As time went on our journey became harder and harder. Every time we defeated one of Aliea's teams, a new one popped up even stronger than before. There didn't seem to be any end of it. It became harder and harder to keep an optimistic attitude. Eventually, it took a toll on our team as Kazemaru finally gave up and left the team and then Kurimatsu. It hit all of us pretty hard but most importantly Endou and as a result, he remained depressed for several days, not moving from his place. He gave up everything even his beloved soccer.
Then one day we found a glimmer of hope. I was sorting through the water bottles after a match while the whole team was gathered around coach Hitomiko when I heard Endou say, "Could it be, Gouenji?"
As soon as your name fell onto my ears I stopped what I was doing and came over towards the huddle. With excitement, I asked what was he saying,
"Coach Hitomiko just told us there is someone in Okinawa who goes by name "Flame Striker" and we think it can be..."
"Gouenji! It can be Gouenji!" I exclaimed.
"Exactly!" Endou chirped.
"So when are we leaving for Okinawa?" I asked, barely containing my enthusiasm.
"Tomorrow." Coach Hitomiko interrupted in her collected tone.
I remained restless until we reached Okinawa. Through the whole journey, I kept asking Aki how long was it until we reached.
"Kira, you need to calm down." Haruna spoke after the seventh time I asked if we were anywhere near Okinawa yet.
"I'm sorry." I blushed out of embarrassment, "It's just..."
"We know." They both said in unison and giggled. I could only manage a sheepish smile in response.
Finally, the long tiring journey came to an end and we reached our destination. We immediately started looking around for any clues that could lead us to the "Flame Striker". We dispersed into several groups of two or three. We searched all day without taking any breaks but didn't make any progress. I began thinking I was having false hopes and it wasn't you after all. Once again I started plummeting into despair and my smile faded away. Tears threatened to spill again but I held them back. I decided I wasn't going to give up after being so close to finding you.
At the same time, Endou declared the same thing I was thinking. We were going to look again and talk to some more people to find any clues.
The next day also brought little progress until we found whom later became the next addition to the team, Tsunami Jousuke. He introduced his school's soccer team to us and as usual, Endou insisted on having a friendly match with them. We had a great time getting to know Tsunami and the rest of the team but the day could not end on a positive note as once again Team Epsilon appeared and challenged us to a match.
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Tracing Memories
FanfictionLife in Inazuma town told through the eyes of Kira as she tried to navigate the tough situations in it following after Gouenji. [Highest Rank: #137 in Short Story]