Nabi

[honeycombhq-22]

🐝˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚. Welcome!

🏗Under Construction!

🚧[Massive reconstructing of storyline]🚧

All Alex wanted to do was help Inazuma Japan with the best of her abilities. 🌅

🌅 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐃 (eng dub)

🌅 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐃 (jap dub)

💋 𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐄

- released date: 22 Sept

Another one of Erwin's gambles leads the scouts' vets to ask for help from a brothel. 💋

❄️ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐀

- release date: 2 Feb

One measly mission snowballs into a story for the history books. ❄️

[honeycombhq-22]

Episode 4: Ice Breaker

[Jap Dub] | [Eng Dub]

*insert intro theme song*

Taken place

Before Episode 70

"I got into the team, Tante."

The girl said with her legs crossed over each other, sitting with a straight back between the woman's legs, in front of a full body mirror.

"I saw. I watched your little match for a bit. Say..." Her dark grey dyed hair swayed to the side as her brush strokes slowed. "Who were the boys that scored goals?"

"Gouenji... Hiroto and Fubuki."

"Fubuki... the acquaintance?"

"...yes Tante."

"Hm. You'll be able to fix a lot of your faults quickly if you stick with him." She concluded. "You can't be lacking in the national team now, can you? That would be such a disappointment after all my efforts to get you here."

Her ash-blue eyes locked with the other pair of eyes through the mirror, but her thin eyebrows furrowed.

Her golden eyes are clouded with thoughts again.

So she tightened her grip, making the girl's breath hitch. "You won't disappoint me, right, Alexandrine?"

"N-no ma'am."

Not convinced, the woman's eyes widened into a stare.

The girl gulped softly and looked away.

The woman gave an artificial smile, "Good."

"Remember to always watch yourself," she began taking a loose strand of her hair, tying it around the navy hair band. She smiled with soft eyes while smoothing the minor hairs to finalise the girl's sleek styled ponytail.

Her eyes sharpened when they locked with the child's eyes through the mirror, "Even a gram can affect your performance."

"Yes, ma'am."

-

"They made a training camp?!" Toramaru exclaimed mouth agape, staring in awe.

The manager hummed with a close eyed smile.

"Since Raimon won the Frontier, the chairman thought to build an accommodation for the national team after finding out Japan had qualified for the internationals. Everyone even gets their own rooms." The dark green haired manager explained then led the way into the training camp, up the stairs to a wooden sign labelled 'Utsunomiya Toramaru' hanging on the door.

"Thank you so much... um..." The boy's mouth went thin.

The girl smiled with understanding, "Aki."

"Thank you so much Aki." The boy bowed.

"I'll leave you to it. Supper's at six."

Getting started, the boy made his bed and set out a few antiques on his desk. Feeling the hairs at the back of his neck rising, he turned around and squeaked seeing Tsunami, Tachimukai and Endou standing at his door.

"Are those toys?" The goalkeeper asked with a glint of interest.

He hid the box of toys behind him with flushed cheeks. Toramaru let out a shaky laugh, "WHAT— No-no... they're, they're—"

"It's okay to have toys Toramaru."

"Yeah, let's see 'em, they look rad!"

Megane walking past, paused out of curiosity about the crowd by the unknown new member's dorm. But once he spotted a car that clumsily fell onto the floor, his eyes almost dilated in excitement. "HOT WHEELS!!!"

He lunged forward, pushing past the boys as he got on all fours, holding the toy delicately in his hands. "No way, is this a Red Python Body?!"

"Y-yeah and the base is—"

"The CHEETAH Base?!"

Toramaru and Megane gasped together with smiles.

The three stared between the two.

"...A what?" Endou asked with a confused crooked mouth.

Tachimukai's head leaned to the side, "Cheetah..?"

Megane pushed himself off of his arms, fixing his glasses kneeling in front of the (still) tense member. "This is a LIMITED EDITION collection that got discontinued. How are earth did you afford this? These are worth thousands of US DOLLARS!"

"My mom got it for me." He responded, his body softening.

"I demand you show me more!"

"S-sure, I have a bunch!" Toramaru stepped away from the box to allow the boys to look through the colourfully painted cars.

Tsunami stepped out of the room and got onto the floor with his cobalt blue car. "Let's take this baby out for a test drive!" He pushed the car, it's wheels spinning as it wizzed across the passage.

"Look how far they go—" Tachimukai paused seeing the car crash into someone's shoe.

Toramaru froze in horror seeing Tobitaka staring at the toy that hit him on his way out the bathroom.

Tsunami scratched the back of his head, "Sorry man, could you drive that car over here."

Tobitaka exhaled. He took his hand out of his pocket, flipped the car back on its wheels before driving the toy back to the group with a light kick. The pink haired surfer grinned, "Thanks dude— you don't wanna join us? This is a lot of fun!"

The boy dug his hand back in his pocket. "No thanks. Appreciate the offer."

"Rude." Megane mumbled cleaning the grime off the car with his shirt.

"He's a bit strange." Tachimukai muttered.

"I think he's just a little shy." Tsunami waved dismissively. He grabbed the blue car from Megane. "Thanks man. Let's go for one more race."

Megane's glasses beamed, "Let's make this interesting, shall we gentlemen?"

The group smiled in interest.

There they were, standing at the top of the flight of stairs with their cars behind the starting line (a line of tape). Megane had taken the hot wheels track builder slides and assembled them to make one long track that ran down the stairs into the first floor.

"On your marks, get set... GOOOO!"

And off the cars went. Endou's orange car took the lead but the other cars soon overtook it.

The cars were neck and neck when Tsunami's cobalt blue car knicked into the track barrier and ended up spinning into Toramaru's purple car, Megane's Red Python Body, knocking them out the track.

"OH COME ON!" The three yelled before quickly placing the cars back on to try and catch up.

But Tachimukai's grass green car was speeding for the finish line, in first place—

Then it crashed into Coach Kudou's' ankle.

Then the next car, then the next... and the next...

His face scrunched, "What in the world—"

"SORRY SIR!"

-

The supper time bell rang throughout the building and Alex closed her door before making her way through the passage to go down the stairs. Just as she was about to turn to the staircase, she heard a door close behind her and out came Fudou.

"Oi." He called making her stop in her tracks.

"I was having a bit too much fun that time, kay? Don't get too cocky and think your special or something just 'cause you took the ball from me."

Then he continued his stroll down the stairs. Her dark eyebrows furrowed as she watched him go out the front door.

Putting the thought behind her, she made her way into the large dining hall buzzing with conversation.

After receiving her food, Alex looked around the room until she found Fubuki waving her over to his table. Her breath hitched when she saw a bright red headed striker sitting with him giving her a friendly wave.

Hiroto's smile melted away into light concern at the girl's frozen state. "Is something wrong? Don't tell me Fubuki already told you about the alien stuff..."

Fubuki chuckled, "I haven't told her that yet."

She finally managed a smile and sat down beside the red head. "Sorry. I'm... I'm still adjusting to the camp."

"No worries. Fubuki, Endou and the others had to live on the road for a bit, apparently."

"Yeah! They came to my school and..."

Then the two reminisced about their travels while the white haired girl watched the two converse with a glint of wonder in her eyes.

Coach Kudou stood from his table and the room quickly died down into silence. "Evening, I hope you all have settled in nicely. There are some ground rules we need to go over before I let you all get to socialising. I only have 3 things to say so this will be brief.

Number one, you are expected to attend all mealtimes. If you cannot, make sure you alert a manager or myself and your food will be kept.

Number two was already made aware of before you came but I will repeat: no cellphones are allowed. There is an emergency land line that all your parents have the number to phone in case of emergencies. If you are caught with a phone of your own, it will be confiscated.

And finally, I'm aware that some of you... are still trying to adjust to each others differences." He said, seeing Tobitaka sitting at a table with only a wrapped plate accompanying him. "It is not my problem how you handle your disputes. However, physical violence will not be tolerated. If I do find out players have gotten into a fight, it'll soon become my problem. Those players will be punished with disqualification from the tournament. Understand?"

"Yes sir."

"That's it from my side. Any questions?" The grape haired coach looked around the hall to be met with silence.

"Great. Lights out at nine." He waved as he exited the room. After that, the team cleaned up after themselves and made their way into the Rec Room in their groups while the stragglers like Tobitaka made their way to their rooms.

The sound of hands clapping made the room's noise quieten down as everyone faced its source. "Alright Inazuma Japan, let's get to know each other!" Hijikata announced. One raised his hand.

"I'll start, what are your zodiac signs?"

Midorikawa groaned, "Hiroto, no."

"What?" The red head smiled innocently, "Gemini season's approaching."

"Gemini?"

"As in Gemini Storm?" Kabeyama whispered to Kogure and Hijikata who replied with a shrug.

"What's a zodiac sign?"

They heard a throat clear, "If I may?" Kidou asked with a hand on his chest. Hiroto nodded.

"The zodiac is a repeating cycle of 12 years, and each year is represented by a different animal. It is a traditional classification system that the Chinese use in their traditional lunar calendar." Kidou elaborated.

"Ohhh."

Endou chuckled, "Well, that's Jude for you. Always knowing stuff!"

"Well actually..." Hiroto began slowly to avoid causing conflict.

"Now you've woken the bear!" Midorikawa exclaimed leaning backwards to fall onto the floor dramatically.

"The zodiac I'm referring to is the Western Zodiac. These signs are divided into 12 as well, but they're based on star constellations and are split in 1 year. For example, if you are born in September, you could either be a Virgo or a Libra."

"Ohhhhh!"

"Which zodiac you are specifically, depends on the day you were born in that month. For example, Midorikawa and I were both born in September. But I'm a Virgo since my birthday is the 16th. While Midorikawa," he pointed to the green head, still on the floor with his hands over his ears in a fetal position, "is a Libra because he was born on the 26th."

He helped sit the grumbling member upright then faced the group again, "These zodiacs also have characteristics that play a role in your personality, just like the Eastern zodiacs, so it's also a fun activity to discover more about yourself."

"So there are Western and Eastern zodiacs," Kidou mumbled stroking his chin. "Interesting."

Kazemaru raised his hand, "What's my zodiac sign when my birthday's on the 1st of February?"

"You're an Aquarius."

"I also wanna know my sign!" Endou exclaimed, enthusiastically stretching his hand into the air.

Soon, more and more boys started calling their birthdays out with Hiroto answering with a closed eyed smile.

He turned to the girl who sat quietly near the corner of the room next to Fubuki, "And yours Alex?"

"June 21st."

"Oh. You're just nearly a Cancer."

"Just nearly?"

"Mhm. The 21st is the first day of Cancer season, but she could show traits of a Gemini. They call it a Cusp."

"Ohhhh!"

"If I'm correct, Fubuki & Endou are cusps too." Hiroto added.

Midorikawa's arms waved around frantically as he yelled, "Enough with the zodiac talk! Why don't we talk about normal things that can strike up an exciting conversation. Like, what was everyone up to before the selection match? Let's start with... hm... Kabeyama!"

Kabeyama twiddled with his fingers. "I wasn't really doing much. I just sat around and ate."

"Okay... That's fine. Endou?"

"Playing soccer with Mako and the kids!" Endou grinned.

"That's cute. Kidou?"

"I was learning calligraphy."

Midorikawa stared at Kidou.

"What?" He asked with an arched eyebrow.

Midorikawa shook his head, "Nevermind. Kazemaru?"

"Running."

"The whole time?"

The bluenette nodded slowly, "Aside from sleeping and eating, pretty much."

"Gouenji?"

"Exercising."

The green haired boy sighed.

"What about you Alex?"

"...I was in Paris."

"No way! THEE Eiffel Tower Paris?" Midorikawa jumped onto his feet with sparkles in his eyes.

"Bonjouring and all?"

"Can you speak French?"

"No way! Can you say something in French?"

She glanced out the window then looked back at the group, "Bonsoir, Je m’appelle Alex."

"Don't French people say bonjour?"

"They do...but it's like saying good evening."

"SO COOL!"

"Bonsoir!"

"I always wanted to go to France."

"Eat baguettes, croissants."

"MAGRET DE CANARD!" Kabeyama exclaimed passionatley, making Alex's eyes widen not by the sudden loudness of his voice, but how well he pronounced the dish.

"I always wanted to ride those boats in the Venice canals."

"Tachimukai, Venice is in Italy."

"My bad."

"Have, have you had those round biscuits!" Kabeyama asked.

Alex paused in thought until she realised, "...macaroons?"

"Yeah!"

"Can you teach me all the swear words?"

The room went silent as everyone stared at Tsunami.

His broad smile shrunk. "What? It's fun cursing at someone in a language they don't know." He defended with crossed arms.

"French is one of the most learned langauges in the world. If you do go ahead and curse at someone in French, there is a high possibility someone will know what you are saying." Kidou interjected with a smile, amused by the elder member.

"There's no harm in trying." Tsunami shrugged with smile. He crawled to the girl and whispered, "I'll find spare time for our lessons." Her mouth curved into a small smile at his determination and nodded.

"Do you know how to speak French Kidou?"

"I wouldn't be surprised, Mr Classy himself."

"No, I do not." He replied. Then he held his hand out as he began to count, "I have only learnt how to speak English, Korean, Mandarin, Italian and Portuguese fluently."

The team sweatdropped, "Of course you have."

"That is actually going to be a big help in this tournament. The tournament's medium of communication is English." Hiroto pointed out.

"Who knows how to speak English?" Hijikata asked and started counting the number of hands in the air.

Kazemaru's eyes narrowed, "Properly."

Many hands went down.

"So there's only two?" Hijikata chuckled nervously, seeing only Kidou and Alex with raised hands.

We're doomed.

"Aki's also pretty good at English." Endou recalled the times when the manager would help him properly pronounce the English named Hissastues.

"She grew up in the US." Fubuki whispered in Alex's ear.

*knock knock knock*

"Speak of the devil and she shall appear." Midorikawa grinned before waving to the girl, "Hi Aki!"

"Hi!" She waved. Her eyes searched the room until they locked with a pair honey eyes belonging to the white haired player. She smiled, "The girls would like to borrow Alex, if that's okay with you guys."

"If that's okay with them?" They heard a voice behind Aki filled with offence. Soon, the blueberry haired Haruna stormed into the room and grabbed the female player's hand. "There's no need to ask them for permission. Come on, Alex!"

"O-okay." And off the girls went.

Then the atmosphere darkened as everyone turned to their targets.

-

Alex's eyes looked around the unfamiliar side of the building. While everyone else wondered the building getting used to it's interior, she never went this side because the first floor was where the managers and Coach stayed.

Haruna let go of the Alex's wrist to enter her dorm. She told Aki and Alex to wait a few seconds while she cleaned up a bit.

Alex gulped softly looking to Aki. "A-am I in trouble?" She asked quietly.

"Of course not! We just wanted to have time alone with you to get to know you." She reassured softly.

"It must be so suffocating with so many boys. I don't know how you did it Aki." Haruna chimed in. Alex's eyes widened. Her door was closed completely, how could she have heard what Aki said?

She must have sharp ears.

Aki chuckled, "It's not all that bad."

The door swung open. "And here we are! Welcome to my temporary home abode!" She presented with open arms.

Haruna got comfortable very quickly. The plain white walls were decorated with Polaroids and fairy lights. On the desk lay stacks of newspapers next to her white laptop with a black camera sitting on top of the pile.

On the bed was a yellow duvet with thin white stripes and a small plush emperor penguin sat in the middle wearing her red framed glasses. And finally, a yellow rug.

Alex smiled softly at the warmth the room gave off, "Your room is really pretty."

"Thank you!" The room owner beamed. "I wanted my room to be either orange or yellow. I heard they stimulate creativity and productivity."

"Am I late?" Fuyuka spoke softly standing by the doorframe holding onto a lilac pillow.

"Course not! Come in, come in!"

Fuyuka then froze, not knowing what to do in Haruna's room. Her blue eyes roamed the room hoping the two veteran managers would take the hint that she was confused when they met the golden eyes and blurred for a moment before they focused on the rest of Alex's features, which also looked like she didn't know what to do.

Though they were the new girls on the team, this was their first time meeting properly. With polite smiles, the two waved quietly to each other.

-

"So Endou— or should we say Mamo."

"Yeah, 'AsK mE aNy qUEstiOn yOu wAnT, I'Ve gOt aN aNsWer fOr aLmOsT AnYtHiNg'."

"Yet he can't even answer what 7 × 8 is." Kidou tsked, shaking his head with a serious expression.

"Oh come on guys, he was just being nice." Hiroto defended with a smile.

"Oh nooo— He never acted like this with Touko or Rika."

"Well yeah. Fuyuppe and I were friends in preschool so of course she's different from Rika and Touko." He said. His fist balled and eyes narrowed into a glare. "And I know what 8 × 7 is, Kidou!"

Kidou folded his arms, arching a brow, waiting for Endou to respond. He pointed matter of factly, "It's... it's... Hold on a second... if 5 × 5 is 25... then..."

"Don't think we forgot about you Fubuki. What's the deal with you and the new girl?"

"Oh, I don't really know Fuyuka that well." He replied strategically, tilting his head.

"Don't play dumb with us ice pop, we're talking about the French speaking cutie."

"Yeah, spill the beans!"

"Oh? Alex is just a friend, if that's what you're wondering."

"Okay but what is she like?"

"She's really nice." He replied.

The team rotated their wrists, gesturing him to keep going.

"That's it, really guys." He chuckled with his hands raised. "We only met a few days ago."

But the boys weren't convinced. With Endou or Fubuki's answers. This had to be the tip of the iceberg they were hiding. And they were going to find what's beneath the water.

The Ice Breakers loomed over Fubuki while Endou continued figuring out what 7 × 8 was after shouting out many wrong answers.

Why is it always me?

-

The girls sat in a circle on the floor with snacks in the middle.

"How's the team been treating you?" Aki asked passing a freshly opened bag of sweets to Fuyuka and Alex.

Fuyuka smiled in gratitude and took a sweet. "Well, everyone's been nice to me, but Alex..." She turned to the white-haired girl chewing. Fuyuka leaned onto her hands a bit, "How does it feel to be in the team with them?"

She swallowed. "I haven't had any problems to far."

"Do you guys have an eye or two on anyone?"

"Haruna!"

"What? You can't tell me you aren't curious either!" Haruna countered with a shrug. Fuyuka blinked staring at the duo while Alex's cheek began to flush.

"An eye or two?" The new manager said slowly, processing.

Aki sighed, hand on her forehead, "She means a crush."

"It doesn't have to be a crush. I feel like things are too soon for that stuff. Hmm... anyone you admire so far?"

"Admire?" The two repeated.

"Yeah! Like, for example, when I first joined, I loved Kazemaru's hair— Oh! Let me find a picture—this guy!" The girl grabbed a Polaroid off her wall and showed the two the blue haired player waving to the camera with a smile. "And don't get me wrong, I still do! It looks so soft and silky."

Aki chuckled at her friend's enthusiasm. "And he said all he does is wash it."

"Really? No oils or moisturisers?" Alex blinked in surprise.

"Nope. Just shampoo and good genes."

"Well... if it's like that, then... I'd say, I admire Endou." Fuyuka nodded slowly, satisfied with her reply.

"No surpise there." Aki smiled while tilting her head, "Everyone likes him."

"He's just so positive and friendly. You can really tell he was a captain." Fuyuka smiled.

"That's Endou for you!" Haruna nodded. "And you Alex?"

Her fingers gently fiddled her earlobe, her eyebrows forrowing lightly. "The person I admire so far... well... I can't really say right now. They're all pretty great."

"I thought you would've said Fubuki." Haruna said placing her chin between her cupped hands.

Fuyuka tapped her chin with finger in thought. "Fubuki... Is he the one who scored with that wolf?"

"Yeah!" Haruna jumped onto her bed and kneeled on one knee. "WOLF LEGEND— RAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"

Alex and Fuyuka smiled while Aki burst into laughter. "What about Gouenji!"

"Of course, this is MY MOVE." The girl replied bouncing on her bed before spinning her leg around making a whoosh sound with her mouth. "BAKUNETSU STORM!!!"

The girls' laughter filled the dorm. Meanwhile the boys erupted into laughter across the passageway.

Fudou frowned at the noise when entering the building. His eyes wondered the floor when he spotted behind the door to the Rec Room stood Tobitaka, leaning against the wall with closed eyes.

"Oh? And what're you here for? You wanna go make lucky charms with the rest?" Fudou taunted with a smirk.

Tobitaka stared at Fudou for a moment before closing his eyes, ignoring him.

Fudou blinked before shrugging his shoulders. "Not the talkative type, are you? Oh well."

The hallway erupted in laughter from both directions, almost like the walls were mocking him.

"Tch."

[🌄2 July 2024🌄]

MASTER LIST | [NEXT EPISODE]

Outro:

[honeycombhq-22]

Episode 4: Ice Breaker

[Eng Dub] | [Jap Dub]

*insert intro music*

Taken place:

Before Episode 70

"I got into the team, Tante."

The girl said with her legs crossed over each other sitting with a straight back between the woman's legs, in front of a full body mirror.

"I saw. I watched your little match for a bit. Say..." Her dark grey dyed hair swayed to the side as her brush strokes slowed. "Who were the boys that scored goals?"

"Axel... Xavier and Shawn."

"Shawn... the acquaintance?"

"...yes Tante."

"Hm. You'll be able to fix a lot of your faults quickly if you stick with him." She concluded. "You can't be lacking in the national team now, can you? That would be such a disappointment after all my efforts to get you here."

Her ash-blue eyes locked with the other pair of eyes through the mirror but her thin eyebrows furrowed.

Her golden eyes are clouded with thoughts again.

So she tightened her grip, making the girl's breath hitch. "You won't disappoint me, right, Alexandrine?"

"N-no ma'am."

Not convinced, the woman's eyes widened into a stare.

The girl gulped softly and looked away.

The woman gave an artificial smile, "Good."

"Remember to always watch yourself," she began taking a loose strand of her hair, tying it around the navy hair band. She smiled with soft eyes while smoothing the minor hairs to finalise the girl's sleek styled ponytail.

Her eyes sharpened when they locked with the child's eyes through the mirror, "Even a gram can affect your performance."

"Yes ma'am."

-

"They made a training camp?!" Austin exclaimed mouth agape, staring in awe.

The manager hummed with a close eyed smile.

"Since Raimon won the Frontier, the chairman thought to build an accommodation for the national team after finding out Japan had qualified for the internationals. Everyone even gets their own rooms." The dark green haired manager explained then lead the way into the training camp, up the stairs to a wooden sign labelled 'Austin Hobbes' hanging on the door.

"Thank you so much... um..." The boy's mouth went thin.

The girl smiled with understanding, "Silvia."

"Thank you so much Silvia." The boy bowed.

"I'll leave you to it. Supper's at six."

Getting started, the boy made his bed and set out a few antiques on his desk. Feeling the hairs at the back of his neck rising, he turned around and squeaked, seeing Hurley, Darren, and Mark standing at his door.

"Are those toys?" The goalkeeper asked with a glint of interest.

He hid the box of toys behind him with flushed cheeks. Austin let out a shaky laugh, "WHAT— No-no... they're, they're—"

"It's okay to have toys Austin."

"Yeah, let's see 'em, they look rad!"

William walking past, paused out of curiosity about the crowd by the unknown new member's dorm. But once he spotted a car that clumsily fell onto the floor, his eyes almost dilated in excitement. "HOT WHEELS!!!"

He lunged forward, pushing past the boys as he got on all fours, holding the toy delicately in his hands. "No way, is this a Red Python Body?!"

"Y-yeah and the base is—"

"The CHEETAH Base?!"

Austin and William gasped together with smiles.

The three stared between the two.

"...A what?" Mark asked with a confused crooked mouth.

Darren's head leaned to the side, "Cheetah..?"

William pushed himself off of his arms, fixing his glasses kneeling in front of the (still) tense member. "This is a LIMITED EDITION collection that got discontinued. How on earth did you afford this? These are worth thousands of US DOLLARS!"

"My mom got it for me." He responded, his body softening.

"I demand you show me more!"

"S-sure, I have a bunch!" Austin stepped away from the box to allow the boys to look through the colourfully painted cars.

Hurley stepped out of the room and got onto the floor with his cobalt blue car. "Let's take this baby out for a test drive!" He pushed the car, it's wheels spinning as it wizzed across the passage.

"Look how far they go—" Darren paused seeing the car crash into someone's shoe.

Austin froze in horror seeing Archer staring at the toy that hit him on his way out the bathroom.

Hurley scratched the back of his head, "Sorry man, could you drive that car over here."

Archer exhaled. He took his hand out of his pocket, flipped the car back on its wheels before driving the toy back to the group with a light kick. The pink haired surfer grinned, "Thanks dude— you don't wanna join us? This is a lot of fun!"

The boy dug his hand back in his pocket. "No thanks. Appreciate the offer."

"Rude." William mumbled, cleaning the grime off the car with his shirt.

"He's a bit strange." Darren muttered.

"I think he's just a little shy." Hurley waved dismissively. He grabbed the blue car from William. "Thanks man. Let's go for one more race."

William adjusted his glasses, "Let's make this interesting, shall we gentlemen?"

The group smiled in interest.

There they were, standing at the top of the flight of stairs with their cars behind the starting line (a line of tape). William had taken the hot wheels track builder slides and assembled them to make one long track that ran down the stairs into the first floor.

"On your marks, get set... GOOOO!"

And off the cars went. Mark's orange car took the lead, but the other cars soon overtook it.

The cars were neck and neck when Hurley's cobalt blue car knicked into the track barrier and ended up spinning into Austin's purple car and William's Red Python Body, knocking them out the track.

"OH COME ON!" The three yelled before quickly placing the cars back on to try and catch up.

But Darren's grass green car was speeding for the finish line, in first place—

Then it crashed into Coach Travis' ankle.

Then the next car, then the next... and the next...

His face scrunched, "What in the world—"

"SORRY SIR!"

-

The supper time bell rang throughout the building, and Alex closed her door before making her way through the passage to go down the stairs. Just as she was about to turn to the staircase, she heard a door close behind her and out came Caleb.

"Oi." He called making her stop in her tracks.

"I was having a bit too much fun that time, kay? Don't get too cocky and think your special or something just 'cause you took the ball from me."

Then he continued his stroll down the stairs. Her dark eyebrows furrowed as she watched him go out the front door.

Putting the thought behind her, she made her way into the large dining hall buzzing with conversation.

After receiving her food, Alex looked around the room until she found Shawn waving her over to his table. Her breath hitched when she saw a bright red headed striker sitting with him giving her a friendly wave.

Xavier's smile melted away into light concern at the girl's frozen state. "Is something wrong? Don't tell me Shawn already told you about the alien stuff..."

Shawn chuckled, "I haven't told her that yet."

She finally managed a smile and sat down beside the red head. "Sorry. I'm... I'm still adjusting to the camp."

"No worries. Shawn, Mark and the others had to live on the road for a bit, apparently."

"Yeah! They came to my school and..."

Then the two reminisced about their travels while the white haired girl watched the two converse with a glint of wonder in her eyes.

Coach Travis stood from his table and the room quickly died down into silence. "Evening, I hope you all have settled in nicely. There are some ground rules we need to go over before I let you all get to socialising. I only have 3 things to say so this will be brief.

Number one, you are expected to attend all mealtimes. If you cannot, make sure you alert a manager or myself and your food will be kept.

Number two was already made aware of before you came but I will repeat: no cellphones are allowed. There is an emergency land line that all your parents have the number to phone in case of emergencies. If you are caught with a phone of your own, it will be confiscated.

And finally, I'm aware that some of you... are still trying to adjust to each others differences." He said, seeing Archer sitting at a table with only a wrapped plate accompanying him. "It is not my problem how you handle your disputes. However, physical violence will not be tolerated. If I do find out players have gotten into a fight, it'll soon become my problem. Those players will be punished with disqualification from the tournament. Understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"That's it from my side. Any questions?" The grape haired coach looked around the hall to be met with silence.

"Great. Lights out at nine." He waved as he exited the room. After that, the team cleaned up after themselves and made their way into the Rec Room in their groups while the stragglers like Archer made their way to their rooms.

The sound of hands clapping made the room's noise quieten down as everyone faced its source. "Alright Inazuma Japan, let's get to know each other!" Thor announced. One raised his hand.

"I'll start, what are your zodiac signs?"

Jordan groaned, "Xavier, no."

"What?" The red head smiled innocently, "Gemini season's approaching."

"Gemini?"

"As in Gemini Storm?" Jack whispered to Scotty and Thor who replied with a shrug.

"What's a zodiac sign?"

They heard a throat clear, "If I may?" Jude asked with a hand on his chest. Xavier nodded.

"The zodiac is a repeating cycle of 12 years, and each year is represented by a different animal. It is a traditional classification system that the Chinese use in their traditional lunar calendar." Jude elaborated.

"Ohhh."

Mark chuckled, "Well, that's Jude for you. Always knowing stuff!"

"Well actually..." Xavier began slowly to avoid causing conflict.

"Now you've woken the bear!" Jordan exclaimed leaning backwards to fall onto the floor dramatically.

"The zodiac I'm referring to is the Western Zodiac. These signs are divided into 12 as well, but they're based on star constellations and are split in 1 year. For example, if you are born in September, you could either be a Virgo or a Libra."

"Ohhhhh!"

"Which zodiac you are specifically, depends on the day you were born in that month. For example, Jordan and I were both born in September. But I'm a Virgo since my birthday is the 16th. While Jordan," he pointed to the green head, still on the floor with his hands over his ears in a fetal position, "is a Libra because he was born on the 26th."

He helped sit the grumbling member upright then faced the group again, "These zodiacs also have characteristics that play a role in your personality, just like the Eastern zodiacs, so it's also a fun activity to discover more about yourself."

"So there are Western and Eastern zodiacs," Jude mumbled stroking his chin. "Interesting."

Nathan raised his hand, "What's my zodiac sign when my birthday's on the 1st of February?"

"You're an Aquarius."

"I also wanna know my sign!" Mark exclaimed, enthusiastically stretching his hand into the air.

Soon, more and more boys started calling their birthdays out with Xavier answering with a closed eyed smile.

He turned to the girl who sat quietly near the corner of the room next to Shawn, "And yours Alex?"

"June 21st."

"Oh. You're just nearly a Cancer."

"Just nearly?"

"Mhm. The 21st is the first day of Cancer season, but she could show traits of a Gemini. They call it a Cusp."

"Ohhhh!"

"If I'm correct, Shawn & Mark are cusps too." Xavier added.

Jordan's arms waved around frantically as he yelled, "Enough with the zodiac talk! Why don't we talk about normal things that can strike up an exciting conversation. Like, what was everyone up to before the selection match? Let's start with...hm...Jack!"

Jack twiddled with his fingers. "I wasn't really doing much. I just sat around and ate."

"Okay... That's fine. Mark?"

"Playing soccer with Millie and the kids!" Mark grinned.

"That's cute. Jude?"

"I was learning calligraphy."

Jordan stared at Jude.

"What?" He asked with an arched eyebrow.

Jordan shook his head, "Nevermind. Nathan?"

"Running."

"The whole time?"

The bluenette nodded slowly, "Aside from sleeping and eating, pretty much."

"Axel?"

"Exercising."

The green haired boy sighed.

"What about you Alex?"

"...I was in Paris."

"No way! THEE Eiffel Tower Paris?" Jordan jumped onto his feet with sparkles in his eyes.

"Bonjouring and all?"

"Can you speak French?"

"No way! Can you say something in French?"

She glanced out the window then looked back at the group, "Bonsoir, Je m’appelle Alex."

"Don't French people say bonjour?"

"They do...but it's like saying good evening."

"SO COOL!"

"Bonsoir!"

"I always wanted to go to France."

"Eat baguettes, croissants."

"MAGRET DE CANARD!" Jack exclaimed passionatley, making Alex's eyes widen not by the sudden loudness of his voice, but how well he pronounced the dish.

"I always wanted to ride those boats in the Venice canals."

"Venice is in Italy, Darren."

"My bad."

"Have, have you had those round biscuits!" Jack asked.

Alex paused in thought until she realised, "...macaroons?"

"Yeah!"

"Can you teach me all the swear words?"

The room went silent as everyone stared at Hurley.

His broad smile shrunk. "What? It's fun cursing at someone in a language they don't know." He defended with crossed arms.

"French is one of the most learned langauges in the world. If you do go ahead and curse at someone in French, there is a high possibility someone will know what you are saying Hurley." Jude interjected with a smile, amused by the elder member.

"There's no harm in trying." Hurley shrugged with a smile. He crawled to the girl and whispered, "I'll find spare time for our lessons." Her mouth curved into a small smile at his determination and nodded.

"Do you know how to speak French Jude?"

"I wouldn't be surprised, Mr Classy himself."

"No, I do not." He replied. Then he held his hand out as he began to count, "I have only learnt how to speak English, Korean, Mandarin, Italian and Portuguese fluently."

The team sweatdropped, "Of course you have."

"That is actually going to be a big help in this tournament. The tournament's medium of communication is English." Xavier pointed out.

"Who knows how to speak English?" Thor asked and started counting the number of hands in the air.

Nathan's eyes narrowed, "Properly."

Many hands went down.

"So there's only two?" Thor chuckled nervously seeing only Jude and Alex with raised hands.

We're doomed.

"Silvia's also pretty good at English." Mark recalled the times when the manager would help him properly pronounce the English named Hissastues.

"She grew up in the US." Shawn whispered in Alex's ear.

*knock knock knock*

"Speak of the devil and she shall appear." Jordan grinned before waving to the girl, "Hi Silvia!"

"Hi!" She waved. Her eyes searched the room until they locked with a pair honey eyes belonging to the white haired player. She smiled, "The girls would like to borrow Alex, if that's okay with you guys."

"If that's okay with them?" They heard a voice behind Silvia filled with offence. Soon, the blueberry haired Celia stormed into the room and grabbed the female player's hand. "There's no need to ask them for permission. Come on, Alex!"

"O-okay." And off the girls went.

Then the atmosphere darkened as everyone turned to their targets.

-

Alex's eyes looked around the unfamiliar side of the building. While everyone else wondered the building getting used to it's interior, she never went this side because the first floor was where the managers and Coach Travis stayed.

Celia let go of the Alex's wrist to enter her dorm. She told Silvia and Alex to wait a few seconds while she cleaned up a bit.

Alex gulped softly looking to Silvia. "A-am I in trouble?" She asked quietly.

"Of course not! We just wanted to have time alone with you to get to know you." She reassured softly.

"It must be so suffocating with so many boys. I don't know how you did it Silvia." Celia chimed in. Alex's eyes widened. Her door was closed completely, how could she have heard what Silvia said?

She must have sharp ears.

Silvia chuckled, "It's not all that bad."

The door swung open. "And here we are! Welcome to my temporary home abode!" She presented with open arms.

Celia got comfortable very quickly. The plain white walls were decorated with Polaroids and fairy lights. On the desk lay stacks of newspapers next to her white laptop with a black camera sitting on top of the pile.

On the bed was a yellow duvet with thin white stripes and a small plush emperor penguin sat in the middle wearing her red framed glasses. And finally, a yellow rug.

Alex smiled softly at the warmth the room gave off, "Your room is really pretty."

"Thank you!" The room owner beamed. "I wanted my room to be either orange or yellow. I heard they stimulate creativity and productivity."

"Am I late?" Camellia spoke softly standing by the doorframe holding onto a lilac pillow.

"Course not! Come in, come in!"

Camellia then froze, not knowing what to do in Celia's room. Her blue eyes roamed the room hoping the two veteran managers would take the hint that she was confused when they met the golden eyes and blurred for a moment before they focused on the rest of Alex's features, which also looked like she didn't know what to do.

Though they were the new girls on the team, this was their first time meeting properly. With polite smiles, the two waved quietly to each other.

-

"So Mark— or should we say Marky."

"Yeah, 'AsK mE aNy qUEstiOn yOu wAnT, I'Ve gOt aN aNsWer fOr aLmOsT AnYtHiNg'."

"Yet he can't even answer what 7 × 8 is." Jude tsked, shaking his head with a serious expression.

"Oh come on guys, he was just being nice." Xavier defended with a smile.

"Oh nooo— He never acted like this with Tori or Sue."

"Well yeah. Cammy and I were friends in preschool so of course she's different from Sue and Tori." He said. His fist balled and eyes narrowed into a glare. "And I know what 8 × 7 is, Jude!"

Jude folded his arms, arching a brow, waiting for Mark to respond. He pointed matter of factly, "It's... it's... Hold on a second... if 5 × 5 is 25... then..."

"Don't think we forgot about you Shawn. What's the deal with you and the new girl?"

"Oh, I don't really know Camellia that well." He replied strategically, tilting his head.

"Don't play dumb with us ice pop, we're talking about the French speaking cutie."

"Yeah, spill the beans!"

"Oh? Alex is just a friend, if that's what you're wondering."

"Okay but what is she like?"

"She's really nice." He replied.

The team rotated their wrists, gesturing him to keep going.

"That's it, really guys." He chuckled with his hands raised. "We only met a few days ago."

But the boys weren't convinced. With Mark or Shawn's answers. This had to be the tip of the iceberg they were hiding. And they were going to find what's beneath the water.

The Ice Breakers loomed over Shawn while Mark continued figuring out what 7 × 8 was after shouting out many wrong answers.

Why is it always me?

-

The girls sat in a circle on the floor with snacks in the middle.

"How's the team been treating you?" Silvia asked, passing a freshly opened bag of sweets to Cammy and Alex.

Cammy smiled in gratitude and took a sweet. "Well, everyone's been nice to me, but Alex..." She turned to the white haired girl chewing. Cammy leaned onto her hands a bit, "How does it feel to be in the team with them?"

She swallowed. "I haven't had any problems so far."

"Do you guys have an eye or two on anyone?"

"Celia!"

"What? You can't tell me you aren't curious either!" Celia countered with a shrug. Cammy blinked staring at the duo while Alex's cheek began to flush.

"An eye or two?" The new manager said slowly, processing.

Silvia sighed, hand on her forehead, "She means a crush."

"It doesn't have to be a crush. I feel like things are too soon for that stuff. Hmm... anyone you admire so far?"

"Admire?" The two repeated.

"Yeah! Like, for example, when I first joined, I loved Nathan's hair— Oh! Let me find a picture—this guy!" The girl grabbed a Polaroid off her wall and showed the two the blue haired player waving to the camera with a smile. "And don't get me wrong, I still do! It looks so soft and silky."

Silvia chuckled at her friend's enthusiasm. "And he said all he does is wash it."

"Really? No oils or moisturisers?" Alex blinked in surprise.

"Nope. Just shampoo and good genes." Celia shook her head dramatically.

"Well... if it's like that, then... I'd say, I admire Mark." Cammy nodded slowly, satisfied with her reply.

"No surpise there." Silvia smiled while tilting her head, "Everyone likes him."

"He's just so positive and friendly. You can really tell he was a captain." Cammy smiled.

"That's Mark for you!" Celia nodded. "And you Alex?"

Her fingers gently fiddled her earlobe, her eyebrows forrowing lightly. "The person I admire so far... well... I can't really say right now. They're all pretty great."

"I thought you would've said Shawn." Celia said placing her chin between her cupped hands.

Cammy tapped her chin with finger in thought. "Shawn... Is he the one who scored with that wolf?"

"Yeah!" Celia jumped onto her bed and kneeled on one knee. "WOLF LEGEND— RAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"

Alex and Cammy smiled while Silvia burst into laughter. "What about Axel!"

"Of course, this is MY MOVE." The girl replied bouncing on her bed before spinning her leg around making a whoosh sound with her mouth. "FIREBALL STORM!!!"

The girls' laughter filled the dorm. Meanwhile the boys erupted into laughter across the passageway.

Caleb frowned at the noise when entering the building. His eyes wondered the floor when he spotted behind the door to the Rec Room stood Archer, leaning against the wall with closed eyes.

"Oh? And what're you here for? You wanna go make lucky charms with the rest?" Caleb taunted with a smirk.

Archer stared at Caleb for a moment before closing his eyes, ignoring him.

Caleb blinked before shrugging his shoulders. "Not the talkative type, are you? Oh well."

The hallway erupted in laughter from both directions, almost like the walls were mocking him.

"Tch."

🌄2 July 2024🌄

MASTERLIST | [NEXT EPISODE]

Outro:

[honeycombhq-22]

Episode 3: Inazuma Japan +Pineapples

[Jap Dub] | [Eng Dub]

*insert intro music*

Taken place in:

Episode 69: The birth of Inazuma Japan!

"WHO'S THE MAN?"

"I AM."

"WHO'S GONNA GET INTO THE NATIONAL TEAM?"

"I AM!"

Natsumi's eyebrows furrowed, "...What... are they doing?"

"Megane's hyping his brother up. I think he's a bit nervous." Haruna replied, dusting her camera, unfazed.

The younger twin took a deep breath, "I AAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMM!"

"YEAAAAAAAH!"

The girls blinked.

The daughter of the chairman turned away from the twins, "Anyways, Aki. Did Team A like the new uniforms?"

"They loved it. Some more than others." She chuckled glancing to the side at the trio.

"Like yeah, bros, don't you see how good this looks on me?" Masaru gushed holding out the bottom of his blue team-jersey, admiring its quality.

The pink haired middle triplet, Tomo, massaged his brother's shoulders encouragingly, "Very, like, very nice, yeah!"

The youngest, Tsutomu, nodded enthusiastically.

The eldest triplet posed. "Like yeah, I know. I took sooo many pictures. I can't wait to post them on MySpace!"

"Can we go nooooow?"

"No."

"UUUUUGH-GAAAAH, I don't get it! Why would you want to watch Japanese football?"

"There's always a benefit from watching strong players, Luca."

"Strong players? PUH-LEASE! Japan is known worldwide for many things: baseball, Sumo, judo, snow sports and even golf but football? Even Japanese players, like YOU, go to European countries to play football!"

"You're right. But them, they might be able to make a change. Especially that goalkeeper there."

"You said his name is Mamoru, right?"

"Endou Mamoru. The captain of the football team for this here school. He turned a bunch of nobodies to the best in the country. He could do the same thing at the FFI."

"I'm guessing he's your favourite."

"But Endou isn't the only one."

"Oh gosh, you're going to give me a whole rundown of every single player aren't you?"

"You know me so well."

-

"Now who's that one?"

"That guy's twin brother."

"GO KAZUTO! YOU. ARE. THE. MAN!!!" Kakeru screamed through a megaphone cone. "WOOOO!!!"

"He doesn't even have the ball anymore..."

"And Gouenji is cornered by Matsuno and Mukata. It seems the whole of Team A is cautious of the Flame Striker, and rightfully so! What will he do?!"

Gouenji spotted Toramaru running towards the goal with Yamino trailing behind. He then kicked the ball through Matsuno's legs, passing, "Go for it Toramaru!"

Toramaru recieved the ball and was about to kick it when something made him hesitate and instead he passed the ball back to a now surprised Yamino.

Then the whistle blew.

"And that's the end of the first half! The match we have today is a tight one with the score only being 1 All. The fight for a place in Japan's national team will continue after half-time!!!" Kakuma announced.

"Great job, guys. We just need to keep pushing the good work until the end of the game!"

Everyone in the team responded back to their captain enthusiastically except for one red head who rubbed the lower half of his back.

After scoring the goal that tied the game, Hiroto didn't expect EVERYONE to jump on him. The only one who gave him grace was Alex, who gave him a high five after Team A got off of him.

I don't know if I should try to score again after that. He chuckled to himself with a sweatdrop as he walked towards the field.

"Here you go Kabeyama."

Kabeyama beamed. "Oh, Megane! Are you a manager now?" He asked then chugged down the water.

His face scrunched, "Manager? Please, that stuff's for girls. I'm too smart to be a manager." He adjusted his glasses as they beamed under the sunlight. "I, Megane Kakeru, shall serve as the strategy advisor and support my brother in his undoubtedly successful efforts to team Japan!"

The dark green haired defender sighed in satisfaction and gave the bottle back. "Thanks for the water Megane!"

"Sure thing." He grinned... then his face fell as his junior walked away from him. "Hey, were you even listening to me?!" He yelled shaking the empty bottle violently. After realising Kabeyama wasn't listening, the brunette grumbled as he put the bottle away.

The girl tightened the sleeves of her tracksuit jacket wrapped around her waist, a troubled look on her face.

The first half is already finished... and I haven't done anything...

She thought back to the first half. How Kidou, Kazemaru and Gouenji wizzed right past all the midfielders and defenders after the kickoff. They didn't score thanks to Endou being the only one awake.

On the positive side, yes, she did collect a few rebounds before the other team got possession of the ball, but that was the bare minimum compared to the clean interceptions others were making. What she should have been making.

What can I do—

Her thoughts stopped at the presence of the Blizzard Striker staring at her side with a curious glint in his eyes. "Are those pineapples?" Fubuki asked.

"Yeah. Do you... do you want some?"

He flashed his signiture gentle smile, "Yes please. I've never had these before." He said before taking a small bite.

Her eyes widened, "Really?"

Fubuki hummed then paused his chewing, "Aren't you going to have one too?"

"Oh, right." She bit a piece of her own, her shoulders began relaxing.

I needed this.

"Um Alex..." Fubuki called. The teal-eyed boy stuck the tip of his tongue out, "my tongue's starting to tingle a bit. Is that a good sign?"

Alex's eyes widened as her shoulders tensed up, "N-nothing bad should happen. I must've not prepared them properly— I'm sorry!"

I was so sleepy last night I didn't properly make them!!!

I must've not cut them properly— Did...did I put salt?

Did I not leave it out long enough— Did I even notice if the pineapple was ripe enough?!

OH GOSH— OH GOSH— OH GOSH— OH—

Her racing thoughts paused when she heard the boy chuckle, "It's okay. Maybe I need a little kick," Fubuki said, then looked at the field. "I haven't really woken up yet."

He hasn't woken up...

All those tackles, the number of times he marked players from advancing into their side, his interceptions... He was being a better defender than the majority of the defenders.

And that's him... when he hasn't woken up?

The grey haired player swallowed the last bit of the pineapple piece, "These are really good! Do you always eat them during halftime?"

"Y-yeah! And sometimes before I compete." She chuckled nervously putting the container away. "They're kind of like my good luck charm."

"Well if it's your good luck charm, I shouldn't worry too much then." He smiled with a thumbs up.

"And just so you dim-witted co-ops know, I'm playing for myself only."

What a selfish little—

"Kidou,"

He snapped out of his head, "Yes Gouenji."

"Don't focus so much on him. You have a team to lead." The number 10 reminded, a hand placed comfortingly on Kidou's shoulder.

He nodded, letting out a deep breath. He stepped in front of the group making everyone pause what they were doing, "Team, I have a strategy."

-

"Kidou seems to be on a mission in these last few minutes of the game. He's cutting through the defence like a knife!"

"Are you done yet?"

"Nope."

Midorikawa stared with wide eyes as he watched the power of his Astro Break decrease from the ball.

"And Kabeyama blocks Midorikawa's shot!"

They weren't joking when they said he got stronger... What if I'm not—

"Don't give up yet Midorikawa, we still have 3 minutes left!"

He shook his head at Kidou's words, "Right!" Then raced to the ball as it was about to go out the corner. "Take it Yamino!"

Yamino recieved the ball, chesting it into the air. Dark energy began to surround him as he jumped into the air.

Tsunami was about to race down to block the shot when he spotted Gouenji and Kazemaru running down the pitch. His eyes widened.

Oh SHOOT— What if they're gonna do Honoo no Kazamidori WITH this guy's shot? I have to keep them out of it. The pink haired defender then looked behind him to the purple haired player staring at him with wide eyes, "Go for it, bro!"

He replied with a hesitant nod before running in front of the incoming ball.

Here goes nothing.

"Huh—"

Everyone froze in confusion, including Tobitaka himself as the ball landed softly in front of him.

Did...did I really just do that?

"And Team B is without a goal thanks to..." Kakuma squinted his eyes, staring at the field, "that Number 3 in Team A! It's almost time before this tense game comes to an end, and the representatives will be announced. The question is, WHO WILL MAKE THE TEAM?"

"Great job dude!" Tsunami praised giving Tobitaka a thumbs up while running down the pitch, "Now you gotta pass it over here!"

Tobitaka blinked out of his mini daze and kicked the ball.

However his pass wasn't accurate enough to connect and was intercepted.

Fudou's teeth gritted into a forced smirk as he landed. Then he dribbled past Tobitaka making his way towards the goal.

"You're not getting past!" Sakuma yelled and slid on the ground about to tackle him.

"Heh," Fudou backheeled the ball into the air as he jumped over Sakuma making his tackle unsuccessful. His mouth widened into an evil grin, "Too slow Cyclops."

But he didn't realise—

"Oh?"

"What the—"

Then, it was like time slowed down.

There, in the air her tracksuit jacket and hair blew with the small breeze while a concentrated look coloured her face.

"Did you see that! While mowhauk was busy mocking Sakuma below, he created a blindspot for the girl to get the ball above him."

"Yeah. That's a mistake a player makes when they get too cocky on the field. A rookie move."

The corners of her mouth rose ever so slightly. Her eyes shimmering.

His teeth gritted.

Oh FUCK NO.

Her eyelids closed before she then passed the ball.

And—

"GOAAAAAAL!!! Endou's team pulls through with a goal within the last few seconds!" The umpire's whistle blew. "And that's the end of game!!!"

"Hey. Where are you going? They're about to select the players."

"You can stay to watch. It's obvious who's going to be on the team, though."

"...It is?"

Seeing all the players drop to the ground due to exhaustion, the girl sat down and stared at the field.

Sixteen spots...

Her honey eyes glanced at both ends of the field, Endou taking off his gloves and Tachimukai resting against the goal post. The two goalies are in by default, that's 14 positions left.

Gouenji's, of course, going to make it. He was the first to score a goal and the only one who scored against Endou.

And Hiroto... His move was way more powerful compared to practice. That's another great forward.

He's great at dribbling. His move looked powerful, too, but he had to shoot against Kabeyama.

Even though he isn't very muscular, he's like a barrier. A great defender.

Kidou is so much more impressive in person. His dribbling, footwork... the ability to make or break the flow of the game...

And I can't forget him. Especially after the trap he made, he's way smarter than people want him to be, I think.

He did an amazing pass even when he lost balance after a tackle... and he doesn't even look tired.

He's strong.

He's very fast.

He was able to dribble past three people.

He's great at dribbling too.

He can read who the ball goes to next.

And Fubuki... Fubuki's just so good.

The white haired candidate pushed herself off the ground. She began rubbing her palms against her shorts as she made her way to edge of the field line.

Am I really talented enough... to play with players like them?

Hibiki stepped before the lined up teens with another man.

"Before we announce the results of the selection match, I'd like to introduce you all to the coach of the national team."

Said man stepped forward. "That's right, I will be the coach for the team: Kudou Michiya. Pleased to meet you all." He then looked down at his black book, "The following are on the team."

"What a way to cut straight to the chase—"

"Number 14, Team White." He called and there was a brief silence.

Then Kidou stepped forward, "Here sir."

"He's going based off our shirt numbers." Someone murmered in the bunch of players and everyone immediately twisted their heads to double (triple) check their numbers.

"Number 10, Team White."

Gouenji Shuuya stepped forward, "Yes sir."

"Number 10, Team Blue."

Fubuki Shirou

"Number 11, Team Blue."

Kiyama Hiroto

"Number 2, Team White. Number 4, Team White. Number 4, Team Blue."

Kazemaru Ichirouta, Kogure Yuuya, Tsunami Jousuke

"Number 5, Team White. Number 1, Team White. Number 10, Team White."

Hijikata Raiden, Tachimukai Yuuki, Midorikawa Ryuuji

"Number 8, Team White."

Fudou stepped forward with a smirk, "Here."

"Number 2, Team Blue."

"Yes sir."

Then his face fell as he watched the player— the girl who stole the ball from him step forward.

Alex Jones.

"Number 7, Team White. Number 3, Team Blue."

Utsunomiya Toramaru, Tobitaka Seiya

"Number 5, Team Blue."

Kabeyama Heigorou

"And finally, Number 1, Team Blue."

Endou Mamoru

"And that's it, our chosen 16."

Someoka's shoulders slugged as he sighed.

"Hey. Keep your head up, you've come far." Gouenji encouraged holding his fist out.

"We'll meet again Someoka, I'm sure of it!" Endou chimed in.

Someoka fistbumped Gouenji with a smile, "Thanks guys—."

"YOU SAID I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY!!!"

"I kno—"

"YOU SAID I WAS THE MAN KAKERU!!!"

He patted his wailing brother's shoulder. "You'll always be the man Kazuto."

"Hey,"

Kidou gulped the sudden heavy lump in his throat, "...Hey,"

Sakuma flashed a small smile, "Congrats, you really deserve it."

Kidou froze, not knowing how to respond to the compliment. He couldn't just say 'thanks' and move on. Their history became too complicated. He didn't want to make him feel like he wasn't enough, but at the same time, he didn't want to look like he pitied him, because he really didn't.

Everything's not like how it used to be after what happened.

His fists clenched, "I really think you should've—"

"It's okay Kidou, really." Sakuma said then looked at the audience. He was there too. The candidate smiled again, holding his hand out. "We'll be cheering you on."

The playmaker shook his hand, "Thanks, Sakuma."

Then they parted way again. Kidou sighed. He'll only be able to talk this out after the tournament now.

He straightened his posture as he made his way back to the group, Inazuma Japan.

"From this moment on, you are the representatives of our country. Those of you who were chosen, you all now bear the hopes and dreams of everyone who did not make it. Don't let their dreams go in vain."

"Yes sir!"

"This road will be long and hard. My job is to take you to the top, but you'll have to bring you're all into this. Are you all committed?"

"Yes sir!"

Alex heaved a sigh, her shoulders relaxing.

"I knew you'd make it, that was a really great pass." Fubuki complimented.

"Not compared to your sho—" She stopped herself with wide eyes when she saw Fubuki place a finger in front of his mouth.

"Don't remind them or else I'll end up like Hiroto." He whispered, a chill running down his spine at the thought of Kabeyama jumping on top of him.

I heard he weighs about 150kg...

Alex nodded pretending to zip her lips with an invisible zipper.

"I wouldn't have done it without you though! I'm sure it must've been the tingling." He playfully winked making the corners of her lips rise in heartwarming relief.

"Fubuki Shirou~ You scored a goal," Hiroto began with his bangs covering his eyes. "you know what that means, right everyone?" He asked looking upwards revealing a smirk everyone last saw on Gran.

It was only then that Fubuki realised Team A was closing in on him.

Fubuki stepped back onto his heel, ready to turn the opposite direction and run. He chuckled nervously, "Do you maybe have another slice of pineapple?"

"GET HIM!"

🌄[24 Mar 2024]🌄

𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃 | [𝙽𝙴𝚇𝚃 𝙴𝙿𝙸𝚂𝙾𝙳𝙴]

Outro:

[honeycombhq-22]

Episode 3: Inazuma Japan +Pineapples

[Eng Dub] | [Jap Dub]

*insert intro music*

Taken place in:

Episode 69: The birth of Inazuma Japan!

"WHO'S THE MAN?"

"I AM."

"WHO'S GONNA GET INTO THE NATIONAL TEAM?"

"I AM!"

Nelly's eyebrows furrowed, "...What... are they doing?"

"Willy's hyping his brother up. I think he's a bit nervous." Celia replied, dusting her camera, unfazed.

The younger twin took a deep breath, "I AAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMM!"

"YEAAAAAAAH!"

The girls blinked.

The daughter of the chairman turned away from the twins, "Anyways, Silvia. Did Team A like the new uniforms?"

"They loved it. Some more than others." She chuckled glancing to the side at the trio.

"Like yeah, bros, don't you see how good this looks on me?" Marvin gushed holding out the bottom of his blue team-jersey, admiring its quality.

The pink haired middle triplet, Thomas, massaged his brother's shoulders encouragingly, "Very, like, very nice, yeah!"

The youngest, Tyler, nodded enthusiastically.

The eldest triplet posed. "Like yeah, I know. I took sooo many pictures. I can't wait to post them on MySpace!"

"Can we go nooooow?"

"No."

"UUUUUGH-GAAAAH, I don't get it! Why would you want to watch Japanese football?"

"There's always a benefit from watching strong players, Luca."

"Strong players? PUH-LEASE! Japan is known worldwide for many things: baseball, Sumo, judo, snow sports, and even golf but football? Even Japanese players, like YOU, go to European countries to play football!"

"You're right. But them, they might be able to make a change. Especially that goalkeeper there."

"You said his name is Mark, right?"

"Mark Evans. The captain of the football team for this here school. He turned a bunch of nobodies to the best in the country. He could do the same thing at the FFI."

"I'm guessing he's your favourite."

"But Mark isn't the only one."

"Oh gosh, you're going to give me a whole rundown of every single player aren't you?"

"You know me so well."

-

"Now who's that one?"

"That guy's twin brother."

"GO ISAAC! YOU. ARE. THE. MAN!!!" William screamed through a megaphone cone. "WOOOO!!!"

"He doesn't even have the ball anymore..."

"And Blaze is cornered by Carson and Murdock . It seems the whole of Team A is cautious of the Flame Striker, and rightfully so! What will he do?!"

Axel spotted Austin running towards the goal with Shadow trailing behind. He then kicked the ball through Max's legs, passing, "Go for it Austin!"

Austin received the ball and was about to kick it when something made him hesitate, and instead, he passed the ball back to a now surprised Shadow.

Then the whistle blew.

"And that's the end of the first half! The match we have today is a tight one with the score only being 1 All. The fight for a place in Japan's national team will continue after half-time!!!" Chester announced.

"Great job, guys. We just need to keep pushing the good work until the end of the game!"

Everyone in the team responded back to their captain enthusiastically except for one red head who rubbed the lower half of his back.

After scoring the goal that tied the game, Xavier didn't expect EVERYONE to jump on him. The only one who gave him grace was Alex, who gave him a high five after Team A got off of him.

I don't know if I should try to score again after that. He chuckled to himself with a sweatdrop as he walked towards the field.

"Here you go Jack."

Jack beamed. "Oh, Willy! Are you a manager now?" He asked, then chugged down the water.

His face scrunched, "Manager? Please, that stuff's for girls. I'm too smart to be a manager." He adjusted his glasses as they beamed under the sunlight. "I, William Glass, shall serve as the strategy advisor and support my brother in his undoubtedly successful efforts to team Japan!"

The dark green haired defender sighed in satisfaction and gave the bottle back. "Thanks for the water Willy!"

"Sure thing." He grinned... then his face fell as his junior walked away from him. "Hey, were you even listening to me?!" He yelled, shaking the empty bottle violently. After realising Jack wasn't listening, the brunette grumbled as he put the bottle away.

The girl tightened the sleeves of her tracksuit jacket wrapped around her waist, a troubled look on her face.

The first half is already finished... and I haven't done anything...

She thought back to the first half. How Jude, Nathan, and Axel wizzed right past all the midfielders and defenders after the kickoff. They didn't score, thanks to Mark being the only one awake.

On the positive side, yes, she did collect a few rebounds before the other team got possession of the ball, but that was the bare minimum compared to the clean interceptions others were making. What she should have been making.

What can I do—

Her thoughts stopped at the presence of the Blizzard Striker staring at her side with a curious glint in his eyes. "Are those pineapples?" Shawn asked.

"Yeah. Do you... do you want some?"

He flashed his signiture gentle smile, "Yes please. I've never had these before." He said before taking a small bite.

Her eyes widened, "Really?"

Shawn hummed then paused his chewing, "Aren't you going to have one too?"

"Oh, right." She bit a piece of her own, her shoulders began relaxing.

I needed this.

"Um Alex..." Shawn called. The teal-eyed boy stuck the tip of his tongue out, "my tongue's starting to tingle a bit. Is that a good sign?"

Alex's eyes widened as her shoulders tensed up, "N-nothing bad should happen. I must've not prepared them properly— I'm sorry!"

I was so sleepy last night I didn't properly make them!!!

I must've not cut them properly— Did...did I put salt?

Did I not leave it out long enough— Did I even notice if the pineapple was ripe enough?!

OH GOSH— OH GOSH— OH GOSH— OH—

Her racing thoughts paused when she heard the boy chuckle, "It's okay. Maybe I need a little kick," Shawn said, then looked at the field. "I haven't really woken up yet."

He hasn't woken up...

All those tackles, the amount of times he marked players from advancing into their side, his interceptions... He was being a better defender than majority of the defenders.

And that's him... when he hasn't woken up?

The grey haired player swallowed the last bit of the pineapple piece, "These are really good! Do you always eat them during halftime?"

"Y-yeah! And sometimes before I compete." She chuckled nervously putting the container away. "They're kind of like my good luck charm."

"Well if it's your good luck charm, I shouldn't worry too much then." He smiled with a thumbs up.

"And just so you dim witted co-ops know, I'm playing for myself only."

What a selfish little—

"Jude,"

He snapped out of his head, "Yes Axel."

"Don't focus so much on him. You have a team to lead." The number 10 reminded, a hand placed comfortingly on Jude's shoulder.

He nodded, letting out a deep breath. He stepped in front of the group making everyone pause what they were doing, "Team, I have a strategy."

-

"Sharp seems to be on a mission in these last few minutes. He's cutting through the defence like a knife!"

"Are you done yet?"

"Nope."

Jordan stared with wide eyes as he watched the power of his Astro Break decrease from the ball.

"And Wallside blocks Greenway's shot!"

They weren't joking when they said he got stronger... What if I'm not—

"Don't give up yet Jordan, we still have 3 minutes left!"

He shook his head at Jude's words, "Right!" Then raced to the ball as it was about to go out the corner. "Take it Shadow!"

Shadow received the ball, chesting it into the air. Dark energy began to surround him as he jumped into the air.

Hurley was about to race down to block the shot when he spotted Axel and Nathan running down the pitch. His eyes widened.

Oh SHOOT— What if they're gonna do Fire Rooster WITH this guy's shot? I have to keep them out of it. The pink haired defender then looked behind him to the purple haired player staring at him with wide eyes, "Go for it bro!"

He replied with a hesitant nod before running in front of the incoming ball.

Here goes nothing.

"Huh—"

Everyone froze in confusion, including Archer himself as the ball landed softly in front of him.

Did...did I really just do that?

"And Team B is without a goal thanks to..." Chester squinted his eyes, staring at the field, "that Number 3 in Team A! It's almost time before this tense game comes to an end, and the representatives will be announced. The question is, WHO WILL MAKE THE TEAM?"

"Great job dude!" Hurley praised giving Archer a thumbs up while running down the pitch, "Now you gotta pass it over here!"

Archer blinked out of his mini daze and kicked the ball.

However his pass wasn't accurate enough to connect and was intercepted.

Caleb's teeth gritted into a forced smirk as he landed. Then he dribbled past Archer, making his way towards the goal.

"You're not getting past!" David yelled and slid on the ground about to tackle him.

"Heh," Caleb backheeled the ball into the air as he jumped over David making his tackle unsuccessful. His mouth widened into an evil grin, "Too slow Cyclops."

But he didn't realise—

"Oh?"

"What the—"

Then, it was like time slowed down.

There, in the air her tracksuit jacket and hair blew with the small breeze while a concentrated look coloured her face.

"Did you see that! While mowhauk was busy mocking Samford below, he created a blindspot for the girl to get the ball above him."

"Yeah. That's a mistake a player makes when they get too cocky on the field. A rookie move."

The corners of her mouth rose ever so slightly. Her eyes shimmering.

His teeth gritted.

Oh FUCK NO.

Her eyelids closed before she then passed the ball.

And—

"GOAAAAAAL!!! Evans's team pulls through with a goal within the last few seconds!" The umpire's whistle blew. "And that's the end of game!!!"

"Hey. Where are you going? They're about to select the players."

"You can stay to watch. It's obvious who's going go be on the team though."

"...It is?"

Seeing all the players drop to the ground due to exhaustion, the girl sat down and stared at the field.

Sixteen spots...

Her eyes glanced at both ends of the field, Mark taking off his gloves and Darren resting against the goal post. The two goalies are in by default, that's 14 positions left.

Axel's of course going to make it. He was the first to score a goal and the only one who scored against Mark.

And Xavier... His move was way more powerful compared to practice. That's another great forward.

He's great at dribbling. His move looked powerful too, but he had to shoot against Jack.

Even though he isn't very muscular, he's like a barrier. He is a great defender.

Jude is so much more impressive in person. His dribbling, footwork... the ability to make or break the flow of the game...

And I can't forget him. Especially after the trap he made, he's way smarter than people want him to be, I think.

He did an amazing pass even when he lost balance after a tackle... and he doesn't look tired even now.

He's strong.

He's very fast.

He was able to dribble past three people.

He's great at dribbling too.

He can read who the ball goes to next.

And Shawn... Shawn's just so good.

The white haired candidate pushed herself off the ground. She began rubbing her palms against her shorts as she made her way to edge of the field line.

Am I really talented enough... to play with players like them?

Hillman stepped before the lined up teens with another man.

"Before we announce the results of the selection match, I'd like to introduce you all to the coach of the national team."

Said man stepped forward. "That's right, I will be the coach for the team: Mr Travis. Pleased to meet you all." He then looked down at his black book, "The following are on the team."

"What a way to cut straight to the chase—"

"Number 14, Team White." He called, and there was a brief silence.

Then Jude stepped forward, "Here, sir."

"He's going based off our shirt numbers." Someone murmered in the bunch of players and everyone immediately twisted their heads to double (triple) check their numbers.

"Number 10, Team White."

Axel Blaze stepped forward, "Yes, sir."

"Number 10, Team Blue."

Shawn Frost.

"Number 11, Team Blue."

Xavier Foster.

"Number 2, Team White. Number 4, Team White. Number 4, Team Blue."

Nathan Swift, Scott Banyan, Hurley Kane.

"Number 5, Team White. Number 1, Team White. Number 10, Team White."

Thor Stoutberg, Darren LaChance, Jordan Greenway.

"Number 8, Team White."

Caleb Stonewall stepped forward with a smirk, "Here."

"Number 2, Team Blue."

"Yes sir."

Then his face fell as he watched the player— the girl who stole the ball from him step forward.

Alex Jones.

"Number 7, Team White. Number 3, Team Blue."

Austin Hobbes, Archer Hawkins.

"Number 5, Team Blue."

Jack Wallside.

"And finally, Number 1, Team Blue."

Mark Evans.

"And that's it, our chosen 16."

Kevin's shoulders slugged as he sighed.

"Hey. Keep your head up. You've come far." Axel encouraged holding his fist out.

"We'll meet again, Kevin. I'm sure of it!" Mark chimed in.

Kevin fistbumped Axel with a smile, "Thanks guys—."

"YOU SAID I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY!!!"

"I kno—"

"YOU SAID I WAS THE MAN WILLIAM!!!"

He patted his wailing brother's shoulder. "You'll always be the man, Isaac."

"Hey,"

Jude gulped the sudden heavy lump in his throat, "...Hey,"

David flashed a small smile, "Congrats, you really deserve it."

Jude froze, not knowing how to respond to the compliment. He couldn't just say 'thanks' and move on. Their history became too complicated. He didn't want to make him feel like he wasn't enough, but at the same time, he didn't want to look like he pitied him because he really didn't.

Everything's not like how it used to be after what happened.

His fists clenched, "I really think you should've—"

"It's okay, Jude, really." David said, then looked at the audience. He was there, too. The candidate smiled again, holding his hand out. "We'll be cheering you on."

The playmaker shook his hand, "Thanks, David."

Then they parted way again. Jude sighed. He'll only be able to talk this out after the tournament now.

He straightened his posture as he made his way back to the group, Inazuma Japan.

"From this moment on, you are the representatives of our country. Those of you who were chosen, you all now bear the hopes and dreams of everyone who did not make it. Don't let their dreams go in vain."

"Yes sir!"

"This road will be long and hard. My job is to take you to the top, but you'll have to bring you're all into this. Are you all committed?"

"Yes sir!"

Alex heaved a sigh, her shoulders relaxing.

"I knew you'd make it. That was a really great pass." Shawn complimented.

"Not compared to your sho—" She stopped herself with wide eyes when she saw Shawn place a finger in front of his mouth.

"Don't remind them, or else I'll end up like Xavier." He whispered, a chill running down his spine at the thought of Jack jumping on top of him.

I heard he weighs about 150kg...

Alex nodded, pretending to zip her lips with an invisible zipper.

"I wouldn't have done it without you, though! I'm sure it must've been the tingling." He playfully winked, making the corners of her lips rise in heartwarming relief.

"Oh Shawn~ You scored a goal," Xavier began with his bangs covering his eyes. "You know what that means, right, everyone?" He asked, looking upwards, revealing a smirk everyone last saw on Xene.

It was only then that Shawn realised Team A was closing in on him.

Shawn stepped back onto his heel, ready to turn the opposite direction and run. He chuckled nervously, "Do you maybe have another slice of pineapple?"

"GET HIM!"

🌄[24 Mar 2024]🌄

𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃 | [𝙽𝙴𝚇𝚃 𝙴𝙿𝙸𝚂𝙾𝙳𝙴]

Outro:

[honeycombhq-22]

Episode 2: Episodes

[Jap Dub] | [Eng Dub]

*insert intro music*

Before Episode 69

Location: The Kidou Residence

Kidou grabbed his pillow, shoved his head into it and—

*inhales* "AHhHhhHHhhhh!!!!"

"Absolutely irritating!— how AG-GRI-VA-TING!!!"

On the other side of his bedroom, awkwardly sat Gouenji and Endou on one of Kidou's long, luxurious black leather bedroom couches waiting for him to finish.

Endou and Kidou had come back from confronting Mr Hibiki regarding Fudou's recruitment, and Kidou wasn't pleased with his response. At all. So when Kidou asked the Raimon captain to come over, Endou was very hesitant.

Gouenji was there, because Endou needed reinforcements.

"Coach decided to invite him BECAUSE HE'S A TALENTED YOUNG MAN?" He lifted his head to breathe, then shoved it back into the pillow. "TALENT WHERE?! HE USED A DUMB, STUPID, STEROID CRYSTAL!"

Now, reader, you might wonder, "Since when did Kidou have so much anger?"

It all started after being separated from his sister, Haruna back in the orphanage. Days passed, and after realising that he may never see her again, he developed a bit of a temper.

He'd thrash, kick, scream— even after his nonbiological father found his sister's adoptive parents' address. It wasn't until the crimson eyed toddler met the infamous Kageyama Reiji who placed him in Junior Anger Management.

Many years later, the boy passed his JAM classes and became the notorious cool, calm and collected genius playmaker.

Though he isn't as angry as he used to be, he does have moments that do trigger him. When times like that happen, he'd suppress it all in until he finally was alone. Then he'd scream, yell and shout it all out into his 'anger pillow'.

This could last a couple of seconds... or like the last episode, 30 minutes.

Endou peered over the armchair to Jude's piled collection of football magazines, his eyes glistening with curiosity.

"THAT, THAT IRKSOME!—"

Gouenji shook his head.

That'll make him MORE mad

"LITTLE—"

With a sigh, Endou retracted his hand, slumping into the couch with a soft, bored groan.

"GODDAMN VEXATIOUS DECIEVER!!!"

Kidou's short breathes filled the silent room and the two shared a look.

You talk

No YOU talk

I don't want to talk!

I'm not talking after last time.

Fine.

The defeated sighed.

"...You okay..?" Endou asked with a cautious smile.

He sighed, "...yeah."

"..."

Kidou cleared his throat. "Right. The actual reason I brought you here."

-

"Hmm... I don't know about this one."

Standing in front of his full body mirror, Kidou wore the selection team's white uniform kit. He twisted his torso making his blue cape glide gracefully.

"There's a lot of blue in my opinion." Gouenji spoke.

Kidou nodded, "You're right."

While waiting for Kidou to finish fitting another cape, the platinum blonde turned and asked, "How did your team's practice go?"

"Great, actually! Someoka, Fubuki, Kabeyama— just everyone's gotten so much stronger over the months!" Endou beamed. "Oh! We even have a victory ritual. If someone scores a goal, we tackle them!"

The flame striker let out a quiet laugh of disbelief. "And the new candidates, how were they?"

Before the chocolate haired boy could respond, Kidou walked out with a yellow cape flowing behind him. As soon as it caught their sight, the two immediately shook their heads.

"Yeah I know... I thought maybe a complimentary colour with the shorts?" He eyed his reflection before pivoting back into the walk-in closet.

"Hmm..." Endou pondered. He rubbed his chin with his index finger and thumb, his eyes squinting. "Tobitaka, well..." his head leaned to the side. "I don't think he's... comfortable yet. So Hiroto suggested he stay in the back."

"'Not comfortable'? I wasn't there to watch your whole practice but just by a glance during warmups, you can tell he's just a beginner." Kidou commented walking out with a red cape. "Are you sure you want him to be a part of your last line of defence?"

"Oh come on Kidou, Kabeyama and Tsunami will be there too." Endou waved dismissively. His smile grew bigger, "And Alex isn't bad at all!"

"...Okay." Kidou said sceptically.

Having known Kidou long enough, he decided to change the subject quickly. "Hey, I like this one!" He pointed.

Gouenji nodded, "Me too."

Kidou eyed his reflection, letting out a small breath. "Then it's settled." He placed his hands on his hips, a small smile of pride on him, "The red cape it is."

—

"Are you sure you'll be alright Gouenji? It's getting pretty late." Endou asked staring at the sky.

Gouenji kindly waved dismissively, "I'll be fine. My neighbourhood isn't too far."

The brown headed boy answered his friend's reassurance with a smile. "Okay." He turned to face Gouenji again after opening the door to his home, "Message me when you get home!"

Gouenji waved and began his stroll home.

Should we maybe have a team bonding type of ritual?

Because the state of our team dynamic right now is... well...

Flashback ***

Team B watched as Team A stepped outside, chatting with one another happily. Before stepping out, Someoka whispered a much needed 'goodluck' to Kazemaru, Kidou, and Gouenji before leaving the team in their awkward silence.

Midorikawa huffed, "Looks like the grass is greener on that side. D'you have a strategy to beat them, Kidou?"

"With Endou, Kabeyama, Fubuki... Tsunami... and Hiroto, their team is a lot more rounded than ours." The aquamarine boy mumbled his thoughts, not realising someone behind him listening.

"So our team's lacking." Yamino deadpanned making Kazemaru's eyes grow wide.

"Come on, that's not what he meant, right Kazemaru?" Hijikata intervened, wrapping his arm around said boy's neck.

"Kazemaru is right though. Their team is very rounded, defensively and offensively. It looks like we're more offensively strong. So let's try and bring out that strength." Megane Kazuto reasoned.

His glasses beamed before he pointed at himself confidently, "Which is why I can be up front alongside you, Gouenji. My brother may have thought he could be an Ace, but I show true potential, isn't that right Gouenji?" The boy boldly awaited Gouenji's response only to, thankfully, be interrupted by Kidou.

Said Genius on the Pitch stepped to the new player, making the young boy stiffen, "Toramaru, right?"

"Y-yes sir— I mean— yes!"

"You said you can play any position. Can you be up front for the match?"

"Striker?! A-along with—" He glanced to the Flame Striker and squeaked. "I—I don't think I should be at the front line along with THEE Gouenji Shuuya. Haha... I don't want to hold him back you know!"

The playmaker sighed, "Fine. Yamino?"

"I don't think I'm strong enough yet."

"I think you should. You and Gouenji are similar but have totally different plays." Hijikata encouraged slapping Yamino in the back. The latter coughed, surprised at how hard his slap was.

"Hey, I don't mean to stir the pot, but isn't your move a bit similar to Gouenji's fire tornado?" Midorikawa enquired, blinking innocently.

"It's a carbon copy if you ask me. It's just gloomier and darker." Kogure snickered, earning a slap at the back of the head from Hijikata.

"Tch," they heard from the corner of the hall, to see Fudou resting his back against a wall. "You're all acting like a bunch of pussies." He commented making his way to the group

Tachimukai blinked in confusion, about to ask what was a puss— when Kazemaru placed his hand on his shoulder, shaking his head.

"Put me up next to the famous Flame Striker." Fudou declared, staring Gouenji dead in the eye.

"No." The platinum blonde replied with a glare.

"Why not, scared I'll be just as good as you next?"

"What do you mean by 'next'?"

"Ncaw Yuuto," Fudou twisted his torso, smirking at Kidou. "You didn't tell them that Kageyama declared me just as smart as you."

"He never said that, Fudou." Kidou stated. Little people noticing his jaw clenching.

"You can't," Gouenji began turning Fudou's attention, "because you're a Midfielder."

He looked the platinum blonde up and down before releasing a mocking laugh, "If that'll make you sleep good at night, Gouenji."

"He can't just talk to Gouenji like that!" Toramaru gritted quietly.

"Fudou, where are you going?" Kazemaru asked.

"Leaving," he deadpanned and lifted his arm, shimmering his fingers as a wave, "Toodles."

"Hey!" Midorikawa stepped forward, "Don't you know the saying 'Many hands make light work'? We need all hands on deck!"

The boy halted. "You still don't get it, do you? This isn't about winning or losing as a team. All you have to do is just show off to the coach." His head turned over his shoulder, showing a smirk. "And just so you dim-witted co-ops know, I'm playing for myself only."

Tachimukai looked around hopelessly, "Guys... what should we do?"

Yamino slung his kitbag onto his shoulder, heading to the door, "I'm going."

Kazemaru sighed after Yamino's figure disappeared, "I think you should apologise to Yamino."

"What?! Me!?" Kogure pointed at himself. "I was giving the guy constructive criticism." He defended folding his arms.

"It wasn't nice what you said, Kogure." Tachimukai chimed in.

"Of course you'd say so." Kogure snickered.

"What are you talking about?" Tachimukai asked softly.

"UGH, JUST GO AND APOLOGISE KOGURE!" Hijikata yelled, fed up with the boy's nonsense.

***End of flashback

He heaved a sigh.

Very unorganised.

*pat*

Hm?

The boy's face scrunched softly as he watched the light water droplets slowly fall heavier with each passing second.

Not this again.

He jogged to the nearest shelter, the most popular spot for students nearby, Spark's Stores, and stood under the eave of the convenient store at the entrance.

He looked around and sighed.

This is my only shelter... from here on, I'll have to sprint.

*tap*

Gouenji's heart skipped a beat and out of instinct, he spun to the source, his leg about to lift when he stopped himself.

"Oh," He relaxed, "You scared me."

Her eyes widened in realisation, "Oh, I'm sorry."

He waved her off reassuringly.

Then they stood stood in silence.

"..."

"..."

"...."

This is awkward... He glanced to his right, then quickly stared at the streets beginning to drown with puddles. I only met her yesterday... there's nothing I can really say.

I don't normally start conversations with our managers either... they normally initiate conversations with me...

Think!

What would Sue and Tori want to talk about?

'My Darling—'

'I'll be going to the store to buy my Darling—'

'Oh how I miss my Darlin—'

Nevermind Urabe.

He sweatdropped quietly.

'I'm gonna practice more to perfect The Tower!'

Yeah! I can ask about her prac—

"You looked... deep in thought earlier." She broke the silence looking at the street as well.

He exhaled quietly making her eyes glance up at him, "I was trying to find a way to avoid the rain."

"You don't have an umbrella or raincoat?"

He shook his head.

The girl unzipped her kitbag and pulled out a transparent umbrella motioning it to him.

Once he realised her offer, he softly pushed the umbrella towards her. "Oh no," he softly spoke, "You don't have to."

"I don't mind. My house is just down the road." She pointed. "You can return it on the day of the selection match... if that's okay with you?"

"Thanks," he bowed his head and stepped out into the pouring rain that reflected off of her umbrella.

Feeling guilty again, Gouenji decided to turn back around to thank Alex again only to see she had already begun her walk home with her tracksuit jacket acting as her umbrella.

Gouenji must've stared for too long because the girl stopped and turned to him, making his breath hitch with embarrassment.

Right when he was about to scold himself for looking like a weirdo, the white-haired girl waved to him goodbye with a small smile before continuing down the road.

He cleared his throat.

Right, I need to get home.

The boy stood in front of his family gate with a proud expression, knowing little about the speeding truck approaching.

He sighed.

Home sweet ho—

-

"I'm home," she called into the house but was met with silence.

She placed her kitbag down, hung her jacket on a hanger and was about to walk when she remembered.

Right. Shoes

After slipping into a pair of light blue slippers, she made her way into the house.

She sighed, then smiled. "Tante! I did well in practice today. I caught a lot of loose balls and got complimented. And the managers are really sweet. They helped me learn a few of the players' names!"

Silence.

"I'll be going to bed now. Goodnight!"

And as soon as she stepped into the hallway, her smile dropped and her steps came to a halt. She sighed again then turned back, grabbed her kitbag and made her way to her bedroom.

She flipped the light on then closed the blinds of her window and flopped onto her bed face first.

Her face began to burn from embarrassment.

'You don't have an umbrella or raincoat?'

Why did I say that?

Of course he doesn't, why else would he, GOUENJI SHUUYA, be trying to avoid the rain!

She groaned into the pillow as her head began to throb from the racing thoughts.

I should've just hid behind that aisle.

🌄[2 Mar 2024]🌄

𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃 | [𝙽𝙴𝚇𝚃 𝙴𝙿𝙸𝚂𝙾𝙳𝙴]

Outro:

[honeycombhq-22]

Episode 2: Episodes

[Eng Dub] | [Jap Dub]

*insert intro music*

Before Episode 69

Location: The Sharp Residence

Jude grabbed his pillow, shoved his head into it and—

*inhales* "AHhHhhHHhhhh!!!!"

"Absolutely irritating!— how AG-GRI-VA-TING!!!"

On the other side of his bedroom, awkwardly sat Axel and Mark on one of Jude's long, luxurious black leather bedroom couches waiting for him to finish.

Mark and Jude had come back from confronting Mr Hillman regarding Caleb's recruitment, and Jude wasn't pleased with his response. At all. So when Jude asked the Raimon captain to come over, Mark was very hesitant.

Axel was there, because Mark needed reinforcements.

"Coach decided to invite him BECAUSE HE'S A TALENTED YOUNG MAN?" He lifted his head to breathe, then shoved it back into the pillow. "TALENT WHERE?! HE USED A DUMB, STUPID, STEROID CRYSTAL!"

Now, reader, you might wonder, "Since when did Jude have so much anger?"

It all started after being separated from his sister, Celia, back in the orphanage. Days passed, and after realising that he may never see her again, he developed a bit of a temper.

He'd thrash, kick, scream— even after his nonbiological father found his sister's adoptive parents' address. It wasn't until the crimson eyed toddler met the infamous Ray Dark who placed him in Junior Anger Management.

Many years later, the boy passed his JAM classes and became the notorious cool, calm and collected genius playmaker.

Though he isn't as angry as he used to be, he does have moments that do trigger him. When times like that happen, he'd suppress it all in until he finally was alone. Then he'd scream, yell, and shout it all out into his 'anger pillow'.

This could last a couple of seconds... or like the last episode, 30 minutes.

Mark peered over the armchair to Jude's piled collection of football magazines, his eyes glistening with curiosity.

"THAT, THAT IRKSOME!—"

Axel shook his head.

That'll make him MORE mad

"LITTLE—"

With a sigh, Mark retracted his hand, slumping into the couch with a soft, bored groan.

"GODDAMN VEXATIOUS DECIEVER!!!"

Jude's short breathes filled the silent room and the two shared a look.

You talk

No, YOU talk

I don't want to talk!

I'm not talking after last time.

Fine.

The defeated sighed.

"...You okay..?" Mark asked with a cautious smile.

He sighed, "...yeah."

"..."

Jude cleared his throat. "Right. The actual reason I brought you here."

-

"Hmm... I don't know about this one."

Standing in front of his full body mirror, Jude wore the selection team's white uniform kit. He twisted his torso, making his blue cape glide gracefully.

"There's a lot of blue in my opinion." Axel spoke.

Jude nodded, "You're right."

While waiting for Jude to finish fitting another cape, the platinum blonde turned and asked, "How did your team's practice go?"

"Great actually! Kevin, Shawn, Jack— just everyone's gotten so much stronger over the months!" Mark beamed. "Oh! We even have a victory ritual. If someone scores a goal, we tackle them!"

The flame striker let out a quiet laugh of disbelief. "And the new candidates, how were they?"

Before the chocolate haired boy could respond, Jude walked out with a yellow cape flowing behind him. As soon as it caught their sight, the two immediately shook their heads.

"Yeah I know... I thought maybe a complimentary colour with the shorts?" He eyed his reflection before pivoting back into the walk-in closet.

"Hmm..." Mark pondered. He rubbed his chin with his index finger and thumb, his eyes squinting. "Archer, well..." his head leaned to the side. "I don't think he's... comfortable yet. So Xavier suggested he stay in the back."

"'Not comfortable'? I wasn't there to watch your whole practice, but just by a glance during warmups, you can tell he's just a beginner." Jude commented, walking out with a red cape. "Are you sure you want him to be a part of your last line of defence?"

"Oh come on Jude, Jack and Hurley will be there too." Mark waved dismissively. His smile grew bigger, "And Alex isn't bad at all!"

"...Okay." Jude said sceptically.

Having known Jude long enough, he decided to change the subject quickly. "Hey, I like this one!" He pointed.

Axel nodded, "Me too."

Jude eyed his reflection, letting out a small breath. "Then it's settled." He placed his hands on his hips, a small smile of pride on him, "The red cape it is."

—

"Are you sure you'll be alright Axel? It's getting pretty late." Mark asked staring at the sky.

Axel kindly waved dismissively, "I'll be fine. My neighbourhood isn't too far."

The brown headed boy answered his friend's reassurance with a smile. "Okay." He turned to face Axel again after opening the door to his home, "Message me when you get home!"

Axel waved and began his stroll home.

Should we maybe have a team bonding type of ritual?

Because the state of our team dynamic right now is... well...

Flashback ***

Team B watched as Team A stepped outside chatting with one another happily. Before stepping out, Kevin whispered a much needed 'goodluck' to Nathan, Jude and Axel before leaving the team in their awkward silence.

Jordan huffed, "Looks like the grass is greener on that side. D'you have a strategy to beat them, Jude?"

"With Mark, Jack, Shawn...Hurley... and Xavier, their team is a lot more rounded than ours." The aquamarine boy mumbled his thoughts not realising someone behind him listening.

"So our team's lacking." Shadow deadpanned making Nathan's eyes grow wide.

"Come on, that's not what he meant, right Nathan?" Thor intervened wrapping his arm around said boy's neck.

"Nathan is right though. Their team is very rounded, defensively and offensively. It looks like we're more offensively strong. So let's try and bring out that strength." Isaac reasoned.

His glasses beamed before he pointed at himself confidently, "Which is why I can be up front alongside you, Axel. My brother may have thought he could be an Ace, but I show true potential, isn't that right, Axel?" The boy boldly awaited Axel's response only to, thankfully, be interrupted by Jude.

Said Genius on the Pitch stepped to the new player, making the young boy stiffen, "Austin, right?"

"Y-yes sir— I mean— yes!"

"You said you can play any position. Can you be up front for the match?"

"Striker?! A-along with—" He glanced to the Flame Striker and squeaked. "I—I don't think I should be at the front line along with THEE Axel Blaze. Haha... I don't want to hold him back, you know!"

The playmaker sighed, "Fine. Shadow?"

"I don't think I'm strong enough yet."

"I think you should. You and Axel are similar but have totally different plays." Thor encouraged slapping Shadow in the back. The latter coughed, surprised at how hard his slap was.

"Hey, I don't mean to stir the pot, but isn't your move a bit similar to Axel's fire tornado?" Jordan enquired, blinking innocently.

"It's a carbon copy if you ask me. It's just gloomier and darker." Scotty snickered, earning a slap at the back of the head from Thor.

"Tch," they heard from the corner of the hall, to see Caleb resting his back against a wall. "You're all acting like a bunch of pussies." He commented making his way to the group.

Darren blinked in confusion, about to ask what was a puss— when Nathan placed his hand on his shoulder, shaking his head.

"Put me up next to the famous Flame Striker." Caleb declared, staring Axel dead in the eye.

"No." The platinum blonde replied with a glare.

"Why not, scared I'll be just as good as you next?"

"What do you mean by 'next'?"

"Ncaw Judie," Caleb twisted his torso, smirking at Jude. "You didn't tell them that Dark declared me just as smart as you."

"He never said that, Caleb." Jude stated. Little people noticing his jaw clenching.

"You can't," Axel began turning Caleb's attention, "because you're a Midfielder."

He looked the platinum blonde up and down before letting out a mocking laugh, "If that'll make you sleep good at night, Blaze."

"He can't just talk to Axel like that!" Austin gritted quietly.

"Caleb, where are you going?" Nathan asked.

"Leaving," he deadpanned and lifted his arm, shimmering his fingers as a wave, "Toodles."

"Hey!" Jordan stepped forward, "Don't you know the saying 'Many hands make light work'? We need all hands on deck!"

The boy halted. "You still don't get it, do you? This isn't about winning or losing as a team. All you have to do is just show off to the coach." His head turned over his shoulder, showing a smirk. "And just so you dim-witted co-ops know, I'm playing for myself only."

Darren looked around hopelessly, "Guys... what should we do?"."

Shadow slung his kitbag onto his shoulder, heading to the door, "I'm going."

Nathan sighed after Shadow's figure disappeared, "I think you should apologise to Shadow."

"What?! Me!?" Scotty pointed at himself. "I was giving the guy constructive criticism!" He defended folding his arms.

"It wasn't nice what you said, Scotty." Darren chimed in.

"Of course you'd say so." Scotty snickered.

"What are you talking about?" Darren asked softly.

"UGH, JUST GO AND APOLOGISE SCOTTY!" Thor yelled, fed up with the boy's nonsense.

***End of flashback

He heaved a sigh.

Very unorganised.

*pat*

Hm?

The boy's face scrunched softly as he watched the light water droplets slowly fall heavier with each passing second.

Not this again.

He jogged to the nearest shelter, the most popular spot for students nearby, Spark's Stores, and stood under the eave of the convenient store at the entrance.

He looked around and sighed.

This is my only shelter... from here on, I'll have to sprint.

*tap*

Axel's heart skipped a beat and out of instinct, he spun to the source, his leg about to lift when he stopped himself.

"Oh," He relaxed, "You scared me."

Her eyes widened in realisation, "Oh, I'm sorry."

He waved her off reassuringly.

Then they stood stood in silence.

"..."

"..."

"...."

This is awkward... He glanced to his right, then quickly stared at the streets beginning to drown with puddles. I only met her yesterday... there's nothing I can really say.

I don't normally start conversations with our managers either... they normally initiate conversations with me...

Think!

What would Sue and Tori want to talk about?

'My Darling—'

'I'll be going to the store to buy my Darling—'

'Oh how I miss my Darlin—'

Nevermind Sue.

He sweatdropped quietly.

'I'm gonna practice more to perfect The Tower!'

Yeah! I can ask about her prac—

"You looked... deep in thought earlier." She broke the silence looking at the street as well.

He exhaled quietly, making her eyes glance up at him, "I was trying to find a way to avoid the rain."

"You don't have an umbrella or raincoat?"

He shook his head.

The girl unzipped her kitbag and pulled out a transparent umbrella motioning it to him.

Once he realised her offer he softly pushed the umbrella towards her. "Oh no," he softly spoke, "You don't have to."

"I don't mind. My house is just down the road." She pointed. "You can return it on the day of the selection match... if that's okay with you?"

"Thanks," he bowed his head and stepped out into the pouring rain that reflected off of her umbrella.

Feeling guilty again, Axel decided to turn back around to thank Alex again, only to see she had already begun her walk home with her tracksuit jacket acting as her umbrella.

Axel must've stared for too long because the girl stopped and turned to him making his breath hitch with embarrassment.

Right when he was about to scold himself for looking like a weirdo, the white-haired girl waved to him goodbye with a small smile before continuing down the road.

He cleared his throat.

Right, I need to get home.

The boy stood in front of his family gate with a proud expression, knowing little about the speeding truck approaching.

He sighed.

Home sweet ho—

-

"I'm home," she called into the house but was met with silence.

She placed her kitbag down, hung her jacket on a hanger, and was about to walk when she remembered.

Right. Shoes

After slipping into a pair of light blue slippers, she made her way into the house.

She sighed, then smiled. "Tante! I did well in practice today. And I caught a lot of loose balls and got complimented. The managers are really sweet. They helped me learn a few of the players' names!"

Silence.

"I'll be going to bed now. Goodnight!"

And as soon as she stepped into the hallway, her smile dropped, and her steps came to a halt. She sighed again then turned back, grabbed her kitbag, and made her way to her bedroom.

She flipped the light on then closed the blinds of her window and flopped onto her bed face first.

Her face began to burn from embarrassment.

'You don't have an umbrella or raincoat?'

Why did I say that?

Of course he doesn't, why else would he, AXEL BLAZE, be trying to avoid the rain!

She groaned into the pillow as her head began tp throb from the racing thoughts.

I should've just hid behind that aisle.

🌄[2 Mar 2024]🌄

𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃 | [𝙽𝙴𝚇𝚃 𝙴𝙿𝙸𝚂𝙾𝙳𝙴]

Outro:

[honeycombhq-22]

GOLDEN EYED

[Jap Dub] | [Eng Dub]

Episode 1: Pilot

Episode 2: Episodes

Episode 3: Inazuma Japan +Pineapples

Episode 4: Ice Breaker

[honeycombhq-22]

Episode 1: Pilot

[Jap dub] | [Eng dub]

❝It's the tournament that every player dreaming to become big pays attention to, the greatest battle ever: The Football Frontier International Tournament. Boys and girls from all over the world gather together to fight for the title of the best in the world. Everyone from the biggest countries to the tiniest of islands.❞

*insert intro theme song*

Taken place in:

Episode 68: The Gathering: Who's the Japanese Representative?

"Uh...who's that behind Coach?"

Oh no... She thought to herself as she watched everyone's eyes shift to her figure standing behind the man she knew as Hibiki-san. She fiddled with the hem of her navy tracksuit top, her fingertips collecting silver glitter from her shiny sides.

She knew they shouldn't have made a pitstop for breakfast, she never ate in the morning anyway. But she really didn't want to seem rude and reject the man's offer. After all, this man made all her other complex arrangements work, something as simple as a quick bite was the least she could go along with, but now they were one of the last ones to arrive at the school.

And all the attention was on her.

"She's kinda cute— *smack*— OW!"

Coach Hibiki patted the girl's shoulder. "This right here is Alex Jones." He introduced. With his hand still on her shoulder, he guided her to step in front of him for everyone to see her properly.

Snow white long hair tied into a neat ponytail and her chin raised as her shiny eyes stared at the wall above the players' heads instead of looking into their eyes. She looked like a self assured player to the other candidates.

Her ears perked at the sound of a female voice greeting. She turned and met a trio of girls all dressed in school uniform. A dark green haired girl in particular, who she assumed was the one who said hi, waved to her with a smile. "Are you going to be another manager?" She asked.

She took in a breath, preparing to answer when Hibiki chuckled, "Nope, she's a candidate."

And then the murmers started again until a voice cut through it like a knife.

"Oh cool!"

Next thing she knew, her hand was taken and shaken enthusiastically up and down. Her honey eyes widened and finally focused after a minute of shock.

Her hand was trapped by a pair of hands that were a little more tanned than hers. She looked up from the hands and met a wide grin. A chunk of chocolate brown hair hung over his orange headband.

Endou Mamoru.

"I love meeting new people! It's Alex right? I'm Endou, Endou Mamoru. Do me a favour and play to the best you can, okay, Alex?" He spoke so fast all she could do was nod slowly. Mr Hillman did give her a warning about the passionate goalkeeper.

The auburn haired girl from the trio facepalmed, heaving a sigh. "Endou, let the poor girl's hand go."

His eyes widened innocently and looked down at her hand still clasped in between his. "Oh?" He let go of her hand then scratched the nape of his neck. "Haha... sorry about that."

She heard A bit of a deeper voice speak from the crowd, "What position do you play?"

She straightened her posture and put her hands behind her back, "Anything is fine." Her eyes took note of the blue straps on his goggles and the matching cape that hung around his neck casting down his back.

Kidou Yuuto.

His eyebrows raised. "Anything?"

Her head tilted to the side as her eyes looked away from Kidou's goggled vision. "Well, I prefer not playing goalkeeper. But, if I'm needed there, I can play it."

She responded well, but his crimson eyes squinted behind his goggles. The playmaker couldn't help but feel something gnawing at the back of his mind. He just couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was.

Why does she look so familiar?

Putting the feeling behind him, Kidou gave a short and simple nod. Hibiki looked around the room. "Looks like everybody's arrived."

Suddenly, a ball came flying behind everyone. Quickly, Jude turned and kicked the ball back to the source. The source's face twisted into a deranged smile and everyone's mouths drop to the floor.

"Guess who's back like a vertebrae bitches"

"You're kidding me." A boy with an eye patch snarled. Soon, the expressions of many in the room turned sour, staring at the boy bouncing the ball off his knee.

"What the hek Fudou— What was that for?" Alex stepped back behind her comfortable spot behind Hibiki, hearing Kidou's once calm voice, raise as his fists clenched.

Fudou shrugged, continuing to focus on the ball he was playing with, his grin still as taunting as when the candidates last saw him. "It's just my way of saying hi. Looks like you guys still can't take a joke."

Eye patch boy— Sakuma scoffed, "A joke? Do you even realise—"

Then the three boys went back and forth.

The blue haired girl paged through the pages on the clipboard. "Fudou really did get called." She whispered in disbelief.

They didn't know what it was, but the trio soon became uneasy as memories came flooding into their minds. Flashbacks to watching Sakuma destroy his body with every kick, and all they could do was sit and watch in silenced horror.

Who wouldn't feel uneasy about Fudou's mere presence? He assisted in leading their friends straight into the hospital again.

Now, imagine what he could do at a high-pressure competition such as the FFI?

"Um...Excuse me."

The girls all turned to the source of the voice to meet the white haired— Alex. Ignoring the boys trying to hold Kidou and Sakuma back. She asked quietly, "Were you called in to play too?"

The auburn head—Raimon laughed as she shook her head. "Oh no no, I can't dribble a ball if my life depended on it! Aki and Haruna are going to be the managers for the chosen team."

Aki looked down at the clipboard. "Gosh, I guess you're the only girl called in."

Alex's expression dropped slightly. "Oh."

She looked at the group of boys then turned back to the girls, "Alright then, thank you." Then walked back to the group of boys fading away into the crowd.

"Do you know who she is, Haruna?" Aki asked her friend who was always up to date about players' data.

"Besides her name, not at all," she shook her head. "I've never seen a school team with that tracksuit either."

Nelly's arms crossed in suspicion. "And she's definitely not from Raimon." Being the chairman's daughter, she got quite familiar with the students of her school, even the unnoticeable ones.

She sighed, giving up on thinking too much about an issue that could be minor. "Oh well."

Man, will they regret not voicing their thoughts soon enough.

-

"I'm Chester Horse Jr and welcome to my amazing commentary!" He squaked into the microphone so loudly, and suddenly, Haruna and Natsumi jumped behind Aki.

"Oh Chester," she said calmly, "we didn't see you there."

"How did you not get surprised?" Natsumi asked.

"Oh?" Aki looked up at the sky while tapping her index finger on her chin. "I guess it's because I've gotten used to him."

But Chester was too riled up with excitement to have noticed the girls and continued,

"Today's a special day, everybody. All the superstars from around the country are here to play the game of all games. The game that determines the make up of the national Japanese team. Team A are in blue, Andou Mamoru as their captain. And to my left is Team B in white with Kidou Yuuto as their captain."

Everyone on this field is here for a reason. And everyone here has a reason to want to be a representative for Japan in the Footbal Frontier International tournament.

Alex's eyes roamed the field filled with the other 20 players as they did a mini exercise, shaking away their nerves. Her eyes stopped and slightly widened when they met a pair of teal-grey eyes.

That's... that's Shirou?

Yeah, Shirou... Fubuki Shirou

Fubuki gave Alex an encouraging nod with a soft smile. She nodded back then faced the opposition. The corners of her lips rose as a light feeling bubbled in her chest.

Noticing her softened features she cleared her throat and straightened her expression into a more calm straighter face.

Focus.

The whistle blew.

🌅[31 Dec 2023]🌅

𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃 | [𝙽𝙴𝚇𝚃 𝙴𝙿𝙸𝚂𝙾𝙳𝙴]

Outro:

×Re-edited: 11 Aug 2024×

[honeycombhq-22]

GOLDEN EYED

[Eng Dub] | [Jap Dub]

Episode 1: Pilot

Episode 2: Episodes

Episode 3: Inazuma Japan +Pineapples

Episode 4: Ice Breaker

[honeycombhq-22]

Episode 1: Pilot

[Eng dub] | [Jap dub]

❝It's the tournament that every player dreaming to become big pays attention to, the greatest battle ever: The Football Frontier International Tournament. Boys and girls from all over the world gather together to fight for the title of the best in the world. Everyone from the biggest countries to the tiniest of islands.❞

*insert intro theme song*

Taken place in:

Episode 68: The Gathering: Who's the Japanese Representative?

"Uh...who's that behind Coach?"

Oh no... She thought to herself as she watched everyone's eyes shift to her figure standing behind the man she knew as Mr Hillman. She fiddled with the hem of her navy tracksuit top, her fingertips collecting silver glitter from her shiny sides.

She knew they shouldn't have made a pitstop for breakfast, she never ate in the morning anyway. But she really didn't want to seem rude and reject the man's offer. After all, this man made all her other complex arrangements work, something as simple as a quick bite was the least she could go along with, but now they were one of the last ones to arrive at the school.

And all the attention was on her.

"She's kinda cute— *smack*— OW!"

Mr Hillman patted the girl's shoulder. "This right here, is Alex Jones." He introduced. With his hand still on her shoulder, he guided her to step in front of him for everyone to see her properly.

Snow white long hair tied into a neat ponytail and her chin raised as her shiny eyes stared at the wall above the players' heads instead of looking into their eyes. She looked like a self assured player to the other candidates.

Her ears perked at the sound of a female voice greeting. She turned and met a trio of girls all dressed in school uniform. A dark green haired girl in particular, who she assumed was the one who said hi, waved to her with a smile. "Are you going to be another manager?" She asked.

She took in a breath, preparing to answer when Mr Hillman chuckled, "Nope, she's a candidate." And then the murmers started again until a voice cut through it like a knife.

"Oh cool!"

Next thing she knew, her hand was taken and shaken enthusiastically up and down. Her honey eyes widened and finally focused after a minute of shock.

Her hand was trapped by a pair of hands that were a little more tanned than hers. She looked up from the hands and met a wide grin. A chunk of chocolate brown hair hung over his orange headband.

Mark Evans.

"I love meeting new people! It's Alex right? I'm Mark, Mark Evans. Do me a favour and play to the best you can, okay Alex?" He spoke so fast all she could do was nod slowly. Mr Hillman did give her a warning about the passionate goalkeeper.

The auburn haired girl from the trio facepalmed, heaving a sigh. "Mark, let the poor girl's hand go."

His eyes widened innocently and looked down at her hand still clasped in between his. "Oh?" He let go of her hand then scratched the nape of his neck. "Haha... sorry about that."

She heard A bit of a deeper voice speak from the crowd, "What position do you play?"

She straightened her posture and put her hands behind her back, "Anything is fine." Her eyes took note of the blue straps on his goggles and the matching cape that hung around his neck casting down his back.

Jude Sharp.

His eyebrows raised. "Anything?"

Her head tilted to the side as her eyes looked away from Jude's goggled vision. "Well, I prefer not playing goalkeeper. But, if I'm needed there, I can play it."

She responded well, but his crimson eyes squinted behind his goggles. The playmaker couldn't help but feel something gnawing at the back of his mind. He just couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was.

Why does she look so familiar?

Putting the feeling behind him, Jude gave a short and simple nod. Mr Hillman looked around the room. "Looks like everybody's arrived."

Suddenly, a ball came flying behind everyone. Quickly, Jude turned and kicked the ball back to the source. The source's face twisted into a deranged smile and everyone's mouths drop to the floor.

"Guess who's back like a vertebrae bitches"

"You're kidding me." A boy with an eye patch snarled. Soon, the expressions of many in the room turned sour, staring at the boy bouncing the ball off his knee.

"What the hek Caleb— What was that for?" Alex stepped back behind her comfortable spot behind Mr Hillman hearing Jude's once calm voice, raise as his fists clenched.

Caleb shrugged continueing to focus on the ball he was playing with, his grin still as taunting as when the candidates last saw him. "It's just my way of saying hi. Looks like you guys still can't take a joke."

Eye patch boy— David scoffed, "A joke? Do you even realise—"

Then the three boys went back and forth.

The blue haired girl paged through the pages on the clipboard. "Caleb really did get called." She whispered in disbelief.

They didn't know what it was, but the trio soon became uneasy as memories came flooding into their minds. Flashbacks to watching David destroy his body with every kick, and all they could do was sit and watch in silenced horror.

Who wouldn't feel uneasy about Caleb's mere presence? He assisted in leading their friends straight into the hospital again.

Now imagine what he could do at a high pressure competition such as the FFI?

"Um...Excuse me."

The girls all turned to the source of the voice to meet the white haired— Alex. Ignoring the boys trying to hold Jude and David back. She asked quietly, "Were you called in to play too?"

The auburn head—Nelly laughed as she shook her head. "Oh no no, I can't dribble a ball if my life depended on it! Silvia and Celia are going to be the managers for the chosen team."

Silvia looked down at the clipboard. "Gosh, I guess you're the only girl called in."

Alex's expression dropped slightly. "Oh."

She looked at the group of boys then turned back to the girls, "Alright then, thank you." Then walked back to the group of boys fading away into the crowd.

"Do you know who she is, Celia?" Silvia asked her friend who was always up to date about players' data.

"Besides her name, not at all," she shook her head. "I've never seen a school team with that tracksuit either."

Nelly's arms crossed in suspicion. "And she's definitely not from Raimon." Being the chairman's daughter, she got quite familiar with the students of her school, even the unnoticeable ones.

She sighed, giving up on thinking too much about an issue that could be minor. "Oh well."

Man, will they regret not voicing their thoughts soon enough.

-

"I'm Chester Horse Jr and welcome to my amazing commentary!" He squaked into the microphone so loudly, and suddenly, Celia and Nelly jumped behind Silvia.

"Oh Chester," she said calmly, "we didn't see you there."

"How did you not get surprised?!" Nelly asked.

"Oh?" Silvia looked up at the sky while tapping her index finger on her chin. "I guess it's because my ears have gotten used to him," she laughed.

But Chester was too riled up with excitement to have noticed the girls and continued,

"Today's a special day, folks! All the superstars from around the country are here to play the game of all games!! The game that determines the make up of the national Japanese team!!! Team A are in blue, Mark Evans as their captain. And to my left is Team B in white with Jude Sharp as their captain."

Everyone on this field is here for a reason. Everyone here has a reason to want to be a representative for Japan in the Footbal Frontier International tournament.

Alex's eyes roamed the field filled with the other 20 players as they did a mini exercise, shaking away their nerves. Her eyes stopped and slightly widened when they met a pair of teal-grey eyes.

That's... that's Shawn?

Yeah, Shawn... Shawn Frost

Shawn gave Alex an encouraging nod with a soft smile. She nodded back and then faced the opposition. The corners of her lips rose as a light feeling bubbled in her chest.

Noticing her softened features, she cleared her throat and straightened her expression into a more calm, straighter expression.

Focus.

The whistle blew.

🌅[30 Dec 2023]🌅

𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃 | [𝙽𝙴𝚇𝚃 𝙴𝙿𝙸𝚂𝙾𝙳𝙴]

OUTRO:

Re-edited: 10 Aug 2024