Chapter 61 Preparation

The next morning, Coach Nakamura gathered the team in front of the dugout, the anticipation thick in the air. Every player stood at attention, eyes locked on their coach. Ryoichi, their ace, was present but looked more like a spectator than a participant, his posture relaxed, though his sharp eyes betrayed his curiosity.

Coach Nakamura cleared his throat, addressing the team. "I've checked on Ryoichi's condition yesterday and today as well." His voice was calm but firm. "If he pitches in the next game, he'll overexert himself. The semi-finals and finals are scheduled to be played consecutively, and we need to manage his energy." The players exchanged glances, sensing where this was going.

"So," Nakamura continued, "we want you to rest, Ryoichi."

Ryoichi nodded in acknowledgment, showing no signs of disappointment.

"The starting pitcher for Saturday will be Kazuya." Nakamura's announcement hung in the air for a moment before the tension broke.

Kazuya blinked, taking a deep breath. He'd been preparing for this moment, but the reality of it was sinking in. His mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming game, the pressure of filling Ryoichi's shoes weighing heavy on his shoulders.

The players dispersed, falling into their usual groups. The second years naturally gravitated toward Kazuya, offering their support. Haruto, clapped him on the back with a grin. "Kazuya, we've got your back. Relax and pitch your best!"

Shunichi, nodded in agreement. "Exactly. You've trained for this. Just do what you've been doing all season."

Kazuya managed a small smile, but the self-doubt lingered. "I know, but it's hard not to think about Ryoichi. He has this... presence. He's more important to the team than I am."

Daiki, standing nearby, couldn't let that slide. He eyed Kazuya, his usual demeanor replaced by a rare intensity.

"Cut that out, Kazuya," Daiki said sharply. "This is your moment. It's not just about the next game—it's about showing everyone that you're just as valuable. You've been working too hard to let this opportunity slip. Besides, Ryoichi or no Ryoichi, we need you at your best."

Haruto, raised his fist in the air and shouted, "Yeah! This is your chance to shine! Let's do it with a bang!"

Kazuya's expression softened. "Thanks, guys."

Daiki clapped his hands together. "Alright, let's get to the bullpen. Kazuya, I want to see how your pitches are looking today."

"As expected of the catcher," Kaito thought to himself. "He's not just good with tactics—he knows how to get into a pitcher's head and bring out the best in them."

October 20

The air buzzed with excitement as the crowd gathered outside the stadium, a sea of fans donning their team colors, voices rising in anticipation of the upcoming battle. A man with a megaphone stood near the entrance, his voice carrying above the chatter.

"The semi-final will commence at 1 PM. I repeat, the semi-final will commence at 1 PM."

Inside the stadium, deep within the tunnel leading to the field, the umpires stood with both captains. Their voices echoed in the narrow passage.

"Shukugawa will bat first, and Seimei will take the field. Is that alright?" the umpire asked.

"Yes, sir!" both teams responded firmly, their voices filled with determination.

Kenji and Rikuto, the respective captains of Seimei and Shukugawa, approached each other. Their eyes met, and they shook hands firmly, the intensity of the moment palpable. Neither blinked, their gaze locked in silent understanding of the battle that awaited them on the field.

As the Seimei players exited the tunnel, Kenji punched the air. "Let's go!" he shouted, his energy infectious. The roar from the stadium greeted them like a wall of sound.

"They're here! Seimei! Kenji! Shinjiro!" the fans chanted, their cheers growing louder with every step the team took.

From the crowd, a frustrated fan shouted above the noise. "Where's Ryoichi? I can't see a damn thing from here! I told you to pick a better spot!" His voice was lost in the sea of excitement, but his frustration echoed the sentiments of many wondering why their ace wasn't starting.

Over in the Shukugawa section, their fans were just as riled up. "Kengo! Show us something good today!" one fan yelled, waving a banner with Kengo's name emblazoned on it. The atmosphere was electric, the air thick with anticipation.

The coaches from both teams approached each other near the plate, exchanging bows and removing their caps in a show of respect. Though formal, the moment was filled with quiet intensity, each coach eyeing the other, knowing that the chess game was about to begin.

Shinjiro, glanced around at the sea of fans packing the stadium. "Wow," he whispered to Shinjiro, eyes wide. "They sure came out in numbers."

Koji chuckled, his hand resting on Shinjiro's shoulder. "Yeah, but don't let that get to you. Focus on the game."

Daiki then turned his attention to Kazuya, who was pacing nervously by the dugout. "Kazuya," Daiki said, his voice calm and steady. "You're tense. Relax." He gave him a firm pat on the back, hoping to ease the weight pressing on Kazuya's shoulders.

As Daiki watched Kazuya closely, his thoughts raced. "He's fired up today. Let's hope he channels that energy into his pitches."

One of Shukugawa's players leaned over to his teammate, "Kazuya's starting. It'll probably be a pitching relay for Seimei. I wonder what their order will be."

Take, Shukugawa's catcher, glanced over at Kengo, who was lazily twirling two baseballs in his fingers, seemingly detached from the moment's intensity. Take sighed, shaking his head. "I hope your ritual works today too."

Kengo, sensing Take's worry, grinned. "Don't stress, I'll take us to the final."

Rikuto, their captain, eyed Kengo with thinly veiled concern. "That laid-back attitude... Is he taking this match seriously." He watched Kengo carefully, remembering their last loss in the summer and how it had shattered the pitcher.

Kengo, feeling Rikuto's gaze, chuckled darkly. "What's with the glare, Cap?" He tossed one of the baseballs into the air and caught it with ease. "This game is going to be fun. I'll crush them." His eyes gleamed with an intensity that betrayed his nonchalance.

The players lined up on the field, the tension in the air thick as the commentator's voice boomed.

"The fall tournament semi-final is about to commence! The players have come forth from the benches!"

"Last year's champions, Nehimon Seimei, are aiming to continue their reign, while Shukugawa is hungry for a shot at the finals and a chance at the spring invitational to Koshien!" The commentator's voice rose with enthusiasm.