Editing Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju:Volume7 The Seventh Question

# A rare element. It is in the second period. It can be liquefied and used as a refrigerant.<ref>Explanation :

# 2Na + 2H₂O => 2NaOH + H₂

# Iodine in this case must be in aqueous potassium Iodide, since Iodine can barely dissolve in water.

# Catalyst is Potassium Permanganate, KMnO₄. It is a very powerful oxidizing agent.

# Neon is a good refrigerant.</ref>

'''Teacher's comment'''

[[Image:BTS vol 07 237c.jpg|thumb]]

"1--Na ( ナ), 2--I (イ), 3--Mn (ム), 4--Ne (ネ)"<ref>Na I Mn(Mu) Ne --> ナ　イ　ム　ネ　-->　無い胸 --> No breasts</ref>

(Hm? Himeji-san? What’s wrong?)

The ball had grazed the bat and immediately felt up into the sky. I’m impressed that there was so much power with just a simple graze, but unfortunately, this ball was hit too poorly.

This time, it’s a young man’s voice. This isn’t the voice of Takeuchi-sensei who usually teaches our class, but rather, the other modern literature teacher of year 2, Terai-sensei.

KAN! With a blunt impact sound, the ball was hit low as it quickly grazed pass the ground. It went through the hole between first and second base. Ku...! He took action so quickly…!

“I thought I could hit the center of the ball. Looks like it’s really different from playing it live.”

The talented woman who’s our level head, Takahashi Yoko-sensei, stepped up. Today, she’s not wearing the speck-free suit, but a sports attire that’s suitable for this event. This makes her look even more kind and approachable.

Takahashi-sensei normally wouldn’t initiate a conversation with us, so this is a rare and valuable experience. Speaking of which, the last time we spoke to each other was during the 2nd year guys peeping incident. Thinking about this, I feel that having this event to improve the relationship between students and teachers is actually—SOMEBODY SAVE ME!!!

“Let me see, like this?”

Yuuji threw the ball back and gave me this instruction. Yuuji’s right. If Takahashi-sensei wants to bunt to advance the runner, we can add another out. The reason’s simple. The next batter will be the 4th batter, and it will be the teacher with the highest score. We will send him on base no matter what. In other words, the runner on first base will go to second base no matter what. With one person out, it’s better for us to let her do a sacrifice.

Someone among the teachers shouted out. Fukumura-kun’s summoned beast and the ball got knocked into center field, and even rolled a few times. Damn it, Takahashi-sensei’s going to take second base!

The eyes hidden behind the glasses narrowed, but Takahashi-sensei’s summoned beast could only return back to her own camp. Whether it’s Himeji-san or Takahashi-sensei…they can study, but why don’t they understand the rules of sports…

Our first batter here is Kondou-kun, who stood in position. This half-inning will be played with Chemistry as the subject. The pitcher's Fuse-sensei, and Ironman's the catcher. As for Takahashi-sensei, the level head is guarding right field. They can't let her pitch anyone. Takahashi-sensei's kindness now would be like our Himeji-san here.

Kondou-kun, Yokomizo-kun and Hideyoshi got struck out with three strikes each. Compared to the last half-inning, our attack seemed to end so suddenly...

F class again arrived on the field as we all stand at our designated defensive alignments. In this inning, the subject tested will be world history, and I'll be the batter. Ever since the last summoning tournament, Japanese history and world history have become my specialities somewhat. I think I should be able to do well in this inning.

KLANG!! With a crisp batting sound, the ball that was flying at the glove disappeared. How is that possible? Did Ironman just hit a ball?

In the blink of an eye, the ball disappeared from my eyes. My motion senses couldn't catch up to that ball. That ball that was hit isn't in the summoning field now.

“…Humph.”

Ironman’s summoned beast casually stepped through all the bases. We were careless…! If we want to send the opponent on base, I should have called Yuuji to stand up even if it’s troublesome and throw it at a place the bat can’t possibly hit…!

“Ku…”

While standing on the pitcher’s mound, I can clearly heard Yuuji bite his lip and looking really troubled. Really, this isn’t like him. There was no need for Ironman to lecture him; Yuuji’s a guy who wouldn’t be careless when it’s time to be careless, but he actually performed poorly in this situation. This isn’t the Yuuji I know.

Looking at this, I have to speak up.

“Time!”

I immediately asked the umpire for a timeout, and get off the pitcher’s mound as I head to Yuuji.

“…What now, Akihisa? You’re going to scold me now?”

Yuuji glared at me unhappily and spoke up before me.

“Mn, I guess.”

“Keh, you don’t have to say it. I know that.”

Yuuji replied me with a bad tone.

It seems that Yuuji himself understands that he wasn’t focusing on this match. When we had to send Ironman on base, or when facing Takahashi-sensei, the normal Yuuji would have noticed that Takahashi-sensei held the bat wrongly earlier than me, and he would have deduced that she was going for a drag bunt. How can a guy who’s always thinking not notice it when even I noticed it?

“I won’t nag on if you understand. We’re facing an opponent that you can’t just beat by just thinking wildly.”

“Enough nagging. Okay, get back onto the pitcher’s mound when you’re done. The match’s still on.”

After saying that, I didn’t want to talk any more as I turn and return back to my defensive position.

But even though I said so,

“I told him to concentrate, but it can’t be helped that Yuuji is so angry…”

To be honest, I felt that I just gave him one huge problem.

Yare yare…the way that guy is now, it’s unlikely that we can win this match…

“PLAY!!”

Once I returned back to the pitcher’s mound, the umpire declared that the match would continue.

Right now, there’s nobody out and no baserunner on base. Now, we’re facing the 5th batter, which is Ooshima-sensei, the teacher in charge of Health and Physical Education.

“So we’re playing baseball with summoned beasts against the students instead of having lessons…summon.”

Health Education Teacher, Ooshima Takeshi, World History, 233 points

Vs

F Class, Yoshii Akihisa, 121 points.

This period would mostly be held outdoors, and Health Ed’s the only lesson we would stay in class. But what’s with such a score? Forget about the athletic ability first, we must have lots of guts if we want to face him.

(Inside corner, lower, fastball.)

Yuuji’s instruction was a inside pitch that’s normally harder to hit, and keeping it low will prevent the long ball. This may seem passive, but it can’t be helped.

I get ready as my eyes watch Yuuji’s glove. I then pitch the first ball.

KLANG

“FOUL!”

The ball that got hit passed by 3rd base and went to the patch of grass in the corner of the sports hall. Swinging the bat like that without much thought, Ooshima-sensei’s really into it.

“I see. So it’s different from swinging it personally.”

Ooshima-sensei muttered softly. It’s a good thing that the teachers were assembled together at the last minute. If this were the second match when they got warmed up, that’ll be a really scary thought.

After receiving the ball, I silently wait for the instruction of the second pitch from Yuuji.

(Inside corner, high.)

Another inside ball. Yuuji must be preparing to use this good opportunity while the opponent isn’t warmed up yet and deliberately pitch the ball at the inside corner which is the hardest point to hit.

I nod my head at Yuuji’s instruction and get ready to pitch. This time, since he didn’t indicate the speed of the ball, I just need to pitch it like before?

(--Slowball.)

“—Eh?”

I was about to pitch it out, and he only gave such a command now. That idiot, at this moment…!

While the ball was about the be pitched up, I force my own movements. Can I make it…!?

The summoned beast pitched the ball out in an awkward manner, and the ball slowly flew to the catcher’s glove. As for the ballpath—it’s not in the direction Yuuji directed! This ball went into a sweet spot!

“—Uh!”

Daishima-sensei’s summoned beast swung the bat hard, and the ball flew high up into the air. The ball landed at 3rd base. That ball looked like it was hit on the bottom of the bat, so he couldn’t hit a long ball.

“I can make it—u!”

Yokomizo-kun’s summoned beast continued to chase the ball and finally managed to catch it in the glove. If there’s no problem, the batter will be out.

“…”

But the umpire didn’t declare that the batter was out. Maybe he’s questioning my seemingly two-part pitch. Though there’s no baserunner, strictly speaking, I did break the pitching rules.

But Ooshima-sensei went back to his own bench on his own, even saying to the umpire, “Just treat it as that I was out.”

Is he not being too fussy because it’s only the first inning? To be honest, I really don’t like Ooshima-sensei’s casual attitude here—but he did help us out.

That damned Yuuji hasn’t recovered yet. Where did that daring decision making of him that’s worth praising go to?

(…I gave the command too slow. I’ll take note next time.)

Yuuji scowled impatiently, but at least he understood that he should apologize for the error just now.

In this unstable situation, the match continued.

Right now, it’s 2 men out and bases full. After Hasegawa-sensei hit a fly ball, two batters hit two base hits, and I walked on batter, causing this devastating situation. We kept the ball low, but that was enough to cause a crisis.

Thus, the net batter will be the first batter Fuse-sensei as we went through one round of the batting order. This is his second time in the batter’s box, so he should more or less be used to controlling the summoned beast. I can’t expect him to make an error like the last time now.

Perhaps he saw that I’m too nervous, as I caught Hideyoshi raising his hand at me, seemingly trying to say something to me. Is he trying to ask me to throw a pickoff to relax myself in this disadvantageous situation?

The runner at first base didn’t look like he was going to steal base, so there’s no need to throw it at him, but to buy time, I still pitched the ball at Hideyoshi.

PAKN. The ball that wasn’t pitched too hard immediately landed in Hideyoshi’s summoned beast’s glove. Of course, the runner at first base wasn’t tagged out as he casually returned back to the bag.

“SAFE!”

The umpire’s decision rang. Of course, I don’t think that I can get a third man out here, and the I threw a pickoff to calm myself down—at least that’s what I think. But Hideyoshi looked troubled for some reason. Hm? What is it? Did I throw that ball strangely or something.

“Time.”

Hideyoshi called out to the umpire and ask for a timeout, and then led his summoned beast to me. Most likely, Hideyoshi wants to give me suggestions while returning the ball to me.

“Hm? Hideyoshi, what’s wrong?”

“Uu, actually—”

Hideyoshi leaned closer to me as he looked like he’s about to whisper something to me. Beside us, our summoned beasts lean together like us.

“Actually what?”

“Actually, after this game—I want to take a bath.”

“—Uu!”

At that moment, I forget everything about baseball, and my consciousness started to swim.

Hideyoshi…wants to…bath…?

Why did he say such a thing out of the sudden? What benefit does Hideyoshi get for messing with my heart at this moment? Or there’s a deeper meaning to this? Maybe it has something to do with the notion that Hideyoshi’s breasts are growing a little?

“I just want to say that. Sorry for disturbing you.”

There seemed to be some ploy as Hideyoshi gave me a devilishly cute smile before returning back to his defensive position, but I couldn’t get rid of the wild thoughts in my mind.

I don’t understand. Why would Hideyoshi mention about bathing with me? What should I do after hearing him say that? Do I have to guard Hideyoshi while he’s bathing?

“PLAY!”

The umpire’s call to continue the match entered my ears.

That, that’s right. We still have a baseball game. Right now, I shouldn’t be thinking of why Hideyoshi suddenly mentioned about bathing. I need to think of how to get past this dangerous situation, and bath with Hideyoshi! If we can beat the teachers, I can smile and bath together with Hideyoshi. But if we lose to the teachers, I will have to cry and bath with Hideyoshi. I DON’T WANT THAT!

“…Well, I feel that Akihisa-kun’s giving off a really evil presence.”

“…I don’t know what’s going on either, but seeing him like this makes me really angry.”

Alright! At this moment, I’m all pumped up. Either way, I have to get a 3rd man out—eh, hold it, that’s strange?

“Hm? Where did the ball go?”

Just when I was about to pitch, I found out that my summoned beast wasn’t holding the ball. That’s strange? When Hideyoshi came over to the pitcher’s mound with his summoned beast, I believed he did bring the ball over…didn’t I receive the ball?

I start to look around for the ball. At this moment,

“Tagged out, here.”

“…What?”

Hideyoshi’s voice could be heard from first base. Tagged out? What’s the situation now?

The ball wasn’t with me, and Hideyoshi that was defending first base is still holding onto the ball I was looking for just a second ago. Then, Hideyoshi reached out the hand that has the glove on and tapped the runner at first base that was slightly far away and ready to run off. Is this the famous—hidden ball?

“RUNNER OUT! SWITCH!”

The umpire declared that we switch over. Eh? Really? We just escaped this dangerous half-inning like that?

“Nice, Kinoshita!”

“You acted really well, using that hidden ball!”

“…Good job.”

“At least I was of some use now.”

After walking back to the bench, everyone praised Hideyoshi for his brilliant performance. He really saved us there. Really, I thought that that half-inning as a goner. If that’s the case—

“So I can bath happily with Hideyoshi!”

“…Akihisa, what’s with that messed-up thinking of yours?”

Hideyoshi gave me a ‘I don’t know what to do with you look’. Hm? There seems to be something strange with that.

“Eh? But didn’t you just say on the mound that you wanted to bath with me, Hideyoshi?”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t say that just now—“

Speaking halfway through, Hideyoshi suddenly remembered something and immediately remembered,

“No, wait! Speaking of which, I seemed to have said it just now! That’s right! A bath! Akihisa, you must go to the men’s bath with me—Kuu!”

“Oh my, Kinoshita, how can that do? A bath is separated by gender, you know.”

“That’s right Kinoshita-kun. If you want to bath with your friends, you can bath with us later.”

“Sh, Shimada and Himeji!? Calm down first! Don’t tell me you’re thinking that there’s nothing wrong about bathing with me.”

Himeji-san and Minami grabbed Hideyoshi on each hand as they showed a sweet smile. Uu, that’s right. Even I feel that it’s bad to bath together with the opposite gender, and that it’s unforgivable. It’s the same as when he hid the ball just now, Hideyoshi was just joking around. Ye, yes, just a joke. I knew that, I knew that, so I won’t feel so disappointed…

“…Akihisa, tell me the specifics about bathing just now.”

Unknowingly, Muttsurini prepared a recorder as he stood beside me. Once something pervy happens, this guy’s smell and mobility is really amazing.

Uu, I’ll just leave this thing that happens normally aside.

“Alright, time for us to attack! Time to concentrate!”

“““OOOHHH!!!”””

<span style="font-size: 200%; border: "><center>☆</center></span>

“Alright, everyone. Time for us to defend again. Got to do our best.”

“Oh...”

That was fast, really fast. Why did our offense end in the blink of an eye?

The three batters that lined up were quickly struck out, and we switched over. We couldn't even get a base on balls, let alone a single hit. We're just getting pounded here.

We're attacking later, and so as the second inning ended, it became the top half of the third inning. The subject changed from world history to biology.

The first batter Fuse-sensei hit a nice hit, and the second batter Terai-sensei was intending to do a sacrifice bunt, but unexpectedly, it became no men out and runners on first and second base. Before I noticed it, danger lurked in front of us again.

And the third batter—is her again.

“Please guide me through.”

The talented woman who's the level head—Takahashi Yoko-sensei again stood in the batter's box.

(No need to send her on base?)

(Of course not.)

I expected Yuuji's answer. If we walk Takahashi-sensei here, we have to face Ironman with bases full.

Takahashi-sensei's scary, but the next batter Ironman's even scarier. With that score and freakish athleticism, he's not someone we can beat no matter how hard we try.

“I'll hit it well this time.”

Takahashi-sensei held her bat in a really short and obvious manner, she intends to bunt. Well, she just looked like she just wanted a hit. Someone among the teachers must have taught her that, I suppose.

(Outside corner, high, fastball.)

Yuji wanted me to throw at the furthest point from Takahashi-sensei’s summoned beast’s reach. This should be a decision made to counter her bunt.

I use all my strength and pitch the ball according to where Yuuji indicated. If she’s not ready, I guess it’ll be hard to hit the ball—

“Well, just as I expected.”

““—Wha?””

Suddenly, Takahashi-sensei extended her arms. Damn it! I got carelessly thinking that Takahashi-sensei was an amateur at baseball, but she’s still the smartest of all the teachers!

As the ballpath got seen through, the pitch I threw with all I got was hit easily, and the ball flew out in a very low trajectory.

“No, DON’T COME HERE! DON’T COME FLYING AT MEAHHHHHHHH!!”

Fukumura-kun’s summoned beast got sent flying away again and rolled to center field. K…u! he got completely defeated again!

“Takahashi-sensei! Please run in order, starting from first base!”

An instruction could be heard from the teachers. Che! They’re so naggy!

“Got it. I won’t make the same mistake twice.”

Takahashi-sensei’s summoned beast ran through first base, second base and third base at a speed respective to her score. It’s amazing that she can be that fast, really fast.

And because she was too fast—

“Takahashi-sensei…you’re, out…”

“Why?”

She sprinted past the other baserunners in front of her as she was too fast.

“““…”””

Everyone seeing this is dumbstruck.

In baseball, one of the rules state that the baserunner behind, if not out, will be treated as out if he overtakes the front baserunner. Anyway, she will be out if she runs past a baserunner in front.

We, well, I can understand that she doesn’t know these baseball rules…erm, I guess…? I think because Takahashi-sensei’s summoned beast was too powerful that such a tragedy occurred, but that’s lucky to us.

“Anyway, you’re out, Takahashi-sensei. Please return to the bench.”

“I can’t accept that.”

“That’s the way it is…”

Takahashi-sensei narrowed her eyes unhappily, but she returned to her camp obediently. Well, this exchange match made me suddenly have a feeling that my distance with Takahashi-sensei got shortened…she really feels like my sister in some ways.

“Eh…hai, tagged out. Hey, Shimada (pew)!”

“Eh?”

“(PA) OK—tagged him out here.”

“Ah!”

The other two baserunners that were stunned by Takahashi-sensei’s actions got tagged out by Sugawa-kun and Minami respectively. Well, we got 3 outs like this…

“…3 outs, switch.”

The umpire declared weakly as if he was muttering to himself. I can’t say that I don’t understand. Having 3 men out like this is completely unheard of, so I guess the umpire would be so listless.

“I can’t believe that Takahashi-sensei would do such a ridiculous thing...”

“Actually, I always looked up to Takahashi-sensei…”

Fuse-sensei and Terai-sensei look dejected as they return back to the bench. Takahashi-sensei’s normally hardworking, smart and knowledgeable when she’s in the staff room, so I guess they should be rather shocked on seeing her like this.

“An, anyway, we passed through another crisis. Time to hit a base hit now! Who’s the next batter—ha?”

“It’s you, Akihisa.”

Ah, oh yeah. So my responsibilty’s really great. I have to meet everyone’s expectations no matter what.

“…I have great faith in you, Sakamoto.”

“Sakamoto, we can only rest our hopes on you.”

“Please hit a homeroom.”

For some reason, my classmates started stating their vote of confidence to the batter after me.

“Is everyone doing that so as not to burden me with too much pressure?”

“““…Ah…well, you can put it like that…Anyway, Yoshii…”””

“FORGET ABOUT THIS! I DON’T WANT YOUR CONFIDENCE LIKE THIS!”

The way everyone showed their expectations of me made me unable to hide my disappointment as it showed on my face. Even my heart’s crying now.

“Well…Akihisa-kun, please do your best!”

At this moment, I heard an Angelic voice healing me.

“Hi, Himeji-san…! Thank you! I’ll do my best!”

“Yes, I’ll cheer you on!”

“Alright! I must get on base! That’ll be my gift for Himeji-san!”

It’s time to show my manly side. I have to show my cool side to make others think better about me. I went to the batter’s box with swagger and watch the opponent pitch the ball right in the middle of my vision.

“HIT BY PITCH!”

“GYYYAHHH!!!!! MY HANNNDD! MY LEFT WRIST STARTED TO LOSE FEELINGGGGGG!! AAAHHHHHH!”

“So, sorry Yoshii-kun…I had a bit of problem with the force I used just now.”

Just when I stepped from with swagger, the opponent just gave me a wild pitch…it was a bad pitch, but why was the force so great!!

“We, well…Akihisa-kun said that he would dedicate this moving onto base to me, but how can I accept it…”

“Mizuki, just snort and mock him all you want and say that he’s embarrassing for trying to look cool.”

“Ha, okay…”

“Uu…I wanted to show off, but I embarrassed myself…”

I finally pulled my body through the excruciating pain and head off to first base silently. My summoned beast look like it just escaped from the gates of hell.

But even so, I did end up on base, and without anyone out. It’s apt to say that it’s our best chance. I’ll just have to wait for the next batter to perform well.

“Alright, time for me to go up.”

The next batter Yuuji entered the batter’s box. With Yuuji’s score and athletic ability, maybe we can break through in this half-inning.

Chemistry teacher, Fuse Fumihiro, Biology, 269 points

Vs

F Class, Sakamoto Yuuji, Biology, 188 points.

Though biology’s the subject used in this inning, the pitcher’s still Fuse-sensei, the teacher in charge of Chemistry, as there’s only one Biology teacher who’s free enough to be here and supervise. Fuse-sensei, who took over as pitcher, has a better score than Yuuji, but with Yuuji’s own athletic ability and reflexes, this matchup’s worth watching. I got to get ready first and rush the moment Yuuji hit the ball.

“I have to be careful not to throw a wild pitch…”

Fuse-sensei’s summoned beast gets ready to pitch and launches the ball from his hand. The ball was right down the middle at an ordinary speed. Maybe he deliberately controlled the force on the ball because of the hit pitch on me. If that’s the case…there’s a good chance!

“—Uu.”

Yuuji watched this ball pass as his body tremble--but he did not swing.

“STRIKE!”

In the end, the opponent got a nice start. Maybe Yuuji didn’t hit that ball because he was thinking about something, or did he just miss the opportunity.

Just when I tilt my head as I don’t understand, Fuse-sensei then pitched the second ball. This time it’s the low outside corner. It seems that the ball can barely squeeze into the strikezone. How should I deal with this ball?

“Damn…it!”

Like just now, Yuuji trembled, but this time, he actually swung the bat.

Kang! What resounded wasn’t a loud crisp sound as the ball rolled in front of the pitcher. That moron! He didn’t hit well because he hesitated!

The pitchered picked up the ball that dropped and threw directly to second base. Damn it! I can’t make it in time!

“OUT!”

The ball already landed in the second baseman’s glove before my summoned beast could even reach there, and the second baseman then threw the ball at first base.

“OUT!”

The batter Yuuji was out, and in the blink of an eye, it became two men out. This is a rare chance, and unfortunately, we couldn’t take advantage of it well.

“DAMN IT!”

Once we returned to the bench, I heard Yuuji howl out.

I bring my summoned beast back to the bench, and at this moment, Minami leans over to me.

(Aki, what’s wrong with Sakamoto?)

Minami looked over at Yuuji worriedly and whispered to me softly. Speaking of which, Minami was busy trying to convince Hideyoshi to change into cheerleader costumes, so she didn’t notice Yuuji quarreling with Kirishima-san.

(He had a bit of a quarrel with Kirishima-san…)

(Fu…so something happened…)

I didn’t explain it specifically to Minami, but it seemed that she caught onto something. Maybe she felt that it’s not good to dig into private matters like that as she didn’t ask any more and returned back to the bench.

“STRIKE THREE! BATTER OUT! SWITCH!!”

“Uu…I’m sorry…”

As I was talking to Minami, Himeji-san was struck out and returned back. Just like that, we switched over offense and defense again.

3rd inning over, and we’re losing 0-1. We’re just losing by one point, but this match’s basically a one-sided beatdown!

I feel that it’s time to come up with a reversal like usual, but the most important thing is that Yuuji’s still in that state..

Seems like we can only give up. Besides, trying to beat the teachers is basically like dreaming. Right now, I should so something to console Yuuji.

“Yuuji, your feelings—”

“Ahh?”

Before I finished, Yuuji glared at me angrily. It seems that he’s still raging inside.

“Really…Yuuji, you should be more mature, right? Kirishima-san would occasionally be in a bad mood too.”

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY BEING IN A BAD MOOD! I CAN’T EXPLAIN THAT AT ALL!”

I basically just added fuel to the fire, as Yuuji’s rage just burned even more.

He clenched his fist and trembled in anger.

“IT WAS JUST SOME MEANINGLESS PIECE OF PAPER! WHY MUST I NOT BE ANGRY AT HER!”

Here we go again. How many times did he roar today? We can’t patch things up like this.

Yare yare, really, you…just when I was sighing—

“Eh? You’re talking about the piece of scrap paper?”

Himeji-san tilted her head in a weird manner. That’s strange? Did she know what was confiscated from Kirishima-san?

“What’s wrong, Himeji? Are you going to lecture me and tell me not to treat important documents to others as a trash?”

Even though he’s not angry with Himeji-san, Yuuji sounded really unfriendly.

Himeji-san stared at Yuuji with an inexplicable look,

“No, that’s not it. I’m not talking about that…the paper you just mentioned about…was different from what I heard…”

Eh? Different from what she heard? What’s different?

This time, Yuuji and I have question marks above our head.

“What do you mean by that, Himeji-san—”

“Well…I heard that what was confiscated from Shouko-chan was the wedding headdress she got from Sakamoto-kun at Kisaragi Highlands…”

““…Ha?””

For some reason, even I asked back at these unexpected words.

Wedding headdress. The wedding headdress she’s talking about…isn’t that the thin piece of cloth covering the face when wearing the wedding gown. Is it that thing that’s worn with the wedding gown when the bride’s about to be married? Speaking of Kisaragi Highlands, is it that thing from the wedding experience? Did Kirishima-san get the wedding certificate confiscated from her?

Facing us with question marks above our heads, Himeji-san continued to explain.

“Shouko-chan once told me happily that Sakamoto-kun gave it to her after she got laughed at in public. It was a wedding headdress full of important memories.”

“Ah, I remember that as well. She even looked happy when she mentioned that during our study meeting. That left a deep impression on me. So the headdress got confiscated…no wonder she looked so shocked.”

Standing beside us, Minami lowered her eyes in sympathy.

““…””

Having heard the facts from Himeji-san’s mouth, Yuuji and I can’t say a single thing out.

That was the only dream Kirishima-san harbored since young. It must have hurt her to hear so many people mock her like that. However,

“‘But then, I won't laugh at your dream’…”

If Yuuji said such a thing, it will become the most important memory in her life.

“So I felt that it was too much when Sakamoto-kun said that the headdress was something ‘worthless’.”

It’s no wonder that Kirishima-san would be so shocked after hearing those words, because Yuuji didn’t care about that headdress at all. Yuuji said that ‘I won’t laugh at your dream’, but his cruel words mocked Kirishima-san’s dream.

“If it’s Shouko-chan, she should be able to get that headdress back if she explains to the teachers properly…”

Himeji-san and Minami looked down in sympathy. The teachers wouldn’t mock Kirishima-san’s story. Everyone knows that, but even so—she’s afraid of the one in a million chance.

My mind recalls the words Yuuji said.

That thing.

That useless trash.

I’ll throw it away.

The dream she always kept so preciously just got mocked by Yuuji like that. Those words would be so cruel to Kirishima-san.

“…Yuuji…what have you done…”

Though this is unrelated to me, even I can’t help but think of covering my face and sigh. No wonder Himeji-san’s standing on Kirishima-san’s side.

“Sakamoto-kun…that was given to Shouko-chan by you. You didn’t know what was confiscated…?”

“…I really didn’t know.”

Yuuji answered weakly and honestly.

Anyway, Yuuji was mistaken. Kirishima-san thought that Yuuji knew what it was because Yuuji gave it to her. That’s why she couldn’t accept that it was something ‘worthless’.

“…”

It’s only now that we all realized that we were thinking about different things.

Nobody can be blamed as everyone was mistaken. But if there’s any side worth feeling sympathy for, it’ll be Kirishima-san. Even though he didn’t know what was going on, Yuuji did hurt her. Because of this, Yuuji showed such a shocked expression when he realized everything.

Trying to wake up this guy that got lost in thoughts, I deliberately raised my voice to ask him,

“Alright, Yuuji, what do you intend to do? If this keeps up, we can’t get back those confiscated items.”

If we lose this match, we won’t be able to get back out confiscated items, either our treasured items or a certain person’s memorabilia.

“What else can we do…we can only defend well and get points to win the match.”

But even so, he doesn’t have a detailed plan. It seems that Yuuji’s mind is still unable to move.

“Even so, Yuuji, the next fourth batter’s that Ironman. We have to think of something or this inning’s not going to be easy.”

Having remained quiet up till now, Hideyoshi joined in the conversation. Like what Hideyoshi said, the next batting order is from Ironman onwards, and it’s his second time. If we use our tactic from before, the teachers will definitely score. Besides, we can’t really expect the teachers to make any mistakes now.

I glance at Yuuji. This time, that idiot’s trying to move his brain and think of a way to get through the next inning.

--That’s the first time I ever saw him so serious ever since I knew him.

“…”

Lacking the casual attitude he had up till now, Yuuji started to think of a plan.

Really, since this guy’s showing such an expression…looks like I should lend him a hand.

“Yuuji.”

“…What is it, Akihisa?”

Yuuji looked up. I stretch and point my finger and myself and Yuuji as I say,

“Switch positions.”

“““…Eh?”””

On hearing my words, everyone gave me a ‘what is this guy thinking about look’, but amongst them, Yuuji was the only one who realized the meaning behind that proposal. He looks straight into my eyes and asks,

“…Can you do it?”

Yuuji’s words were more like confirmation than a question.

You’re talking about that at this moment?

“Let’s give it a shot. We can’t lose this match, right?”

“…Yeah.”

On hearing me say that, Yuuji gave me a smirk.

“What’s going on, Akihisa? It’s okay for Yuuji to be the pitcher, but who can be the catcher in our class? Are you talking about Himeji?”

“Haha, Hideyoshi, what are you talking about? How can I let Himeji-san do such a tough job?”

The catcher has a lot of things to deal with. It’s too cruel to let Himeji-san to carry out this role.

“If that’s the case, who can catch Yuuji’s pitches?”

“Yeah. In this situation, there’s still one person who can catch the pitches.”

It’s simple. If I don’t want to be ejected from the game because I have no points left, I just need to catch every single pitch. In front of my body, right at the center of the glove. I just need to catch every single pitch without leaving any injuries on me. It’s just that simple. And as for the only person with that level of control…that’s me.

“Bring it, Yuuji. I’ll catch every single pitches of yours!”

“You said so, Akihisa. Don’t regret because you said those words. Your summoned beast’s going to fly if you don’t catch my pitches.”

It’s now the top half of the fourth inning. The match officially begins for us now.

<span style="font-size: 200%; border: "><center>☆</center></span>

“PLAY!”

The match began again. Yuuji’s the pitcher, and I’m the catcher. We’re facing the fourth batter Ironman.

(Right down the middle. I’m going to throw it straight.)

(Got it.)

I ready my glove at the position Yuuji designated through eye contact. The first ball is going to be a pitch right down the middle. That’s one daring path for someone stepping up for the first time.

Yuuji’s summoned beast gets ready to pitch and throws the first ball with a powerful force.

PAM! The glove let out a crisp sound, and my arms and shoulders feel the transfer of the recoil. It hurts—! That bastard pitched at me with such force!

F Class, Sakamoto Yuuji, English Writing, 281 points

Vs

F Class, Yoshii Akihisa, English Writing, 75 points

I caught the ball from the front, but I still got damaged. Seems like I have to exert more force and catch the ball down the middle of the glove with a softer stance. Concentrate. I have to concentrate and catch every single pitch Yuuji throws to prevent any damage.

[[Image:BTS vol 07 301.jpg|thumb]]

“STRIKE!”

The umpire hesitated for a while before making his decision.

Ironman couldn’t even react to Yuuji’s pitch. That’s to be expected, since after getting used to my weak pitches, even Ironman’s eyes can’t catch up to a fastball like that.

“Nice pitch.”

“Of course.”

I threw the ball back at Yuuji and quipped a praise at him. I then see Yuuji smirk. Really, this guy’s not cute at all even when I gave him a rare praise.

(Right down the middle. Straight. I’m going to pitch now.)

On catching the ball, Yuuji gave me that signal through eye contact. This bastard…he’s going to pitch without resting?

I frantically readied my glove.

Yuuji caught the ball, and without giving the normal hand signals, he suddenly widened his arm and pitched at me.

The ball went down the path just now and flew over in the blink of an eye. The impact was transferred to my body again.

“S…STRIKE!”

I threw the ball back at Yuuji and warned him with my eyes,

(That was dangerous! What will happen if I couldn’t catch it!)

I managed to catch it, but that pitch just now was really dangerous. If I wasn’t careful, my summoned beast may end up on the casualty list, and maybe it can’t fight on.

But, that Yuuji,

(Stop yapping. Didn’t you say that you would catch every pitch I throw?)

Yuuji responded like that with his eyes.

…That bastard…! He sure can talk! My score’s quite far off from Yuuji, but my control of the summoned beast’s definitely better! Just wait and see!

Maybe my thoughts reached Yuuji, as he pinched the ball without waiting for me to answer.

The ballpath this time is—since it’s this guy, I can tell without looking.

“Alright, senseis. I’m sorry for being so stubborn…because a lot of things happened today.”

[[Image:BTS vol 07 293c.jpg|thumb]]

Yuuji’s summoned beast pitched the third ball.

The next moment, the ball flew straight forcefully with blazing speed and ended up right in the middle of my glove. I managed to catch it well, but the impact numbed my arms.

“STRIKE THREE, BATTER OUT!”

With that, it’s three balls and three strikes, and we managed to get the first out.

“From now on, you’re not going to get another point off us!”

This is our real ability when we fight, and what that means is that the teachers aren’t going to hit the ball anymore!

===Notes===

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