Chapter 22: Main Force Members!

On the baseball field of Seidou High School.

As the tests progressed, everyone's results were freshly revealed.

Those excelling in both hitting and speed were promoted.

At first base, Maezono's score surpassed Yamaguchi Ken's, making him the primary candidate for first baseman.

At second base, despite Haruichi Kominato's average speed, he was the only player besides Sawamura who could hit all kinds of pitches. Relying on his extraordinary batting skills, he successfully defeated his senior Kijima in the competition for second baseman.

The battle for third base between Kanemaru and Higasa was the most intense. In the end, they ended up evenly matched. Coach Kataoka hesitated several times but ultimately gave priority to Higasa. Of course, this decision is tentative. The jersey numbers have not been issued yet, and there may be changes based on their future performances.

Kuramochi's position as shortstop remains unshakeable that they should consider changing the name of the position to his name.

In the outfield, Shiratsu's position is as secure as Kuramochi's, and he deserves the selection.

Another standout player is Asou. It's no wonder Coach Ochiai paid attention to him, he's talented.

Lastly, Toujou has become the center fielder.

Originally a pitcher for the team, Toujou's performance was commendable. However, compared to pitchers like Kaneda, Kawashima, and especially the formidable Furuya and the current Ace of Koshien Sawamura, he doesn't hold much advantage.

The coaching staff at Seidou High School was hesitant about Toujou. While he has pitching talent, it's unlikely he will become a main player. Even if he reaches his third year this year, Toujou may find it difficult to break into the starting lineup.

The reasons are stark and harsh.

As they enter their third year, it's time to think about nurturing new talent. At that point, promising players one or two years younger will be prioritized for the starting lineup. Even if Toujou's skills are relatively high by then, this reality won't change.

"Perhaps we should let him practice and see."

Ultimately, hesitant, Coach Takashima and President Ota decided to let Toujou undergo pitcher training first to assess his performance. If it doesn't work out, they'll have to explain the harsh reality to him.

Unexpectedly, Toujou had a different idea and approached the coaching staff himself, requesting to play outfield.

"Are you sure? You have great pitching talent."

Coach Takashima Rei was initially uncertain and offered a few words of advice.

"I'm sure!"

Realizing there was no chance for advancement as a pitcher, Toujou didn't hesitate to choose another path. Without enough exposure in high school, it would be challenging for him to pursue a professional career.

How could a pitcher who wasn't even a substitute in high school be chosen?

Faced with obstacles, people have many choices. Toujou chose to go around them and move forward. The most important thing for him now is to play, as for being a pitcher, he could still train by himself.

Baseball isn't just pitching, there are other things he can do. He can play in other ways, as time waits for no one.

With this resolve, the young man chooses to run forward with all of his strength.

And for Seidou, this was a positive development.

Toujou's speed and batting skills are exceptional; his only weakness lies in his defensive abilities. However, possessing the speed of a pitcher, once he hones his defensive skills, he should be able to make a significant impact soon.

Indeed, after half a year of training, following Isashiki Jun and the substitutes' retirement, Toujou became the strongest contender for the center-back position.

At this point, the new squad's main jersey numbers are planned. Barring any surprises, they should all secure their main jerseys in the short term.

The remaining Catchers and Aces naturally with Miyuki and Sawamura as the main ones. Without surprises, Kawakami will wear No. 10, and Furuya No. 11.

This is Seidou's new main lineup.

As for Kawakami's pitching, why partner with Ono?

This test primarily targeted Kawakami. If Miyuki catches, with his knowledge of Furuya and Sawamura, it would be easy to make a game calling against them. Thus, the test's effectiveness would be less apparent.

After Kawakami's pitching, Coach Kataoka also intended to return Sawamura to the mound, with Furuya and Miyuki as opponents, and having Sawamura rely on defense instead of strikeouts. Then Furuya paired with Miyuki, and Sawamura will play against the battery.

This not only confirmed the main lineup but will also determine everyone's batting order.

As everyone had reached the needed level, the first batting order would certainly follow the results of everyone's hitting.

While this final showdown was happening, another practice game affected the upcoming Fall Tournament process.

Inajitsu vs. Yakushi.

This practice game started off heatedly.

When Inashiro attacked, the first and second batters coordinated perfectly and scored the first point.

Later, Yakushi fought back. And Raichi beautifully hit Narumiya Mei's pitch a home run, reclaiming a point.

After that, Mishima played superbly, not allowing any points or hits in the second inning.

In the second inning, Narumiya entered Tokyo Prince Mode and used straight balls to neutralize Yakushi's aggressive batting lineup.

In the third inning, after Mishima got an Out, Carlos successfully stole a base. Shirakawa and Carlos then perfectly coordinated to score a hit. Though the third batter was walked out, they moved Shirakawa and Carlos to second and third bases.

With two Outs and runners on second and third, Yamaoka stepped up to the batting box.

Mishima was pressured by Yamaoka's momentum and consecutively threw Balls.

"Walk to base."

Two Outs, full bases.

Tokyo Prince Narumiya was up next.

"That is it!"

Regarding this result, Todoroki Raizou, Yakushi's Coach in the rest area, didn't seem surprised at all by this development. He immediately replaced Mishima with Raichi at third base and sent his precious son, Raichi-kun, to the pitcher's mound.

The speed of the ball is 140+km/h, and its course changes every time. This is Raichi's pitch.

Even Narumiya Mei struggled against it and eventually hit an infield grounder, was caught, and thrown to first base.

"OUT!"

Three Outs, offense and defense exchange.

This time, failing to score had a significant impact on Inashiro, fatal even.

In the second half of the third inning, all hitters from Yakushi High School, including Raichi, were resolved.

In the first half of the fourth inning, Raichi forced a four-ball but managed to secure three Outs.

So far, Inajitsu High School has completed two rounds.

In the second half of the fourth inning, all hitters except Mishima were solved. Two Strikeouts, and one pop-fly that was easy to catch.

In a blink, the game reached the fifth inning. Facing Raichi's pitching, Carlos again executed a bunt and steal tactic, directly sending the ball to the pitcher's mound, which was in front of Raichi.

Raichi made a defensive error, and Carlos reached first base.

With Carlos ready to steal and Shirakawa eager to bat, Todoroki Raichi faced a tough situation.

At last, Todoroki Raichi was sweating cold and unable to pitch the ball.

"Finally realizing the terror of the pitcher's mound?"

This result wasn't surprising to Todoroki Raizou.

If it weren't for Ace Sanada's foot injury, he wouldn't have dragged Mishima and his moron of a son out and forced them into the mound.

"But this practice game is crucial and can't afford any mistakes. Sanada, take the field!"

After Carlos reached first base, Yakushi's Ace Sanada stepped onto the field.

A real battle was about to begin.

...