https://youtu.be/OsLY7DXWsF4

The second half started with a new referee. But somehow, it feels... off. 

Like, even though that Ivan and Garshield are gone... it's still there.

That feeling of uneasiness is still there.

And my hunch was right, because the Brazilian players were on the defensive approach instead of going for the offensive when they have the chance to go on that offensive side without hesitation. 

Their defensive mode was just passing. They were just passing the ball whenever they were being marked instead of going forward to get past the others. 

When one of them kicked the ball to Roniejo, Hiroto and Kidou were about to steal it from him. Roniejo, realizing that he couldn't pass the ball, he just turned around and ran up to our side of the field, Hijikata being the one to mark him with "Blade Attack".

"This is how Inazuma Japan plays!" Hijikata looks at him momentarily before running with the ball. As he was running a player was going to block him but Hijikata did a back pass to Shirou, who passed it back to Hijikata and ran up to the goal. Shirou runs ahead and Hijikata kicks the ball with lightning surrounding it, and Shirou kicks the already lightning surrounded ball with wolf power.

"Thunder Beast!"

Easily, we won that point.

I clenched my fists. There was no way that these guys were free. Even though that they were free from Ivan and Garshield. And Kuroi... I look at him and see that his face was showing terror. 

That was it.

I walk up to him, and slap him, hard.

He's stunned for a moment, then holds his cheek before looking at me with a shocked expression. "What happened to you? What happened to me or you winning?" I asked, my tone somehow raised. "You know why--" "Your uncle is safe! You have a family! The guy that was mentally controlling you, who probably killed your parents, has been arrested!" I cut him off, basically shouting. "You said yourself that you were going to beat me and what am I facing with now?" I ask.

Kuroi's facial expression turns from shock to confused. I continue. "What I'm seeing is a weak panther cub who hasn't moved out of his cave."

I turn away from him and start walking to my position. "I'll beat you, you penguin! My true power will be shown now!"

I smile to myself. That's motivational for you.

The match went smoothly. Kuroi and Roniejo were in their game. In fact, we had a hard time in defeating them. The way that their passes connect as a team, the way that they use their individual skills, the way that they improve easily during a match... it was like seeing a new version of them.

Kidou passed the ball to me and I ran up ahead, barely dodging the defenders. I was about to go further when Kuroi ran up in front me. The somehow half smile, half smirk was on his face. That was the Kuroi I knew. "Get ready, penguin!" And in an instant, he runs towards me. 

I kick the ball above me, and damn, this guy won't let me hit the ball to the ground. He's been blocking every landing spot and my legs were staring to get tired, along with my upper body. Crap. He knows my weaknesses. Of course.

"Getting tired, penguin?" He smirks. I haven't heard him call me that since first year. I smile. "Not even a bit, panther cub." With that, I kick the ball up and do a cartwheel to get away from him, and the ball lands on my feet. "See ya!" I tease, then Kuroi was suddenly in front of me, stealing the ball and runs towards the goal.

With Dragon Slayer and True Bakunetsu Screw, we managed to tie. But that was just the hard part. Strike Samba and Amazon River Wave were a hard one to manage, but in the end we did get past those techniques. And in the end we won with 3-2. 

Everyone from the benches were cheering, and somehow so were we. While Roniejo congratulated us, Kuroi did his own way of giving thanks: The little squirt gave me a hit on the shoulder. "You didn't have to make me mad, Rena."

I shrugged and gave a mischievous smile. "Hey, that was our personal motivation with Koujirou and Jirou." I say.

"You were awesome! Except for the Darkrai part," Endou says sheepishly. "But man! You're strong now!"

Kuroi turns red. "Aha... not really... I mean..." He looks at me. "Rena kept me going."

Kidou and Akio stare at me, and my face turns red. "Hey! It's a misunderstanding!"

Kuroi smiles. "I can see why I had a crush on you back then! Man, you're cute when you're flustered!"

As if even possible, my face turns redder. "GENDA KUROI!" I screeched, and everyone including Roniejo's team laughs at us. But I didn't mind it. I missed the laughter.

My light feelings are seriously making me turn back to myself, and I thank Kiku for this.

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Today was the match between Orpheus and Little Gigant. I was left behind because Kouji and Rushe were going to alone. Dad also stayed behind, watching the kids whenever I would check outside to see if they were back. Coach Kudou was still at the hospital, watching Hibiki-san. 

Kouji and Rushe were in the living area watching TV, leaving me and dad in the kitchen. This was my chance to ask about those cold eyes. "Dad---" "It's about Ivan." My dad cuts me off, and I stare in shock. "Ivan? But, dad..." I start, but there was nothing I could say. My dad looks at me with sympathy. "Kiku has a twin brother, Rena. And he's after you."

I stare in shock. "Why?"

"Because of Akemi." My dad answers. "Now that she's gone, he'll be able to control you completely."

I'm confused. The Alteria Curse already wore off, but somehow this Kuro guy can still do something to me? Or worse, my family? I shook my head. "Dad... what does this have to do with anything?"

Then I remember Toshiro saying that Ivan was a soccer failure. My dad sighs. "Soccer ruined them, Rena." He says. "And they're taking vengeance."

I take a deep breath. This was... too much to take in. But somehow, fear wasn't exactly implanted in my thoughts. Though I was scared, it wasn't like before when my nightmares suddenly became a reality or when I dream of something horrible. Somehow I was feeling more determined. 

My dad chuckles. "You're just like your mother when you make that face."

I smile. Dad must've seen me make my determined smile. "Dad, I promise you, I'll be careful." I hug him, and he hugs back. "I know you will, Rena. I'm proud of you."

---------------------------------------------------------------------

"...na....rena....RENA!"

"Gyah!" I fall off my bed, rubbing my head as I sit up. It was Rosa who shouted at me. "Gees, Rena-chan! We're going out today, remember?" She reminds me. Crap. We were going to visit Hibiki-san today. Dad was taking the kids to Feliciano today, despite the kids' protests. Feliciano called and said that he would happy to take them in. When Akio heard the news, he was neutral, but I could tell that he was kinda sad to see them go.

"Right, right." I muttered, standing up and stretching. I see Rosa smile. "Come on, breakfast is being served."

I quickly shower and get dressed. I went downstairs and everyone was eating breakfast. "Morning, Rena!" Endou greets with a mouthful of food. Yesterday... Orpheus lost to Little Gigant. I didn't really expect anything. I mean, Fideo's strong, but Rococo was stronger. He's had more endurance now. I mean... he was sent to the hospital because of me. 

"Morning, Endou." I greet as I sit down next to Kidou and Jirou. 

"You're in a good mood. Finally." Jirou jokes. I roll my eyes. "Shut up."

"We're visiting today, right?" Jousuke asks.

"Yup." Clara answered. "Though yesterday was a downer, at least we can tell we won."

"Agreed." Aki nods.

"Kids," My dad calls out. "You better get ready. Sooner or later we won't have enough time for practice." 

I laugh a little. Whenever dad was in a good mood, he'd call us kids. It wasn't embarrassing. It was more comforting.

After breakfast, most of them already went in the caravan. I was the last one to leave the lodge, since Kouji and Rushe needed time to prep up before dad took them to Feliciano. 

As I was fixing my stuff, I notice a letter near the bedside. Curious, I pick up the letter and open it.

I instantly regret reading it.

"Y o u  s h o u l d  p r e p a r e  f o r  p a y b a c k."

Trina's team.

I begin to sweat, but somehow I keep calm. I was scared. What was she going to do?

I throw the letter away and leave the room.

I'm prepared for the threat.

https://youtu.be/492eM8ox1Nc

a/n: I AM SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING BUT HEY I'LL UPDATE AGAIN SOON!