[video]

[whatpenguin]

[Even though the feed's started, Genda's quiet for a moment or so - it's unclear if he doesn't know the video's running, or if he's just nervous. But he does speak after a bit of silence, his face serious.]

Hello. I am... Er.
My name is Genda Koujirou - I am the goalkeeper of Neo Japan, if anyone is familiar with my team. I have a few questions, for those willing to listen and answer them. Please be respectful - I am new to all of this, so...

[How did Coach Hitomiko put it?]

... So backtalk won't be tolerated, alright?

[... Augh - he shakes his head at that, steeling himself again. Talking to presumably a lot of people - it's got him nervous. But his Coach wouldn't be nervous like this, and neither would the rest of his team!]

I want to know just a few things.
Was our world really "destroyed"? Is there real, tangible proof?
And where are we? Looking out the windows, there was only fog as far as I could see... it's odd.
Is there a way out of here?

[He pauses then, looking to the side, before looking back; he doesn't really want to believe there isn't, but...]

... If there is no way out, I have just a couple questions.
Is there a way to stay preoccupied? And what kind of animals live here?
Also, is there a soccer field? Or, at the very least, a field large enough for one?

Comments

[whatpenguin]

[Mhm, sure.

But he... has to stop himself from pulling the smaller soccer player into a crushing hug, since. This is Sakuma. ... Sakuma's kind of cold about things like that.

So instead, he gets one of Genda's goofy grins and a nod in greeting.]

Hey!

... Even though it's this kind of circumstance, it's good to see you, Sakuma.

[kickspenguins]

I would've preferred to finally see you again at a different time too but I guess it can't be helped.

So have you been okay? [Other than suddenly waking up in a tower of no escape with things that want to kill you.]

[whatpenguin]

Of course. As okay as one can be under Coach Hitomiko's schedule, I mean.

[But other than that, no - he's fine!]

How about you? You look uninjured.

[kickspenguins]

Of course I'm uninjured. Like I said, I haven't been here long to be subjected to whatever tests they do.

[whatpenguin]

That doesn't matter. I'm not sure what other dangers this tower holds - it might not just be experiments lurking about every corner, after all.

But I'm glad. It's nice to see you in top form.

[... That might have been a bit of a bitter glint behind his eyes, but he doesn't let it surface.

Though, it's easily interpreted as "It's nice to see you in top form, especially as one of our representatives."]

[kickspenguins]

[Maybe Sakuma notices but he doesn't mention it.]

You're right, we shouldn't slack off. There's nothing wrong with being prepared after all. Which reminds me-- using hissatsu techniques. Normally they're for on the soccer field.

[whatpenguin]

But if our life is in danger, I see nothing wrong with using them in defense off of the soccer field.

[Except maybe Drill Smasher.]

Kidou agreed with me when I had brought it up with him.

[kickspenguins]

Well if Kidou agrees... [Only he has a problem.] All my techniques are combos though. Except for that other one. [That he doesn't want to mention.]

[whatpenguin]

I can teach you my two Power Shields, if you'd like.
That way you're not harming anyone, and you may use them on your own.

[Yeah, he doesn't want to hear it, so everyone's good.]

[kickspenguins]

[But those are blocks. What if he wants to attack something? Maybe he'll come up with something else more fitting for a forward...]

I guess it can't hurt to have those as backups.

[whatpenguin]

Well, I could teach you Drill Smasher if you're not looking for "backups".

[That's said a bit teasingly - it's the only hissatsu that Genda could use offensively, though...]

[kickspenguins]

If you're offering then why not.

[It's okay, the three of them can probably come up with some more offensive ones.]

[whatpenguin]

I warn you - it's a lot more difficult than it looks.

It would probably cause some grisly damage, as well.

[Probably! Hopefully, anyway.]

[kickspenguins]

[Okok, sakka kids running around the tower causing havoc. Sounds like a plan.]

I think I can handle it. Besides, if there's something threatening our lives don't you think you should be able to deal damage?

[Running away all the time doesn't sound like much of a plan.]

[whatpenguin]

Of course.

It's settled then - I will teach you all of my useful hissatsu techniques.

[A pause.]

I have just one condition, though.

[kickspenguins]

[He gives Genda a curious look.]

Which is...?

[whatpenguin]

The next time I do something stupid, forgive me.

[A pause.]

Think of it as a "get out of jail free" card.

[kickspenguins]

[His curiosity immediately turns into irritation.]

You're planning on doing something stupid, aren't you. What are you going to do.

[Those aren't questions, Genda. They're demands.]

[whatpenguin]

...

[He looks away then, one of his hands going up to rub the back of his head.]

I'm sorry, Sakuma. I can't tell you.

[kickspenguins]

Why not.

[Good going. Way to make him suspicious.]

[whatpenguin]

[NOPE.
NOPE NOPE.

Genda's face is a little red now, and he's just... looking at everything but Sakuma.]

Please, just trust me on this..!

[kickspenguins]

[This new reaction is just making Sakuma want to know more. Obviously whatever stupid thing Genda's planning involves him if he's asking for Sakuma to not get mad preemptively.

Avoiding him? Well, Sakuma's just going to step closer and force Genda to look at him.]

Tell. Me.

[whatpenguin]

Eh -

[Oh. Being... forced to look at him, okay. That just makes Genda more nervous, so his eyes are kind of. Darting a bit, trying so hard not to look him in the. ... Eye.]

I can't - I really, really can't!

[Stop it, Sakuma; this is embarrassing him...;]

Sakuma, I'm sorry, but I swear I can't. Not yet, I mean - I'll tell you soon, but not now!

[kickspenguins]

[Sakuma stares at him with his eye narrowed for a moment longer before he backs off.]

Fine, forget it then. I'll pass on learning your hissatsu techniques.

[Because if it's stupid enough for Genda to act this way? Even if he promises not to, Sakuma's sure he'll get mad anyway.]

[whatpenguin]

...

[He can't help looking down at his feet then, and shakes his head.]

... I'll teach you them anyway, whatever.
You would probably get mad at me anyway, and I'm used to your anger by now.