5 Chapter 5

[We'll now begin the 89th National highschool Championship, the Rokyo tournament of East and West!!]

Teams from all the participating schools stood at the ground as the opeing ceremony commenced. The sheer number was stunning. I going to have fun crushing them. A bit cruel, but, in knockout tournaments, you either win and crush the opponent or lose. And despite what happened in the canon, I had no intentions of letting that happen.

Our first opponent was selecred to be Maimon West High School.

As everyone was sitting in the club room, Chris read from his notes and said, "Number 1, A left-handed overthrow, Kikunaga Masaaki. His speed is around 120 Kmph. For breaking balls, he's got the curve and a slider. This summer he was chosen as the ace in his second year. In his first year, he protected the outer field. His control isn't all that good. Their batting order uses a lot of bunts and they rarely make any mistakes in fielding. They give off the impression that they're a defensive team that grabs one chance firmly and then protects it until the end."

When Chris finished, Kataoka addressed us.

"They took a first victory and are in full gear. So, don't ever let your guard down. Whoever the opponent is, we'll give our best. Also, the starting pitcher for the first game will be first-year, Furuya."

'What?!'

Shock wouldn't even begin to describe my state of mind in that moment.

Kataoka continued and said, "I'm sure you know the importance of the first game. But, for is to keep winning this summer, we'll need a back up pitcher. Kawakami! Be ready to pitch at any time. I can only ask this important role of you."

'This... is ridiculous!!'

I was fuming as I sat and listened to the coach. I couldn't believe it. I had performed better than all in both pitching and batting. Yet, Kataoka didn't even look at me.

I was disappointed and left quietly as my anger was beginning to get the better of me. I don't remember hearing anyone call out for me and frankly, I didn't care. That night, I practiced pitching against the net until my pitches tore through it.

Next day, the match began with us batting first. Given that I wasn't even considered for pitching, I was caught by surprise when I was put in the batting order after Miyuki.

Maimon High had chosen a third year, Minamidaira Mamoru, to be the starting pitcher, not the ace. The third year had a unique form of pitching, the submerine. Pitchers who throw with the submerine form are rare and their pitches are relatively slow.

Kuramochi let go of the first two pitches that ended into strikes. The third pitch, he swung and missed and was out.

Meanwhile, I sat inside the bullpen with an unreadable expression on my face. But, anyone smart enough could tell that I was a raging wildfire inside. I was sure that Kataoka was aware and there was palpable tension around us.

'Did I do something wrong?'

Batting at second, Kominato Ryou sent the ball towards third base while Isashiki hit a fly ball that was easily caught.

The spectators were impressed by Maimon managing to end out first inning so quickly. It was time for us to pitch and I was sent to the outfield.

Furuya's pitches, to put it bluntly, scared the bejeezus out of Maimon batters. I watched as the lanky boy stood on the mound that was supposed to be mine. My frustration was a raging fire inside me.

Furuya's pitches were fast and had a lot of momentum, but, in the end, his control was all over the place. Was it not for the fact that the batters were scared and swung in fear, they could have managed to get walks quite easily.

Alas, the batters were too afraid to think and we soundly ended their first inning.

Our second inning started with none other than Yuuki, our captain and the clean up.

Yuuki was like a fortress. Calm and unshakable yet ready to unleash the strength or an army.

He struck the ball hard on the second pitch, sending it to the outer field through the gap of the left shift.

Back in the bullpen, Kataoka instructed, "We don't need big hits. Slip by their defence with strong and low hits!"

I stayed silent. Some things are better expressed by actions.

As Matsuko sent the ball through to the out field, we had two runners on first and thrid base. Next came Miyuki who swung at the first pitch and got a successful hit. Yuuki made it home and Matsuko, despite his size, managed to reach third base.

As I made my way to the home plate, I recieved no instructions from Kataoka and nor did I stop to recieve any. I was beginning to understand his plan.

[Batter lvl: B0]

'When you face someone far inferior than yoursef...'

*CLANG*

[And it's out of here!!!!]

'... You don't grace them with your dance. For they are simply.. unworthy.'

(RE:PLAYBALL)

A/N: Sorry. Been busy. Tests at college.