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5% Life As Hikigaya Hachiman / Chapter 27: [27] Club Invitation

Chapter 27: [27] Club Invitation

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The sound of tennis balls striking reverberated, and Hachiman's ball was returned with ease. Zaimokuza began talking immediately: "Hmph, what's going on, Hachiman Bodhisattva? My General Yoshiki's skills aren't too shabby!"

"Hey Zaimokuza, can you hit the ball properly? What kind of skill is this?" After hitting back the soft and squishy ball, Hachiman couldn't help but feel speechless.

"You've got some moves there, Hachiman the Great Bodhisattva. But I, General Yoshihira, won't admit defeat either. Watch me execute the Zero-Spin Slice."

In this world, there's an anime called "The Prince of Tennis," and many of its moves have become popular among tennis fans, sparking attempts to replicate them.

From Hachiman's perspective, a lot of the techniques in "The Prince of Tennis" are absurd, with only a handful being realistic enough to imitate.

Even if some of them are replicable, they're not within the reach of a novice like Zaimokuza.

As he effortlessly returned Zaimokuza's so-called "zero-spin slice" ball, a tinge of sadness appeared on Hachiman's face.

However, as he glanced at the new tennis moves that materialized on the virtual screen in his mind, a spark of curiosity flickered in his eyes – could he potentially recreate those techniques?

It appeared there might be an opportunity to practice those moves. If successful, they could come in handy for feigning an aggressive style, right?

"Haha, just as I expected from Hachiman Bodhisattva! Now, try my technique – the Swing Ball!" After hitting the ball back once again, Zaimokuza still exclaimed those middle-school words.

You're supposed to add spin to the ball for a curve, not just wobble it around, you know?

Hachiman rolled his eyes in a deadpan manner. With a gentle swing of the racket, he returned the ball.

However, Hachiman also comprehends Zaimokuza's situation. Due to his chuunibyou tendencies, Zaimokuza is the type who goes unnoticed in class and usually doesn't have anyone to converse with.

Given that there's someone like Hachiman who's capable of communicating, it's only natural that Zaimokuza's mouth wouldn't stay idle.

"Hahaha, that was really something. I'll unleash my full power next."

Observing Zaimokuza in his unguarded state, Hachiman let out a sigh.

Well, might as well regard him as a strange friend.

"Shh~~"

An abrupt whooshing sound sliced through the air behind Hachiman.

A tennis ball hurtled toward the back of his head with remarkable velocity.

"Hachiman, watch out!"

Witnessing the rapidly approaching ball, Zaimokuza cast aside his chuunibyou act and shouted a warning.

In truth, it hardly mattered that he alerted Hachiman – the third-level physique enhancements had not only augmented his physical prowess and stamina, but also significantly sharpened his senses.

His ears twitched subtly as he gauged the ball's trajectory from the rustling of the wind. Anchoring with his left foot, he employed the right one to pivot his waist. Grasping the tennis racket with both hands, he swung it out like a baseball bat.

"Boom!"

Witnessing the ball streaking away faster than its initial approach, he watched as it struck the barbed wire fence on the periphery of the court, ceased its rotation, and tumbled to the ground.

"Wow, a home run! That's impressive!"

Observing Hachiman's impressive shot, Zaimokuza rushed over and fell into his chuunibyou once again: "Cool, as expected of my dear friend Hachiman Bodhisattva of General Yoshiki!"

"It's merely a fluke!" Hachiman nonchalantly shrugged, dismissing Zaimokuza's praise.

At that moment, the two individuals responsible for the errant ball approached to offer their apologies. Among them was Saika, the angelic person he had just encountered.

"I'm really sorry, Hikigaya-san. We accidentally hit the ball into the air earlier, and it nearly hit you," Saika quickly bowed and apologized upon approaching Hachiman.

"It's alright, really. I'm fine, and it wasn't intentional. No harm done," Hachiman responded with a smile, reassuring Saika.

"No need to be so formal, just call me Hachiman, Totsuka-san."

Upon hearing Hachiman's words, a blush colored Saika's face, making them even more adorable. "Then... Hachiman, you can just call me Saika."

"Saika..." Seeing the blush on Saika face, Hachiman found himself growing a little flustered and silently scolded himself.

"He's a guy... he's a guy... he's a guy!"

"By the way, Hachiman, that shot you just pulled off was quite impressive. Have you considered joining the tennis club?"

Recalling the ball Hachiman had struck, Saika's excitement grew. Even without a machine test, Saika was certain that the speed at which Hachiman hit the ball had exceeded 180 kilometers per hour, a level comparable to that of professional athletes.

"Tennis club?" Hachiman pondered for a moment.

It had been a week since school began, and many freshmen had already signed up for their preferred clubs. Naturally, Saika had joined the tennis club.

"I apologize, Saika, but I haven't really considered joining any clubs at the moment." After a moment of contemplation, Hachiman courteously declined Saika's invitation. Despite having activated the tennis module, he wasn't inclined to join the tennis club.

Furthermore, when he reached his second year, he would naturally join Yukino's service club, following the trajectory of the original story. As for his club choice during his first year of high school, he had already settled on one – the kendo club!

"That's alright. If Hachiman ever decides to join the tennis club, feel free to come and let me know anytime," Saika responded to Hachiman's refusal, showing a hint of disappointment but still offering a smile.

"No problem!"

The class continued, and the two exchanged a few words before resuming their tennis practice.

After the physical education class ended, Hachiman and Zaimokuza returned to the classroom together. Despite Hachiman's reluctance to admit it, he and Zaimokuza had developed a friendship of sorts, although much of it stemmed from Zaimokuza's tendency to talk incessantly.

"Hachiman, my best buddy, how about we grab lunch together?"

During lunchtime, Zaimokuza looked at Hachiman with anticipation. As he hadn't been well-received by his classmates and lacked friends to eat with, having someone like Hachiman to converse with was a welcome change. Naturally, he wanted to experience the feeling of having a meal with a friend.

"Well, sure. However, I didn't bring a packed lunch, so I'll have to head to the cafeteria or the canteen to buy something," Hachiman replied. Since he also didn't have any friends to dine with, he nodded in agreement.

"Not an issue. I usually have lunch at the canteen. I've been telling you, their fried noodles and bread are top-notch!" Zaimokuza was visibly excited as he saw Hachiman's agreement. Finally, he had someone to share a meal with, and he eagerly gestured for Hachiman to accompany him towards the cafeteria.


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Leonzky Leonzky

"If we reach power ranking number 10, I will release 2 bonus chapters. So, thanks to those who support this fanfic by giving power stones."

Chapter 28: [28] Reuniting with Senpai

After purchasing some food and drinks from the canteen, the two of them headed to the rooftop together.

Zaimokuza pushed open the rooftop door with a triumphant expression. "What do you think, my best friend Hachiman? I stumbled upon this great spot, and hardly anyone ever comes here."

Observing the vacant rooftop, Hachiman nodded. He, too, disliked eating in noisy environments and preferred the tranquility of a quiet place.

As he sat on the rooftop bench, an odd sensation washed over him, making it seem as if he were seated upon some sort of mythical weapon—a mere illusion, of course.

Unwrapping the packaging, they both bit into the yakisoba bread. The toasted, crunchy bread complemented the chewy noodles, along with the accompanying sauce and side dishes. Hachiman found the taste rather satisfactory.

Amid their lunchtime enjoyment, Zaimokuza's mouth hardly stayed still. Being a nerd with chuunibyou tendencies, their conversation naturally revolved around various two-dimensional subjects—like the latest episodes of the current season, newly released light novels, and so forth.

"Hachiman, listen up. Senju Muramasa-sensei's 'The Legend Of The Phantom Blade' is seriously amazing!" Zaimokuza exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident as Hachiman enjoyed his rice balls.

"'The Legend of the Phantom Blade'?"

At the mention of this familiar light novel, Hachiman lifted his head slightly.

He possessed a reasonable familiarity with this light novel. It was an immensely popular dark fantasy series set in another world, even spawning two anime adaptations. The novel's sales had surpassed a staggering 10 million copies.

"Besides this book, there's another novel I want to recommend to you called 'Sword Art Online.' Even though only the first volume is out, and the author, Wakamono-sensei, is a newcomer, I'm confident this book can hold its own against 'The Legend Of The Phantom Blade.' It has the potential to make waves."

However, Zaimokuza abruptly shifted the topic, his tone brimming with excitement. "But let me tell you, I'm certain that my own light novel won't pale in comparison to these two."

"Huh? You're writing a light novel too?"

Hachiman gazed at Zaimokuza with surprise. Wasn't this guy supposed to start writing light novels during his sophomore year in the original timeline? And he even sought assistance from the Service Club. How did he end up writing one now?

"Hey, I haven't actually written anything yet," Zaimokuza admitted with a slightly embarrassed smile.

"If you haven't written it yet, why are you so fired up?" Hachiman quipped, his eyes rolling at Zaimokuza's enthusiasm.

"But I've got a story brewing inside me. I'm confident I'll soon be able to translate it onto paper. I'm determined to become like those esteemed authors and make a splash in the world of light novels as soon as it's published!" Zaimokuza's excitement was palpable as he spoke.

"Alright then, I wish you success."

"Haha, you truly are my best friend!" Zaimokuza laughed heartily upon receiving Hachiman's encouragement.

"But, Hachiman, I do have a favor to ask." Zaimokuza's smile held a hint of mischief as he suddenly changed the topic.

"What's the favor?" Hachiman felt a sense of curiosity as he looked at Zaimokuza's expression.

"Well, it's like this... After I'm done writing, could you take a look at it for me?" Zaimokuza's request was accompanied by an eager grin.

"But once you're finished writing, you can simply submit it. There'll be an editor to review it for sure. Why do you want me to read it beforehand?"

"Hey, even though I'm confident, I'm still a bit apprehensive about facing the critiques from editors. That's why I want you, my best friend Hachiman, to give it a preliminary evaluation."

When it comes down to it, you're just afraid of getting criticized! Hachiman comprehended the situation now – this guy was clearly thin-skinned and dreaded criticism.

"Don't worry, I've got you covered when the time comes." A wry smile crept onto Hachiman's lips.

"Really? You truly are my best friend!"

Just as Zaimokuza was basking in the joy of Hachiman's agreement, Hachiman chimed in once more: "But don't fret, I'll make sure to criticize you to the point where you'll feel like you can't take it anymore!"

"Are you some kind of devil..."

*Crack!*

Just then, the sound of the door being pushed open resonated once more, accompanied by a melodious female voice.

"Ara~, is there someone already here?"

Both of them raised their heads and spotted a figure with lovely legs clad in black stockings standing at the rooftop entrance.

"Could it be..." Recognizing that familiar face, Hachiman was slightly taken aback, while Zaimokuza beside him exclaimed in astonishment.

"Kasumigaoka-senpai!"

Indeed, the individual who entered was none other than Kasumigaoka Utaha, whom Hachiman had encountered on a previous occasion.

"Huh? So it's Hikigaya-kun. It's been a while!" Utaha's gaze settled on Hachiman's familiar visage not too far from the bench, a hint of surprise coloring her expression. As for Zaimokuza, he couldn't help but be captivated by her undeniable allure.

"It's been a long time, Kasumigaoka-senpai." Since he had been recognized, Hachiman offered a cordial smile and a nod in acknowledgment.

Zaimokuza's eyes widened in surprise; he hadn't expected the two of them to already know each other.

Although Hachiman found Utaha attractive, they weren't very familiar with each other. Since there were others present and striking up a conversation would be awkward, he suggested they leave.

"We're almost done with our food. Since you're here, Kasumigaoka-senpai, we'll head out," Hachiman said as he got up from the bench, and Zaimokuza quickly scarfed down his rice balls and followed suit.

"Wakamono... Hikigaya Hachiman." As she observed their departing figures, Utaha's scarlet lips formed the names, and her wine-red eyes narrowed slightly. She recollected the recent conversation she had with her editor.

"Maybe I really should ask him for help," Utaha contemplated.

It's a bit shame that I have to turn to my junior for assistance.

"Wow, Hachiman, I didn't expect you to know Kasumigaoka-senpai," Zaimokuza's face lit up with excitement as soon as they left.

"Well, I did mention Kasumigaoka-senpai, but we've only met once. It wouldn't be accurate to say we know each other well," Hachiman remained relatively composed compared to Zaimokuza's enthusiasm.

I guess there's nothing wrong with what I said. Utaha really isn't familiar with me.

Hachiman couldn't help but think Utaha measurements like 89-61-88 were quite impressive.

"Well, that's true too. You must know that Kasumigaoka-senpai is the epitome of beauty in our school. I can't even imagine how many guys must want to approach her."

"You lucky dog, Hachiman, you're already quite fortunate," Zaimokuza's expression seemed to say, "You don't even realize what you have."

This guy...

Glancing at Zaimokuza, Hachiman didn't utter another word. He simply walked straight towards the classroom.

"Wait for me..."


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Leonzky Leonzky

"This is a bonus chapter to celebrate reaching 700 power stones. If we manage to reach power ranking no.10, I will upload 2 additional bonus chapters. Thank you once again to all those who have supported me."

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