Diamond No Ace: The Strongest Hitter

Chapter 17: The Coach and the Humble Kid

After dinner, everyone went to Sendo's room. While Sendo was reading manga by himself, Wakana had dragged Sawamura outside. The others were busy playing board games.

"Eijun, why didn't you invite him to join the baseball club today?"

"He's not ready yet, but I'll ask him tomorrow."

"He's already thinking about joining. He just won't say it himself because of his personality."

"Nani? I'll go right now!" Sawamura said, preparing to rush into the room, but Wakana grabbed him.

"Baka! If you ask him so directly, he'll definitely refuse!"

"Naze? (Why?)"

"If he agrees, wouldn't that be the same as him being proactive?"

"Is that true?" Sawamura still didn't quite get it.

"You're such an idiot!"

"Why does Wakana have to say that too?" Sawamura scratched his head.

"If he agrees to your invitation, it would be like admitting he's wanted to join all along. With his personality, he'll never accept it like that."

"So, Wakana, what should I do then?" Sawamura asked with his hands clasped together, begging for help.

"You really leave me no choice. Eijun, are you seriously aiming for nationals?"

"Of course! But what does that have to do with inviting Sendo?"

"You should know, right? None of us really know baseball. We have no idea what kind of practice will make us stronger. If we keep this up, forget nationals, even winning our first game will be tough."

"I know that, but we just have to work hard, right?"

Although Sawamura wasn't the best at understanding complicated logic, it didn't mean he was completely clueless. He just wanted to solve things his own way.

"Don't forget, before Sendo came here, he was the ace and cleanup hitter for a prestigious little league baseball team in elementary school.

"Even though he only trained for three weeks, and might also be considered a beginner, the fact that he was the cleanup hitter in the fourth grade shows how valuable he was.

"So, even if he's also inexperienced, he at least knows how to get stronger. If you sincerely ask him for help, he'll assist us."

"Are you saying we should make him our coach?"

"Exactly. Find the right time to ask him earnestly! Even if he doesn't like baseball anymore, we're his teammates, right? As a teammate, he'll definitely help."

"Yeah! Thanks, Wakana!" Sawamura nodded earnestly and thanked her.

When Sawamura returned, he saw that Sendo had been invited to join the game with the others. Both of them remained silent.

...

"It's already this late? Let's head back!" said Takeda at 10 p.m.

"Alright!" The group responded in unison.

"Wait a second!" Sawamura shouted with all his might, his head lowered.

Thud!

"Eijun!"

"Ei-chan!"

"What are you doing?" Sendo asked coldly as he watched Sawamura suddenly drop to his knees.

"I know, I know we don't have the ability to reach nationals!" Sawamura began.

"Ei-chan!"

"But... Some of our teammates aren't even interested in baseball. Some of them aren't even into sports at all. I forced everyone to join. I want to take us to nationals!"

"We're not strong enough! I... I just can't accept it."

"So! So! Join the baseball club, Sendo!!!

"Teach us how to play baseball!!!"

"Even if you don't participate in the games, it's fine!

"I'm begging you!!!"

Sawamura's voice trembled with emotion as he struggled to get the words out. All his feelings were laid bare in that speech, and with that, he slammed his head down onto the tatami mat.

"Don't forget, Eijun! I'm a beginner too."

"It's almost impossible for me to take you guys to nationals."

"It doesn't matter! If it's you, you can do it!

"If it's just us, we wouldn't even know how to get stronger. Please, we're begging you!" The others were completely stunned by Eijun's display.

"You want me to be your coach and let me do it my way?"

"Yes!!! Please!"

"Alright! I accept! But not now. A week from this weekend, gather at my place."

Sawamura lifted his head suddenly, unsure why Sendo said it had to be in a week.

But he knew that Sendo was the kind of guy who, once he agreed, would follow through.

"Don't just kneel down like that, baka!" Sendo said.

At that moment, Sendo wasn't about to tease him anymore. Otherwise, this little guy might start crying.

Sawamura was the coolest when he was being silly or causing a fuss, but crying was definitely not one of those moments.

If Sawamura cried, Sendo would feel not just sadness but also a whirlwind of complicated emotions.

Even though Sawamura was about five months older than Sendo, Sendo always treated him like a younger brother.

Likewise, though Sawamura wasn't aware of it, he saw Sendo as an older brother.

That is, when it came to serious matters. Sendo's usual thoughts were far too unpredictable.

In fact, Sawamura later found Miyuki, who he would meet afterward, to be much easier to understand.

"So, it's settled! You'll teach us baseball!"

"Have I ever gone back on my word?" Sendo said, helping Sawamura to his feet.

"You do that all the time!"

"..." Sendo just stared at him in silence.

"But not when it comes to serious promises! Geez."

Sendo smirked slightly.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing! Just don't bother me for the next week, or else... I'll kill you!" Sendo narrowed his eyes, giving off a menacing vibe.

Sawamura, seeing this, immediately dropped to his knees, retreating to the corner of the room, bowing his head.

"Yes, sir!"

Sendo couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight of Sawamura's humble demeanor.

"Seriously, this guy," Sendo thought to himself.

The others, too, found the scene heartwarming, watching the humble little angel with smiles on their faces.

"Alright, we'll head back now. The meat today was really good!"

"Take care!"

With a traditional Japanese farewell, the lively gathering came to an end.

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