Cheat Manager ~ An Unremarkable First-Year High School Boy. But Actually, He Was a Reincarnator From Another World Who Had Been Strengthening His Team with Word Magic, Yet No One Noticed. If You Kick Me Out, the Team Will Get Way Weaker—Are You Sure You’re Okay with That? ～

Author: Cinderella (Ash-Shrouded Princess)

※※※※

This is my first post.

I don’t know right from left.

If the opportunity arises, I’d like to publish another series as well.

I would be grateful if you would take a look at it.

　

“Shindo, you’re dismissed as our manager. You don’t need to come in starting tomorrow.”

　

I, Yoichi Shindo, the first-year manager of the Tokyo Metropolitan Kaiou Academy basketball team, was suddenly dismissed by my classmate and captain, Kaido Raiga(Kaidou Dai-ga).

The Kaiou Academy Basketball Club is a team made up entirely of first-year students in its very first year of existence.

I’m an unremarkable, introverted high school boy with nothing to boast about—average height, average grades, and average athletic ability.

Because Kaiou Academy’s rules require all students to belong to a sports club, I reluctantly joined the basketball club as a manager.

Despite that, in just its first year, the basketball team—even though it was made up entirely of first-year students—ended up winning the national championship at the recent tournament.

Because of this, the basketball club became very popular among the girls, and Shiori Anzai—who until recently had been the manager of the girls’ basketball team—expressed her desire to become the boys’ basketball team manager.

Shiori Anzai is at the top of her class academically, has long blonde hair and stunning eyes—she’s what you’d call a drop-dead gorgeous beauty.

The girls’ basketball team isn’t weak either—they were runners-up in the recent prefectural tournament.

However, Shiori Anzai is aware that she is a stunning beauty with excellent grades, and she believes that she is the perfect person to be the manager of a team capable of winning a national championship.

When Anzai Shiori made that offer, Kaido Raiga accepted without hesitation.

He figured that having a stunning beauty who’s also capable at her job become the manager would boost the entire club’s morale.

　

“Hey, I was doing my job just fine. Was there really any need to go out of your way to fire me?”

　

It’s not that I particularly mind getting kicked out, but honestly, finding another sports club to join is a hassle, so I tried to give off the impression that I wanted to stay.

　

“I was the one who invited you, but even though you’re doing your job, you lack drive. Just having you around lowers morale, so frankly speaking, you’re a nuisance.”

　

I thought, “What a selfish guy—he’s the one who invited me in the first place”, but after being told something like that, I didn’t want to stay, so I just handed in my resignation form.

Actually, I’m a reincarnator from another world. We won the national championship because I cheered the team on with Word Magic—I wonder if they’ll be okay without me?

Without my encouragement, their physical abilities will drop significantly, so they won’t be able to perform at their current level. But well, I got kicked out anyway, so I guess it doesn’t matter.

　

※

　

The next day, since school rules required me to join a club, I was looking at the club recruitment bulletin board.

At that moment, a female student called out to me.

　

“Hello, Shindou-kun.”

　

The girl who approached me was tall, 180 cm tall, with a slender build and a bust probably an F-cup.

She looked like the athletic type, with short black hair and round, cute eyes.

　

“Yes. Can I help you?”

　

A bit flustered at being spoken to by a girl I’d just met, I replied.

　

“Shindou-kun, until yesterday, you were the manager of the boys’ basketball team, right? Then you quit and Anzai, the former manager of the girls’ team, replaced you, right?”

“Well, yes, but what about it?”

“My name is Yumeno Aoi. Um… be mine!”

“Huh?”

“Ah, sorry—be ours!”

“Um, what is going on?”

　

As we were talking, a girl who seemed to be her friend came up from behind.

　

“Sorry, this girl’s a bit of an airhead, so she didn’t explain herself very well. I’m Haruno Sakura. I’m the vice-captain of the girls’ basketball team. And Aoi here is the captain. She wanted to ask if you would mind becoming the manager of our girls’ basketball team.”

“That’s right—become our manager!”

　

Haruno Sakura is small for a basketball player, standing at 150cm.

As expected of someone on a sports team, she had a toned body, but her chest was completely flat.

With her black hair tied up on both sides, she looks like a cheerful, energetic girl.

　

“Huh? Are you sure I’m good enough?”

“Well, you’re free right now, aren’t you? I heard yesterday that the boys’ basketball team kicked you out because of Anzai. Besides, Aoi likes you, Shindou-kun.

“Sakura!! Don’t say unnecessary things! Shindou-kun, I’ve seen how hard you’re working as a manager. So, would you consider becoming the manager of the girls’ basketball team?”

“Well, I have to belong somewhere, so if you’re okay with someone like me, I’ll give it a shot.”

“Yay! Nice to meet you, Shindou-kun!”

　

Yumeno was jumping up and down with joy.

　

“Shindou-kun, please call me Sakura. I’m not used to being called by my last name.”

“Got it. I’ll do that, Yumeno-san, Sakura-san.”

“Uh, um, could you call me Aoi too?”

“Sure thing, Aoi-san.”

　

With a beaming smile, Aoi-san said,

　

“Well then, I look forward to working with you after school today, Shindou-kun.”

　

Saying that, she bowed deeply.

　

※

　

After school, I attended a practice with the girls’ basketball team.

Basically, I handle odd jobs like preparing towels and collecting balls.

In between,

　

“Aoi-san, do your best! Sakura-san, shoot! I’m sure they’ll go great.”

　

I offered words of encouragement like that.

　

“Thank you, Shindo-kun. I’ll do my best!”

　

Aoi-san answered energetically and practiced with incredible enthusiasm.

　

“Thanks. Make sure you watch my amazing three-pointers.”

　

Sakura-san said that as she pointed to the basket.

　

“Well then, I guess I’ll go prepare the drinks and honey lemon. Let’s see, here it is. Alright, [Fatigue Recovery] then.”

　

From the outside, I might look like a weirdo, muttering to myself while handling food and drinks.

But this is my Word Magic.

As soon as I spoke the words, reality changed accordingly.

Even though I used an abstract phrase like “do your best” with Aoi-san, her overall performance has improved.

Since I explicitly told Sakura to “shoot”, she’s barely missed a single three-pointer since then.

Also, I was muttering about the drink and honey lemon, and just that alone has transformed it into something with fatigue-recovery effects, which would normally be impossible.

　

“Aoi, when did you learn to dunk? And Sakura, what’s with that shooting percentage? What’s up with you two?”

“Um, I don’t really get it, but I thought, ‘Maybe I can do it,’ so I jumped—and my hand actually reached the rim.”

“I’ve always been a genius shot! —just kidding—but I don’t know. I just feel like I’m in incredible form today.”

“Both of you, don’t just do this in practice—play the same way in games, too. Tomorrow we have a practice match against the team we lost to in the prefectural tournament finals.”

“”Okay!””

　

The two replied, surprised by their own good performance.

During the break, everyone enjoyed the drinks and honey lemon beverages I had prepared.

“Mmm…” “Yum!” “It really soaks right in.”

They said all sorts of things like that, but in the end, everyone looked puzzled,

　

“Hey, wait— I don’t feel tired at all???”

　

Even though they had practiced intensively for an hour right up until the break, they felt so fresh it was almost as if they didn’t even start practice at all.

Just a moment ago, the club members were sitting down, exhausted, but now they’re running around as if they’re not tired at all.

But no matter how they think about it, they can’t figure out why. They’ve been wondering if it’s something like a runner’s high, but nobody can come up with an answer.

That’s how today went. Everyone finished practice feeling a bit puzzled, and we had a quick meeting to prepare for tomorrow.

　

“Everyone, I’ll be giving it my all to score points as always, so please back me up!”

　

When Aoi-san said something haphazard that couldn’t even be called a plan, Sakura-san said,

　

“Aoi, you’re the captain, so try a little harder to come up with a plan.”

“But—I’m only doing it because everyone said I should be captain. I’m not good at thinking things through anyway.”

　

As I was wondering if Aoi-san was generally trusted by everyone—since she said “everyone”—Sakura-san continued,

　

“Well, Aoi, you never say no when asked to do something. Plus, you’re a silly, positive girl, so you’re the team’s mood maker.”

“””Yes, yes, exactly.”””

　

Ah, it feels like it was forced upon her.

　

“Pfft, it’s just the ‘I’m a ditzy, positive girl’ routine. Sakura, you come up with the plan like always.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Anyway, Aoi was in good form in practice today, so tomorrow we’ll focus on getting the ball under the opponent’s basket —we’ll all feed the ball there.”

“Sakura, you were in good form today, too!”

“Hmm~ I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but if Aoi gets marked too tightly, let’s try to spread the play out to the perimeter, okay?”

　

And just like that, the casual meeting came to an end.

　

※

　

The next day, I arrived at the gymnasium early to greet the Meio Academy girls’ basketball team, who were our opponents for the practice match.

　

“Good morning, Aoi-san.”

　

I thought I had arrived before the meeting time, but Aoi-san was already in the gymnasium, practicing.

　

“Good morning, Shindou-kun!”

　

Right from the start of the day, she greeted me cheerfully with her usual beaming smile.

　

“Aoi-san, how are you feeling today?”

“Hmm~ compared to yesterday, my body feels a little heavy. I was able to do it yesterday, but today I couldn’t even dunk.”

　

Well, my Word Magic doesn’t have a permanent effect, and in fact, the effect doesn’t last for very long.

It only lasts about an hour, so during practice or a game, it’s no problem if I keep cheering her on, but yesterday’s effect doesn’t carry over to today.

　

“I see. But Aoi-san, I know you can easily dunk. Come on, show me one more time.”

　

I said that, encouraging Aoi-san to try again.

　

“If you say so, Shindo-kun, maybe I can do it!”

　

Aoi-san is a truly positive person, the kind who makes everyone around her smile.

Then, Aoi-san dribbled the ball and, with a “Here goes!”, took off for a dunk, easily reaching the rim and successfully completing the dunk.

　

“Yay, I did it! I did it! I did it!”

　

She took my hand and swung it vigorously as she said that.

She looked so happy,

　

“Aoi-san, that was amazing.”

　

All I could say was how impressive it was.

　

“Thank you! I’ll do my best in the practice match too!”

　

After saying that, her face suddenly turned bright red, and,

　

“Ah! Sorry for suddenly holding your hand… I’ve been practicing a lot, so my sweaty palms must’ve felt gross…”

　

Just as her face had turned bright red, she looked down and apologized to me.

　

“Please don’t apologize for that. Sweaty hands just mean you’ve put in a lot of effort, and that’s wonderful. Or rather, you ended up holding hands with someone introverted like me. I’m the one who should say sorry.”

“No way! You’re not some introvert at all! Shindou-kun, you’re incredibly hardworking, sincere, and above all, super cool!!”

　

I’m happy that she thinks I’m cool, even if it’s just flattery.

　

“Oh, well, you know, ‘cool’—I watched you work so hard as the manager for the boys’ basketball team every day, and you’re so kind…”

“No, thank you. I’m happy to receive such praise. But I’m glad you watched me every day, even though I didn’t stand out on the boys’ basketball team. It’s nice to have my own efforts praised.”

“So, did you stare at me every day? Watch me? Be mesmerized by me? Sorry, what am I even saying? Anyway, I’ll do my best today, so please cheer me on.”

“Yes, go for it, Aoi-san.”

　

※

　

“Everyone from Meio Academy, thank you for coming all this way today.”

　

Meio Academy defeated Kaiou Academy in the final round of the recent prefectural tournament to win the championship. They then went on to become the national tournament runner-up, so it’s clear that they are the superior team.

　

“Then, please use this changing room.”

“Wait, the manager of Kaiou Academy is a boy now?”

“Yes, I was the manager of the boys’ basketball team until recently, but due to various circumstances, I’ve just become the manager of the girls’ basketball team. Thank you for joining us today.”

“Hmm, if he was the manager of that national championship-winning boys’ basketball team, he must be very capable. We’ll be in your care today.”

　

After exchanging greetings with the coach from Meio Academy, I guided them to the changing room.

　

※

　

“Now, let’s begin the match between Meio Academy and Kaiou Academy. Bow.”

“”””””””””Please take care of us!!””””””””””

　

The players from both teams greet each other loudly, and the game begins with a jump ball.

It looks like Aoi will be taking the jump.

　

“Aoi-san, Aoi-san, you can definitely take the jump ball.”

　

I called out to Aoi-san from outside the court.

Aoi-san glanced at me for a moment, then returned her eyes to the ball and focused on the jump ball.

The referee threw the ball into the air, and players from both sides jumped up.

The opponent was about the same height as Aoi-san, but Aoi-san was under the influence of my Word Magic.

Jumping about a head higher than her opponent, Aoi-san sent the ball toward Sakura-san.

　

“Sakura, counting on you to score the first basket!”

“Sakura-san, it’s definitely going in again today.”

　

Aoi-san and I called out to Sakura-san, who replied, “Here I go!” and took the ball. Perhaps sensing she had a chance, she took a shot not from the three-point line, but from near the center line.

　

“Idiot! There’s no way that shot will go in!”

　

A player from Meio Academy shouted that and ran toward the ball, which looked like it was about to go out of bounds, but,

　

Swoosh

　

The ball passed through the hoop as if it were being sucked in, without even touching the rim.

　

“Kyaa, Sakura, that’s amazing! I never thought you’d make it from that spot!!”

“Well, you know, I just had a feeling it could go in. Maybe I really am a genius?”

“Come on, don’t get cocky. But keep it up for the rest of the game, okay?”

“Yes, yes.”

　

Aoi-san and Sakura-san were having that kind of exchange.

After that, Aoi-san and Sakura-san were in top form. Whenever Aoi-san got the ball, she would dribble past one defender after another and make a dunk, and when the defenders focused on Aoi-san, Sakura-san would score from the outside.

Furthermore, during each timeout, they recovered from fatigue with my specially made magic-infused drink, and everyone returned to the match completely fatigue-free after the timeout.

Aoi-san and Sakura-san kept racking up points, and the final score ended in a landslide victory: Meio Academy 67, Kaiou Academy 135.

　

“No way! I can’t believe we lost by such a large margin. We were the runners-up in the national tournament, you know!”

　

The captain of Meio Academy let out a gasp.

　

“Hey everyone at Kaiou Academy, what happened in such a short period? And that stamina—just how hard have you been practicing?”

　

In response to the Meio Academy captain’s candid remark,

　

“Hmm~ we haven’t really changed the amount of practice we do, and we haven’t changed the content of our practice either. The only thing that’s changed since the last prefectural tournament final is that we have a new manager.”

　

Aoi answered the opposing team’s captain’s questions.

Hearing that, the Meio Academy captain looked at me and said,

　

“Are you the manager? Hey, what on earth did you do?”

“Um, I just handled odd jobs for everyone and cheered them on with all my heart.”

　

My Word Magic is conveying my words and encouragement to everyone.

So, I’m just offering my support, and I’m not doing anything more than that.

　

“No way… That can’t be true. Just a few months ago, they were no match for us, but today our strategies weren’t working at all. And it’s not like we were playing badly or anything!”

“Let’s call it a day and head home. This girl is really passionate and serious about basketball, so she’s just curious about how you guys got so strong so quickly. I’m sorry if we offended you.”

　

The coach led the captain—who was on the verge of tears—away, calming her down.

　

※

　

“Aoi-san, Sakura-san, good job today.”

　

It turns out that Aoi-san, Sakura-san, and I actually live in the same direction, so we’re going home together.

　

“Yes, thank you!”

　

Aoi-san replied with a beaming smile.

　

“Shindou-kun, my three-pointers were amazing, weren’t they? Maybe I really am a genius after all.”

　

In fact, more than half of the points were scored by Sakura-san’s three-point shots.

But because I said that it would “definitely” go in, Sakura-san’s shooting success rate ended up being an abnormal 100%.

　

“Sakura-san, you were truly amazing today.”

“Hehe.”

　

Sakura-san gave a slightly embarrassed smile.

　

“Still, ever since Shindou-kun became our manager, things have been going incredibly well! Even this morning, when you told me I could do it, I somehow felt like I could—and I actually did it.”

“Seriously. I’ve always been confident in my three-pointers, but even then, my success rate was only around 50%. But today, I didn’t feel like I was going to miss at all.”

“I think that’s the result of all the hard work the two of you have put in all this time.”

　

As we walked along, chatting about that…

　

“Hey, Shindou-kun, I like you.”

　

At Sakura-san’s sudden confession, Aoi-san and I immediately exclaimed, “Huh!?” in unison.

　

“Sakura-san, um… what do you mean by that?”

　

Unable to keep up, I ended up asking Sakura-san for clarification.

　

“Oh, come on, Shindou-kun, how many times do you want me to confess to you?”

“Um, yes, hold on a second.”

　

As I tried to calm myself down and get my completely jumbled thoughts in order, right beside me,

　

“Huh? Sakura… Why? Me too… What’s going on? Um, well…….”

　

Aoi-san was muttering to herself. Her expression changed every second, as if she had a hundred faces,

　

“Just kidding! Did I scare you? It was just a joke.”

　

Saying that, she laughed loudly, “Ahaha.”

I said,

　

“Sakura-san, that’s enough to give anyone a scare.”

　

As I said that and let out a sigh, Aoi-san—perhaps not having heard Sakura-san’s words—was still muttering to herself.

I was a little worried about things continuing like this, so I thought I’d try to get her to open up a bit and use some light Word Magic.

　

“Aoi-san, are you okay? If you have something you want to say, I think it’s fine to say it.”

I meant to get Aoi-san to speak her mind in a casual way, but…

　

“I, I’m not okay! I never even considered that Sakura might like Shindou-kun! But I love Shindou-kun too, and since Sakura’s my best friend, I thought I had to refrain—but I really do love him too, and I can’t hold back anymore.”

　

Aoi-san ended up shouting those words at the top of her lungs.

Um, this is bad. I picked the wrong moment to use my Word Magic.

If she truly feels that way, then it would be like forcing her to confess her feelings for me.

As I was thinking about that,

　

“Hey Aoi! Your voice was way too loud, and I couldn’t make out a single word of what you were screaming at the end. I mean, didn’t you hear me say I was joking when I said I liked Shindou-kun? You’re such an airhead, Aoi. Right, Shindou-kun?”

“Yeah, I honestly didn’t understand what she was saying in the end there, but Sakura-san was just joking to give us a scare.”

　

Following Sakura-san’s lead, I also pretended not to hear the end of Aoi-san’s tirade.

Good Job, Sakura-san!

　

“Huh? You were joking…?”

　

As she calmed down, her face flushed bright red from what she had said. Then, she felt relieved that the latter part hadn’t been heard.

　

“Hey, seriously, did you not hear what I was saying toward the end?”

“”Yeah, I couldn’t hear it.””

　

Sakura-san and I answered in unison.

Then suddenly,

　

“Ah, I’m thirsty, so I’ll go get some juice.”

　

Saying that, Sakura-san headed toward the vending machine. She gave me a thumbs-up, flashed a big grin, and walked away.

Well, she definitely heard that, didn’t she?

Right? It’d be awkward if a girl had to be the one to say it.

　

“Hey, Aoi-san, I’d like to talk to you for a second—is that okay?”

“Huh? What? Yes? What is it?”

　

Aoi-san looked at me and answered, her face still a little blushed.

　

“Um, well, since we’ve only known each other for a few days, you might be thinking, ‘What is this guy talking about?’, but I really like how carefree and energetic you are, Aoi-san.”

“Huh? What? Yes? Thank you.”

　

Aoi-san looked bewildered and replied to what I said.

　

“So, if you don’t mind, Aoi-san….”

“Yes.”

“Would you go out with me?”

“Yes. Huh? Eeeeeh?!? W, what did you just say?!?”

“I’m embarrassed to say this so many times, but… Aoi-san, would you be my girlfriend?”

　

Aoi-san’s face turned bright red,

　

“Y… Yes!! Absolutely, I’d love to.”

　

With that, she gripped my hand tightly.

　

“Aoi-san, my hand hurts a little. Let’s get along from now on.”

　

Saying that, I smiled and bowed my head.

In response, Aoi-san bowed her head over and over again.

　

“Hmm, how heartwarming. I never thought it would go this smoothly.”

　

Sakura was watching the scene from a short distance away, grinning mischievously.

When Sakura came back, I told her that Aoi and I were going to start dating. She cheered me on, saying, “Congrats”.

After that, Aoi-san kept a soft smile on her face the whole time, and she went home with her cheeks still flushed.

After seeing Aoi-san off, I continued walking with Sakura, as we were still together for a little while longer.

　

“Sakura-san, did you know how Aoi-san felt about me?”

“Of course, I’m Aoi’s best friend, after all.”

　

After saying that, Sakura-san suddenly brought her face close to mine and whispered in my ear…

　

“Also, using Word Magic right there—that was definitely unexpected.”

“!?!?!”

“Hehe, you’re so surprised you can’t even speak.”

　

Just moments ago, she was smiling broadly, but now she smiled seductively in the moonlight, pressing her finger to my lips.

　

“Actually, I’m a reincarnator from another world too. I can use Mind-Reading Magic that lets me read people’s thoughts.”

“So there’s another reincarnator besides me…”

“So, you know, when we first met, you thought I had a childish physique!”

　

This time, she glared at me, looking slightly angry.

　

“No, I don’t think you have a childlike figure, I just thought your chest was a little on the smaller side…”

“You can’t lie to me, you know?”

“… I’m sorry.”

　

I bowed my head deeply.

　

“Well, jokes aside, I’m counting on you to take good care of Aoi from now on. Also, please use your magic to help us win the national championship, Shindou-kun.”

　

Saying that, she turned a big smile back at me.

　

※

　

[Boys’ Basketball Club Side] In a Nutshell

After I left the men’s basketball team, morale did go up at first because an absolutely stunning manager joined—but that was it.

They originally disliked practice and did it half-heartedly, but even then, they could throw the ball casually and even pull a dunk with a light leap.

Though they hated practice, no matter how much they moved, their fatigue would recover in no time.

But for some reason, the ball stopped going through the hoop altogether, and even when trying to dunk, it couldn’t even graze the rim.

They used to hardly ever get winded during games, but now, in the middle of the second quarter, they were completely out of gas and couldn’t move at all.

Even in practice games against top teams from across the country, they were completely hopeless, losing every single one by margins of over 100 points.

Eventually, the high schools in the district gathered for a league tournament, but they lost every single game.

Honestly, they were such a bad team that no one would have believed they were national championship contenders.

Shiori Anzai, who believed she was the perfect manager for a team that had won the national championship, would hysterically yell at Kaido Raiga almost every day, creating a very toxic atmosphere within the team.

The number of club members has dropped to one-tenth of what it was at its peak, and now the very survival of the club was in doubt.

　

※

　

Anyway, the guys who kicked me out have nothing to do with me.

I’m aiming to win the national championship with my girlfriend, Aoi-san, her best friend, Sakura-san, and all the girls on the basketball team who are so kind to me. I don’t care what happens to the boys’ basketball team.

　

Afterword

Thank you for reading until the end.

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