Chapter 29: Takigawa Chris Yuu!
Late at night, inside Coach Kataoka's office.
Three figures stood in the dim light: Coach Kataoka, Director Oota, and Vice Director Rei Takashima—the current top three leaders of Seidou High's baseball team.
"Coach Kataoka, I believe that kid should be promoted to the first-string for further development. He has the potential and the ability," Rei Takashima said firmly, addressing Coach Kataoka.
"I think the second-string is more suitable for him. After all, he's only been enrolled for a month and is still just a first-year," Director Oota shook his head. "Though he certainly performed outstandingly in the red-and-white game."
"But considering the future, with our team lacking in pitchers, don't we need a player like him? Isn't that also why you decided to have Furuya Satoru join the first-string training? In my view, Eijun Sawamura's potential is certainly not inferior to Furuya's. In fact, at this stage, Sawamura's abilities are even above Furuya's. Having him join the first-string right away and become a contributing force isn't out of the question," Rei Takashima argued, adjusting her glasses with a determined tone.
"That's true, but with Furuya already in the first-string, I still think it's more appropriate for Sawamura to train with the second-string," Director Oota insisted. "Moreover, that kid's fastball is a natural gift. In terms of potential, I believe Furuya surpasses Sawamura. Besides, with Tanba's form gradually improving and Kawakami's pitches becoming sharper, I already felt that relying on Tanba and Kawakami was enough. Grooming Furuya is already a stretch, and there's no need to add another first-year pitcher."
Despite Rei Takashima's strong stance, Director Oota was equally unwavering in his opinion.
Of course, though the conversation was primarily between the two of them, Coach Kataoka had remained silent throughout. However, the final decision rested with him as the head of the baseball team, bearing all corresponding duties and responsibilities. Ultimately, everything within the baseball club was decided by Coach Kataoka.
"A smooth, natural pitching form that hides the release point, combined with flexible joints."
"In terms of raw talent, Eijun Sawamura might surpass Furuya Satoru. And then there's his unwavering determination. As far as the future is concerned, Sawamura will undoubtedly become a significant asset," Coach Kataoka suddenly spoke, his words bringing a slight smile to Rei Takashima's face.
"So, does that mean..." Rei Takashima began.
"But, he still needs to be polished in the second-string," Coach Kataoka added, his voice steady.
"Huh?" Rei Takashima was taken aback but then seemed to realize something, her expression turning thoughtful.
"Coach, are you suggesting Sawamura needs some refinement?" Rei Takashima inquired, her face showing a hint of understanding.
"Huh?" Rei Takashima seemed to grasp Coach Kataoka's true intentions, but Director Oota was still somewhat puzzled.
Is there another reason Coach Kataoka is assigning that kid to the second-string? Director Oota wondered, feeling a bit lost.
"Things that come too easily aren't always beneficial. Let him stay in the second-string for now. I'll have Chris work on polishing him," Coach Kataoka said in a calm tone.
"Chris!?" Director Oota was surprised.
"Understood," Rei Takashima responded, a satisfied smile finally appearing on her face.
"Well then, we'll be leaving now."
After a slight nod from Coach Kataoka, Rei Takashima and Director Oota opened the office door and left.
Coach Kataoka stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out the window at the bright moonlight. His eyes reflected a solemn and resolute expression.
The next morning, at the usual early training time.
The second and third-year students focused on simulated game-like defensive practice, while the first-years continued their endurance training and running. Even Furuya, who had been promoted to the first-string, and Eijun and Haruichi, who were now in the second-string, were doing the same training as everyone else.
Unlike the others who were simply running, Eijun had a more intense workout, dragging three tires behind him. This endurance training method, which was highly effective in the original story, was something Eijun had consciously started practicing six months ago, soon after arriving in this world. It not only improved his stamina and endurance but also strengthened his core, helping him stabilize his body and more effectively unleash his strength during pitching or batting. Initially, Eijun had trained with two tires and had just recently increased it to three.
Someday, he aspired to reach the level where, like Coach Kataoka in high school, he could run while dragging a truck tire.
"Sawamura-kun, you really have great stamina," Haruichi said, panting slightly as he ran beside Eijun, his voice filled with admiration.
"Well, I grew up in the countryside and have always focused on this kind of training. In high school baseball, if you don't have the stamina to last on the mound, you won't make it, haha!" Eijun replied with a laugh.
"I wonder if I could do that too," Haruichi said softly.
"This method actually suits you as well. Just do it in moderation. I can help you find a suitable tire later, and we can train together," Eijun responded.
"Really? I'd love to try it!" Haruichi's eyes lit up with excitement beneath his bangs.
Meanwhile, Furuya, who was running slightly ahead, perked up his ears, seemingly interested as well.
"Oh, and just call me Eijun. 'Sawamura' is too formal," Eijun added.
"Huh?" Haruichi was slightly taken aback.
"We're friends now, aren't we? So, I'll call you Haruichi or even Haru, if that's okay," Eijun said with a bright smile.
"Yeah, of course," Haruichi replied, a slight blush spreading across his cheeks. It was unclear whether it was from the exertion of running or the warmth of Eijun's friendly smile, but it made Haruichi appear even more endearing under the sunlight. Eijun felt an almost irresistible urge to reach out and pinch his cheeks.
Fortunately, at that moment, an announcement echoed across the field.
"First-years, Furuya-kun and Sawamura-kun, please report to Field A immediately. First-years, Furuya-kun and Sawamura-kun, please report to Field A immediately."
Now? Eijun was slightly surprised, but a thought crossed his mind, and his face lit up with a hint of excitement.
When Eijun and Furuya arrived at Field A, they found three figures standing by the dugout on the first base side. In the center was Rei Takashima, flanked by two boys in catcher's gear.
One of them was a familiar face, Miyuki Kazuya.
The other, however, was someone who would become a pivotal figure in Eijun's baseball journey—the first mentor in his career.
Takigawa Chris Yuu!
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