[BANG!]
The dull clanging of metal reverberated through the azure sky.
"All right. I've got this one."
I promptly caught the soaring baseball with my gloved hand.
"Nice catch, Ise."
Rias smiled and gave me a thumbs up. We, the Occult Research Club, were practicing baseball in the backyard of the old school building, where no grass was growing. Nope, this isn't a devil's job.
"Next week is Kuou Academy's 'Ball Tournament.' It's a battle between clubs that we can't lose."
So said Rias with a firm voice. Yeah, one of the school's biggest events, the "Ball tournament," was closing in. Overall, it is an event where we play ball-related sports, such as baseball, soccer, basketball, and tennis. These matches include contests between classes and genders, and obviously, there are also some between clubs. Whether or not you belong to a sports club, it's club mandatory; naturally, that includes the Occult Research Club.
What the clubs actually play is announced on the day of the event; we don't know what it will be. When club member numbers differ, the setup is for fair play, at least number-wise. According to the Student Council announcement, some sports may require more players, so we need to make sure we have the reserves.
And in conclusion, we were practicing sports likely to arise. Today happens to be baseball. As it was evening, the sky was beginning to darken. Typically, we spend our time chatting away in the club room. Recently, we began to change into our PE uniforms and practice sports.
"Batting practice is fine now. If it's baseball, then Koneko will be the fourth batter."
"...Affirmative."
Well, it is natural for the superhuman girl, Koneko-chan, to be the fourth batter. No need to complain about that. Even if we voted on it, Koneko-chan would win.
"Now! We'll practice a "knock! Now everyone! Put your gloves on and spread out!"
Rias was in high spirits. She was so energetic and lively that she was basically on fire.
"Ufufufu. Rias likes these kinds of things."
Said Akeno-san while giggling.
"I think I understand. Rias hates to lose."
Now, that's something I am very attracted to. No, That's something my other side very attracted too.
"Yep, that's it. Of course, there's no way that we can lose unless we make mistakes."
As Devils who are fundamentally stronger than humans, on the sports day we will have to hold back. Naturally, we wouldn't have a hard match. On the flip side, we had to learn the rules and features of baseball. Which is the reason why Rias is making us practice.
"Even if your brain knows, your body has to as well."
Regardless of our superior physiques, it is necessary because we don't know what might happen.
"Here, Asia! Here I go!"
[KLANG!]
Rias hit the ball towards Asia.
"Haaan! Aaau-aaau-aaau... Aah!"
The ball went through Asia's legs. Needless to say, Asia's sports sense is below exceptional. At times, she'll even trip over nothing.
"Asia! If you fail to catch it, go fetch it!"
"Y-yes!"
Since the Raiser incident, Rias started to show a lot of concern about matches. She seemed to really regret what happened in the match with Raiser.
However, it is obvious that we were disadvantaged, and I do not once regret that I used such a bloody method.
"Next is Yuuto! Here!"
[KLANG!]
Rias hit the ball to Kiba. This should be a piece of cake for Kiba; he's the fastest runner in our group. He can do pretty much anything. But he didn't move.
"..."
[SMACK!]
Kiba stood there like an idiot and got hit.
"Kiba! Get a hold of yourself!"
Rias yelled at Kiba. He then looked at Rias with a puzzled expression!
"...Aah, sorry. I wasn't paying attention."
Yeah, I know. It's probably because of that holy sword. Damn, when will Xenovia and Irina come? I would really like to solve his problem and get on with our life.
Kiba picked up the ball and threw it back to Rias. Rias caught the ball with a sigh.
"Yuuto, what's wrong? You've been acting rather strange lately. It's not like you."
"I'm sorry."
Kiba sincerely apologized. Rias was right. This guy has been thinking about something serious lately. I even heard that it became a hot topic in his classroom, "A prince in his thoughts." The girls were worried and excited over his expression. Die, handsome person!
"Hmmmm..."
Oh, Rias picked up a baseball manual. Rias tends to read when things come up. Quite a bookworm she is. At home she reads some complicated texts.
"Ara ara. By the way, Ise-kun, did you know?"
Asked Akeno-san.
"Know what?"
"Recently, Rias started a manual on love."
"...A love manual!?"
Oh, now that's interesting.
"Ufufufu. Ise-kun, you don't have to worry about it. It'll be all right. It's impossible for Rias to have a lover while you're not around."
Well, I am not worried.
Then I remembered something. My mind flashed back to the moment before the Rating Game.
Akeno had said something to me—something important.
"Akeno-san," I said, stepping a bit closer.
"Hm?"
"You remember what you said before the Rating Game? That I could ask you anything… if I gave it my all?"
She blinked in surprise, then smiled softly. "I did say that. And you did give it your all, didn't you?"
I nodded. "Then I'm cashing that in."
"Oh? What would you like, Ise-kun?"
I rubbed the back of my neck. Why was I nervous? I don't know? And I don't think after coming to this world I was ever nervous. Even when my first time with Kalawar, I was confident. But Now, for some reason, I am getting cold feet. What a weird mentality.
"I want to go on a date. With you."
The smile on Akeno's face didn't fade. Instead, it deepened, her expression turning soft and unreadable for a moment. Then, she tilted her head slightly, as if she'd been waiting for this.
"Are you asking me on a real date? Not some test, not a joke?"
"Yeah. A real one. Just the two of us. I mean, if you're okay with that…"
Akeno stepped forward and placed a hand gently on my chest.
"I'd love to, Ise-kun."
~~~
(Volume 1: life as Issei is over in my Patreon and Vol 2: Rise of God has started. If you are interested check it out.)
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