Diamond No Ace: The Strongest Hitter

Chapter 14: Middle School

In the blink of an eye, Sendo had become a middle school student, seamlessly moving on to Akagi Junior High, the nearest middle school to his grandparents' home.

"I'm planning to start a baseball club. Join us! Let's aim for Nationals together. Hahaha!"

"I refuse!"

"Why?" came the characteristically loud protest.

"Aren't we partners now? Close friends! Wouldn't it be great if we all worked together?"

"Partners? Close friends?"

"The go-home club is the best! I finally get to enjoy a few years of relaxation. No way am I giving that up to join you. Just give it up!" Sendo shook his head as he finished speaking.

"Also, please don't shout inside the house!"

After the other person left, Sendo vaguely heard snippets of their conversation, such as "Failed again?" or similar phrases.

However, before long, the baseball club was formed, even with a girl in it. That girl was the adorable Wakana!

Later, Sendo witnessed Sawamura's tenacity firsthand, as their homeroom teacher was driven to distraction by his antics.

Each time, Sendo found himself amused. For once, he wasn't the one being pestered—whether it was organizing practice matches or seeking funding.

Without realizing it, Sendo found himself somewhat influenced by their persistence.

Sendo often watched their practices, and every time they greeted him warmly and invited him to join, always laughing it off when declined.

However, even an outsider like Sendo could see that their practice was more akin to fooling around, revealing just how lacking they really were.

They were completely messing around—there was no way they would improve like that, yet every time, they were as cheerful as ever.

"I'm home!"

"Welcome back. You're home late again. Were you watching baseball practice? If you like it so much, why not join them? You were the ace and cleanup hitter in Little League. It's such a waste!"

"No, I'm just a beginner. They're just so interesting, that's all."

"Is that so? Well, go wash up and have dinner!"

.....

"Sendo, join the baseball club! We'll definitely make it to Nationals!"

"You completely misunderstood. I didn't refuse just because I don't think you can make it to Nationals. Of course, you definitely won't make it."

"No way, no way! We will make it, absolutely!"

"Do whatever you like. None of that matters to me." Sendo dropped the subject, uninterested in dwelling on yesterday's argument.

........

"Eijun!"

"Hmm? Are you planning to join baseball? I knew you'd come around."

"Hey!" Sendo was speechless.

"That's not it. You said you wanted to go to Nationals. Do you know the level of competition in the prefecture? At least from what I see, our baseball club members are more novice than beginners."

"Well…"

"The things I gave you, have you been keeping up with them these past few years?"

"Of course!" Sawamura wouldn't doubt his friends. Over the years, he had learned that when Sendo spoke earnestly, he meant it. It was just a matter of distinguishing when he was being serious or merely pretending.

This guy's got a mischievous streak—a somewhat wicked personality in certain aspects.

"That's good, then!" With that, Sendo walked away.

"Is that it?" Sawamura's loud yell followed him.

But Sendo ignored him completely; he already knew what he wanted to know.

As for the baseball team, as long as they were having fun, that was good enough.

From what he observed, only one or two of them had even a bit of potential.

They were slightly better than average but only if they were willing to work hard and receive proper guidance.

Considering many schools select players from the promising ranks of underclassmen with ample time, Nationals were a long shot.

And so the days went by.

During this time, Akagi Junior High's baseball team...

Under the leadership of an inexperienced teacher and an equally inexperienced captain, the baseball team practiced like elementary schoolers, showing no signs of improvement.

(In the original story, by the time they reached the third grade, they still struggled with basic mistakes like holding the bat incorrectly and had difficulty fielding ground balls. They didn't win a single game throughout junior high, highlighting their shocking level of incompetence.)

"Sendo! Tomorrow's our first match in the prefectural preliminaries. If you have time, come watch our game!"

"Sure, I'll come!"

"Sendo, if you can't, that's okay... Huh? Wait, what? You're coming?"

Sawamura's voice went from cheerful to momentarily stuck, and then to a shout of surprise, which made Sendo chuckle, covering his mouth to hide his laughter.

"Yes, I'll come to watch! Just don't lose too badly, Eijun!"

"Hahaha! You've finally taken the first step out of that dreadful go-home club!!!

…Wait, what do you mean by 'don't lose too badly'? We are going to win, absolutely win. Darn it!"

"Baka!"

"Baka? Did you just call me baka? Hmm, hmm, hmm!"

Sawamura's stare, with those utterly harmless, adorable eyes, only made it more amusing.

"Hahaha, just like that, Eijun! So cool! Hahaha!"

Sendo's hidden mischievous side had finally fully awakened.

"Hmph, I'm heading home!"

"Hahaha, take care on your way!"

"Bye!!!" Sawamura's frustrated shout echoed from afar.

"Why do you always tease him like that?" Wakana asked as she watched.

"Isn't he so cool? What's the matter, is the girlfriend here to scold me?"

"Girlfriend? What are you talking about?" Wakana turned and followed Sawamura.

"Wakana! Tell Eijun and the others not to prepare bento. I'll have them over for a barbecue at my place tomorrow!"

Just like that, he managed to send away his two best friends.

"Tomorrow, huh? It should be both their first and last game this year! Now that'll be a match worth watching!" Sendo muttered with a mysterious tone.

"I'm back!"

"Oh, welcome back! You're in a good mood today. Did something good happen?"

"Grandpa, nothing happened!"

"Then you must have teased Eijun again! Honestly."

"He's so interesting! That guy. I'm heading out now to grab a bit of money."

"What for?"

"To buy some ingredients. Our school's baseball team has their first match tomorrow, and afterward, I'm inviting them over for a barbecue at our place. It'll be interesting to see their game."

"Especially Eijun; he certainly won't disappoint my expectations. I can't wait. Oh, by the way, Grandpa, do we still have the spices, lamb and steak Dad brought back last time?"

"Plenty of it, don't worry."

"Alright, I'm off then!"

"Thank you, Eijun," Junichi thought to himself as he watched his grandson leave, "Thanks to you, Sendo has become much more cheerful."

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