(12) The Shockwave of Potential

The morning air buzzed with quiet gossip among the senior players. One of them, standing in a small group, lowered his voice. "Did you hear about Tanba? He's been moved to the second string."

The players around him exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and understanding. "Tanba? The ace?" one of them asked, his tone shocked but not entirely disbelieving.

"Yeah," the first senior confirmed, leaning in slightly. "He's been unstable lately. His performance during practice has been shaky, and the coaches have noticed. They've put him down to the second string for now."

"That's tough," another senior chimed in, shaking his head. "But I guess it makes sense. If he's not at his best, Seidou can't afford to keep him as the ace. This is a serious tournament coming up."

"Still," someone muttered, "this might be our chance to rise. If the ace is out of the picture, there's an opening for someone to step up."

As the words left his mouth, a loud boom echoed across the field, cutting through the conversation. The group of seniors stopped mid-sentence, their heads snapping toward the sound. The field grew silent as everyone searched for the source.

Kanemaru's Perspective

Kanemaru, along with the other first-year fielders, was in the middle of his own test when the noise reached his ears. He froze mid-swing, his grip tightening on the bat. "What was that?" someone nearby whispered, but Kanemaru didn't answer. His eyes were already searching for the source.

Turning toward the pitcher's area, where the sound had come from, Kanemaru spotted him—Furuya. He was standing tall, his arm extended after the pitch, the air still buzzing with the impact. The field had fallen silent, all eyes on the first-year pitcher who had just unleashed a throw that left a ripple through the team.

The Coaches' Discussion

Director Ota, watching from the sidelines, glanced over at Takashima with raised eyebrows. "That kid... where did he come from?"

Takashima, clipboard in hand, flipped through her notes. "Furuya Satoru. He's not a player from any elite middle school program. He came in through the general entrance exam, just like any regular student."

Ota blinked in surprise. "General entrance exam? Not a baseball invite?"

Takashima nodded, glancing back at Furuya. "That's right. He's raw talent, no formal training from a renowned school, but during the freshman test, he threw 120 meters. His power is undeniable. He's got an arm like no one else we've seen in a while."

Ota folded his arms, intrigued. "Raw power like that is dangerous. With the right guidance, he could be Seidou's next ace."

Before they could continue, Coach Kataoka, always watching, stepped forward with a decision. "We need to see how they handle competition." His voice cut through the quiet tension in the air. "We'll hold a match. The first years."

Ota raised an eyebrow. "A Red and White Battle?"

Kataoka nodded firmly. "Yes. It's time to see what they're made of."

Kanemaru's Reaction

Still reeling from Furuya's powerful pitch, Kanemaru was deep in thought when another sound broke through his focus—a shout. He turned his head and spotted Sawamura in the distance, struggling, his face red with effort as he tried to drag three heavy tires across the ground. The intensity of Sawamura's determination was clear in every strained movement, as he pushed himself beyond his limits.

Kanemaru couldn't help but be surprised. These pitchers... Furuya and Sawamura... They're the ones Seidou needs. Their growth was crucial for the team's future, and Kanemaru knew it.

Taking a deep breath, Kanemaru returned his focus to the test in front of him. He adjusted his grip on the bat, the weight of his own potential and expectations heavy on his mind. As the next player stepped up to the plate, he swung the bat, waiting for his own moment to rise.