83. First Match

Time slowly passed, and a month went by slowly. Rei continued to practice together with Suzaku every day. Each passing day Rei got to understand Suzaku better and better. He started understanding how Suzaku thinks while he is pitching and what type of pitch he expects Rei to ask him.

Suzaku has gone through a lot of improvement from before. Even though only 4 out of 10 pitches of his pitches go into the glove in using the corners, it was still a significant improvement for him after only over 1 month of training. He was slowly getting the hang of it and grasping the feeling of the pitch.

Rei was in his class listening to the ever boring class. He looked outside the window while playing with his pen. He wanted to sleep, but the excitement in him is preventing him from it. His excitement came from the announcement Coach Iwata told everyone before they dispersed for the day.

"Tomorrow there will be a special training for all of you. Be prepared."

Rei could not contain his uncontrolled curiosity. He was thinking about what the special training the entire time since the coach told till now and can only think of is a match. The possibility of it being a match made Rei's hopes shoot high.

He could stop playing with his pen and tap his foot on the ground because of excitement. The teacher couldn't bear the sound anymore and said, "Toujou-kun, I know you're smart and know everything I am teaching in the class, but refrain from making noise."

Rei felt his face burn up from shame as he heard his teacher's word and the stares from all the students in the class on him. He nodded and held his leg from shaking. Mizuki and Keiko could only giggle at their friend's excitement.

Rei played with the pen, continuing to think about the training. After a while, the bell rang showing the classes were over and as it was the last class of the day, everyone talked. Rei stood up and packed his bag. He ran out of the door without waiting for anyone towards the field.

Rei ran towards the locker and by the looks of it, it seemed like he was the first one to reach. He immediately went inside the locker and changed his clothes to his sportswear and came out.

He noticed people coming slowly and held his excitement. He slowly stood in a corner waiting for everyone to get ready. After a while, everyone was ready and Akhira started the exercises for everyone.

After everyone was done with the exercises, Iwata called for everyone.

"Ok, Now I told you all yesterday that today would be a very special practice. Today we will do an intra-squad match. We have around 30 players and I will split all of you into 2 groups. One team will be instructed by me while the other by Konda-sensei."

Everyone murmured among themselves, forgetting about the fatigue they had after the exercises.

"Ok now let us divide you all into 2 teams. Everyone will get a chance to play and it will be a 5 innings match."

Everyone nodded and Iwata sorted the students out. Iwata placed both Akhira, Suzaku, and Daichi in A team while he kept Rei, Tanaka, and Shiro in the opposite B team. This made Rei confused. He did not know anyone except Suzaku in pitchers, now that he wasn't in his team he had to catch for another pitcher. He could only remain silent and let the coach complete sorting out.

"Ok now, these are the teams. I will coach the B-team while Konda-sensei will take the A-team. All of you do your best and show the results of your training. Now you all have 15 minutes before we will start the match." and walked towards the B team, while Konda made his way to A team.

Seeing the coach completely sorting everyone out, Rei looked at all his teammates and realized he did not know anyone except Tanaka and Shiro. Everyone started talking within themselves but remained quiet as they saw the coach coming towards them.

"So you guys, I will announce the team in ten minutes until then." and sat on a nearby bench minding his own business.

Rei looked at the people in his group after he heard Iwata and contemplated whether he should go talk to someone. He then felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around to notice Shiro, Tanaka, and another player looking at him.

"Rei we are in the same group and I bought over the pitcher of our team, meet Emiya Shindou he is a first-year." Shiro introduced the boy next to him.

"Nice to meet you Toujou-senpai. My name is Emiya Shindou and I am a pitcher," said Shindou, introducing himself.

Rei nodded with a smile as he said, "Nice to meet you too, Emiya-kun. My name is Toujou Rei and I am the catcher."

"We bought over Emiya here, so you can get to know him better as you both will have to coordinate."

Rei nodded and asked, "So tell me about your pitching style, Emiya-kun."

"Of course, senpai. I am a side-arm pitcher and my speed is average. I have quite a bit of control over my pitches. I can pitch in and out, but later in the matches, I lose control."

Rei nodded as he heard Shindou describing his pitching. He was surprised when he heard that he pitched side-arm. He rarely saw side-arm pitchers even in the big leagues, so he was excited.

He knew that the side-arm pitchers rarely have a lot of velocity behind their balls, and they even fall at a plate.

Rei continued to discuss with all three of them until he heard Iwata's voice.

"Ok guys gather around once again. I will announce the lineup for all of you.

1 2B Isao Chino

2 SS Nakamura Tanaka

3 C Toujou Rei

4 LF Umashi Shiro

5 1B Hara Takeo

6 RF Nishihara Kiyoshi

7 3B Matsuura Kazuhiro

8 P Emiya Shindou

9 CF Akamine Rokuro

Now, this is the starting line-up for today's match. Now go discuss among yourself on the plan. Rei and Shindou both of you stay behind. I need to have a talk with both of you."

Rei was shocked hearing he is the 3rd-hole in batting. He knew he was better than most of the people, but he still expected to be below in the line-up. He stayed behind when the coach asked him to with Shindou, as the others went back to their own groups.

"Rei, you might have met Shindou already so we can skip the introducing both of you." making both of them nod.

"Ok, now Rei, I need to work with Shindou here. I can't have you only catch for Suzaku, so you need to get to know the other pitchers of the team."

Rei nodded as he understood the importance and that there might be some changes in a game of him catching for others.

"And I also placed you at the third hole as I need to get you on the bases before Shiro comes up to bat. I saw your excellent shot selection and had a good feeling you might achieve this. Shindou I need you to coordinate with Rei here and pitch as he says, I believe you will do good as long as you do what he says."

Shindou and Rei nodded at his words and got back to their group. They made their way towards Tanaka and Shiro and noticed another player with them.

"Oh, you both are back. Rei, meet Isao Chino. He is a third-year like me and plays as the second-base. He is also the fastest runner in the team"

"Good to meet you Isao-senpai. I am Toujou Rei and I am a catcher."

Chino in return shook his hand introducing himself. All four of them continued to discuss the game and some plans. After 5 minutes, Iwata clapped his hands and told everyone that the time was up and they had to form a line.

Iwata called for Shiro who was the captain of the team to attend the toss and he came back winning it. He informed everyone they will bat first and all of them got excited. They sat in their bullpen and Rei observed everyone around.

Rei saw both Tanaka and Chino wearing their helmets and taking some practice swings outside. He looked at the mound and saw Suzaku pitching to a first-year who was suffering a bit from catching his pitches.

Rei could hear his heartbeat increase as he thought about the match. He grew anxious thinking about his first match and his body shook. He then felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Iwata smiling at him.

"It is going to be ok Rei. Let yourself free and enjoy your first match."