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"Luna!" Aoi knocked on her door while calling for her; however, she didn't receive a response.

"Luna!!" She tries calling and knocking louder, and yet again no response

"I'm going in!" She said as she opens the door

The bluenette sees the hetero-eyed girl sleeping peacefully on her bed with soft music playing in the background. Her eyes softened when she saw her face. She then sighs as she gently wakes her up. No matter how hard she tries to wake her up, she won't budge. Aoi calls for help, and the lady with green hair complies. They went to back to the room, and they fail to wake her gently. They both that they don't have a choice other than the opposite of gentle.

"OI, Wake up!" The lady shouted on her ear which made Luna jolt up from shock of the sudden sound that rang on her ear.

She rubbed her eyes, "What was that for?" She groggily asks as she gets up from her bed

"Sorry about that Luna, but I have to inform that practice already started." Aoi tells her

"Alright...." She lazily replies as she grabs her uniform

...

...

...

"Wait, What?!!" She suddenly exclaims as if she felt a shock as it runs throughout her whole body

"What time is it?" Luna frantically asks she rushes to the bathroom to fix herself and change

"It's almost nine o'clock" Aoi tells her

She then steps out of the bathroom completely fresh and ready for practice. They both step out of the room, "So, what are you doing here anyways? Aren't you supposed to be at practice?" Luna asks

"Well..." Aoi trails off as she starts to explain the current state of practice with only five people there namely Tenma, Tsurugi, Shindou, Matatagi, and Sakura.

"So, everyone else are late?" Luna asks

Aoi shooks her head in reply as she explains the contract of the other players. It was mentioned on their contract that they are able to do whatever they want once they win the first round.

"What? That's weird... I don't know anything about that." Luna said

"Really? Everyone else seems to know to about it." Aoi said as they went back to the field

"Hey guys! I'm back, and I got Luna with me." Aoi calls out to Tenma and the others

"Sorry, I overslept. I'm not really a fan of waking up early." Luna said to them

"What about the others?" Shindou asks

"Everyone else are not in their rooms." Aoi sadly replied

"So, what did I miss?" Luna asks

"Not much, we pretty much just found out more about their contracts." Tsurugi answers

"Aside from that, we just tested whether Sakura can potentially become a goalkeeper, and Matatagi is currently doing some dribbling practice." Tenma added

"I see, so what am I supposed to do for my training today, captain?" Luna asks

"Well, I'm not really sure. Is there something you think you need to improve yourself?" Tenma asks

Luna thought about it for a second, "Hmm... I was kinda hoping to learn a new hissatsu, but I don't think it's possible with the time we have left." She tells them

"That's a great idea! Your hissatsu, Misty Arrow, was amazing; I'm sure you'll be able to make another one." Tenma encourages

"Any idea on what kind of hissatsu you want to make?" Tsurugi asks

"Not yet." Luna replies as she grabs the closest soccer ball, "But I feel like ideas comes to me at the right moment rather than forcing myself to think about it."

"Can I ask, how did you come up your hissatsu?" Matatagi asks

"Good question, I wanna know it too." Tenma commented as everyone else agreed

"You sure? Aren't we supposed to be practicing right now?" Luna asks

"Well, a short story wouldn't hurt besides everyone else are not here." Tsurugi said

"If you say so... "

_°~•~•~•~•~°_

"Luna! Make sure to be back before lunch time!" Her mom called out

The kids came to a halt as they all turned to her, "No worries mom! I'll be back!" A twelve-year-old Luna from three months ago said as she and her fellow teammates all ran to the field by the river.

Last night the trainer called their parents to set up a practice early in the morning, and ending it before lunch time. By the time they arrived, they noticed that the area is misty. The kids were slightly concerned with the current state of the weather, however, the coach didn't much mind, and guides them all to field.

Everyone places their stuff at side before lining up, "Alright everyone, we only have three weeks left before our friendly match with the Yellow Force, so today, I want you guys to focus on your individual skills. Is that clear?" The coach asks them

"Yes coach!" They all energetically replied

The coach turns to Luna, "Since your our current ace striker, I want you to focus on your shoots. Pair up with  Daiji-kun, and I'll be checking up with you guys in a few minutes."

The nodded, and went to their places, "Give me all that you got, Runa-chan!" Daiji-kun said

"It's Luna, and I'll make sure that I'll get everything in today." She replies

He scoffs, "Good luck with that." He said as they both smirk knowing that both of them are giving their all

After a series of shoots, the coach went to check on them. As they were about to ask how they're doing, they went silent at the scene before them.  The two were already in total disagreement.

"I told you it was hard to see. Why can't you understand that?" Luna argues

"Oh please, as if I would believe that excuse. You haven't even made a single goal." Daiji-kun retorts back

"What is going on here?" The coach asks them

"Runa-chan could hardly score a goal against me! I want a new partner." Daiji said

"How many times do I have to tell you?! It was hard to see where to aim with all the mist around." Luna started, "And for the last time, my name is Luna!"

The coach sighs, feeling exhausted from their arguing. They turn to Luna, "Luna, what were you planning to do."

Luna was quiet for a second before responding, "Well... I planning to aim for the sides, so that it would be difficult to catch, but it was too hard to see that I keep missing the goal."

The coach nods in understanding, "I see, but have you ever thought of kicking it in a straight direction?" They asked

"I did, but my kicking power isn't really strong. That's why I'm relying on different bending shots." Luna replied

"That is a good idea, however, in this situation using bending shots will the difficult." The coach explains

"From now on, I only want you to use either standard shots or straight until this practice is over." They said to her

"Huh? I don't want to." She complains

"You need this improve your kicks. Using Bending shots will not help you improve." The coach explains

"But-" Luna's was suddenly cut off by Daiji, "Quit complaining already. It's getting annoying you know."

She grumbles, "Fine." She said as she went back to her place, so did Daiji.

Luna's shoots always gets in the goal; however, it keeps getting by Daiji since her kick wasn't strong enough to score a goal. Each time it slowly gets stronger, yet it is still not enough.

"Come on, can't you just do it properly! You're our team's ace striker, y'know." He yells

"I am doing it properly! It's not like I'm the original ace striker, Azu-kun is. My kicks aren't as powerful as his." She yells back

"So what about it? He's not here, so you have to have what he has if you're going to fill up his position." He argues

"What are you talking about? There's no way my kick would improve in a matter of seconds to be like Azu." She argues back

"Then that just makes you a weakling. Go back to singing lullabies to your so called 'siblings', and leave the team." He taunts

The coach heard the commotion that is going on between the two. Everyone else halted whatever they were doing, and turn to the two. Luna stood there looking the ground with tears that were about to escape her eyes.

"What you're going to cry now, weakling." Daiji taunts as he laughs at her pitiful state

"Stop it Daiji-kun. That is very mean of you." The coach scolded him

"Tch." Was all he muttered as turned around for a split second before he suddenly noticed his surroundings

The wind blew harder than usual as he looks back Luna. He noticed that the ball was no longer by her feet as she had kicked it upward. As the ball is spinning, mist starts to cover the ball with Luna jumping high to kick it to the goal. Everything happened too fast to the point that everyone were surprised to see the most covering the two.

None of them have any idea what just went down, but Daiji did. Within a split second, the ball made it to the goal; barely hitting his face as it rips the ropes of the goal. His eyes widened in shock and fear. He actually thought that he was gonna die there.

Once the mist got cleared up, everyone were in surprised to see the scene before them. One was completely stunned while the other was panting slightly with anger evident in her eyes. The goal was no longer in good shape.

Luna turns around, and headed to the side to grab the bag, "I'm sorry coach, but I don't think I can last throughout the whole practice. I'll be heading home now."

"U-uh sure..." They barely responded as they all watch her retreating figure

_°~•~•~•~•~°_

"And that's pretty much what happened." As she concluded her story

"That's interesting." Matatagi comments

"I'm surprised to learn that you have a short temper Luna." Shindou said

"I was even more surprised when you told Tsurugi, Minaho, and I about your argument with Funaki-san." Tenma said

"Same here." Tsurugi agrees

"You did what?!" Shindou and Aoi exclaims even the other two were surprised

"That happened a while back, forget about it." Luna said as she attempts to divert the topic to something else

"She's right! We still have training to do. Come on." Sakura said as she pulls Shindou with one hand to the opposite side of the field with a soccer ball on the other

"We should get going too." Matatagi said to Tenma as they both went to their places

"I guess that just leaves you with me again." Tsurugi said to the hetero-eyed girl

"I look forward to it." She beams flashing a wide smile

"So any idea comes to mind yet?" He asks

"Hmmm... I don't know maybe an offense or another shoot hissatsu?" She replies slightly unsure about her answer

"I see. Take your time, for now let's practice our attack." He said as he starts moving, "Try stealing the ball from me."

She nodded, "Alright!" She said as she charges forward to steal the ball.

Sadly enough, she struggles to get a hold of it. It is either she's stumbling or Tsurugi manages to get the upper hand. He then proceeds in giving tips to Luna to fix her mistakes and how to improve her skill.

After hours of practice, they decided to take a small break. They were all drinking water from their bottles. Suddenly, Luna received a text from someone. She opens her phone revealing it was her mentor texting her.

(Kazemaru) Shisho!!: Luna, I need to meet up with you tomorrow. Come to the riverbank by 7 in the morning. I'll be waiting for you.

"7 in the morning? Isn't that a bit too early?" She thought as she sighs at the thought of waking up early, "Well, I might as well wing with it."
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~Luna~: Alright Shisho! See u there! :)

She turns off her phone, and places it in her bag. Break time was over by then as they all continue what they were doing earlier. Before they even notice it, the sun was already setting.  All of them agreed to end practice there as they all head  freshen themselves up for dinner.

By the time all get there, some of the people who were not present during practice were already there specifically Ibuki, Tetsukado, Konoha, and Minaho. Kusaka and Manabe have not yet returned. The moment Luna spots Minaho she takes her food sits across the table to him.

"Hey." Was he said

"Hey, how was your day?" She asks

"You're not mad at me skipping practice?" He asks as she looks at him confused

"Why would I be mad? I'll be honest it was surprising, but it was part of your contract, right? I can't do anything about that." She explains

"I see, well, if you're really curious about my day, I didn't really do that much. I pretty much explore the city. " He replies as he continues talking about his deductions that he did during that as Luna quietly listens

"Can I ask? How many went to practice today?" Minaho asks

"Six." She sadly replies

"I see." He trails off as silence surrounds the two as they both eat in peace and left the table

Luna decided to turn herself in for the night, since she didn't want to be late. Before doing so, she made sure to inform the captain about her whereabouts tomorrow, for them to not panic.

Meanwhile, the ace striker and the former captain were outside taking a stroll after eating dinner.

"Hey Tsurugi." Shindou calls

"Yes?"

"Matatagi and Nozaki do possess high physical abilities, but why is it them specifically?" He wonders

Tsurugi thought about it for a bit, "Perhaps they have something that sets them apart from other players with the same abilities as they do. Something that made them eligible to be chosen as representatives."

None of them said a word till Tenma call them up for a meeting along with the others. Those who attended practice were in the left of the room facing Tenma while the others were on the right side.

"Where's Luna?" Matatagi asks

"She had to sleep in early. She was called to meet up at seven in the morning." Tenma said which all nodded in understanding

"So, what is this meeting about?" Ibuki asks the captain

Tenma suddenly bows in front of them, "Please. I want you guys to come to practice."

He stand back up, "You don't have to participate. You can just watch. Anyways just come, okay?" He pleads

Aoi watches Tenma convincing them to attend. She's slowly getting worried seeing how some are unfazed towards. Tenma told her how he understood what the members felt. How none of them really attend practice since they simply have no interest towards that sport.

Aoi recalls what Tenma said to her during break, "I want to provide them the opportunity to start liking it like how I started liking soccer after Gouenji-san saved me."

"Tenma is doing his best as captain. I have to do the same as a manager too!" She thought to herself motivating her to work harder

Right after practice, most of them went to bed. Tsurugi, on the other hand, head out to the field to practice. He trains to make his shoots more precise and powerful. He tries out various kicks to see how it will affect his plays on the field.

"In order to win the prelims, I need to level up myself too." He thought that himself

As he was to kick the ball, heard a call from someone, "Tsurugi!"

The bluenette turns around to see a certain goalkeeper, "Ibuki." He calls back

"We need to talk." Ibuki said

_°~•~•~•~•~°_

The next day, Luna barely manages to wake up from her alarm. She immediately fix herself up for the meet up. She quietly left the place to meet up with Kazemaru by the river bank. It was already ten past seven, and her mentor has not arrived.

She decided to walk around the field while she is waiting for him. It's been fifteen minutes, and he is still no there yet. Without a second thought, she grabs a ball from her bag, and starts practicing her dribbling attempting to make more precise moves with each turn.

"Looking good there." Someone remarked

She turned around to see a the aquamarine-haired mentor she's been waiting for quite a while now, "Shisho! " She calls as she approached him

"What took you so long?" She complains to him

"Sorry about that. I got caught up into some incident that got me late." He explains

"Oh, are you alright?" She worriedly asks

"I'm fine. Don't worry about that. Anyways, let's start shall we?" Kazemaru said as Luna nodded in reply

Their training began. Everything were just the same thing that happens to any regular practice. She didn't mind it at all since she's being taught by her idol in soccer. All things went smoothly for the day. They took breaks from time to time, and managed to finish training by the end of the day.

"Luna, there's something I want to ask you." Kazemaru said

"What is it shisho?" She asks while packing up her stuff

"I noticed this during your first match, but it seems like your offense is quite weak. Is there something wrong?" He asks

"Oh that... There's nothing wrong. I'm just really not good at it. I have a hard time in stealing the ball at times. I can dribble just fine, and I can do quick passes, but when it comes to attacking other players I'm not the right person for it. " She explains

"Have you tried tackling someone like you know try to steal the ball?" He asks

"I still steal the ball from time to time, but only when they're distracted." She replies

"I see, how about we make hissatsu that can boost your offense?" He suggests

She thinks about for minute till she finally agrees. The next time they will meet, it would be start to train for her hissatsu.

Once they were some packing, they decided to go around. The two of them create small talks along the way till Luna looks at her left to see three familiar people who were enjoying the view of the sunset. Luna informs Kazemaru that she'll go home with them, he nods in approval, and says goodbye to her.

"I'll see you tomorrow afternoon." He reminds her as he went home

Luna approaches the three to see how they were holding up. They were having a conversation, and she is thinking of joining them somewhere in between their conversation.

"It's so pretty!" Sakura exclaims admiring the beauty of the sunset

"I never knew there was a place like this." Matatagi remarks

"I like to come here when I have a lot on my mind. This is the place that the I respect the most introduced to me." Tenma said to them

"Is he also involved in soccer?" Matatagi asks

"Yes! He's amazingamazing,  not only as both a soccer player and coach, but also as a human being." He happily describes with a soft smile of his face

He looks directly at the sunset, "I want to grow to be like him one day."

"It's Endou-san, right?" Luna interrupts

"Luna! You're here!" Tenma exclaims not expecting to see her

"Yeah, Shisho and I passed by here, so I might as well join you guys." She explains

"I see." He happily replies

"So, how's practice doing?" Luna asks

"Not so well." He sadly replies as he sighs in exhaustion

"What do you mean?" Luna curiously asks

"You see, captain here went to them to convince everyone to attend practice..." Matatagi started

"But they all said no." Sakura finished

"I see..." Luna muttered as she approaches Tenma and patted his back

"Don't worry, I'm sure they'll come around." She tells him

Tenma's face turn blank the moment she said it. Luna suddenly worried wondering if she said something wrong that made him like that.

"Tomorrow... Everyone will come." He said to them

The three look at each confused, not knowing what he meant by that. They all look back at him looking deep in thought as slowly his brows furrowed.

Meanwhile back at their camp. Shindou once again approaches someone, but this it was Gouenji Shuuya. His goal is to convince him to add more members into the team. He, however, rejected the idea, and no matter how many he tires to persuade him, his answer remains the same. He eventually gave up left the room. As soon as he left, Funaki-san suddenly barges into the room. Shindou decided to eavesdrop on their conversation.

He slams his hands onto the desk, "It was you, along with few other people, who nominated Kuroiwa as coach. Even to the extent of making enemies of everyone else who works in the association." He started

Gouenji remained and unfazed from his complaints.

"Did you think I wouldn't know who he really is?!" He asks him, but he didn't respond to him

His brows furrowed, "I'm sure you are aware as well. If you let him have power, he'll drown the world of soccer into darkness again. He's like a shadow that covers the light, like the embodiment of darkness himself!!"

"That is why he must be the coach." Gouenji finally responded

"Because he knows in every detail, both the darkness and the light." He explains

_°~•~•~•~•~°_

The next day, everyone arrived at the field which surprised Luna, and the Raimon students. Everyone who were absent from practice, and Sakura and Matatagi were lined up while on the side were Luna and the rest.

"Tenma, what did you say to them?" Aoi whispers to Tenma in which everyone who were on the same can hear her

Tenma's face looked upset as he responded, "I wrote everyone an email, telling them that we're decided on who can drop of the team."

The four of them have mixed reactions. Aoi and Luna were surprised, Shindou was intrigued, while Tsurugi remained blank but deep inside he was curious on what is about to happen.

"You made that up to get everyone to come here, right?" Tsurugi asks him

"It what coach to leave me to do." Tenma answers

"You're all here." Coach Kuroiwa said he walks to them with Mizukawa following him from behind

All attention goes to him the he stood in front of everyone.

"In that case, we will now begin the withdrawal exam for Inazuma Japan." He said as he takes a step forward towards Sakura and the others

"If you pass, I will allow you to withdraw from the team. Of course, I will also be fulfillingthe terms of your contract." He continued

That statement surprised everyone, "Coach... Are you serious?" Shindou asks

Coach Kuroiwa smirks, "But, can you imagine this? Once this exam is over, not one of you will desire to leave the team."

The five of them were stunned of what he said especially Shindou and Luna who have thoughts that are not that different from each other.

"What is he up to?" Shindou thought

"What does he mean by that?" Luna thought

_°~•~•~•~•~°_

Here's another chapter for you all! Hope you guys enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing them. I apologize for the delay of this chapter. It's been months since my last update. I don't really like releasing short chapters since it tends to cut the story by a lot, so I try to reach at least 2000-4000 words for each chapter to make it worthwhile. I'll try to update as fast as I could, but this is all for now!!

See u guys on the next chapter!!