DISCLAIMER: I do not own Eyeshield 21 or it's characters or the songs that are in this chapter.

NOTE: Please read and review because I would really like to know what you think! Especially constructive criticism because I won't be able to improve if no one is willing to point it out to me. Your time and thoughts would be most appreciated. Thank you and please enjoy!

You can also find me in AO3, Tumblr, and Twitter. Just search for Mayonaka no Sasayaki and one way or another, you're gonna find a picture of a white wolf which is me XD

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I'M BACK~!

It took me awhile to get here since I was struggling with writer's block but here I am again with a new chapter that I hope all of you will enjoy!

Also, just a heads-up, I can't promise that I'll be able to update as often because of classes and job hunting but I'll do my best to try.

Anyway, without further ado: PLEASE ENJOY!

NOTES:

There's a lullaby at the end of the chapter that I like. It's called 'Kakuno Take no Temari Uta' from the anime 'Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto' and below are the translation to the song:

ひとつ 日暮れに願かけて : Hitotsu – higure ni gan kakete (One: Offer a prayer to the setting sun)

ふたつ 札所に月見草: Futatsu – fudasho ni tsukimisou (Two: The evening primrose of an amulet-offering temple)

みっつ みそらが明けるころ: Mittsu – misora ga akeru koro (Three: When the magnificent sky dawns)

* とおで 鬼子になりました: Too de onigo ni narimashita (Ten: Far, far away, I have become a child of the demons)

12/21: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KOBAYAKAWA SENA!

18th DOWN: THIS IS WAR

"...what?"

A streak of lighting flashes outside, briefly bathing the darkened room with bright light before fading away.

Somehow in the back of her mind, Sena has always known that by telling Mamori about Yōichi, it will end up in a fight. Nevertheless, this is a fight she has no intentions of backing down from. It's a fight she's not willing to lose because Yōichi is someone she'll never be willing to lose.

Ever.

"I said: No," Sena repeats, slowly and clearly so there's no room for doubt. "For as long as he wants me, I will never break up with Yōichi."

Mamori is shaking her head even before Sena finishes her words. "Sena, be reasonable."

"I. Am," she grits out then, takes a calming breath. Once she feels like she's not going to lash out, Sena levels a glare at Mamori and sees how harried the older girl seems to be. Odd and...concerning. "I can't say the same for you though."

Mamori begins to pace and Sena takes the chance to lean against the bookcase, feeling strangely calm despite the tension lining her shoulders.

Wringing her hands, Mamori purses her lips. "Sena, you know what he's like. He's not good for you."

"I've lost count on how many times we've had this argument," she comments dryly, shaking her head. "You should know by now that Yōichi has always been far more than what you make him out to be."

Letting out a frustrated cry, Mamori marches up to her. "Why are you even defending him? Friends or not— dating or not, you should know better! If you even have an ounce of self-preservation, then you will listen to me and break up with him!"

From the corner of her eye, she sees the door opening slightly and the sight of a worried Anezaki Mami greets her. Sena surreptitiously shakes her head then she shifts her attention back to Mamori.

"I've listen to you my whole life," she corrects sternly. "Now it's about time that you listen to me and what I have to say." Standing at her full height (which might not be much in retrospect) and states firmly. "I. Will. Never. Break up with Yōichi."

"Why are you being so difficult?!" Mamori blows up, hands up in the air. It's such a far off behaviour from her sister that Sena jumps in surprise. "I just want what's best for you, Sena!"

What's best for...?

"Okay, that's it." Eyes closed, she takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Sena prays for strength and patience because she just had enough of this nonsense. "You know why it's hard to stay quiet these days? You say that you want what's best for me and that you want to protect me from everything, but it always has to be on your terms. What about what I feel? Why don't you ask me instead of trying to control my life? Do you ever think for a second that it might be the reason why I don't want to do as you say anymore?" Softening her tone, Sena reaches out to grasp a sleeve of Mamori's blouse. "Is it really such a bad thing that I have my own mind and that I can think for myself? Is it really that bad that I have my own opinions that are different from yours?"

By now, Aunt Mami has slipped into the room; unnoticed by the still fuming Mamori. There's a furrow on the mother's brow, disapproval clear in her eyes as she stares at Mamori.

That's not good. She doesn't want to get Mamori in trouble.

"You can't do this," Mamori pleads, tugging herself free. Sena wonders what is it about this whole thing that has Mamori on edge. Because from the looks of things, it seems like there's more to the alleged worry that Mamori is expressing. "You know this isn't healthy, Sena. You're in the same team with a power imbalance at play! Unlike say, Ako and Toganō-kun, you and Hiruma-kun are not on the same level! As captain, he has power over you."

Her gaze narrows into an unimpressed stare. "As we are Secretary and Captain, I'm well aware that we have different standings. We both do. However, contrary to what you might believe, it's something we've discussed long and hard about." Sighing, she rubs the back of her neck. "And just because we have different positions in the team, doesn't mean we're not equals. We're a team, Mamori-neechan. Not a company or a corporation. I'm not his lackey or subordinate."

Hands on her hips, Mamori scowls at her. "That's not the point, Sena."

"Then what is the point you're trying to make here?"

"Does Hiruma-kun even know that you two are dating?"

Sena blinks as indignation mounts up.

Did she just heard that right?

"Kami-sama have mercy. Do you think that I'm delusional or something?"

Mamori huffs. It almost sounds derisive. "I think you're naive and easily taken advantage of. I've seen other girls our age being swept away with the whole idea of a high school romance that they don't even know what's going on or who they're actually dating until it's too late!"

"I'm well aware who I'm dating, thank you," she says dryly before bringing up a very important point. "And so do our parents."

That stops Mamori in her tracks. "...They know?"

Nodding, she sees Mamori's face contorts into incredulity.

"And they approve?"

"Yes."

Appalled and disgusted, Mamori stomps her foot. "Are they insane?!"

"Don't." Unsure of what sort of face she's wearing, Sena feels her mouth pulling back into a snarl and sees Mamori immediately going pale. "Don't you dare take that tone in regards to my parents."

Flinching, the older girl backs away slightly with a guilty frown. "Sena..."

"Mamori-neechan." Pausing, she drags a hand down to her face and lets out a heavy sigh. "I know Yōichi a lot more than you think."

"Whatever he's told you, he's lying." Mamori flails, a hint of what Monta mentioned to her about Mamori's jealousy seeping through. "There's no way Hiruma-kun would ever tell the truth about himself to anyone! Much less to y—"

Mouth clicking shut, Mamori shoots a wild panicked look to her. Behind the girl, Aunt Mami looks thunderous and still, Sena shakes her head no. This has gotten very personal and Sena thinks it's best to be handled by those directly involved.

Pinning Mamori with a glare, the older girl flinches and appears ashamed at what she was about to say. Raising her brows, Sena gestures with a hand, feeling strangely calm despite the fury and hurt running through her veins.

"Go on, say it." When Mamori hunches into herself, the corner of Sena's lips lift into a caricature of a smile. "C'mon now, I dare you."

Silence reigns and while still looking away from her, Mamori shakes her head and wraps her arms around herself. It's a bit surprising how Mamori still hasn't notice her own mother behind her. Then again...when Mamori is caught up in her own agenda, she rarely ever pays attention to anything else besides her own rationale.

Eventually, her friend clears her throat, voice shaky and hoarse. "Does...he even know that you think of him as your boyfriend?"

Sena resists the urge to scream. Goodness, this has gone beyond insulting to downright ridiculous. "I don't think he's my boyfriend— I know that he is. Why? Because for the simple fact that he is my boyfriend." Sena stops, her jaw tight. "I know what I'm getting into, Mamori-neechan. I know what's going on."

"Sena, I just don't want you getting hurt, you know that, don't you?" Mamori looks tired and worried. Defensive. But also... angry and jealous. Denial. "I just...I don't want you getting in over your head, and I think it'd be really easy to get in over your head here."

There's a pause, stretching thin and fine, only the sound of their breathing battling over the tension.

"What I don't understand," Sena says, breaking the silence and feeling distinctively unimpressed. "Is why are you recycling the same argument over and over again. You're smart, Mamori-neechan and certainly, you're not blind. You've been on the team for months and have seen for yourself that all the things you're accusing Yōichi of are just shallow assumptions. Yes, he's not nice but that doesn't mean he's not a good person— unconventional as he may be."

Still, her friend looks away from her.

"Do you genuinely believe that he's a bad person?" Sena asks, curious despite herself.

Mamori clenches her jaw but ultimately shakes her head. "No...no, I know he's not."

"Then what's the problem?" Tired, she gestures helplessly. "Why am I not allowed to date him?"

Mamori closes her eyes, shoulders slumping. "I don't believe you can handle him, Sena."

Oh. Sena thinks she knows where this is going.

"...Why not?" She points to herself, hoping she's wrong. "Because it's me he's dating?"

Mamori throws up her hands, aghast. "Yes!"

Well...that hurts.

"Sena, you're a pushover," Mamori insists. "There's no way you'd be able to handle him!"

In the past, she'd be upset and resigned at Mamori's words and lack of faith in her. Now though, Sena just feels tired and unamused.

"Yes, I was a pushover." Sena folds her arms, brows raised. "But what about now? Do you really believe that I'm still a pushover?"

Mamori falters and Sena tears into the opening.

"Right." Sena shakes her head and prays for strength because she's about to dredge up some painful memories. "If I'm still a pushover then, how am I able to handle my bullying situation back in middle school without dragging my parents into that mess? And before you ask me again as to why I didn't tell you about the bullying— it's because you would've only made it worst and things will end up just like how things were back in elementary."

That seems to draw Mamori up short.

"If you've forgotten, then let me remind you." It takes some effort, but Sena manages to pry open her fingers away from biting into her palms. "I asked; begged you not to interfere but you ignored me, steamrolled past me like my pleas meant nothing to you because of course, Mamori-neechan would know best— but the things is, you didn't know what's best. You dragged those bullies and their parents to the teachers but you didn't stay for the fallout. You just pat yourself on the back for a job well done and told me it was going to be alright now but it wasn't."

Mamori's face contorts in both confusion and indignation. "Those bullies left you alone!"

"Yes," Sena grits out and feels her lips twist up into a sardonic smile. "After they locked me up in an equipment room for hours because I got them in trouble with their parents."

Paling, her friend gapes at Sena in horror.

"They wanted to teach those involved a lesson. However, because they couldn't touch you since you were a grade above them, I was their target instead." Pinching the bridge of her nose, Sena lets out a slow breath to keep herself calm. "You got too passionate with your righteousness. You didn't bother to see how that effects the people you claimed you were trying to protect because let me remind you Mamori-neechan, the one who was getting bullied and had to face the consequences of your interference was me." There's a burn in her eyes and Sena blinks back tears from the memories of being left alone in the dark; of having to learn how to pick a lock on her own because no one was coming to her rescue. "And after that, yes, they did leave me alone but so did everyone else because they don't want to come close to the kid who can get them into trouble just by being involved with me. I was isolated and lonely and it hurt."

"…but, I don't...why didn't you—"

"Why didn't I tell you?" Sena gives a tearful Mamori a deadpanned look. "Partly because I felt guilty for getting picked on again and it made me not want to worry you. Mostly? Because you would have kicked up a fuss without any consideration to my feelings. Again. Honestly, you've already proven to me that telling you would've made things worst."

"Sena…"

She sends a glare to Mamori and sees the older girl clicking her mouth shut. "I don't know when it started but after some time, I realised that I share the blame for enabling you to control my decisions just as much as you enabling me to use you as a crutch." Sena shakes her head, a hand cutting through the air as her voice hardens. "No more. I am done with that."

"We don't—" Mamori starts then, bites her thumb. "We don't enable each other."

Sena laughs and the sound rings hollow in her ears. "We do but I can't blame you for not realising it. It took me months to understand the signs that I've been seeing for the past couple of years. Thing is? It made me realise how contradicting you are."

"…contradicting?"

"You always told me that I need to stand up for myself then, turn around and say that I shouldn't learn tessenjutsu; a teaching that was left by my grandfather that you have no right to dictate."

"Violence is not the answer!"

"Am I the sort of person to go out of my way into a fight?" Sena asks, voice heavy with sarcasm that she think she either picked up from Yōichi or Suzuna. Those two are very sarcastic when they're annoyed. "No, I'm not. I wanted to continue learning because it was something my grandpa taught me and I have the right to know how to defend myself from people who may want to hurt me. And even if it wasn't tessenjutsu or other means of self-defence, you never taught me how to defend myself despite always telling me to do so! I mean, if I was such a pushover then, why didn't you teach me how to stand up for myself instead of always swooping in and fixing things on your own then berate me for being a pushover especially since it was clear that I didn't even know how to defend myself or even have the confidence to do so in the first place! I mean, how is that fair?"

Pausing, she takes another deep breath because her voice is rising and Sena doesn't want to stray from what needs to be said.

"People rarely ever tell you that you could ever be wrong and despite your good intentions, they always have to be on your terms; on your conditions and I will not have that anymore." Sena points to herself. "You're not the one who's living my life, Mamori-neechan— I am."

Back straight, she works her jaw to lessen the strain from gritting her teeth so tight.

"Bringing back to the matter at hand: Your objection to me and Yōichi dating." Sena ticks off her fingers, one by one. "Is it because we'll jeopardise the team? We're not the only couple in the Bats. We're too young? You dated Takeyama Eisuke-san back in middle school. Age difference? We're only 10 months apart. So then tell me, Mamori-neechan—"

She steps into Mamori's space and juts her chin out in challenge.

"If you think that I can't 'handle' him," she spits out in disgust because Yōichi is not some rabid pet. "Then who do you believe can, hm?"

Mamori frowns, some colour returning. "He needs someone who isn't afraid to call him out on his nonsense. He needs to be held accountable for his actions and to have someone who won't get swept away with his crazy and makes sure that he fix himse—"

"You finish that and I will make you regret it," she snaps, lips pulling back into a snarl and Sena sees Mamori flinching back. "How many time do I need to say it for you to understand? Yōichi isn't a machine that you can just take parts out and replace them with the ones that you like. People aren't like that. For goodness sake, Mamori-neechan! He's not Pinocchio-san that will only be a real boy once he has your approval."

Mamori opens her mouth to interject but Sena is fed-up and far from done.

"And from the way you described it, Yōichi does not need a parent or heaven forbid, a keeper. What he deserves; what anyone in a relationship deserves is someone who respects them and supports them. What Yōichi deserves is someone who he sees as his equal and who will do the same for him in return."

The older girl trembles as tears fall from her eyes. Sena can't ignore that her own eyes are blurry.

"And that's…you?"

"Impossibly?" Sena swallows a lump in her throat. "Yes, I am. And I won't let you make me think that I'm not."

Turning on her heel, Sena grabs her night bag and shoves her things back inside. Dimly, she notes how badly her hands are shaking. She can't stay here anymore; not with her emotions spiralling out of control the longer she stays.

"...What are you doing?" Mamori asks and Sena looks over her shoulder to see that Mamori is staring blankly at her.

Sena zips up her bag and unlocks her phone then, sends a quick message to her father; asking to be picked up. "I'm going home. As much as I love you Mamori-neechan, I really don't want to see your face right now."

"Do you want me to drive you back?" Aunt Mami asks softly, almost making Sena jump because in her anger and hurt, she's forgotten that the elder Anezaki is also in the room. It makes Sena feel ashamed of herself— she didn't mean to get so caught that she lost herself too.

Mamori flinches before whirling around in shock. "Mama!"

Aunt Mami spares her daughter a sharp glance that speaks volumes before returning her attention back to Sena and waits for her answer.

"I appreciate it, Mami-obasan but I've already asked my dad." Shouldering her bag, Sena gives Aunt Mami an apologetic smile before jumping in surprise when her phone pings. Having her father's confirmation, she shows Aunt Mami her phone. "Tou-san says that he's on his way."

Brows rising, Aunt Mami blinks in surprise. "That was quick."

"Tou-san tends to always have his phone at ready in case of clients. Evidence or statements have a habit to change at a drop of a hat, he says," Sena answers wryly. Feeling guilty at her abrupt departure, Sena bows at Aunt Mami in apology. "I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly, Mami-obasan but I really can't stay here anymore."

Aunt Mami gives her an understanding albeit, sad smile. "That's alright, Sena. I understand. Just be careful, okay? The rain may have stopped but it might still be slippery."

"I will, Mami-obasan. Thank you."

When Mamori looks like she's about to object, Sena is quick to raise a hand with a stern frown. There's a headache starting to pulse in her head from the stress of this whole ordeal and to be honest, she's just had enough of it. So, for the first time in goodness knows how long, Sena puts her foot down.

"I appreciate your concern, Mamori-neechan, but—" Sena pauses, jaw jerking tight. "This is my life and my decision. Stop trying to decide things for me and say that it's for my own good or that you know best or that you're doing this for me when in reality it's just for your own convenience. Do not make me an excuse."

Mamori gapes, affronted. "That is not—"

"Yes, it is," Sena cuts off firmly. "As I said; my life is not yours to live— it's mine; mistakes and all." Whatever expression she's wearing at the moment has both mother and daughter stand at attention but Sena can't even be curious about the reaction; so tired and fed up she is. "And regarding Yōichi? I'm not oblivious, I'm not helpless, I'm not that naive, and I am sorry if it makes things difficult for you, but for as long as Yōichi wants to be with me? I'm going to be with him. Indefinitely."

Aunt Mami has a hand on Mamori's shoulder, effectively ensuring her friend doesn't come after her. Sena is grateful for that because she can feel weariness seeping into her bones; making her lethargic. All she wants to do is to go home and sleep.

…maybe after calling Yōichi though, because she really wants to hear his voice so much right now.

After giving a quick bow to the Anezaki women, Sena walks out of the bedroom and down to the entrance. It's not until she clicks the door shut behind her that Sena realises that her cheeks are wet.

Odd..hadn't the rain already stopped?

Wiping her face, Sena takes a deep breath and stumbles out of the driveway. When the Anezaki household is out of sight, Sena rounds at the corner and picks up the comforting, familiar scent of her father. Pausing, she glances up and feels the fight leaving her at the sight of her dad in front of her; a little out of breath and work clothes askew.

Sena isn't sure how miserable she looks at the moment, but it must be bad because her dad strides up to sweep Sena into his arms without a word. Contrary to his appearance, Kobayakawa Shūma always has this steady sense of reliability and subtle strength. And right now, being cradle in the embrace of the first man that Sena has ever loved since birth, she breaks down and sobs out bitter tears of hurt and frustration.

"My precious little girl," Dad whispers mournfully, tightening his hold. "Let it all out, now. I've got you, sweetheart. I've got you."

Funny how despite the rain has long since stopped, it's still pouring.

Ryōkan wakes up with a sense of unease.

His mother calls it his sixth sense because whenever it happens, he can somehow tell that someone he cares about is in a pinch. It happened when he still didn't know why Hiruma had been agitated everytime February rolls around. It happened on that fateful day Musashi was forced to leave the field.

It has since happened whenever his fellow linemen are in a tight spot; whether it's Komusubi whenever he feels dispirited or the Sankyōdai needing someplace to clean up their wounds from a fight before they head home- Ryōkan can somehow tell that something unpleasant has happened just from the unease that wakes him up too early in the morning.

As he makes his way to school with brows furrowed, Ryōkan wonders if he should brew some tea once he reaches the clubhouse. Maybe it's just nerves for this upcoming Sunday? Although…now that he thinks about it, whenever a big tournament came up, Ryōkan would've hide himself inside the vault box by now. It's the first time he doesn't feel the urge to do so and it makes him both happy and worried because if his sense of unease isn't about the tournament then, what could it be?

In the end, he gets his answer after morning practice.

"Lastly." Hiruma snaps a file closed then, gestures for Sena to stand beside him. "Sena and I have an announcement to make." A rueful look crosses Hiruma's features as he smirks at the team. "...however, you bastards most likely know already."

Ryōkan and the Bats chuckle, watching in amusement while Hiruma and Sena share a flustered grin. He trades a sly look with Musashi as their brother clears his throat before he gestures to himself and Sena.

"Sena and I are dating. As in, long term with no holds barred so, whoever has a problem with this, speak now or forever hold your peace and shit."

All of the Bats just shrug and give the couple a grin. Some shout out their congratulations as well.

"About damn time!"

"I'd say we have a bet going on but that'd be just plain suicidal."

"Can I help plan the wedding now? I mean, there's no way I'm gonna let anyone else be the Master of Ceremonies for my youngest grandson now, c'mon!"

"You two had us on the edge for months!"

"Wait, are ya tellin' me that these two weren't dating right from the start? No way!"

"I thought the same..."

A chair scrapes against the floor as Anezaki jumps to her feet and look at each of them in shock.

"You...all knew?"

They trade confused glances and Ryōkan thinks that surely, Anezaki wouldn't be that oblivious, right?

"Well, yeah?" Jūmonji shrugs, brows rising. "Neither Sena or Hiruma-senpai ever hid the fact that they've always had a special relationship."

Monta scrathes his head, sending an apologetic glance to Anezaki. "It was MAX obvious even when I first met them that they'd end up together one day."

"And we've been waitin' for months for them to shape up!" Kuroki groans in his seat and pouts at the amused dyad. "Ya took your sweet time! We were gettin' worried ya, y'know?"

Toganō nods and brings out a folded list. "Was even wonderin' about an intervention."

"List, fugo?"

"All the shōjo tropes, man. Never fails."

"...borrow?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll make ya copy later since I think I accidentally got soy sauce on this one...or was it ketchup?"

Hiruma snorts while Sena has her face in her hands as she giggles helplessly.

"You wrote a list of damn shōjo tropes for us? Seriously?"

Toganō proudly puffs out his chest. "Well, yeah! You two are family so I had to make sure ya got the best sort of intervention, y'know?"

"...Thank you, Toganō-kun," Sena says with a smile, clearly touched.

Hiruma huffs and turns away but doesn't bother hiding the half-smile on his face. "Much obliged, I suppose."

"I..." Ryōkan sees Anezaki struggling to form words and looks to each of them. "I don't understand...you're all okay with this?"

"Why wouldn't we be?" Ryōkan asks and if there's a bit of steel in his question then so be it.

"I..." There's desperation in Anezaki's eyes and he feels a twinge of pity for the girl.

Blinking away from his thoughts, he turns to the front when he feels something...not quite right. It makes the hairs on his arms stand on end as that uneasy feeling suddenly grows.

Wait, now that he thinks about it...this unease is kinda like what he felt that time when Agon harassed the girls in the team.

"Mamori-neechan." When his gaze lands on Sena, it feels like there's ozone in the air; as if lightning is charged and waiting to strike.

It's a warning; one that should not be ignored.

...oh, dear.

Blood red eyes pins the bewildered manager with a glare; confirming his suspicion.

Sena is furious and upset; has been since this morning. Ryōkan believes that everyone could sense it but it's only now that they can actually see it.

He's only seen glimpses of it over the months he's known Sena. The first time was at the army gym when Sena and Hiruma had that screaming match that managed to chase everyone out of the building. That day, everyone gave the dyad a wide berth throughout practice. He's seen an increase of red in Sena's eyes throughout the Death March because of reoccurring arguments with Anezaki and while Ryōkan isn't entirely sure what was the prelude for this, it's clear that something must've happened the day before because Ryōkan can see indignation and hurt in his friend's eyes.

Anezaki pales before she runs out of the clubhouse.

Before anyone can react, Sena raises a hand with a sigh. "I'll go after her."

Ryōkan look on with worry as Sena gives Hiruma a kiss on the cheek before chasing after her wayward sister. Then he turns his attention to his best friend who stares at where Sena was with worried eyes.

"Hiru?"

Hiruma blinks before shaking his head with an annoyed scoff at his unvoiced question. "Sena already told the fucking committee last night. Didn't react well."

"Must be a pretty bad reaction if Sena looks dat pissed," Simon comments, frowning in concern. "Should we be worried?"

Hiruma throws himself onto his seat, a hand rubbing his forehead. "Whatever hang ups the fuckin' committee has, that's her goddamn problem. If Chibi feels overwhelmed, then she knows that she has us."

"No doubt," Jennifer agrees.

"So." Hiruma raises his head up to give them a wry grin. "I take it there's no objections?"

"Nope!" the Bats chorus with cheeky grins, making Hiruma cackle as tension bleeds out from his shoulders.

It says a lot about how much Hiruma has come to care for the Bats if he's actually forgoing in blackmailing anyone within the team to just force them to accept his relationship with Sena. It'd be unnecessary since that while the dyad are of two different ends of a spectrum, they match very well together and the Bats can see that as clear as day so really, any blackmail would just be as Hiruma would like to say 'fucking illogical'.

He's brought of his musings when he feels his shirt bunching by his shoulders from Komusubi clenching the cloth. Ryōkan gives his apprentice a look of concern when Komusubi continues to stare at the clubhouse doors. Monta and Suzuna are much the same as they worry over their best friend.

He doesn't blame them for their concern.

Not five minutes after the two girls left, Sena returns to the clubhouse with tired eyes and a helpless shrug at their inquiring stares. Immediately, Hiruma guides Sena by the hand to sit by his side as they continue their after morning meeting whilst doing their best to chase away the sadness cloaking the running-back. Ryōkan is heartened to see that the Bats marginally succeed in doing so when Sena lets out a weak chuckle at a joke that Jason makes.

Whatever may come, Ryōkan knows that Sena will never be alone. None of them are and certainly, never again will a Bat be alone if Ryōkan has anything to say about it. So with that thought in mind, he taps Komusubi's arm so that his apprentice can climb down before Ryōkan rises up from his seat and stands in front of Sena. Smiling, he then opens his arms for a hug.

Sena blinks up at him with eyes that are still too red, unblinking and such a stare should be unnerving but Ryōkan is undaunted as he offers his support.

"I think everyone in the team can agree that I give the best hugs," Ryōkan murmurs with a soft smile to which his friends chime in their agreement and causing Sena to smile back, if only a little.

For all of their differences; from personality to attitude, Ryōkan believes that while they're both slow to anger, Hiruma and Sena have a similar way of effecting their surroundings when they lose their tempers.

Hiruma drops the temperature while Sena charges it. Both are terrifying.

When Sena is genuinely angry, her eyes don't turn hollow or cold— they don't even burn. No, when Sena's angry, her eyes are stormy and damning. Instead of causing people to freeze or faint like Hiruma when he's pissed off, people tend to break into cold sweat and stumble to get away before they're torn to shreds by the vortex.

But Ryōkan doesn't care about that because he is the center and he will not falter. Not when it comes to the people he loves so— he waits; steadily and patiently.

Small shoulders; tense and looking like they're carrying the weight of the world, slowly unwinds and he sees Hiruma sending him a grateful look before placing a hand on Sena's back to give the brunette a gentle push. Biting her lip, Sena hesitantly shuffles forward before she finally lets herself fall into his arms. Ryōkan immediately wraps Sena into a hug not unlike the ones he gave the running-back back at the Ōjō match.

...and back when the bullying got too much for his friend who just wanted to live her school life in peace.

"It's gonna be okay," he states and he can see the other Bats clamouring close. Hiruma himself looks openly worried and frustrated. From that alone, Ryōkan can tell that Hiruma wasn't told the full story of what happened. So it's either because Sena doesn't want to worry her boyfriend...or Anezaki said something that she shouldn't have about Hiruma. Knowing Sena? It's likely both since Sena is fiercely protective towards Hiruma. "We're here for you, Sena-chan. No matter what. You can come to any of us if you need help."

He feels Sena nods as she returns the hug with trembling arms. Ryōkan isn't sure if it's from anger or sadness. He thinks that maybe it's a bit of both. "Thank you, Kurita-san. I...know that a lot better now."

After a moment, Sena pulls back before bowing to them all. "I'm sorry for the trouble that Mamori-neechan and I are causing but, if I possible, I would like to sort out these issues on my own first."

It's uncomfortably familiar to the Oda situation since Sena is right. None of them can do much of anything but give their support because these are personal issues between two childhood friends; two sisters.

"Even so," he agrees. "Don't hesitate to lean on us, okay?"

The other Bats shout out their agreement and the smile on Sena's face widens into something more real.

Since it's Saturday, they only have to have classes for half a day. So for the rest of the afternoon, they hang out at the army base; going through their weekly self-defence class and taking the opportunity to introduce the new Bats to the soldiers— to the delight of both parties. From what he can tell, it seems to help Too Tattoo and the cheerleaders to have people from the same country to talk to; especially when it's with people who understands what it feels like to make a new life on foreign soil.

It's disappointing, but Anezaki never returns to the team since then. Nonetheless, Ryōkan hopes that won't be the case for tomorrow and that things will be better. Anezaki has come a long way since spring; it would be disheartening for her to regress now.

"Anezaki?" Riko wipes her hands with a dish towel. They're currently in the army base kitchen and just finishing up in washing the dishes from dinner. "Well...now that you mentioned it, she never really mingled much with the other Bats did she? In fact, she tends to be around other girls most of the time."

"We tried to include her. Several times actually but..."

"Still too set in her ways, huh?"

Sighing, he leans against the sink. "We're not always rowdy and seeking trouble. And I know she does like us but there are times when I have to wonder if she's just tolerating us. I mean, even now, with whatever issue she has with Sena-chan, I just...how can she not see that Sena-chan isn't this helpless little girl? I honestly thought she's been coming around lately."

Riko leans to his side, humming in thought. "Sometimes...people can't handle change all that well. If at all. They grew up together, right?"

"Practically sisters," he confirms.

"Well...this is just my personal opinion but from what you've told me, I think Anezaki has a hard time accepting the reality that her baby sister is growing up." Riko gives him a meaningful glance. "And combined the fact that the poor girl is so deep in denial about liking Hiru-kun in a romantic sense probably isn't helping either."

"That doesn't give her the right to take it out on Sena-chan or Hiruma."

"No, it doesn't," Riko agrees with a nod. "But jealousy has always been an ugly thing; especially when it twists good people into doing not so good things."

He stares morosely at a cabinet across from him. "I just wish there was something I could do to help them. It's been months and it feels like a tug of war that should've ended ages ago if Anezaki-san would just look at Sena-chan properly."

"People are bias creatures, Ryō. Just look at history."

"Yes, but eventually people learn to sit down and break bread together and—" Gasping, he punches a fist into his palm as lightbulb goes off in his head. "That's it!"

Riko turns to look up at him. "What's it?"

"Food!" Beaming, he hugs Riko to him with a laugh. "Food has always brought people together!"

Settling comfortably in his arms, Riko makes a thoughtful noise. "That's true. Good food tends to help ease the tension even if it's only a little."

"And I know the perfect dish too!" Ryōkan snuggles Riko close and hears his reporter giggling. "I've been perfecting the recipe for months and it's even the perfect time to bring it out too!"

Riko grins. "I haven't even tasted it yet and already it sounds delish."

"Thanks!" Smile morphing into a Devil Bat grin, he raises his brows in question. "Wanna help?"

Riko huffs before striking a pose; thumb and index fingers cradling her chin. "Thought you'd never ask."

With help from Riko and his fellow linemen, Ryōkan totes his team into the dining hall within the dorms for a pre-game breakfast. And of course, with Riko's help, Anezaki is also in attendance; sitting together with Suetomo and Watanabe.

Good. It's their first big tournament with a complete team so there's no way a single Bat is going to miss out on his special pre-game breakfast!

"Katsudon!" Haibara cheers when he sees Ryōkan's secret weapon.

Those from Too Tattoo and the cheerleaders look absolutely delighted in getting to try one of Japan's signature dishes and Ryōkan feels immensely proud that he at least gets to be the first one to give his friends that experience.

"They're red," Suzuna comments and takes a whiff before lighting up. "And they smell so good, ya!"

"These are the Devil Bat style Katsudon!" Puffing out his chest, Ryōkan brings up a bowl and points to the dish. "Instead of the usual way of cooking it, I made the meat and sauce into something similar to eggs of purgatory."

Yukimitsu chuckles. "It's like fusion food."

"Well, this is Kurita-senpai we're talkin' about. He's practically Kantō's greatest foodie!" Toganō says, rubbing his hands together with an excited grin. "C'mon, let's dig in!"

Komusubi raises his chopsticks in the air. "Ittadakimasu, fugo!"

"Ittadakimasu~!"

Once they dig in, Ryōkan watches in silence at the range of emotions on his team's faces; the surprise, the delight and wonder, and finally—

"Soooo goood~!"

— the pandemonium.

"What is this masterpiece?" Hugh mutters through a mouthful of tonkatsu.

Katherine scoops up some rice into her mouth. "If this is the Japanese tradition of eating katsudon to help win a big event then we're gonna mop the floor with the competition!"

"It's got that usual sweetness from onions, mirin and soy sauce," Watanabe comments, crunching on a tonkatsu. "But it has a certain balance, I think, because it's spicier and more filling."

Hiruma cackles, a fist to his mouth. "Holy crap, this is fucking good. Paprika?"

"Lots of it for your share," he confirms with a grin.

Musashi chuckles. "You've really outdone yourself, Kurita."

Doburoku furiously nods his head as he scoops up more rice, tears streaming down his face as he blissfully chews his meal.

"It's delicious, Kurita-san," Sena says with a delighted smile; a sight that warms his heart.

"It really is, Kurita-kun," Anezaki chimes in almost immediately after Sena.

The sudden unison causes the two childhood friends to glance at each in surprise before awkwardly looking away from each other. While there's still tension between the two sisters, Ryōkan can see that neither are in a rush to avoid one another at the moment, which is a good start as any. Just like all the times they eat together, breakfast is a loud affair and peppered with the occasional praise from his friends.

It makes Ryōkan grin that he managed to make his team happy with his cooking.

After they clean up, Komusubi surprises them when the lineman stands tall on Ryōkan's shoulders and calling attention to everyone on the team.

"Fugo!" My honoured tribe! Rejoice, for I and my brethren have a surprise to celebrate the beginning of our battle!

It's a testament to how much stronger and closer they've all grown to be when not a single Bat looks confused at Komusubi's words. If anything, a number of them lean over in anticipation.

"A surprise?" Yukimitsu asks, folded arms resting on the table. "What kind?"

Kuroki ruffles his hair, sheepish. "Nothing big. Just thought if we're doin' sum sort of tradition, this might be a good one as any."

Curious, he looks on with the rest of the team as Jūmonji and Toganō wheels in a familiar looking TV into the dining room. Shouting out in delight, he bounds over to the TV and feels a wave of nostalgia when he spots his name along with Hiruma's and Musashi; their declaration for the Christmas Bowl big and bold for everyone to see.

Musashi laughs, walking up to stand beside him. "Now this brings back memories."

"What do you brats have in mind?" Hiruma questions, brow raised.

Komusubi lightly jumps on top of the TV with a wide grin. "Names! Everyone!"

"We wanted to ask you founders first if that's okay," Jūmonji quips, fiddling with a marker in his hand.

Toganō snickers, arms folded. "We're all in this together after all."

Grin threatening to split his face in two, Ryōkan turns to his brothers and spots their exasperated fondness for the team clear in their expressions. With that as good of a confirmation as any, he cheers.

"Let's do it!" He waves for everyone to step forward. "C'mon, everyone!"

It takes a bit of planning but eventually, each and every member of the Bats have their names written on the surface of the TV. In a mix of romaji, katakana, hiragana, and kanji, the TV looks a bit of a mess but never before has Ryōkan ever seen a more precious sight. What used to be a somewhat lonely display has now become something that brings an overwhelming swell of emotion in him.

"Ah…" Doburoku pats his back as Ryōkan bursts into tears. "It's too early to cry."

Musashi chuckles. "Nah, let him."

"Best to let fatty get it out of his system before the tournament," Hiruma agrees.

There's movement around him before he feels someone hugging his front and he looks down to see Komusubi grinning up at him. Before he can return the hug, Ryōkan is suddenly enveloped from all sides as the rest of the Bats follow suit; Riko, his best friends and coach joining in the center with him without complaint.

"You've always supported us as the center of this team," Toganō begins.

Kuroki gives him a thumbs up. "Thought we should return the favour, y'know?"

"So…y'know, thanks, Kurita-senpai," Jūmonji mumbles through a wry smirk.

Komusubi furiously nods. "Fugo!"

At this moment, surrounded by his team who are pretty much his family, Ryōkan believes that there is no one more fortunate than he is now. Overwhelmed and speechless, he can do nothing but gather his team in his arms and cradles them close.

Whatever trials that come over their way, Ryōkan knows no Bat will ever weather them alone.

"Edo TV presents the National High School American Football Tournament opening ceremony!" Machine-gun Sanada announces through the main stadium and Daikichi swallows with some difficulty. "It won't be long before it begins!"

Monta pumps his fist, a mask of determination on his face. "At long last!"

"This is nerve wreaking," Sena mumbles, hands twisting around the strap of her duffel and shuffles close to him and Monta as fireworks explode in the sky

Daikichi huffs in agreement.

"Aw c'mon!" Suzuna leaps up to them and successfully scaring him and his two best friends. "Don't tell me you're already scared to death! We haven't even started yet!"

Monta sputters, knees shaking and points to himself. "There's no way a man would feel afraid at an opening ceremony!"

"Fugo!" Daikichi agrees and puffs out his chest while Sena stands to the side with her soul floating out of her mouth.

Suzuna snorts and points to their shaking legs, eyes twinkling in mischief. "Your legs say otherwise though."

Monta scowls at his knees. "Traitors!"

"T-that's right e-everyone!" Master encourages, breaking into cold sweat. "This morning I drew an omikuji from my family's temple t-too!"

Daikichi bounds over to his honoured master. "F-fortune?" What fortune were we bestowed upon?

"Ah." Master unfolds the fortune and brings it up for everyone to see with a shaky yet beaming smile. "It was great misfortune!"

Doburoku blinks, sweatdropping and exchanges a glance with Hiruma and Musashi. "You don't seem…discouraged there, Kurita."

"I'm thinking positively!" Master clenches the fortune with a trembling fist. "We are the Devil Bats! So a great misfortune is something of a tool we can use against our opponents, yes?"

"Well, you're not wrong," Hiruma comments with a smirk, standing beside Sena to close her gaping jaw with a finger before kissing the running-back's forehead. The unexpected gesture shocks Sena's consciousness back to herself as his friend squeaks in surprise and windmills her arms. It causes Hiruma to chuckle before his smirk turns wry. "But lets not waste our time with bullshit worries."

Musashi nods as they follow Doburoku through the halls inside and towards their assigned locker room. "Hiruma's right. We've trained our asses off so we'll just let our skills do the talking."

"Ossu!"

Once they have prepared themselves for their upcoming battles, they are surprised when a group of white coats enter the locker room with aplomb.

As Sena shuffles out of her changing corner and secures her helmet, she frowns in confusion. "…what in the world?"

"Director's hospital rounds?" Yukimitsu mutters in bemusement.

A man that reaches his master's impressive height strides forward and unexpectedly bellows a loud laugh before reaching over to shake his master's hand. "Greetings! You must be the Devil Bats! My best regards for today's game!"

"B-best regards," Kurita mumbles back, eyes spinning from the rough handshake he receives from the man. "You're from Amino?"

The man gives them a toothy smile. It is…most impressive how it matches the man's too shiny; almost artificial appearance. "That I am! I'm Munakata; captain of the Amino Cyborgs!"

"Nice to meet you," Master greets diplomatically with a polite smile.

Daikichi and the rest of their team have to blink back in surprise when the Amino players strip to reveal bodies with too bulging muscles. Such a sight is quite bit of a cause for worry as their physique does not appear to be a natural process. When he glances over to Hiruma and Yukimitsu; the two Bats within the team that have precedent knowledge within the medical field, he finds them frowning and appearing to be distinctively unimpressed.

Hiruma shoves a stick of gum into his mouth, muttering. "This isn't a body building championship."

"There's an unreasonable stench of artificial muscles here," Monta mumbles out while Sena has her back turned away with a hand blocking her eyeshield in propriety as the Amino players continue to change.

Daikichi nods, scratching his head as he is unsure if such artificial conduct is even legal within the football rules.

Munakata laughs. "I'm glad you know that they're artificial. To Amino, there is no greater praise then those words. The flesh is science and all of our muscles can be considered to be products of artificial stimulation!"

When he glances around and finds the Amino players crunching down a bottle of vitamins and even its muscular effect on Cerberus (who takes the opportunity to munch on a few stray tablets), he trades an uneasy glance with Master. Is these conducts not uncomfortably close to doping?

Daikichi clears his throat and says as much. However, his words cause Munakata to look at him in confusion and brings something else to light. It would appear that the opposing captain does not understand him which usually means...

"They're not as strong as they look," Jūmonji mutters, arms folded then raises his voice so it may be heard to explain Daikichi's words better. "Komusubi said that isn't all of this basically doping?"

There is a flash of offence on Munakata's face before it smoothes over again. "I can assure you that our methods have been approved by the Association."

"Barely," Hiruma reveals with a smirk to which the Bats proceed to give Amino unimpressed looks. "But then, I'm sure you'll understand your miscalculations soon enough."

Munakata straightens up, the fake smile on his face no longer in sight. "We of Amino do not miscalculate, Hiruma-kun."

"Oh?" Hiruma's grin twists with a condescending edge. "And you claimed to be scientists?"

Munakata huffs, "We are scientists. However, I'm unsurprised that you would not recognise such prestige; being a student associated from an abysmal high school and all."

Hiruma bursts out into raucous laugher, causing Amino to look on in confusion.

All of the Bats turn away to hide their grins, lest they follow suit. Although it took them all by surprise, it is not much of a secret to the team anymore that Hiruma Yōichi is overqualified to even be a high school student as the Captain is a graduate from MIT. The very notion that Munakata believes that the Captain to be an abysmal student (when in reality, Hiruma had earned his academics beyond the confines of a high school diploma years ago) is most hysterical.

When his laughter petters out into quiet cackles, Hiruma gives an almost pitying look at Munakata. "Shows how small minded you are then."

An Amino player shoves himself forward in anger. "You punk…!"

"Don't, Aoyanagi-kun." Munakata throws an arm out, preventing Aoyanagi from taking a step further. "One can't help those who refused to learn."

Scoffing, the quarterback flips a bird to Munakata. "How fucking hypocritical of you."

It appears that it is taking a great deal of effort for Aoyanagi not to charge at Hiruma to the quarterback's continued amusement.

Truthfully, even if Munakata had not done so, Hiruma would have easily demobilise the Cyborg player just by a look alone. Added to the fact that the devil quarterback is stronger than he initially appears— Daikichi still vividly remembers how it took a number of Bats to keep Hiruma at bay (one of them had been his honoured Master even!) when Harao had dared to come near Sena in the match against Taiyō Sphinx— none of the Bats are too worried.

And less said about Hiruma's fury towards Agon for his transgression against Sena is, the better. That form of fury had truly been an unholy sight.

Munakata gestures to a young woman who appears to be the Cyborgs' manager (who is wearing a nurse uniform) to step forward and the manager clicks a pen (which many of the Bats mistake for a syringe; flinching at the sight). "Continuing with basketball, soccer, and also trampling over the world of football, the reputation of Amino's Sports Medical Science will be roared across the nation!" Munakata adopts a pitying smile as he glances around. "Unlike Deimon; who seems to be without a trainer…"

"Tsk, tsk!" Monta tuts, waving a finger. "How MAX behind the times you are!"

Daikichi nods as he, Monta and Sena proudly present Doburoku to the Amino players. "H-have, fugo!"

"We give you the Devil Bats' MAX reputable trainer!"

Sena gestures to a surprised looking Doburoku; well groomed and wearing the Bats' official red and black tracksuit. "Sakaki Doburoku-sensei!"

Immediately, the locker room is filled with astonished murmurs.

"Sakaki Doburoku…?"

"That Sengoku University's Two Swords?"

He trades a happy grin with Kurita, proudly looking on as the impressed Amino players appraise the coach. For all of his faults, Doburoku is a good man and is doing his utmost best to train and and coach the Bats as well as he can. Daikichi is proud to have a determined man as his coach.

"The details aren't known but," Munakata begins after the murmurs quiet down, something cruel twisting his fake smile as looks at Doburoku. "In the era of Sengoku University, I believe Sakaki-san here broke himself and his team when they underwent an unscientific intensive course, correct?" Laughing, the Amino player looks to his fellow Cyborgs and encourages them to join him before he turns to Doburoku with an arrogant sneer. "Is a behind the times Sparta going to force his students to repeat the same mistake again?"

Silence falls upon them.

One by one, Daikichi sees the Amino players take several steps back when the Bats rally around Doburoku, who briefly looks stricken until a grim mask sets upon his features. Unforgivable. To dredge up a traumatic event for Doburoku and air it out in such a way is truly unforgivable.

Munakata falters when he realises that he stumbled upon a minefield that he should not have stepped on; a realisation that is even more daunting when the three Founders step up beside Doburoku. One does not anger the Maō Trio.

Ever.

Thunder rumbles before Sena's voice cut through the silence not unlike a lightning strike.

"You're wrong." A Devil Bat grin is playing upon the edges of Sena's mouth. "No one forces a Bat to do anything they don't want to. That's not how this team works."

Monta punches a fist to the air. "That's MAX right!"

"We ain't slaves, ya bastard!" The Sankyōdai are quick to chime in.

Daikichi marches forward and parks in front of the bewildered Munakata. "We made decision because we want to win, fugo!"

"...How droll." Munakata tries to gather himself with some success and gives them a once over before dismissing them. The more volatile members of the Bats do not have the chance to retaliate at such disrespect before Munakata turns his attention to Sena and some of his arrogance returns as he proceeds to look down on Sena. Foolish mistake. "Eyeshield-san, correct?"

Sena inclines her head in acknowledgement.

"In the presence of Amino's Sports Medical Science, we have completely exposed your movements." Munakata grabs his helmet while his teammates follow his lead. "American football is steeped in both literary and military arts! It's not a world in which a group of low grade, unintellectual people can compete. After all, it's not a contest won by heart or will-power. It is a sport of logical thought and—"

Doburoku bursts out into loud guffaws, breaking Munakata's spiel.

"I— whew, sorry but I gotta stop ya there, brat." Doburoku wipes a tear from his eye before he huffs, arms folded and expression stony. "Though I'm not a scientist, I do have a student who understands logic far better than you."

Munakata draws himself up but Doburoku cuts him down before the Amino player can start.

"And I think it's safe to say that I've picked up a thing or two about the concept of logic because of that student over the years, so I can say this much." Pointing a finger at the frozen Munakata, the coach states firmly. "If my methods are as behind the times as you say it is and that I forced my students to undergo it then—"

Daikichi exchanges a grin with the coach before he steps back, allowing Doburoku to march up to Munakata and stands tall before the coach throws his arms wide open as the Bats rally behind him. "Logic dictates that they shouldn't be standing in front of you whole and hale, am I right? Logically, they should all be laid up in hospital beds with broken bones and injuries, and yet reality has shown you the opposite! Which means…"

"Your logic is flawed~!" The Bats singsong, causing Munakata to flush in anger.

Doburoku nods, satisfied. "That's right. Now then, I believe there's an opening ceremony we have to attend so, if you'll excuse us."

They leave Amino gaping behind them and Daikichi can admit that it is a much satisfying reaction to the coach's words.

"That," Kuroki begins, breaking the silence with his snickering, "felt so damn good!"

Toganō grins. "Definitely! I mean, didja see that asshole's face when Doburoku-sensei tore him a new one? Priceless!"

"Still," Jūmonji muses, cracking his knuckles. "That doesn't change one important fact, yeah?"

The Sankyōdai adopts identical malicious grins as they shout out. "We're gonna fucking destroy them!"

"Obviously," Hiruma drawls out from the front of the pack, rifle balanced and at ready on his shoulder.

The tension is palpable in the air as the dim hallways give way to the entrance. For once, they stay silent and huddle close as they observe the field beyond them and awaits for the curtain of the tournament to finally arise.

"Now the Fall Tournament has finally begun!" Sanada announces to the stadium as a whole.

One by one, team managers lead their respective team onto the field of the main stadium. As he and his team await their turn to line up with the rest of their rivals, Daikichi allows himself to admire Aika as she leads the veterans that are the Hashiratani Deers with poise; a vision of subtle elegance. Catching her gaze, Daikichi smiles in delight and bows his head to which Aika returns with a beatific grin. Their attention however is turned away when the crowd makes a fuss; which is easily explained once he catches sight of Sakuraba Haruto's shocking new appearance.

Bemused, he trades glances with his best friends; more so with Monta as the receiver is closer to the older player than the rest of them.

Daikichi gestures to Sakuraba. "Fugo?" Were you aware of the change, Monta?

"Nope." Monta smiles, hands behind his head. "But he looks happier now, doncha think?"

As he looks at the confident stride of the White Knight receiver, Daikichi cannot refute the claim and nods. At his side, Sena breathes a laugh as she looks on at their rivals; the relief apparent even through the eyeshield.

"I'm glad." Grinning, the tension eases from running-back as her gaze follows Sakuraba; no doubt recalling the disastrous collision from months prior. "Welcome back, Sakuraba-san."

"And now for this year's wild card!" Kumabukuro shouts over the increasing din of the crowd. "The Deimon Devil Bats!"

As the people cheer, Hiruma turns to them with a bloodthirsty grin; of which he sees they all mirror.

"Let's paint the field red with their fucking blood," Hiruma declares with unholy glee, rifle at ready.

With their spirits alight and burning, they chase each other towards the stadium and into the roaring crowd with a war cry. "YA-HA!"

Let the game begins.

You'd think that after all the fuss Amino brings, they'd actually live up to those expectations. Honestly, he thought that they'd actually put more of a fight after that arrogant spiel Munakata spew out in the locker room.

In this case, he; Haibara Shinobu is quite glad that he's proven wrong. Although, it kinda makes the whole sports club rivalry between Amino and Yūhi a little ridiculous. Then again…the Bats has never been about the quantity but, quality instead. So in a way, Shinobu supposed that with that mentality instead of the elitist ideology that other sports club in Yūhi and Amino have, the Bats wouldn't be easily cowed. It does however, make him a little sad that his old team didn't get a chance to shine to represent their old school.

…maybe it's for the best.

Although they may be in different teams now, their Guts still live on and Shinobu is proud to say that it's even adopted by his current teammates.

'But they're not just teammates,' he thinks fondly, watching as the other Bats rest by the sidelines for halftime. 'They're friends— family even.'

He and Atsumi will always have a close bond with the Yūhi Guts, but even Shinobu knows that it's a bit different with the Bats. The Bats are a different sort of family than the Guts; crazier, wilder but family all the same. While there was a strong bond of camaraderie back in Yūhi, there was also a form of distance. He thinks it might be respect and propriety. Whatever it is, it doesn't always allow those in Yūhi to connect on a more personal level.

Shinobu loves both teams though.

When the ref calls for them back onto the field, both teams square off for the play. Shinobu thinks that as the game goes on, Amino is getting increasingly agitated that they barely score against the Bats despite their confidence in their muscles and elite science. Stationed behind the offensive line, Shinobu inhales and scans the defence; exhales and inspects them to find the best route for him and Sena to run into. He then checks the offence line and feels reassured that they'll blast a wide path for them to score just at they have since the first half of the match. The reminder has him smiling slightly because of how it took Amino by surprise that their overly muscled line hadn't been able to faze the five stubborn Devil linemen.

He then shifts his attention and catches Hiruma's eye, nodding when the captain gives the sign. As always, even from behind the offensive line, Hiruma looks dangerous; a predator who's already decided on his prey and is just gleefully lying in wait for the bloodshed to commence. Finally, he looks over his shoulder to his fellow running-back and they exchange excited grins for the run play that's to come.

Hiruma calls an audible; raises his voice for the whole stadium to hear.

Yukimitsu stealthily goes into motion while Sena inches to the left. Shinobu smiles underneath his helmet and readies himself for the run. The defence across from them tries to counter their positions in response to the Bats' offence but Shinobu isn't worried. If anything, he can tell that everyone on the Bats are just amused at how Munakata and the rest of the Cyborgs are scrambling to find a way to counter the Hell Commander. Shinobu knows that Hiruma is just messing with the Cyborgs at this point; making them run around in a panic in trying to fight against Hiruma's strategies.

Shinobu thinks all of the Bats can agree that it serves the Cyborgs right for daring to underestimate Hiruma Yōichi.

The time on the play clock spills away slowly as the defence are mercilessly backed into the corner before the command comes; sharp and vicious.

"Hut!"

At once, all players on offence burst to life and bury the Cyborgs alive to drag them down to hell.

Shinobu bulldozes against the defence with the sort of ease he didn't he could achieve in the past. While the Guts had a strict regimen, the Bats are the brutal, crazy sort (the Death March is the easily the craziest, most enjoyable thing he's ever done in his life). He may be smaller compared to other fullbacks but size isn't everything and the fact the Bats have a number of short players that are overwhelming the giant muscled bodies of the Cyborgs is proof enough for that.

There's a smile on his face as Shinobu crashes against Amino's defence like a battering ram until he breaks through a wide route as he and Sena swoop into double coverage. Once the last of defence falls, he feels the familiar gust of wind streaking past him as Sena sprints downfield while surreptitiously passing the ball backwards to him before she leads the defence away from him.

It leaves Shinobu wide open in an opened field.

Grinning a Devil Bat grin, he dashes towards the end zone and hears the commotion behind him when Amino realised that Sena had been the decoy in this play.

"Eyeshield doesn't have the ball!"

"The fullback! Stop that fullback!"

But he's too far away for the Cyborgs to catch up and when he skids into the end zone, Shinobu throws a fist in the air and lets the cheers wash over him.

"A remarkable touchdown by Haibara-senshu, folks!"

Bowing to the crowd, he gratefully welcomes his friends and whoops as he exchanges high fives with them. When he reaches Atsumi, he reels his senior turned brother into a hug. "We really chose our team well, Atsumi-senpai."

"That we did!" Atsumi laughs and heartily claps his back.

The Bats settle into formation after a quick huddle, and Amino sets the board with their counter.

"Set!" Hiruma barks out as Sena goes into motion before the captain pauses; baiting the defence before he sets the play into motion. "Hut!"

The first half of the match was filled with pass plays and knowing how much Hiruma likes to drive people crazy, Shinobu knows the second half of the match is gonna be an onslaught of runs. It's a statement, he thinks; telling the Cyborgs that even if they know what play they'll be using, it won't stop the Bats from scoring. After all, Amino could barely counter their pass plays in the first half. The fact that the second half is filled with run plays is pretty much the Bats' way of making the statement clearer that whatever Amino has in stored for them, it won't stop the Bats from raking up the numbers.

"Hut!"

He and Sena rocket deep downfield, defensive backs on their tails but Shinobu hasn't trained with two amazing teams with nothing to show. It's a struggle of course— it's football; of course it's gonna be a struggle. But he's not helpless and certainly, none of the Bats are. So he makes use of the things he's learned from before and after he transferred to Deimon— shoves the defence out of his way, trucks through Amino linebackers and watches in glee when they fall short in catching the literal quicksilver sprint of Kobayakawa Sena.

The sound of the crowd dials up, some shouting in warning when Munakata steps into Sena's route to stop her. Shinobu grins and watches his friend work. Halfbacks aren't heavy hitters; they're always known for their agility and higher speed. Now while Sena isn't a heavy hitter, she brings onto the field that not many can claim.

And that's her unstoppability.

Even from where he keeps the defence from chasing after Sena, he can see how Munakata grows increasingly distressed when Sena shows that she isn't slowing down any time soon— is in fact getting faster the closer she gets to the opposing player. Amino claimed that they've researched Eyeshield extensively but people aren't simulations and fancy numbers. The Bats knew that eventually, Amino will send their best mind to try and stop Sena.

The Bats were counting on it in fact.

"Devil guts," he snickers under his breath, watching in content as his fellow runner passes through Munakata like nothing; like a ghost leaving a chilling trail in her wake.

The stadium shudders like an overblown stereo as Sena scores.

"Touchdown!"

The crowd rumbles; voices murmuring in awe and confusion at the run that they barely had a glimpse of back in the match against NASA but, has now fully developed into a run that could possibly be something terrifyingly untouchable.

"What was that, Kumabukuro-san!?"

"I don't know but, it's like seeing a ghost!"

In the fourth and final quarter, he and his team watch as Amino falls apart. It seems like that now they know that their data, supplements and simulations aren't helping them, Amino looks like they've stepped onto a landmine as everything comes apart in a spray of shrapnel and dirt when the Bats continue to score touchdown after touchdown.

"Hahaha! Amino's science is invincible!" Munakata wails from the opposite sideline. "I'm just dreaming right now! That's it!"

At his side, Aoyanagi desperately shakes Munakata's shoulders. "Munakata-san! Please get a hold of yourself!"

"I almost pity them," Kuroki comments beside him as they stand by the sidelines. "They look so lost without their 'elite' science."

Hiruma snorts as he lounges on the bench nearby. "Thing is; it's not that their sports science is wrong— it's just that you can't win with just that."

"True." Shinobu nods, rubbing his neck with a sigh. "And well, sports isn't something that can be decided by the size of our muscles or how many training manuals we've read after all."

"That's right," Atsumi says, strapping on his helmet. "For days upon days, it's the diligent, steady practice and the repetition of basic training."

Doburoku chortles. "And that training piles up little by little until it becomes the trigger to victory." The coach then raises his gourd and looks to the Bats with a fond smirk. "While goin' in for the kill, why don't y'all show those idiots what real athletes are like, hm?"

They trade glances before sharing one big Devil Bat grin.

"Ya-ha!"

There's not much left to do after that— only to grab a hold of their first win in the Fall Tournament with a bang.

"Touchdown!" Screams on all sides as the crowd goes wild and chants for Deimon. "Game set! Match!"

"YA-HA!"

All around, confetti rains down upon the Bats as the cheer squad raises the volume of the crowd while Too Tattoo plays their victory song against the backdrop of the deafening cheers.

"The Deimon Devil Bats have defeated the Amino Cyborgs and advanced through the 1st round!" Sanada exclaims through the cacophony.

While it's still a long way to go and that there'll be more teams that the Bats have to fight against to reach the Christmas Bowl, he genuinely believes that with this team that he's been blessed with, this is only their first win of many more to come.

That much he; Haibara Shinobu is sure of.

Something is MAX wrong.

Monta isn't sure why exactly or what the cause is, but he can tell that something isn't right and he thinks that it may have something to do with Sena as his best friend trudges beside him; shoulders slumped and steps heavy. It's not out of the ordinary; especially after a match. But for some reason, there's something...off about it this time.

Out of worry, when the match ended, Monta hurries along to keep his best friend company as they make their way to the buses that'll lead them back to the main stadium.

"Eyeshield-chan!"

Surprised, he turns to find that lady reporter who interviewed Sena before running up to them with a cameraman in tow.

"Hoh~! Looks like they want an interview. Ah, gotta look my best." He turns to his friend with a grin. "Right, Sena?"

"...huh?" Sena turns almost sluggishly to him and that alone raises alarm bells inside his head. "Oh, right. Um, yes?"

Monta places a hand in Sena's shoulder in concern. "You alright, Sena?"

Sena opens and closes her mouth a few times before she slumps with a sigh. "I'm not sure."

Before he can question any further, the lady reporter reaches them.

"Eyeshield-chan!" They turn around to find the reporter grinning down at Sena with a mic in hand. "Remarkable match just now. It really brought chills down my spine, wow! Can you give us a few words for the Bats' first win for the tournament?"

MAX bad timing.

"Ma'am." Clearing his throat, Monta raises a hand to catch the reporter's attention. He smiles apologetically when the lady turns her gaze to him. "Any chance we can do the interview another time? I don't think my friend is feeling all that well."

Sena sends him a grateful smile before bowing to the reporter, almost stumbling forward when she lost her balance. Thankfully, he manages to catch his friend before that happened. Yup, something isn't right. "I'm sorry, Andō-san. I don't think I can give a proper interview as I am right now." Rising from her bow, Sena wrings her hands and at the moment, looks far too small. "It's been...a long couple days."

Thankfully, the reporter seems to catch on that something isn't right either and Monta sees her eyes softening at the running-back before she puts away her mic with a smile. "I understand. You know how to contact me, right?"

"Of course." Sena bows her head. "I really am sorry about this, Andō-san."

Andō waves away the apology. "It's fine, really." Smiling, the reporter pats Sena's helmet. "Hope you'll feel better soon, sweetie."

"Thank you," Sena says as she returns the smile.

"Now, if you'll excuse me." Andō fluffs up her hair and throws them a wave before she skips along. "I've got Sakuraba-kun to interview! Ciao~!"

Laughing, he gently knocks his shoulder against Sena's. "Someday, I'm gonna be the main scoop instead of you and Sakuraba-senpai."

The tired smile on Sena's face widens into a bright grin full of of warmth and faith. "I know you will, Monta."

Bashful, he rubs the back of his neck. Being in the Bats is such a difference compared to all of his old teams. He has people that believe in him and his skills instead of them just humouring him.

"I knew following that reporter was a good idea!" A sudden shout breaks him from his thoughts and he sees a...MAX tall blond teen bounding up to them with a massive grin before he turns to shout over his shoulder. "Kakei, c'mere! I found her!" Waving enthusiastically, the blond takes a hold of Sena's hand for a handshake. "Yo, it's nice ta finally meet ya! Let's meet at the finals!"

Blinking in confusion, he quickly pulls Sena to him before her arm can fall off from how enthusiastic the other teen is shaking it.

"Who're you?" Monta asks, squinting up at the giant.

The blond jerks a thumb to himself. "I'm Mizumachi from Kyōshin Poseidon."

"Ah." Sena purses her mouth in thought. "The rumoured dark horse of the tournament?"

Mizumachi guffaws. "So people say!"

"So, you're the one." Flinching in surprise, he glances behind Mizumachi to find another giant standing behind him; all dark hair and brooding. Ah, this must be Kakei. The dark haired teen is sporting a mean glare on his face as he scowls down at Sena. "Enjoying the fame, faker?"

Immediately, the air shifts into something chill inducing and Monta can see that the two giants take a hesitant step back.

Voice calm yet sharp with warning, Sena turns her attention to Mizumachi's friend; fatigue vanishing as her lips are pressed into a thin line. "Pardon?"

To his credit, Kakei recovers fairly quick— if barely.

"I attended middle school in America two years ago," Kakei begins. "There, I fought against him; the Japanese boy who attended the Notre Dame middle school— the real Eyeshield 21."

So the jerk fought Yamato, huh?

"Though this is strictly speaking of middle school level American football, the Japanese transfer student called Eyeshield 21 was the perfect runner." Stepping forward, Kakei glares down at Sena. "Top class speed. Technique. Body balance. More than anything, he never fell over. Because of his power and tall body, he could even resist tackles from powerful Americans."

There's no denying that Yamato is an amazing champion but this Kakei bastard is starting to really piss him off at the way he's dissing Sena. The only reason why Monta hasn't stepped in is because of the subtle shake of Sena's head; asking him to let her handle it. He trusts Sena so, he stands at her side and looks forward to the MAX bloodshed.

"I've got nothing against girls playing football but you should know your own limits." The jerk is still talking? C'mon, now. "You have some nerve to steal the title as your own when you're not the real deal." Kakei steps forward to tower over Sena as if he's trying to intimidate her. Hah, fat chance. Sena has faced far worst opponents. "So, who the hell are you, faker?"

Even through the eyeshield, Monta can tell that Sena is far from impressed.

"Are you done?" Voice heavy with sarcasm that Monta knows Sena picked up from Hiruma and Suzuna, the running-back gestures to Kakei with a faint smile that resembles more like a thin blade. MAX scary. "Now then, who are you and what right do you have to say any of that?"

Narrowing his eyes, Kakei curls his hands into fists at his sides. "Eyeshield 21 is a title—"

"Do not lecture me about the title when I'm far from ignorant of its weight and responsibility," Sena cuts Kakei off like a lightning strike. "I didn't go into Rule of 21 blind."

Kakei huffs in indignation. "You...!"

"Your problem with me is that, what, I'm a fake and a fraud because I have the wrong body and the wrong gender to hold the title?" Sena shakes her head with a sigh, before she sends Kakei a particularly bloodthirsty Devil Bat grin. "Then I say this to you: So, what? You don't make the rules and even if you did, I'd break them."

Kakei snarls and Mizumachi looks like he wants to step in before his friend loses his cool. "Someone like you; who is so small and frail will never be able to match up to the real Eyeshield 21— I'm only stating the truth."

"Your truth. Your bias. Your prejudice." Adjusting the strap of her duffel, Sena turns sideways in a clear dismissal. "If you're really that annoyed by me being here; either as Eyeshield or that of a player then settle it on the field and let our skills do the talking because I have neither the time nor the patience for your nonsense." Sena ducks her head to the two boys in a bow; still polite even when she's angry. Typical Sena. "Please excuse me."

Before he follows after his best friend, Monta puffs out his chest and glares at the two teens. "Now I dunno what rock you've been living under but it's obvious you haven't watched a single match of the Bats." Shaking his head, Monta shrugs and ignores the way Kakei is giving him a MAX scary glare— he's seen worse. "Meh, you'll understand soon enough."

"Big words, eh?" Mizumachi crows at him with a grin.

Monta gives the Poseidon player a Devil Bat grin in return. "Only statin' the truth, right? Anyways, enjoy the view giants, 'cause we're gonna drag ya down to hell soon and I don't think I need to tell ya who's gonna spearhead that operation," he warns before throwing up a peace sign. "MAX out!"

He leaves the two before either of them can retort and catches up to Sena who's waiting at the corner. Together, they make their way back to the main stadium.

From then on, the Bats watch and analyse the other matches within their bracket; taking note of the strong teams that bulldoze through the ranks. It's nothing they haven't done before but Monta notices that the Bats seem like they can understand the movements and plays of the other teams a lot better than they used to. Maybe it's from their summer homework that Doburoku assigned to them? Ah, well. Anyways, the team match ups are pretty interesting but not too noteworthy since the first rounds tend to be strong teams weeding out the mediocre ones. Because of that, he tries to pay closer attention to Sena who's sitting between him and Hiruma.

Although his friend still looks tired, Sena doesn't look like she's gonna stumble face first to the ground like before. Her eyes are following the players on the field well enough and she doesn't seemed to be distracted, especially when Kyōshin Poseidon defeated their opponents; the Zombies, so easily.

...Maybe he's just overthinking things? He certainly hopes so.

Once the matches for the day are over, it's time for celebration for their first win in the tournament!

"Barbecue style MAX!" Stabbing a piece of meat, Monta grabs it off the hot grill and shoves it into his mouth with a happy sigh. "So good!"

Suzuna giggles, nodding enthusiastically beside him. "Yup! Nothing like a good meal after an awesome win, ya!"

"Fugo!" Komusubi agrees heartily from his perch on Kurita's shoulder.

They're at a barbecue restaurant, gathering around the hot grill with a spread of meat and vegetables sizzling away. It's been awhile since he's had barbecue— not since at that ranch back in America. Sighing contentedly, his eyes stray to Sena who is sitting across from him and idly poking her meal. Putting down his chopsticks, he feels a sliver of worry when he sees that hint of...wrongness from before has come back.

"Sena?" It takes awhile for Sena to register that he's calling her, but the running-back back finally looks up at him after a few slow blinks. He lowers his voice to make sure that the other Bats won't worry. "Ya alright? Aren't ya hungry?"

Giving him a rueful smile, Sena shrugs. "Yeah...just a little tired, that's all."

"Are you worried about what that Kakei bastard said?" Monta sees a sharp glance of curiosity from Hiruma that's sitting beside Sena and he gives a sheepish grin to the captain. He forgets how sharp Hiruma's hearing is even with the noise in the restaurant.

Noticing the quarterback's reaction, Sena squeezes Hiruma's hand in reassurance. Although Hiruma still looks like he wants to ask, the captain refrains and smiles at Sena instead. It's a simple thing between couples; natural and affectionate in that way he's seen before between his parents countless of times. It's also something that seems to upset Mamori when the manager abruptly stands to excuse herself to get some air.

Ah...seems like Mamori's been putting the dyad under microscope all this time. This is a MAX headache.

Sena turns pained at Mamori's reaction but she turns to answer him with a shake of her head. "I'm not too worried. Just...tired about those kind of comments, I guess."

"We'll MAX kill 'em," Monta swears, causing Sena to grin slightly.

"We will." Glancing down at her meal then, at Mamori's empty seat, Sena lets out a sigh and carefully stands up. "I'm going to the toilet for a bit."

As he watches Sena walk away, he trades a worried glance with Hiruma. When five minutes pass without Sena in sight, Hiruma signals for him to stay in his seat before the captain makes his way to where the toilets are. So he waits. In that time, Monta occupy himself by finishing his meal and looks on at his friends; seeing that they too have noticed the dyads absence if the occasional glances are anything to go by, Mamori included when she returned to her seat. As teenagers, the first thing that would come to mind when a couple is in the restroom would be...well, y'know. But neither Sena and Hiruma are the type to forget themselves or make it blatantly obvious.

Not to mentioned that considering the situation before, it's not likely the case.

Feeling the churning in his stomach getting worse, he excuse himself to the toilet out of worry. When he gets close to the lady's section, Monta feels his stomach drop at the unmistakable sound of retching. Mentally apologising at what he's about to do, he slams the door opened and finds Sena bending over the sink with Hiruma holding her steady beside the running-back.

The blatant worry on Hiruma's face has him scrambling to Sena's side. Hands hovering uncertainly, Monta gives Hiruma a panicked glance.

"Hiru-senpai?"

"She's burning up with a fever. Symptoms show that the likely cause is because of high stress," Hiruma tells him briskly before his tone actually softens when the captain looks at him. "I'm gonna bring her home so go get her shit— quietly. We don't need the whole team to barge in here."

"Got it, Hiru-senpai."

Wincing at a particularly bad retch, he does as he's told, darting out and surreptitiously grabs Sena's duffel with Cerberus' help. When he returns, he's relieved to find that Sena isn't throwing her guts out anymore and is sitting on the counter, leaning heavily against Hiruma. Handing over the duffel to the captain, Monta places a gentle hand on Sena's knee and feels his heart constricting at the misery on Sena's face.

Dammit...he should've trusted his gut before when he felt that something was wrong.

Some best friend he is.

"...m'sorry," Sena mumbles, addressing both him and Hiruma as she blinks at them in a daze.

"Don't be," he and Hiruma say in unison, glancing at each other in surprise before smiling fondly at Sena when she breathes out a hoarse giggle.

Monta pats Sena's knee and steps away, giving room for his friend to climb onto Hiruma's back. "You just get some rest, okay?"

Sena gives him a weak nod and he follows Hiruma to the back exit of the restaurant. He sees a taxi already waiting in the alley and bows to the captain, almost jumping out of his skin in surprise when Hiruma ruffles his hair.

"She'll be alright." Climbing into the car, Hiruma sends him a smirk. "Make sure you tell the other brats that before they rain Armageddon."

Laughing, he gives a jaunty salute. "Will do, Hiru-senpai!"

He stays in the alley until he can't see the taxi, then trudges back into the restaurant with a heavy heart. He's just grateful that it's just a fever instead of something more serious. Like a concussion. Yeah...he never wants to see Sena in pain like that again. When he gets back to the team, he finds that all of the Bats have stopped eating; food abandoned in their concern. Once they spot him, Komusubi and Suzuna rush up to him.

"What happened?" Suzuna asks, eyes bright with worry.

Komusubi glances behind him and frowns when he doesn't see neither Sena or Hiruma. "Alright, fugo?"

"Not really." Sighing, he addresses the team as a whole. "Sena has a MAX fever so Hiru-senpai is sending her home. They just left a moment ago." Feeling a smile tugging at his lips, Monta rubs his neck. "Also, Hiru-senpai said that Sena will be alright so don't go rain down Armageddon."

The team relaxes at that. If Hiruma can still joke, they all know that would mean Sena's condition is nothing too bad.

"Damn," Simon mutters, taking off his shades to rub his eyes. "I knew she seemed out of it but I didn't expect her to be sick."

"It's been a long couple of days," Monta says, echoing Sena's earlier words. He blinks when Mamori gathers her belongings and shoots up from her seat. "Where are you going, Mamori-san?"

Mamori gives him a disbelieving look. "To Sena, of course!"

"No, you're not," Monta rebukes with a sigh. "Please sit down, Mamori-san."

Expression full of indignation, Mamori should look intimidating and in any other time, she would be. "Monta-kun...!"

"No." Eyes narrowing into a glare, Monta folds his arms across his chest with a scowl. "For you to go to Sena right now won't help her. She's MAX safe with Hiruma-senpai and you know it." When Mamori tries to protest, he shakes his head. "Don't deny it."

He takes a deep breath and tries to swallow down the annoyance that's itching his throat; especially when he recalls what's the likely cause of Sena's fever.

High stress level.

It's been a long couple of days.

While Monta isn't the brightest crayon in the box, he's aware what that could mean. Hard not to, with the uneasy tension between the two sisters. Running into Kakei probably didn't help matters but he thinks the main cause of that stress is standing in front of him; stock still with self-righteousness.

"Now, I don't know what happened between you and Sena but unless you can put aside your grievances then, please sit down." At the glare he's sending her, Mamori surprisingly listens as she folds her legs under her with a sense of guilt. While his voice lightens, he makes sure to keep it stern. "Give her time to rest and once we have her parents' permission, we'll go see her. Because aside from Sena herself, it's her parents that know what's best for her, Mamori-san. Not you."

It should hurt that he's scolding the girl he had a crush on, but all he feels right now is a sense tiredness. He's done having his best friend being put down by her own childhood friend and sister.

Enough is enough.

Dinner is a bit of a quiet affair but the Bats know better than to let their worry dampen their mood for their first victory. They know it'll only make Sena feel bad if they do. So, they finish their meal and goof off in front of Kurita's camcorder as they make their way back to school so that they can show it to Sena in hopes of cheering the girl up with their antics.

After they say their goodnights to those staying in the dorms, he walks back together with the Taki siblings since they live in the same direction. Staring up at the night sky, he hopes for Sena's recovery. Then again, with her parents and Hiruma looking after the running-back, Monta believes that Sena will recover in no time.

Now it's just a matter of figuring out a good time to visit.

A shoulder brushes against his and Monta glances to the side to see Suzuna skating beside him. In front of them, Taki continues to dance away with a flourish.

"I think you were really cool for saying those things to Mamo-nee back there, MonMon."

He shrugs. "Whatever crush I had on Mamori-san, it should never take priority over my best friend."

"Ya, that makes you one heck of a best friend." Flashing him a smile, Suzuna rounds him and skates backwards (which is always a MAX cool trick). "You probably stopped another fight before it could break out if Mamo-nee did what she wanted."

Monta hums, scratching his cheek. "Not sure about that. Hiru-senpai is probably pissed right now since Mamori-san might've been the catalyst to Sena's fever."

"Because of the fight they had?"

"Maybe."

"Makes me wonder what Mamo-nee said to Sena for her to be that stressed." Sighing, the cheerleader rubs her forehead. "I mean, Mamo-nee's jealousy aside, there shouldn't be any problem for Sena and Yō-nii to be dating. If you look at it in terms of safety that Mamo-nee is so concerned about, Sena dating Yō-nii is literally the safest thing that could happen to her. No one would dare mess with the girlfriend of the Devil of Deimon after all."

Snickering, he nods. "Even more if they know she's Eyeshield."

"Exactly!" Suzuna throws up her hands in frustration before placing her hands on her hips. "What do you think is gonna happen now?"

He frowns. "Nothing good for Mamori-san if she really did make Sena sick. Hiru-senpai warned her from the moment she insisted in joining the Bats to not cause trouble for Sena; either as herself or Eyeshield after all."

"And this isn't the first time she's been smothering Sena," Suzuna sighs. "Guess we'll figure it out together as a team."

He nods with a frown. "Yeah. Because outside of personal issues, Mamori-san's actions cost us not just our secretary but, our ace running-back while we're in the Fall Tournament."

"...you're right." Suzuna grimaces. "Yō-nii is gonna be so pissed once he realises that."

"Yeah."

They continue to walk in silence, occasionally steering Taki to the right direction before he gets lost on the way. When they reach the level crossing, they wait patiently for the train to pass.

"...can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Before, you said 'the crush you had for Mamori-san'." Suzuna slides a hesitant look at him. "Past tense?"

Monta turns to look at Suzuna but, before he can answer though, the train comes and swallows any words he might've said. That might be a good thing. At least it gives him time to think about his answer properly. As he does, Monta doesn't take his eyes off of Suzuna; watching as the lights from the passing train flicker across her features with stark clarity. It highlights how MAX pretty the cheerleader is, he thinks. True, there's still a lot he doesn't understand about his feelings for Suzuna but he does know it feels more solid than the crush he had on Mamori.

When the train is gone and the bars rise to let them pass, Monta smiles in a way that makes his heart feel lighter yet fuller. He doesn't regret his crush on Mamori but, Monta believes that it's time for him to take the first step in moving on from that.

He lean his shoulder against Suzuna's with a grin, voice firm and sure of his answer. "Past tense."

There's a flash of hope in Suzuna's eyes before she returns his grin and grabs his hand. She then uses her other hand to grab Taki before she skates on forward with a giggle.

"Ya!"

"Mukyaa!"

"Aha-ha~!"

Despite the long day, Monta thinks that all things considered, it didn't end on a too bad of a note.

The student body parts for him like the Red Sea as he marches down the halls. It's Monday afternoon, just minutes after the last class is let out, and the students are stumbling and falling over themselves to get as far away from him as possible. How considerate of them to make things easier for him. It's the first time in a long while since this happened to him— the last time was when that fucktard Agon hurt Sena and even further than that was when he screwed up Kurita's chance into Shinryūji.

He's pissed; ice in his veins and mind curiously blank. Not in a sluggish way; just an expanse of sub-zero level white noise that hurls thoughts like lasers darting through his brain, almost too fast for him to linger on.

Yōichi slams opened the door to the committee, distantly noting that those within the room rush on out except for one.

Anezaki stays in her seat; pale and still. My, my. How nice of the girl not to run. Then again…from the way Anezaki is curling into herself, Yōichi sees that she really can't.

"You're afraid." From the way Anezaki flinches at his voice (cases like these, even Yōichi has a hard time recognising his own voice), it's clear that Anezaki is terrified. Funny how he can't even feel any satisfaction in that. "Good, 'cause I'm pissed right now. I've warned you to get your head out of your ass— to look at Sena as she is instead of whatever idiocity you have inside your head. And not just once." Sitting on the table in front of Anezaki, he rests his feet on a chair and smirks in a way that feels far too sharp, too cold— too hollow. "That's quite generous of me, isn't it?"

"H-hiruma-kun," Anezaki stutters out, glancing up before her eyes quickly dart away. "I…I was just—"

"Trying to protect Sena because you know what's best for her," he finishes with a mocking cackle. "And yet, why is it that she's at home sick with a high grade fever?" Placing an elbow on his knee, he rests his cheek on a fist with a sneer. "Why is it that most of her problems come from you?"

Anezaki flinches, eyes watering.

Keh, he has no time for this bullshit.

"For the next week, you're suspended— from the team and school," he informs the committee and when Anezaki snaps her head up to stare at him in shock, Yōichi grins wide; fangs and all. "And before you say that I can't do that— guess what? I just did. Do keep in mind that it's only because of Sena that I haven't ruined you. Yet." Threat delivered, he hops off the table and shoves his hands into his pockets before making his way to the door. "Question is, how are you gonna spend the time you now have?"

A chair scrapes against the floor. "W-what do you mean?"

"Which is more important? Your bitchy ego?" Standing by the doorway with ice in his blood and bones, Yōichi throws Anezaki the bird and a stern glare over his shoulder. "Or your sister?"

He slams the door shut to the sound of deafening, guilty silence.

It's too damn cold and he really wants to be warm again. So he leaves the school ground and runs— well, parkour to be more precise. Jumping over rooftops in quick succession, he finally lands on a familiar balcony. Shucking his shoes, he locks the sliding doors behind him and carefully sits down on the edge of the bed. For a long moment, Yōichi stares at the way Sena's chest rises and falls in quick, shallow breaths. How interesting that even as she lays sweaty and sickly, Sena is still the most gorgeous girl he's ever seen.

Still, the sight of Sena so frail and too small than she should be makes Yōichi's hands shake a little on his lap. He sighs. Reaching over, he replaces the fever patch on Sena's forehead and wonders with a rueful snort at the paradox of how being in love can make someone feel both so alive and terrified at the same time.

'It's just a fever,' he reminds himself. 'Nothing to panic over for fuck's sake.'

The truth is a bit more complicated than that though— especially after Sena confessed the full story about what happened at that failed sleepover she had with Anezaki, made worse when Sena's parents told him about the aftermath. So really, after the stress and pain she went through and trying to keep it under wraps, is it such a wonder that Sena would fall sick? At times, he has to wonder at the parallels between them. When Yōichi gets upset, he would repress the shit out of his emotions until they blow up in his face. Sena on the other hand, seems to have a bad habit of bottling hers up until it makes her sick.

They do make one hell of pair but, well...Sena handled his bullshit without running away. It's about damn time he returns the favour.

Placing a lingering kiss on sweat matted hair, Yōichi is about to get up until a voice stops him.

"…Yōichi?"

Pausing, he looks down to find Sena slowly blinking up at him, as though her eyelids are heavy and it's taking her a lot of effort to even say his name.

"Yo," he whispers, brushing his knuckles against Sena's cheek and he feels warmth returning to him when Sena leans into his touch.

"Hi." A blink and Sena furrows his brows. "You're upset…I think?"

Snorting, he grins at the girl who can still understand him even as she lays bedridden. "More than. But I don't want to be upset right now so, here I am."

"Here you are," Sena agrees, lips tugging up into a tired yet dopey smile. "Always you, always."

A brow ticks up in confusion. "Whassat?"

"Yōichi," the brunette whispers, holding his hand with glazed eyes. Yet the warmth of that look in them is undeniable. "Yōichi."

Oh.

Well, fuck.

It's just his name but combined with that look in Sena's eyes, he begins to understand what Sena is trying to say.

"Sena," he replies, tone softer than it has ever been as he brings Sena's hand up to kiss the knuckles. His throat feels tight and his black heart feels three sizes too big in his chest before he pulls back to smile down at his one and only. "Sena."

He's not sure if Sena understands but the way she smiles at him; tender and loving, makes Yōichi believe that he might've succeeded. Grabbing the medical mask on the bedside table, he secures it on his face and climbs onto the bed to lean against the headboard. Wrapping an around Sena's shoulders, he pulls her close to him until Sena is curled at his side. With one hand balancing a playbook, he uses the other to card through feathered hair in rhythmic strokes before filling the silence with an old lullaby.

"Hitotsu; higure ni gan kakete,

Futatsu; fudasho ni tsukimisou,

Mittsu; misora ga akeru koro~"

Yōichi smiles when he hears Sena sighing in content before her breathing finally eases in sleep. Making himself comfortable, he lets the song to petter out into quiet hums and settles by Sena's side as she slumbers.

"Too de," he sings quietly in the setting sun, thumb caressing Sena's cheek. "Onigo ni narimashita~"

Thank fuck, he's finally warm again.