the hospital. He really would need his brother's help placing his own findings and thoughts together.

It was Friday so, when he reached the building, Kyousuke went to the courtyard instead of his brother's room and found Yuuichi waiting there on his wheelchair.

"Yuuichi."

The older Tsurugi turned to greet his brother but frowned in concern at the confused and annoyed expression the other was wearing.

"Kyousuke. Did something happen? You don't look very happy."

He moved closer to his brother and sat down on the bench next to Yuuichi as he looked forward at the sunset.

"... Yeah, something happened. I just don't understand what exactly."

Chapter Text

The team walked into the Inazuma van with Shindou at the front and Kyousuke, the other first years and the managers at the very back.

Shinsuke and Matsukaze were on the seats in front of him and, like the norm seemed to be, they were excitedly chirping to one another. Matsukaze had already come to the club room dressed in his uniform, but he was wearing a blue and white hoodie over it. When the others had asked about it, he'd said he was more comfortable like that, and no one really felt the need to make him change since he wasn't playing.

The depressed mood from the other day was back, though it was thankfully lighter.

Kyousuke wasn't much closer to figuring out what was the cause of said mood though. All he and his brother had been able to conclude was that it was either something sketchy beyond Kyousuke's control or some sort of personal vendetta the team had against Prodigy Grammar. His brother had prefered thinking it was the latter since he thought it was the lesser of the two bad conclusions.

"Ah, I'm so nervous. It's our first match, Tenma! Our first match."

"Don't worry Shinsuke, it'll all work out alright. Just try and do what the others tell you and follow their lead. I'll be on the bench, cheering you on and ready to sub in if it's needed."

Kyousuke turned his attention away from the two of them and instead looked towards the front of the van. He couldn't see Shindou's face from there. He still couldn't get the older boy's conversation with that woman out of his head. And there was this knot in his chest telling him that something was going to happen at the match, something he would not like at all.

Once they finally reached the other school the first thing Kyousuke noticed was the sound coming from the stadium which only got louder as they approached it. It was filled to the brim.

"So many people."

He turned his gaze away from the crowd to look at Shinsuke instead. He hesitated for a moment before nodding. He should, probably, at least try to not seem completely antisocial.

"Yeah."

Aoi then approached them as well with Matsukaze on her other side. The boy looked more serious than before. It felt off but Kyousuke didn't dwell on it as Aoi spoke up to join their conversation.

"It must be because of their recent streak of victories. Everyone must want to see if they can continue winning or not, especially against a football club with the fame that Raimon has."

Kyousuke hummed and nodded in agreement as he looked around the stadium, searching until his eyes landed on the woman he'd seen talking to Shindou the other day. She stood up as the Prodigy team began moving to get on the field.

"Hito, darling! Good luck! Play well!"

Kyousuke's gaze then moved to Raimon's captain who was also looking at the woman with tense shoulders, a frown and a twitchy jaw. Still so frustrated over whatever their conversation had been.

"Tsurugi?"

His attention was diverted to the coach as he called his name and moved to approach the man.

"What is it?"

"Since Minamisawa and Kurama are taking the two spots for forwards we have in our current formation you will be playing as the midfielder on the left flank for this match. Is that okay?"

"Yes coach. I understand."

"Good."

Coach Kudou gave one final nod before moving to talk to Shindou who was still half glaring at the woman. Matsukaze then took Coach Kudou's spot in front of Kyousuke, a bit too close for his comfort.

"... Do you want something, Matsukaze?"

"Sorry. I just wanted to thank you for the other day since I didn't in that moment... It was really awkward before you stepped into the conversation, so yeah, thank you."

"You are welcome, I suppose."

With one final smile and glance, Matsukaze went away to go sit on the bench next to Midori. He was nice, even if maybe a bit too much. It was more than he could say about literally anyone on the field today... Except Shinsuke, he supposed.

"Tsurugi! Get into position, the match is starting soon!"

"Alright, I'm going, I'm going."

Tsurugi walked to his position on the field as had been instructed by the coach. He looked around at the team before focusing on Prodigy Grammar, ready for the match to begin.

"Here we are again! New school year, new matches to be presented! Kakuma Ayumu, wherever the Raimon team goes, there I'll be to comment on the event! Just like this match between Raimon and Prodigy Grammar who have been on a winning streak as of late that almost seems unstoppable."

Tsurugi looked in the direction of the guy, Kakuma Ayumu. He could barely see him from his position and from how small the guy was.

"How did he get here? And when?"

"Don't bother wondering too much, he just does his thing."

Tsurugi turned to look at Kuramada as the defender scratched the back of his head with exasperation and humor filling his face in equal measure. Okay, so good to know he was not the only one he had questioned his presence ever. He'd make sure to take the other's advice... Or at least try.

"Well, both teams are now in position! Raimon counts with two new players on the field! Tsurugi Kyousuke and Shinsuke Nishizono, both first years! I wonder how they will both play in their first match? We'll be seeing it in just a few moments!

"Thank you for putting the spotlight completely on us."

Tsurugi couldn't hold back the retort even if he spoke low enough that no one could hear him. At this rate, he wouldn't last the full match for completely different reasons than the match itself.

The referee sounded the whistle, and the match started with Kurama getting the ball from Minamisawa and then passing it back when Prodigy's forwards approached him.

"Shindou!"

That's how Tsurugi's first match, and the rabbit hole he would later fall into, started.

Chapter Text

The ball was passed from Shindou to Hamano to Minamisawa again, the last one jumping over one of the enemy midfielder's when they tried to take the ball from him. Only to later be forced to stop by one of the defenders.

"Thief's Eye!"

"Hagumi Kakizaki steals the ball from Atsushi Minamisawa, stopping his continued approach with one of Prodigy Grammar's signature tecniques!"

"I can't believe they took the ball from Minamisawa so easily."

Tsurugi turned to look at Shinsuke, who had approached him for some reason despite the fact he was supposed to be in defense. What was Tsurugi even supposed to say?

"Well... I guess we shouldn't have assumed just because the veterans are better than us that they would be the best. Should we?"

There was a constant exchange of the ball for a few minutes, the veterans and the other team going back and forth between steals and blocks and passes. The football not stilling for even a second as Tsurugi tried keeping up, reminding himself too that he was playing as a midfielder.

The commentator guy was saying something about the teams when Shindou received the ball and came to stand in front of the Hitofude guy which drew all of Tsurugi's attention for a moment but nothing special ended up happening, Shindou just passed the ball to Kurama who was further up along the field. Good, everything was good so far then, maybe Tsurugi could relax then too.

The ball was then stolen back by one of Prodigy Grammar's defender, Kurama looked pissed when the defense praised one another.

"Hey Tsurugi, how are you planning on even touching the ball by just standing there? Move up!"

Tsurugi scoffed, offended at Midori's comment, he was already trying to do that, that didn't mean he'd suddenly be the best on the field. He was barely keeping up in speed terms as it was.

"Hamano!"

At the call of his name, the other midfielder passed the ball to the captain but he was blocked from receiving it by the other team. It briefly surprised Tsurugi before he focused on the game again.

"Good cut from Tetsuya Fukuro on Prodigy's side!"

The guy, Fukuro whatever the commentator boy had called him then passed the ball forward to a different player of his team, maybe Tsurugi should try to actually remember their names. The guy was already in front of Sangoku and the goal and, from the way he was positioned, Tsurugi could tell he was already preparing to shoot, and that Tsurugi himself wouldn't reach him, neither would Shinsuke who was the closest.

"Goddammit."

"Optimal Trayectory!"

Sangoku could stop that... Right?

"Burning Catch!

It looked like he was going to manage it for a moment before the ball was pushing into the goal, giving the first score to Prodigy Grammar.

"Goal!! Keichi Yukiji from Prodigy Grammar scores the first goal of the match!"

Tsurugi couldn't help but to stare at Sangoku, the other looked frustrated, angry to have let the goal pass. But if he looked so angry... Why had it looked, for an instant, like he had let it go in himself?

He looked around at the rest of the team, Kuramada and Kirino were looking towards the goalkeeper with a mixture of sadness and what almost appeared to be guilt. When Tsurugi's eyes fell on Shindou, the captain's expression was mostly neutral as he seemed to mumble Sangoku's name. Someway, somehow, Tsurugi couldn't help but feel like this was Shindou's fault, even if only partially.

Regardless of his thoughts, after the goal, they had to get back in position. Tsurugi moved back to his place on the flank even as his eyes didn't stop looking at Shindou. Due to this last thing, it was inevitable for the captain to notice.

"Is there a problem, Tsurugi?"

Tsurugi should drop it, Tsurugi should just continue focusing on the match, focusing on playing to the best of his abilities.

"Multiple, actually... And you are at the center of at least a couple, captain."

Shindou frowned, clearly not liking his tone, but he was stopped from answering by the commentator beginning to speak again.

"Now that the teams are back in their spots, the match will restart with the ball in Raimon's position! With a goal of disadvantage, will Raimon be able to turn it over?"

If Tsurugi had anything to say about it, yes. He turned his glare towards the rival team, trying to calm himself even as the uncomfortable sea of feeling simmered under his skin. He had better things to apply his energy to.

The whistle sounds again. Ball passes from Minamisawa to Kurama to Hayami to Fukuro from the rival team. Tsurugi growled under his breath.

"It didn't even look like he was trying to stop the other team from stealing the ball."

It didn't matter, because the guy was going straight to Tsurugi now. He began running forward to meet him but Tsurugi's forte had never been taking the ball from others so he was passed more easily than he would have liked.

"Really, that guy is in the first team?"

Tsurugi could feel his own teeth grind. It's like they wanted to piss him off more than he already was.

"I won't allow it!"

Fukuro had made a high pass to the guy who had already scored once but, to Tsurugi's admitted shock, Shinsuke jumped high to stop it. The words came without him meaning to say them. Just happy to see someone trying.

"Good job, Shinsuke!"

"Shinsuke, pass it to me!"

No, not the captain again. But it was already too late as Shinsuke had kicked the ball over to Shindou. That Hito guy was there again too. That guy didn't even try to hide it as he stopped and raised a hand, seemingly expecting for Shindou to pass the ball to him like they were teammates. At least, Shindou had the decency to not let that happen. Not that it mattered for long either.

"Thief's eye!"

And just like that, the ball was back in Prodigy's feet. Pass and pass and pass where somehow none of the veterans managed to put even a little of resistance until Prodigy was ready to score again.

"Optimal Trajectory!"

"Burning Catch!"

... And goal.

"Goal, the difference between Raimon and Prodigy Grammar grows with a second goal from Keichi Yukiji!"

Sangoku could have stopped that, Tsurugi was sure of it.

Chapter Text

"Oh no! They have passed Kuramada without any issue!"

Tsurugi was already tired of this.

"It's yours, Kindaichi!"

One Prodigy player passed it to another, but the ball went too high and got out of the borders. Basically, right after, the referee whistled for the end of the first time.

The team went over to the benches where Miss Haruna and the managers already had the towels and bottles ready, telling them to rest. Tsurugi was going to do anything but that. He walked with purpose towards Shindou, and he could tell by Shinsuke's look that his expression wasn't a pleasant one, but he didn't care, they didn't deserve pleasant.

"What the hell was that?!"

His exclamation grabbed everyone's attention, especially Shindou's who winced at how close to the scream he had been as he turned with a frown. Which was rich because Shindou had no right to be mad at Tsurugi.

"What do you mean, Tsurugi?"

"Don't play dumb, you all know exactly what I mean! What in the world was that shit show of a performance?! You have all been weird for days and refused to explain anything! Do you think we are idiots who wouldn't notice anything?! I want an explanation, and I want it now! Do you not care about losing or what?"

The team shifted awkwardly. Some looked guilty and sad, some uncomfortable, some looked like they thought they had the right to be as mad as he was. It was Miss Haruna in the end who answered his question, her hands up slightly as if trying to deescalate the situation.

"I'm sorry Tsurugi... No, they don't care if they lose... Because, before the match even started, it had already been decided they'd lose 0-3. I'm really sorry for not saying anything beforehand, Tsurugi. Even if the others didn't, I should have."

That sounded wrong on many ways actually, but the least annoying of them was hearing Miss Haruna take the blame. Tsurugi didn't want that, because he didn't think it was her responsibility at all. She took care and helped organize the team and managers, it was not her duty to talk to him about the match too. That was the coach's or the team's job.

"Whoever's fault it is, it isn't yours Miss Haruna. If it involves the match itself, there are many other people here who should have said something first."

"Wait, what do you mean it was already decided?"

The question came from Shinsuke, who was standing by Aoi's and Matsukaze's side. Aoi looked worried, Matsukaze's expression had a dull quality to it.

Miss Haruna had her fists clenched tight for a moment before she relaxed them and turned to look at them with a small smile that didn't reach her eyes in the slightest.

"Do you know what Fifth Sector is?"

"Yes, of course, isn't that the organization that is in charge of mediating and organizing football matches, tournaments and such?"

"Yes... But they don't limit themselves to just 'mediating'... Fifth Sector is an organization who also decides who wins or loses, they decide even the number of goals and sends a results order to the teams involved."

Shinsuke, Midori and Aoi looked surprised. Tsurugi was still angry.

"And why in the world do they do that?"

"... To protect the norm and regularity. What defines the prestige of the school is the worth of their football team. If a team is bad, their school isn't worth anything. So, Fifth Sector sends the results preselected to give away prestige and wins equitatively amongs all the schools."

"But that means-"

"That just means that everything is rigged!"

Midori cut off Aoi's comment with her own, speaking exactly what Tsurugi was thinking. Miss Haruna only nodded, sadly.

"That's why not many people in the world of soccer actually know everything that goes on in it... This is the reality of present-day football."

"But deciding the score before even making it into the field. Not letting people play as they want. That's not what football should be like!"

"Oh, and what do you know about it?!"

Tsurugi turned back to look at the captain as he yelled, his anger simmering close to the surface again at the audacity of the older boy.

"Yes, what do you know, huh? Can you even imagine how we feel? How Sangoku feels every time he has to let a goal through?... What do you know?! We also wish we could play football properly, but, if we face Fifth Sector, they could just take football away from us completely. So we can't do anything but-"

The captain cut himself off beginning to walk away, past Tsurugi, as Kirino tried to follow. Tsurugi grabbed his shoulder before he could move away.

"So letting Fifth Sector rig the matches is fine but when a woman asks you to let her kid score a goal it is too much to ask? Of course, because you think that woman has no power you ignore her and act like you are not already a coward and an enabling weasel."

The team around them gasped and made sounds of confusion as Shindou turned sharply back around to look at Tsurugi in shock.

"How do you..."

"I heard. If you are going to be a cheating coward, cheat all the way through and not just with the ones that give you benefits, captain. If you don't want to cheat at all, stop bending over backwards for idiots trying to control a 'friendly match' of all the darn things they could be controlling!"

he was getting angry again, and he could see Shindou getting angry too. It was then that Matsukaze seemed to decide to get in the way of their conversation, putting a hand on Tsurugi's shoulder and trying to let there be some distance between them.

"Tsurugi. I get this is a lot and that you are angry, but don't let it out on the captain, will you? It's not a good thing to do, especially in the middle of a match."

Tsurugi turned then to look at Matsukaze and his appeasing smile. The guy was too nice for his own good.

"Aren't you also upset, Matsukaze?... Even if you aren't playing, there is no way you want your first match with Raimon to be one we lose."

Matsukaze took a small step back, seemingly afraid of Tsurugi's anger turning towards him. Tsurugi berated himself internally, taking a breath and trying to calm himself a bit.

"... It might sting a little but, like you said, it's just our first match and it's just a friendly match. Plus, regardless of that, I still don't think it is a good idea to fight over what is right or wrong right now."

Tsurugi understood his point, he didn't like it, but he understood it. He hated it.

"If not now, when?... When it's actually an important match Fifth Sector is forcing us to lose?"

Matsukaze paused for a second before smiling again and answering.

"... Maybe you should sit the second time out, yeah? I can sub in for you until you've calmed down. Regardless of whatever rules there are, maybe going back to the field isn't the best for you or anyone else. W-what do you think, Coach Kudou?..."

Chapter Text

Everyone turned to look at the coach as Matsukaze adressed him. The man looked to Matsukaze, then to Tsurugi, meeting his eyes.

"Do you want to play the second time?"

Tsurugi didn't even have to think of his answer.

"Yes."

"Good, then you'll be playing the second time."

His decision was met with confused and surprised words from the rest of the team while Matsukaze stared, a little surprised, dumbfounded and almost offended before his face quickly recovered to a smile as he looked at Tsurugi again.

"W-well okay then. But please Tsurugi, try to stay calm, yeah?... It's not like you can win the match against everyone alone."

"Don't worry Tenma, he'll have me to help him!"

Tsurugi blinked in surprise before turning to look at Shinsuke, Matsukaze doing the same. Before they could continue the conversation though, the commentator guy announced it was time to go back onto the field.

Everyone got back in position, the air tense but at least this time Tsurugi knew why it was that way. Not that it was going to stop him. For his brother and for himself, he refused to play with the thought that he was already going to lose.

The whistle went off and the match restarted.

It went pretty equal for a while, but Tsurugi could tell Raimon was holding back. He couldn't unsee it now that he knew, and now that he knew he also understood it wouldn't be long before the tables were back in Prodigy's favor.

Eventually, the ball ended back in front of Raimon's goal. Tsurugi couldn't allow it, wouldn't allow it.

"Optimal Trajectory!"

He refused to let it through.

"I won't allow it!"

Tsurugi felt a boost of energy go through him, his steps faster as he got in the way of the shot. There was this warmth on his back, growing, spreading out of him. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see dark blue tendrils moving but it wasn't his focus.

The shot collided with his body, pushing him back as he planted his feet hard on the ground. He could feel that warmth aiding him, like someone pressing against his back, making sure he didn't falter. The shot lost all of its strength after a few seconds and fell to the ground, the warmth and energy inside him disappearing along with it.

He was surprised, and everyone else around him seemed just as shocked. The commentator was the first to snap out of it.

"I-incredible! Despite Raimon's goalkeeper being unable to stop the shot two times before, first year Tsurugi Kyousuke managed to stop it! Was that a hissatsu technique? Regardless, there was no denying it was impressive."

"Well done, Tsurugi! You stopped it!"

Shinsuke's comment finally brought him back to reality as he began running forward, past the forward who'd shot the ball before making a pass.

"Shinsuke, let's go!"

"Yes!"

Shinsuke began running up alongside him, both of them ignoring the weak calls from their other teammates. Shinsuke passed the ball back to him when a Prodigy player tried to intercept him, leaving Tsurugi to move forward alone until he too was being blocked. Looking around, he tried to look for an out.

"Hey coward! Catch!"

It must have surprise that made the captain catch the ball, but Tsurugi didn't care as long as he'd caught it.

Now that he didn't have the ball to worry about, he could move around the other player easily.

Shindou didn't move. A different player took the ball from him. Tsurugi cursed under his breath as he was forced to move back to take the ball again.

Almost as soon as he had the ball again, he was blocked.

"Hey kid, what do you think you are doing? Follow the orders."

"In hell I'll follow this stupid rules. Captain, catch!"

This time Shindou didn't even bother trying to catch it as it fell pass him. No one else on the team was doing anything either and Shinsuke was being blocked as well.

"You really are a coward, captain!"

No matter, he'd get it again.

"Don't call me a coward!"

Shinsuke came in as two of the players passed the ball to one another, getting in the middle of the trayectory and passing it over to Tsurugi with a nod.

Tsurugi turned to look at Shindou again as soon as he'd taken the ball, rolling his eyes at the massive lie that was before beginning to run up the field again.

"I call you as I see you, coward."

"I said I'm not a coward!!"

He'd made it to the defense before two guys were blocking him this time, making it almost impossible to shoot. But Shindou still could from his position.

"If you don't want me to call you a coward, prove to me that you are worth calling you a captain!!"

Tsurugi kicked the ball towards Shindou again as the midfielder stared back at him.

The world seemed to slow down for a few moments, the ball suspended in the air as Tsurugi's heart quickened in anticipation despite himself. Then, it seemed to go too fast as, in a flash, Shindou caught the ball with his foot and then it was zipping towards the goal.

"Somersault Stamp!"

The goalkeeper tried to catch it but, even from his position, Tsurugi could tell it was no use. The goal went in.

"Goal! Finally, Raimon manages to cut a goal on the board against Prodigy Grammar!"

The whistle signalled the end of the match. Final score 1-2.