The Clash Trigger trials concluded with the top-ranked players displayed on the holographic board. Ryusei's name stood prominently among the top scorers, earning him a spot as an All-Rounder. While he had expected to advance, the weight of the title carried more than skill—it carried responsibility.
"Ryu, we did it! We're in the top ten!" Kenji cheered, his excitement spilling over.
Ryusei gave a small nod, his mind elsewhere. The trials had been grueling, but now came the real challenge: joining an official team and competing in the league.
As the selected players were directed to the main hall for team assignments, Ryusei felt an odd tension building in his chest. Something—or someone—was waiting for him.
---
The New Team
The hall buzzed with excitement as players were called to join their respective teams. Coaches and captains scanned the crowd, assessing the fresh talent. Ryusei stood silently, his gaze sharp and focused.
"Next up, Team Aomari Vanguard!" the organizer announced.
Ryusei's name was the first called, followed by Kenji and several others. As the team gathered, a tall figure emerged from the crowd, his presence commanding attention.
"Wait, isn't that...?"
"No way! It's Hasegawa Ryota, last year's MVP!"
Ryusei froze as the name echoed through the hall. Slowly, he turned to see a man with broad shoulders, dark hair, and sharp, familiar eyes approaching the team.
"Ryusei," the man said, his voice calm but firm.
"Ryota…" Ryusei whispered, his chest tightening.
Hasegawa Ryota, his older brother, stood before him. Though they hadn't seen each other in years, there was no mistaking the bond they shared.
"You're on my team now," Ryota said, his tone unreadable.
Kenji's jaw dropped. "Wait, he's your brother? You never told me you had a brother, let alone the Hasegawa Ryota!"
Ryusei didn't respond, his mind racing. Memories of their childhood flashed through his mind—moments of laughter and warmth, but also the painful separation that tore their family apart.
---
A Tense Reunion
The team was led to a private training room, where Ryota wasted no time asserting his authority.
"Listen up," Ryota began, his voice firm and commanding. "I'm your captain, and I don't care about your rankings or past achievements. On this team, you earn your place through skill and effort. Got it?"
The team nodded, though Ryusei's gaze remained locked on his brother.
"Ryusei," Ryota said, singling him out. "As an All-Rounder, you're expected to adapt to any situation. Can you handle that?"
Ryusei met his brother's gaze, his voice steady. "I wouldn't be here if I couldn't."
A flicker of something—pride, perhaps—crossed Ryota's face, but it disappeared just as quickly.
"Good," Ryota said. "Training starts now."
---
The First Test
The team was divided into two groups for a practice match. Ryusei found himself on the opposing side of Ryota, who played as an All-Rounder as well.
"Don't hold back, little brother," Ryota called out, his tone challenging yet teasing.
Ryusei tightened his grip on his gear. "I won't."
The match began, and Ryusei quickly took control of his team's strategy, coordinating attacks and defenses with precision. He moved fluidly across the field, his instincts sharp and unerring.
But Ryota was a force to be reckoned with. His movements were calculated, his commands decisive. He seemed to anticipate Ryusei's every move, countering with ease.
"You're too predictable, Ryusei," Ryota taunted as he blocked an attempt to capture the flag.
Ryusei clenched his teeth, refusing to let frustration take over. Instead, he adjusted his approach, feinting an attack before redirecting his efforts elsewhere.
The match ended in a draw, but the tension between the brothers lingered.
---
After the Match
As the team gathered to review their performance, Ryota pulled Ryusei aside.
"You've improved," Ryota said, his tone softer than before.
"Thanks," Ryusei replied, unsure how to navigate this unfamiliar dynamic.
Ryota hesitated before adding, "It's good to see you again. I didn't think… I didn't think you'd take an interest in CT."
Ryusei looked away. "I didn't plan to. It just… happened."
The weight of unspoken words hung between them. Both brothers carried scars from their past, but neither knew how to bridge the gap that had grown over the years.
"Well," Ryota said, breaking the silence. "If you're serious about this, I won't go easy on you. Being my brother doesn't mean you get special treatment."
"I wouldn't expect it," Ryusei replied, his voice firm.
As they rejoined the team, Ryusei couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The return of his brother added another layer of complexity to his journey, but it also reignited a spark within him.
For the first time in a long time, Ryusei felt the stirrings of hope—not just for himself, but for the possibility of mending the fractured bond between them.
The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Ryusei wasn't fighting alone anymore.