The FFI had finally started.
Even before the matches had begun, you were already one step ahead. You knew about Inazuma Japan's little kickabout with Clario Orvan. He completely crushed Inazuma Japan, just like how he crushed the original Raimon team.
When you heard about this, it made your blood boil. You weren't there to help everyone. . . You always wanted to help.
Always.
Inazuma Japan wasn't your team, but some of your old teammates were chosen for the team, and everyone was so sure of the fact that you'd be chosen for it as well. But you had a change of heart. . . No, a change of plans. Your heart will always reside in the same place.
After meeting Irina, you had more hope than ever for the Orion Foundation. It was run by such generous and kind people. People you wanted to learn from, people you wanted respect from, and people you wanted to be more like.
You kicked the ball as strong as you could, sending it bulleting towards the goal. The goalkeeper, Yuri, launched himself to the side to catch it - but your shoot was far too fast, and he couldn't manage to save it. The blonde-haired boy fell to the grass as a result, and you scampered over to him to help him up.
"Here," you reached your hand out. With a gentle smile, Yuri took your hand and rose to his feet again. Subconsciously, you started inspecting him for any scratches or bruises, which made him awfully nervous.
"Are you okay? That was a pretty nasty fall." You began brushing off some dirt from his shorts.
"I-I'm alright. Thank you, [Y/n]." He stammered when you smiled up at him.
"Your shoots are getting better, as expected from our team's second ace." Froy clapped while he approached you. You raised a brow at the 'second' part, but you didn't want to argue, so you left it alone. Besides, you didn't see yourself as an ace at all. . . Even back in your Raimon days, you didn't have enough confidence to give yourself such a high position. The Playmaker was fine, but ace? No thank you.
"Thank you." You straightened up and smiled towards Froy. "I'll keep giving it my all."
"Even when we face Inazuma Japan? Will you still give it your all, then?" Suddenly, you heard Ichihoshi's voice. You quickly shifted your eyes to look at him, and your smile faded a little but hadn't completely disappeared.
". . . I will." You nodded your head. It was a hard question for you to answer, really, but hesitating would only make the team worry for you. So you answered as fast as you could, to give everyone some peace of mind.
"An excellent answer from our vice president." This. . . Was a voice that you didn't recognize. With furrowed brows, you turned to the owner, and your eyes instantly widened.
He was the spitting image of Inamori Asuto. The dark hair and dark eyes. . .
But wasn't Asuto's father supposed to be long gone?
The man had approached you with a gentle smile on his face, but you felt like something was terribly wrong. Beside him was another man you hadn't met before. His skin was brown, and he had black hair pulled back into a low ponytail. He wore a grey suit, while the man who looked like Asuto was dressed casually, for some reason. . .
"A-are you-?" You couldn't find words. Something didn't feel right. Was this man really who you thought he was?
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, my name is Inamori Masato." He stuck his hand out to you for a shake.
