Miyuki's brow furrowed instinctively when he saw the review books in Watanabe's hands. A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind, but he quickly pushed them aside and resumed his usual calm demeanor.
"Nabe!" He greeted Watanabe warmly.
Watanabe was clearly taken aback. Even within Seidou's baseball team, there were distinct circles—like the second-year elites, first-year elites, and the core of the main team. Miyuki and Sawamura were at the heart of the first string. Despite being on the same team, Watanabe was not part of their immediate circle, making a direct greeting feel odd.
Still, respect for the Captain was due, so Watanabe smiled and nodded before sitting down next to them.
On the field, Furuya and Kawakami were fiercely competing, neither willing to yield.
'In just six months, Furuya's physical strength has skyrocketed. He truly is a terrifying monster!'
Unlike Sawamura, who was already a highly developed Ace, Furuya had been a raw rookie when he joined Seidou High.
Now, after just half a year, he had become a national-level star player. In terms of fame, he is just behind Seidou's five star players and even solidified his spot in the first string, contending with Kawakami for the Ace substitute position.
Watanabe watched Furuya's intense performance on the field, deep in thought.
'There's a fundamental difference between people like us and Furuya. It's almost like we're different species.'
"What are you thinking about?" Miyuki suddenly asked.
Watanabe snapped back to reality and shook his head. "Nothing."
Miyuki smiled. "I need a favor. Could you help organize the information on Ugumori? The data you provided on Teito was very helpful. I'm busy assisting the coaching staff with training and tactics, so I don't have time to sort through their data. Can you assist?"
Miyuki fixed his gaze on Watanabe.
"But…?" Watanabe's face showed signs of discomfort.
Miyuki's heart sank. "Are you thinking of quitting the baseball club?"
"What?" Watanabe looked at Miyuki, stunned as if his secret had been exposed.
Miyuki sighed. "When I saw that review book, I wondered if you were planning to give up baseball."
"I…" Watanabe hesitated, unable to respond.
"If this is a decision you've made after careful consideration, I won't try to change your mind," Miyuki said calmly.
Watanabe was taken aback, unable to comprehend.
"We all have the right to choose our future. The reason I'm working so hard in baseball is my own decision. You have the right to make your own choices as well. Everyone must be responsible for their own future. Choosing academics is perfectly fine…"
Miyuki spoke naturally.
Seeing a teammate on the verge of giving up baseball, Miyuki was naturally upset, but he always respected others' choices.
"True to your personality. It's really harsh!" Sawamura said with a muffled voice through his mask.
'Sawamura!'
Watanabe looked at Sawamura with hope. He didn't mean to suggest leaving; why did Miyuki interpret it that way?
Watanabe's gaze was filled with desperation as if Sawamura might clarify his stance. He seemed to have lost his ability to speak and hoped Sawamura would express what he intended.
Sawamura shrugged helplessly. "Even though I don't like how this guy worded it, I won't interfere in someone else's future. If you really think leaving the team is an easier path, we can only wish you well."
Miyuki looked at Sawamura with gratitude.
Sawamura shook his head. He wasn't speaking to aid Miyuki but because he had suffered similarly in the past.
While he will miss Nabe-san's detailed data analyses, many things happened in this life and the pressure of being a Champion can destroy anyone.
No one can choose another's future; what can be fulfilling for one person might not be the same for another.
Watanabe's eyes were misty. 'I didn't mean that. Not at all!'
"If you think organizing the data will interfere with your study time, just give me the materials. I'll find another way," Miyuki offered gently.
Initially hesitant, Miyuki decided to respect Watanabe's choice after Sawamura's support. Forcing someone who was no longer committed would only cause pain for everyone.
Watanabe's thoughts were misunderstood. He never intended to leave the team.
Unlike many at Seidou High, who were elite recruits, Watanabe had joined through a regular entrance exam and chose baseball himself.
This difference in drive led to different viewpoints. Watanabe's initial reason for joining was simply that he liked baseball.
Watanabe's departure was a blow, though Sawamura and Miyuki chose not to dwell on it. They were no longer children but growing adults facing reality.
"Regarding Ugumori, based on the Coaches' views, I don't plan to have you play," Miyuki said, shifting focus to team matters with Sawamura.
"There's no issue with that! Ugumori's overall strength isn't overwhelming. Their key strengths are their fighting spirit and aggressive and risky tactics. Not playing might even lead to unexpected outcomes." Sawamura replied.
"You always look on the bright side," Miyuki laughed.
"If we start complaining about things that haven't happened yet, how can we succeed?" Sawamura replied.
…
Miyuki and Sawamura thought the matter was resolved. While it was rare for players to quit due to training pressure at Seidou, it wasn't unheard of. Watanabe's situation seemed to be settled.
However, the following day, the situation took an unexpected turn and sparked a major uproar.
Neither Miyuki nor Sawamura took Watanabe's conversation to heart. It was Watanabe's decision, and as teammates and friends, there was little they could say.
Watanabe quickly compiled the information, and within just three days, the details about Ugumori were on Seidou's conference table.
Initially indifferent, the team now studied the information in silence.
Ugumori's overall strength seemed unremarkable, reminiscent of the unexpected rise of a dark horse team from a manga. They relied on an outstanding pitcher and a driven team spirit to make their mark.
They had a formidable ace, Umemiya, and the entire team was united under his leadership.
"That kind of team can be quite tricky when they're on a roll," Maezono remarked.
Given the legends about Sawamura with Akagi team, it was easy to see how such a team could be difficult to handle.
"There's no need to worry too much," Kuramochi said casually, lounging in his chair. "Umemiya is skilled, but he's not on Sawamura's level. And we're not as soft as the teams from the softball league. We're well-prepared, so it's a matter of strength. I don't believe we'll lose to them."
Kuramochi was confident. He enjoyed facing teams with weak catchers, as it made stealing bases easier.
"Speaking of which, Nabe's report is impressively detailed," Kuramochi continued. "Not only does it cover player traits, but it also analyzes their tactics thoroughly."
Miyuki nodded. "Yeah, he's good at observing games."
Miyuki then hesitated but decided to share more with the team. Originally, he planned to wait until after the next two rounds to reveal this information, but keeping it a secret was no longer practical.
"But he probably won't be joining us next time."
"What, he doesn't want to continue?"
"Although it's not the best time to bring this up, he might leave the team at any moment. It's better you know now than find out later. He seems very troubled by the difference in drive around him…"
Asou was surprised. "After surviving the summer practice, why is this coming up now?"
Kuramochi asked, "Has he not acknowledged this himself yet? Did he submit a formal request?"
"Not yet," Miyuki replied.
"What did you say to them?" Maezono asked.
"I told them I wouldn't try to keep them."
BANG!
Maezono, who was sitting directly across from Miyuki, yanked his collar.
The sudden action left everyone around them stunned.
"Zono, what are you doing?"
"Stop it!"
Maezono glared at Miyuki, his face close. "Did you really say something so outrageous? That's ridiculous!"
His eyes were filled with anger.
Miyuki remained silent, offering no defense.
***
Meanwhile, Seidou High's coaching staff had also reviewed Watanabe's report.
They took Ugumori seriously, given their position between Teito and Inashiro.
"They reached the top 16 in East Tokyo during the summer tournament, so their strength is clear. Their aggressive base running is also something to watch," Coach Ochiai said, with Coach Kataoka agreeing.
"With more teams using speed to disrupt opponents, our pitchers need high fundamental skills," Ota added, frustrated. "Sawamura could handle this easily, but he's currently sick."
"Even if he were healthy, it would be tough to have him pitch the entire game. Compared to Ugumori, Inajitsu is clearly our bigger threat," Ochiai said, stroking his goatee.
"That leaves Kawakami! While Furuya is progressing well, Kawakami is…" Ota continued, supporting Kawakami.
"It's a good idea, but Kawakami hasn't started a game yet. Relying on him against an unknown team like Ugumori feels risky," Ochiai said, hesitating.
Coach Kataoka made a decision after considering the options. "Let's start Furuya. It will be a good test of his recent practice."
"What about his defense?" Ota asked, concerned.
"Let's see if his improved defensive skills can support his pitching style," Kataoka said.
Furuya would start.
Takashima Rei, with arms folded, nodded and then asked, "What about Sawamura-kun? Should he play as an outfielder?"
Everyone fell silent. Sawamura was indispensable to the team. His strength was unquestionable!
Not only was he crucial as a pitcher, but he was also vital in many other areas.
Firstly, his batting!
Currently, Miyuki was the fourth batter, but the core of the attack was Sawamura! He was the finisher of the first two batters and the trailblazer of the fourth.
If he were missing from the lineup, it would significantly weaken the team's offensive power.
Moreover, Sawamura's presence on the field provided immense encouragement to the other players. His presence boosted their confidence and game momentum by a huge margin.
'If he is here, we will never lose!'
'As long as he is pitching, we will win!' This is a sentiment shared by all the players in Seidou.
Without him, these benefits would be lost.
Coach Kataoka was also hesitant. After much thought, he shook his head.
…