H2
	 Volume 11
	  Chapter 4 (103)
	   Hmm

 - Page 59 -

(Ch. 4) Hmm

 - Page 60 -

Takaaki: We don't need that many photos of the cheerleaders.

 - Page 61 -

Cameraman: Oh, really?

Takaaki: Just keep watching Kunimi.

Cameraman: Yessir.

 - Page 62 -

Hikari: How's Hiro doing?

Takaaki: That's what I'd like to ask.
	You're the one who knows him best.  What's your opinion?
	He's pitched to 10 batters.
	One walk, five strikeouts, no hits.

Hikari: Hmm.
	That sounds about right.
	Hiro's usual pace.

Takaaki: Even against a championship contender?

Hikari: Oh yeah, that's right.
	In that case, he's doing well.

Takaaki: Come on now,
	Is that all the future sportswriter has to say?

 - Page 63 -

Takaaki: Here.

Hikari: What's this?

Takaaki: A little work for you.
	Introduce me to the man known as Kunimi Hiro, with a few childhood stories to spice it up.
	And make sure we can use it for tomorrow morning's paper.

Hikari: You're not going to use it unless Senkawa wins, right?

Takaaki: We can still print it, as long as the game's dramatic.
	Besides, you and I aren't the ones who decide what goes in the paper and what doesn't.
	You write it because you want to write it.
	You write it because you want someone to read it.
	That's all.

 - Page 64 -

Teams: Ishigami Sho
	Senkawa

Huddle: Win!

 - Page 65 -

Announcers: Ishigami Shogyo has a short pep talk before their turn to bat in the fourth inning.
	It should be a bit more interesting, the second time through the order.

Hiro: Perfect condition.

Batter: Should I shake him up a bit?

Coach: Don't bother.
	He's already pitching for power.

 - Page 66 -

Coach: Which is what we excel at.

Batter: Right.

 - Page 67 -

Mikio: {Don't pull the ball, Kanoh.
	That's it!}

 - Page 68 -

Hiro: Your chance to shine, Sagawa!

Shuji: Thanks for the opportunity!
	Nng!

 - Page 69 -

Ump: Out!

Coach: That was a good swing.
	Nothing to worry about.

Hiro: Hmmm.

Shuji: (you don't need to thank me)

 - Page 70 -

Ump: Foul!

Noda: They've wised up the second time around...

Announcers: This is real deal, now.
	I see.

 - Page 71 -

Girls: That foul ball was pretty close.
	Are they okay, Haruka?

Haruka: The batters aren't the only ones who get better after the first time through the batting order.

Girl: Huh?

Hiro: Power,
	Up!

 - Page 72 -

 - Page 73 -

Batter: He really did get faster.

Mikio: Yeah.

 - Page 74 -

PA: Batting fourth, the firstbaseman, Shikura-kun.

Sign: Shikura

 - Page 75 -

Dad: The executive director...

Koga: Hmm?

Dad: I mean,
	that young feller's dad, is he over in Sekisho's side of the stands?

Koga: My company isn't that lax.
	The only reason I have the luxury of being here is because he's holding down the fort for me, in my absence.
	Maybe...

Dad: Huh?

Koga: My laziest employee
	has also skipped work to see this game.

 - Page 76 -

Dad: Laziest?

Koga: That pitcher's father.
	Maybe I ought to call the company and make sure.

Dad: No worries, I say.
	Besides, the game's just gettin' good.
	And you know it'll be a pretty long walk
	to reach the nearest payphone...

Koga: (bip)(boop)
	(bop)(boop)
	(BEEP)

(Note: This part of the story was published in 1994, when cellphones were obviously nowhere near as advanced or common as they are today.)

 - Chaper 4 End -