Chapter 36: The Final Test
It was the last weekend of May.
On this day, at Seidou High School's secondary field, the second string's final practice game was taking place. Almost everyone knew that this match would determine the last two spots on the first string. Naturally, over twenty players in the second string were eager and ready to make their final push.
Especially the third-year students, for whom this would be their last summer; they were determined to secure those final two spots at any cost.
"Wow, Coach Kataoka actually dared to let the second string face Kokushikan."
"You know, Kokushikan has been to Koshien before, right?"
"Yeah, even though their performance has declined in recent years, Kokushikan is still considered a second-tier team in the eastern region."
"This game should be interesting, then."
"Who's starting as the pitcher?"
"Who else could it be? It's definitely Sawamura. Since he joined the second string, he's been the starting pitcher in most practice games."
"Without a doubt."
"He's in great form and performing excellently; there's no reason he shouldn't start."
"True that."
On the third base side, Kokushikan's players had gathered, each looking displeased toward Seidou's dugout. They all felt insulted that Seidou would only field their second string against them. Moreover, they wondered why it wasn't Furuya pitching, as they had expected to face the reputed powerful pitcher.
Instead, it was another first-year pitcher. From top to bottom, including the Kokushikan coach, the entire team was furious. However, one person maintained a casual demeanor, showing complete indifference to the situation. His appearance, with striking hair and a fierce expression, gave off the impression of a delinquent.
This figure stepped off the Kokushikan bus and approached the dugout. His gaze lingered briefly on Chris in Seidou's dugout.
His eyes revealed a hint of complex emotion before he pulled his cap down.
"Looking spirited is better than anything..."
His words were soft and low, with a touch of melancholy.
This was Naoyuki Zaizen, once known alongside Chris in middle school as a "monster player." But now, it seemed like those days were long past, and everything had changed.
Quickly masking his feelings, Zaizen, who appeared like a delinquent, resumed his nonchalant façade, strolling into the dugout. The cold aura he emitted made even his Kokushikan teammates uneasy.
Only the Kokushikan coach, watching Zaizen's retreating figure, showed an expression filled with regret and sorrow.
On the first base side, in Seidou's dugout:
"You'll pitch the entire game today."
"What?!" Eijun was taken aback, looking at Coach Kataoka, who spoke with crossed arms and an expressionless face.
A complete game? For him? In a second string match?
What was the catch?
"What's wrong? Can't handle it?" Coach Kataoka's eyes narrowed slightly, and the pressure he exuded made Eijun's heart race, his expression turning serious.
"No, I can do it!!" Eijun immediately responded loudly.
"Hmm." Coach Kataoka nodded slightly, his face calm and unmoved.
"Feeling nervous?"
As Eijun stepped aside to prepare for the game, Chris approached him with a smile, his eyes twinkling slightly.
"Yeah, a little," Eijun admitted with an awkward smile, feeling somewhat excited and nervous. He originally thought he would only pitch four or five innings today, as usual. Eijun never felt the need to hide his true feelings in front of Chris.
Chris chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Eijun's hair. Eijun enjoyed the warmth and kindness conveyed through Chris's touch, closing his eyes with contentment.
For some reason, perhaps due to their natural compatibility, Chris seemed to be influenced by Eijun in their short time together. His eyes regained the brightness they once had, as if their bond had quickly transformed them into close brothers.
Maybe it's fate, Chris often thought at night.
"This is a big opportunity Coach is giving you. Make sure to seize it, Sawamura," Chris spoke softly to Eijun.
Eijun looked at Chris, who wore a gentle smile, and hesitated for a moment. Then, his resolve solidified, and he flashed his characteristic bright smile.
"I understand, Chris-senpai," Eijun replied with shining eyes and a cheerful grin.
As Eijun turned and ran towards the field, Chris watched him with a sense of hopeful anticipation, unconsciously touching his shoulder with a hint of hesitation in his eyes.
"Do your best, Sawamura."
"Yes!!!!" Eijun shouted back.
"Line up, teams!"
"Bow!"
"Pleased to meet you!!!!"
With the loud cheers from both Kokushikan and Seidou High School teams, the final practice game of the summer for Seidou, and Eijun's ultimate test, was about to begin.
On the third base side, Kokushikan's dugout.
"The data shows that this pitcher relies on quirky pitches. However, in high school baseball, with metal bats in use, the advantage of such pitches is largely diminished. His pitch speed is only around 130 KM/H, and his decisive pitch is a cutter. His control is not at an outstanding level. We don't need gimmicks; focus on overpowering his pitches with strength. Since Seidou dares to face us with their second string, we must show them what we're capable of!" Kokushikan's coach gave a final pep talk and strategy briefing to his players before the game.
"Yes!!!!"
"Wow, it's starting now."
"Kokushikan bats first. In terms of strength, Kokushikan can compete with the likes of Teito in the east."
"Let's see how Sawamura handles it."
"Getting excited now."
"In this final practice game, can Sawamura deliver a flawless performance?"
Standing on the mound, Eijun exhaled softly and tapped the dirt slightly with his right foot. He was standing on the second string's last pitcher's mound.
As Eijun glanced at Kokushikan's batter in the box, a faint glint of determination flashed in his eyes. The final test? Kokushikan High, you'll be my stepping stone to the first string!
Come on, Sawamura.
Yes, Ono-senpai!!!
With the umpire's call, Eijun took a firm step forward on the mound, swinging his left arm with power.
In the next moment.
"Whoosh!"
A white blur shot forth, roaring towards home plate!
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