During the grouping, it wasn't just the newcomers together and the Senpais together; everyone was separated.
Sawamura, Miyuki, Haruichi, Kuramochi.
The top four batters of Seidou High School were placed in one group, facing off against the pitcher, Toujou.
Toujou's pitch speed is impressive, ranging from 135 to 140 km/h. (83 to 87~ mph)
When it comes to pure speed, he's already hit the threshold for becoming a pitcher.
His control is also decent. While he can't match the precision of Sawamura or Kawakami, he can accurately throw to inside and outside corners.
Additionally, he has a solid Curveball and Slider. Since entering High School, he has also developed his Change-up...
Ignoring hitting factors, just looking at his pitching, the current Toujou shows great potential.
These statistics would hold up in any team, if he is not the Ace he will be at least the main relief.
It is just when compared to the current three pitchers of Seidou High School, the chances of Toujou making a significant impact on the mound are slim.
In terms of speed, power, or ball movement, he doesn't even come close.
He's not even in the same league.
Let alone comparing him to the extraordinary talents like Sawamura and Furuya. Even when compared to Kawakami, he's at least two tiers below.
The difference between those two tiers can be described as night and day.
This is also why Toujou gave up on becoming a pitcher.
Especially after this year's new recruits arrived, his feelings about it have only intensified.
So far, Nishiyama and the other two newcomers haven't truly made their presence felt on the mound.
In this group, apart from those four, every other player is a newcomer.
Nishiyama, Yuuki, Yui, Okumura, Takuma, Kagami!
"Have those guys already made the priority list?"
Even a fool can see why those six are grouped with Sawamura and Miyuki right now.
People around them were whispering, but the six didn't take it to heart.
In fact, everyone's guesses were correct. The newcomers have been around for a while, and the coach and staff have made their observations.
While most newcomers are still adjusting to High School practice rhythms and working hard to improve their physical strength, a few standout players have emerged.
The six selected are particularly exceptional.
They've distinguished themselves in the newcomers' practice sessions.
Grouping them with Miyuki and Sawamura shows not only their importance but also serves as a wake-up call for them.
Don't think you're so amazing; you still have a long way to go!
This point didn't escape the newcomers, of course.
In fact, they all felt it, but they didn't care.
Would they, determined to charge toward the first string, fear a confrontation with them?
Of course not!
They couldn't find this opportunity anywhere else, so how could they be afraid?
As they eyed the newcomers, Sawamura and Miyuki exchanged glances, both seeing the bittersweet realization in each other's eyes.
Having such a rowdy group of Kohais can be quite troublesome.
Especially Okumura, who stared at Miyuki like a hungry wolf eyeing its prey.
"Look, is he glaring at me?"
Miyuki leaned toward Sawamura, subtly pointing at Okumura, and asked.
Sawamura squinted, and as expected, saw a fierce gaze.
"No way, that's just a Kohai admiring you!"
"Come on, do you believe that?"
"I don't believe it!"
"If you don't believe it, why are you trying to fool me?"
"I'm just bored, playing you up is fun."
"Get lost!"
The two bantered back and forth, but Sawamura felt a bit flustered.
Actually, he knows that Koushuu is aiming to replace Miyuki from day one in Seidou.
'Catchers are really a handful to deal with.'
"Be careful during the tests."
Before the tests began, Miyuki, as Captain, took the initiative to approach Toujou and whispered to him.
Although Toujou's pitching ability isn't noteworthy in the current Seidou High School, he still has solid fundamentals.
Miyuki didn't want the Kohais to suffer a major blow right from the start.
"Let's keep the challenges limited to the outer corners!"
He asked Toujou to ease up while also restricting the pitch range.
This is a typical targeted assessment.
If the newcomers haven't realized yet, this is their final round of evaluation during this season.
They will make it to the first string of Seidou from their first season in the team if they do well.
This is an opportunity too great for any player.
Miss this chance, and they'll regret it.
"I thought there wouldn't be any opportunity until after the spring competition, but I didn't expect to face the main lineup so soon." Yui Kaoru said excitedly.
He understands the significance of what Seidou High School is doing.
This is the last round of testing for them this season.
Though he doesn't know what rewards might come after passing the test, it's certain to catch the attention of the Coach and staff.
Not to mention, that alone is enough to drive him to give his all.
None of these newcomers are real fools. They quickly grasp the meaning behind Kataoka's actions and all show great cooperation.
The first to step into the Batter's Box is, of course, the Senpai.
"Hyaa-ha-haa!"
Kuramochi, the first to bat, casually sent the ball soaring into the outfield.
His swing was effortless as if he had complete control.
"Woah!"
This performance surprised the newcomers.
When they saw Kuramochi play on the field, they thought his hitting power was average.
But seeing him up close now, it's clear that's not the case. When Kuramochi swung his bat, his movements were clean and precise.
He looks like a battle-hardened Senpai.
They can't help but wonder how many times he practiced privately to achieve such results.
Next up is Kominato Haruichi.
Seeing him prepare to hit, Miyuki immediately gave him a task.
"Hit the ball behind the shortstop!"
On the Batter's Box, Haruichi nodded calmly.
Whoosh!
Facing the incoming baseball, he swung his bat with ease.
Paak!
The white ball flew directly toward the center of the pitcher and third baseman's positions.
That is the shortstop's area.
The baseball sailed beautifully two or three meters above the shortstop's head.
This scene astonished the newcomers.
"He hit exactly where he intended!!!"
"Such a control!!"
"Amazing!"
While they can control their hits to some extent, achieving such precision as Kominato Haruichi is beyond them.
"Wow, these Senpais are definitely not ordinary players." Takuma murmured in awe.
While he had felt this way before, witnessing it firsthand made a world of difference.
It's incredibly impressive; even the Senpais who seemed less prominent previously have extraordinary skills.
"As the nation's powerhouse, is it surprising that the main players have such strength?"
Nishiyama commented nonchalantly.
But beneath his calm exterior, he felt a growing eagerness to have a swing.
He can't wait to join Seidou's first string. As long as he's part of it, he can play alongside these talented players every day.
Next up to bat is Miyuki.
PANG!
He hit the ball cleanly and directly.
Home run!
After that, Miyuki returned to the dugout as if he had just done something trivial.
At this point, the newcomers' expressions finally changed.
Initially, they were eager to take their turns, but now they were all stunned.
Toujou's pitch speed is definitely not slow.
His throws are sharp.
Yet, that pitch didn't even phase Miyuki; it was effortlessly crushed.
The last of the Senpais to test is Sawamura.
"Don't hold back on me!"
Once on the field, he spoke up immediately.
Given his relationship with Toujou, they understood each other without needing much communication.
Toujou solemnly nodded at Sawamura.
He knew the outcome of this direct confrontation might not be favorable, but he was still excited about the chance to duel the legendary Sawamura Eijun head-on.
'Bring it on!!'
At that moment, Toujou felt a significant shift within himself.
Over the past year, he had endured and trained hard at Seidou.
The struggles he faced were something he couldn't share with anyone.
Now, he finally has the chance to showcase his skills.
"Let's stick to the rules and increase the challenge gradually!"
Seeing the two poised for a showdown, Miyuki suddenly spoke up.
It was natural for the coach to group them together to give the newcomers a wake-up call.
But that wake-up call needs to be moderate.
If it's too overwhelming, the results could be dire.
Considering this, Miyuki interrupted the duel between Sawamura and Toujou.
Toujou and Sawamura exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
They would have many opportunities to confront each other; there was no need to fixate on this moment.
With Toujou holding back, he faced off against Sawamura.
PING!
Sawamura swung his bat sluggishly, merely hitting the ball to the outfield.
Now, all tests for the Senpais are complete.
Next up are the newcomers.
The first to step up to the plate is Yuuki Masashi.
Originally, Nishiyama wanted to go first, but just as he stood up, Yuuki had already taken the lead.
Nishiyama shrugged helplessly, choosing not to dwell on it.
If someone wants to step up first, so be it.
As Yuuki Masashi entered the Batter's Box, he used his imposing figure to apply pressure on Toujou.
"This guy is the younger brother of the former captain of Seidou High School, Yuuki Tetsuya."
"Yuuki Masashi."
All the first-string players are likely the most eager to see this Kohai.
Not only does he possess exceptional strength, but there's also an element of legacy involved.
…
T/N: As always, Thank you all for reading!!
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