Gale-Dragon: Hello everyone. Sorry for the late update, Sociology class really takes up free time.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
(Author making a comment)
*action within a speech*
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5th Down: The Monkey Catching Master
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The tv station was having a tough time fixing the videotape, sure it was usable but the quality was a little better than watching a quality movie with a broken screen. At least they got some good shots of the game out of the film, though most were of Sakuraba. The head of the studio was shouting at the cameraman, stating that it was his fault the film ended up to become so horrendous. The employees were doing their best to salvage some images of the mysterious Eyeshield 21 for a piece that is due to air later that day.
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Sena met a very interesting person on his way to school today. It was a person from the baseball club, he was around Sena's height with short spiky brown hair, big eyebrows, a white bandage on his nose, and kind of like a monkey. He managed to catch the amefuto ball a hell of a lot easier than Sena could and thought he was really nice, even if he kept on mixing-up rugby and amefuto. As they said their goodbyes to one another, the baseball boys stated that Sena should come and watch them play, since there was a game later today. As Sena walked up to the amefuto club shed, Sena wondered if he should buy an amefuto ball so he could practice is catching more. When Sena opened the door, he somehow found his way into a casino. Sena took a step back and realize that not only did the inside of the amefuto club changed, but the outside also had the major makeover as well. Mamori popped up behind Sena, also surprised about the new appearance. Sena asked what the posters were for, and Mamori stated that they were a secret weapon. Hiruma suddenly appeared and snatched one of the posters out of Mamori's hand, Kurita not far behind.
The She-Devil decided to show Sena what the posters contained. It was an advertisement for the amefuto club for new members to join. "The match with Oujou is going to be on TV tonight, so naturally we're doing a little advertising and recruiting," Hiruma stated plainly before adding "Our team needs more regular members who can come practice and play. With the state, we're in right now, even if we show up to the fall meets, we'll still lose." Kurita said "That's true. We need at least one more receiver because we need people who are good at catching." Sena immediately thought of the baseball member that he met earlier today and thought maybe he could join the team, or at least until Hiruma stated that they needed a tall receiver. Sena thought 'Oh well… He's on the baseball team anyway, I thought we could've become really good friends…' Hiruma told everyone to hang the posters in school, 20 per person. Sena asked if they needed permission to hang up posters and Hiruma told him to hang up the posters and that she didn't care about getting permission. Mamori quickly stated that she got permission from the student council.
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After all the posters were up around the school, Sena went back to his classroom, looking at one of the posters he hung up in the classroom. He hoped that the poster's word gets people's attention and hopefully add more people to the amefuto club. Sena noticed that there was something writing on the side of the television, "We're definitely going to the Christmas Bowl! 1-2, Kurita Musashi Hiruma." Sena wondered who this Musashi person was. That was when the speedster remembered that Kurita stated that the club originally started with three members. 'So one member left? But didn't they share a common goal? Why…?' Sena thought as he could practically picture Kurita and Hiruma with another student writing the words on the television set and wondered why this Musashi left.
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Back at the amefuto club shed. Apparently the slot machines were real and because of those slot machines, Hiruma was bringing in a lot of club funds. The happy Kurita stated if Musashi were still here than they would have five people. Hiruma quickly snapped "You're so damn persistent. What did I say, huh? Don't whine about that f*er! What we need now is a receiver, not a kicker!" The She-Devil looked out the window and stated "Soon we'll have five people. We'll just keep getting more and more. Focus on the future and not the past, dammit!"
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Sena noticed that the baseball game had already started when he spotted the monkey catch an oncoming baseball. Sena thought it couldn't hurt to ask him about joining the amefuto club. As Sena left the classroom he thought 'It'd be great if he could be in both the baseball club and our club! There's still hope as long as the possibility is a zero.' Sena paused a bit when he realized that he was using one of Hiruma sayings. Guess the She-Devil was rubbing off on him, hoping that would be the only thing rubbing off. Then he ran off towards the baseball field.
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Sena watches the game from a safe distance. He heard someone shout something along the lines of scoring with a sacrifice (a bunt or flying ball that allows it wanted to score or advanced to another base at the expense of a batter) as the ball flew through the air. The monkey immediately ran after the ball and caught the ball before it managed to hit the ground. Sena can help think that he was good, at least until the monkey threw the ball in the opposite direction of where he was aiming and nearly hit Sena in the head. Sena took one of the baseball helmets and put it on in order to prevent an injury. While Sena was putting on the helmet he heard the baseball club's Captain and vice-Captain talking to one another. "Raimon is really good at catching… If he's gonna become a defensive player…" The vice-Captain stated looking at the stats (Finally Raimon's name), and the Captain, who was smoking a cigarette, stated "No good. His shoulder strength and ball control just suck! Baseball needs all-round abilities! We don't need specialization!" Sena wondered what he meant by that.
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After being mistaken for a new recruit for the baseball team, Sena was now up to bat. After two strikes and a couple of failed swings, Sena earned a free walk. Sena didn't know what it meant, but when the Captain shouted at him to run, he ran, fast. Passing the bases with no trouble and leaving everyone awestricken. One of the regular baseball numbers, who was one of the Devilbat helpers, stated that it was Eyeshield 21. Some of the regular members stated that may be he wanted to join the baseball team. Raimon looked at his catcher's mitt and said to no one in particular "Dammit… Everyone likes hittin' or runin' more… As for receivin'…" Raimon was hoping that being a catcher would've made him popular.
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Sena quietly put the neatly folded baseball uniform, that he was forced to wear, on one of the benches. Raimon spotted him, got his attention, stating that Sena was from the rugby team, and was happy that he came to see the game. As the two walked back to the school Sena asked Raimon if he could join the amefuto team, but Raimon refused stating that it wouldn't be cool if he did that. "Don't get me wrong? I didn't say amefuto is not cool! I'm not that lame as to laugh at other people's passion. What I was saying was if I don't stay with baseball, I'll be uncool I spent my entire life on the glove, so one day I got a become a hero by receivin' and catchin'!" Raimon stated to his new friend. Sena could understand.
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Back in the amefuto club shed. Sena really wishes that he could play amefuto with Raimon. Hiruma immediately stated that Sena should stop staring into space and go back to work and fired one of her many guns at the speedster. Mamori used her notebook to deflect the bullets, so it wouldn't hit Sena. Kurita looked at the clock, which read 5:30, and stated "That's right! The replay of our and Oujou's game is about to start! I wonder if they got anything usable from the recording after the car ran over it?" Hiruma stated that the find out by watching it on the projector, she clicked on the remote control and a projector appeared. How much money went to renovating that place?
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Raimon was at his apartment when the television special of Sakuraba's debut game aired. Raimon quickly noted that it was amefuto and that the quality of the film was pretty bad. "Esh, you think they use better cameras for when they record this stuff. And I'm sorry Mr Secretary, I've always liked baseball," Raimon stated as he tried to open a potato chip bag, that was when the newscaster stated that Sakuraba's position is the wide receiver, explain what the position's description, and explained that in amefuto the receiver is always in the spotlight. Raimon's attention pretty quickly. The catcher watches the grainy play by plays of Sakuraba's catching. Raimon noted that he could easily catch the balls and that Sakuraba was really popular. Raimon could picture himself catching an amefuto ball and the crowd would just love them until he remembered that he was strictly baseball. Then a grainy picture of Eyeshield 21 appeal. Raimon remembered that he was the one who was on the field earlier today.
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"When Eyeshield 21 ran into the Sakuraba, the teen idol had to be taken off the field due to injuries," an over voice stated and apologize for the lack of a visual due to technological errors. Sena doubted that and wondered where Sakuraba was hospitalized. The over voice then added "We have received a reply from Mr Eyeshield 21 about his accident, "For those who witnessed the game, you see my killer tackle! Accident? Hell no! I did it on purpose! Whoever blocks my way I'll f* him up! Get the f* outta here if you don't wanna die! Ya~Ha~!" That was what he said…" Mamori was shocked that Eyeshield 21 would say something like that, while Sena and Kurita immediately turn to Hiruma, who was now sporting an evil grin. "Hiruma did you really have to say all of those lies?" Sena asked the She-Devil Captain, she immediately mused how the speedster knew that it was her. With her gun and an evil grin she stated "In amefuto, you'll win if you scare the opponents out of their wits! You gotta become a badass in order to deal with the enemy!" Sena couldn't help but cry that. Kurita padded Sena on the back, reassuring that no one was good to take the video seriously.
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Raimon immediately stated that Eyeshield 21 was an asshole.
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The next day the only thing everyone at Diemon high was talking about was the TV special with the grainy visual. Okay, more about Eyeshield 21 and who he actually was under that mask. Sena really wished Hiruma didn't say what she said for the TV program. 'I don't know what's worse, how television can portray people or Hiruma,' Sena thought as he switched his regular shoes for his school shoes. Raimon came onto the scene and stated that he saw the TV program last night, as he picked up his shoes with his feet (I'm curious, is there a technical term for being able to use your feet like hands? Other than being called a monkey?). Raimon went off about how Eyeshield 21 was an asshole. Sena decided that the She-Devil was worse. "But must be tough having a terrible senpai like that…" Raimon stated at his new best friend. Sena replied, with the picture of Hiruma in his head, "Well… Um, indeed having a cruel senpai is quite difficult…" Sena gave a small smile and added "But… Because s… Er, HE's with us, we were able to win our first game." Raimon smiled and replied "Right! I heard your win over Koigahama was the first win! We gotta celebrate! Celebrate your first win and me entering Rank One." Sena congratulated Raimon, but the catcher immediately stated "To tell ya the truth, I'm not sure yet… It'll be announced after school… It might be a bit difficult for me to make Rank One, but I should be able to climb up there from Rank Two…" Raimon immediately cheered up and chatted to Sena as he had for class "Ya can't always be pessimistic about life! Come to the baseball team office after school!" With the sweatdrop on his brow, Sena waved goodbye to his new friend.
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After the final class ended, Sena immediately rushed to where they posted their ranks for the baseball team. Noticing that his friend wasn't there, Sena went to the list to the figure out where his friend was ranked. He looked at the list for Rank One. That was then when he realized he didn't even know his friend's name. The speedster spotted the Captain and vice-Captain of the baseball team coming out of the room and asked them if they knew his name, after giving them a detailed description. The captain immediately stated that they didn't have anyone like that on their team, but the vice-Captain was helpful enough to point to a name tag of the person that Sena described. 'So his name is Raimon Tarou,' Sena thought as he looked at the rank his friend was under, which was Ranked Three. The baseball Captain stated "Rank Three isn't really a team. It's more of a clique. To tell the truth, these people fail the test." The vice-Captain explained more politely to Sena "Many people want to join our team. Although it's kind of harsh, we can't let everyone in and this is a better way of really telling them that they didn't make the team." Sena remembered what Raimon told him yesterday. He couldn't help but pity him.
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Sena slowly walked to the amefuto club shed. He still remembered what the baseball team captain said about them not needing specialization. The speedster saw Mamori, Kurita, and Hiruma step out of the shed. The She-Devil told the other two to hand out flyers to tall people, while Kurita stated that he wished that they could find a good receiver, Mamori immediately ran off to hand out the flyers. Sena needed to ask the blonde female. "Hiruma-senpai… The receivers… Have to be tall…?" Sena finally asked in a timid tone. Kurita stated that receivers don't necessarily have to be tall. Sena asked another question "Does amefuto… Not need people who are only good at one thing?" Hiruma frowned and stated "Fool, it's the other way around! We need people who are very good at one thing because this is a very specialized sport!" Sena couldn't believe his ears, maybe had a chance to get Raimon into amefuto after all.
When Sena asked for more flyers, Hiruma immediately snatched the flyers of his hands and stated that Sena was a terrible team secretary. The She-Devil pulled out a rope, seemingly out of nowhere, and stated that Sena was going to run every day. Hiruma quickly tied Sena to Cerberus' collar. The speedster felt like he grew a stone in his stomach. For some reason, Cerberus was really excited and wanted he run off somewhere. Once Hiruma released her mutt of a dog, he was off along with Sena in tow. "Ohhhh! Nice speed!" Hiruma stated happily, while Kurita wondered if Sena was gonna be okay. With an evil grin on her face, Hiruma stated "That f*ing chibi… He always collapses after he wants 40 yards within 4.2 seconds, which means he doesn't usually don't run at that speed. I'm gonna make his legs remembered the speed of 4.2 seconds!"
Cerberus raced along the sidewalk with Sena being forced to run behind him. The speedster kept shouting at pedestrians to move out of the way so they wouldn't get hit by the devil-dog. Sena wasn't sure if he could completely prevent any collisions.
At a sports equipment store a km or so away from Sena and Cerberus' current location. Three students, two boys and one girl in their teenage years, from a school in the Kanagawa prefecture walked out of the sports store, each with a large, heavy-looking, cardboard box in hand, or hands in this case (1). "Who's turn was it to order the new equipment?" asked the tallest of the three, whom was completely bald and seemed to be able to hold the box he was holding with only one hand. "One of the new recruits. You'd think he would write down the address of the school correctly on the order forms," replied the bulky second tallest. The tallest sighed and stated, "At least the store owner was nice and understood the mix-up with the addresses." The only girls of the group piped up "I think that this happens often with this store." The bulky teen asked, "What make you think that?" The girl replied "Because I heard the owner mutter "At least it was sports gear this time"." The bulky teen muttered a makes sense and then added towards the girl "You sure you're going to be able to carry that all the way to the bus?" The girl shifted the box so she could hold it better and stated "Of course I can. Compared to the stones we lift, this box is practically a feather." The bulky teen warily told the girl "All right, but if it's getting hard for you, one of us will carry it okay?" The girl stated fine in an annoyed tone and started walking ahead of the boys. The bulky teen whispered to his taller friend "Are you sure it's fine for her to be lifting something that heavy?" The girl shouted back that she heard that, which caused the bulky teen to flinch. The tallest teen stated that she'll be fine and that she does participate in the team's training.
"NEECHAN MOVE OUTTA THE WAY!" Someone shouted, not too far off. The girl looked in the direction of the shouting. Imagine her surprise when she saw a mutant mutt pulling a freshman by a rope running at a rapid speed. The girl managed to jump before the dog ran into her, but doing so caused her to fall off balance, due to holding an overweight box and moving too fast. The tallest managed to catch her with his free hand before she completely lost her footing. She thanked him in a shaky tone as she regained her footing. All three looked in the direction the dog and boy were heading. The bulky teen finally asked, "What was that?" "Some kind of mutant dog pulling a boy tied with a rope," The tallest stated. "Today is indeed a weird day," the girl stated and the boys agreed.
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Raimon was sitting on the grass watching nothing in particular. Raimon looked at his beloved baseball glove. A strange noise was heard and Raimon didn't know what it was until Cerberus was right on top of them, still dragging poor Sena along. There was an epic fight between a monkey and a dog.
After everything was settled, Raimon noted that Sena was fast and wondered if he was a regular player on the amefuto team. Sena of rubbed the back of his head and stated that he wasn't really. Raimon showed Sena his baseball glove and stated with a smile "This glove… Was given to me by a professional baseball player called Houjou. He's very good at catching, every time he makes a brilliant catch, the crowd goes wild and cheers for him!" Raimon explained that he wanted to be a hero just like Houjou, that the ace ballplayer tossed him the glove after the game, and that he's been practising his catching like there was no tomorrow. Raimon began to cry when he stated that it was impossible for him to become a professional baseball player. Sena couldn't help but sympathize with the monkey-like catcher. As Raimon was leaving, Sena decided now was his chance to ask. "OUR TEAM… IS LOOKING FOR A PERSON WHO IS VERY GOOD AT CATCHING!" Sena practically shouted. Raimon glanced at Sena and stated "Ya want me to give up baseball and go play amefuto? 'Tis running away… I can't do it. Too uncool." Sena immediately shouted back that it wasn't running away and that he did do it at first and explained that he hoped to become useful to his team at the secretary, but he didn't think that he was fit for the job. Sena continued by explaining "Then I decided… I'll give it all I've got to become a regular player… Even though it's quite different from my original aspirations, but I'm having much more fun this way… Some things just turn out the way they are!" Raimon couldn't help but be moved, but stated thanks and that some fools just refuse to turn back. Sena immediately tried to stop him. Raimon thought Sena was gonna say more, but Sena explained that Cerberus took a huge bite out of the back of his pants and that there was a giant hole.
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Raimon was covering his rear end with his school bag. Sena apologized about it and Raimon stated that it was okay. Raimon remembered that his team uniform was being watched and that he didn't have any more spare pants. Sena offered an amefuto uniform for him to wear. Raimon was about to agree until he thought it was a ploy for him join the amefuto club. Judging by the look on Sena's face, it wasn't. Raimon told Sena "I know I'm too stubborn… If I knew about amefuto first, then maybe I…" The catcher didn't get to finish his sentence when an amefuto ball was hitting directly in his face. By some miracle, Raimon was able to catch the oncoming ball with only one hand. That was when Sena realize that Hiruma and Kurita were there. Wait a minute, why are those to here again? Raimon, Sena, and Kurita were in a state of confusion as the amefuto (female) captain pulled some tape out. Within the next 30 seconds or so, Raimon was completely tied up with tape, gagged, and locked in the amefuto ball cage by Hiruma. Kurita and Sena didn't know how to react, or what they should do, especially since it involved the She-Devil.
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Mamori was sweeping in front of the amefuto club shed, since she finished with handing out all the flyers; although, nearly every single person she handed the flyers to were trying to hit on her, not like she really noticed that they were. The honour student spotted Hiruma climbing the steps with a student tied up with tape in tow while Sena and Kurita tried to save the poor student. Mamori immediately shouted what they were doing. Hiruma nonchalantly stated that the student that she tied up wanted to join the team (not with those words in particular mind you). Sena stated that the student's name was Raimon Tarou. "So it's Monta huh? What a fitting name," Hiruma immediately teased. Through the gag, Raimon tried to correct his name. "As if he'd like to! Hiruma you jerk, it's blatantly obvious that you are coercing him," Mamori immediately stated as Raimon tried to struggle out of the tape. Mamori immediately went to help Raimon out of the tape. The blond got annoyed and was pulling a black notebook out of her pocket. Both Sena and Kurita knew exactly what that notebook was. Mamori noticed that there was a big hole in the back of Raimon's pants and said, "I'll sew it up for you, go find something to wear in the meantime." Raimon immediately refused and stated "There was a hole to start with I ain't gonna make you guys take the blame!" Mamori in merely stated that it was all right and with a sweet smile, she said "It doesn't matter who's responsible, I'll sew your pants for you. Stop being so insistent." With a look that screamed oh-my-goodness-it's-love-at-first-site, Raimon agreed. Hiruma had an idea and let the notebook fall back into her pocket. Leaving both Sena and Kurita in confusion as the other three went back into the shed.
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It was dark when Sena and Raimon were heading home. Raimon was admiring the fact that Mamori was able to fix his pants up so well that you couldn't even tell that they were ripped in the first place. "Mamori-neechan has always been really good at these sorts of things," Sena said to his new friend. Raimon asked if Mamori was Sena's sister, completely unaware of the hand coming out from a nearby bush. Without realizing that Raimon was being kidnapped, Sena explained, "We are really brother and sister, we just happen to live real close." Sena finally realized that Raimon was missing. It didn't take Sena long to realize that Hiruma kidnapped Raimon when he passed by a nearby park. Raimon was currently standing on the top of the slide, shouting angrily at the quarterback. As if it was the most natural thing that could happen, Hiruma sat on a nearby bench, placed a cigarette in her mouth, lit it with her pocket lighter, and said calmly "Actually, I had taken up you, because the "Big Boss" told me to." Sena was currently hiding behind a nearby fence and he can help but wonder who this big boss person was. "The big boss knows that we don't dare to resist him, so he's always getting us to do the dirty work for him," Hiruma said leisurely, taking the cigarette out of her mouth. Raimon finally asked, "Who's this low-down guy?" The She-Devil stated the name Eyeshield 21 as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Sena was completely mortified as he thought 'She's evil.' Raimon was officially mad and asked Hiruma in an angry tone "Why is that kinda guy the big boss?" "Because he's the main man of the team," Hiruma stated casually as she let the cigarette burn, making Sena wonder if she really does smoke or not.
The She-Devil casually explained that Mamori joined the team because she felt for his ball-handling skills and explained that Eyeshield 21 was going to dump her after he played around a bit. A tear streaked down Sena's cheeks as he thought 'What a load of bs. Where did she come up with this stuff?' Raimon on the other hand was completely falling for Hiruma's lies. Hiruma casually folded her arms looked away from Raimon and stated in her manipulative voice "I wonder if someone will be willing to take they kept in position from him? Then Anezaki would be free. Especially if someone is good at receiving." Raimon was tempted, while Sena couldn't help but think that he was being deceived. The receiver quickly shook his head and stated "No… No, I can't do that, I'm on the baseball team, if I run away, it'll be uncool!" Rubbing her chin and stated in her manipulative voice, Hiruma said "That's right, way uncool! But is there someone in this world who is a "Real Man", that is willing to sacrifice his coolness in order to save a girl?" Now Raimon was interested. Sena couldn't help but think that he was too gullible. After a while, Raimon finally said, "Please let me think about it for one night."
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Raimon was sitting in front of his desk with his baseball mitt perched on top of it. He muttered to no one in particular "Shuei Eagle, Honjou Masaru… Number 80, catchin' expert." He remembered his idol catching a home run hit, he remembered him picking up baseballs for the team, and he remembered what Sena said to him earlier today. "Mr. Honjou… I've already given my maximum effort, right?" Raimon bowed in front of the mitt and practically shouted "I'M SORRY! I CANNOT BECOME A REGULAR BASEBALL PLAYER!" With tears in his eyes, Raimon continued "But now… There are finally some people who told me their team needs me! I'd like to try my luck on that team!"
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The next day, the sun was shining ever so brightly as Sena walked to the amefuto club shed. Sena noticed that the shed door was slightly open. When the speedster looked inside, he was greeted by a red jersey with the number 80 in white. It was Raimon in his new amefuto jersey. Raimon greeted Sena with "Mornin'! This is Mr Honjou's number 80!" Sena was completely happy that Raimon decided to join the amefuto team, at least until the catcher shouted that his goal was to defeat Eyeshield 21. Sena couldn't help but wonder if there was okay for him to let Raimon believe the lies Hiruma told him. After a few minutes, Sena wrote down Raimon's stats.
Character Data :;: Raimon Tarou, Nickname: Monta (2) :;: Team: Deimon Devilbats, Position: WR, Wide Receiver :;: 40 Yards (36m) Dash: 5.0 seconds :;: Bench Press Record: 40 kg :;: Number 80 – Catching Expert.
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The Devilbats had the entire gym to themselves (How much you want to bet that Hiruma had a play in it). At the moment both Raimon and Sena were doing some funky neck stretches, Kurita was bench pressing who knows how much weight, and Hiruma was somehow working out her legs with one of her guns in her hands. The moment Mamori walked into the gym, Sena slipped out of his very weird position and fell on his back, and Mamori immediately ran to his side. Sena immediately explained that he wanted to train his muscles with the rest of the team and Mamori told him not to overdo it. Seeing that Sena was getting attention from Mamori for getting slightly hurt, Raimon decided to pretend that his shoulder was disjointed. Kurita decided to help Raimon. The giant was in too good of a mood to notice that he was actually hurting Raimon. Sena thought with joy 'Even Kurita-senpai seems quite happy because we got a new teammate.' "Oi! F*ing chibi! Buff up your neck of the more or you're really gonna get f*ed in games," Hiruma managed to say with a cloth in her mouth as she seemed to be doing maintenance on the gun she had in her hands, she was even wearing gloves too.
Mamori brought up that although the posters and flyers were good ideas, she thought that it might be a good idea to hold a game at the school fields. Kurita agreed and said, "If we don't let everyone see how we play, no one will join us…" Hiruma was already on a phone already planning to schedule an amefuto game this weekend. Raimon completely surprised on how fast Hiruma worked, Sena noted that this was actually normal. Hiruma turned to the speedster and the catcher and told them "Let's get ready. F*ing chibis! You go do some running, and get me some equipment along the way!"
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During their jog, the two found the sports equipment store. Raimon rushed ahead of Sena towards the store and shouted "EFFORT MAX! DASH!" As Sena tried to catch up he ran by someone jogging in a hoodie. The speedster quickly recognized that person as Oujou White Knight Lineman Seijūrō Shin. The Lineman passed Sena as if he didn't see him. 'Oh, that's right, Shin doesn't know me,' Sena thought as he took a breath. Shin stopped running, looked at him, and noticed the other teen's arms and legs. When Shin asked, "Are you Eyeshield 21?" Sena's heart nearly stopped. Sena nervously turned to the Lineman and stuttered out a yes.
A few seconds later a duo on a motorbike stole the money that Raimon had to buy the sports equipment. Shin decided to help Sena and Raimon get the money back. Shin told Sena about a traffic jam on a bridge nearby and told the speedster a strategy that would help them get back the money. The plan was a success and Raimon managed to catch every single bill that was floating in the air after the motorcycle crashed. As the police took away the motorcycle duo, Raimon and Sena counted the bills to make sure all of them were there. The two Devilbats thanked Shin and the Lineman replied "You guys are the receiver? Get yourselves ready for the fall tournament, we Oujou will be much stronger by then. I'll be waiting for you in the finals." Before he left.
~}i{~
As Sena and Raimon were walking towards the amefuto club shed, Raimon was trying to mimic what Shin said to them. Sena stated that Shin was cooler than Raimon, making Raimon playfully bopped Sena on the head and get him to try saying that line. As Sena repeated those lines Raimon noted that they had company in the shed. When the catcher looked in the shed, he fell backwards in total shock. As both of them looked through the slight opening in the shed, Raimon stated "It's Habashira Rui. He's the ace of the amefuto team at Zokugaku, and not to mention he was the most fearsome man at that school." They heard someone say "This weekend we're gonna have a game, Zokugaku vs Deimon…" Sena opened the door a bit more to see who was talking. Imagine Sena surprise when he saw Hiruma wearing Eyeshield 21's jersey and helmet. With an expression that looked like he saw a ghost, Sena thought 'WAAAHHH! WHAT IS SHE DOING!?' Hiruma, in the guise as Eyeshield 21, stated in a mocking tone "So does that mean we can send you f*ing scums back to hell?" Rui stood up from his seat and said in an angry tone "What did you say! Eyeshield 21! I'll get you good!" There was a man in a business suit and glasses doing his best to stop Rui from clobbering the fake Eyeshield 21. With a final taunt, Hiruma betted ¥5 million on the match in the ace of the Zokugaku agreed. The two guests left soon afterwards.
~}i{~
Later that day, Hiruma and Kurita (mostly Hiruma) hijacked the broadcasting room and told everyone through the speakers that the amefuto team will be having a game this Saturday on the field, that their opponents were gonna be the Zokugaku Chameleons, that ¥5 million was betted on the game, and that Eyeshield 21 was going to be playing. Raimon stated that it looked like that they can afford to lose, while Sena really wanted to crawl under a rock and hide.
~}i{~
In the amefuto club shed, the team was going over the data on the Zokugaku Chameleons, starting off with Habashira Rui. The linebacker and team captain was best known for his horrendously long arms that can capture anything that moves. Raimon noted that the spring tournament was still underway and stated, "If they're playing with us then that means they lost really early as well?" Mamori stated that that wasn't the case and told him to take a look at the tape from the Chameleon's last game. The video showed Rui punching the referee. Mamori explained as she read through an amefuto magazine "That's why they will disqualify this year, this book says they're "The black horse and spotlight for the fall tournament"." Kurita stated that because the Chameleons started beating up the referee, the team was disqualified from the spring tournament. Sena was shaking when he stated that Rui was a fearsome guy and Raimon stated, "I heard that he carries a butterfly knife with him every day." Sena immediately calmed down and told Raimon that they had someone who carries firearms every day as he looked towards Hiruma, who was carrying a sniper rifle and stating it was time to practice. Raimon was speechless.
~}i{~
The Devilbats were inside the school's gymnasium picking up everything they needed for their amefuto practice. As Sena was lifting a box he wondered aloud they could be a terrible team and Hiruma stated that she wouldn't have betted ¥5 million if they didn't have a chance. The She-Devil stated that Eyeshield 21 was going to be there bait and pissed off Rui so much that they'll try to stop the running back from brushing a touchdown and then added as she picked up an amefuto ball "But now we can *throws the ball in a certain direction* score by passing as well!" Raimon practically cut that ball by instinct. Kurita said in a very happy tone "We can finally use passing as well~~~! Finally, it's starting to look like amefuto. By the way, Hiruma, do you wanna bring Rice-kun out?" The giant held up a wooden stand with a rough drawing of a catcher. The quarterback stated that they didn't need it anymore. Mamori, Raimon, and Sena asked who Rice-kun was, and Kurita explained that when there was only him and Hiruma they made Rice-kun because Hiruma couldn't find anyone to practice passing with, they gave the wooden stand the name Rice-kun after the super receiver of the NFL, Jerry Rice.
Hiruma hung Rice-kun on one of the field goals Hiruma said to the team "Now that we have a receiver, we don't need Rice-kun anymore." And with that Hiruma locked and loaded her AK-47 (and is currently looking like the devil) and started shooting rounds into the wooden stand. Everyone moved out of the way. While on the ground Kurita whispered to Raimon "Actually after of Monta joined *Raimon stated that his name was Raimon*, the happiest one should be Hiruma because Hiruma's position requires him to pass. Hiruma has been training hard and is very good at it, but up until now was able to use this skill properly. But now we finally have a receiver," Kurita can help but smile and think, 'Ever since Sena joined the team, Hiruma's been really cheerful.' Sena and Raimon looked at each other in confusion. Kurita tackled Rice-kun, breaking it and a half. Hiruma told the new Devilbats to the join in the fun and Mamori shouted at Hiruma not to get them involved. "Mamori-neechan has scolded me so… So afterwards will earnestly apologize to her," Sena finally said, making Raimon grin. Somehow, out of thin air acquired a bazooka, Sena and Raimon used that to blast Rice-kun into pieces. Mamori was upset at first, but when she saw Sena smiling as he and the other Devilbats destroyed the cardboard, she felt a little bit better. Mamori grabbed a flamethrower and used it to destroy Rice-kun and creating an inferno.
Some of the Deimon students nearby notice the Devilbats antics. Hiruma noticed that and shouted that they will beat Zokugaku. The students cheered for the Devilbats to win, while Mamori and Kurita tried to put out the fire and Hiruma were shooting the ammo from her AK-47 into the air. (Ummmmm, any idea who's going to clean the debris from the fire).
~}i{~
Currently, the Devilbats team was doing ladder drills. After they were done, Sena nearly lost his balance in the remains of Rice-kun and stated that they were getting in the way. Hiruma stated, almost in a mocking tone, "Because 'someone' lacking common sense set it on fire." Of course, Hiruma was talking about Mamori. Kurita suggested that they do some real passing practices in the form of a real game. Mamori immediately went to Sena and stated in a tone that mimicked a concerned mother "It's a real game… It'll be quite dangerous, I think you shouldn't take part in it." (Mother hen much). Hiruma put her right hand to her face and stated nonchalantly "I think I saw Eyeshield 21 at the team office~~~" when Sena got the look of confusion on his face, Hiruma immediately shouted, "I MEANT FOR YOU TO FETCH HIM FOR ME, F*ING CHIBI!" And with that Sena immediately raced off towards the amefuto shed thinking that the She-Devil could have told him about the Get-Changed-into-Eyeshield 21-without-Letting-Mamori-Know codes.
Raimon wanted to meet Eyeshield 21 and give them a piece of his mind about Mamori, (Seeing as he believed the lies that Hiruma told him). Raimon spotted Eyeshield 21 heading his way. Sena, wearing his helmet and jersey, had to make sure that Raimon and find out he was the person that he hated so much. Lowering his voice, Sena told Raimon "Are you the newcomer? Let us both work hard together!" With a sweatdrop on his cheek, Raimon said: "Sena, what the hell are you doin'?" Sena immediately froze. Sena tried his best to convince Raimon that he was Eyeshield 21 and not Sena. "SO YOU'RE THAT BADASS!" Raimon shouted as he started fighting with Sena. Kurita happens to be in the area and broke up the fight.
After a few minutes of explaining, Raimon finally realized that Hiruma did all of the bad things. 'I really wish she wouldn't make those kinds of lies,' Sena thought as he looked down at the ground. Sena stood up and apologize to Raimon, and then added, "I didn't want to trick you, but I was afraid that if I told you the truth you'll quit amefuto so…" Raimon stood up and turned away from the two Devilbats and said "I've decided, I'm gonna be receivin' expert in amefuto. I'll keep my promise. *He turned his head to the Devilbats* We're gonna win this one against Zokugaku." Sena happily stated of course and Kurita jump for joy.
~}i{~
During the practice game, Mamori noticed something interesting as she thought 'Hmmm? How come Sena still hasn't returned?' Then she said out loud "Every time Eyeshield 21 shows up Sena never seems to be around." Kurita could feel his heart stopped and thought 'NOOOOO, if Mamori discovers that Sena is Eyeshield 21, then shall make him leave the team and Hiruma would…' Then Mamori finally realized it, the thing that she thought she overlooked, and the thing that made the most sense when she saw Eyeshield 21. "Could it be… They…" Kurita didn't think his heart could take anymore. "Don't get along really well?" Mamori stated really seriously (Is she really that dense?). Kurita couldn't have been more relieved. 'That's right. So far, Monta is the only one who instantly saw that he was Sena,' Kurita thought as he watched Eyeshield 21 showing Raimon how to catch a long pass. Hiruma managed to trick Sena/Eyeshield 21 into sticking up only his middle finger, managed to snap a picture of it and the player with a camera, then appeared out of nowhere. 'What in the world is she planning?' Sena thought after the She-Devil walked away with the camera.
~}i{~
The day of the match there was this huuuuuuge poster with a picture of the Chameleon ace and the picture of Eyeshield 21 sticking up his middle finger, the match, and stated that ¥5 million that was on the game, outside over the entrance to the school, for all to see. Raimon and Sena were completely mortified, while the other students were commenting positively on the poster. Sena heard someone stating that the poster was cocky, so he turned to see Jūmonji, Kuroki, and Toganō (3), Sena's former bullies. The speedster was about to cower when the three raced off in the other direction, making Sena wonder why they did.
~}i{~
"GOD DAMNIT_! WHY DO WE HAVE TO SPEND OUR LIFE IN THE SHADOWS?" Kuroki shouted, Stopping his foot on the ground in anger. Toganō tired calming Kuroki down by saying "All will be solved when we retrieve the negatives." Exhaling the smoke from his cigarette, Jūmonji stated "There's a game today… Maybe now is our chance."
~}i{~
The entire Zokugaku Chameleons arrived at Deimon high with Rui leading the way.
~}i{~
It was a few minutes before the game started and the entire school was at the field eager for it to begin. Roughly 80% of the students were cheering for the Devilbats to win the game, while the other roughly 20% were being jerks to the team. Hiruma decided to call Cerberus to take care of that pesky 20%.
Hiruma wondered out loud how many were going to perish and, with a rope in hand, she said in a cheery tone "I'll go find a few volunteers from the audience." Sena wondered if she was being serious. Before she could get her first vict… er, volunteers, she told Kurita to get the protective gear from the team office. Kurita complied and went off to get the gear.
~}i{~
In the team office, Jūmonji, Kuroki, and Toganō were searching for the negatives of them naked, without much success. Kurita opens the door and saw the three. "You… You guys…" Kurita said in a serious tone. The three was scared halfway out of their mind at this point. "You guys are finally back to join us!" Kurita said happily with tears in his eyes. Toganō said "Huh?" Jūmonji said "Huuh?" and Kuroki said "Huuuuuuuh?"
~}i{~
The sportscaster stated that the match between the Deimon Devilbats and the Zokugaku Chameleons will be beginning soon. Kurita was extremely happy. Kuroki asked why they were in the situation, Jūmonji stated: "Would you dare to say that we were looking for negatives?" It was a good point.
~}i{~
Deimon Devilbats vs Zokugaku Chameleons, begin.
~}i{~
Omake Moments:
Sena was finally going to ask. Today he was going to ask. He had to know. Sena swallowed his saliva and headed towards his target.
"What is it, Sena?" Kurita asked the speedster when he spotted him. Sena gulped and finally said, "How long did you know that Hiruma was a girl?" There was a moment of silence between the two. "Oh, I knew Hiruma was a girl the moment I saw her." Sena looked at Kurita in disbelief and quickly ask "How could you know? I mean, everyone else thought she was a boy." Kurita replied in the strange tone that he uses when he's unusually calm "I know it's strange, but I seem to be able to tell whether someone's a guy or gal, doesn't matter what their wearing." Kurita smiled and said with a cheerful tone "Hiruma nearly filled me full of lead when I asked her why she was wearing boys clothing when we first met." 'Wonder why he's so cheerful about remembering that?' Sena thought with a sweatdrop on his brow.
"Sena," Kurita said to get the speedster's attention. "I know this is going to be hard to believe, but despite how she acts sometimes, she's really a good person," Kurita said with a genuine grin on his face. Sena couldn't help but be moved, even if it is about Hiruma. "Soooo, if Hiruma's a girl… what's her real name?" Sena asked his senpai. Kurita didn't understand what the speedster meant, so Sena decided to explain a bit more "Yoichi is a boy's name, but since Hiruma's a girl that can't be her real name." Kurita smiled and said with joy "I haven't the slightest clue, she only told me her name was Hiruma Yoichi." Sena couldn't understand why the giant was so happy about that. Kurita happily added, "I'm not sure why she's pretending to be a boy, but I know she has her reasons, so just be patient with her, she'll eventually tell us." Sena smiled a bit. Maybe Kurita's right. "But there's one thing I can tell you," Kurita said softly, urging Sena to come in closer so no one could potentially overhear them. The giant whispered something into Sena's ear.
Raimon noticed that Sena looked like his soul was missing and asked what happened to him. Sena only replied, "N-n-nothing, just life being cruel." Kurita, on the other hand, was happy as can be. 'I hope that little fact will help Sena and Hiruma become closer,' Kurita thought with a smile, completely oblivious to the state Sena was in.
~}i{~
1: The first person to guess who these three are correct, that person can submit a request for an Omake. Post in the Comment box, please.
2: Debating whether or not to call him Monta or Raimon in this story. He is called Monta throughout the Eyeshield 21 storyline, and I'm debating whether I should call him by his given name or nickname. I am calling him Raimon in this chapter, maybe I should continue calling him by his given name throughout the story, but the nickname is used when they're talking to him. Please help me decide, I'm not sure which one to go with.
3: I decided to just use their names. I found it a little hard to keep calling them by the nicknames that I've given them.