Shun and Kenta arrived at the baseball field. Still wearing their school uniforms, the two friends headed to the locker room to change.
After changing, they left the locker room, but on their way to the field, a man appeared in front of them. It was Shiro Yamada, 40 years old with an athletic build, a bit taller than Shun. He was the coach of the Shoto Junior High School baseball team.
"Coach!" - The two boys bowed as they greeted their coach.
"Oh, it looks like someone decided to show up for practice, huh?" - Coach Yamada said jokingly as he looked at Shun.
"Coach Yamada, I'm sorry!" - Shun said sincerely. Coach Yamada was surprised to hear the boy apologize honestly, but before he could say anything, he heard Shun's voice again.
"Coach, I have a request to make!"
"Eh? A request? Go ahead." - The coach replied.
"I would like to start training as an outfielder. I've never played any position other than pitcher, so I'm counting on your guidance!" - Shun said these words decisively.
"Huh? Hey Shun, you" - Kenta, who had been listening to the conversation, was surprised by his friend's statement. Shun hadn't mentioned anything about becoming an outfielder to him. He was about to tell Shun not to give up on pitching, but was interrupted by Coach Yamada's words.
"Shun, listen to me. I know we have some talented pitchers joining the team this year, but that doesn't mean you're not important to the team. We still need you as a pitcher, and I'm sure if you work hard, you'll be able to show good results." - Shun knew his coach was trying to motivate him, but he had already made up his mind. Well, even if he hadn't, he had no choice because of the system's mission.
"Coach, that's not true." - Shun said calmly.
"Huh? Shun, I" - Coach Yamada was surprised by the boy's response, but before he could say anything, Shun spoke again.
"You don't need to try to console me, coach. With Jiro and Sora on the team, I currently have no value as a pitcher. I'm aware of my situation and my abilities, which is why I want to work on other aspects of my game. Playing as an outfielder is my best option. I understand that I probably won't get playing time unless I'm good enough to be a starter, but even so, I want to try. I believe this won't negatively affect the team, coach. So, please give me a chance!" - Shun bowed again while making his request determinedly.
Coach Yamada was completely surprised. He didn't expect this. After hearing the determined words of the young man in front of him, he couldn't refuse.
"Alright, from today on, you'll train as an outfielder. But as you're requesting, don't expect any special treatment. If you're not good enough, you'll stay on the bench. Understood?"
"Thank you very much, coach!" - Shun thanked excitedly. He started walking towards the field but remembered something and stopped. He turned around and spoke to his best friend and his coach.
"Oh, right, coach, Kenta, you don't need to worry. I haven't given up on being a pitcher. I just decided that I'll only get on the mound when I'm good enough for it. Until then, I'll become the best outfielder possible, hahaha." - Shun walked off laughing.
Kenta nodded upon hearing his friend's words. He was no longer worried. He didn't understand why his friend had made this decision, but he was relieved that he hadn't given up. He let out a laugh and ran after his friend.
Coach Yamada was speechless. After a while, he looked back and saw the backs of the two boys. He didn't know why, but he felt a sense of greatness that he had never felt before. It seemed like those two had started walking on a different path from the others, a difficult path full of obstacles, but one that would lead them to a place where few could tread.
Meanwhile, the two best friends were arriving at the baseball field.
DONG
Shun heard the sound of the ball being hit. Hearing the nostalgic sound, he got excited and started running towards the field. When he arrived, he saw the team members training. Some were running, others practicing their swings, and others had just arrived and were chatting.
Shun took a deep breath. He missed this place. He missed playing baseball.
"Hahahahahahahahaha, I'M BACK!!"