Chapter1 : Bittersweet
‘Listen up!’ Kawato shouted. The 10 rookies looked up from their mahjong and baseball gloves.
“Yosh, I believed all of you had heard of the exams? I know that our
match with Sengaku is just before the exams and I can see that you are
all pumped up for it!”
‘That’s of course!’
Kawato beamed, “GOOD. However, Vice-Principal had seen your academic
records and decided it is time that all of you focus on studies since
now the baseball team is much stable than before.”
He looked at each of them in the eyes, “And therefore, he set the rule
that all of you here, MUST score 60% and above for ALL subjects in
order to continue playing baseball for the next term.”
‘What on earth?’
‘You got to be kidding nya!’
‘No way!’
‘…’
The news stirred up worry and panic in all of the 11students, some only noticeable through their body language.
‘Everyone, listen to the Kawato-sensei!’ Mikoshiba commanded.
‘I know its tough, but I believe we can do it!’ Kawato said, grinning widely.
‘Ok now, I have gathered everyone’s monthly report. Collect it now and
write on the board your best subject and also those that fall below the
60% mark.’
Grumbling, everyone took their report and look through it. Mikoshiba took lead and starting writing on the board.
No one noticed how Shinjo’s face was turning sickly pale.
‘Ok! So the result goes:
Mikoshiba:
Best: Japanese literature
Failed: Science-Chemistry
Aniya:
Best: Mathematics
Failed: English, Japanese literature, Science-Chemistry
Yagi:
Best: Science-Biology
Failed: Science-Physics
Okada:
Best: Mathematics
Failed: Arts
Yufune:
Best: Japanese
Failed: English
Sekikawa:
Best: Mathematics
Failed: Arts, Science-Chemistry
Wakana:
Best: Japanese
Failed: Science-Chemistry, Mathematics
Hiyama:
Best: English
Failed: Art, Science-Chemistry
Hiratsuka:
Best: Art
Failed: Japanese literature, Japanese, English
Imaoka:
Best: Japanese
Failed: None
Shinjo:
Best: Science-Physics
Failed: All other subjects except for Maths and physics and chemistry. ’
As they read down the list, commotion ensues.
‘EHHHHHHH! Aniya! You actually passed Biology!’
‘Heh, there’s a chapter on sexual reproduction this year. Of cause I will pass baka(idiot)!’
‘Sekikawa, you loser! You actually failed Arts! It’s the easiest
subject to score with our old teacher who can even appreciate trash!
Wait, Hiyama too!’
‘Woot, Imaoka, well done!’
When they reach shinjo’s result, they fall silent.
None of them knew how to encourage him; they can tell it is difficult for him to pass the criteria.
Nonetheless, Sekikawa broke the ice. ‘Ah, Shinjo…good luck man.’
Hiratsuka stepped up to Shinjo, straightened up and patted him on the back, grinning to himself.
‘Don’t worry about the team! I can take your place while you are gone!’
‘…’
Just after that sentence, the pressure in the room dropped, rock bottom.
Imaoka, being the clever one, sensed trouble for his partner and quickly pull him back before any tragedy occurs.
Kawato look at them, takes a deep breath and shouted encouragingly:
“The roots of education are bit-…
*BLAM*
Shinjo had slammed the door and walked out with his report crushed in his fist.
…-ter, but the fruit is sweet. By, Aristotle.” Kawato trails off, looking on sadly.
However, he picked himself up again and smiled at the rest of them.
“Don’t worry, Shinjo just needs to sort his thoughts. Everyone, that’s
all for today’s practice. Remember to study when you are home!”
That day, everyone left the practice with heavy hearts.
