32 32: The First Inter-Squad Scrimmage

A/N:

"If we can reach 150 power stones, I promise to upload daily. To make up for the weeks I missed, I'll also upload five chapters today."

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"One, two, one, two..."

After completing the systematic training, Eijun proceeded with his individual practice following the daily regimen provided by Chris. In this regard, Chris had already communicated with the coaching staff.

"Other than increasing lower-body stabilization exercises, the focus remains on muscle training. In that regard, it's not much different from the original work..."

Eijun pondered silently as he carried out the corresponding training routines.

Muscle training would help him better control the strength in his arm, refine the sensation in his fingertips, and enhance his command of the ball. At this stage, Chris's primary objective was to encourage Eijun to further hone his peculiar pitching style and improve his command.

However, being familiar with the original storyline, Eijun knew that the ultimate evolution of his peculiar pitches would likely involve various variations, akin to the Numbers series introduced in the original during his second year.

Nevertheless, Eijun was well aware that it was too early for him at this point.

Not only was his command lacking, but it also placed a significant physical burden on him, and he lacked the necessary experience.

He knew that achieving Numbers was not as simple as changing one's grip on the ball.

If that's the case, Eijun realized he hadn't reached that stage in the original work either, where he had perfected those pitch types.

For now, he needed to focus on accumulation—strengthening his command, enhancing his pitching repertoire, and refining his current decisive pitch, the Cutter, making it even more cunning and sharp.

He needed to work with the weapons he currently had, honing them to a razor's edge. Eijun believed that this summer, he could unquestionably become an indispensable asset to the team.

Of course, there was also the changeup, a pitch he could supposedly master in just one night, and it was said to be the one that suited him best. He could start experimenting with it slightly this summer, although it was still early. When his command improved further and he could confidently place it on the inside and outside corners, then he could start trying it out.

"Sawamura."

As Eijun trained while planning his future schedule, a calm yet gentle voice reached his ears.

Eijun's face quickly broke into a smile as he looked at the person approaching.

With a brilliant smile, he greeted, "Good morning, Chris senpai!"

"Well, I came here today to inform you about something. Tomorrow, on Saturday, we will have a doubleheader practice match. The first string will face Teitou High School, and as for the second string, we'll be up against Komadai High School. What's confirmed is that you'll be the starting pitcher, planning for around four innings. Of course, depending on the situation, you might come out early or continue pitching. This is your opportunity; make the most of it."

In the short three or four days they had spent together, unlike the circumstances in the original work, Eijun and Chris had been getting along exceptionally well from the start. Had they completely resolved their differences? Not quite, but with continuous interaction and growing closer, Chris had been subtly influenced by Eijun. His optimism and sunny smile were infectious.

Moreover, when he looked at Eijun, Chris could clearly see shades of himself during that period. Naturally, a visible sense of closeness developed between them.

Eijun, too, was aware of the evolving dynamic between him and Chris. Seeing Chris's occasional moments of brightness instead of perpetual contemplation filled him with immense satisfaction.

"Tomorrow?" Upon hearing the word "match," a peculiar gleam flickered in Eijun's eyes. His bright expression brought a slight smile to Chris's lips.

This change in Chris brought even more joy to Eijun, who had been paying close attention. It was a change he was happy to see.

Suddenly, Eijun's eyes lit up as if he had just realized something.

"Chris senpai, does that mean if I perform well, there's a chance for a complete game?" Eijun's eyes sparkled as he looked at Chris with a hint of eagerness in his tone.

"Heh, well, it depends on your performance," Chris replied with a hint of amusement, looking at Eijun, who seemed like a child in that moment, and letting out a light chuckle.

Chris's smile caused Eijun to be momentarily surprised and blush slightly.

Eijun playfully scratched the back of his head. "I'll prepare well."

"Good!"

The first practice game? It was his first time representing Seidou High School in a game, even if it was just in the second string. There could be no room for complacency. He had to face tomorrow's game with a perfect mindset!

Eijun clenched his left hand into a fist, thinking determinedly in his heart.

The next day, at Seidou High School's baseball field.

"Today, there are two practice games, right?"

"Yeah, it's the first string against Teitou High School, and then the second string against Komadai, I think."

"The second string? Isn't Komadai pretty strong? It's daring of Coach Kataoka to send the second string."

"Haha, well, we're one of the Big Three in the West Tokyo area, after all. We almost defeated Yokohama in the Kanto Tournament. We need to have some confidence."

"That's true. That game was really exciting. Unfortunately, I couldn't be there in person, but watching the recording got me pumped."

"So, who's starting for the first and second strings?"

"For the first string, it's probably Tanba, and Furuya should be next. As for the second string, it's Sawamura."

"Oh, Sawamura?"

"Tsk tsk, it looks like both games will be worth watching."

"Yes, indeed."

Early on the A-side and B-side fields of Seidou High School, a crowd had gathered, making the area around the baseball field incredibly crowded. It was the weekend, and Seidou High School was hosting two practice games, one of which was against the reigning champion of East Tokyo, Teitou High School.

On the B-side field, near the first base, Eijun Sawamura was conducting final pre-game checks and comparisons with Ono Hiroshi, who was starting today.

"So, we'll go with this signal," Ono Hiroshi said solemnly. "Your tricky pitches can be challenging, but I'll do my best to guide you."

"Yes, Senpai," Eijun nodded, his expression equally serious.

"Eijun-kun, pitch your best," Haruichi said with a smile.

"Sawamura, if the leadoff batter is a cleanup hitter, I'll take care of you when I come down." First baseman Kenta Maezono shouted loudly.

"Sawamura, don't rush, take it one at a time," Nakata Ataru softly advised.

"Haha, take it slow, take it slow. Just show the same strength you did in the Red-White scrimmage, alright? Alright?" Another senpai smiled and said to Eijun.

"Yes, I'll give it my all! Let's win this game together with all of you!!" Eijun's face lit up with confidence as he clenched his left fist and shouted loudly.

"Alright, let's get started!!"

"Woohoo!!!"

On the third base side, at Komadai High School's bench.

"Hmph, Teitou is the first string, and they're treating us as the second string? Seidou's got some nerve," Komadai's catcher couldn't help but snort.

"And the pitcher is a first-year? They're looking down on us like this?" The third baseman in the third spot was clearly filled with anger.

"The reigning champions, Seidou? They really are arrogant," Komadai's ace pitcher showed his visible frustration.

"If they've got that much nerve, then let's teach these guys a lesson."

"Woohoo!!!"

Summer quietly arrived, and in preparation for the summer season, all teams were making their final preparations and adjustments.

Eijun Sawamura was also about to embark on his first high school battle of the summer season!!!!