Metamorphosis (2)

Both Yusuke and Hiroki caught up to him on the way back to the bench, smiles adorning their faces. They didn't seem at all upset that they'd had nothing to do for the innings.

"Just a few more of those and we'll be punching our ticket to nationals." Yusuke added, in good spirits.

Ken's forced out a smile before looking at Shuei's bench, specifically at the lone figure sitting at the end.

"I don't think it will be that easy." He remarked.

When they arrived, the coach quickly gathered everyone, looking like he wanted to say something.

"Be careful of that first year pitcher. He seems to be going through a metamorphosis as we speak." Seiji Hanada said with a serious expression.

"Metamorphosis? Like those caterpillars who turn into butterflies." Shiro asked, trying to understand what the coach meant.

"Maybe like a tadpole turning into a frog?" Makoto added, scratching his chin in contemplation.