Chapter 4

The game against Osaka Kiryu cemented my place in the first string. I didn't concede a single point to their team which was filled with power hitters. Along with that, I hit two home runs and hit extra base hits at all my at bats. Although, it was too soon to decide my 'batting average' and 'earned run average'.

My stamina was still not enough for me to pitch all nine innings to the best of my abilites. I knew that I had a lot to improve. So, I got out of my bed and began running with a truck's tire tied to my waist. It was one hell of a challenge to pull the tire around, but, I was determined to improve.

At the end of the golden week, my stats were something like this-

[STR: 395 (475)

INT: 360 (440)

MNT: 415 (495)

DEX: 380 (460)

Pitcher stats-

SPD: 312 (432)

H DOWN: 312 (432)

XBH DOWN: 213 (432)

HR DOWN: 715 (805)

CTRL: 300 (480)

STM: 323

Pitcher lvl: B4

Pitch type:

Four-seam: A1

Cutter: B5

Two-seam: B5

Curve: B4

Forkball: C4

SFF (Split finger fast) ball: D5

Choice skills:

Super left arm: lvl 3 - Increased SPD and CTRL by 120.

Pitcher's resolve: lvl 3 - Learn what it takes to be a pitcher - Increases all stats by 80.

Double step: lvl 3 pitching style - Increases H DOWN by 90.

Talents:

Hit Blockade: Skillfully prevent a hit - lvl 1 - Increases H DOWN by 30.

Speed Control: Being able to rest well is also a skill - lvl 2 - Increases stamina recovery after each inning.

Heavy ball: Enhances ball movement and power - lvl 1 - Increases XBH DOWN by 30.

Monstrous Pitch: Throws a freakishly powerful ball - lvl 3 - Increases HR DOWN by 90.

Bold: Gains courage to overcome pressure - lvl 2 - Increases SPD by 70 at first pitch.

Alert - lvl 4 - Greatly increases pick off rate.

Steel arm: Efficient pitching is the key to victory - lvl 3 - Reduces STM use during each pitch.

Accuracy control: Accurately throws the ball to any part of the strike zone - lvl 2 - Increase CTRL by 60.]

The increase in my stats was substantial.

On the last day of the Golden Week, we had a match against Inashiro High and Shuuhoku. It was the first time I became witness to the intense pitching of Narumiya Mei.

Inashiro did not pit us against their main roster. Instead, their first string went against Shuuhoku. Narumiya's pitching was stunning. His breaking balls had horizontal and vertical movement and were backed with a decently fast four-seamer. But, I knew he had another pitch up his sleeve.

The change up.

A pitch that completely destroys the momentum and gives the pitcher a breather. Change up was an amazing pitch and could be thrown in more than one way.

Narumiya's change up was the typical one. The pitch's motion was similar to that of a two seam but was much slower. Another variation that was quite popular was the circle change up. A pitch that Narumiya would begin using in place of the typical one.

Watching him throw the pitch suddenly reminded of the grip Sawamura had been trying to use but so far had failed. Narumiya wanting to show off gave me the idea of a pitch that could turn out to be a game changer for us. A grin bloomed on my face which intrigued Miyuki who was standing next to me.

He raised a brow and asked, "Wanna share what's on your mind? You're not thinking of something crazy, are you?"

I cackled like a Hyena which made Furuya distance himself from me. Looking at Miyuki, I said, "Wanna try that when we return?"

"Huh?! You're crazy! No! You need to focus on the pitches you are weak at. No need to add more to your plate. It'll be counter productive."

He had a point. But, I was still going to ask the coach.

A change up has quite a few variations. And I knew exactly what I was going to learn.

After the match with Inashiro, we had our second match against Shuuhoku in which Tanba was chosen as the pitcher. The game was going well. Tanba even threw an amazing splitter. Due to his height, his curve balls were much harder to hit. I could tell that the opponent pitcher was getting heavily pressured. And when under pressure, people make mistakes they never meant to.

In Tanba's at bat, the ball slipped from his hand and hit Tanba in the face.

Even though I knew it was going to happen, I had no way of preventing it. Tanba getting injured was quite an upset. Kataoka and the players in the bullpen ran to his aid while Rei and Oota ran to get the car.

It was misfortune after misfortune. Chris was injured in the previous year and then Tanba. Seidou had a great team, one that was capable of performing well at the nationals. It was the little things that weighed the team down until it broke the camel's back.

With Tanba injured, it was upon Kawakami, Furuya and I to take the team all the way to the finals. I could tell the disappointment of the spectators and of Inashiro players. They really expected a lot from Tanba as he was performing really well.

But, one unfortunate incident was not enough to waver the team's spirit.

The third years were naturally upset about it. Along with that, the roster for the Summer Tournament was decided.

Kataoka addressed the team that day..

"I believe everyone has heard about it. Yesterday's dead ball has caused a crack in Tanba's jaw. Luckily, there was no fracture and there seems to be no damage to the brain too. Still, Tanba might not be able to make it in time for the preliminaries. To be honest, I feel hesitant about this. He finally became conscious of the behavior of the ace. He himself is probably feeling frustrated right now. This decision was made as the coach of the team, not as a lone individual. I intend to give Tanba the position of the ace! Before he comes back, I hope everyone will fight together as a united team! During this period, Kawakami, Sawamura and Furuya! Their chances of participating in a match will increase greatly, especially so for the first years. I hope that everyone will do your best to help them. Please, do me this favour..."

"YEAH!!!"

In times of crisis, one either grows stronger or crumbles under the pressure. As first years, Furuya and I were under a lot of pressure. As pitchers, we had the hopes of the team riding on our shoulders. But, I was ready to put in the hard work to help in taking the team to the nationals.

'No matter what.. I'll bulldoze through the competition. I'll face down all the batters and the pitchers with an iron will.'

I looked around at the determined faces of my seniors amd couldn't help but smile.

'They are all amazing players. The pressure on me is high, but, that doesn't mean the team will solely depend upon me. Baseball is a team game. I have to trust them and lighten up. I just have to do my part. Bring it on.. Yakushi high, Sensen.. Bring it on.. Inashiro High. I won't mind crushing your hopes and dreams with my pitches and my bat.'

(RE: PLAYBALL!)

"I specifically told him no... then why am I sitting here catching for him?!"

Miyuki mumbled as he glared at my grinning mug.

It was tough but I managed to convince Kataoka to let me learn a slow ball. I was a fast learner and it could prove to be extremely beneficial for the team as no pitcher had a slow ball in their arsenal. Moreover, a typicalchange up was much easier to learn than other pitches.

I held the ball with three fingers and closer to the palm. Then, I swung my arm with the same speed as that of a four-seam.

The ball sailed through the air and landed in Miyuki's mitt with a clap.

[New pitch learned

Change up: F0

Congratulations for learning all types of pitches.

Hidden quest competed.

Reward: Anti-RH Batter - lvl 1 - Effective against right handed batters. Increases H DOWN by 25 when dealing with right-handed batter.

Pitches:

Four-seam: A1

Cutter: B5

Two-seam: B5

Curve: B4

Forkball: C4

SFF (Split finger fast) ball: D5

Change up: F0]

Kataoka nodded and said, "Ten more."

I threw ten consecutive change ups out of which, six were in the strike zone while three went wide and one was a grounder.

'Damn, I thought it would be easier.'

"Sawamura! Lighten up! Throw ten more."

I nodded to the coach and took a deep breath before resuming to pitch.

That time, I managed to throw all ten in the strike zone. The course and the speed wasn't perfect, but, I was successful in pitching change up and adding it to my arsenal.

[Change up: F4]

The following days were filled with basic training overseen by Chris. Meanwhile, the tests were close and I also had to spend some time studying for them.

When I told Wakana that I was on the bench, she was really excited.

[Eh?! No way..

You got onto the bench, Eijun? For real?!

When I told that to the others, they were happy as if they themselves were on the team saying, "Ei-chan is our hero after all!!"

We have the prefacture preliminaries soon. Guess our first goal is to win the opening game... 😅

If your school keeps winning, we'll drop by to cheer.

Give it your best, Eijun! 🤗🤗

- Wakana]

It warmed my heart when I talked to her on text. And it filled me with even more determination.

The team was training as intensely as ever, trying to keep the morale high. Even the brass band and the cheerleaders were training with vigor.

I passed all of my tests with good scores, but, Furuya failed and had to reappear.

Right before the tournament, we were given our numbers.

Kataoka began..

"First, number 1.. Tanba Kouichirou."

The belief Kataoka had in Tanba reinvigorated him.. even though he had shaved his head.

"Number 2, Miyuki Kazuya.

Number 3, Yuuki Tetsuya.

Number 4, Kominato Ryousuke.

Number 5, Masuko Tooru.

Number 6, Kuramochi Youichi.

Number 7, Sakaki Ichirou.

Number 8, Isashiki Jun.

Number 9, Shirasu Kenjirou.

Number 10, Kawakami Norifumi.

Number 11, Sawamura Eijun.

Number 12, Miyauchi Keisuke.

Number 13, Kotata Masaaki.

Number 14, Furuya Satoru.

Number 15, Kusaoki Fumiya.

Number 16, Higasa Shouji.

Number 17, Tanaka Shin.

Number 18, Endou Naoki.

Number 19, Yamazaki Kunio.

Number 20, Kominato Haruichi."

"Chris will keep the score. I'm counting on you."

"Yes."

"Also, the managers. You helped a great deal too. Accept your uniforms. You're also part of the team. Please cheer from the stand with other players."

As the coach and the staff was leaving, the team formed a circle.

We placed our hands to our hearts as Yuuki began..

"Who are we?"

"THE KING, SEIDOU!!"

"Who sheds more sweat than anyone else?"

"SEIDOU!"

"Who sheds more tears than anyone else?"

"SEIDOU!"

"Who loves baseball more than anyone else?"

"SEIDOU!"

"Are you ready to fight?!"

"OHHH!"

"With pride of our school in our chest! We strive to conquer the nation! Let's go!!"

"OHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

Our emotions were high.. We were ready.. With our blood, sweat and tears.. We walked ahead to face our rivals.

The Summer Tournament had finally begun.