Baseball team

The boys went to the city center, where they arrived at the Union neighborhood, known for its large black clock that symbolized darker times in the city. Today, the place was filled with shops selling various accessories, a big movie theater, and, of course, plenty of places to eat. 

A place frequented mainly by young people.

The baseball team was discussing the games they would have in that season, and their main concern was who they would be facing in the end-of-year championship. Neo became curious when he heard them talking about all those different teams.

"In your opinion, which is the best team?" he asked.

The boys looked at each other, pondering which team was truly the best. It was not easy to define.

"The best team until last year was the Lightning Vortex," Shike quickly replied.

"Yes, they were really good. I think if I had to choose a team, they would definitely be among the best," Pietro said, remembering.

"Did you know they were from our school?" Maeda said happily, remembering that fact.

Neo was surprised by that information.

On the other hand, Takeshi didn't feel so good hearing them talk about that specific team.

"And where are they now?" Neo asked curiously.

"Well, as far as I know, they changed schools. Hoshi is not a good name for someone who wants to establish a career, so they went to study at the Academy," Shike explained, recalling what he had heard from other people.

"That place is full of arrogant people," Maeda complained angrily.

Pietro was confused by the statement. "But as far as I remember, not everyone went to the Academy."

Takeshi sighed as he revealed the truth against his will. "Three of them didn't go."

"That's right, three of them stayed," Pietro said.

"So, that means they're still in our school? Where are they?" Maeda asked Pietro, who shook his head, indicating that he didn't know. He then looked at Takeshi, who was older and more likely to know.

"Well... What do you think?" Takeshi asked, as if the answer was obvious, but Maeda wasn't good with mysteries.

On the other hand, Pietro understood immediately. "Takeshi and Tadashi were part of that team."

The two mentioned confirmed with a nod.

"Really?!" Maeda asked in surprise, Shike and Neo had the same expression.

"But if it's you two, what happened to the third member?" Neo asked.

Takeshi avoided looking into Neo's eyes as he searched for words to explain what had happened. 

Tadashi intervened, responding briefly and directly.

"He disappeared."

Neo was startled not only because he hadn't heard his voice until then, but mainly because of the way he said it, sending a shiver down his spine. Takeshi's face, which had been full of joy, was now mourning, and everyone fell silent. It was clear that the way Tadashi had spoken was meant to put an end to the subject.

Neo felt guilty about the tension in the air and tried to think of something to say to return to the relaxed atmosphere from before.

Takeshi stopped in front of a store with a brightly lit facade in red and yellow colors.

"We've arrived!"

He said with a smile. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing those words and quickly entered. Neo couldn't see where he was going because the lights temporarily blinded him.

"Welcome to Inogura's Ramen, the best Claws Ramen!"

Those were the words he heard from a man who looked like a mix between Tadashi and Takeshi, but older and more robust than both. Takeshi greeted the man behind the counter, who was busy with the fire.

"Hey, uncle!"

Tadashi just waved his hand.

"Nephews and the baseball team, how good to see you," the warmth of the shop and the brothers uncle warmed the previously cold atmosphere. It didn't take long for everyone to be filled with joy and smile together.

"I love this place!" Maeda expressed with joy.

The restaurant had an "L"-shaped counter, with the uncle at the back and all the equipment he needed to prepare the food. Around the counter were several chairs without backrests. In case they wanted, there were tables as well, with the two nearest ones occupied—one by a man in a suit and glasses who was alone, and another by a woman with her son. In the background, Neo saw more people, but he didn't want to look too much and give a bad impression.

Maeda quickly sat at the last spot on the counter, with Shike sitting next to him, then Pietro, and finally Tadashi and Takeshi, leaving the end for Neo.

"Have you ever eaten ramen before?" Takeshi asked curiously.

"No, never."

"Do you know what you're going to choose?"

Neo looked at the menu full of options and different types, including a wild boar ramen that seemed quite exotic.

"No."

"How about I choose for you then?"

He nodded, and Takeshi wasted no time and shouted, "Hey, uncle, give me two soy-based ramen!"

The uncle made a thumbs-up gesture.

Maeda and Shike were arguing about which ramen flavor was the best and almost forgot to place their order.

Takeshi became serious. "Neo, can I ask you something?"

"Yes, go ahead."

He seemed unsure how to put into words what he wanted to say, so he started slowly, gathering courage.

"Are you very busy?"

"No, why?"

Takeshi smiled, seeing the opportunity right in front of him. He took a deep breath before asking what he really wanted to ask.

"Do you want to join the baseball team?"

Neo was surprised; he didn't expect to receive this proposal. He didn't know how to respond. He knew nothing about baseball, so how could he join the team?

"I don't know, I think I might just get in the way. I don't even know how to play..."

Takeshi was astonished to hear those words.

"I trust you. The way you hit the ball today was incredible. I'm sure you'll do great. We can teach you the rules later..."

Takeshi tried to convince the boy calmly and encouragingly, but Neo wasn't convinced.

"I don't know..."

Realizing that he wouldn't be able to convince him, Takeshi's face, which had been full of hope, turned sad.

"Alright, I understand. I won't force you to play."

He looked down at the bag full of equipment they had been using earlier and had an idea.

"But I want to give you a gift, just in case you change your mind someday. How about that?"

"A gift? Sure."

Anyone would accept it. There was no reason not to.

Takeshi smiled, seeing that his plan had worked. He rummaged through the big bag and pulled out a smaller rectangular dark blue bag with a large print that read "Blue Lightning."

Immediately, Neo realized it was the bat he had used earlier. He wanted to refuse, but Takeshi wasn't accepting no for an answer in that situation.

"It's very important to me, so I think there's no one better to have it than you. Maybe you'll change your mind when you have it in your hands."

Neo felt guilty as soon as he took the object, especially after Takeshi said it was important to him. He decided to take good care of it so he could return it another time.

Takeshi smiled like he had never smiled before.

The uncle then brought the two soy ramen that had been ordered earlier, took a good look at the boys sitting in front of him, and said in surprise, "Well, if it isn't the three stars of the team gathered here again. I never thought I'd see this scene again."

Neo was so hungry; he hadn't had dinner the previous day that he didn't notice what the man had said.

He took a bit of the broth into his mouth, but it was so hot that he couldn't taste it and ended up burning his tongue slightly.

"Be careful, it's hot!" Maeda said, laughing from the other side of the counter.

Neo blew on it this time, and the broth was well-seasoned with a pleasant salty taste. The "noodles" were thick and satisfying, and other ingredients like the meat and vegetables were also good.

A sense of happiness overwhelmed Neo as he thought about the friendships, he had made that day. Lately, he had been lonely, dealing with his problems on his own. It was great to have other people to talk to while enjoying a hot meal.

As soon as everyone finished eating, they bid farewell to Neo with hugs and handshakes. It was a really contagious energy that he had never felt before.

Takeshi was the last to say goodbye, and not only that he said.

"Take care of our Blue Lightning."