Inning 4 - The Mizaki Zephyrs


As Kazuki was taken away to MEA HQ, Cy's team, her super team of androids, who used to be the girls of the Ninja Seeking Club and YTG8, were at the baseball field, playing a game against the Mizaki Baseball Club. During the training, the club gained more members, following the girls' team's excellent performance.

The club captain said, "HAH! It's thanks to these ladies that our club is flourishing. We're gonna show them that we're #1 in Mizaki High!"

The boys prepared, as they promised to wipe the floor with the girls, for a definite win. The club captain approached Cy and said, "So, you're the manager of this Exhibition Team?"

Cy nodded, "Hm! Manager Cy Tokakushi of Second Year Cwass."

"Alright, little runt. Let's humor you. We did say NO to Akari Hanao, but if we lose, we'll consider welcoming her into the team."

Cy agreed, "Wight. And when we win, yew are gonna apowogize to Akawi and the udders, for shunning dem fwom yer club. Danks to pwactice, we are able to play yer game."

Akari bowed, "Yes. Manager Cy is most helpful."

The captain smiled, "Very well. We'll go easy on you. (Not!) PLAY BALL!"

The game began, as Enju was pitching for the Cy-Nine (Cy's team name). Enju threw a beautiful fastball to Myu. The batter let it pass through and chuckled. The umpire shouted, "STRIKE ONE!"

The crowd was stunned, as the batter cried, "WHAT?!" He was confused, as he held his bat, "Okay, you prissy student council slave! Time to play for keeps!"

Enju responded, "It was dead center." She wind up and prepared another throw. The batter aimed dead center. But…
WHOOSH! THUD!
Myu caught a submarine pitch, way low. The batter swung at it.

"STRIKE TWO!"

The crowd was appalled, as they were shouting at the club.
"HE MISSED A LOW BALL!"
"What the hell?"
"That was way low!"
"He chased after that sinker!"
"Don't let these girls ruin our sports name!"

Enju held the ball and responded, "Take a guess." She prepared a curveball, and then threw it. The batter swung and missed.

"STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!" The girls nodded, as the student body was shocked speechless. The second batter was up, as he was the Club Captain. He griped, "How did you miss a curve, outside?"

He held up the bat and prepared his stance. Enju threw the ball to him, and he hit the ball. But…
"STRIKE ONE!"

He gasped, as his bat produced a hole. He then held up a metal bat and roared, "OKAY, LUCKY!"

Enju pitched again, and he swung and missed. "STRIKE TWO!"

Enju then pitched again, "Boy, you need a telegraph pole to hit this one."

The club captain missed again, and he was out. "STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!" The captain gasped for air, "EVIL… That pitcher… was evil…"

He collapsed, as the third batter was up. Enju pitched, and hit the ball to left field. It bounced to the field. Lily grabbed it, as the batter ran to second, with the crowd cheering on. Lily threw to Yamabuki, and the batter made it to second base.

"YOU'RE OUT!" He missed it, by six inches. "THREE OUTS! CHANGE SIDES!"

The captain was furious, "A DOUBLE! WE HAD A DOUBLE! What the hell is this? We got a hit against these girls…"

One player stammered, "Don't worry… They are beasts on defense, but we have them cornered."

The captain said, "Yes… We can still win, thanks to our expert fielding. Those girls cannot bat." The Club ran to the field and prepared for the bottom half of the first inning.

But easily enough… the Cy-Nine Super Android Baseball Team…

WHOOSH!
"HOME RUN!"
WHOOSH!
"HOME RUN!"
WHOOSH! BOUNCE!
"TRIPLE!"

The girls were charging away through the first inning, without so much of a single out. The pitcher lobbed so many balls, after the intimidation from the girls, including the countless hits.

Akari hit a home run, Enju landed a triple, Myu hit a double to right, Tengge even hit a screaming liner to centerfield, heading to the wall.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The ball screamed, as it went to the wall.

Tengge ran to second and stopped, which allowed Nanao to slide home.

The Baseball Club couldn't go through an inning, as they were mercilessly beaten by the Cy-Nine.
By the way… the final score: 36 to 0. The Baseball Club forfeited, after that display.

The club captain was humiliated, as his team was disappointed. They not only lost to girls, but they lost to androids. Even worse… the club never even got a chance to counterattack. They only allowed 1 hit, and they let the girls win, with 36 runs, 39 hits, and 7 errors (mostly thanks to their skin tight uniforms).

"I can't believe it…" He saw the girls leave, with Cy in the lead, "I lost to a bunch of girls."

The club captain then put his hat down and said, "Everyone, I know we played our hearts out, but we can still do our best and-. Huh? Where'd everyone go?"

His team left him, as they quit the club. What started as five members of a dying club, it ended with just ONE club member. Kikuko approached the captain and gave him a document.

"Club suspended!" She boasted, and turned away in a robotic whir. The Baseball Club was suspended indefinitely, due to lack of club members. It was the worst day of his life. He sat on his bench, and wallowed in despair.


While the massacre of the Cy-Nine happened, back in MEA HQ, Kazuki arrived in the main room, with Beretta waiting for him.

Beretta explained, "I'm glad you made it here… and I'm sorry about what happened to your friends, but… Cy did a naughty thing."

"How so?"

"I learned that there is this ingredient called "Tech-3". If it's what I think it is, we are going to take drastic measures. Zina will give us a call, if anything new."

Tech-3… that ingredient somehow concerns me. Still, why would Cy allow the Ninja Seeking Club to be androids?

Beretta added, "We'll worry about it, later. For now, we have to beat Cy in her own game - and I mean, a baseball game."

"Can you really find some ringers to beat Cy?"

"Oh, we won't cheat, if you're thinking we have a powerhouse of players. Unfortunately, we only have them."

Beretta showed me the MEA roster, consisting of Ikiru, Yozuki, Iori, & Carbine. These are MEA's agents.

Ikiru huffed, "I refuse to play, at first, but it's for Tengge's health… I'm at fault here."

Yozuki cheered, "DARLING! Long time, no see!"

Iori smirked, "Well, looks like the Legendary Ninja wants our help."

Carbine giggled, "I'll do what I can for MEA, and to avenge Glock."

Johnny smiled, "Yeah! Come on, Bro, let's do it!"

"Wha-? Johnny?!" Kazuki cried.

Johnny said, "Beretta came to me, and offered my help, too."

Oh, right… Johnny's grandfather is the leader of MEA. I forget.

Beretta smiled, "Don't worry, you got me, Beretta, along with agents Sten, AK, Borchardt, & Carbine, and Johnny."

Kazuki sighed, "Yeah… but we're still short a few players. This would make seven players."

Ikiru said, "Not to worry. I had the call from a few girls in the Ninja World, and they will offer their tryouts for this Baseball Grudge Match."

Two girls appeared, one in pink hair and another in blonde hair. The pink-haired girl gasped, "OH! Aruji-dono, it's been so long."

HEY! It's Oka Kazamatsuri, my father's friend in Daikoku Village. And that blonde woman… She's, uh…

Ran said, "I'm Ran Kuzuryu. It's nice to finally meet you, Kazuki Araya."

Kuzuryu? Oh… She must be the Principal's granddaughter.

Oka bowed, "Let me, Oka Kazamatsuri, assist you in your matter in baseball. For you, I will save your friends. I owe them for the time we saved you."

Ran nodded, "It's the least we can do. We're all playing together, as a unit."

Three more girls appeared, as they were also ninjas. The girl in blue hair and a white outfit called, "Kazuki Araya? My name's Shiratsuru Kuki of the Kuki Village. I am honored to play with you."

A serious girl in a violet shirt and camo pants said, "I'm Tsubame Shiranui of Saika Village."

A girl with light pink hair cheered, "And I'm Negoro Village's Hijiri Utagawa, who's also from Hotaru Kokonohi's school. A privilege to meet you, at last, Kazuki Araya."

Kazuki smiled, "Ah, well, that's better. I think we're increasing our team roster. But still… against my former friends, brainwashed by Cy's Tech-3, it won't be easy."

Beretta smirked, "That's why we're going to get the advantage. The Ninja World will do what they can to assure that the game goes fair and square. Elly Fuma of Fuma Village and Kurenai Kato of Tokakushi Village will play as impartial umpires for the game, Kotaro Fuma will provide supervision from the outfield, and Tayu Momochi will be at home plate."

Kazuki nodded, "Good. The adults will supervise… But… Do any of you even know how to play baseball?"

Everyone was shocked, as Carbine said, "Well, we'll begin practicing, before Sunday. This will take time, but we have to do our best. You leave everything to me and Borchardt."

Iori moaned, "Uhhhh… Carbine, I cannot help cheat."

Beretta said, "NO science! It's what made this mess, in the first place! Anyways… We'll take it from here, Kazuki."

Beretta's right. We got a dream team of our own… but it seems we're useless.

XXXXX

That evening, I decided to go home, alone… feeling empty without my friends. I decided to move on and return to my dorm.

"THERE YOU ARE!" A girl in orange hair and a black uniform cried out, "Where were you, you dumbass?"

"HUH?" He gasped, "Oh… it's you, Hayuki."

Hayuki Miza was Ricka Machiyuki's student and owner of the Miza Inn Resort. Hayuki barked, "What the hell is this? Big Sis Ricka! She's… She's a monster!"

WHAT? She knew about the android serum?!

Hayuki yelled, "It's thanks to your friends and Big Sis Ricka, they clobbered the Baseball Club, forcing them to forfeit and disband! What did you do?"

HUH? Wait… they played a game with the Baseball Club, and I MISSED IT?!

"What happened?"

Hayuki told me everything. Enju struck out two batters, and then batted a total 36 runs, combined, using every player on their roster. And she told me the Hag suspended the club. Upon this shock, I told Hayuki everything.

"Tech-3? Cy did this?" Hayuki cried, "Unbearable!"

"I know… but I am not sure. They became androids, and superb in baseball."

"And you want to save them, by beating Cy's team, to save Ricka?"

"It's the only way… otherwise, I'm on Cy's team, as her boyfriend."

"NO! I won't let that android steal you away! I'm in! I hope to snap out of her dark spell!"

Hayuki Miza joins the Mizaki Team. She wants to save the girl that idolized Ricka.

"OH! And here's hoping that I see Myu in action." She giggled.

Ohhhhh… Right. She's into Myu, for her brother.

"You're not playing, knowing what you're capable of, Kazuki-dono." A girl in black hair, done in a samurai hairstyle, said to him, "Utagawa-dono told us everything. We are offered to help you save Hotaru-dono and YTG8."

Mashiro, a small girl in white hair, said, "I'm in, too. It's to save Hotaru. Otherwise, I'd not have yummy meals again. On the plus side, no more baths!"

Setsuna roared, "Mashiro! Focus!"

Setsuna & Mashiro? I guess the Ochato girls need to be saved, too.

Setsuna bowed, "Miss Venus offered to help, but she cannot be in the way. So, she hired myself and Mashiro-dono to help you. If we fail, and you end up as Cy-dono's lover, I'll kill myself."

Mashiro stated, "I could care less about Nanao. And I don't care about your damned harem. I want them to be happy, not as slaves."

He was amazed, "Guys…" He grinned, "Alright, you guys are in! Report to MEA HQ, tomorrow morning. I'll contact Beretta for the directions."

Hayuki said, "No need. Beretta will come by later for a visit, so Mommy and I will make her visit happy. I will ask to join, as long as these two join in, as well."

Setsuna said, "Right. And whatever this Tech-3 is… stay away from it, if it's untrusted."

Kazuki nodded, "Right. See you tomorrow."

I departed, as three new friends joined the baseball game. Mizaki has a baseball team growing, like clockwork.

XXXXX

"Hey, you got a minute?" A girl asked him.

I returned to the school, only to meet up with a young girl in long pigtails, by the gate. It was Iroha.

Kazuki said, "Oh. Iroha Yabu? What's up?"

Iroha said, "I overheard what happened at the baseball game. I tried to speak with Nanao… but…"

She explained to me, about meeting up with Nanao, after the game.

"WOW! You were amazing! You batted a perfect game!" Iroha cheered.

Nanao's stoic and emotionless face stared into Iroha, and Iroha asked, "Huh? What's wrong? Aren't you happy you won?"

Nanao responded, "No. We won, because our opponents were inferior. Our abilities are excellent. We chose to be stronger players. You, Iroha Yabu, are inferior."

"HUH? INFERIOR?!" She argued with Nanao, but then Nanao beeped, "Conclusion: If you wish to become a part of the Cy-Nine, join us. Join us, and become one with your progress."

Iroha was confused, "uhhhh… no, thank you… Seriously, why are you speaking like a broken PC Dating Rom-Com?"

"I am an android." Nanao said to her. All Iroha did was drop her jaw.

Iroha sobbed, "It makes no sense… I wanted to say "Hi", and she suddenly said that she…"

Kazuki held her and said, "Let me explain, fully… After all, you are a help to us."

Iroha sniffled, "Yes… If you can, tell me what I have to do to save Nanao's identity crisis."

"Well… not much of an identity crisis… but…"

And so, I told Iroha everything, including what Cy has done. After a bit of hyperventilating, Iroha offered her hand in the baseball team. We got enough players, as it is… but it's all we need to save everyone, including Akari.


The next day, everyone was present in MEA, as they were practicing in an indoor baseball stadium. We were all waiting for Beretta and Ikiru.

Setsuna asked, "So… When are the others arriving?"

Iori said, "Beretta should be here, soon. She's never late."

The girls and Kazuki & Johnny were wearing black uniforms and hats, with the letters "MEA" in gold print.

Ran stated, "Ugh… Black and gold? If I had the money, we'd have fancier uniforms and hats. OH, WAIT! I do! I was thinking about nifty red pinstripes and silver shoes and hats. We can stand out as the #1 baseball team!"

Kazuki said, "I, uh, don't think so. Plus, I think we'll stick to generic designs."

"Why not? The Tokyo Giants wore stylish uniforms, too."

Yozuki said, "Don't forget the American Baseball teams… like the Giants and the Cubs, or the Tigers."

Hayuki barked, "I like black! Leave it alone!"

Mashiro moaned, "It's too big for me…"

Setsuna was embarrassed, "Yeah… Black makes us look evil…"

Oka gasped, "Yatagarasu colors! But I thought-!"

Iroha said, "No, they're gone forever. We can still use these colors."

Tsubame said, "Yes… but it's better than purple."

Kazuki said, "No, I think we need a brighter color for the uniform."

Johnny added, "Home teams wear white. So, basically, a bright white color will do."

Tsubame nodded, "Of course. We'll ask Beretta to fit us in white and gold."

Shiratsuru smiled, "I like the way you think. I'll ask her, right away."

Carbine stated, "That's fine. Once we finish practice, we'll have uniforms made. Unfortunately, these are temporary uniforms for practice. For now, we'll tend to these, for now."

Hijiri said, "I cannot argue with that."

Yozuki asked, "Darling… Does this make me fat?"

URK! Well, anyways… We can practice now.

But…

Ikiru rushed in and cried, "Borchardt, AK, Beretta needs you, at once!"

Kazuki asked, "What's wrong?"

Ikiru explained, "It's Zina… We got the news from her, and she said… … … it's inconclusive data."

"WHAT?"

They protested, "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"

Kazuki yelled, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN INCONCLUSIVE DATA?!"

Ikiru said, "That's just it. Zina won't budge. The sports drink got her, too!"

NO! She drank the Cy Sports Drink?!

Yozuki growled, "Damn! Sten, where's Beretta now?"

Ikiru said, "Back at Akari's House. She is speaking with Mrs. Hanao. Kazuki, you, AK, & Borchardt will head over there, via truck. I will handle practice, myself."

"Thanks, I owe you one. I hope to return and assist you guys. It's my fault I let Cy blow up."

I left with Iori & Yozuki, as we headed to Akari's Mom. Zina won't say what the drink has, which caused the girls to turn into robots?

XXXXX

When we arrived, we entered the front room.

"Hello? Mrs. Hanao?"

Beretta appeared, as she whispered, "Hey…" She muttered, "Uhhh, well… You came too late."

Mari was sitting in her chair, lifeless, and beeping.

NO WAY!

"She's a robot?!" Iori cried.

Yozuki gasped, "Foooo… This is madness!"

Did Zina do this?


Next Chapter Preview

(Cut to background of Mizaki School, at night)

(Myu): Catcher, Myu Momochi.

(Yamabuki): Shortstop, Bookie Suou!

(Myu): So… Cy went too far, did she?

(Yamabuki): I can't say fer sure, Myu-Myu. But still… We have to play, and give Kazuki to her? I just can't, fam! I just… can't…

(Myu): We have to try and win… but… Cy is power hungry. I mean, look at us! We're machines! And we destroyed the Mizaki High Baseball Club to the point of extinction! I'm to blame for this…

(Yamabuki): We all are… But next chapter, Beretta & Ikiru are lifesavers. While Ikiru prepares the Mizaki Team, led by Kazuki, meanwhile, Akari's Mom and Zina have refused to help him. I wonder why…

(Myu): Hau…

(Yamabuki): Well, we'll find out soon enough, as we countdown to the greatest All-Star Game in Moé Ninja Girls history, since Touch 'em All. If ya don't know what that is, sorry ya missed out on the event, fam. But if ya did get it, reread the story to experience our first taste of baseball.
In the meantime, experience Chapter 5 - "Boulevardier of the Ninja World".

(Myu): Please help us, Kazuki-senpai… Help us!

(Yamabuki): Here's ta MEA and our friends, for finding a way. See ya then!