Chapter 61: Straightforward and Unwavering!!
"Fourth batter, pitcher, Hiromi-kun."
The man who exudes an aura of danger, with that menacing smile, stepped up to the batter's box wielding his bat and showing his terrifying grin, making Eijun's heart tighten.
This was the natural pressure or aura emanating from a top-level player. It was almost visible to the naked eye.
Eijun's forehead was covered in more sweat. He feared that runs would be scored and that he might not be able to stop it. Facing this lineup, he felt uncertain, as if he had already made up his mind.
If I back down here, then on fields that require more courage, won't I be even more helpless?
Don't be afraid, don't be scared, don't back down.
Fight, fight, I must choose to fight here!
"Is it too early? Should we adjust here..." A glimmer of anxiety flickered in Miyuki's eyes. He began to wonder if he was pushing Eijun too hard and maybe it was time to...
However...
When Miyuki raised his eyes, he was suddenly shocked.
There was an expression of determination, straightforward and unwavering, that appeared in his vision. It was Eijun's resolute will.
"You..." A faint smile crept onto Miyuki's lips as he thought with admiration.
"The ace never easily gives up. Is this what you want to convey, Sawamura?"
Indeed, you are the most interesting one, Sawamura!!!
You're getting me all fired up.
"Low outside corner, that's the spot. If you're truly prepared, then come on, Sawamura. If your goal is the ace number, now is the time to show me if you have the spirit and skill of an ace!"
There was no hesitation, no pauses. Perhaps it was Eijun's determination, or Miyuki's own strong character.
Or maybe it was because this was merely a practice match, where wins and losses didn't hold as much weight.
Most likely, it was due to all these reasons combined.
Facing directly, fully implementing one's beliefs and determination—this was the meaning behind Miyuki's actions.
"Haha!!!"
Seeing Miyuki decisively taking his position, Eijun's eyes widened, the light radiating from his pupils at that moment expressed Eijun's unique charm.
That's how it should be, Miyuki-senpai!!!!
"Phew... Hiss..."
Eijun took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, straightening his slightly hunched body. His shining eyes held a unique brightness.
In this moment, in this space.
Eijun saw only Miyuki's mitt, his goal pure and simple—to deliver the best pitch into the glove positioned at that spot.
The sound of his heartbeat, the rhythm of his breath.
Eijun felt every aspect of his body wholeheartedly. No excessive force was needed, no deliberate aiming, just a gently lifted right leg and a steady right arm like a wall.
All the power consolidated smoothly, with his balance firmly grounded.
The strength from the twist in his upper body acted like a bowstring drawn tight, focusing all the force through his left fingertips.
Like a cannonball launched with explosive power.
"Here, at this moment!!!!"
All the force concentrated on his fingertips.
"Go!!!!"
Together with an inward shout, he stepped forward, stirring up the dust beneath as he unleashed his left arm, launching forward with full force.
A flash of cold light streaked out. "Whoosh"
As the piercing sound of the ball cutting through the air resounded, the swiftly approaching white streak came into Hiromi's view.
Outside corner!?
The moment the ball shot out, Hiromi quickly gauged the pitch's general trajectory using his intuition and keen eye.
With a powerful step and a forceful swing of the bat, he aimed for the ball's lower edge, striking with determined precision as it zeroed in on the white blur, seemingly within arm's reach.
In just half a second.
The white blur entered the strike zone.
To the naked eye, it seemed within reach but might as well have been miles away. In that frozen moment, a look of shock flashed across Hiromi's face as the ball perfectly evaded his bat.
"Too far…"
"Pop"
The ball nestled into the lower side of the mitt with a crisp sound.
A brief silence fell over the field as everyone expressed subtle awe at the blue and white figure at the center of the field.
That dynamic figure, the invigorated voice.
"Strike!!!!"
This was Eijun Sawamura, taking another solid step towards his goal!!!
....
"Pop"
"Out"
"Game over, line up!!!"
"Salute!"
"Thank you for the game!!!!!!"
The resonant shout of the young athletes, their hands clasped tightly, marked the conclusion of Seidou High School's first practice match of the summer training camp.
Behind the expansive field stood the scoreboard, displaying the final tally.
Five to seven, marking the outcome of the match.
Having pitched all nine innings, giving up ten hits, five walks, striking out seven, and allowing five runs, this was Eijun's performance for this practice game.
With a two-run advantage, Seidou High School, not even at full strength, secured victory in this practice match against the powerful Osaka team—Kiryu High School. Of course, whether Kiryu High School played to their full potential in this game is something only they could know.
"You did well. Next time, at Koshien."
Their hands clasped firmly, Hiromi spoke with a calm demeanor, his deep voice reaching Eijun's ears.
Eijun nodded emphatically, fixating on Hiromi with a unique glint in his eyes.
"Yes!!!"
"Clap clap"
The thrilling battle and exceptional performances between the two teams won over the crowd, eliciting enthusiastic applause.
"What a spectacular match," Mine Fujio remarked softly, watching the young players from both teams shake hands and converse at the center of the field.
"I never expected Seidou to send out a first-year pitcher who could pitch a complete game and still beat Osaka Kiryu! Senpai, I've made my decision. I want to do a feature on this first-year pitcher!" exclaimed Akiko Oowada, her face filled with astonishment, yet her tone was resolute.
Mine Fujio couldn't help but shake his head at her enthusiasm.
Creating a feature column isn't something you can just decide to do, especially considering the subject. While Mine Fujio didn't deny that first-year pitcher Eijun Sawamura had performed well in today's practice match, producing a feature column was a different story.
Even Furuya might not warrant a feature, let alone Sawamura. Furuya at least had experience playing in the Kanto Tournament, and his name was already known among strong Kanto teams.
A baseball magazine feature or interview isn't something that can be undertaken lightly.
This isn't just school baseball.
"Alright, let's gather our things and get ready for the interviews, and don't forget, there's another practice game this afternoon. We have a lot to cover!"
"Hey, wait for me, Mine-senpai!"
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