Months had passed since their first meeting. He had gone under secret training with a lot of other kids, and Kuroki had acknowledged him as one of the best players among them. Now, all he had to do was complete it.

Kyousuke got off at the city's station and found his friend waiting patiently. When she noticed him, she immediately walked over.

"Hey." She greeted. "So, they bought it?"

"I wouldn't be here if they didn't." He shrugged.

His family would never agree to him making this decision. He informed them it was a training camp for soccer players, though he lied about the people he's going with. All they knew was that Kimiko was with him.

"Alright..." She pursed her lips in thought before adding. "I just... I'll warn you one last time. The place you're going to isn't normal. You can get really, really hurt..."

He nodded. "I got it. And I know you can't be with me all the time too."

"And―"

"Some of them might even have their own objectives with the children they bring in. I know. I won't let them use me for things unrelated to my goal. I'm going for my brother and only my brother."

She finally showed him a small smile. "Good. I don't think you'll stay for long. You've already been accepted to Raimon, right?"

"Yeah."

"Then, if nothing goes wrong, you should be back before Orientation Day."

"I hope so. I don't want to look disgraceful in front of Gouenji-san's school."

She chuckled in reply. Though, for a second there, he thought she was forcing it.

She turned away before he could confirm. "Well, let's go. The others are waiting."

"Others?"

"There are multiple training facilities around the country. You'll be meeting those who were at the top of their own. Just like you, they're all kids who Fifth Sector either scouted or made deals with. Most are your age, though there are those who may be older."

"Oh..."

They arrived at the Amano Mikado Stadium, where a bus was parked right by the entrance. He spotted the rest he was supposed to be travelling with all minding their own businesses inside. Not a single one of them was trying to mingle with the other. It felt... off.

"Ah, Tsurugi." Kuroki came in with the same smile he gave him yesterday. "You've arrived. I assume you are prepared for what is to come?"

Kyousuke bowed halfway. "Yes, sir."

"Very well, then." The man gave Kimiko a nod before clapping, earning the attention of everyone else. "It's time. Gather your things and get inside the bus. We'll be departing in ten minutes."

~~~~~

He opened his eyes and saw a field of flowers before him.

That's funny... I don't remember falling asleep.

He looked around and found a lot of the other kids waking up just as he did. One problem. They were all boys.

"Kimiko?" He stood up and took another good look at his surroundings. No blonde girl in sight. Where did she―

Kyou! I'm alright!

He flinched, his hand holding his head. "W-Wha..."

Sorry! It tends to sting a little the first time...

"Kimiko...? You're in my head...?"

It's... complicated. Kyou, I promise I'm alright. I'm with one of the other supervisors right now. You'll see me again at dinner. After that, I'll explain everything.

"Okay...?" He could only scratch his head in confusion when the voice was gone. What the actual―

"I see you're all awake." Kuroki appeared out of nowhere with his ever-present smile. "Do not worry about your belongings, as we have taken the liberty of bringing them to our facilities." Kyousuke had only now realized the duffel bag he was carrying was gone. "Now, if you've all had enough napping, follow me. We will be introducing you to the others you'll be training with."

The children were led into an underground structure. It seemed like an old military bunker. Without all the crates loaded with weapons and valuables, the space was large enough for a soccer battle.

They found their bags all shoved into a corner as other kids came and stood on the sidelines upon command. There were a couple hundred of them at least. They all wore the same grey uniform and some wore strange purple visors.

"Silence!" A loud voice echoed in the chamber. They found a brown-haired man in a pink suit standing on top of a pillar, looking down at them. "Welcome to the island that creates the ultimate, the training camp of gods, God Eden! I am Kibayama. I am entrusted charge over the training facility here! In this training camp, you will aim to be Fifth Sector's elite players, SEEDs! And let's make one thing clear..." His gaze hardened to a glare. "I will not tolerate defiance! Now, Hikita!"

"We will now split you into two groups." A man with beige hair said from beside the pillar. "You will play soccer until you are told to stop. This is so that we may place you with the batch of students that are at your level, so don't hold back. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!"

They were a group of ten, so they were able to split evenly. They all got to keep their positions, which means he got to stay as a striker. There were another two strikers in his team, while the only goalkeeper was in the other. There were three defenders and one midfielder on the other team, and two more midfielders on his team.

An offense versus defense match.

The whistle blew and both teams were hardly in sync. They didn't even know each other's names, which meant there were a ton of insulting comments about their appearances to get the person's attention.

"Sonic the Hedgehog! Hey! Blue spiky head!"

That would be him alright. He turned around just in time to receive a pass. He was already in front of the goal. All he had to do was shoot.

The keeper smirked at him. "Bring it!"

"You asked for it." He lifted the ball, letting it hover before kicking it from below. A dark energy gathered around it as he pushed his elbow forward. Without touching it, he shot the ball straight towards the goal.

The keeper had wide eyes as he took in the sight before him. "W-W-Wait―" He was cut off as the ball hit him square in the chest and pushed him into the net. The other children had roughly the same expressions. Shaking the shock out of his system, he quickly stood and glared at the striker. "You―!! What the hell was that?!"

But he wasn't the least bit intimidated. "They said not to hold back, so I didn't. If you can't handle it, then get off the field."

"What did you say―"

"He's right." Hikita cut in. "There are no rules saying you aren't allowed to use hissatsu techniques if you've already developed one. You are no longer playing elementary level soccer. It appears only Tsurugi understands this."

He was given a nod of approval, but from the corner of his eye, he spotted a white-haired boy smirking at him. On the other hand, when he turned back to the field, teammates and opponents alike gave him ice cold glares. They were looks of anger and envy. Not that it mattered. He wasn't there to make friends anyway.

The man blew the whistle again and the match continued. His team wasn't passing to him anymore, and the other team had him constantly marked. They were definitely trying to keep the spotlight off of him. Fair enough.

As they played, Hikita called them out one by one. The first person to be pulled out was the one who called him 'Sonic the Hedgehog'. The second was the goalkeeper. They were both put into 'Rank D'.

More and more were called out, placed into various ranks. His internal clocked estimated about an hour had passed. By then, only he and one other remained on the field.

His opponent had purple hair shaped a bit like a bird's claw and golden eyes. His lashes seemed a bit too thick and... Is that purple lipstick on his bottom lip?

"That's enough!" This time, it was Kibayama that spoke up. "I have decided that you two will be on the same team! Hakuryuu!"

"Yes, sir!" The white-haired boy he saw earlier stepped forward. He gave the two a smile. "I'm the leader of Team Alpha, a forward, Hakuryuu. A pleasure to be your acquaintance." Two more boys came up from behind him. "These are my current teammates. Goalkeeper, Hebino Makito," A pale and skinny, but very tall boy with long, teal and purple striped hair. "And midfielder, Isozaki Kenma." A much shorter boy with black hair and white stripes in a ponytail.

"I'm a midfielder. The name's Hayabusa Hideki." The purple haired boy replied, a snobbish look on his face. He then pointed at him. "And this one, as the entire place now knows, is Tsumugi."

"Tsurugi Kyousuke. Forward."

Hakuryuu directed his smile specifically at him. "That move was quite something, Tsurugi. Though your attitude could use some work."

He ignored his attempt at a jab, and instead asked, "If we're meant to be a team, why are there only five members?"

"The training we're doing is different from what schools do." Hebino explained. "We don't need full teams, and instead work either alone or in pairs depending on the regiment. We'll be assessed every week too."

"Assessed?"

"To decide who stays and who goes." Isozaki smirked. "If you fall behind on the regiment, you'll get demoted to the lesser groups. Though, as of right now, you two are part of the top five in this facility, Unlimited."

"There's another facility in the forest called Ancient." Hebino continued before they could ask. "To put it shortly, your time training in the mainland isn't just a selection process of who gets to come here, but also to figure out which training facility suits your abilities best."

"Oh, is that it?" Hayabusa hummed before a click went off at the back of his head. "Wait, 'mainland'?"

"God Eden is built on an isolated island." Hakuryuu's smile remains ever present. "There is absolutely no way to get in contact from outside the island aside from Kibayama-san's office. This way, there would be no outside disturbances during our training."

An isolated island for soccer training... He couldn't even begin to list the things that are wrong about that concept alone, but he kept his mouth shut. He agreed to this. There was no turning back.

After giving them enough time to process those words, the white-haired boy spoke up again. "Now then, with the lesser details out of the way, grab your things. Let us take you to our room."

~~~~~

The rickety wooden door had them fooled. Their room was simple, but very neat. The dark oak floorboards didn't make a sound as they walked in and the beds were lined up against the wall, creating enough space in the center for a rug and a coffee table. Next to each bed was a personal closet, with the grey uniforms already inside, and a drawer with an alarm clock on top. At the back of the room, separated by a tall bookshelf, was a small kitchen and two doors leading to separate bathrooms.

All their basic necessities were fulfilled.

"Not bad." Kyousuke finally commented.

"I definitely prefer this over sleeping in the field again!" Hayabusa headed to one of the unused beds, and jumped on to it. "This one's mine now!"

"Decorate your space however you want." Hebino sat on his own bed, which had teal and purple stripes on the mattress. On his wardrobe was a bunch of pictures of perhaps his family or friends.

"Just try not to embarrass yourselves while at it." Isozaki laid down on his, and closed his eyes. His wardrobe and drawer were painted black and white, but aside that, nothing was different.

Hakuryuu grabbed a book off the coffee table and went to his area. It was very... white. There was also a sketch of a dragon framed above the headboard. "Make yourselves comfortable."

Hayabusa immediately got to work on his part of the room. He took out a lot of things from his bag, most of which any of them doubt he would need on the island. It wasn't long until it looked like a royal's closet.

Kyousuke decided to ignore him and work on his own, choosing the space a little bit further away from the others. Seeing as he didn't bring anything too personal, he didn't need to do much aside from arranging his clothes and hair care, which only included a few cans of hairspray and some hairbands. He would like to have a blue mattress though.

When he was done, he folded his bag and placed it in the closet. But right before he closed it, he caught sight of the grey uniforms hanging in there. He turned to the other residents. "Hey, are the uniforms mandatory?"

"In a word, yes." Hebino stated. "You can use your own clothes to sleep or on your day offs."

"Don't bother changing now, though. It's almost dinner time." Isozaki just took off his shirt and grabbed another. "I'm taking the shower."

"Oh, it's that time already? Hebino, I'll be taking the other bath." Hakuryuu said, putting his book down.

The teal and purple haired boy nodded. "Alright. Leave the cold water running for me afterwards."

It took them half an hour to get everything sorted and as soon as they finished all they needed to do, Hakuryuu led the way to the dining hall.

Saying that it was 'large' was an understatement. The place was built to house about 200 people, so something of this size should've been expected, but Kyousuke found himself bewildered none the less.

The long tables that were lined up made it look like a setting in a boarding school, but the marble floors and fancy paintings that decorated the walls made it feel like they were in a castle. The large, tinted windows on the other end of the room made the feeling even more prominent. Were the grey uniforms meant to represent some kind of armor in this atmosphere? If so, then they did a decent job at it.

"Our seats are over there." Hakuryuu said, pointing at the far end of the closest table to the large windows.

Kyousuke had an eyebrow raised. "We don't get to sit wherever we want?"

"You mean you want to sit with the trash below us?" Isozaki sneered. "By all means, be my guest. Though, if you have any pride, I suggest sticking with us."

The navy haired boy couldn't help a tongue click. Great. I have to walk past a hundred people three times a day just to eat. Six times if I count back and forth.

The other four began making their way through. Isozaki and Hayabusa were smirking and mocking all those they saw. Though the difference between them is that people ignore Isozaki while others taunt Hayabusa back. Either way, it was clear that neither of them were the best examples to follow.

On the other hand, Hebino was silent as he kept his gaze only at his goal, though he didn't seem as confident as Hakuryuu. The white-haired boy didn't bat an eyelash at any of the looks thrown at him. Or rather, anyone that makes eye contact with him immediately turned away without a word.

The leader of Team Alpha... That would make him the top player in this facility, wouldn't it?

He felt the adrenaline starting to run its course. He could hardly wait for training to start the next day. He took a step forward with such thoughts...

Only to be stopped right after.

"Hey, blue kid." It was that goalkeeper again. Now that he's gotten a closer look at him, he was probably a year or two older than him. "That little stunt you pulled put me in Rank D. Only the weakest kids get put into Rank D."

"Then it sounds like you got what you deserved." He casually replied.

He stood abruptly and glared down at him. "Respect your elders, kid."

"What's there to respect?" No, seriously. What IS there to respect about you? I don't even remember your name.

"You little―!" His hand balled into a fist and he lunged for his face. Kyousuke simply sidestepped to avoid it, making him lose balance and fall flat on his face. He got up with a growl. "Stay still, you brat!"

"Get him!"

"Show the kid what you're made of!"

"Beat him up good, Jirou!"

Oh, that's his name.

He lunged for him again, with Kyousuke doing the exact same thing to dodge him. This time, his side hit the corner of a table, making him let out an inaudible scream. He stood up again, shakily, but his glare was murderous. "I said... Stay. Still."

The navy haired boy threw him a bored look. "Are we really going to do this on our first day here?"

"What? You too scared?"

"I'm just saying. First days are when people try to make an impression on the veterans around them. And you're failing miserably at making a good one― Whoops." He tilted his head just in time to avoid an oncoming punch. In that instant, his eyes met with Hakuryuu's. The latter was smirking. He stepped a bit further back as the other regained his balance.

"Quit talking and face me!"

"You're hardly landing a hit as it is. How would me being more vigilant on the offense change that?" The cheering and mocking suddenly turned into murmurs. He rolled his eyes at this. "Honestly, this is pointless. Just end this so we all can eat in peace. Hell, if it's the window seat you want then go right ahead and take it. I don't care."

"... 'Window seat'...? You think this is about a fucking window seat?!" He cracked his knuckles uncomfortably loudly. "When I'm done with you, your head will be through the window seat!" But before he could do anything, a large shadow was cast above them.

Looking up, the children all found a giant staring down at them. It wore a hood and held a bow, the string drawn to its chest. An arrow was in position, aiming at the two at the center of the ruckus.

Clapping was heard. They turned to find Hikita by the entrance. Next to him was a blonde girl with pink streaks in her hair. They would all think this was normal if the giant figure looming over them didn't look like it was coming out of the girl's back.

Kyousuke blinked. Kimiko?

She turned to meet his gaze and gave him a small smile.

"Good job, Kimiko. You got their attention." When the beige haired man nodded, the figure turned into a cluster of shadows before disappearing. His attention went back to the children before him. Specifically, him and Jirou. "You've caused quite a commotion. Us adults could hear you from the other side of the facility."

"A-Apologies, sir!" Jirou bowed, his personality taking a 180 turn. "I was only―"

"I'm not interested in your excuses." He cut off. "Besides, if I wanted to know what happened, I would've just checked the cameras."

"C-Cameras?"

"Indeed. There's at least one in every common room and corridor. In a hall as big as this, there would be three." He sighed. "But I'm not here to bore you children about the minor details. Hakuryuu."

"Yes, sir." The white-haired boy stood up straight upon called.

"This is Kimiko. She'll be joining your team as an observer."

"An observer?"

"She was directly assigned by the Holy Emperor Ishido Shuuji, so do treat her well."

At the mention of their boss, he immediately nodded. "Understood, sir." He walked up to her and gave a curt nod. "A pleasure to meet you."

She smiled. "Likewise, white dragon. I've heard great things about you."

"You can expect nothing less." He signaled for the rest of his team to join them. "These are my teammates. Hebino was the first, with Isozaki coming in just over two months ago. As for Hayabusa and Tsurugi, they just came earlier today."

"I see."

Hayabusa blinked. "Hey, weren't you on the bus?" He then turned to Kyousuke and his eyes widened. "Didn't you two come together?!" Murmurs began to erupt again, especially since their supervisor left.

"We did. So what and who cares?"

Kimiko gave a wry smile. "I can't believe someone managed to get on your nerves already. I thought it'd take another day or two."

He threw her a look. "You try dealing with someone with no sense of hearing."

"That's offensive to the deaf."

"You're right. Then, someone that doesn't have a brain to process what he hears."

"Sounds more accurate." She turned to the keeper in question. "Speaking of which, did you hear all that?"

He didn't reply.

"Also, whatever rank you're placed into depends on what you do, not what other people do. Your inability to catch a single goal was what placed you in Rank D. Before blaming others for your own failure, try looking in a mirror and pay attention to how big your head is."

Still no reply.

"If you still plan on challenging any of the higher ranks, then I suggest using soccer. At least that way, your energy would be better spent. Understood?"

After a long while of silence, his answer came through gritted teeth. "Understood."

"Good." She nodded before clapping, shocking everyone out of the tense atmosphere. "Now with that matter aside, head back to your tables. Dinner is about to be served."

All the students hurried to their respective seats, aside one. The navy haired boy was heading for the door.

"Tsurugi?" Hakuryuu called. "You're not coming?"

"I'm eating outside."

~~~~~

"You really walked out of there."

"Seeing as you're here, you must've too."

"Touche."

She sat beside him, leaning her back against the oak tree. They were all the way across the field, closer to the forest than the facility. The sun had long set, their only light source being a lantern placed inside a stone pillar. She gave a content sigh. It was so much more peaceful.

"So, you already have a keshin, huh?" He suddenly asked.

Keshin. A physical manifestation of someone's spiritual power. In the mainland, there were plenty of rumors about spotted users, though none were able to be proven. Soccer players, adults and children alike, were mostly convinced none of it was true, him included. That is, until they nearly made him unleash his own.

She nodded. "Yeah. It came out a few months ago."

His eyes widened. "You had it for that long and you didn't tell me?!"

He remembered the energy he felt when the clusters of shadows started forming. His heart was racing with excitement, but his body gave out way too quickly. And yet, here he was hearing that his friend had managed to do it long before he did.

She smiled sheepishly. "Uh... Sorry? I didn't think it was a big deal... I don't even plan on using it since I won't play in matches."

"But the fact that you can summon it at will is still..."

"Just because I can summon it, doesn't mean I could control it." She muttered. "It still takes up way too much energy. I'll only manage a single kick before it disappears, and even then, it won't be a hissatsu technique. Either that or..."

"Or...?"

She rolled one of her shoulders a few times. "Sometimes, instead of feeling tired, it hurts. Like there's an explosion coming out of my body."

"Wh― Then―?!"

"Don't worry. Duration of usage affects it too, remember? And I only had to use it for five seconds before calling it back, so I'm just a little fatigued."

"Eat up, then." He shook a bag of chips in front of her face, earning a tilt of her head. "I brought a few in my bag. The sandwiches they served weren't really enough for me, so I headed back to my room before coming here."

She nodded in reply, reaching into the bag. "Thanks." Popping one into her mouth, she took another good look around. "So... does this mean you'll be eating out here every day?"

"Is it against the rules?"

"Nope."

"Then, absolutely."

He wasn't here to make friends, and after everything that's happened today, he didn't want any.

Then, he suddenly remembered that morning. "By the way..."

"Hm?"

"How did you do that... thing earlier?"

"Thing?"

"You know, the... the..." His expression turned more and more frustrated the longer he struggled with his words. Eventually, he let out a growl and pointed to his head. "That thing! When I first woke up and heard your voice inside here."

"Ah, that..." She let out a nervous chuckle. "Well... Where do I begin?"