The next day, Sendou briefly explained his transfer in front of the class, then bowed according to Japanese etiquette and thanked everyone for taking care of him. He did not stay for class and went straight to the Wildcats Little League.
"I'm very sorry, Coach!" After briefly explaining the situation, Sendou gave a deep bow.
"It can't be helped. Sendou, I think highly of your future in baseball. If you get the chance, I hope you'll continue playing."
"By the way, didn't you say you wanted to buy some things? I'll write you a list and a new training routine. Buy some training equipment according to the list.
"I asked a friend overseas to consult someone about the new routine. It's for training reaction speed. Apparently, the person who taught it could catch something moving at 330 kilometers per hour with his bare hands.
"The routine also includes methods for improving explosive power and several other areas later on. Whether it's baseball or another sport, I believe following it will help.
"I had planned to give it to you today anyway. I just didn't expect this to happen."
As he spoke, the coach went inside, took out a sheet of paper, and handed it to Sendou.
"My contact information is on it. Send me your address once you get to Nagano. Head home early!"
Sendou said nothing. Holding the paper, he bowed once more.
"Thank you for your guidance during this time!" With that, he left.
"Ah..." Coach Nakanishi sighed as he watched Sendou's departing figure.
There was too much helplessness in it. He simply did not want this monster, unlike any he had ever seen or even heard of, to be buried because of this.
After returning, Sendou rode his bicycle around and bought workout equipment according to the routine.
Although he had decided to join the Going-Home Club, that did not stop him from training his body.
He also got his hair cut while he was out. When he got home, his parents were surprised, but after thinking it over, they decided it was fine and said nothing more.
How could Sendou not understand how highly the coach regarded him? But he also knew that perhaps he would never be able to live up to those expectations.
He did not love baseball that deeply. Still, there was nothing stopping him from taking these things to Nagano, and he had looked over the new routine.
It was not specifically for baseball, but a relatively balanced training regimen. Just as the coach had said, most of its exercises could be used in a wide range of sports.
"Next, please have the transfer student introduce himself!"
"I'm Sendou Akira from Tokyo Teiko Elementary School. Please take care of me!"
"Alright, Sendou-kun is now a member of Class 4-2. Your seat is over there—the protagonist's special seat from manga!"
And so, Sendou's life in Nagano officially began.
"Haha, transfer student! Want to come play baseball with us after school? It's really fun!"
Before the final class, a cheerful boy came over to strike up a conversation.
"Oh? Is there a field nearby?"
"Of course! There are lots of open lots around here!"
"It's just hard-packed dirt, so we can't play too intensely. Sorry, this noisy guy is Sawamura Eijun. I'm Sougetsu Wakana. Please take care of me!"
Just as the boy finished answering, a cute girl beside him walked over and continued.
"I see. That's fine, I was just asking. Are you two dating?"
The moment they introduced themselves, Sendou understood that he was in the world of Ace of Diamond. Still, he could not resist teasing them.
"Huh?" Their surprised voices rang out in unison.
But it was obvious that the boy was genuinely shocked, while Wakaba was somewhat...
"Just kidding, just kidding!"
So Wakaba already liked Sawamura this early? he thought to himself while outwardly telling the two of them it was a joke.
"By the way, I'm sorry about before, but for now, I want to get used to life here. Besides, I'm not really interested in joining any sports." After the joke, Sendou answered gently.
"I see, I see. You can join us anytime, boy! Hahahaha!" Sawamura left with an exaggerated laugh.
"He seems like an idiot, right?"
"He sure does!"
"Then I won't disturb you anymore, Sendou-kun!" With that, Wakaba followed after him.
Looks like things will be interesting from now on! Sendou thought, resting his head on his left hand as he looked out the window.
School ended soon after. As expected, Sawamura was the center of attention wherever he went, leading a large crowd away in a rush, with Wakaba gently following behind.
Sendou had originally planned to go straight home, but changed his mind and decided to take a look. He was used to professionally trained Little League teams, so watching an informal group play around sounded like a fresh experience.
Standing at the edge of the outdoor field, he watched the group bat, make mistakes, run, and shout. Sendou found himself thoroughly entertained. When Wakaba spotted Sendou on the dirt slope, the two nodded to each other in greeting.
After watching for a while, Sendou decided to head home early and left.
"I'm home!"
"Welcome back! It looks like you're getting along well with your new classmates? That means I don't need to worry. Did something good happen today?" Sendou's Grandfather asked directly as he looked at the cheerful Sendou.
"Nothing much. But after school, I watched some classmates playing baseball at an outdoor field."
"You didn't join them? Your mother said you were the ace and cleanup hitter at a prestigious Little League team, didn't she? I've never heard of a fourth grader being that impressive." Sendou's Grandfather sighed in admiration.
"I see? It's nothing special. I still don't want to join any sports. I just can't seem to get interested in them. Maybe the Going-Home Club suits me better."
"Is that so? But Akila, if you find something you like, just go ahead and join."
Though he said that, Sendou's Grandfather understood what Sendou's mother had meant when she mentioned his somewhat withdrawn personality.
"Thank you!"
"You don't need to say that to us! We're your family. By the way, what are your classmates like? Is there anyone you have a good impression of?"
"There is one interesting guy, Sawamura Eijun. He's an idiot—the one who invited me to play baseball. He may be an idiot, but he's definitely a popular idiot. He feels like the center of attention wherever he goes. And the girl with him is cute."
"Don't keep calling him an idiot! I know that child. He's the grandson of one of my Close Friends. He may indeed be an idiot, but he's a good boy."
"Wait, you mean that girl?"
"Her name is Sougetsu Wakana. She's very cute, that girl!"
"I tested the waters a little. She likes that idiot, but that idiot is completely oblivious."
"Didn't I tell you not to keep calling him an idiot? Honestly. But hearing you talk about him like that means you have a good impression of him! You could try getting to know that child. I can vouch for his character! I'm heading out now." Sendou's Grandfather said as he left the house.
"Be careful!"
After saying that customary phrase, Sendou went straight back to his room. Without training, he had gotten home early.
Sendou's room was not small. All sorts of things were neatly arranged inside, making it feel a little cramped, but it always gave off a warm feeling. Returning to his room, Sendou casually picked up a few novels and manga, then threw himself onto the bed.
"The Going-Home Club is the best!"
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