104 Yakushi's Offense
As the first batter from Yakushi, Kazuma strode confidently onto the batter's box with his bat in hand. Meanwhile, Rei sat pondering in the dugout, wondering how Ouno would pitch. The only thing he could recall from the anime was that Ouno's pitching style reflected his calm and collected personality. However, Rei was uncertain of what that meant in terms of his actual pitch technique.
After a few moments, Kazuma was unexpectedly struck out. Rei couldn't help but chuckle; it seemed like Ouno had rightfully earned his ace number. As he watched Ouno strike out Kazuma, Rei began to comprehend the trick behind his pitching. It appeared that the key to Ouno's pitching was his unwavering mentality. Another factor was also the fielders who were quick on their feet. With this thought in mind, Rei grinned deviously, determined to end the match in just five innings.
Kazuma, still reeling from his defeat, clicked his tongue as he reflected on the strikes thrown against him. It seemed as though the catcher of Hakuryu had some kind of pattern in his throws, but Kazuma couldn't quite put his finger on it. They all seemed to be aimed at his weaknesses. Though the fast reactions and speed of the fielders caught him off guard he thought as he made his way back to the dugout, Masuda strode forward to take his place.
Rei beamed a smile as he commented, "It seems like you still need more training." Upon seeing the mischievous grin on Rei's face, Kazuma let out a small shriek, sensing that something ominous was about to happen.
"Tomorrow, on the hotel's grounds, you and I will be going through a catcher training session. And don't think I haven't noticed you all slacking off either! Anyone caught not giving their all will be joining us as well!" Rei declared, crossing his arms confidently.
The other players quickly replied in unison, "H-Hai!"
Sanada chuckled, "You guys are quite cute when you act like a gang."
The other members glared at him, filled with envy that Sanada didn't have to participate in the training camp. He was a third-year and the former ace, after all. Although for some reason, he occasionally volunteered to join them.
Back on the field, Ouno struck out Masuda with ease, taken aback only by the wide swing each member held. The coach was right; all the plans they had made were unfolding exactly as they had hoped. Showing no expression, Ouno prepared for the next batter, all the while thinking to himself, 'Boring...is that all this team has in batting? The ace is only good at pitching; he can't be good at both... I'm disappointed. How did they even come this far?'
"Strike! Batter out!" declared the umpire.
"Hakuryu's ace is on a roll! Let's see who will score the first run!" exclaimed the commentator.
In Yakushi's dugout, Raizou was trembling with anger. He could feel the opponent's pride and ego radiating off of them. "Raichi, go out there and show them what our batting can do! How dare they look down on us like that?" he seethed.
"Don't worry, coach. Raichi will show them what we're made of. We trust in him, unlike these two brats," Rei said, holding an ear of Masuda and Kazuma in each hand. He pulled on them as punishment. "What have you guys been doing? Another team member will be added to the training camp tomorrow."
Kazuma and Masuda couldn't help but feel resentment towards Rei for constantly putting them in training camps. However, they failed to realize how much they had improved since the start of their rigorous training. Rei let out a sigh as he glanced at their frowns. Although he knew he was being hard on them all the time, he had no choice but to stand up and get things in order since the coach was so spineless. Especially since the team members had a lack of skills. What if he couldn't play one day? He wanted the team to be able to score and win without him. Although he had let the team play without him before, they had barely won by a single run. He knew he had to step up their training, and after watching this match, he knew exactly what to work on. They needed to realize how important they were to the team, especially since Yakushi had fewer members.
"I'm going now! Yosha! Wish me luck, Oyaji!" Raichi yelled cheerfully, placing his wooden bat on his shoulder as he made his way to the batter's box.
Rei wasn't worried about Raichi; he was the last person he would ever worry about.
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Since the start of the season, the opposing team had been unable to score a home run against Ouno. However, a scrappy team emerged with a talented player. What was he seeing that others could not?
With a resounding clang, the ball hit the backboard, causing a raucous uproar from the crowd, all cheering for Yakushi High. The commentator announced, "Raichi has scored a home run! Yakushi is now in the lead!"
Ouno was confused, "No way, this can't be true!" he exclaimed. He was bewildered as he remembered the ball passing him by. He realized that he needed to be cautious, especially when dealing with this batter's wide swings.
Raichi touched the bases and stepped on the home plate, officially scoring a run for Yakushi. This put Yakushi in the lead. Raichi entered the dugout with a smug look on his face, seeking praise. Everyone cheered him on, while Rei praised him and exempted him from the training camp. However, Raichi surprised everyone by wishing to join the training camp and denying Rei's exemption.
Raizou arrived and generously promised all of the team a feast to celebrate Raichi's impressive homerun in the match. His words uplifted the team's spirits and motivated them to continue with renewed energy and determination.
While Rei smiled, content with Raichi's attitude, though the other members were taken aback, not understanding why he would make such a decision. Rei then made an announcement, "How about this: I'll let you guys decide whether you want to come to the training camp and get strong or just sit in your hotel rooms and play games. The choice is yours." He grabbed his bat and entered the batting area leaving his speechless team members behind.
The commentator announced, "The ace pitcher, Rei Fujikawa, has entered the batting area! Is pitching the only thing he's good at, or is his batting also worth it?"
Rei strode confidently towards the batter's box, his grip tightening around his trusty bat as he prepared to showcase his Yakushi team's offensive prowess. As he took his position, Ouno delivered a pitch towards him.
A loud crack echoed through the stadium as the bat connected with the ball, causing Ouno's heart to skip a beat in fear as memories of the previous at-bat flooded his mind.
"Home run! Yakushi scores two home runs and takes the lead!" The announcer's voice boomed over the excited cheers of the crowd.
The Yakushi team was no longer the rag-tag group they had once been, and the ecstatic crowd was proof of their newfound strength and skill.
Rei rounded the bases with a mischievous grin, his teammates rushing to embrace him. However, he pushed them away with an expressionless face, refusing their touch. "Mishima, it's your turn now," he said, taking a seat on the bench. "That light jog tired me out," he taunted, mocking his teammates.
Sanada chuckled at Rei's antics, admiring his leadership skills and his ability to rally the team.
Mishima stepped up to the plate, taking his stance. But after several moments, no pitch came his way. He turned to the catcher in confusion, who called for a time-out and approached the pitcher. Something seemed to have happened to Ouno.
On the mound, Ouno muttered to himself in disbelief. "What just happened? Another home run...wasn't there one before?" The catcher approached him and offered words of encouragement, helping him regain his composure and continue the game.
In the Yakushi dugout, Rei observed the scene with a knowing smirk. He had planned to dominate the opponent with both their offense and defense, confident in his pitching skills and the strength of their batting lineup. If he and Raichi got their turns at the plate, this game would be over in no time.
Rei chuckled to himself, though he flinched slightly as Mishima was struck out. "Okay, another member added to the training camp," he sighed, shaking his head. The team laughed, knowing that Mishima would now have to endure the same rigorous training regimen as the rest of them.
"Strike! Batter out! Change!" The umpire's voice rang out, signaling the end of Mishima's turn at the plate.
