Chapter 30: First Meeting
Facing forward, with the expected emotionless expression and lifeless eyes.
This was the current state of Chris, a young man who had endured the harsh realities of high school baseball. But no matter what, in that instant when Eijun saw Chris, he couldn't forget the deep inspiration and motivation Chris had provided to him and so many others in the original story.
Chris was a resilient man, and also an extraordinary one.
This first encounter was enough to fill Eijun's eyes with excitement and enthusiasm, a reaction that didn't go unnoticed by the other four present, who exchanged puzzled glances.
"Sawamura, Furuya, starting today, both of you will officially join the Seidou pitching practice. Your training volume will be double that of the others, so give it your best effort," Rei Takashima said with a light smile, adjusting her glasses.
"Yes," Eijun and Furuya responded in unison. While Furuya's tone remained steady, Eijun's voice was brimming with excitement, leaving Takashima feeling slightly baffled. Could something like this really make him so happy?
"Furuya, it's pretty much decided that you'll be participating in the upcoming Kanto Tournament. Practice with Miyuki, and make sure to memorize the signals, as well as anything else necessary for a pitcher," Rei Takashima said with a smile, directing her words toward Furuya.
Her statement caused Eijun's expression to shift slightly, a faint trace of envy flickering in his eyes, though it quickly disappeared. However, this subtle reaction did not escape Chris's watchful gaze.
At that moment, Miyuki and Furuya's eyes met.
After a moment of calm, Furuya bowed his head slightly with a hint of respect and said, "Yes, I understand. I'll follow Miyuki-senpai's guidance."
"Whoa, whoa, what's with the politeness today? Speaking of which, Rei-chan, besides his speed and power, this guy's got nothing else. His control is still a mess. Are you seriously planning to let him pitch in the Kanto Tournament?" Miyuki joked, casting a critical eye over Furuya before making his playful remark.
"I've always been like this," Furuya responded calmly.
Rei Takashima looked slightly surprised.
"Have you already caught his pitches? Well, anyway, putting Furuya on the field was the coach's decision, so just guide him well, Miyuki," Rei Takashima said, smiling with a hint of deeper meaning.
"Sure, sure, I'll do my best," Miyuki shrugged, glancing at Furuya with a knowing smile.
"I'll be counting on you, Miyuki-senpai," Furuya said seriously, bowing once again.
It must be said that Furuya's change in attitude started that night. After seeing Miyuki easily catch his pitches, Furuya not only felt validated in his decision to come to this place, but he also developed a strong desire to learn more from Miyuki.
"And as for you, Sawamura, you'll be training with this third-year student, Chris. Learn as much as you can about working with a catcher, okay? Chris, I'm counting on you," Rei Takashima said, addressing Eijun first and then turning to Chris, whose face remained calm and expressionless. At that moment, a fleeting look of regret and pity crossed Rei Takashima's eyes, something Eijun noticed.
"I'm Takigawa Chris Yuu, a third-year. It's nice to meet you, Sawamura Eijun," Chris said calmly.
"Yes, I'll be in your care, Chris-senpai! Please guide me!" Eijun said, bowing slightly to Chris. His respectful tone and behavior surprised everyone present.
When he lifted his head, his eyes gleamed with a different light. It was impossible for Eijun not to be excited at this moment. In the original story, Chris had moved countless "Diamond No Ace" fans. Chris was, without a doubt, an idol to many.
As someone who would play such a crucial role in Eijun's journey to becoming Seidou's ace, just seeing Chris in person made it hard for Eijun to contain his excitement.
Eijun's respectful demeanor and earnest tone made Chris momentarily pause.
The radiance and brilliance of Eijun's face brought a complex expression to Chris's eyes. In Eijun, Chris seemed to see a reflection of his younger self.
"Well then, let's get started right away. Grab a ball, and let's head to the bullpen," Chris said decisively, clearly a person who preferred action over words. After a brief introduction, he signaled Eijun to follow.
"Got it!" Eijun replied enthusiastically.
Eijun gave a nod to Miyuki and the others before jogging to catch up with Chris, heading towards the bullpen near the field.
Eijun was well aware that Chris was likely planning to assess his skills in a practical setting.
In terms of guiding and training pitchers, Eijun had always believed that Chris was at least as capable as Miyuki, and in some respects, even more outstanding in Eijun's eyes.
Upon reaching the bullpen, Chris turned to face Eijun, his gaze impassive as he scanned him. The dullness in Chris's eyes stirred a complex emotion within Eijun.
This once-invincible catcher from middle school, whose promising high school career had been cut short by shoulder injuries, represented a significant blow to any young player who dreamt of baseball.
For Eijun, who deeply respected and admired Chris, this was a tremendous regret and sorrow.
What impressed Eijun even more was Chris's unwavering commitment to baseball despite his setbacks. Chris remained with the Seidou High School baseball team not just for himself but to create lasting memories with his teammates.
Such determination and bravery only deepened Eijun's admiration for him.
"What's on your mind, Sawamura?"
Suddenly, Chris's calm voice broke Eijun's reverie. Eijun snapped back to attention, slightly embarrassed, and rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry, Chris-senpai, I was just lost in thought for a moment."
"What's wrong? Are you envious of Furuya getting a chance to play? Do you want to join the first string too?" Chris seemed to misinterpret Eijun's thoughts, assuming Eijun was feeling envious because Furuya had a chance to participate in the Kanto Tournament while Eijun hadn't even made the first string yet.
"No, not at all. My not being on the first string clearly means that my skills haven't yet earned the coach's approval. But I believe that I can definitely make it to the first string. My goal is to gain everyone's recognition, carry all expectations, and stand on that mound one day!"
Eijun's words clearly surprised Chris. Seeing the unusual spark in Eijun's eyes, Chris's inner feelings seemed to be stirred.
There was a faint sense of familiarity that touched something deep inside Chris.
At that moment, Chris's expression softened slightly.
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