Accidental Reverse

Chapter 38

Welcome back~~ already on chapter 38!

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Accidental Reverse Arc 3

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By noon on the next day, things have progressed much like they did the first time 'round.

Kibayama has issued a challenge against Raimon in three days' time – only supported by his threat against their managers and current coach – to which the team has responded confidently, after a short few words from Endou.

(He really is the perfect coach for their team.)

It took Tenma a while to convince his friends – and the adults after that – to let him help out. After a long while of complaining and, dare he say it, whining, coupled with some puppy dog eyes, he finally managed to join in on the search for good training ground.

He immediately claimed Shinsuke and Tsurugi.

Now he's hiding a grin at the sight of Ancient Dark, standing in the shadows after having shot a ball at them that Tsurugi barely managed to deflect.

Speaking of the Seedling...

''Who are you?!'' he demands, a growl in his voice.

Someone steps into the light, making an impressed sound. ''So you have some skill,'' says Shuu, smiling as if he's merely greeting them. He stops a few feet in front of them, holding the ball he just shot.

''What happened?'' Shindou suddenly cuts in as the rest of Raimon gathers.

Shuu watches their arrival, still smiling, and places a hand on his hip. As he speaks, Tenma's eyes widen, realization dawning on him. ''To tell you the truth, I've been watching you ever since you came to this island. You guys were-''

''Oh my gosh it's another stalker!''

Whatever mysterious and dark spiel Shuu was going for is, in one single moment, completely destroyed.

All eyes turn to Tenma. The brunet is staring at Ancient Dark's captain with a perfectly innocent expression.

Shuu blinks, taken aback by the sudden interruption. ''Excuse me?'' he asks, only slightly affronted – mostly he's still working through his disbelief.

Raimon's members, meanwhile, are either glaring at their resident time traveler – Tsurugi, for example – while others like Sangoku seem to have accepted their fate with growing trepidation. Shindou is massaging his temples and for a moment it almost looks like flames are rising up behind him. But of course that's impossible.

''Tenma,'' starts the captain, very slowly, a sugar sweet smile forming on his lips, ''do us all a favor and shut up.''

The brunet in question gasps, clutching at his heart. ''DQE-senpai,'' he whispers mournfully, ''how could you say such things? It's as if you don't appreciate me anymore!''

Shindou breathes in slowly, his glare saying everything.

Wiping at an invisible tear, the time traveler adds a sniffle for good measure and nods a few times. ''I- I see,'' he mutters, lowering his gaze and letting his shoulders sag. ''Well, in that case...'' he straightens, a grin splitting his face and all traces of sadness disappearing as he turns to Shuu. ''My team doesn't want me anymore, can I join yours? I'm really sorry about calling you a stalker! It's a habit I'm still trying to break.''

He counts it as a victory when he sees the corner of Shuu's lips threatening to turn upwards.

Unfortunately, since Ancient Dark still needs to have their whole 'redemption arc', their captain isn't yet up to light joking. With conviction that truly impresses Tenma, especially since Shuu seemed to be honestly amused only moments before, the dark-haired teen shoots them all a glare.