The moment Kataoka called for the baseball test, the air around the field thickened with anticipation. This was the real test, where first-years would show their worth. Kanemaru took a deep breath, stepping into the lineup for third base. Around him, other freshmen moved to their respective positions, a mix of nerves and determination in their eyes.
"Third basemen, line up," one of the assistants called out, and Kanemaru quickly found his place. He wasn't the only one here, and competition was fierce. His hands were sweaty, but he kept his focus. This was his chance to prove he belonged.
The Warm-Up
The first part of the test was fielding drills. Kanemaru and the other third basemen began with grounders, short-hop balls bouncing toward them as they tried to field each one cleanly. The coaches watched closely, evaluating their form, reaction time, and handling under pressure. Every mistake was a potential mark against them, and Kanemaru knew it.
He crouched low, hands ready as the next ball came his way. His instincts kicked in, his body moving with a fluidity he had trained for. The ball connected cleanly with his glove, and Kanemaru quickly released it to the first baseman. Solid, he thought, but there was no time to celebrate. Another ball was already heading his way.
Beside him, other first-years were either impressing the coaches or fumbling under the pressure. Kanemaru's mind raced, reminding himself to stay calm and stick to the basics. The drills were relentless, and every player was trying to outshine the rest.
Hitting Evaluations
After the fielding test, it was time for batting practice. The coaches shifted their attention to the batting cages, where each player would get a turn. The goal was simple: prove that they could hit, and hit well.
Kanemaru felt a different kind of pressure settle over him as he picked up a bat and stepped into the cage. Hitting had always been an area where he excelled against straight pitches, but there was still that lingering doubt. He hadn't practiced much with breaking balls, and if the pitchers here could mix up their throws, it could be trouble.
The first pitch came in—a fastball. Kanemaru's eyes locked on the ball, and his swing connected. The bat made a solid crack as the ball sailed toward the outfield fence. Good start, he told himself, but again, there was no time for satisfaction. The next pitch was already on its way.
He kept up with the fastballs, feeling the adrenaline fuel his swings. But then came the inevitable—a breaking ball. It curved as it approached, and Kanemaru's timing was off. He swung too early, his bat cutting through the air without contact. His heart sank, but he couldn't dwell on it.
I need to keep focusing, he thought, adjusting his stance. More fastballs came, and he regained his rhythm, but that one missed swing still bothered him. The test wasn't over yet, though. This was only the beginning.
Speed and Agility
Next came the running drills. Speed wasn't Kanemaru's strongest suit, but he was determined to give it his all. They lined up at home plate, the task simple—run as fast as possible to first base.
When it was Kanemaru's turn, he took off like a bullet the moment the assistant gave the signal. His legs pumped, his breath came in sharp bursts, and he reached first base with a respectable time, but not extraordinary.
Not my best area, Kanemaru admitted to himself, but he knew that fielding and hitting were where he had to shine. He just hoped the coaches were paying attention to those strengths.
Observations from the Coaches
From the sidelines, Coach Kataoka stood with his arms crossed, observing the group with a critical eye. Each freshman was trying to prove their worth, and Kataoka could see who had raw talent and who would need more time to develop.
One of the assistants approached Kataoka with notes. "Some solid fielders in this group," the assistant remarked. "Kanemaru's fielding has been consistent, but he still needs more work on hitting breaking balls."
Kataoka nodded but said nothing, his eyes still fixed on the field. The evaluations weren't just about what these first-years could do today; it was about who could adapt, improve, and survive the rigor of Seidou's program.
Tojo's Test
Kanemaru wasn't the only one under the spotlight. Not far away, Hideaki was taking his own test. As a versatile player with experience in pitching and fielding, Tojo's test required him to show off multiple skills. He was handling it with his usual calm demeanor, his throws accurate, his batting solid.
Kanemaru caught a glimpse of him making contact during batting practice, sending the ball flying cleanly into the outfield. Hideaki's performance wasn't flashy, but it was effective.
He's solid, just like I expected, Kanemaru thought as he watched Hideaki step away from the plate.
End of Day Reflections
By the time the tests were finished, the field was filled with exhausted freshmen. They had given their all, and now it was in the hands of the coaches to decide where they fit in. Some players looked confident, others uncertain, but all of them shared the same exhaustion.
Kanemaru wiped the sweat from his brow as he joined the rest of the first years on the sideline. He replayed every drill in his head—his solid fielding, his good but not perfect batting, and his decent running. It wasn't a flawless performance, but he had done his best.
Now it's up to them, Kanemaru thought as he stole a glance at Coach Kataoka, who was still watching them with that same critical look.
Whatever happened next, Kanemaru knew one thing—this was just the beginning of a long road.