THE PAIN - Inazuma Eleven Go Fanfic

CHAPTER 62: ECHOES OF DECEIT

The quiet hum of conversation and the distant clinking of glasses filled the air as the gala carried on in full swing below. The grand crystal chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow over the elegantly decorated hall, where guests moved with practiced grace, indulging in lighthearted chatter and refined laughter.

Upstairs, however, away from the grandeur and noise, the members of Raimon had gathered in a secluded corner—a space that granted them both privacy and a clear view of the event unfolding beneath them. Despite the formal setting, a thick tension lingered among them, unspoken yet palpable.

Sangoku leaned against the railing, his arms crossed as his eyes scanned the crowd below. "Man, this whole thing feels way too uptight for me." He muttered, shifting uncomfortably in his formal wear.

Kuramada scoffed. "Tell me about it. Never thought I'd see the day we'd be stuck in some fancy party like this."

Amagi chuckled lightly. "Well, at least the food's good. That's one thing to enjoy."

Ichino smirked, adjusting his tie as he glanced down at the crowd below. "Well, at least we're not the only ones. Look at Shizen."

At the mention of their recent opponents, the group's attention shifted.

Aoi hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin. "You know... I never really paid much attention before, but they're surprisingly good-looking, aren't they?"

Akane giggled. "Not just that. They actually have this... refined aura. Like they belong in this kind of setting."

Kurama raised a brow. "Refined? You mean like stuck-up?"

Midori rolled her eyes. "What she means, is they carry themselves differently. More... composed. Confident."

Kariya leaned forward, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Oho? Akane, Midori—don't tell me you've got a thing for Shizen now?"

Akane's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink. "W-What?! That's not what I meant!"

Hayami let out an exaggerated sigh. "Tragic. Betrayed by our own managers."

Hamano chuckled. "Don't worry, Hayami. I'm sure you're still their number-one dork."

"Oi!"

Meanwhile, Hikaru was nodding in agreement. "But seriously, they were different from what I expected. I thought they'd be snobby, but they were actually kinda cool."

Shinsuke grinned. "Yeah! They didn't even act all high and mighty after they beat us."

Tsurugi, who had been silent up until now, crossed his arms. "That's because they didn't need to. Their play spoke for itself."

"Speaking of Shizen, I haven't seen their captain in a while," Kirino said as he scanned the area for any sign of the elusive captain. The others followed his gaze, searching the sea of elegantly dressed guests below.

"Yeah, now that you mention it..." Nishiki frowned. "They're always so secretive about their captain. We barely got a glimpse of him after the match either."

Aoyama, who had been silently observing, finally spoke, his voice calm yet laced with intrigue. "It's strange. All this time, we assumed Tezuka was their captain, but in reality, they were keeping their true leader hidden. A captain who barely makes an appearance stays in the shadows, never steps onto the field during their official matches—yet still commands a team as formidable as Shizen..." His eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of suspicion creeping into his tone. "Why reveal himself now? And why against us?"

Kariya leaned back with a smirk. "Maybe they just enjoy the mystery. Gives them that whole 'untouchable' aura."

Kurama scoffed, crossing his arms. "Tch. More like arrogance. A captain should lead from the front, not hide behind their team. What's the point of being a leader if you won't even show up?"