Jay Kidman's Card story – East Sector's Carrot and Stick

[kozvme]

 

Dino & Billy: Jay!!!!!

Brad: You've recovered completely. Congrats.

Gray: Tulations...!

Keith: Chee~rs ♪

Jay: Haha, I appreciate that you're all here despite how busy everyone is.

Dino: This is your come-back party, after all. Couldn't miss it even if we wanted ♪

Keith: Lily says she'll be here in a little.

Brad: Victor also said he'd come by once he's finished working. I believe many others will do the same.

Jay: Is that right...? I really am a lucky man.

Gray: J- Jay-san? ... Are those tears I see? 

Jay: No, these are...

Dino: There's no need to pretend to be cool, just cry it out, Jay. It's only natural to feel emotional after escaping from the retirement crisis!

Gray: That's right... I'm also feeling emotional, no happy, no, relieved... I'm a jumble of emotions...

Billy: Me too, me too~!
And for you-know-what, too. Now that you're back, we're finally free from Asch-paisen's training hell ♪

Asch: Who was it? Who's the bastard who mentioned my name without permission?

Billy: H- Huuhh~? Really now, who was it~? Me has no clue~...... 

Brad: How about you join us for the celebration, Asch? There's plenty of food, too.

Asch: I'll eat later. I'm sweaty from training, so a shower comes first.

Dino: Asch sure is amazing. Always following his ways.

Billy: But still, Asch-paisen is the one who arranged this luxurious menu for the party.
He said he wouldn't be satisfied unless he organized the party himself...

Dino: Ahahah, that's so like him. He couldn't hide his desire to congratulate Jay.

Asch: Oi! I heard you bastards!
Don't you talk about me when I'm not around! You heard me!?

Billy & Dino: Gotcha☆

Gray: ... How would he know we talked about him if he's not around...?

Jay: Ahahah, it's so lively and full of life here. Although it's not my place to say so, enjoy yourselves to the fullest ♪



Dino: Asch ♪

Asch: ... Hah? What do ya want? Don't come any closer.

Dino: You're watching a baseball match, right? Let me join you, then. You too, Brad, let's watch it together over here ♪

Brad: Sure.

Asch: Tch...

Dino: It must have been tough watching the rookies all by yourself while Jay was off duty, right? I'm proud of you.

Asch: ... Weren't we watching the match?

Dino: Eheheh, I just wanted to compliment you ♪

Brad: Even after Jay returned, I heard you are still in charge of the team. I'm sure it will serve as a good experience for you.

Asch: Hmpf... All the rookies do is complain 'bout that, though.

Dino & Brad: ......

Dino: There's no need to worry, you're doing great, Asch.
When it comes to the carrot and stick approach, it's true that you seem to resemble the "stick" more than Jay, but I believe this is essential for the rookies.

Brad: Dino's right. Rewarding with carrots is easy, but the stick... being harsh is not something anyone can do.
Jay may need it also, but East's rookies need it most, and in my opinion, that's something you can do. There's no need to feel under pressure.

Asch: What's with you two... I ain't feelin' under pressure or anything.
Besides, ain't you 10th-gen folks the ones attached to that old man...? Didn't sound very convincing to me.

Dino: Asch...



Brad: Well, actually, Jay can both serve as the carrot and the stick if he sets his mind to it. It was like that when we were rookies.
You should think about why he left that role to you.

Asch: ......

Dino: That reminds me, when Jay got mad at us as rookies, it was very scary.
In some way, it felt like he hit every weak spot I neglected while thinking I wouldn't be able to fix them...But thanks to him, I was thoroughly tempered.

Brad: Yes, Jay disciplined me, too.

Dino: It was mostly Keith who was reprimanded, though.

Brad: Sure was.

Asch: Are you guys tryna encourage someone or put pressure on them...?

Dino: Of course we want to encourage you, Asch!
The day the rookies will rely on you will come eventually!

Brad: There's no doubt you have traits Jay doesn't. If you want to guide the rookies, just do it in the way you deem fit.

Asch: Kh, enough already... I told ya I need none of that!
Ain't no way the rookies are gonna relyー

Keith: Wa- Wa- Wa- Wai-!

Dino: Keith?

Keith: Make space for me! Save yourselves while you still have time...!

Brad: Save? ... What happened?



Billy: ASCH-PAISEEE~~~~N!!!

Asch: Uwah!

Billy: Asch-paisen, help meee~! Become my shield, take my placeee~~~!

Asch: Huh? The hell are you talkin'ー

Jay: Ahah ah~! My mentees sure are cute~. Sssso cute, yup, yup ♪

Gray: Uuuuuuu, Uhm, uhh, huuh, Jay-san... let me go, please...

Asch: What's the old man doing...?

Keith: That old habit of his still persists... He gets very touchy when he's drunk. He will hug you and rub his cheek against you just like that.
You know that quite well, don't you, Brad, Dino?

Brad & Dino: ......



Jay: Both you and Billy are cute, Gray. Keith, Brad and Dino, too. Eeeeveryone is cute~
You too, Asch, of course. I still love you, even though you're not my mentee. ♪

Asch: ......

Gray: W- Why is everyone just staring... Ugh, why am I the only one...

Billy: A- Asch-paisen! Go to Jay!

Asch: Haah? Why do I gotta... YOU should go instead.

Billy: NO, NO! I welcome that much skinship, but he smells of alcohol, it's too much!
You're the only one who can save Gray and... satisfy Jay~!

Asch: Wh... Nah, there are other people who canー

Dino: Isn't that great, Asch? What I said earlier has already come true!

Asch: !?

Dino: I can't believe the rookies are relying on you... On you, not Jay!

Asch: ... Hah?

Keith: Sheesh... If I can smooth over the situation, I'll lend you my power.

Asch: HAAAAH!?

Jay: Ooh, Asch. You want a hug, too?
Aaalright, there, there, come over ♪

Asch: Don't fuck with me! You...



Wai... Stop it, Old man! You stink of booze!

Jay: I've put you through much, haven't I? I'm counting on you to stay the core of the team, Asch.

Asch: L- Let m... Let me GOOOOOOO!

Keith: Alright. With this, peace has been restored.

Dino: Ahahah. Jay looks so happy ♪

Brad: ... Well, he's the soul of the party. If he's having fun, then all is well.