Inside a room as big as a hall. Rauf stood amid, gazing at large computer screens surrounding him right and left. Looking back and forth, a tedious sigh escaped his lips. Beside him, Nidou sat gurgling his sports drink one over another. "What is there to sigh so tediously about? Is the king of pirates that bored?" he teased.
"Coach Nidou… how long do we have until the world cup commences?" Rauf questioned instead. "The world cup? We have four months at the very least to prepare those freaks." Nidou responded. Rauf gazed at the screen seriously which revealed the faces of the middle schoolers drastically improving in their progress test. Nidou grinned, "Not bad… it hasn't even been a month and they have already had a grasp on their strength and skills..."
"It is less than improvement. At this rate, I'm afraid we won't be able to rule the world this time as well." Rauf interrupted. Nidou eyed him grim. Suddenly, the door opened as Drake, Kortes and Seles walked in soon seating themselves on the nearby couches. "How's the progress going?" Rauf questioned. Seles smiled, "Well, you are already seeing everything right before your eyes. So, why ask? Instead tell us. Is this what you were expecting form them?" Rauf closed his eyes turning around.
"You know Rauf, it hasn't even been a month since they have adapted themselves here, and in the meantime a lot's of things have happened. Many have already given up the gruesome training and left, others did it for personal reasons and conflicts. Moreover, we even lost a prodigy like Hugo into the hands of England. So I think us moving steadily like this is better. What do you think coach Nidou?" asked Kortes. Nidou gazed at the roof silent.
"Moreover, their change is drastic. Azazel's balling while Heber's batting a classic pair from the Eden's academy, has genuinely evolved themselves in terms of strength and power. While Adam's, Kenzo's, and Feng's batting has gone on a whole different level. Ezekiel despite his troublesome laziness has also improved. Poseidon is doing a lot better from his health's perspective. Even his balling has evolved. Just like they say, not even death can stop a man from evolving that goes on for Gabriel as well, his power is monstrous in terms of all of them." Drake explained.
"Cassiel's insight of predictions have also enhanced. Up to the point of Nagi's measurements if I tell you. As for the all-rounders… they have not only just changed, they have revealed a side of them I've never seen before. Exceptional talents and hidden abilities are continuously being born from them. Seraph, Helios, Ryan and Xavier. I cannot say if this test has even revealed any of their true abilities." Drake concluded keeping the files on the table.
"This time… the path of our victory is illuminated. Rauf, don't stand conflicted. The world is indeed harsh however, I'm sure that these boys will be able to do it." Seles encouraged. "HAHA! Far from good… Seles my boy. Their real training hasn't even begin." Nidou smirked. All of a sudden Rauf smiled. "Heh… they're finally back." he whispered awaiting.
"Hun?" Kortes asked wonder while Nidou grinned. "Yeah… those brats took too long." he endorsed. Seles and Drake looked at each other puzzled. Suddenly the doors busted open.
"Heeh?! Don't tell me we're in the wrong room again~ Evan!" Nagi cried. "Nah, we're right this time." Evandor whispered. "Yep! Right where our captain is…" Senri gleamed. "Took you boys long enough." Rauf commented. "Haha! We're back captain!!" gleamed Orion rushing towards Rauf and embracing him. "Oh my god! You grew up so tall and strong!!" admired Aigou with stars in his eyes. "How are you doing, Rauf?" asked Evandor patting Rauf's shoulder, a relived smile resting his lips. "Never better. How about you all? How was Australia?" Rauf asked back.
"No!! Don't ask!! Forget Australia! We even went to china!! Never in the world am I travelling the world again!!" Noah cried exhausted. Rauf eyed them silent, utterly unknown of their situation. "Huh? But China was so good! I really liked their Teriyaki!" Elias told. Isa and Aigou blinked speechless, "Teriyaki is in Japan…" they corrected. "Ah!! My bad. Haha…" Elias corrected awkwardly.
"It was Wontons, Elias. How many times am I supposed to correct you there?" amended Senri. "Geez… such a bunch." Commented Drake as Nidou grinned. "You boys have it really easy going haven't you?" Kortes questioned. "No way~ we've been working our heads off all this time." Nagi sighed. "Haha! I just can't wait to pull out, all that information you've gained from outside." stated Drake. "With Pleasure." replied Isa.
"HAHA!" Ren laughed gazing at Rauf. "Seems like were right on time. Our captain was bored. Weren't you Rauf?" he asked mischievously. Zach nodded beside him, "Your face tells…" Rauf sighed giving up. "I was…" he spoke however dragged his sentence for too long.
The twelve of them blinked their eyes for an answer however Rauf interrupted, "Never mind, since you're all back. Let's get to the point." "What?!" they shrieked together.
"At least complete your sentence!! How much I wanted to hear that bored part~" uttered Ren. Rauf blinked his eyes awkwardly, instantly realizing he questioned, "Where's Aaron and Kazuna?" Evandor sighed, "Aaron will be back shortly after his concert. As for Kazuna…" he pointed at the door.
Rauf glanced at the door tracing Kazuna's figure, standing with his back on the door with his eyes closed. "That little brat has gotten a lot taller, hasn't he?" Rauf whispered. Senri nodded.
"Hey…" called Orion gazing at the screen. All of them looked at him. "Are they those middle schoolers we came here for?" he asked surprised. "Hm… not half bad." Responded Nagi eyeing the screen. "Heh, they're strong. Looks like I underestimated them a little." spoke Senri, "Right Kazuna?" Kazuna upon his words, stared at the screen. "Hmph, They will only tell us if they are worthy or not once we play against them." he stated.
"Woho!! Look at that little boy with golden hairs! His smashing power is on a whole different level. The ball just flew like a rocket!! It is already a six!!" pointed Aigou excitedly. "That curly black head is not a bad baller himself." commented Nagi.
"Now, if you all saw them, then let me tell you, that amongst all those fifty brats we invited to the training camp, these fourteen have the utmost potential to raise our country's flag. However, the potential that I am speaking off needs to pulled out. And, for that I need you all." Rauf spoke to them seriously.