Gilded Time (let us exist here) ; inazuma eleven go - time travel au

dandelions; V

 

It's the next day and the first thing Ichino noticed is that the air around Haruna has shifted a little. It seems to deviate to more of the Otonashi-sensei he knew rather than just a normal passionate girl who was a manager at a soccer club. It wasn't changed so Ichino just decides to not bother about it because it could be seen as intruding on an outsider like him. 

He noticed she had been talking to Furukabu-san, the old man who drives the Inazuma Caravan. She seems to be in a very serious conversation with him and Ichino has half the mind to check out what's the content. But seeing the fierce look in her eyes tells him to run instead. 

Unfortunately, she caught sight of him before he could even move. 

“ Ah, Ichino-kun! I didn't think someone would be up this early but this is great, ” Haruna greeted, a cheerful smile on her face while Ichino awkwardly faces her. “ I hope you're not busy because I need your help with something. Although Furukabu-san agrees, I'll be reassured to have a second person on this. ” Haruna requested with a guilty smile and Ichino wondered what even was her intention. 

“ I mean, I'm not busy, not at all but what is this about? You're making it sounds like you're doing something illegal. . . ” Ichino trails off, his sarcasm quickly being caught by her. Haruna gasped dramatically and punch him lightly on the arm, “ How dare you! I would never! ” 

The two laugh heartily before Haruna stops to settle a smile on her face. “ You remember Kogure, right? ” 

“ Uh, yes. It's kinda hard to forget him. ” 

Haruna moves closer to whisper something and Kirino leans down to accommodate her height. “ Well you see, I promise Kogure-kun I'll help him with practice. Surprisingly, he's quite insecure about his skills. ” Haruna told, a solemn look on her face.

Reminded of what the Manyuuji's Captain said, Ichino has a small idea as to how this idea even started. Well, since they do need all the help to defeat Epsilon, helping Kogure didn't have any disadvantage. He is also one of the originals who fought against Aliea Gakuen till the end, so he was an absolute pick. 

Ichino smile and nods, “ Sure, I'll help. I need to get back in shape too. ” he says, picking up a soccer ball. The change of tone didn't go unnoticed by someone like Haruna. 

“ Did something happen before? ” Haruna whispered, hesitant to ask such personal stuff but the look on Ichino's face made her heart wrench a little. Ichino laughs, balancing the ball with his legs. “ Just an accident. I had to stay off playing soccer for a week or so, it was pretty boring honestly. ” he mused, kicking a further distance, where it lands on the ground and rolled towards a pair of feet. 

The two looked up at the newcomer with short stature and spiky hair. Kogure was grumbling some things under his breath that Ichino tunes out because he was sure a middle schooler isn't supposed to say those kinds of things. Haruna places a hand on her hip, a secure look on her face. 

“ There you are. I thought you would have chickened out by now, ” She blows a small laugh as Kogure shot out at her, retorting against her words. He looked away with a 'hmph' before realizing someone else was there. 

“ Who is this? I thought you were the one who is going to help me. ” Kogure asked, his tone mocking as he looked at Ichino up and down. The blond can't help but sweatdrop, this Kogure is too different from the Kogure he knows. Maybe it's the age. Haruna pushes the boy away when he got too close for comfort, letting Ichino relax.