Hey guys! Last chapter of the mass-upload. Anyway, from now on you should expect chapters every one to two weeks - though chapter 17 may come tonight (and otherwise tomorrow)!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this!

~'0'~

Accidental Reverse Arc 2

  ~'0'~  

''By the orders of the Holy Emperor.''

Tenma balls his fists as he opens his eyes, a rueful smile playing on his lips. 'I really should have expected this, shouldn't I?' Surprisingly, the fear from just a second ago feels suddenly numbed. He breathes out slowly through his mouth, letting the tension flow from his body.

Once he's completely calm and his mind is clear, the time traveler takes a step forward. Tsurugi's eyes widen when the brunet walks past him, but Tenma doesn't pay him any heed. Instead, he continues with walking past his other teammates, who stare at him in shock, worry and disbelief.

Just as he's in front of his team, about to walk towards the Fifth Sector agents, a hand on his shoulder stops him. The brunet turns around, meeting the worried eyes of his captain. ''Tenma-''

The time traveler cuts him off with a shake of his head and a gentle, reassuring smile. ''Don't worry about me, I'll be fine,'' he tells his team calmly.

Shindou frowns, clearly disagreeing with him, as Sangoku speaks up. ''You're not really going with them, are you?'' he asks worriedly.

Tenma's smile doesn't leave his lips as he answers. ''What choice do I have? They have the upper hand. Resisting would only cause a scene,'' he says simply. ''Besides, by doing it like this, they've driven themselves into a corner. This will be all over the news within an hour. Harming me or keeping me 'in their custody' will only cause suspicion.''

While their logical minds tell them his words are true, his team is clearly still concerned and very unwilling to let him go. The time traveler sighs, his smile dimming slightly. ''Guys, I'll be fine. Everything will work out somehow.''

That seems to do it. Shindou slowly nods, concern shimmering in his brown orbs, but retracts his hand nonetheless. Tenma gives him a grateful smile and turns around to face the two Fifth Sector agents. He's taken a single step when a voice calling his name stops him.

''Tenma.'' The brunet in question turns around and looks at Shindou, the one who talked. The game maker seems to struggle with his words for a moment, but then continues. ''Be careful.''

The time traveler gives him a bright smile. ''Of course, DQE-senpai!'' the use of the nickname doesn't have its normal effect, the worry not leaving Shindou's eyes. Tenma quickly turns around before they can see his smile fall at his unsuccessfulness of reassuring his team.

Instead of thinking about it longer, he takes a deep breath. He straightens his back and lifts his chin, the perfect picture of grace and confidence as he walks towards the two men.

Once he's reached them, both of them turn around as well and flank him as they leave the field. Just before the field disappears behind them, Tenma looks over his shoulder. His team is gazing after him worriedly, some of them fidgeting nervously. The brunet throws them one last smile and then follows the two men.

The Fifth Sector agents don't speak a word as they walk through the empty, plain halls of the stadium. Tenma's mind goes in overdrive as he tries to think up a reason to have a few minutes alone. At the end of the corridor they're walking in, Tenma can see a door that leads to Raimon's changing room.

As he sees the door, he gets an idea, and hesitates in his walking. ''Um... could I maybe... pick up my bag? I mean, we're right outside the changing room... it'll only take a few minutes,'' he asks timidly.

The two men stop and share a look, before looking at the brunet himself. One of the men nods. ''Very well then. You have five minutes.''

Tenma immediately nods in understanding, bows quickly and then flees to the safety of the dressing room, closing the door behind him. Once inside, he makes his way towards the bench where he left his bag – all packed and waiting for him to go. Ever since losing his training jacket once, he's been careful with putting all his things in his bag before he leaves for the match. He doesn't even need five minutes, but the extra time is exactly what he needs.

Sitting down on the bench, he grabs his bag and takes his phone out. He scrolls through the list of contacts and picks the one he wants. Holding it close to his ear, he prays for the other to pick up.

And she does. ''Tenma?!''

The time traveler doesn't allow himself to relax yet. ''Aki-nee, I don't have a lot of time. I know you're in the stadium and saw everything that happened,'' he tells her quickly. ''I managed to get a few minutes in order to get my bag, so I'm alone in the changing room right now. Anyway, the point is, if anyone from Fifth Sector, even if it's the Holy Emperor himself, comes to you in order to get your permission for anything concerning me, I beg you, please use the whole 'you're-not-my-legal-guardian-thing'. Stall as much as you can, send them to my legal guardians – my parents – through the authorities if possible. Please.''

Aki stays quiet for a moment and when she answers, worry is coloring her voice, but there is no sign of hesitation in it. ''I understand. What should I tell your parents?''

Tenma is suddenly glad that he has talked with his sister-figure about Fifth Sector before. Not much, but just enough so she understands the way the organization works. ''Tell them that they have to use the law in everything they do. Fall back upon the authorities, keep this case out of Fifth Sector's league as much as possible.''

He knows she understands, even without seeing her face. ''Got it.'' She's smart, she knows that Fifth Sector is more illegal than the public knows and most importantly, she knows that their weakness lies with the law – if they ever caught the attention of the authorities, any investigation could only lead to their end. ''Tenma...'' Aki's voice breaks him out of his thoughts. ''Will you be okay?''

A smile touches the lips of the young brunet. ''Hai, don't worry. I have everything under control-'' okay, not everything, but a lot more than Fifth Sector knows ''-and besides, everything will work out somehow, right?''

Aki chuckles. ''If you say so.'' Her voice still sounds worried.

The time traveler sighs softly, hating that he has to do this to the kind woman. ''I have to go now. Don't worry about me, I'll see you in a few days, okay?''

''O-okay. Be careful, Tenma.''

''I will.'' With that, he ends the call and goes to his messages. He quickly sends a message to Yuuichi – not that he doesn't trust Kyousuke, but just to be sure.

Not sure know if you watched Raimon's match against Kaiou. You'll find out what happened soon enough anyway. Don't worry about me, please just make sure your brother doesn't get himself into trouble while I'm unavailable.

- Tenma

His lips twitch upwards as he rereads the message and then presses send. 'Unavailable', what a nice way to put it. He's about to put his phone away, when his eyes land on another name on the screen. He hesitates for a moment as he stares at it. 'Aw, who cares? I've been doing whatever I felt like ever since I got here, no reason to change that now.' With that he opens the chat and sends his friend a message.

Taiyou, I know you're probably very worried and beating yourself up about what happened last time I visited you. 1) I'm not angry so don't you dare blame yourself, 2) don't worry about me, I'll be fine and 3) you should worry about the Holy Emperor instead. I think he'll be searching for his sanity (if he even has any left) for days after I'm done with driving him crazy :)

- Tenma

And then, just for the heck of it, he also opens the group chat of the Raimon soccer club, because, why not?

Raimon soccer club:

Matsukaze Tenma: Hey guys, I'm currently stalling so that I can sort out some business in order to troll the HE~ Don't worry about me, I'll be fine and otherwise I'll just create my own exit. You might have to break me out of prison after that, though (｡◕‿◕｡) jk I'll try to leave 5th Sector's headquarters undamaged. Won't promise the same for the HE's sanity though MUHAHAHAHA~ anyway, I'll be perfectly fine and back before you can say 'Tomato Tsurugi' (─‿‿)

Matsukaze Tenma: PS: Tsu-chan, don't try to do anything stupid. I've notified your guardian angel, he'll keep an eye on you :D

Matsukaze Tenma: PSS: DQE-senpai, stop your worrying

Matsukaze Tenma: PSSS: I can see you doing it even though I'm not there

Matsukaze Tenma: PSSSS: Same goes for you San-san

Matsukaze Tenma: PSSSSS: Same goes for- aw, screw it. Just stop your worrying guys, I'm merely going to troll one of the most powerful men in the current soccer world ^.^ I'll be fine~

The brunet grins cheekily at the messages he sends and then quickly turns off his phone, throwing it in his bag and zipping said bag up. He hurriedly makes his way to the door of the changing room and opens it, throwing a look at the two men waiting outside. They don't seem suspicious of him, so he allows himself the small victory of having avoided putting attention on himself.

''Are you ready?'' asks the man who gave him permission to grab his bag, still in his emotionless voice, and the brunet gives a quick confirmation. The agent nods and gestures for the boy to walk between them again, continuing on their way out of the stadium.

They leave through a back exit and they walk to the end of the alley the door lead to. Once there, Tenma's eyes widen at the sight of a dark grey car with black windows, the Fifth Sector logo on the front.

''Get inside,'' orders one agent, the other already opening the door of the car. Tenma doesn't allow his fear to show and instead straightens his back and lifts his chin, his way of defying Fifth Sector, as he enters the car.

He's surprised when he sees that there is already someone sitting in the backseat. The time traveler quickly puts up a calm mask and sits down in the last free seat, the agent of Fifth Sector closing the door behind him. As the car engine starts, the brunet inspects the man next to him.

He's still young, younger than coach Endou. He has blueish black, spiky hair and dark, serious eyes. He wears a grey suit with a black tie and black gloves. Tenma recognizes him as one of his coach's old teammates and Gouenji's right-hand man in Fifth Sector. Not a person who will cause him harm, then.

Even so, the brunet is a bit unsettled by his appearance. Of course Gouenji must act careful – anyone who really works for Fifth Sector might harm him, so his personal advisor and friend is the most logical choice.

Tenma hides a frown. Knowing that this man was one of Gouenji's teammates, it's very likely that he has a secret identity as well. The thing is... Tenma doesn't know who this secret identity is, and it leaves him wary and careful.

The brunet finally remembers his real name to be Utsunomiya Toramaru. The man is taking his own time to inspect the young soccer player in front of him and Tenma waits patiently for the man to meet his eyes.

When he finally does, the brunet gives a small nod in greeting. Toramaru raises an eyebrow at the lack of fear in his eyes, but then his expression closes off again, an emotionless mask decorating his face. ''Matsukaze Tenma,'' he finally speaks. ''I am Oshita Takeshi, personal advisor to the Holy Emperor.''

He seems to wait for the younger player to react. The time traveler bows his head in respect. ''It- it is an honor to meet you, sir,'' he answers, making sure to stumble a little. They have a stare down for a second and then Tenma looks down, fidgeting a bit for good measure. The older man is still looking at him and the tension in the car becomes thicker with the second. Toramaru- no, Oshita is waiting for the brunet to break down and ask the inevitable question. Tenma, however is not going to give in so easily.

After it becomes apparent that the young player is not going to talk, Oshita continues talking. ''The Holy Emperor has summoned you. Are you aware of the reason why?''

There's only one thought in the brunet's mind once he hears that question. 'No way am I going to answer that.' So, he does the thing he does best.

Avoid the question.

He bites his lip and his eyes flicker to Oshita's face for barely a second before looking away again. ''I- I'm not completely sure, sir. I- I guess that the Holy Emperor is a very busy man, I mean, he has to lead a whole organization. I... I guess it's important for him to know a bit about the teams in the Holy Road tournament, yet I haven't heard of him summoning other individual players before,'' he murmurs, voice softer than it would be usually.

Oshita nods, a slight crinkle between his eyebrows forming a small frown. ''It is rare, but not unheard of,'' he says finally. ''For example, players who might be a danger to Fifth Sector's soccer. Do you have anything to say about that?'' in other words, do you have anything to say about the rebellious actions of your team?

The brunet shrugs uncomfortably and lowers his shoulders a little, casting another quick glance at the man's face. ''I- I can understand that, I guess,'' he says slowly and softly. Before Oshita can say anything else, he quickly continues. ''Fifth Sector is an important organization that takes care of the Jr. High soccer teams and- well, I imagine that that isn't easy. Troublemakers probably can't be tolerated, because, well, it could cause a lot of chaos, I guess?

''Not only for Fifth Sector, but also for other teams that might face those troublemakers. It- it could lead to a bad match, which would ruin it for teams who follow the rules, I think? Of course, soccer is a free sport so a bit of freedom is needed, but it goes much deeper than that – sponsors, audience, the people in the background

''So, well, one pawn in this game of chess that moves unexpectedly could cause major problems for all of those groups, I think, and it would cause even more trouble to solve those problems without too much conflict. I- I mean, if one of the aforementioned groups is not in agreement with the higher ups and, especially if it's a large and influential group, refuses to do what is expected of them, it would be near impossible to solve it peacefully, right?

''As a matter of fact, it could rile the other groups up and end in one big conflict that would leave everything in chaos. I- I don't even want to think about all the paperwork, all the discussions and compromises that would have to be made. It would leave the whole Jr. High soccer world in disarray for months, I think.

''I guess what I'm trying to say is... troublemakers cannot be tolerated for it would cause more trouble than it's worth. Fifth Sector's ideals on this are completely understandable and legit and they have every reason to keep a short leash on the soccer teams that are currently participating in the Holy Road tournament, especially considering that it would have more impact than just chaos.

''Seeing as the Holy Road tournament is also the election of the new Holy Emperor, the new Holy Emperor would have to deal with not only the switch to his new job but also the stress of keeping a sinking ship afloat. Doing that would ask for a highly competent man – or woman – who can deal with stress, knows enough about soccer to lead a soccer organization, knows all the rules and laws by heart, manages to stay calm when everything is falling apart and can still come out on top.''

The words leave a bitter taste in his mouth. 'Agreeing' with Fifth Sector's ideals. At least it fit its purpose, for he can see the lack of suspicion and confusion in Oshita's eyes – the man has completely fallen for his innocent demeanor. He has no idea what to say.

''You seem to have put a lot of thought in this,'' he settles on saying after a short while of silence.

Tenma immediately shakes his head. ''Oh no, sir. I was merely thinking out loud-'' which is true, because thinking up ways to avoid a question is hard ''-and it sounded logical to me, so...'' he shrugs. Then his eyes widen and he quickly looks down again, muttering an apology and hesitatingly glancing up again.

Oshita narrows his eyes and the time traveler forces himself not to tense. That would be a dead giveaway. And while he is planning on spilling a bit of his knowledge, he'll only do that once he sees Ishido Shuuji himself.

Eventually, the Emperor's right-hand man backs off and the rest of the ride is spend in silence. Tenma doesn't allow himself to relax though – not in the middle of enemy territory. Instead, he tries to think of ways to deal with the Holy Emperor.

In the end he settles on his usual method.

He'll just wing it.

  ~'0'~  

The only thing Tenma can come up with in order to describe the room the Holy Emperor is in, is 'throne room'. On a platform, connected to the normal floor level with a staircase, stands a large, throne-like chair. The floor and the walls are made of dark metal, decorating with metal colors. The logo of Fifth Sector is painted on the wall behind the throne. A hologram globe is floating in the middle of the room, the brightest light source there.

Left of the throne is the figure of a familiar man with pink hair, clothed in a white suit. Senguuji Daigo, former Holy Emperor and founder of Fifth Sector. Right from the throne stands Oshita, a perfect posture and an unreadable expression on his face.

On the throne sits a man with straight, slightly spiky white hair with azure highlights. He wears a red suit coat over a white shirt, matching red pants and grey combat boots. He has a black scarf around his neck, together with two necklaces. One of them partly hidden under his shirt with three orange beads, the other over his shirt with orange and green beads. In one ear he has a green and purple earing.

Brown eyes, so dark they almost look black, stare down at him. Cold and merciless, eyes of a man who instills fear in countless people. Enough to bring a full-grown man to his knees with just a single look.

Defiant grey stares back.

Head hold high proudly, Tenma doesn't look away from the Emperor's freezing orbs. Heavy silence hangs in the room, like the world is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

Something happens, in the form of a voice.

''So, that was quite the dramatic entrance your men made.''

The Emperor finally moves, a slight shift to show his surprise at the calm voice of a child who is supposed to cower in front of him. Instead, the child with eyes that have seen more than should be possible, meets his gaze without the slightest amount of uncertainty.

''Matsukaze Tenma,'' he speaks finally, acknowledging the boy.

Said boy inclines his head for a moment, eyes not leaving the Emperor's. ''Ishido Shuuji... san,'' he adds the suffix after a second of hesitation. Calling the Emperor by his (fake) name is a risk in itself, but without a suffix? Tenma might be reckless but he's not stupid.

The silence returns, but the time traveler is not going to stand and wait for the Emperor to take the upper hand. So he raises a curious eyebrow, the image of innocent first-year in the car completely replaced by that of a young man who seems like he's exactly where he's supposed to be.

''Any reason you scared everyone in the stadium half to death? I know Fifth Sector likes their flair, but this seems a bit far-fetched,'' he says nonchalantly, as if inquiring about the weather. Then, as an afterthought, he adds, ''...sir.''

''Oh?'' Ishido lifts his head from where it was lazily supported by his hand, cool curiosity in his dark eyes. ''How unusual. A child, talking back to me?''

Tenma's lips curl upwards in a small smile. ''Yes, I believe that's how a conversation works,'' he tells the man dryly. ''Though, I suppose it's not exactly 'talking back'. More precisely would be a child, questioning your methods.''

The Emperor's expression is a blank mask but something akin to amusement shines in his brown orbs. ''You call yourself a child,'' he states, waiting for the brunet to fill in the silence.

The time traveler's smile grows, a slightly mocking tint to it yet not enough to be noticed yet. ''I am thirteen, sir. I do believe that is classified as a child and in some cases, a teenager. Not that physical age matters, of course.''

''I do believe you are right about that,'' the Emperor tells him as a wordplay on the boy's own words, not able to hide his morbid curiosity any longer as his lips tilt upwards a little. ''You are not like the average thirteen-year-old,'' he observes out loud.

Tenma's smile grows out to a smirk. ''Well, the average thirteen-year-old doesn't start a revolution, now does he?'' he questions, the tiniest hint of taunting in his voice.

Ishido's smile vanishes into thin air, a calculating and suspicious look replacing the amusement. ''A revolution, you say?'' he repeats, his voice cold.

Raimon's time traveler raises an eyebrow, his amused and knowing smirk widening. ''Yes. Sir,'' he adds, again a split second too late.

''You seem awfully informed about your team's situation.''

A soft chuckle escapes Tenma's lips and he tilts his head mockingly, his eyes flashing blue for a moment. ''But of course sir, I am the one who started it, after all,'' he states without hesitation. ''I do like to do some research before throwing myself head first into an unknown situation.''

The moment his words register in the Emperor's mind, Ishido's eyes narrow dangerously and he straightens. ''You realize that by confirming your involvement in the start of this 'revolution' you speak of, though I would rather call it a childish temper tantrum, puts you in a bad situation, right?'' he questions.

The time traveler can see the gears in Ishido's head working, trying to find a logical explanation for the sudden, unexpected turn the conversation has taken. Raimon's future captain smirks. ''Perhaps. But I don't believe it changes all that much – you already knew of my involvement, didn't you? After all, you have been spying on me.'' As Ishido's eyes narrow cautiously, a mocking laugh leaves the brunet's lips. ''A clever idea, I have to give you that, putting Amemiya Taiyou on me.''

''He told you?'' the Emperor's voice is more like a hiss now and Tenma knows he has managed to break Ishido's composure, even as he shakes his head. The man's eyes widen. ''Then how do you know?''

The brunet lets his smirk shrink to a taunting smile, amusement clearly shining in his grey orbs. ''Oh, I knew all along. Honestly, your Holiness,'' he drawls out the word, sarcasm dripping from his voice, ''you do not have as much control over Raimon as you would like to believe.''

''What do you mean with that?'' Ishido's voice is tight and his posture is tense. Beside him, both Senguuji and Oshita are tense as well, cautious eyes trained on the form of the brunet.

Tenma gives a nonchalant shrugs. ''It's simple, really. I am part of Raimon.'' At the narrowed eyes of the Emperor, he lifts his chin high, his lips pulled up into a small half smile. ''You hold no power over me, Emperor. No matter what you try or how you try to influence me, I hold knowledge that will always allow me to break free from your grasp.'' His eyes flash blue.

The tense silence settles and continues on. The Emperor observes the boy- no, a mere boy would not be able to play him like this -in front of him. Being so unsettled in his own headquarters, by a child who shouldn't even know the ways of the upper class yet is driving him into a corner without any visible effort, is something that he has not yet experienced before.

Matsukaze Tenma is truly a dangerous opponent.

The problem is, the Emperor cannot tell where that danger comes from. The boy in front of him is a complete enigma, layer upon layer hiding the secrets that lie deep under the surface. He has never encountered a person like this before.

Then his eyes are drawn to the boy's glowing orbs.

''Enough of these word games,'' he says sharply, trying to get some sort of semblance back. ''You are here because you used an unknown form of energy manipulation in the match between Raimon and Kaiou.''

The brunet inclines his head in agreement. ''That is true.''

Ishido's eyes narrow. ''What is this form of energy manipulation?'' he asks, getting straight to the point.

Tenma lifts his head, a smile playing on his lips that unsettles the Emperor even though he should be the one to control the situation. ''It's called a Soul, sir,'' he tells the man on the throne. ''A rare form of energy that is present in every human being. A part of human evolution, if you will. However, only a few people in the whole world have enough power to bring out their Soul in what is called a Soul Trance. I am one of those people.''

The Emperor observes him, trying to find any sign of a lie, but though the brunet is hard to read, there is only honesty in his gaze. ''And what exactly can these 'Souls' do?''

''A few things,'' answers Tenma vaguely. ''Control a certain element, depending on the user. Enhance the user's physical abilities. Those are the basic two skills, the other parts I cannot talk about without permission.''

''Permission from whom?'' a sharp edge in his voice.

The time traveler shakes his head. ''My trainer and sponsor of the Soul project. I am not allowed to tell you without their consent,'' he tells him – which is true, since he technically can't talk about Souls or anything related to other organizations without consent from the chairman of the Japan Youth Soccer Association – which is Gouenji in his time.

''Can you bring me in contact with this person?'' Ishido is getting frustrated now.

Tenma shakes his head again. ''They are currently unavailable. However, I can tell you that they have researched this form of energy thoroughly and found no reason to forbid it.''

For the first time since the conversation between the young player and the Holy Emperor started, one of the other two men speak up. ''Yet you still used an unidentified form of energy manipulation during an official match,'' accuses Senguuji sharply.

The brunet shifts his eyes towards the man, who is stunned by the amount of confidence in his glowing blue orbs. ''The rulebook of the Holy Road tournament, chapter 8, page 56, rule number 107. Forms of energy manipulation not stated in the rulebook are considered legal as long as it does not go against any other existing rules. Soul energy doesn't break any of those rules, I have checked it myself multiple times and so has my trainer.''

The Emperor narrows his eyes and Tenma's eyes shift back to him when he speaks. ''That might be so, but that doesn't mean we can accept this,'' he says, his tone showing he wants to add something.

Before he can, however, the time traveler speaks. ''Ah, Article No. 5 Management Committee,'' says the brunet, a mocking smile growing on his face. ''The rule that states that Fifth Sector can change the rules about soccer at any time they want to.''

(The rule that allowed Seidouzan to be switched for Dragon Link.)

''You weren't really thinking of using that now, were you?'' the brunet fakes a shocked tone even though the amused, taunting smile doesn't leave his lips. ''Why would you? Nothing has proven Soul energy to be going against the current rules.

''I see no other reason to forbid it – perhaps that it would be unfair to other teams, but that argument can be brought down by the idea that Fifth Sector will start their research on Souls the minute I leave this room. And what is the research of Japan's biggest soccer organization against a mere child?''

He covers his mouth in faked realization, a dramatic gasp escaping him, clearly mocking them. ''Oh my, it wouldn't be because you are scared of me, would it?'' he laughs disdainfully. ''What a surprise. Scared of a poor, first-year student, whatever would that do to your reputation if the media found out? And trust me, they will find out. After all, they're quite resourceful and if I can come to this conclusion, so can they.'' He shrugs, waiting for them to take the bait. ''Maybe they'll even come up with something worse – after all, the press has no limits.''

''Mind your tone, boy!'' snaps Senguuji, taking a threatening step forward. He halts when Ishido holds up a hand to stop him. ''Holy Emperor...?'' he asks.

The Emperor doesn't look away from the young brunet. ''You bring up valid points, I'll give you that.'' His tone sounds almost complimenting, but the time traveler isn't fooled. As the boy doesn't react, Ishido decides to continue. ''Yet how can you be so sure we will not force you to show us all the secrets about these Souls? You must have figured out by now that we are resourceful enough.''

The brunet inclines his head slightly in confirmation. ''Of course I know that,'' he states calmly, lifting his head again and meeting the Emperor's cold gaze head-on. ''But you couldn't.''

''Couldn't?'' repeats Ishido, raising an eyebrow curiously. ''Why ever not?''

Tenma's lips twitch upwards. ''Your very public summoning of me has assured me of that. Tell me, what do you think would happen if I did not return to Raimon? Or if I did, covered in injuries? The press is your greatest weapon and your greatest enemy, Emperor.''

The Holy Emperor hums thoughtfully. ''Oh... you seem to be very confident in your little beliefs, don't you?'' his words sound mocking, but the way his eyes darken show that Tenma's words have reached their target. ''I will get that information, no matter what I have to do. You know that.''

The brunet nods in agreement even though it's not a question. ''You will. I know you will. But you know you can't use your usual methods, can you?'' he smirks. ''Maybe you should follow the law, if you don't want any trouble?''

Ishido narrows his eyes and forces a pleasant smile on his face. ''I suppose you have a point,'' he spats out. He then turns his eyes to the dark-haired male next to him. ''Oshita, I want you to contact Kino Aki immediately.''

''Right away, sir.''

(No, Tenma, accusing the Holy Emperor of being a stalker is not a good idea.)

He fights the temptation and instead points out something else. ''Sorry to disappoint you, Emperor,'' he says, and both Oshita and Ishido pause to look at him. ''But Kino Aki is not my legal guardian.''

The Emperor narrows his eyes. ''Oh? And who would that be, then?''

Tenma's lips curl upwards. ''That would be my parents, back in Okinawa. You can try to contact them, but I must tell you that they have a very busy schedule.'' The Emperor's eyes narrow in annoyance.

''Very well then. Names?''

''Matsukaze Shiori and Matsukaze Kichirou.''

Ishido looks at Oshita and the younger man bows. ''I will get right onto it, sir,'' he promises, quickly leaving the room through a door that is hidden in the shadows.

The Emperor then shifts his gaze to Senguuji. ''Call the council together, we will have a meeting in an hour,'' he orders.

Senguuji nods. ''Understood, sir.'' He quickly follows Oshita through the hidden door, leaving Tenma alone with the Emperor. Dark eyes settle onto him, the silence in the room tense and heavy.

The brunet isn't sure if he should be relieved or not. On one hand, the real enemy – Senguuji Daigo – is no longer present. On the other hand, the man in front of him is the Holy Emperor Ishido Shuuji and not the one who saved him all those years ago. Gouenji Shuuya is hiding behind a mask and Tenma isn't sure how deep that mask goes.

''I wonder, did you plan this all out or do you make it up as you go?''

Ishido's question comes as a surprise and Tenma shifts a bit, the only sign that the Emperor startled him. The time traveler stays silent, not entirely sure what to expect now.

Seems like the tables have turned.

The Holy Emperor surprises him again by standing up from his throne, but this time the brunet keeps a strong grasp on his outward appearance. He doesn't even twitch a finger as Ishido walks down the steps that lead to the platform of the throne, all the while looking at the younger player.

The man walks right past him and Tenma listens to his footsteps. After a moment they stop and he can feel the Emperor's eyes on him.

''You are interesting.'' Ishido's voice isn't as loud as before yet heard clearly in the silence of the room that is only broken by the sound of their breathing. ''You are much more aware of things around you than you lead others to believe, aren't you?''

Tenma doesn't turn around even as he answers. ''It depends on who you ask.''

Ishido chuckles with cold malice. ''If they can see through the mask or not, you mean,'' he states in an attempt to rile the brunet up.

Said brunet replies calmly, not falling for the bait. ''If you want to see it like that, then in a way I suppose you are right. I am not one to share all my secrets,'' he answers vaguely. ''In fact, you might be surprised by what you will find. I know many things I'm not supposed to. People's deepest thoughts, secrets thought to be impossible to figure out, who knows? Maybe I even know the future.''

The Emperor laughs at that. ''No one knows the future,'' he says mockingly. Tenma can hear his footsteps as the man starts to walk again, moving past the boy and stopping a few feet in front of him. ''But you are certainly bold, I'll give you that. Your words would be threatening, if they were true.'' A cruel smile plays on the Emperor's lips as he turns around to lock eyes with the brunet. ''But you are bluffing, of course. Your lies are carefully covered, but I am not a man to fall for such things as easily as you would expect.''

The time traveler surprises him by laughing, filled with real amusement. Once the laughter has stopped, Raimon's future captain tilts his head, an unreadable smile on his face. ''Perhaps that is the reason I am telling you this.''

Ishido's eyebrows narrow in confusion and he takes a long moment to observe the young teenager in front of him. He seems to come to a conclusion, for the thoughtful look on his face disappears and he speaks again. ''I wonder, what are you? A fool, or an emperor in your own right?''

''Perhaps a bit of both, your Holiness.''

Ishido throws his head back and laughs. ''Ha! Well, you are certainly brave, young Matsukaze. 'A bit of both', huh?'' his eyes sparkle in mirth. ''You don't have anything else to say about yourself?''

Tenma simply smiles. ''As long as you do not believe me, why should I waste my words on a man who is too caught up in his power to come down from his throne? You will not listen to me right now, so I will not talk.''

The Holy Emperor narrows his eyes at him, clearly hearing the insult in his words. When he speaks, his voice is a cold hiss. ''You watch your tongue, child, or you will pay the consequences!'' he turns his back to the brunet in freezing fury.

The time traveler tilts his head mockingly, his eyes flashing blue. His voice is soft and closer to a whisper than anything else, filled with a promise of secrets that are hidden by the howling of the wind. ''I am not afraid of you, Ishido Shuuji.''

Ishido stills at that and for a moment the world seems to hold its breath. Then the Emperor whirls around, his eyes focusing on the young player in front of him. ''You should be. I am the Holy Emperor of Fifth Sector.''

Tenma raises one mocking eyebrow, his lips twitching into a confident smile. ''That doesn't change anything,'' he says softly, yet with a voice filled with resolve. ''You see, I am not afraid of Fifth Sector either.''

The Emperor narrows his eyes. ''You should be.''

Raimon's time traveler takes a moment to entertain that thought, but then shakes his head slowly. ''No.'' This time, his voice is louder yet still calm. ''No, I really don't think I should.''

Silence falls between them. The man thinks his words over, observing everything about the situation and the unreadable teen in front of him. The boy awaits the Emperor's reaction calmly, clouded in secrets, the wind that is a part of him blowing anyone away who might attempt to crack his mask.

Ishido is the one to break the silence.

''Very well then, if that is what you want to believe, foolish boy.'' Despite his harsh words, his voice is like silk. The Emperor turns around and walks back towards the steps. Once he has reached the top of the stairs, he crosses the few feet that separate him from his throne and sits down again. ''As long as we have not yet made a decision, I cannot allow you to leave.''

The only reaction he gets is a slight narrowing of grey eyes.

''Your rooms will be your containment. I'm sure you understand that we can't have a child walk the halls of our headquarters unsupervised,'' mocks the Emperor. ''I will call for you when I need more information or when I have made my decision. Until then, you are dismissed.''

Tenma makes a perfect bow in what would be respect if it came from anyone else, his posture perfectly submissive and his expression blank. ''If that is what his Holiness commands, I suppose I have no choice.''

Somehow he still manages to make it look taunting.

  ~'0'~  

And that was that! Muhahaha, Tenma is still in Fifth Sector's ''custody'' so he's not out of trouble yet!

Anyway, see you next chapter, which, again, could be either tonight or tomorrow!

- Yara Meijer