Coach Yamada had a very traditional training style, like most Japanese coaches, he believed in many repetitions, resulting in long and exhausting practices.
The team started warming up with a light run, and then the players were divided by their positions for defensive training. For the first time, Shun went to the outfield for practice, which caused some players to be puzzled, but since they were in the middle of training, no one said anything. The outfield players were divided into three groups, one for the left field, one for the center, and one for the right field. Most players had their positions determined and would only play on another side in exceptional cases. Since Shun had never played in the outfield, the coach decided to put him in the right field.
Each group formed a line, and the coach would hit the balls. When the ball went to the group's field, the first in line would be responsible for catching it and throwing it back to the base. There were three other players besides Shun in the right field, and he was second in line.
DONG
The sound of the ball beeing hit was heard as it flew to the right field. The first in line was the current position holder, third-year Junpei Kondo. The ball came flying quickly, and Junpei decided the best option was to let it bounce once before catching it and throwing it to second base. The veteran made a good throw to second base and returned to the end of the line but not without grumbling.
"Hmph, do you think changing positions will get you playing time? This is the level of play of someone who's been an outfielder their whole life."
Shun heard Junpei's words and said nothing. He knew the words were directed at him but saw no reason to start an argument over it. Shun somewhat understood Junpei's feelings, as his senpai was trying to show he was superior and wouldn't give up his starting spot to anyone. In Shun's mind, his senpai's play was nothing special. He didn't make any mistakes, but if it were a real game situation, the runner would probably be safe at second base. Shun then looked at Junpei and asked the system to show his stats.
[Junpei Kondo
Overall: C-
PITCHING: D+
BATTING: C
FIELDING: C+
RUNNING: D
GAME IQ: D+
Overall Potential: B]
"He's not very good. He's probably the worst player among the starters on the team. Maybe that's why the coach put me in right field." - After seeing his senpai's stats, Shun began to believe it might be possible to get into a game faster than he thought.
But his thoughts were quickly interrupted by the sound of the ball beeing hit.
DONG
Shun watched the ball, and the moment it was hit, he knew it was heading to right field. As soon as Shun thought of running for the ball, a marking appeared on the field showing the fastest path to its landing spot. Shun knew this was the result of his Chase skill and followed the path while running quickly.
The ball was hit almost to the same spot as in Junpei's turn, but due to his speed boost, Shun believed he would get there in time to catch the ball without letting it bounce. He looked up and clearly saw the ball, almost instantly understanding the exact spot where it would fall. He realized he was too far to catch it standing, so he slid on one knee while extending his glove for the ball.
PAH
Shun felt the ball land perfectly in his glove. He quickly stood up and threw it directly to second base. The throw was decent, not too accurate or too fast, but his excellent catch was enough to earn praise from his teammates.
Shun couldn't help but think about how great the skill he had received was. He didn't care much when he got it, but seeing it in practice, Shun was sure it was fantastic.
[Chase (A+)
Gives the user a speed boost while showing the fastest route to the ball.]
There was another thing that made Shun think.
"My throw hasn't lost any speed." - Shun thought that since he only had 1% integration with his new shoulder, the speed of his throws would decrease, which seriously worried him since his throws weren't very fast to begin with. This made him excited to imagine how fast he would throw when he increased his integration.
"Hehe, how was my play, Junpei Senpai? I don't have much experience as an outfielder, so I must not be at the same level as you, right, Senpai?" - Shun couldn't help but provoke as he passed Junpei. This was simply his way. Of course, he didn't use a sarcastic tone and made a serious face, so anyone watching would think he was just a good kohai. Obviously, to Junpei, that guy made him furious.
"You..." - Junpei held back his words. If he said anything bad, he could give a bad impression. With more people watching, he forced himself to say:
"Good play."
But Shun was no longer paying attention to his senior. The reason? The system's voice sounded in his head.
[DING]
[New Beginning mission completed]
[Rewards have been sent to the user's inventory]
"Great! I'd better wait until I get home to check the rewards, but another skill for the outfield will definitely be useful."
Meanwhile, in the batter's box, coach Yamada was pensively looking towards right field at the boy who had just made an excellent play.
"This boy, he surprised me. Maybe he was playing in the wrong position all this time? Well, I need to observe more, but he definitely has good potential to play as an outfielder."