MIDDLE SCHOOL EDITION – VOLUME 1
taichi’s chapter – 1
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taichi’s chapter
yo no naka yo michi kosonakere
(within this world, there is, indeed, no path)
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1 – arashi fuku (where the tempests blow)
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This was in April, just after middle school had begun.
(No way… Th… This can’t be.)
In the first-year classroom corridor of Kaimeisei, a private middle school, Mashima Taichi experienced a humiliation worse than any he had experienced before. He was in a cold sweat.
One week after the beginning of middle school, the results for the elementary school four courses proficiency test that occurred the previous day were put up on the corridor wall. Names and combined scores were displayed in order.
No matter how many times Taichi rubbed his eyes, the results didn’t change.
10. Class 5 – Mashima Taichi – 397 points
Tenth place. Even though he had only been wrong on two questions, he was in tenth place. Taichi, who had always been in first place in elementary school and at his cram school, was in tenth place.
(It was a pretty difficult test… I thought I was OK.)
If they just counted the points, Taichi was in fourth, but there were students with the same scores. One person had a full 400 points. There were two in second with 399 points, with three in fourth at 398 points, and then there were four people, including Taichi, at 397 points. Normally, it would probably have been written as seventh place, but this school was strict and had the places displayed as first, third, sixth and tenth.
As well, the other students in tenth place came earlier in the class and name order than Taichi, so his name was tenth, just like the number.
He could see his mother’s angry face already. His chest felt tight. Taichi’s mother wouldn’t allow anything but first. She cared so much about taking first place that she would abandon a competition from the beginning if she knew it would be a loss.
(Who got first with full points?)
With mortification so great that it made him shudder, Taichi looked at the name of the student in first.
1. Class 5 – Hirai Harutaka – 400 points
The student who sat right in front of Taichi, whose attendance number also came right before his. There just happened to be only two students in class 5 whose family names started with H – Hamasaki and Hirai – so Mashima came afterwards.
Hirai was slender, tall and had long hair that also showed signs of bed head – he had an easygoing impression to him.
“My name’s written with kanji that are nooormally read as Yuuki, but you read it Harutaka,” he had said in a clear, prepubescent voice, like that of a female character in an anime, during his self-introduction which had been strangely stretched out.
(A low-key guy like that… What do you call it… ‘No ambition.’ Losing to someone like that… Damn it, I was careless.)
This was an elite private boys’ school. Several prime ministers and distinguished scholars had been produced here – a school with tradition. This wasn’t some public middle school which took in whatever students were in the area. This wasn’t Taichi’s local municipal Higashi-Oosato Middle School. Only the excellent boys who were chosen gathered here, from all the prefectures of Japan.
(Didn’t I understand that already?)
While Taichi was being irritated with himself, he heard a carefree voice from behind him.
'Mashima-kuuun, if you don’t move, you’ll be late!’
When Taichi turned around, he saw Hirai standing there. The other students had already started moving.
'Wonder what we’ll do in “liberal arts” anyway?’
Hirai smiled in a friendly manner as he talked freely to Mashima.
(What’s up with this guy? He’s being too friendly – don’t look so happy 'cause you got full marks.)
Taichi was irritated.
'I don’t know.’
Taichi walked past Hirai and went towards the third lecture hall, where the liberal arts class was held. Hirai ran up to walk beside him.
'Mashima-kun, do you remember me? I finally remembered after thinking about it for a week after the entrance ceremony.’
(What’s this guy saying?)
Taichi glared at Hirai’s kind-looking… or rather, relaxed face that was thrust in front of his eyes.
'I said I don’t know.’
'You went to a skill-developing class for two-year-olds before entering kindergarten, right? Since I lived in Tama then, next to Fuchuu, I was in the same class, and we played and sang together.’
Hirai happily grabbed Taichi’s hands.
'It’s been so long! I’m happy, since I liked you a lot, Mashima-kun! Remember? We liked the picture book called “Working Machines” so we put our toys together and got along really well when we played with building blocks – ’
'You remember things from when you were two? Stop acting so gross.’
Taichi shook off Hirai’s hand in a fit of anger, but Hirai’s smile didn’t falter.
But I’m happy we could meet again. Let’s get along, OK?’
(Ack, this guy’s the worst – he’s seriously gross. I don’t want to deal with him. I lost to a guy like this?)
Taichi felt weary and dejected.
-
In a classroom with long desks and stairs, just like one at a university, there was an elderly male teacher whose white hair stood out. He was in charge of liberal arts. The staff member who was there handed out books that well smaller than textbooks to all the students.
The paperback cover read Ise Monogatari.
'In liberal arts, which occurs once a week, we will student natural science and classic literature every other week. My name is Fujiwara, and I am in charge of classic literature. This class does not have exams.’
A number of students’ eyes lit up.
'Please show me your notes thrice a year and write a report. That is all. As liberal arts is a class to teach you how to think rather than the skills for taking entrance exams, everything you write is correct, so long as you have thought as much as you can on it. However, you will be given a demerit if you only hand in secondhand knowledge. The material for the classic literature class is Ise Monogatari, which has just been handed out to you.’
Ise Monogatari – Taichi had heard the title before, but he knew neither the author nor the story. Fujiwara-sensei wrote 'Ariwara Narihira’ skillfully on the blackboard.
'Do you know the Hyakunin Isshu? “chihayaburu kamiyo mo kikazu tatsugawa kara kurenai ni mizu kukuru to wa” (Unheard of even in the legendary age of the awesome gods: Tatsuya River in scarlet and the water flowing under it) – Ariwara no Narihira, the composer of this poem in the Hyakunin Isshu, is the protagonist of this story.’
(Chihayaburu – !)
The face of Taichi’s too energetic childhood friend flashed through his mind. Ayase Chihaya… They became classmates when they changed classes in the third year of elementary school and had been in the same class during the next class change in grade five. The girl had studied in the same classroom as him for four years.
The poem “Chihayaburu” from the Hyakunin Isshu had been tied to Chihaya by Wataya Arata, a bespectacled boy who joined their class from Fukui Prefecture at the end of autumn in their sixth year. Arata had been the top of Japan for five years straight at the elementary school competitions for competitive karuta.
Chihaya adored the speed with which Arata took karuta cards, and Taichi, filled with a desire not to lose, had been wrapped up at some point by Chihaya and Arata’s pace and grown to like karuta himself.
No… He had grown to like taking karuta cards with Chihaya and Arata, the three of them.
Arata had returned to his hometown upon graduating. A friend who was only with him for three months. An important friend, whom Taichi had made a vow with in tears – that he would definitely never forget him, and that they would meet again.
While Taichi was thinking, Fujiwara suddenly called on him.
'First, shall we read the introductory comments? Mashima-kun.’
Though Taichi had heard his name, he didn’t return from his thoughts. He was reminiscing to escape from the reality of tenth place that was eddying in his chest.
'Mashima-kun?’
'Eh, ah, “chiha” is “kara”, and “chigirio” and “chigiriki” are tomofuda – ’
'Oh, kimariji, I see. It appears you are knowledgeable about the Hyakunin Isshu – I have high expectations. Now, what did I tell you to do?’
'Ah… eh? … Sorry, I’ll read the commentary.’
Taichi hurriedly flipped the pages of the paperback. It was because Hirai, sitting next to at the long table, had written 'Read the commentary’ on the corner of his notebook and silently pushed it towards him.
(Hmph, I heard that much – does he want to make me owe him one?)
The truth was that Taichi hadn’t heard… perhaps, but in Taichi’s heart, he was sure that he had. His feelings for Hirai changed from 'gross’ to 'maddening’.
-
The first liberal arts class was more interesting than Taichi had thought it would be. Fujiwara-sensei – it seemed he was a prestigious professor from the university affiliated with Kaimeisei – was skilful at lectures and understood what kind of person Narihira was very well.
Arihira no Narihira was a noble born in the ninth century who lived in the Heian era. His father was the grandson of Emperor Kanmu, the start of the Heian era, and his mother was that emperor’s daughter. He was given the name Ariwara from the imperial line. As a beautiful young man, a man with many passionate loves, and a writer of waka, his name was passed on through history.
Narihira’s name did not appear in Ise Monogatari. The protagonist was only identified as a 'man’, but from other records, it was clear that the man was modeled after Narihira.
(It seems like it won’t be too hard to write notes if I focus on listening. It’ll be an easy class! But I’m not sure about not having tests – I won’t be able to see my results. Would it be better to take this class seriously…? Well, I’ll just go with the flow.)
That was what Taichi decided.
After school that day, the students were allowed to observe clubs and provisionally join them. At this school, it was the students’ duty to join a club. Clubs outside of class that had meetings four days a week – he would have to join the association of students as well.
Taichi headed towards the soccer club practice area without any hesitation… and then he was caught by Hirai again.
'Mashima-kuuun! Mashima-kun, are you joining the soccer club too? I’m joining too!’
(He’s so annoying.)
Taichi changed into his shoes at the entrance and tried to dash past Hirai, but Hirai happily ran after him, talking all the while.
'There was a pamphlet with the school policies, right? If we stick to our desks and just study for entrance exams, it would have a bad influence on us after we become adults and join society, so we need to experience “camaraderie”, it said. Is this school full of bookworms?’
'Aren’t you a bookworm yourself!? With your full marks.’
Taichi yelled out without thinking.
'Eh? I just like to think. Answering questions mechanically and writing and memorizing bunches – it’s a pain. I hate it. For memorization, if I just look at a book, I can keep it in my head like with a photo, and I can look at those photos in my head,’ replied Hirai in a casual tone, saying things that didn’t make sense. It made Taichi irritated.
’… You’re really strange. Keep away from me!’
'Yeah, people call me strange a lot. Saying I’m strange for not trying hard. Everyone who studies really hard… they call me strange.’
Hirai looked a bit lonely. Taichi took that chance to speak before running off.
'Don’t make fun of people who try hard!’ he yelled.
-
At Kaimeisei Middle School’s affiliated high school, their motto was 'the pen and the sword’, and their baseball, soccer and martial arts were national level. One of the reasons Taichi wanted to come to Kaimeisei was this motto. Starting from middle school, they had the university course and physical education course, and Taichi had joined the university course.
Every day, Taichi took one hour and a half one-way to go from Fuchuu to this school, which was in the city. The new cram schools he had started going to was in the city on the way back. An English school and a science school focusing on entrance exams – in Taichi’s family, his father and his grandfather were both doctors, and Taichi felt like he would become a doctor himself in the future at this rate.
He did think that adding a club to his daily life would probably make it difficult for him to go to the Shiranami Society, but joining a club was his duty, and he was also looking forward to it.
Taichi changed into a jersey and went to the field where the soccer club was practicing. The club members were already stretching to warm up.
The male coach named Ono appeared and gave instructions, which made the club members line up with soccer balls. It appeared they would start practice.
– Then, Taichi squinted.
(Eh… dribble tag? What I first played when I joined the junior soccer school in my second year of elementary school?)
The club members were dribbling and playing tag with the ball happily. Then, they did a dribble relay, and then shooting. To Taichi, it just looked like something young elementary school students would play.
(Eh… Is the soccer club this low level?)
'Looks like fun.’
At some point, Hirai had come up to Taichi. His eyes were shining.
'Hirai, are you OK with this?’
'Yeah. I mean, everyone looks lively, like they really enjoy this club.’
'Are you OK with just playing around? I see. You hate trying hard, after all.’
If that was the case, he’d be able to beat Hirai in club. Taichi was sure of it. He had been on the soccer team for five years in elementary school. It had been a high level team.
During the break, Coach Ono gathered the first-years who had to come to observe. There were thirty. There were a fair number who looked a bit troubled, like Taichi.
'For the athletic clubs for students on the university course, they all have practice for two hours after school except for Wednesday, which is the day set for student association. You will be able to attend one for an hour soon. The goal of the athletic clubs is to correct a lack in exercise and to create a healthy body. There will also be competitive matches if you wish for them .’
(If we wish for them? You normally practise for matches, don’t you? To fix a lack in exercise??)
Coach Ono continued, as if he had seen the question on Taichi’s face.
'Students who want to participate in serious athletic clubs can participate in the physical education course clubs, but they have to pass the selection test for those clubs and be a substitute… you’ll be in the alternate team.’
(In short, we get to play around in the university course sports while the physical education course students have the real athletics clubs. The strong Kaimeisei soccer club that other schools think of was the physical education course one.)
Taichi understood why the students in the club looked like they were playing around.
'The selection test occurs two weeks after club entrance. For those who want to join the club, please contact me within three days.’
'Could I ask a question?’
One of the students raised a hand. It was Hirai.
'How many students can move to the physical education course club? Please tell me the actual numbers.’
(Ah, I want to know too… but why’s Hirai asking?)
Coach Ono smiled wryly.
'If I say that, the number of people who attempt the test will drop. In the past ten years, the number of students who went there…. about one a year, maybe? Students who have to keep up grades for the university course can’t keep up with the physical education course practice.’
'In short, joining the physical education course club can’t be a reason for letting your grades drop.’
'To put it frankly, yes. Though it isn’t a rule, it’s an unwritten one. If your grades drop too much, it’ll be suggested that you leave the club. There hasn’t been a university course student who joined the top regular team from the alternate team in over ten years. Somebody who could do that really would become a legend of the pen and the sword. Well, since it is a chance, at least try the selection test,’ Coach Ono said lightly, which made many of the club hopefuls look down. Hirai, who asked the question, was the only one nodding and smiling.
'One person might get in? Really?’
'Hirai, are you seriously going to try the selection test?’ murmured Taichi.
'Yeah, I want to – sounds fun!’ Hirai replied with a smile.
'If it’s only one a year, I won’t let you get in. I’m better – I’ve practiced all this time.’
'Ah, a rival declaration, so cool! Hey, hey – can I see that awesome practice of yours?’
’… No way. Instead of watching somebody else practise, practise yourself. Or are you saying it’s going to be easy for you?’
'I don’t really know… I’m just doing what I do normally.’
'You really are strange.’
Taichi left Hirai, who had become quiet, and headed towards the meeting room to fill in the form to join the club.
(His thoughtless attitude pisses me off. Why’d I lose to a guy like that in the test? I’ll definitely get him back next time… Right, if I pass the selection before the next test, it’ll prove that I’m the best at soccer in the university course. Much better than Hirai, and people will call me the legendary man of the pen and sword.)
Taichi smirked. The man of legend – it was kind of cool.
'OK – I’ll take the selection test, pass and aim to be a legend!’
-
Taichi’s mother was waiting for him when he got home.
'Taichi, how were the results of the proficiency test? It was fine, right? Since you were able to do most of it.’
’… Tenth place… same as being seventh in the year. Since I was three points from full marks.’
Even if Taichi lied, he would be reprimanded terribly once his mother found out. That was why Taichi was always honest. He didn’t make any excuses.
'Tenth!’
His mother’s eyes flashed open and she held a hand to her head, as if she felt faint.
'There was a boy with full marks!? So there was somebody who was doing things properly?’
His mother understood once she saw the question sheet that Taichi brought back that the problems were much more difficult than ones from a public school, but after hearing that there was somebody with full marks despite that, she started lecturing Taichi at length, saying that his study habits were having a bad effect on his marks and that he should use his commute time more efficiently.
(I’m trying too. It’s not my fault that there are guys like Hirai.)
After the excruciating lecture, Taichi found a chance to respond.
'I’ll do better next time for the proficiency test after the Golden Week study camp.’
'A twelve-hour-per-day study camp, right? Everyone participates in that, so you have to study more than everyone else in order to beat them. Study so that you can get full marks every time – definitely don’t make any careless mistakes.’
'Yes,’ Taichi said with an obedient nod. Then:
'Mum, I also want to talk about club activities. Students are required to join, so… I’m thinking of joining the soccer club. But the university course club is just like playing games, so I’m thinking of taking the selection test to join the proper physical education course club.’
When Taichi explained that he wouldn’t be able to do that unless he was the top of the university course, his mother’s displeased expression softened slightly.
'First, do that. You can do it, Taichi.. You were an ace but you stopped junior soccer and little league – I think it’s too bad.’
When Taichi was in elementary school, he had had soccer on Saturday and baseball on Sunday.
'Especially soccer – I thought that you’d be able to join the J2 junior team, but it’s too much to have that and your university-headed school. There’s no adult who works as a doctor at a university hospital but also represents Japan on the soccer team.’
Since Taichi didn’t have the energy to keep up with his mother’s ambitions, he let them slide.
If Taichi had to choose between baseball and soccer, he would definitely choose soccer. Though you couldn’t force people who couldn’t bat to be batters, in soccer, you could get your teammates top ass you the ball. You just had to make yourself seem like the most dependable guy.
'Don’t lose to the physical education students in club either. You can do it.’
Taichi told his mother, who seemed sure that he would be selected for the team, that he would go study and went to his room.
'A strategy to pass the selection test… First, I’ll stand out in practice. I’ll make everyone nervous.’
(When somebody does lifting ten times, I’ll do it twenty times in front of them. If somebody gets ten balls in, I’ll get twenty… Well, not that I care about Hirai, who’s just playing around.)
Taichi placed a hand on the poster of a soccer player that he had put on the wall and made a vow to himself.
'I’ll work hard. I hate guys like Hirai. Making fun of people who work hard. I’ll win and be the best at sports in the university course. I’ll show him that I’m right!’
-
Halfway through April, Taichi had finished club and cram school. It was completely dark by the time he could finally show up at the Shiranami Society. It was the first time he had come since starting middle school.
'Taichi! You finally came!’
Chihaya looked like she had been waiting for him forever as she ran up. It was the first time Taichi had seen her in a sailor uniform. The municipal Higashi-Oosato Middle School was right by Higashi-Oosato Elementary, so many children in the area went there. That meant that Taichi was used to seeing the uniform. However, when Chihaya wore it, it was novel, and Taichi felt a bit embarrassed.
Chihaya also seemed to find Taichi’s blazer uniform and necktie unusual for a moment, since the municipal middle school had the traditional Japanese gakuran for the male uniform.
'Taichi, Taichi! Let’s play already! School is so boring – nobody will play karuta with me.’
'They probably just think you’re annoying because you’re so pushy about it.’
Taichi could tell from how Chihaya had stuck right by Harada-sensei and the adults at the Shiranami Society during spring break. Chihaya was anxious – she wanted to fill the hole that Arata had left in her heart and to catch up to Arata as quickly as she could.
'Eh, really? I just keep telling them how interesting it is.’
Exactly, Taichi murmured inwardly. When he saw Chihaya’s expressions flash by, for some reason, he felt like a weight was lifted from his shoulders. It even made him feel nostalgic.
(This place makes me relaxed… Wait, why did I calm down after seeing Chihaya?)
'Oh, Matsuge-kun, you came. Want me to play with you?’
Harada-sensei, the chairman of the Shiranami Society, came up to them.
'No, Taichi’s playing with me!’
Chihaya grabbed Taichi’s arm, as if to say 'Like I’d let him go!’ as she laid out the cards.
'I’m not going to lose, OK?’
'You plan on beating me, E-kyuu?’
'I’ll be D-kyuu next time! I’ve practiced much more than you, Taichi.’
Their practices were like official matches, taking one hour each match. This was the last match of the day.
During competitive karuta matches, two people faced each other with fifty of the hundred Hyakunin Isshu cards between them, each lining twenty-five in front of them before starting. While the cards were read, if one of them was one of the poems in front of the player or the opponent, the player took them. If the card was taken from the opponent’s side, the player sent one of their own cards. The one whose numbers of cards dropped to zero first was the winner.
Taichi beat Chihaya with a five-card difference.
'Ah, I lost! This sucks. Ah, I lost two cards on “yo no naka yo” (within this world), aahhh!’
Chihaya was rolling around on the tatami.
'Be quiet – matches are still going.’
'Matsuge-kun, you’ve improved.’
At some point, Harada-sensei had started watching from behind Taichi. He invited Taichi to the corridor to talk.
'Have you been practicing alone?’
Taichi shook his head.
'On the train in the morning, it’s rush hour, so it’s too crowded to even open a vocabulary book. I’ve been doing something like image training for karuta matches in my head to pass the time.’
'Wow, it sounds tough. Matsue-kun, you’ll be in D-kyuu during the next competition – if you get into the best four, you’ll be C-kyuu.’
'If I’m going in, I have to win…’
'First is a must’ was Taichi’s mother’s motto – Harada-sensei knew that too.
'Do you still have some time? I’ll teach you. I have ten more cards – thirty. Matsuge-kun, you have twenty. Want to try taking cards using Ariake to see what the card difference will be?’
Ariake was the name of a machine that automatically read the Hyakunin Isshu.
'Since you don’t have your own flow yet, rather than a discussion after the match, I’ll instruct you after each card.’
'Aw, I want to do it too,’ said Chihaya sullenly. She watched as Harada-sensei’s instructions began.
'Focus! Come on – attack the opponent’s lower right row more! Aim for the cards more carefully – put your hand straight out without any unnecessary movements! Listen – okurifuda are cards that you can take with confidence! Ah, for cards the opponent sends you, you should – ’
Even though Harada-sensei’s instructions were strict, Taichi could feel Harada-sensei’s feelings of support for his students in the way he taught. Taichi started staring at Harada-sensei without thinking.
'What is it, Matsuge-kun?’
'Harada-sensei, you’re kind of… I was just thinking you were actually nice.’
'That so?’ said Sensei, who pulled Taichi into a big hug. The strength of his arms was enough to make it hard for Taichi to breathe. Harada-sensei, who was actually a doctor, smelt slightly of disinfectant.
'Matsuge-kun, you’re really a good kid!’
'I love you too, Sensei!’ said Chihaya, joining them. Harada-sensei laughed heartily.
'Go right at it!’ Harada-sensei instructed, and Taichi, who had turned serious, reached straight for the card at Sensei’s knees in a sink-or-swim play.
<asaborake u – >
(As the winter dawn breaks – )
It was an ooyamafuda. You couldn’t tell what the card was until six characters were read. Until you were sure, cover the card in your own lines – kakoite.
Taichi’s fingers stabbed Sensei’s fingers, which were cupped in a kakoite .
'Ah, ouch.’
Taichi’s right middle finger and index finger stung.
'What’s wrong?’
'Nothing. It’s fine. My fingers just hit yours.’
Taichi would feel bad if he made Sensei worry. He ended up holding back.
If his fingers didn’t move properly, he wouldn’t be able to hold a pencil… Taichi remembered how his mother had scolded him when he hurt his fingers during the spring vacation match, he had hurt his fingers. Taichi hoped that his mother wouldn’t find out if his fingers swelled up.
* * *
A few days after Taichi went to the karuta society, there was the soccer selection test. The supervisor and the coaches from the physical course soccer club came to judge. However, they didn’t look expectant at all. They looked annoyed with their arms crossed, like they were saying – we’re just here because you asked, so hurry up and finish this already.
There weren’t many people who wanted to take the selection test – just five first-years. Taichi and Hirai were among them.
(Hehe, I’m going to be the one who’s chosen. I’ll call things even for the proficiency test once you admit defeat, Hirai.)
When Taichi smirked, Hirai returned it with a friendly smile.
'Let’s both do our best, Mashima-kun.’
’… You’re going to say both even when only one person’s going to pass?’
'There’s no rule that it has to be one. Though the actual data says that it’s about one person every two years, it’s not set in stone. I was impressed when I saw you practice – like how you handled the ball. So let’s both pass.’
'Of course I’m going to pass.’
Hirai nodded happily in response. Taichi held his head in his hands – Hirai didn’t understand at all.
Coach Ono from the university course soccer club gathered the upper-level students and chose members.
'These five people and the third years are the white team, and the second-years will put on bibs to be the red team – we’ll have a red-white half match for thirty minutes. You five, talk amongst yourselves and choose one goalie, two forwards and one midfielder. However, we might make you switch positions while playing.’
The five of them looked at each other.
'I’ll be a forward,’ Taichi said first. Hirai said he would be a midfielder afterwards. However, the remaining three members all wanted to be forwards so they kept grumbling – they couldn’t come to a decision. (Midfielders needed to run about the most. Goalies had a lot of responsibility. Plus forwards got to show off their shooting abilities. That said, there’s no way any of you will beat me, so just give up.)
Taichi made a suggestion in his irritation.
'Then let’s decide by how many lifts we can do. People who last longer can choose first.’
’… Mashima, you’re acting like our boss. What are you deciding things for?’ said one person pointedly.
'You always try to stand out in practice too. You glare at the people who are slow.’
Another person put out his complaints, to which Taichi retorted, 'What? I just stand out 'cause you guys are weak.’
'You go out of your way to keep the ball two or three times longer than other people to show off – don’t get ahead of yourself.’
'It’s not like I want to show off lifts to you.’
'You’d just keep the ball for yourself without passing it to anyone during matches.’
’… Of course I wouldn’t.’
Though Taichi said that, for a moment, he was startled.
'Can’t we fight about this afterwards?’ interrupted Hirai lazily, which made the mood even worse.
'Hey, don’t you have a goalie? Nobody with experience?’
Coach Ono interrupted them, unable to watch.
(The goalie’s special. If you try to show off in a position you’re not used to, you’ll get injured, but if you don’t do anything, you won’t pass the selection.)
Injuries… The goalie was the one position where you could damage your fingers by stopping the ball, even if it wasn’t a rough play. Taichi had iced his finger overnight after injuring it during karuta and luckily, it hadn’t been anything serious, but…
Taichi took a quick look around and saw everyone looking at their own dominant hands. It looked like they were thinking the same thing.
'Mashima, you look like you have soccer experience. Can you be goalie?’ asked Coach Ono.
Taichi hurriedly shook his head. He didn’t want to risk injury.
'I’ve never done it…’
Coach Ono kept asking, but nobody accepted.
'This is tough…’
’… Um, I’ll do it, if you’re all OK with me.’
Hirai was the one who spoke.
'I’m not really confident… Sorry.’
'OK, Hirai’s goalie. Mashima, you’re mid – go to the leader.’
Eh? Taichi was surprised, but he couldn’t defy Coach Ono’s instructions. It looked like Taichi was the only person who had been thinking about discussing strategy, as the other members quickly ran off to the pitch.
'Mashima-kuuun, let’s get pumped up!’
Hirai called out in his usual relaxed voice to Taichi, who had been a step slower than everyone. It made Taichi feel exhausted.
'Hirai, you should get pumped up yourself.’
'Thanks. Mashima-kun, you’ve worked really hard, so you’ll definitely get good results.’
(Ugh. You hate try-hards – must have said that on purpose. That’s why I dislike you.)
Coach Ono took his position as referee and the red-white match for the selection test began.
-
Taichi, who had been told to be the leader for the white team, gave instructions to the third-years about the formation. However, the third-year students wouldn’t listen to him at all. In order to get the ball first, they left the middle field empty. Taichi had to run there himself.
(Why won’t the listen? If they went from there to the right side, we could connect the passes and go for a quick attack. Think more about your positions on the team!)
Meanwhile, the second-years on the red team appeared to have a strategy. They shot the ball back and forth, running circles around the white team as they attacked.
The white time defence tended to run up to the ball, which left the area in front of the goal empty. Hirai, the goalie, had a one-on-one showdown with the red team player running up towards him after receiving a pass.
(Ah, they’ll get a shot in!)
Taichi was trying to run towards the penalty area, fighting off another red team member as he did so, when the ball flew through the air.
(Shoot, there’s no way Hirai’ll catch that!)
But – Hirai’s instincts and jump power stunned Taichi. Hirai leapt and easily reached the ball with his outstretched arm. He punched it down and caught it at chest height. Cries of admiration resounded throughout the pitch.
Afterwards, in the same way, Hirai continued to face opponents one on one. The tall Hirai caught all the shots that tried to sail over him. He reliably caught the balls on the sides too.
As the match continued, only Hirai was able to show off his abilities in the end.
(This was done on purpose, wasn’t it? The upper-years and the coach made a plan to ignore me and make Hirai stand out. It doesn’t make sense for goalie to be a position in a selection test. It would’ve been fine with just the field.)
Taichi felt suspicious.
(I didn’t notice Hirai could do that 'cause of those excuses for practices.)
Taichi was the only one who stood out during practices, as was his plan. His dribbling and ball control had been outstanding. Since Hirai hadn’t stood out, Taichi hadn’t seen him, but…
(I didn’t notice… That’s all. I don’t remember ever looking at his skills with the ball properly.)
It was because Taichi had been too engrossed in showing off his own skills to everyone.
There were only five minutes left to the first half. Taichi and the white team were clearly being crushed – they couldn’t even touch the ball. Despite that, the match was still 0-0 because of Hirai’s efforts.
(At this rate, I’ll just have been running around for no reason.)
I need to get the ball – Taichi cut in front of a pass from an opponent and started dribbling. The red team defence rushed at him.
(OK, let’s go!)
Taichi was about to make a long shot when his foot caught from behind him and he hit the ground – the hand of an opponent was underneath him. Taichi rolled across the field.
There was a whistle and a yellow card was thrust out.
'Eh… me? I…’
The card was being held out towards Taichi. The opponent was rubbing his shin, where Taichi had stepped on him. Of course, he didn’t do it on purpose, but if he objected, he’d get the red card.
'I’m sorry,’ said Taichi to the opponent, who was glaring at him. Taichi’s calf was smarting. The opponent had kicked him, but Taichi was told that that had been reflexive from when Taichi’s arm hit the opponent, and that was all.
'Mashima, switch. Hirai, you be leeder. The goalie…’
Coach Ono took a long look at Taichi and then called up a third-year alternate.
(I’m… being taken off? No way…!)
Taichi hit the ground with his fist. His whole body felt hot.
'Mashima-kun, take a break.’
Hirai held out a water bottle. Taichi was confused at first when he was given a bandage too, but then he noticed that his sock was bloody.
(Eh? Ow… It hurts…)
-
As Taichi washed the wound on his leg, he found that it was deeper than he thought. He disinfected it and stopped the bleeding with a bandage and tape. After looking at the injury, the pain doubled – Taichi felt miserable. Taichi chilled the injury as he watched the second half of the match from the bench.
(Tsk, now there’s no way I’ll pass the selection test.)
He didn’t want to watch the rest of the match. What would he tell his mother… It hurt. It really hurt. Taichi felt useless and frustrated.
'Mashima, you sulking? Watch the match until the end,’ scolded one of the third-year alternates. Two of them sandwiched Taichi between them, so Taichi, gritting his teeth, was forced to glare at the players on top of the pitch.
Hirai was running around the field. No, it was more like he was being forced to run.
(What, so that guy’s no good either… Was I just thinking too much?)
That didn’t make Taichi’s frustration any lighter though.
(Why am I watching this from the bench? I want to leave.)
'That Hirai moves in an interesting way.’
Hirai ran up to the other members, said something, and then ran elsewhere again. Maybe because of his words, the other players started moving into advantageous positions.
(I wonder what he’s saying.)
Taichi thought it strange, so he strained his ears and focussed on Hirai’s lips.
'I’ll leave it to you!’ 'Could you go there for me?’ 'That left area’s open, so please watch over it!’ 'If you’d do that for us, we’d aaall be grateful!’ Hirai’s words were like that.
(Was I… ordering them around…!? Go there, move faster, come right back – giving vague orders and making people not trust me.)
Taichi felt even more frustrated. Just from understanding Hirai’s good points – ones he didn’t have – he felt truly useless and didn’t want to think about the way he had thought up until now.
(Soccer is a team sport… Being good at soccer means using your skills but also getting other people to use theirs… but realising that now is too late.)
Taichi held in the urge to stream. His legs were shaking.
'Hirai’s good. He’s the best out of them.’
'He’s good at positioning people. I can see where the ball will go in this match.’
Taichi covered his ears with both hands so that he wouldn’t have to hear the third-years’ conversation. The match was a 0-2 loss for the white team.
'Now, I will present the results of the selection test.’
The physical course supervisor spoke once Taichi and the other four lined up.
'Hirai Harutaka’s participation in the alternate team for the physical course soccer club has been acknowledged. That’s all.’
Hirai’s smile slipped in his shock. The three people besides Taichi who weren’t chosen started applauding, not surprised by the events. Taichi also started clapping perfunctorily a moment later.
'Thank you very much, everyone. I’m really happy,’ said Hirai politely. Coach Ono and the third-year students went up to praise him, patting Hirai on the back, hugging his shoulder and calling out to him.
(Even though I should’ve been chosen… Why? Why did this happen?)
Hirai noticed Taichi looking down.
'Mashima-kuuun, it’s too bad, since you tried so hard. If it weren’t for that injury… Let’s ask if they’ll have another selection test. I want to play together with Mashima-kun – ’
'Shut up! Stop. Like I’d take the selection test again!’
Taichi fled from the scene.
MIDDLE SCHOOL EDITION – VOLUME 1
taichi’s chapter – 1
-
taichi’s chapter
yo no naka yo michi kosonakere
(within this world, there is, indeed, no path)
-
1 – arashi fuku (where the tempests blow)
-
This was in April, just after middle school had begun.
(No way… Th… This can’t be.)
In the first-year classroom corridor of Kaimeisei, a private middle school, Mashima Taichi experienced a humiliation worse than any he had experienced before. He was in a cold sweat.
One week after the beginning of middle school, the results for the elementary school four courses proficiency test that occurred the previous day were put up on the corridor wall. Names and combined scores were displayed in order.
No matter how many times Taichi rubbed his eyes, the results didn’t change.
10. Class 5 – Mashima Taichi – 397 points
Tenth place. Even though he had only been wrong on two questions, he was in tenth place. Taichi, who had always been in first place in elementary school and at his cram school, was in tenth place.
(It was a pretty difficult test… I thought I was OK.)
If they just counted the points, Taichi was in fourth, but there were students with the same scores. One person had a full 400 points. There were two in second with 399 points, with three in fourth at 398 points, and then there were four people, including Taichi, at 397 points. Normally, it would probably have been written as seventh place, but this school was strict and had the places displayed as first, third, sixth and tenth.
As well, the other students in tenth place came earlier in the class and name order than Taichi, so his name was tenth, just like the number.
He could see his mother’s angry face already. His chest felt tight. Taichi’s mother wouldn’t allow anything but first. She cared so much about taking first place that she would abandon a competition from the beginning if she knew it would be a loss.
(Who got first with full points?)
With mortification so great that it made him shudder, Taichi looked at the name of the student in first.
1. Class 5 – Hirai Harutaka – 400 points
The student who sat right in front of Taichi, whose attendance number also came right before his. There just happened to be only two students in class 5 whose family names started with H – Hamasaki and Hirai – so Mashima came afterwards.
Hirai was slender, tall and had long hair that also showed signs of bed head – he had an easygoing impression to him.
“My name’s written with kanji that are nooormally read as Yuuki, but you read it Harutaka,” he had said in a clear, prepubescent voice, like that of a female character in an anime, during his self-introduction which had been strangely stretched out.
(A low-key guy like that… What do you call it… ‘No ambition.’ Losing to someone like that… Damn it, I was careless.)
This was an elite private boys’ school. Several prime ministers and distinguished scholars had been produced here – a school with tradition. This wasn’t some public middle school which took in whatever students were in the area. This wasn’t Taichi’s local municipal Higashi-Oosato Middle School. Only the excellent boys who were chosen gathered here, from all the prefectures of Japan.
(Didn’t I understand that already?)
While Taichi was being irritated with himself, he heard a carefree voice from behind him.
'Mashima-kuuun, if you don’t move, you’ll be late!’
When Taichi turned around, he saw Hirai standing there. The other students had already started moving.
'Wonder what we’ll do in “liberal arts” anyway?’
Hirai smiled in a friendly manner as he talked freely to Mashima.
(What’s up with this guy? He’s being too friendly – don’t look so happy 'cause you got full marks.)
Taichi was irritated.
'I don’t know.’
Taichi walked past Hirai and went towards the third lecture hall, where the liberal arts class was held. Hirai ran up to walk beside him.
'Mashima-kun, do you remember me? I finally remembered after thinking about it for a week after the entrance ceremony.’
(What’s this guy saying?)
Taichi glared at Hirai’s kind-looking… or rather, relaxed face that was thrust in front of his eyes.
'I said I don’t know.’
'You went to a skill-developing class for two-year-olds before entering kindergarten, right? Since I lived in Tama then, next to Fuchuu, I was in the same class, and we played and sang together.’
Hirai happily grabbed Taichi’s hands.
'It’s been so long! I’m happy, since I liked you a lot, Mashima-kun! Remember? We liked the picture book called “Working Machines” so we put our toys together and got along really well when we played with building blocks – ’
'You remember things from when you were two? Stop acting so gross.’
Taichi shook off Hirai’s hand in a fit of anger, but Hirai’s smile didn’t falter.
But I’m happy we could meet again. Let’s get along, OK?’
(Ack, this guy’s the worst – he’s seriously gross. I don’t want to deal with him. I lost to a guy like this?)
Taichi felt weary and dejected.
-
In a classroom with long desks and stairs, just like one at a university, there was an elderly male teacher whose white hair stood out. He was in charge of liberal arts. The staff member who was there handed out books that well smaller than textbooks to all the students.
The paperback cover read Ise Monogatari.
'In liberal arts, which occurs once a week, we will student natural science and classic literature every other week. My name is Fujiwara, and I am in charge of classic literature. This class does not have exams.’
A number of students’ eyes lit up.
'Please show me your notes thrice a year and write a report. That is all. As liberal arts is a class to teach you how to think rather than the skills for taking entrance exams, everything you write is correct, so long as you have thought as much as you can on it. However, you will be given a demerit if you only hand in secondhand knowledge. The material for the classic literature class is Ise Monogatari, which has just been handed out to you.’
Ise Monogatari – Taichi had heard the title before, but he knew neither the author nor the story. Fujiwara-sensei wrote 'Ariwara Narihira’ skillfully on the blackboard.
'Do you know the Hyakunin Isshu? “chihayaburu kamiyo mo kikazu tatsugawa kara kurenai ni mizu kukuru to wa” (Unheard of even in the legendary age of the awesome gods: Tatsuya River in scarlet and the water flowing under it) – Ariwara no Narihira, the composer of this poem in the Hyakunin Isshu, is the protagonist of this story.’
(Chihayaburu – !)
The face of Taichi’s too energetic childhood friend flashed through his mind. Ayase Chihaya… They became classmates when they changed classes in the third year of elementary school and had been in the same class during the next class change in grade five. The girl had studied in the same classroom as him for four years.
The poem “Chihayaburu” from the Hyakunin Isshu had been tied to Chihaya by Wataya Arata, a bespectacled boy who joined their class from Fukui Prefecture at the end of autumn in their sixth year. Arata had been the top of Japan for five years straight at the elementary school competitions for competitive karuta.
Chihaya adored the speed with which Arata took karuta cards, and Taichi, filled with a desire not to lose, had been wrapped up at some point by Chihaya and Arata’s pace and grown to like karuta himself.
No… He had grown to like taking karuta cards with Chihaya and Arata, the three of them.
Arata had returned to his hometown upon graduating. A friend who was only with him for three months. An important friend, whom Taichi had made a vow with in tears – that he would definitely never forget him, and that they would meet again.
While Taichi was thinking, Fujiwara suddenly called on him.
'First, shall we read the introductory comments? Mashima-kun.’
Though Taichi had heard his name, he didn’t return from his thoughts. He was reminiscing to escape from the reality of tenth place that was eddying in his chest.
'Mashima-kun?’
'Eh, ah, “chiha” is “kara”, and “chigirio” and “chigiriki” are tomofuda – ’
'Oh, kimariji, I see. It appears you are knowledgeable about the Hyakunin Isshu – I have high expectations. Now, what did I tell you to do?’
'Ah… eh? … Sorry, I’ll read the commentary.’
Taichi hurriedly flipped the pages of the paperback. It was because Hirai, sitting next to at the long table, had written 'Read the commentary’ on the corner of his notebook and silently pushed it towards him.
(Hmph, I heard that much – does he want to make me owe him one?)
The truth was that Taichi hadn’t heard… perhaps, but in Taichi’s heart, he was sure that he had. His feelings for Hirai changed from 'gross’ to 'maddening’.
-
The first liberal arts class was more interesting than Taichi had thought it would be. Fujiwara-sensei – it seemed he was a prestigious professor from the university affiliated with Kaimeisei – was skilful at lectures and understood what kind of person Narihira was very well.
Arihira no Narihira was a noble born in the ninth century who lived in the Heian era. His father was the grandson of Emperor Kanmu, the start of the Heian era, and his mother was that emperor’s daughter. He was given the name Ariwara from the imperial line. As a beautiful young man, a man with many passionate loves, and a writer of waka, his name was passed on through history.
Narihira’s name did not appear in Ise Monogatari. The protagonist was only identified as a 'man’, but from other records, it was clear that the man was modeled after Narihira.
(It seems like it won’t be too hard to write notes if I focus on listening. It’ll be an easy class! But I’m not sure about not having tests – I won’t be able to see my results. Would it be better to take this class seriously…? Well, I’ll just go with the flow.)
That was what Taichi decided.
After school that day, the students were allowed to observe clubs and provisionally join them. At this school, it was the students’ duty to join a club. Clubs outside of class that had meetings four days a week – he would have to join the association of students as well.
Taichi headed towards the soccer club practice area without any hesitation… and then he was caught by Hirai again.
'Mashima-kuuun! Mashima-kun, are you joining the soccer club too? I’m joining too!’
(He’s so annoying.)
Taichi changed into his shoes at the entrance and tried to dash past Hirai, but Hirai happily ran after him, talking all the while.
'There was a pamphlet with the school policies, right? If we stick to our desks and just study for entrance exams, it would have a bad influence on us after we become adults and join society, so we need to experience “camaraderie”, it said. Is this school full of bookworms?’
'Aren’t you a bookworm yourself!? With your full marks.’
Taichi yelled out without thinking.
'Eh? I just like to think. Answering questions mechanically and writing and memorizing bunches – it’s a pain. I hate it. For memorization, if I just look at a book, I can keep it in my head like with a photo, and I can look at those photos in my head,’ replied Hirai in a casual tone, saying things that didn’t make sense. It made Taichi irritated.
’… You’re really strange. Keep away from me!’
'Yeah, people call me strange a lot. Saying I’m strange for not trying hard. Everyone who studies really hard… they call me strange.’
Hirai looked a bit lonely. Taichi took that chance to speak before running off.
'Don’t make fun of people who try hard!’ he yelled.
-
At Kaimeisei Middle School’s affiliated high school, their motto was 'the pen and the sword’, and their baseball, soccer and martial arts were national level. One of the reasons Taichi wanted to come to Kaimeisei was this motto. Starting from middle school, they had the university course and physical education course, and Taichi had joined the university course.
Every day, Taichi took one hour and a half one-way to go from Fuchuu to this school, which was in the city. The new cram schools he had started going to was in the city on the way back. An English school and a science school focusing on entrance exams – in Taichi’s family, his father and his grandfather were both doctors, and Taichi felt like he would become a doctor himself in the future at this rate.
He did think that adding a club to his daily life would probably make it difficult for him to go to the Shiranami Society, but joining a club was his duty, and he was also looking forward to it.
Taichi changed into a jersey and went to the field where the soccer club was practicing. The club members were already stretching to warm up.
The male coach named Ono appeared and gave instructions, which made the club members line up with soccer balls. It appeared they would start practice.
– Then, Taichi squinted.
(Eh… dribble tag? What I first played when I joined the junior soccer school in my second year of elementary school?)
The club members were dribbling and playing tag with the ball happily. Then, they did a dribble relay, and then shooting. To Taichi, it just looked like something young elementary school students would play.
(Eh… Is the soccer club this low level?)
'Looks like fun.’
At some point, Hirai had come up to Taichi. His eyes were shining.
'Hirai, are you OK with this?’
'Yeah. I mean, everyone looks lively, like they really enjoy this club.’
'Are you OK with just playing around? I see. You hate trying hard, after all.’
If that was the case, he’d be able to beat Hirai in club. Taichi was sure of it. He had been on the soccer team for five years in elementary school. It had been a high level team.
During the break, Coach Ono gathered the first-years who had to come to observe. There were thirty. There were a fair number who looked a bit troubled, like Taichi.
'For the athletic clubs for students on the university course, they all have practice for two hours after school except for Wednesday, which is the day set for student association. You will be able to attend one for an hour soon. The goal of the athletic clubs is to correct a lack in exercise and to create a healthy body. There will also be competitive matches if you wish for them .’
(If we wish for them? You normally practise for matches, don’t you? To fix a lack in exercise??)
Coach Ono continued, as if he had seen the question on Taichi’s face.
'Students who want to participate in serious athletic clubs can participate in the physical education course clubs, but they have to pass the selection test for those clubs and be a substitute… you’ll be in the alternate team.’
(In short, we get to play around in the university course sports while the physical education course students have the real athletics clubs. The strong Kaimeisei soccer club that other schools think of was the physical education course one.)
Taichi understood why the students in the club looked like they were playing around.
'The selection test occurs two weeks after club entrance. For those who want to join the club, please contact me within three days.’
'Could I ask a question?’
One of the students raised a hand. It was Hirai.
'How many students can move to the physical education course club? Please tell me the actual numbers.’
(Ah, I want to know too… but why’s Hirai asking?)
Coach Ono smiled wryly.
'If I say that, the number of people who attempt the test will drop. In the past ten years, the number of students who went there…. about one a year, maybe? Students who have to keep up grades for the university course can’t keep up with the physical education course practice.’
'In short, joining the physical education course club can’t be a reason for letting your grades drop.’
'To put it frankly, yes. Though it isn’t a rule, it’s an unwritten one. If your grades drop too much, it’ll be suggested that you leave the club. There hasn’t been a university course student who joined the top regular team from the alternate team in over ten years. Somebody who could do that really would become a legend of the pen and the sword. Well, since it is a chance, at least try the selection test,’ Coach Ono said lightly, which made many of the club hopefuls look down. Hirai, who asked the question, was the only one nodding and smiling.
'One person might get in? Really?’
'Hirai, are you seriously going to try the selection test?’ murmured Taichi.
'Yeah, I want to – sounds fun!’ Hirai replied with a smile.
'If it’s only one a year, I won’t let you get in. I’m better – I’ve practiced all this time.’
'Ah, a rival declaration, so cool! Hey, hey – can I see that awesome practice of yours?’
’… No way. Instead of watching somebody else practise, practise yourself. Or are you saying it’s going to be easy for you?’
'I don’t really know… I’m just doing what I do normally.’
'You really are strange.’
Taichi left Hirai, who had become quiet, and headed towards the meeting room to fill in the form to join the club.
(His thoughtless attitude pisses me off. Why’d I lose to a guy like that in the test? I’ll definitely get him back next time… Right, if I pass the selection before the next test, it’ll prove that I’m the best at soccer in the university course. Much better than Hirai, and people will call me the legendary man of the pen and sword.)
Taichi smirked. The man of legend – it was kind of cool.
'OK – I’ll take the selection test, pass and aim to be a legend!’
-
Taichi’s mother was waiting for him when he got home.
'Taichi, how were the results of the proficiency test? It was fine, right? Since you were able to do most of it.’
’… Tenth place… same as being seventh in the year. Since I was three points from full marks.’
Even if Taichi lied, he would be reprimanded terribly once his mother found out. That was why Taichi was always honest. He didn’t make any excuses.
'Tenth!’
His mother’s eyes flashed open and she held a hand to her head, as if she felt faint.
'There was a boy with full marks!? So there was somebody who was doing things properly?’
His mother understood once she saw the question sheet that Taichi brought back that the problems were much more difficult than ones from a public school, but after hearing that there was somebody with full marks despite that, she started lecturing Taichi at length, saying that his study habits were having a bad effect on his marks and that he should use his commute time more efficiently.
(I’m trying too. It’s not my fault that there are guys like Hirai.)
After the excruciating lecture, Taichi found a chance to respond.
'I’ll do better next time for the proficiency test after the Golden Week study camp.’
'A twelve-hour-per-day study camp, right? Everyone participates in that, so you have to study more than everyone else in order to beat them. Study so that you can get full marks every time – definitely don’t make any careless mistakes.’
'Yes,’ Taichi said with an obedient nod. Then:
'Mum, I also want to talk about club activities. Students are required to join, so… I’m thinking of joining the soccer club. But the university course club is just like playing games, so I’m thinking of taking the selection test to join the proper physical education course club.’
When Taichi explained that he wouldn’t be able to do that unless he was the top of the university course, his mother’s displeased expression softened slightly.
'First, do that. You can do it, Taichi.. You were an ace but you stopped junior soccer and little league – I think it’s too bad.’
When Taichi was in elementary school, he had had soccer on Saturday and baseball on Sunday.
'Especially soccer – I thought that you’d be able to join the J2 junior team, but it’s too much to have that and your university-headed school. There’s no adult who works as a doctor at a university hospital but also represents Japan on the soccer team.’
Since Taichi didn’t have the energy to keep up with his mother’s ambitions, he let them slide.
If Taichi had to choose between baseball and soccer, he would definitely choose soccer. Though you couldn’t force people who couldn’t bat to be batters, in soccer, you could get your teammates top ass you the ball. You just had to make yourself seem like the most dependable guy.
'Don’t lose to the physical education students in club either. You can do it.’
Taichi told his mother, who seemed sure that he would be selected for the team, that he would go study and went to his room.
'A strategy to pass the selection test… First, I’ll stand out in practice. I’ll make everyone nervous.’
(When somebody does lifting ten times, I’ll do it twenty times in front of them. If somebody gets ten balls in, I’ll get twenty… Well, not that I care about Hirai, who’s just playing around.)
Taichi placed a hand on the poster of a soccer player that he had put on the wall and made a vow to himself.
'I’ll work hard. I hate guys like Hirai. Making fun of people who work hard. I’ll win and be the best at sports in the university course. I’ll show him that I’m right!’
-
Halfway through April, Taichi had finished club and cram school. It was completely dark by the time he could finally show up at the Shiranami Society. It was the first time he had come since starting middle school.
'Taichi! You finally came!’
Chihaya looked like she had been waiting for him forever as she ran up. It was the first time Taichi had seen her in a sailor uniform. The municipal Higashi-Oosato Middle School was right by Higashi-Oosato Elementary, so many children in the area went there. That meant that Taichi was used to seeing the uniform. However, when Chihaya wore it, it was novel, and Taichi felt a bit embarrassed.
Chihaya also seemed to find Taichi’s blazer uniform and necktie unusual for a moment, since the municipal middle school had the traditional Japanese gakuran for the male uniform.
'Taichi, Taichi! Let’s play already! School is so boring – nobody will play karuta with me.’
'They probably just think you’re annoying because you’re so pushy about it.’
Taichi could tell from how Chihaya had stuck right by Harada-sensei and the adults at the Shiranami Society during spring break. Chihaya was anxious – she wanted to fill the hole that Arata had left in her heart and to catch up to Arata as quickly as she could.
'Eh, really? I just keep telling them how interesting it is.’
Exactly, Taichi murmured inwardly. When he saw Chihaya’s expressions flash by, for some reason, he felt like a weight was lifted from his shoulders. It even made him feel nostalgic.
(This place makes me relaxed… Wait, why did I calm down after seeing Chihaya?)
'Oh, Matsuge-kun, you came. Want me to play with you?’
Harada-sensei, the chairman of the Shiranami Society, came up to them.
'No, Taichi’s playing with me!’
Chihaya grabbed Taichi’s arm, as if to say 'Like I’d let him go!’ as she laid out the cards.
'I’m not going to lose, OK?’
'You plan on beating me, E-kyuu?’
'I’ll be D-kyuu next time! I’ve practiced much more than you, Taichi.’
Their practices were like official matches, taking one hour each match. This was the last match of the day.
During competitive karuta matches, two people faced each other with fifty of the hundred Hyakunin Isshu cards between them, each lining twenty-five in front of them before starting. While the cards were read, if one of them was one of the poems in front of the player or the opponent, the player took them. If the card was taken from the opponent’s side, the player sent one of their own cards. The one whose numbers of cards dropped to zero first was the winner.
Taichi beat Chihaya with a five-card difference.
'Ah, I lost! This sucks. Ah, I lost two cards on “yo no naka yo” (within this world), aahhh!’
Chihaya was rolling around on the tatami.
'Be quiet – matches are still going.’
'Matsuge-kun, you’ve improved.’
At some point, Harada-sensei had started watching from behind Taichi. He invited Taichi to the corridor to talk.
'Have you been practicing alone?’
Taichi shook his head.
'On the train in the morning, it’s rush hour, so it’s too crowded to even open a vocabulary book. I’ve been doing something like image training for karuta matches in my head to pass the time.’
'Wow, it sounds tough. Matsue-kun, you’ll be in D-kyuu during the next competition – if you get into the best four, you’ll be C-kyuu.’
'If I’m going in, I have to win…’
'First is a must’ was Taichi’s mother’s motto – Harada-sensei knew that too.
'Do you still have some time? I’ll teach you. I have ten more cards – thirty. Matsuge-kun, you have twenty. Want to try taking cards using Ariake to see what the card difference will be?’
Ariake was the name of a machine that automatically read the Hyakunin Isshu.
'Since you don’t have your own flow yet, rather than a discussion after the match, I’ll instruct you after each card.’
'Aw, I want to do it too,’ said Chihaya sullenly. She watched as Harada-sensei’s instructions began.
'Focus! Come on – attack the opponent’s lower right row more! Aim for the cards more carefully – put your hand straight out without any unnecessary movements! Listen – okurifuda are cards that you can take with confidence! Ah, for cards the opponent sends you, you should – ’
Even though Harada-sensei’s instructions were strict, Taichi could feel Harada-sensei’s feelings of support for his students in the way he taught. Taichi started staring at Harada-sensei without thinking.
'What is it, Matsuge-kun?’
'Harada-sensei, you’re kind of… I was just thinking you were actually nice.’
'That so?’ said Sensei, who pulled Taichi into a big hug. The strength of his arms was enough to make it hard for Taichi to breathe. Harada-sensei, who was actually a doctor, smelt slightly of disinfectant.
'Matsuge-kun, you’re really a good kid!’
'I love you too, Sensei!’ said Chihaya, joining them. Harada-sensei laughed heartily.
'Go right at it!’ Harada-sensei instructed, and Taichi, who had turned serious, reached straight for the card at Sensei’s knees in a sink-or-swim play.
<asaborake u – >
(As the winter dawn breaks – )
It was an ooyamafuda. You couldn’t tell what the card was until six characters were read. Until you were sure, cover the card in your own lines – kakoite.
Taichi’s fingers stabbed Sensei’s fingers, which were cupped in a kakoite .
'Ah, ouch.’
Taichi’s right middle finger and index finger stung.
'What’s wrong?’
'Nothing. It’s fine. My fingers just hit yours.’
Taichi would feel bad if he made Sensei worry. He ended up holding back.
If his fingers didn’t move properly, he wouldn’t be able to hold a pencil… Taichi remembered how his mother had scolded him when he hurt his fingers during the spring vacation match, he had hurt his fingers. Taichi hoped that his mother wouldn’t find out if his fingers swelled up.
* * *
A few days after Taichi went to the karuta society, there was the soccer selection test. The supervisor and the coaches from the physical course soccer club came to judge. However, they didn’t look expectant at all. They looked annoyed with their arms crossed, like they were saying – we’re just here because you asked, so hurry up and finish this already.
There weren’t many people who wanted to take the selection test – just five first-years. Taichi and Hirai were among them.
(Hehe, I’m going to be the one who’s chosen. I’ll call things even for the proficiency test once you admit defeat, Hirai.)
When Taichi smirked, Hirai returned it with a friendly smile.
'Let’s both do our best, Mashima-kun.’
’… You’re going to say both even when only one person’s going to pass?’
'There’s no rule that it has to be one. Though the actual data says that it’s about one person every two years, it’s not set in stone. I was impressed when I saw you practice – like how you handled the ball. So let’s both pass.’
'Of course I’m going to pass.’
Hirai nodded happily in response. Taichi held his head in his hands – Hirai didn’t understand at all.
Coach Ono from the university course soccer club gathered the upper-level students and chose members.
'These five people and the third years are the white team, and the second-years will put on bibs to be the red team – we’ll have a red-white half match for thirty minutes. You five, talk amongst yourselves and choose one goalie, two forwards and one midfielder. However, we might make you switch positions while playing.’
The five of them looked at each other.
'I’ll be a forward,’ Taichi said first. Hirai said he would be a midfielder afterwards. However, the remaining three members all wanted to be forwards so they kept grumbling – they couldn’t come to a decision. (Midfielders needed to run about the most. Goalies had a lot of responsibility. Plus forwards got to show off their shooting abilities. That said, there’s no way any of you will beat me, so just give up.)
Taichi made a suggestion in his irritation.
'Then let’s decide by how many lifts we can do. People who last longer can choose first.’
’… Mashima, you’re acting like our boss. What are you deciding things for?’ said one person pointedly.
'You always try to stand out in practice too. You glare at the people who are slow.’
Another person put out his complaints, to which Taichi retorted, 'What? I just stand out 'cause you guys are weak.’
'You go out of your way to keep the ball two or three times longer than other people to show off – don’t get ahead of yourself.’
'It’s not like I want to show off lifts to you.’
'You’d just keep the ball for yourself without passing it to anyone during matches.’
’… Of course I wouldn’t.’
Though Taichi said that, for a moment, he was startled.
'Can’t we fight about this afterwards?’ interrupted Hirai lazily, which made the mood even worse.
'Hey, don’t you have a goalie? Nobody with experience?’
Coach Ono interrupted them, unable to watch.
(The goalie’s special. If you try to show off in a position you’re not used to, you’ll get injured, but if you don’t do anything, you won’t pass the selection.)
Injuries… The goalie was the one position where you could damage your fingers by stopping the ball, even if it wasn’t a rough play. Taichi had iced his finger overnight after injuring it during karuta and luckily, it hadn’t been anything serious, but…
Taichi took a quick look around and saw everyone looking at their own dominant hands. It looked like they were thinking the same thing.
'Mashima, you look like you have soccer experience. Can you be goalie?’ asked Coach Ono.
Taichi hurriedly shook his head. He didn’t want to risk injury.
'I’ve never done it…’
Coach Ono kept asking, but nobody accepted.
'This is tough…’
’… Um, I’ll do it, if you’re all OK with me.’
Hirai was the one who spoke.
'I’m not really confident… Sorry.’
'OK, Hirai’s goalie. Mashima, you’re mid – go to the leader.’
Eh? Taichi was surprised, but he couldn’t defy Coach Ono’s instructions. It looked like Taichi was the only person who had been thinking about discussing strategy, as the other members quickly ran off to the pitch.
'Mashima-kuuun, let’s get pumped up!’
Hirai called out in his usual relaxed voice to Taichi, who had been a step slower than everyone. It made Taichi feel exhausted.
'Hirai, you should get pumped up yourself.’
'Thanks. Mashima-kun, you’ve worked really hard, so you’ll definitely get good results.’
(Ugh. You hate try-hards – must have said that on purpose. That’s why I dislike you.)
Coach Ono took his position as referee and the red-white match for the selection test began.
-
Taichi, who had been told to be the leader for the white team, gave instructions to the third-years about the formation. However, the third-year students wouldn’t listen to him at all. In order to get the ball first, they left the middle field empty. Taichi had to run there himself.
(Why won’t the listen? If they went from there to the right side, we could connect the passes and go for a quick attack. Think more about your positions on the team!)
Meanwhile, the second-years on the red team appeared to have a strategy. They shot the ball back and forth, running circles around the white team as they attacked.
The white time defence tended to run up to the ball, which left the area in front of the goal empty. Hirai, the goalie, had a one-on-one showdown with the red team player running up towards him after receiving a pass.
(Ah, they’ll get a shot in!)
Taichi was trying to run towards the penalty area, fighting off another red team member as he did so, when the ball flew through the air.
(Shoot, there’s no way Hirai’ll catch that!)
But – Hirai’s instincts and jump power stunned Taichi. Hirai leapt and easily reached the ball with his outstretched arm. He punched it down and caught it at chest height. Cries of admiration resounded throughout the pitch.
Afterwards, in the same way, Hirai continued to face opponents one on one. The tall Hirai caught all the shots that tried to sail over him. He reliably caught the balls on the sides too.
As the match continued, only Hirai was able to show off his abilities in the end.
(This was done on purpose, wasn’t it? The upper-years and the coach made a plan to ignore me and make Hirai stand out. It doesn’t make sense for goalie to be a position in a selection test. It would’ve been fine with just the field.)
Taichi felt suspicious.
(I didn’t notice Hirai could do that 'cause of those excuses for practices.)
Taichi was the only one who stood out during practices, as was his plan. His dribbling and ball control had been outstanding. Since Hirai hadn’t stood out, Taichi hadn’t seen him, but…
(I didn’t notice… That’s all. I don’t remember ever looking at his skills with the ball properly.)
It was because Taichi had been too engrossed in showing off his own skills to everyone.
There were only five minutes left to the first half. Taichi and the white team were clearly being crushed – they couldn’t even touch the ball. Despite that, the match was still 0-0 because of Hirai’s efforts.
(At this rate, I’ll just have been running around for no reason.)
I need to get the ball – Taichi cut in front of a pass from an opponent and started dribbling. The red team defence rushed at him.
(OK, let’s go!)
Taichi was about to make a long shot when his foot caught from behind him and he hit the ground – the hand of an opponent was underneath him. Taichi rolled across the field.
There was a whistle and a yellow card was thrust out.
'Eh… me? I…’
The card was being held out towards Taichi. The opponent was rubbing his shin, where Taichi had stepped on him. Of course, he didn’t do it on purpose, but if he objected, he’d get the red card.
'I’m sorry,’ said Taichi to the opponent, who was glaring at him. Taichi’s calf was smarting. The opponent had kicked him, but Taichi was told that that had been reflexive from when Taichi’s arm hit the opponent, and that was all.
'Mashima, switch. Hirai, you be leeder. The goalie…’
Coach Ono took a long look at Taichi and then called up a third-year alternate.
(I’m… being taken off? No way…!)
Taichi hit the ground with his fist. His whole body felt hot.
'Mashima-kun, take a break.’
Hirai held out a water bottle. Taichi was confused at first when he was given a bandage too, but then he noticed that his sock was bloody.
(Eh? Ow… It hurts…)
-
As Taichi washed the wound on his leg, he found that it was deeper than he thought. He disinfected it and stopped the bleeding with a bandage and tape. After looking at the injury, the pain doubled – Taichi felt miserable. Taichi chilled the injury as he watched the second half of the match from the bench.
(Tsk, now there’s no way I’ll pass the selection test.)
He didn’t want to watch the rest of the match. What would he tell his mother… It hurt. It really hurt. Taichi felt useless and frustrated.
'Mashima, you sulking? Watch the match until the end,’ scolded one of the third-year alternates. Two of them sandwiched Taichi between them, so Taichi, gritting his teeth, was forced to glare at the players on top of the pitch.
Hirai was running around the field. No, it was more like he was being forced to run.
(What, so that guy’s no good either… Was I just thinking too much?)
That didn’t make Taichi’s frustration any lighter though.
(Why am I watching this from the bench? I want to leave.)
'That Hirai moves in an interesting way.’
Hirai ran up to the other members, said something, and then ran elsewhere again. Maybe because of his words, the other players started moving into advantageous positions.
(I wonder what he’s saying.)
Taichi thought it strange, so he strained his ears and focussed on Hirai’s lips.
'I’ll leave it to you!’ 'Could you go there for me?’ 'That left area’s open, so please watch over it!’ 'If you’d do that for us, we’d aaall be grateful!’ Hirai’s words were like that.
(Was I… ordering them around…!? Go there, move faster, come right back – giving vague orders and making people not trust me.)
Taichi felt even more frustrated. Just from understanding Hirai’s good points – ones he didn’t have – he felt truly useless and didn’t want to think about the way he had thought up until now.
(Soccer is a team sport… Being good at soccer means using your skills but also getting other people to use theirs… but realising that now is too late.)
Taichi held in the urge to stream. His legs were shaking.
'Hirai’s good. He’s the best out of them.’
'He’s good at positioning people. I can see where the ball will go in this match.’
Taichi covered his ears with both hands so that he wouldn’t have to hear the third-years’ conversation. The match was a 0-2 loss for the white team.
'Now, I will present the results of the selection test.’
The physical course supervisor spoke once Taichi and the other four lined up.
'Hirai Harutaka’s participation in the alternate team for the physical course soccer club has been acknowledged. That’s all.’
Hirai’s smile slipped in his shock. The three people besides Taichi who weren’t chosen started applauding, not surprised by the events. Taichi also started clapping perfunctorily a moment later.
'Thank you very much, everyone. I’m really happy,’ said Hirai politely. Coach Ono and the third-year students went up to praise him, patting Hirai on the back, hugging his shoulder and calling out to him.
(Even though I should’ve been chosen… Why? Why did this happen?)
Hirai noticed Taichi looking down.
'Mashima-kuuun, it’s too bad, since you tried so hard. If it weren’t for that injury… Let’s ask if they’ll have another selection test. I want to play together with Mashima-kun – ’
'Shut up! Stop. Like I’d take the selection test again!’
Taichi fled from the scene.
