Chapter 42: Being the Older Brother!

"Your younger brother doesn't seem to be performing any worse than you," Kusunoki said with a grin as he walked off the batter's box and passed by Kominato Ryosuke. To him, having a younger brother like Kominato Haruichi on the same team should be a very gratifying thing.

"Over the years, he's only been chasing after my shadow," Kominato Ryosuke replied with a smile, but his tone carried a hint of pride.

It seemed like he was saying, "I'm glad, but I'm not going to brag."

In truth, Kominato Ryosuke had mixed feelings about Haruichi's progress. The younger brother's talent was so high that it made being the older brother quite challenging.

In his memories, Haruichi used to be an obedient and docile child, often bullied by kids from his own or the higher grades.

As the eldest son in the family, Kominato Ryosuke had to be strong and make no mistakes, always setting a good example for his younger brother.

According to their parents, he was the role model for Haruichi.

At the same time, when Haruichi was bullied, Ryosuke had to stand up for him and seek justice.

Back then, even though having such a younger brother seemed troublesome, the satisfaction of being an older brother was fulfilling.

Later, Haruichi, like him, developed a passion for baseball and showed remarkable talent. To make matters worse, Haruichi chose to play the same position as him.

Having a younger brother constantly following him made it challenging for Ryosuke to be a good example.

Sometimes, Ryosuke had to push himself harder. When he hit a plateau and Haruichi continued to improve, it made him anxious.

The reason Ryosuke chose to join Seidou High School was partly because other prestigious schools had rejected him. But it was also an attempt to push his limits and set a good example for Haruichi.

"Indeed, being an older brother is troublesome!"

Especially when the younger brother is performing exceptionally well, the older brother must take responsibility and set a good example.

He must demonstrate through actions that there is still a long way to go.

Ping!

Facing Kawakami's pitch, Ryosuke didn't choose to be persistent like he did with Furuya; instead, he swung and hit the ball directly.

The white ball flew straight into the gap between the second baseman and the shortstop.

"Hyaa-ha-haa!"

Kuramochi rushed over, ready to intercept the ball.

Snap…

The ball struck Kuramochi's mitt, and he looked at it in disbelief.

'The ball was heavier than expected!'

Did Ryo-san actually possess such strength? Kuramochi was astonished as the ball nearly bounced out of his mitt.

With a grimace, Kuramochi forced the ball towards the approaching Haruichi.

"Kominato…"

Kominato Haruichi rushed in to receive it, but the ball didn't come as expected, resulting in a significant misjudgment.

Haruichi's frantic sprint made it impossible to correct the ball's path, and he could only watch as the white ball veered away from him.

The previously impenetrable second baseman and shortstop Keystone Duo faltered.

Kominato Ryosuke successfully reached first base.

"Did you really think the ball would just obediently fly into your mitt? If you have that kind of naive expectation, I suggest you step down. Seidou High School's field doesn't allow such childish plays."

Kominato Ryosuke was unrelenting in his criticism of his younger brother.

Kuramochi, who was next to Haruichi, spoke sternly too.

"This was an immature play. Since I already caught the ball, you didn't need to rush forward. Instead, you should be ready to catch the ball. High school baseball isn't a child's play. Any mistake during the game could be fatal."

Their joint reprimand made even the spectators, including President Ota, very uncomfortable.

'These two Senpais were too harsh! Just because they were upperclassmen didn't mean they could disregard the effort and skill of the first-year freshmen.'

To be honest, a defensive level like Haruichi's is rare in high school baseball.

The Keystone Duo of Kuramochi and Ryosuke is considered the best in high school.

Such well-coordinated infield partnerships are rare even in professional baseball.

How long had it been since Haruichi and Kuramochi formed their combo?

"Isn't this a bit too harsh?"

"There's nothing wrong with high standards. Kominato Haruichi has that kind of talent," Coach Ochiai said, feeling it was reasonable.

Forcing players to reach a certain level that is beyond their capability is unreasonable, but expecting those who can meet those standards to do so is only natural.

Haruichi had that talent!

In the outfield, no one understood the bond between Kominato Haruichi and Kominato Ryosuke better than Sawamura Eijun.

A strained but profound connection.

"I can only respect these two brothers. Both are exceptionally talented and chose the same position."

They were destined not to be on the same field together (as teammates!).

But this situation was fine as well, with the older brother and younger brother facing off. Sawamura hoped Haruichi wouldn't get discouraged.

But who was he kidding? Haruichi was not the type to be discouraged by such setbacks.

He looked at Kominato Ryosuke with eager eyes, as if seeing his dream target.

'Aniki!'

He was the driving force behind Haruichi's efforts.

Even though the brothers couldn't play together at Seidou High School anymore, their brotherhood would remain forever.

'I must work even harder until I catch up with my brother!' Haruichi vowed.

"Yes! I will do my best! Please take care of me," Haruichi requested from Kuramochi.

This earnest plea made Kuramochi uncomfortable. He awkwardly raised his hand and waved it.

"As a Senpai, it's my duty."

Kuramochi's smugness was quickly deflated by a cold glare from Ryosuke.

Ryosuke's protective attitude towards his brother was glaringly obvious. Kuramochi had to change his face when someone else said something.

'Being a good Senpai is really difficult,' Kuramochi thought bitterly.

If Sawamura and Miyuki heard this, they would laugh for three days straight.

The game continued.

One Out, with a runner on first base.

"Third batter, center fielder, Isashiki."

With one out and a runner on first base, it was time for the third batter from the senior team, center fielder, Isashiki Jun.

"I heard you were doing great lately, did you finally have enough of the bench? Then show me your balls, Kawakami!"

""""""Oi!Oi!Oi!""""""

Isashiki was indeed quite eccentric.

He is more at ease with his wording now that he is playing in Seidou's field.

"Jun-saaaan!!! Not in publiiiic!"

Sawamura childishly reminded Isashiki from the outfield, making the matter look worse.

"Shut up you twisted mind Brat! You stay there until you get your turn!!"

"I am having second thoughts about that!!" Sawamura shouted from the outfield.

"You little..." Isashiki was having the urge to go hit this cheeky Kohai of his right now.

Sawamura flashed a big smile.

While they were conversing, Kawakami's pitch came out.

Whoosh!

"Damn, trying to sneak attack me!"

Isashiki Jun's expression turned quite strange.

Miyuki grinned: "The game has already started, Jun-san."

"Do you think this will trouble me? Dream on!"

Although Isashiki Jun was not fully prepared, he swung his bat with determination. His swing looked quite unorthodox but managed to make contact with the ball.

It was unclear how he practiced so many swings every day.

"Take this! Oraaaaaaa!"

Ping!

…

T/N: That's it for now!

As always, Thank you all for reading guys!

Have a good day!

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