Anime Rework - Inazuma Eleven Orion Part Two: Football Frontier Intentional Tournament Group Stage

With more creative liberty then Part Two of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake we are back to continue the reworking of Orion. This part of the rework will be taking a large amount of creative liberties with due to how the second half of the actual anime went. When Orion was in the process of being hyped up we were told about how it was going to be the largest Inazuma Eleven anime to date but we did not get and and by the end we ended up running match to match as the anime got cancelled and needed to wrap up, let's have some fun here and act like that never happened and we get the full build in what I would have in a full non cancelled anime. As ever here are the links to the two parts of this Ares & Orion rework.

Ares: https://ramblingsofenglishman.blogspot.com/2020/05/anime-rework-inazuma-eleven-ares.html

Orion Part 1: https://ramblingsofenglishman.blogspot.com/2020/07/anime-rework-inazuma-eleven-orion.html

For a quick recap we left our heroes on the plane to Russia with Gouenji telling them that Asuto, Nosaka and Haizaki will be the three to inherit Last Resort and that Orion had announced an expansion to the tournament to allow more teams of which one of their main teams China (and some other but not overly mentioned as they won't be plot relevent) will now play a part. This also was effected by Li Yuchen escaped by way of Li Hao and now she will be helping Inazuma Japan at their base with Li Hao. We didn't get a chance to speak about Li Yuchen last time but now she is away from Orion she is more calm but regretful at all she has done and now wants to help and takes up a joint assistant coaching role with her brother. 

For reference all teams from here on out are full of Disciples of Orion except Japan, Spain & France. Spain now are captained by Clario Orvan the man who ruined Japan's last FFI and led his team to victory the young Spanish side of legend now known as 'Muteki no Giant' still has all of  Alonso Fibiano, Reinaldo Baraja, Luther Fandam & Bergamo Regult playing this is their chance to retain the trophy and the strong resolve of Spanish football means Orion could not break them. France really comes down to needing another non Orion team and we will use them later.

We get the group draw and Japan's group is as follows: 

• Japan
• USA
• Brazil
• England
• Holland

Japan know their first game is against Holland but first to training. We begin by highlighting the Holland team known as one of the most technical teams in Europe regimented in their 4-5-1 formation spearheaded by the striker and captain who is known by the nickname The Iceman. We see some clips of him playing the lethal finishing and ability to bring their midfield into the game while remaining emotionless (I will note now yes this player is inspired by Dennis Bergkamp in how he plays and it makes sense to me to base a character off of one of my favourite players).

Immediately Atsuya takes issue with him saying only one person controls the ice and it is him and he goes to train right away. While he is hot-headed about it Shirou explains he will be fine and with a key focus he could do well. 

Here is where the main trio begin to practice Last Resort and having difficulty with it as the other strikers practice with the goalkeepers keeping them up to speed. Kirina goes and speak with The Fubuki brothers as they practice a move between themselves saying about how all of them have been associated with Ice but not in the emotionless state if they only concentrate on attacking it could be a negative. Atsuya says they are done here and leaves saying he doesn't care for defending but agrees if Kirina they need to be ready in all circumstances so what can happen.

Ichihoshi is given special leave from training and uses this to meet up with Froy Girikanan. I want this version of Froy to be more distrusting of Orion outright stating it from the outright he wants to play football and hopes if they can win Orion will lay off and let him play. Ichihoshi asks what Orion is planning but Froy doesn't know he says they aren't really as full disciples with a bit of leeway given Froy's surname. He assures him that Russia will play fairly and have enough talent to face Japan in the knockout round and they'll be the one's winning. 

We kick off Japan's FFI against Holland, one thing to note is Nishikage isn't fully healed yet so Amano keeps his place. We see a packed crowd we see Clario Orvan in the crowd with Bergamo Regult. Bergamo questions why they are watching this game of two teams below them and Clario says he hears things about Japan and how they are free of Orion and much different to how they operate now they could end up being a threat but says he needs to see it with his eyes data is deceiving.

Match No.1: Inazuma Japan vs. Holland

Inazuma Japan Team as follows (3-5-2)

Amano
Mizukamiya - Taizen - Shirou
TC - Kirina
Nosaka - Asuto - Ichihoshi

Haizaki - Atsuya  

The game starts with Holland on the attack The Iceman doing all that was expected of him being on of the best technical players in Europe has it's advantages he scores with his Hissatsu shot and not only that but helps to stop White Double Impact from the Fubuki brothers to preserve the early 1-0 lead. Atsuya's rash nature has always needed Shirou to level it out and they are getting cut up by The Iceman and the Holland team. Zhao makes a switch with TC coming off for Mansaku and moving to a 4-4-2 Diamond with Ichihoshi at the base with Kirina at the right of the central midfield and Shirou at right back with Mansaku at left back. This has an effect to help the team and Ichihoshi slots into the defence while Shirou runs up the field. It is during this Atsuya realises how he can't win this fully on his own and needs help and formulated a plan. Shirou runs past the midfield right to begin the second half Kirina hits Koori no Ya up the field and the Fubuki brothers hit Hyouketsu no Gungnir in its first showing to beat the keepers Hissatsu and to bring the score to 1-1. The Iceman looks to the bench when this happens and the coach nods and brings a player inspired by Johan Cruyff. Right away he and the Iceman link up and Taizen gets sent with the Cruyff turn setting him clear and showing his Hissatsu shoot and just like that Holland are back in front at 2-1 and the emotionless Iceman finally cracks a smile as Holland bring on another defender. Japan struggle Shirou is running light tracking up and down the field with Atsuya getting blocked off with multiple block Hissatsu's and it is only through the use of The General to find a way through that Haizaki can his Shark The Deep for Japan's second and to tie the score and The Iceman gets angry. The match is even till the end and it is at the end here when Asuto boots the ball up high and the Fubuki brothers and Kirina combine one last time a move beyond all Ice moves before it Triple Blizzard but further, we will call it the Ice Age scoring and Japan get off to a winning start 3-2. 

Final Result: 

Inazuma Japan: 3 (Fubuki Brothers x1, Haizaki x1 & Fubuki Brothers & Kirina x1)
Holland: 2 (The Iceman x1, Cruyff Inspired player x1)

After the match The Iceman faces Asuto and smiles saying this game helped break through the icy exterior he has and now he can see Football in a different light, he knows they are still under Orion's thumb but hopes they can find a way out with this being the start and says should they both qualify the next time Japan faces Holland they will face a different Holland one led by real feelings of love for football. Clario leaves the stadium smiling at this point remarking on how Japan are not only better than the last Japanese team he faced but even more then their stats are paper show nothing of the real team as Bernard Girikanan looks on unsure whether to smile or to scowl. 

As the team return back on the coach Zhao gets a call from Endou saying how they need to speak when they get back. When the team get back and get off the bus Asuto is met by Inamori Masato and the scene how it plays in the anime plays here I felt this was fine.

  

As for what Endou was mentioned we get back to the Japan camp and we get our introduction in this series to Ichinose & Domon looking dishevelled when asked it is revelled that they were originally the coaches of the USA team for FFI but it got taken over by Orion. They recall it started with the captain of the American team Yoga recovering from injury and all of a sudden he was back faster stronger they didn't realise what had changed but it slowly started happening to everyone from Yoga to Cobra and the others soon followed before they knew it they had been replaced kicked out by the American football association and can only imagine they are now under the thumb of Orion. They regret not seeing this happen with what was happening to Youth Football around the world, worse being they have been replaced by their former Unicorn teammates in Mark & Dylan being overthrown by Orion was bad but for it to be former teammates and friends is what hurts the most, they know if Orion fails they can get back and make sure this can't happen again and with Japan in their group they knew it was their best opportunity and want to help. 

America will play a different formation to what they did in the anime with some positions changes entirely, this six defenders is rubbish when who's in the back row of defenders is the one scoring. Out with 3-3-2-2 and in with 4-4-2 Diamond. Our two main characters are Yoga & Cobra I would have as the key midfielders with Yoga operating as the defensive midfielder and Cobra as the attacking midfielder of the diamond that way Cobra can still be the one scoring. I personally found how the team set out we could tell that nobody apart from who was scoring was to matter or to care about and Cobra scored and that was it which is a shame as Navy Invader had some cool designs and I really liked Convoy and tbh I don't think he even spoke it felt wasted (I'm not sure if this was also part of the issued the plagued Orion). 

We moved onto training for this game with America's aggressive style of play highlighted the decision is to move to a 3-4-3 formation for this game using more of the aggressive minded platers to match up to this with Haizaki, Atsuya and Kozoumaru up front. The Li twins work with them in order to how to combat the aggressive defending on the pitch while Ichinose works with Nosaka and Ichihoshi on how the strategize and Domon helps the defenders in how to organise what to do. 

Conspicuous by his absence is Asuto who spends time with his father who is waxing lyrical about how great Orion is much to how Asuto is suspicious of that he says that Asuto should visit the training facility they have here in Russia after his next game and promises to come watch him facing America much to Asuto's delight as he runs back to join practice Masato smirks his intentions not as genuine as they seem.  

Asuto re-joins training and is fired up wanting to play to his fullest its the first match his dad will see and as the emotional pillar of the team they all up their game. Ichinose remarks how they have the same spirit and remind him of the old Raimon team but is worried what the American team is hiding Mark & Dylan were highly touted pros for them to turn to Orion who knows what the two parties together will do.

Match No.2: Inazuma Japan vs. Navy Invader

Inazuma Japan Team as follows (3-4-3)

Nishikage
Mizukamiya - Sakanoue - Shirou
Asuto - Nosaka - Ichihoshi - TC

Haizaki - Atsuya - Kozoumaru

Game two starts and as expected it is a physical encounter between the two sides. America don't use the traditional Orion cheating methods as they are built to hurt their opponents. Asuto is the key at the beginning here wanting to impress his dad he goes the full length and scores the first goal with Shining Bird it's 1-0 Japan Asuto looks up into the crowd and sees Masato smiling down his dreams coming true. From here America get more violent in their plays more aggressive in plays downright assaulting Japan and restoring fouls not given by the ref allowing them the advantage allowing Cobra to score using Carronade Hou and tie the score at 1-1.

Here is why America deploy their trap card in Jiraigen the first time it blows up nobody is effected but Japan is left shocked and it quickly leads to Cobra scoring again with Carronade Hou 2-1 America. It's here they start deploying it more Japan too hesitant to move. As in the anime 3 players are thrown into the explosions. I will list the order and subs to make it easier 

Sakanoue off for Mansaku
Kozoumaru off for Goujin
TC off for Tatsuya 

The team is struggling to understand what is happening they can't get over Jiraigen but the solution comes from Ichishohi. If they can't go through it maybe over it but how. Nosaka has an idea willing to risk his body for and if it works they can get back into the match. America use Jiraigen again but Nosaka breaks out Sky Walk running above Jiraigen in the sky seeing how it works landing in front of the goalkeeper and he breaks out Gekkoumaru Tsubame Gaeshi we are 2-2 and Japan are back in it with a captain showing how to lead and he reveals how to stop Jiraigen. When America kick off The General is used and when America use Jiraigen they know what to do with Haizaki booting the ball into the American half with it exploding all the mini tornados to Navy Invader's shock using this Goujin gets the ball and uses Fire Lemonade Rising to take a 3-2 lead just like that when working together Japan are a strong team. Navy Invader from here starts to here the roar of the crowd cheering them on they had been neglectful of it all game. It resonates with Mark & Dylan realising they had lost their way, Ichinose & Domon confront them on the bench they agree they cannot let Orion ruin how they play and even if they lose every match as long as the team plays without the pressure of being the puppets of an organisation. Navy Invader may lose 4-2 thanks to a late Shark the Deep and previously they would've reacted angrily to this they help each other up and say not matter what they will keep going and fight till the end. In the end they are free from Orion and that is what matters. 

Final Result: 

Inazuma Japan: 4 (Asuto x1, Nosaka x1, Goujin x1 and Haizaki x1)
Navy Invader: 2 (Cobra x2)

After the match they shake hands Bernard in his box dismayed he's lost a big backer for Orion and knows it will comes back on him, he makes a call to set something up but we don't know to how or what plan is put in motion, Shinjou Takuma is there with him so it can't be him but Bernard isn't worried about Japan they can still fail. After all they play his team the one's he personally coached and one of the favourites for the whole FFI in Brazil next and one way or another Japan won't win.

The following day Ichihoshi meets up with Froy they can both see what is happening Orion is suspicious and the tactics being used are escalating. Froy remarks how his team are not disciples but as the brother of the chairman they won't be attacked but this isn't the same for other teams. Spain & France are both teams with no Orion influence and have been victims of their tactics. Spain how Clario who Froy remarks is the best player in the tournament the tactics used are not having an effect and it's worrying to see and while France has struggled more they are still 2 for 2 in their group with Russia much like Japan he's worried about how they will step up they have one thing to do and have to confront Bernard. 

Here I want to put the majority of episode 40 I think it's really strong in what it wants to set up in the relationship of Froy & Bernard and the struggle that Bernard faces it also does well at subtly introducing Irina I want to keep but with some slight tweaks obviously no food poising for the French team. Bernard promises he is doing this all for a better world and Froy remarks how he sees through this what is he doing this out of a fake commitment to their father? No it's out of fear but to who? Bernard cuts him off and says he has to go but will say this Brazil is his personal team and one of the best in the world and seeing as he is his brothers friend he will wish him luck but that is it. 

When they have left Ichihoshi asks if Froy knows who could be behind Bernard he says he might but cannot be too sure and needs time to look into it and for the moment should be concentrating on Brazil and could have something planned and should go back to Japan base and he will go back to the Russian team, Ichihoshi asks how Yuri & Victor are as they are also his former teammates and Froy says they are good and looking forward to a match with Japan but remarks how Victor is more positive then Yuri and the Orion influence on the whole tournament. Bernard is seen watching them from while on the phone he says to set up what is needed for Brazil to win but stutters on the phone and agrees sharply after to proceed with what is needed for Russia in their final game which will be against France and what they need to do for the benefit of Orion no matter the cost. More on France vs. Russia later. 

Back with Japan they are feeling the effects of Jiraigen with Sakanoue and TC both ruled out due to the injuries involved in getting hit with that move and cannot play against Brazil. When checking on Kozoumaru his injuries have surprisingly healed to the shock of the team when asked he brushes it off saying he must've got lucky and wishes to return to training and does as such. When asked where Asuto is Zhao said he allowed Asuto to go out with his father 

While training Haizaki hears something and goes to check before a loud crash can be heard the team go to check and Haizaki is clutching his ankle some equipment had come off of where it was stored and hurt him while it seems an accident it really seems the opposite and convenient for this to add to their injury woes. Regardless Haizaki is out of the game against Brazil. 

Meanwhile, Asuto and his dad take a tour of his place of work the Orion training facility. This will follow the same path as the original episode including introducing Malik Kuabel and Asuto's 'dad' helping to kidnap him. With this it is Inamori Masato now fully going by Vladimir saying they have kidnapped Asuto how will be the next Disciple of Orion but Zhao laughed and wonders how they will actually get that done. Either way Asuto is not in the game.

Match No.3: Inazuma Japan vs. Ole de Samba

Inazuma Japan Team as follows (3-5-2)

Nishikage
Mizukamiya - Taizen - Michinari
Mansaku - Tatsuya
Kirina - Nosaka - Ichihoshi

Kozoumaru - Hiroto

First of all I really liked the Brazil match in Orion and I loved their backstory and would want to include it here as well this helps to reflect their loyalty to Bernard and why they go ahead with the cheating methods but also their love for Football and this would be done in the first part of the match.

Despite the lack of players and losing their emotional link of the team in Asuto they try to hold their own and do for a while but the overall talent of Ole de Samba especially their captain Arthur is an issue and Inazuma Japan find themselves 3-0 down due to Arthur using Carnival Shake twice and combining with Lucian for Death Samba.

This leads Bernard into thinking he doesn't need to worry about any other tactics the injuries and Asuto now in Orion they have no worry. It's true this team of Japan are fractured and not use to playing together. It's here Mizukamiya comes up with an idea to get a foot back in before half time all they need is one goal. What they need to do is take Ole de Samba by surprise he says for everyone to run up the pitch bar Taizen and as Arthur looks confused here Mizukamiya and Taizen use the X-Men Fastball Special as a duo hissatsu technique. This is when Colossus (in this case Taizen) throws Wolverine (in this case Mizukamiya) into an enemy but for this is is to get the ball much like the following image. (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7c/4b/9c/7c4b9c82d13b67ebc87acdeb1189756c.jpg)

With Japan getting the ball it is hoofed up the pitched to the shock of Ole de Samba as Nosaka commands people to keep the Brazilians back as Hiroto and Tatsuya run through and use Cosmic Blaster to get a goal back on the stroke of half time to make it 3-1. While Japan recover at half time Nosaka speaks to Kozoumaru that whatever helped him heal when others couldn't to use it going forward. Kozoumaru had hoped it wouldn't come to it but needs must and he will, when he was training in the forests on his own it seemed to awaken some sort of power in him and if they need it he will use it. Second half begins with Mansaku coming off for Goujin and Japan going to 3-4-3.

The ball gets to Kozoumaru early in the second half as the crowd goes quiet and he mutters the words 'switch on' and a blue aura engulfs him. He zooms around the bit taking the ball and running through on goal dodging all tackles with ease and using Over Cyclone and it's 3-2, the team surprised by this power but eventually put 2 and 2 together as this is how he healed so quick as Zhao laughs.  

From here the game gets more even it's here we give Nishikage a new hissatsu save stopping Arthur's Carnival Shake to the shock of the Brazil team and Bernard. It creates a counter attack opportunity for Japan and it pays off with Goujin using Fire Lemonade. The Brazil team shocked that Japan have pulled it back but are excited with how the match can go. It is then they get the message from Bernard to use any tactics to win. Regrettably they comply using all the evil tactics Russia used with the tasers and tear gas. Bernard scores again and Brazil win. 

Final Result: 

Inazuma Japan: 3 (Hiroto and Tatsuya x1, Kozoumaru x1 and Goujin x1)
Ole de Samba: 4 (Arthur x3 and Arthur & Lucian) 

As the other members of the Japan team off they are left to lament what has happened in this loss as Brazil don't celebrate they return to the training camp to rethink what has happened it is disheartening for them but not the end of the world they just need to beat England. At that point Asuto reappears.

It turns out Vladimir's kidnapping plan failed as when he went back to the room he left Asuto in he was gone. Placed in a different room waking up halfway through the second half of Japan vs. Brazil as Shinjou came in apologising the man wasn't Asuto's father like he said he was and worried what he was planning and says he will take him back to the Japan base. On the drive back the conversation of how Vladimir has the information on Asuto and when Asuto asks why he's doing this Shinjou reveals that he wants to change Orion back and with that he needs Japan, Spain and the others to do what they can while he works on the inside trying to stop Bernard. He feels that Bernard is a good person he knows he is kind hearted much like his younger brother but expanding Orion has changed him, he apologises to Asuto saying soccer won't ever leave him and leaves him at the doorstop of the Japan base. As he drives off Asuto remembers his mum saying something similar, surely it's just a coincidence. 

With the team back training begins again but now they sit down to watch the Russia vs. France match with both teams already qualified Japan want to see how they play and with both teams reporting they don't have any disciples of Orion as Bernard has left his brothers team alone and France already we know how nobody follows Orion there it will be good to see them play. Ichihoshi remarks how Froy is one of the top players in the tournament much like Clario Orvan so will be nice to see him, Victor and Yuri play. 

Match No.4: Perfect Spark vs. France Team

Ok first things first we need to talk about Perfect Spark. I do and don't like the idea of players being able to play every position. I think it is a good concept but I don't like the application of it I think it can limit the team and would rather not have it. As a result I want to say Froy will act as a central attacking midfielder in the number 10 role, Yuri will be a forward and Victor a midfielder and he team will have from the beginning now Lus Kasim as a defender as we do not need to have him disguised as Asuto now we can be part of the team fully. Now we have the initial players the match can begin. 

This match is the final match in this group both Russia & France have won every game and this is just a case of seeing what team finishes top of the group. 

The match remains fairly even with Froy pulling the strings for Russia met by an equally combative Shadow Striker in Nathan with the score at 1-1 thanks to goals from the two mentioned players. It's an even match but Froy begins to see a change in a lot of the Russia team, more violet and seem to be cheating. Suddenly Russia make a triple substitution. Froy, Viktor and Luis are off for Malik and the duo of Yurika Beor and Tabit (this could be any Shadow or Orion members I just picked the one I liked the design of the most). Froy realises what has happened everyone else in the team has been swayed to Orion he always thought they had a special relationship with the foundation but now Froy sees right under his nose his team all apart from Victor and Luis have turned to Orion and will now be eliminated. Seeing his childhood friend under Orion's control she snatches the captain's armband and throws it to Yuri, Froy seems frozen on the pitch seeing what has happened Yuri reasons with him he is the brother of the head of Orion he got all the preferential treatment in the world while the rest struggled Orion came to him to turn each person to submit to Orion fully and he managed to do it except those three well two he knew Froy needed to be taken care of and now they can move in more players who will abide by Orion trained secretly the real Shadow of Orion can now reveal itself. The three being subbed off are shocked as Froy looks up to the directors box Bernard would be in who looks back interested to what Froy does now. 

Froy, Viktor & Luis look to leave down the tunnel before Froy realises that Orion stooges are waiting for them knowing it's a case of getting them back in line with Orion's ordeals. He catches Shinjou walking past gesturing something with Froy catches onto, he turns to Viktor and Luis and asks if they trust him which they nod to and as such he asks them to follow him. They walk along the touchline seemingly applauding the fans before making their break through the crowd and rush out the stadium before Orion can get to them confused in the car park not sure where to go they are greeted to a car pulling up with Zhao driving it and get in which they escape to the Japan camp they hear over the radio as the Yuri and Yurika lead the team to a mauling of  France. The score line isn't of significant just to know Russia win by a fair bit as we cut back to the Russia team full under Orion's compliance except Malik who looks saddened about what has happened really wanting to play with Froy and play freely but can't. 

Zhao gets back to the training camp with the Russian three they are greeted by the Japan team who help them inside. Shinjou had expected this and worked with Zhao should this happen and had their stuff moved to the Japan training camp. They explained the story of what had happened shocking the Japanese team. Resolving that the only way to stop Orion is to win FFI Froy and co offer to help the team get better, the more helping the better and a player like Froy helping they may be able to unlock to key to Last Resort. 

We move onto Japan's final game it's gonna be close but it is a win and you're in for the knockout round but it is a tough test against England. This English team isn't the most dazzling but are known as one of Orion's most technically drilled team. While they have only won once it is more a case of making sure Japan and the now turned America don't go through and with Americas out of the running England will focus all their efforts here and no doubt it will be the performance they will be sent in to win and that has been drilled in since the start of the FFI group stage. England are known for playing a fluid formation team swaps in and out of shapes seamlessly as a result Ichihoshi feels The General will be useless and need to think of another way around. It's a bad case as even Froy cannot see what is needed in Last Resort, Nosaka's control is good, Haizaki's spin is good and so is Asuto's shot but something is wrong somewhere he just can't see what.

The team continue training looking for a way that counters the fluidity of the English tactics but nothing seems to be working. One benefit is the players now living with them from different countries from Li Yuchen from China and the Russian three who have recently moved in are helping and playing with new platers and helping them overcome the issues Orion has caused them give the Japan squad optimism they can make a difference and with more quality players to help them they feel they are getting stronger. 

While some players are feeling better Ichihoshi is still struggling with how to deal with England's tactical fluidity it is in confiding with Froy that we can see their backstory and relationship and establish that for later in the series more but as well Froy has an idea. He says maybe he should watch from the stand and get an overhead view and once it clicks to joint the team on the field. Ichihoshi says that might just work and with that we move onto the next game. 

Match No.5: Inazuma Japan vs. England

Inazuma Japan Team as follows (3-4-3)

Nishikage
Mizukamiya - Sakanoue - Mansaku
Asuto - Nosaka - Eiji - Tatsuya

Haizaki - Hiroto - Kozoumaru

As expected Japan struggled in this must win game due to the fluidity of England's tactics and with that England take an early lead to go 1-0 up. As a bit of hail Mary they try Last Resort but it fails but in this moment Ichihoshi notices what they can do to win and as he comes back down Japan are defending for their lives and are lucky to go into half time only 1-0 down.

Ichihoshi explains that every time England swap tactics they leave themselves open with a gap in changing tactics. If they can exploit this with one ball directly though the England team to a forward they are in. With that substitutions are made with the team for the second half looking like this.

Nishikage
Mizukamiya - Sakanoue - Mansaku 

Kirina - Tatsuya

Nosaka - Asuto - Ichihoshi

Haizaki - Kozoumaru

While combative England full into pressing Japan and keeping their lead Ichihoshi uses The General in which Mizukamiya uses Zone of Pentagram, Kirina uses Koori no Ya to buy pass the England transition period into their latest defence formation straight to Haizaki who uses Shark the Deep and it's in 1-1 and now Japan need one goal and have unlocked the key to getting through the English team. 

The time is ticking away and England are getting more erratic in their game plan of fluid tactical switches which makes them even more difficult to break down. England know all they need to do is stop Japan and get one goal and knock them out but in the end it's to no avail. Right at the death Asuto scores dribbling through the England team and scoring with Sunrise Blitz to win it 2-1 for Japan 

Final Result: 

Inazuma Japan: 2 (Haizaki x1 and Asuto x1)
England: 1 (England Captain x1) 

With this we have a good evolution of Asuto. He starts with Cross Drive to begin with, Shining Bird making it's first appearance in the final against Outei and now Sunrise Blitz here we have a strong evolution of Asuto's solo shooting moves and I want it as a debut of the move to score. Japan celebrate qualifying with the table of their group ending up as the following.

Rank	Team	Wins	Draws	Losses	Points
1	Brazil	3	1	0	10
2	Japan	3	0	1	9
3	Holland	2	1	1	7
4	England	1	0	3	3
5	USA	0	0	4	0

England remark while they have failed they hope that things can change in the future and they can have a match without Orion interference. 

With that being said the teams that qualify for the knockout round are as follows: 

Group A: Spain & Nigeria

Group B: Italy & Norway

Group C: Brazil & Japan

Group D: Egypt & Greece

Group E: China & Germany

Group F: Mexico & Colombia

Group G: Russia & France

Group H: Argentina & Ghana

The next day the team celebrates qualifying for the next round as the runners up of group C they expect to be facing Egypt until they see a breaking news broadcast on the TV. Orion have announced a change to the format and a new draw has been made for the knockout round with the line up as follows:

Japan vs. France 

Italy vs. Colombia

Greece vs. Russia
Nigeria vs. Mexico

Spain vs. China 
Germany vs. Egypt

Argentina vs. Norway
Brazil vs. Ghana

Froy summaries that Orion have put Japan & France together to get rid of one of them no doubt to be taken out later. When asked why it wasn't Spain, Ichihoshi theorizes that Spain is the biggest non Orion threat and as such if an Orion team takes them down and with the tournament favourites Brazil on that side of the field they could do it. The team also notices that Spain will now face China who even without Li Yuchen are as strong as ever and refocused their play with Zhou Xing at the centre of it all.

Here is where we will end things for now to end in a final third part covering the full knockout stage. I want to wrap up again by speaking on Japan and the tactics and story threads I can't fit in when going over the plot and provide some reasoning. The part of the anime is used to establish Orion more but show others are fighting against it, they don't have full control but if one of their teams wins FFI they will. I opted for the brief intro for Nathan and to hold off on reintroducing Clario as to do this in the next part makes more sense to me. 

This part really helps to add to Asuto's character. He trusts someone who he thought was his father who betrayed him and nearly ended up a disciple of Orion. For him to get the winning goal against England to send Japan to the knockout round helps him to re-establish himself as the teams emotional pillar. Asuto follows a trend of self doubt between the Brazil & England matches and how he was easily manipulated and wants to right those wrong maybe going too far to begin with until the team has to reassure him and clam down. 

I need to clarify here I am also not really taking the time between matches in detail and I understand that may be a concern. If I am honest I cannot think of what to put here. I loved this bits in the original series but I don't really had anything to add for them. The team trains and works on getting new moves and tactics it isn't exactly needed to be said. However, these would still feature I feel it's important to show the bonds of the team and those who don't play as much. The anime is built on the strong bonds between friends meaning you can achieve anything so we need to show these full moments even if they do not contribute anything. 

We will wrap up the story here for now. I need to fully view the plans and notes I have for the knockout round as it's the most underdeveloped part of this four part Ares & Orion rework since I started. We have the teams and we know a lot of the main characters and with this I hope to work to a logical and satisfying conclusion. But for now we wrap up with Japan knowing it's win or go home and to begin with they'd have to give Orion what they want and take out another non Orion team in France.