H2
	 Volume 3
	  Chapter 6 (25)
	   I'll Leave Second Open

 - Page 95 -

(Ch. 6) I'll Leave Second Open

 - Page 96 -

Hideo: So?  Are they coming?

 - Page 97 -

Hikari: They didn't say so,
	but they're probably grumbling while on the way home to get their suits.

Hideo: Really?

Hiro: Grumble,
	grumble.
	Sheesh!
	She doesn't listen to a thing anyone tells her.
	Just decides things for herself however she pleases.
	She's always been like that!

Noda: Eh, who cares?  It's true we could use a breather.
	This former swim team member will show you the butterfly.

Hiro: Did you know that the butterfly stroke refers to the insect?
	Have fun, Mothra.

(Note: The butterfly stroke is known by the English word "butterfly" in Japanese, but when he says insect, it is the Japanese word for
	"butterfly", which is "chou".)

Noda: I am not Mothra!

 - Page 98 -

Noda: See you at the pool.

Hiro: Yeah.

Bugs: (zz)(zt)

Hiro: I'll leave second open.

(Note: The Japanese word for willow tree is "yanagi".)

Bugs: (zzt?)

 - Page 99 -

 - Page 100 -

Kids: Hey, Yanagi!

Coach: Yo!
	How's it going?

Yanagi: Oh,
	hello.

Coach: Perfect timing.
	Would you help me teach these kids for today?
	The big neighborhood tournament is in two days.

Yanagi: Huh?

Kids: C'mon, help us out!
	Will you?
	Will you?

 - Page 101 -

Yanagi: The most important principle is catching the ball from the front.
	Use your knees as a cushion,
	and lower your waist.
	Until the ball is in your glove,
	don't think about the runner or throwing, at all.
	It's easiest to grab the ball before it bounces.
	After that comes the short bounce, or the height of the bounce.
	Anywhere between those, and it can often change course, so be careful.

Coach: Yo!

 - Page 102 -

Coach: Ah,
	whoops!
	Wow.
	He IS good.

 - Page 103 -

<<Hiro: I'll leave second open.

Yanagi: Ah,
	ouch.

Coach: Huh?

 - Page 104 -

Haruka: Kunimi-kuuuun.

 - Page 105 -

Haruka: Over here, over here.

Hiro: Koga.

Haruka: C'mon, let's go.

Hiro: Uhh.

Playboy: Wait, Haruka.
	Aren't you going to introduce me?

 - Page 106 -

Hiro: Who's that?

Playboy: Hello, I'm Haruka's old boyfriend.

Hiro: That's a funny name.

Haruka: Old boyfriend, my eye!  Don't say it that way!

Playboy: I got a love letter from her in 7th grade.
	We went out for a while.

Haruka: That was NOT a love letter!

Playboy: Isn't she a jealous one?
	She always got so mad when she saw me talking to other girls.

Haruka: Listen to me!

 - Page 107 -

Hiro: You got something to say?

Playboy: Oh, don't worry.
	Haruka and I don't have that deep of a relationship.
	Not THAT deep...  yet.

Hiro: You're not very popular, are you?

Playboy: Huh?
	ME, unpopular?  (HA HA HA HA!)
	Tell him, Haruka.
	Tell him how many love letters I got in middle school.

Hiro: I meant, you're not very popular with the guys, are you?

 - Page 108 -

Playboy: What good would that ever do for me?!

Hiro: Yeah, figures.

Haruka: C'mon, let's go,
	Kunimi-kun.

Playboy: Are you sure, Haruka?  Don't regret it.
	I hardly ever ask any girls out myself.

Hiro: Next time you ask, check with me first.

Playboy: Do you really want to talk to me that way?
	I'm famous among the local thugs.

Thugs: Hey!
	Whatup, Hiro?

 - Page 109 -

Thugs: How's it hangin', bro?
	I heard your elbow wasn't actually hurt after all.
	Pretty big relief, eh?

Hiro: It certainly is.

Thugs: Well, if you ever have a problem, don't hesitate to call.
	I'll help ya out.
	Hey,
	move it!
	Urya!

Playboy: Oh, she's waiting for you.
	You must go to her.
	Have a good time!

 - Page 110 -

Sign: Pool Entrance

 - Page 111 -

Noda: Hiro still isn't here?

Hikari: What could that stupid boy be doing?

Bugs: (zzt)

Sign: Yanagi

 - Page 112 -

Principal: What happened to your forehead?

Yanagi: Oh,
	I ran into a telephone pole, you know...

Principal: Ohh.

[Days until the big game:]
[Ummmm...]
[How many was it, again?]

 - Chapter 6 Owari -