Baseball Team

The boys headed to the city center, arriving at Union District, known for its large black clock that symbolized the city's darker times.

Today, the area was full of stores selling various accessories, a big cinema, and, of course, plenty of places to eat—a spot mostly frequented by young people.

The baseball team was chatting about the games they had lined up for the season, especially the year-end championship. Their biggest concern was who their opponents would be.

Neo grew curious as he listened to them talk about all those different teams.

“In your opinion, which is the best team?”

The boys exchanged glances, pondering which team was truly the best. It wasn’t an easy question to answer on the spot.

“The best team up until last year was the Lightning Vortex,” Shike quickly replied.

“Yeah, they were really good. If I had to pick a team, they’d definitely be one of the best,” Pietro added, reminiscing.

“Did you know they were from our school?” Maeda said, smiling as he recalled the fact.

Takeshi, on the other hand, didn’t seem thrilled to hear them talking about that particular team. Neo was surprised by the revelation.

“And where are they now?” Neo asked, intrigued.

“Well, as far as I know, they switched schools. Hoshi isn’t exactly a great name for anyone looking to establish a career, so they transferred to the Academy,” Shike explained, recalling what he’d heard from others.

“That place is full of arrogant people,” Maeda grumbled irritably.

Pietro seemed confused by the statement.

“But as far as I remember, not all of them went to the Academy.”

Takeshi sighed, reluctantly revealing the truth.

“Three didn’t go.”

“Right, three of them stayed,” Pietro confirmed.

“Does that mean they’re still at our school? Where are they?” Maeda asked Pietro, who shook his head to indicate he didn’t know. He then turned to Takeshi, who was older and more likely to have the answer.

“Well… What do you think?” Takeshi asked, as if the answer was obvious. But Maeda wasn’t great with riddles.

Pietro, on the other hand, caught on immediately.

“Takeshi and Tadashi were part of that team.”

The two named boys nodded.

“Seriously?!” Maeda exclaimed, shocked. Shike and Neo wore the same expression.

“But if you two are here, what happened to the third member?” Neo asked.

Takeshi avoided Neo’s gaze, searching for the right words to explain. Tadashi intervened, replying bluntly.

“He disappeared.”

Neo was startled, not just because he hadn’t heard Tadashi’s voice until then, but also because of the way he said it. A chill ran down his spine.

Takeshi’s previously cheerful expression now bore a somber look, and silence fell over the group. Tadashi’s tone made it clear that the topic was closed.

Neo felt guilty for creating such an awkward atmosphere and tried to think of something to say to lighten the mood.

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

“We’re here!” he announced with a smile.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at his words and quickly went inside. Neo couldn’t see where they were going at first because the lights temporarily blinded him.

“Welcome to Inogura’s Ramen, the best ramen in Claws!”

Those were the words Neo heard from a man who looked like a mix between Tadashi and Takeshi but older and bulkier.

Takeshi greeted the man behind the counter, who was busy working with the stove.

“Hey, Uncle!”

Tadashi simply waved.

“Nephews and the baseball team—it’s great to see you all!”

The warmth of the shop and the uncle’s presence quickly melted the earlier tension, and soon everyone was smiling.

“I love this place!” Maeda exclaimed joyfully.

The restaurant had an L-shaped counter where the uncle worked behind, equipped with everything he needed to prepare the food. Around the counter were backless stools. For those who preferred, there were also tables. Two were occupied: one by a man in a suit and glasses sitting alone, and another by a woman with her child. Neo noticed more people in the back but avoided staring to prevent making a bad impression.

Maeda quickly claimed the last seat at the counter, followed by Shike, Pietro, Tadashi, and Takeshi, leaving the end spot for Neo.

“Have you ever had ramen before?” Takeshi asked, curious.

“No, never.”

“Do you know what you’ll pick?”

Neo looked at the menu filled with options, including a wild boar ramen that seemed exotic.

“No.”

“How about I choose for you, then?”

Neo nodded, and Takeshi wasted no time shouting, “Hey, Uncle! Two soy sauce ramen!”

The uncle gave a thumbs-up.

Meanwhile, Maeda and Shike were arguing over which ramen flavor was the best and nearly forgot to order.

Takeshi turned serious.

“Neo, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

He seemed unsure how to phrase his question, so he started slowly, gathering courage.

“Are you very busy?”

“No, why?”

Takeshi smiled, seeing an opportunity. He took a deep breath before asking what he really wanted.

“Do you want to join the baseball team?”

Neo was surprised. He hadn’t expected the proposal and didn’t know how to respond. He thought about his life as a cat and didn’t plan to stay human for long. Accepting would mean committing to something.

“I’m not sure… I think I’d just get in the way. I don’t even know how to play…”

Takeshi was stunned by those words.

“I believe in you. The way you hit the ball today was incredible. I’m sure you’d do great. We can teach you the rules later…”

Takeshi tried to convince him with calm and encouraging words, but Neo refused for a different reason.

“I don’t know…”

Realizing he wouldn’t succeed, Takeshi’s hopeful expression turned sad.

“Alright, I understand. I won’t force you to play.”

He glanced at the bag full of equipment they’d used earlier and had an idea.

“Let me give you a gift, then, in case you ever change your mind. How about that?”

“A gift? Sure.”

Anyone would accept. There was no reason not to.

Takeshi smiled, knowing his plan had worked. He rummaged through the large bag and pulled out a smaller rectangular one, dark blue with a bold “Blue Lightning” logo.

Neo immediately recognized it as the bat he’d used earlier and wanted to refuse. But Takeshi wasn’t taking no for an answer this time.

“It’s really important to me, which is why I think no one else is better suited to have it than you. Maybe holding it will change your mind someday.”

Neo felt guilty as he took the bat, especially after hearing how much it meant to Takeshi. He decided to take good care of it so he could return it later.

Takeshi smiled like he never had before.

The uncle then brought over the two soy sauce ramen they’d ordered earlier. He took a good look at the boys sitting in front of him and said, surprised, “Well, if it isn’t the three stars of the team reunited. I never thought I’d see this again.”

Neo was so hungry—he hadn’t eaten dinner the night before—that he didn’t notice the comment. He took a sip of the broth but found it too hot, burning his tongue slightly.

“Careful, it’s hot!” Maeda laughed from the other side of the counter.

This time, Neo blew on the broth before tasting it. It was well-seasoned with a pleasant salty flavor. The noodles were thick and filling, and the meat and vegetables were excellent too.

A wave of happiness washed over Neo as he thought about the friendships he’d made that day. Lately, he’d been lonely, dealing with his problems on his own. It felt so good to have people to talk to while eating a warm meal.

After everyone finished eating, they said goodbye to Neo with hugs and handshakes. There was an infectious energy Neo had never felt before.

Takeshi was the last to say goodbye, and not just that.

“Take good care of our Blue Lightning.”