[45] First String!

Chapter 45: First String!

In the evening, at Seidou High School's indoor training facility, nearly a hundred members of Seidou High School stood solemnly inside. A few female managers also stood quietly at the side.

At the front were Seidou's three key figures—Coach Kataoka, Director Ota, and Takashima Rei.

Everyone knew exactly why they had gathered here tonight.

Especially the members of the second string, each of them struggling to contain their anticipation, excitement, anxiety, and concern in their solemn expressions.

The final spot on the first string was something all twenty-some second-string players desperately wanted, especially the upperclassmen.

This could almost be considered their last shot at a major tournament.

What? You say there are still two spots on the first string?

Sure, there are technically two, but most have subconsciously settled on one. Besides, the upperclassmen of the second string have truly lived through this period.

They have all witnessed Eijun's growth, his performance.

They could see that such a talented and capable player exists in Seidou, which already struggles with a lack of strong pitchers.

Not making it onto the first string? At the very least, these second-string upperclassmen believed they couldn't match Eijun's competitiveness.

Therefore, they could only aim to secure that one remaining spot.

And because there was only that one spot left, the upperclassmen were revealing very nervous and expectant expressions.

The slight tightening of their fists, the slight tremors in their bodies, and the flickers of red in their eyes all expressed their shared inner emotions at this moment.

Among the entire second-string roster, perhaps only Eijun maintained a calm appearance on the surface, which made Miyuki, who was secretly observing him, even more impressed.

Deep down, Miyuki thought this kid was truly remarkable.

However, unbeknownst to Miyuki, Eijun's fingers, crossed behind him, were subtly trembling as well.

This clearly indicated that Eijun's heart was far from as calm and indifferent as he appeared on the surface.

It was no wonder, even if he was familiar with the storyline.

Even if he believed he had performed well, situations like this could never be absolutely certain.

Having these tense emotions bubbling inside him was completely normal.

"I'm sure everyone knows that tomorrow marks the beginning of June, and the summer tournament is just around the corner. From now on, we will be focusing on the first string. Therefore, the purpose of gathering everyone here today is simple: to announce the remaining two spots on the first string."

Coach Kataoka scanned the crowd with his piercing gaze, nodded slightly, and spoke solemnly.

"Based on the performances during recent practice matches and the current training conditions, I have made a unilateral decision. The two players selected must understand that being chosen is not a matter of honor but a responsibility and obligation. They will represent our school's highest glory, and I hope that these two will possess that kind of awareness!"

The coach's words, along with his cold gaze, made everyone feel a chill run through them.

Especially the upperclassmen of the second team. Even Eijun and Haruichi looked more serious.

"The two players selected are first-year students: Sawamura Eijun and also first-year, Kominato Haruichi! That's it!!!"

Coach Kataoka did not engage in any boring games of delay or theatrics.

Coach Kataoka decisively and straightforwardly announced the names of the two players who had been predicted by most. When these two names were revealed, it was evident that the upperclassmen, especially the third-years, could not help but show their disappointment in the indoor training facility.

They didn't make the cut. Even though they knew it was a likely outcome, hearing it confirmed brought an involuntary twist to their hearts.

Perhaps the second-years were less affected; they still had a year ahead of them, with opportunities for the autumn tournament and next summer's competition. But for the third-years, at this moment, it felt like a chance to announce their retirement.

Having dedicated three years of their best high school life to baseball, the faces of these upperclassmen displayed feelings of gloom, loss, and even confusion, which tugged at the heartstrings of Coach Kataoka, known for his tough demeanor. After all, these were students he had personally nurtured.

Seeing such disappointment in the players he cared about deeply affected even the usually stoic and passionate Coach Kataoka.

"This concludes today's meeting. The third-years who were not selected can stay for a moment; the rest, you may leave," Coach Kataoka announced.

Following his words, most of the attendees silently exited the indoor training facility.

Eijun had raised his foot to leave but paused as he glanced at Chris's strong back. A complex emotion flickered in his eyes before being replaced by a determined expression as he strode out of the training hall with purpose.

Haruichi, noticing the change in Eijun's demeanor, opened his mouth to say something but quickly followed him as Eijun moved swiftly.

"Decisive, aren't you, Sawamura? But starting today, you're officially a first-string member!"

As Eijun just stepped out of the indoor training hall and around the corner, a teasing voice rang in his ear. He didn't even need to turn his head to know who it was.

"Miyuki-senpai, are you free?" Eijun replied softly.

Eijun's somewhat disjointed response caused Miyuki to raise an eyebrow, then smile. It seemed his previous judgment of this junior was a bit off.

This kid's personality wasn't as simple as he had imagined.

Miyuki chuckled to himself.

"Of course, I'm free! After all, you've been dodging me lately. Why don't you want me to catch your pitches, huh?" Miyuki chimed, hands resting on his hips as he stepped closer with a playful grin.

Seeing Miyuki approaching like that made Eijun feel a bit tense.

"Um…" Eijun's lips twitched, suddenly feeling a headache coming on. He had almost forgotten that Miyuki had a knack for exploiting such situations, easily climbing over.

"Ahahaha!!!" Miyuki burst into laughter upon seeing Eijun's distressed expression.

His triumphantly mischievous look darkened Eijun's face.

Haruichi, standing nearby, wore a cautious expression. It seemed that this senpai might not be so different from the others—his personality appeared a bit troublesome.

Haruichi subtly shifted a few steps away, embodying that feeling of self-preservation that everyone should have.

"Alright, alright, I'm done joking. I came to find you for a reason. Regardless of what you thought in the past, starting today, you are officially a first-string pitcher. As the main catcher, it's my duty and responsibility to understand your pitches and catch for you. Starting tomorrow, your training sessions will include throwing practice with me. Got it, Sawamura Eijun?"

Miyuki suddenly adopted a serious tone as he addressed Eijun.

This swift change in demeanor made Eijun's face twitch even more.

However, this person, when it came to baseball, was surprisingly serious and focused, Eijun thought to himself.

"Yes!" Eijun replied loudly.

At least in baseball, this person was the most reliable representative.

Looking at Miyuki before him, Eijun felt a strong sense of trust.

But the next moment…

"Hehe, then let's enjoy our time together in private tomorrow, little kouhai!!!"

With a teasing tone and a mischievous grin.

Eijun's expression froze.

As expected! This guy is just so UNRELIABLE!!!

As spring turned to summer and the summer tournament approached, the boys were greeted by the grandest of competitions!!!

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