H2
	 Volume 11
	  Chapter 9 (108)
	   Kunimi-kun's Father?

 - Page 149 -

(Ch. 9) Kunimi-kun's Father?

 - Page 150 -

Koga: He's thrown over 100 pitches in this sweltering heat.
	And he hasn't allowed Sekisho one hit yet.
	He's composed on the mound, calm and decisive.
	Is this really the son of my company's laziest employee?

Dad: If that's true,
	then I'd say those company rumors are highly suspect.

 - Page 151 -

Dad: Besides, among talkative people, many have an inclination
	to cover up their true personalities by putting on a humorous and lovable outward appearance.
	Well,
	it wouldn't hurt to hear his half...  or 1/10 of the story.
	And as we both know, a sparrow cannot beget a hawk.
	Har har.
	In fact, I have a sneaking suspicion that young man's father is possibly a sharp and clever hawk, himself.
	Nay, it MUST be so.

Koga: I see.
	I've had that premonition myself, occasionally.

Dad: Y'see?

 - Page 152 -

Dad: How 'bout it, Boss?  If that employee's son pitches a no-hitter today,
	why don't you reward him with a big fat bonus this month?

Haruka: Kunimi-kun's father?

Dad: Yes,
	to Kunimi-kun's father.
	A nice big fat one.

Haruka: What are those glasses and mustache for?

Dad: Uh.

Haruka: Oh I get it, you don't want Kunimi-kun to find out you're here rooting for him.

 - Page 153 -

Haruka: What about work?

Dad: Uh.

Haruka: You're skipping, aren't you?
	That's not good.
	But don't worry.
	I won't tell my father about it.
	Have you noticed?
	One more inning and he'll pitch a no-hitter, Kunimi-kun's father!
	Keep rooting for him,
	Kunimi-kun's father.

 - Page 154 -

Koga: If he pitches a no-hitter,
	I'll forget about what happened today.

Dad: And if he lets up a hit?

Koga: Would you like to know?

Dad: Er,
	no.

 - Page 155 -

Teams: Ishigami Sho
	Senkawa

 - Page 156 -

Announcer: Two straight walks!
	Okada gives up consecutive walks to the bottom of the Senkawa batting order!

Coach: Pitching change!

 - Page 157 -

Takaaki: He was starting to lose his snap already, last inning.
	But anyone who could pitch a full nine innings in this heat is abnormal.

Hikari: Hiro will be fine.
	He doesn't like the cold, but he's always been fine in strong heat.
	He often told me.
	That he was born to pitch in the summer Koshien.

Takaaki: They'll need some insurance runs, here.

 - Page 158 -

Player: Will you be okay, Shikura-san?

Mikio: Why?

Player: Uh,
	I mean...

Mikio: You're worried I might pass out from the heat?

 - Page 159 -

Mikio: Don't worry, that only happens in practice.
	I've never fainted during a game.
	More importantly, don't let those runners score.
	We'll make up that one run.
	Don't worry.
	This pitcher's not as great as you think.
	He'll fall apart.
	He's got to have a vital flaw.
	All the boys Haruka has fallen for have them...  all of them.

 - Page 160 -

Player: Huh?

Ump: Play ball!

 - Page 161 -

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 - Page 164 -

Coach: You see, there's no way we're going to let this faze us.

 - Page 165 -

Announcer: No out, runners on first and second.
	One out, runners on second and third.
	Two out, bases loaded.
	The Sekisho defense managed to work themselves out of each jam they were faced with.
	The top of the ninth is their last chance to make up the one-run difference.
	Sekisho's bats have been silent so far, but their power is the real thing.
	There's a reason why people say they're a contender for the championship.
	Sekisho will not let the game end like this!

 - Page 166 -

Hiro: Ah.

Koga: What's up, Kunimi?

Hiro: My shoelace snapped.

Koga: I-I-It's not like you stepped on a black cat or anything!
	It's not a sign of bad luck!  No, not at all!
	Hahahaha!

Hiro: What are you laughing for?

Player: C-Coach!
	There's a spiderweb under the bench!

Coach: Pay it no mind.

 - Chapter 9 End -