THE PAIN - Inazuma Eleven Go Fanfic

CHAPTER 59: DOUBT

In the Shizen locker room, the atmosphere was a delicate balance between quiet triumph and underlying concern. The team had secured a decisive victory, yet the energy in the room was far from celebratory. All eyes were on Arion, who sat on the bench, his expression calm but his body betraying clear signs of exhaustion.

Yutaka leaned casually against the locker next to him, his arms crossed and his gaze sharp. "Ju, are you okay? That last move... you were about to collapse out there."

Arion managed a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm fine, Yuta. Just a little tired. I told you before, this is nothing I can't handle."

Takuya, who had been standing nearby, narrowed his eyes in disapproval. "And that's what you say every time. Arion, you've been pushing yourself too hard. Again."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room as the other Shizen players nodded, their concern was evident.

Ken, seated across from Arion, frowned thoughtfully. "Arion, how did you even evolve your Keshin? Ethereal Hellfire Pegasus Sovereignty is a whole other beast compared to Demon God Pegasus Arc."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Arion, waiting for an explanation. He stayed quiet, his gaze lowered. Before the silence stretched too long, Ryuu stepped in, his tone calm but firm.

"It happened during their special training with Froy-san and his team," Ryuu sighed and began, drawing the team's full attention. "Arion asked his cousin for help, but Froy initially refused. Still, Arion kept pushing until Froy gave in—on one condition. Arion had to get approval from his family doctor due to his condition." Ryuu paused, glancing at his captain. "Fortunately for him, he got the green light from the doctor. So to see the result of his training, he requested our Coach to let him join the match.

The room grew heavy with the weight of Ryuu's explanation. The team exchanged glances, their admiration for Arion's determination tempered by concern for his well-being.

Komuro, leaning against the opposite wall, crossed his arms and frowned. "Testing your limits in a match like this? Against a team like Raimon? That's more than risky, Arion. It's reckless."

Arion leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting to the ceiling. "I know it was a gamble," he admitted quietly. "But I had to know if all the training paid off. And I needed to see if I could truly handle this Keshin's power."

"You did use it successfully," Hiro chimed in bluntly, "though, in exchange, it drained you. It's clear the cost was high."

Minoru mumbled and tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Ethereal Hellfire Pegasus Sovereignty... It's on a completely different level from Demon God Pegasus Arc. Froy-san did an exceptional job of leveling you up despite your condition. Though, I'm confused. Why do you bother going through all of this? We know it's not for Raimon then for what?"

Arion smiled faintly, his eyes distant as if already seeing something beyond the present. "I just want to be ready—for the future. Sooner or later, we'll have to settle everything, once and for all." He gestured toward the ceiling as though pointing toward something only he could see. "Today showed me where my limit is, and that's enough for now."

The room fell silent as the players exchanged uncertain glances. They didn't fully understand his words, but seeing their captain acknowledge his limits was enough for now.

"Don't rush on everything just yet, Arion. We were willing to wait for you to fully recover, no rush needed." Kouji said.

The team murmured their agreement, the atmosphere in the locker room shifting to one of solidarity.

Arion glanced around at his teammates, their expressions a mix of concern, admiration, and unwavering support. A faint but genuine smile appeared on his lips. "Thanks, everyone," he said quietly, the sincerity in his voice resonating.