New Arrivals, Going-Home Club Reigns Supreme!

The next day, Sendou briefly announced his transfer in front of the podium and, following Japanese customs, bowed to thank everyone for their kindness. Without staying for class, he headed straight to the Wildcats Little League.

"I'm terribly sorry, Coach!" After briefly explaining the situation, Sendou bowed deeply.

"There's nothing to be done about it. Sendou, I have high hopes for your future in baseball. If you ever get the chance, I hope you'll keep playing."

"By the way, didn't you say you wanted to buy some things? I'll write you a list and a new training regimen. Get the workout gear according to the list."

"The new regimen is something I asked a friend overseas to help with—a method for training reflexes. The person who taught it is said to be able to catch something moving at 330 kilometers per hour with their bare hands."

"The regimen also includes methods for developing explosive power and other areas. If you train according to this, I believe it'll help whether you stick with baseball or any other sport."

"I was planning to give this to you today anyway. I didn't expect this to happen."

With that, the coach walked into the room, took out a sheet of paper, and handed it to Sendou.

"My contact info is on there. Send me an address once you're in Nagano. Head back early."

Sendou remained silent, took the paper, and bowed once more.

"Thank you for your guidance during this time." With that, he left.

"Ah..." Coach Nakanishi sighed as he watched Sendou's retreating figure.

There was so much helplessness in it. He just didn't want this prodigy—someone he'd never seen or even heard of before—to be buried away.

After returning home, Sendou rode his bicycle and bought fitness equipment one by one according to the list.

Even though he'd decided to be a Going-Home Club member, that didn't stop him from keeping in shape.

He also got his hair cut while he was out. When he got home, his parents were a bit surprised, but after thinking it over, they figured it was for the best and said nothing.

Sendou understood perfectly how much the coach valued him. But he also knew he might never be able to live up to those expectations.

He didn't love baseball that deeply. Still, that didn't stop him from bringing all of this to Nagano. He'd looked over the new regimen.

It wasn't baseball-specific—it was a well-rounded training plan. Just as the coach had said, the exercises in it could be applied to most sports.

"Now, let's welcome our transfer student to introduce himself!"

"I'm Sendou Akira from Tokyo Teiko Elementary School. Please take care of me!"

"Alright, that makes Sendou-kun a member of Class 4-2. Your seat is over there—it's the main character's seat in a manga!"

And so, Sendou's life in Nagano officially began.

"Hey, transfer student! Wanna come play baseball with us after school? It's a lot of fun!"

Before the last class, a cheerful boy came over to strike up a conversation.

"Oh? Is there a field nearby?"

"Of course! There are plenty of open lots around here!"

"But it's just hard-packed dirt, so we can't get too rough. Sorry, this noisy guy is Sawamura Eijun. I'm Sougetsu Wakana. Nice to meet you!"

Just as the boy finished answering, a cute girl walking beside him chimed in.

"Soga, no problem. I was just asking casually. Are you two dating?"

When they introduced themselves, Sendou instantly realized what world he was in—Ace of Diamond. Still, he couldn't help teasing them.

"Huh?" Both of them let out surprised cries in unison.

But it was clear the boy was genuinely shocked, while Wakana seemed a bit...

"Just kidding, just kidding!"

"Didn't expect Wakana to already like Sawamura this early, huh?" he thought to himself, while outwardly apologizing for the joke.

"Anyway, sorry about that. For now, I'd like to get used to life here, and I'm not really looking to join any sports." After the teasing, Sendou replied gently.

"Soga, soga! You can join us anytime, boy! Hahahaha!" Sawamura left with an exaggerated laugh.

"He's a real idiot, isn't he?"

"Da-ben na!"

"Then I won't bother you anymore, Sendou-kun!" With that, Wakana followed after him.

"Looks like things are going to be interesting," Sendou thought, resting his chin on his hand as he gazed out the window.

School ended quickly. Sawamura, as always, was the center of attention, leading a big crowd out with a roar, while Wakana followed gently behind.

Sendou had planned to go straight home, but changed his mind and decided to check it out. Having seen professional-level little league training, watching a casual pickup game was a fresh experience.

Standing at the edge of the outdoor field, he watched the group swing, miss, run, and shout. Sendou found himself thoroughly entertained. When Wakana spotted him on the grassy slope, they exchanged nods.

After watching for a while, Sendou decided to head back early.

"I'm home!"

"Welcome back! Looks like you're getting along well with your new classmates? That puts my mind at ease. Did something good happen today?" Sendou's grandfather asked directly, noticing his cheerful mood.

"It was alright. I watched some classmates playing baseball on an outdoor field after school."

"You didn't join them? Your mother told me you were the ace and cleanup hitter for a top little league team. A fourth-grader that talented—I've never heard of anything like it." Sendou's grandfather remarked with admiration.

"Soga? I'm fine, I guess. I'm not really interested in any sports—just can't seem to get into it. Maybe the Going-Home Club suits me better," Sendou replied.

"I see. But Akila, if you find something you like, just go ahead and join."

Even so, Sendou's Grandfather understood what his mother had meant—Sendou had always been a bit of a loner.

"Thanks!"

"You don't need to say that to us. We're your family. By the way, what are your classmates like? Anyone interesting?"

"There's one amusing guy named Sawamura Eijun—an idiot. He's the one who invited me to play baseball. He's a fool, but a popular one. He seems to be the center of attention wherever he goes. And his girl is cute."

"Don't keep calling him an idiot! I know that kid—he's the grandson of a Close Friend of mine. Sure, he's a bit of an idiot, but he's a good kid."

"Wait, you said 'his girl'?"

"Her name is Sougetsu Wakana. She's really cute!" (At this point, a Japanese-style inverted sentence would fit.)

"A quick probe showed she likes that idiot, but he's completely oblivious."

"I told you not to keep calling him an idiot, honestly. But hearing you talk about him like that, it seems you have a good impression of him! You can try getting to know him—I can vouch for his character. I'm heading out now," Sendou's Grandfather said as he left.

"Take care!"

After saying that routine phrase, Sendou went straight to his room. Since there was no practice, he had come home early.

Sendou's room wasn't small, but it was neatly filled with various items, so it didn't feel spacious. Still, it always gave off a cozy vibe. Back in his room, Sendou grabbed a few novels and manga, then flopped onto his bed.

"Going-Home Club for the win!"