101 Preparations Of Semi-Finals

🎵Here I am once again!🎵 Hello guys...will be posting as soon as I write a chapter although I still haven't decided on an update schedule yet😅. But if I do I'll inform you right away. Without further ado enjoy the 1.6k words chapter.

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The sound of footsteps echoed through the lengthy hallway as someone made their way down. The meeting had concluded an hour ago, and Rei was heading back to his room to ponder over the decisions made. He believed that his team had made promising progress with their chosen strategies. Upon reaching his room's door, Rei retrieved his card from his pocket and scanned it to unlock the door.

Rei breathed a sigh of relief as he collapsed onto his bed in his pajamas, reflecting on the strategies he and his team had developed for tomorrow's match. Trust him when he says he carefully considered all relevant factors, as this was no easy task to undertake.

Rei was feeling anxious, although he didn't want to admit it. The quest made things even worse, as he feared the worst-case scenario and the resulting penalty. Shivers ran down his body as he couldn't afford to lose 2 skills. He knew he had to win this match.

Rei took a deep breath to calm himself down. As a former Minor League Pitcher, he had learned to handle high-pressure situations. He knew that getting stressed wouldn't help him solve the problem at hand. Instead, he needed to think practically.

The team had devised a strategy that played to Rei's strengths, even though they were unaware of his newly acquired skill. They believed that Rei was simply talented enough to instinctively execute the necessary actions.

Rei felt thankful for choosing a specific skill, which provided him with an advantage over Hakuryu High's playing style.

The team strategy employed by Hakuryu High places a heavy emphasis on speed, with every member of the team possessing exceptional running abilities. This particular approach is incredibly effective as it allows the team to disrupt their opponents' defense and rhythm, making it challenging for the opposing team to recover once their rhythm is broken. Moreover, this playstyle makes it difficult for the opponents to get players on base unless they have a fast runner, which is a testament to the team's superior athleticism and coordination.

Rei was thoroughly amused as he recollected the details about Sasaki Kotarou, the coach of Hakuryu High's team, as depicted in the anime. He couldn't help but chuckle as he reminisced about the small timer that the coach always held in his hands. To him, this was a clear indication of the man's punctuality and precision, which were unparalleled in his experience, even in the minor leagues. While there may have been others like him, he had never encountered anyone quite like Sasaki Kotarou.

"We just need to stay one step ahead of Hakuryu High," Rei said, opening his status screen. He clicked his tongue as he checked his Speed Stat, realizing it had only increased by 10 points throughout Koshien. However, he shrugged it off, knowing that if he couldn't make it to the base, he'd just hit a home run. It was a simple solution!

Rei had no problem with quick reactions in the game, and he was prepared for any worst-case scenarios. If he saw a teammate struggling on the field, he would quickly switch them out without hesitation, even if he had to go in himself. He refused to make petty mistakes that could weaken the team. As he thought about the obstacles that might arise in tomorrow's game, he gradually fell asleep.

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As the morning sun pierced through the window, Rei stirred from his sleep. Letting out a groan, he shielded his eyes from the blinding light, longing for a few more moments of slumber. Yet, as he gradually regained his senses, he realized the significance of the day and jolted upright in bed. With only a few hours left until the match, he knew he had to begin preparing without delay.

After taking a shower and freshening up in the bathroom, Rei proceeded to do his daily workout. Although he only gained a small increase in his stats, he was satisfied with his effort. It took him a couple of hours to get ready, but he eventually emerged from his room with his gear in tow. Rei headed straight to the hotel's training ground where his team had arranged to meet up before departing for their upcoming match in about an hour.

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The training ground of the hotel was bustling with activity as numerous teams were seen warming up. However, it was quite peculiar that none of the players seemed to be near the unconventional team.

"Kehahahaha", laughed an enthusiastic individual as he repeatedly swung his wooden bat. While the other players also continued doing warm-up exercises for their shoulders.

Mishima near the pitching net practiced his various pitches such as the forkball. He knew he might not be used even as a relief pitcher with Sanada Senpai here, but this would help with the training Rei had told them to do.

Sanada watched his team practice, feeling a bit out of place as the only one not actively participating. However, he had already warmed up and had nothing to do at the moment. As he leaned against the wall, his mind turned to the meeting from the previous night. He couldn't help but feel a bit confused about some of the decisions made by Rei. Specifically, he was puzzled by the strategy of signaling each other if Rei anticipated a sudden move by their opponents. Sanada wondered if Rei truly could predict the future, as he seemed to suggest. If so, why not just tell the catcher what to throw?

Sanada sighed trying to just trust in Rei's skills as always, he was going to pull through right? "Why is it suddenly hot? I'm getting sweaty even before the match begins", he uttered feeling sweat on his back. Looking around he found the source of this sudden hotness, "Kazuma put your fiery aura away!".

"H-Hai!", Kazuma instantly replied. For some reason, he was pumped for the match feeling not a single bit of anxiety. He hoped he stayed like this throughout the whole match.

The Players continued their training and after a few minutes, Rei and Raizou entered the ground together. The players instantly surrounded them asking them for assurance of their skills except Sanada. Rei also warmed up his shoulders getting ready to pitch for the whole match. Practicing made his confidence shoot through the roof, but he looked around the ground noticing the different kinds of emotions running through the players' minds.

Rei sighed and called for a quick huddle. It took a few seconds for the huddle to assemble, then Rei said, "Don't get worried I got you! Just play as hard as you can. If you can't trust your skills then trust mine whatever gets you calm". These statements were mostly referring to Mishima and Masuda. Otherwise, the other members remained cool and collected.

"Let me eat a banana before starting the match. It's my good luck charm!", Raichi said proudly with his chest puffed out.

"You're not getting dinner for today if you don't score a homerun in this match", said Raizou ruining his son's mood. Bringing a smile to his face, 'Score! Score! As much as you can Raichi think of the money we get from the school. Bring good results', he thought casually picking his nose.

"Ehhhh! Damn, Father! Just wait I'll show you", said Raichi as he marched off to their dugout before anyone else.

Seeing Raichi leaving for their dugout everyone followed since it was about time for the match to start. As the team was making their way to the dugout they got several glares from their opponent team, Hakuryu who was also just going to their dugout.

Sanada awkwardly chuckled feeling the intense gaze their team was receiving from across the field. After a few minutes, both teams settled in their dugouts and the captain was called for a toss.

After Rei did the coin toss against the Hakuryu High Captain who continuously scanned him up and down. Rei didn't mind though at the end Yakushi ended up fielding first. The captain smirked at him and with the decision made they both went back to their dugouts.

Rei was surprised that the captain didn't even bother talking to him let alone say Hi. Hakuryu High was one prideful team, and he was going to be the one to take them down a notch. Holding a wide grin on his face he returned to his dugout with the decision.

"Woah! What's with that creepy grin", said Sanada surprised.

"Shut up!", Rei uttered blushing in embarrassment. Girls love me! There's no way my smile isn't charming, he assured himself.

Though the team didn't like the result of the coin toss Rei participated in they didn't argue since they didn't have the guts who knew how Rei might react. The players including Raizou gulped at the thought.

The next second, the siren rang signaling the start of the game. "Ok team, This is it. Let's finish this match in five innings", said Rei as each of the players made their way onto the field with their fielding gear. Sanada flinched not yet used to the extravagant remarks Rei makes. Will they be, ok?

On the other side, Hakuryu High Dugout. The batting order had been prepared and the coach was ready with his timer in his hands. "If you concede 4.2 seconds, I'm benching you", the coach said.

"Hai!", said the players simultaneously with extreme discipline. The answer brought satisfaction to the coach. He turned to look at the players on the field in disgust. "Those brats don't even deserve to be our opponents", he muttered. While Mima and Ouno nodded along as they agreed with what their coach thought.

"Kujou, You're up", the coach informed. The player nodded and grabbing his bat he exited the dugout.