On The Side Of The Pitch With You

Sengoku Era V

The next evening was the Fool's Festival, meaning the night of their match. A field had been prepared with all the necessary instalments, such as goals, borders, scoreboard, and even the audience stands. Out on the field, the two teams stood face to face.

"Well, I see you've actually come. I commend you for your bravery." Beta said with her innocent face. "But you've made a poor choice bringing those boys along with you."

The five rookies glared at her.

"We'll make you eat those words!"

"You're in for a big surprise if you think we're the same as before!"

"We'll beat you guys to a pulp!"

"Oh dear..." The blue haired girl closed her eyes for a moment before they opened to a menacing glare. "Don't screw with me!"

With that alone, they nearly took a step back.

Beta turned to their captain. "I'll crush you all with one blow! Once this ends, you'll never play soccer again!"

"We won't let you!" Tenma stated. "We'll protect soccer!"

Midori frowned as she watched them from the sidelines. "It's a really tense atmosphere in here." Akane gave a nervous nod.

Their attention was then caught by the audience's gasps. Nobunaga had arrived on horseback with a number of his vassals. He then pointed his fan at them.

"Show me your specialty in this so-called kemari battle."

Toukichirou ran over and bowed directly beneath him. "Nobunaga-sama! Upon my word, I will lead you to victory!"

"I look forward to it."

"Yes, sir!"

That was when Imagawa Yoshimoto arrived from directly across where Nobunaga was. They were a little surprised at how he looked more like a noble than a samurai warrior.

Once the two were seated, Beta called on the commentator.

"Now, this match is being brought to you at the Cherry Blossom Plaza Stadium in Nagoya Castle! The match between Oda and Imagawa will begin soon with a kickoff!"

Their team was lined up the same way as the second half of the match against the White Deer Gang. Tsurugi was the only forward, with Tenma, Fei, Shindou, and Nishiki as the midfielders, Tasuke, Shishimaru, Gorouta, Jingo, and Ichimasa as the defenders, and Shinsuke as the goalkeeper.

"We'll win no matter what!" Tasuke said, pumping his fist up, leading his friends to follow along.

"Yeah!"

Their enthusiasm made the rest smile. It felt good to be surrounded by that atmosphere again after so long.

"You're in rather high spirits, but you're about to learn that this isn't a little kiddy's game." Beta said, wearing her own innocent expression.

The emcee blew on the conch shell, signaling the start of the match. It was Raimon's kickoff, and Tsurugi moved up, passing it to Fei along the way. Once he got through Einam, Fei passed it back to him, but he lost the ball to Medam's Magnet Draw, and the ball was sent to Drim.

That was when Beta showed her cruel side. "Make it in!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Tasuka and Ichimasa moved to defend, but they were seconds too slow. Drim tackled past them, making Ichimasa fall over, but Tasuke was able to stay on his feet. Drim sent the ball to Quarth, who managed to get through Ishimaruru, Gorouta, and Jingo. While Jingo fell over, Shishimaru, and Gorouta were also able to keep steady.