"Woah!"
"Awesome!"
Exclaimed the people gathered in the gallery seeing Rei hit a home run.
"Why don't you learn from Rei", said Miyuki.
"Shut up!", said Sawamura.
"But you're still useful in batting since you're a bunt master", said Miyuki.
Sawamura grunted in response.
Rei had been working his but off to increase his stats and skills since they were going to be playing Inashiro in a day.
Nerve-wracking that's how Rei was feeling currently. Thankfully his emotions didn't affect his skills.
"Let's go we're having a meeting", said Harucchi approaching Rei.
"…Sure…", said Rei wiping sweat off his forehead.
In the Cafeteria.
"We have to watch out for their clean-up", said Chris.
All of the pitchers nodded.
"We really have to be cautious because Inashiro will do anything to win just like last year", said Chris.
"They're a professional team after all", said Miyuki.
Kawakami gulped nervously.
"Anyways, don't let them ever get on base", said Chris.
As the meeting was about to end Sawamura said, "I want to learn a breaking ball", shocking Chris and Miyuki.
Ignoring Sawamura, they started to walk away.
"Wait…why don't you hear him out", said Rei enjoying this situation.
Sighing Miyuki came toward Sawamura and said, "What kind of breaking ball did you have in mind".
"Cutter", said Sawamura.
"You, do you want to be like Sanada", said Rei chuckling.
"N-No…Maybe. Ok, I do, and what's so wrong about it? He pitches like me", said Sawamura.
"It's good to admire people, that you can't ever reach", said Rei patting Sawamura lightly.
Sawamura frowned.
"If it's a cutter then you've thrown it before. But you need to practice before you throw it again", said Miyuki.
"Yeah, never know if the pitch will backfire on you or not during the match. So better practice it", said Rei.
Sawamura nodded.
Evening Practice, in the bullpen.
"Throw a 2-seamer", said Miyuki.
Rei nodded and threw one perfectly in the strike zone.
"Nice Pitch!", said Miyuki catching it.
"Next, Forkball", said Miyuki.
Rei nodded taking his pitching form.
Kataoka and Takashima nodded observing the pitching skills Rei was displaying.
"Why are you in the bullpen? Don't tell me you're on the 1st string", said Asuma appearing out of nowhere.
"You're the person I struck out before! Chubby Senpai!", said Sawamura surprised to see Asuma.
"I-I can't…Chubby Senpai…bwahahaha", laughed Rei holding his stomach.
"As expected, Sawamura's nicknames are the best", said Rei laughing.
"Calm down", said Miyuki.
"Look how soft it is", said Sawamura touching Asuma's stomach,
Rei started laughing more seeing this, he couldn't control himself.
"Who's this person laughing maniacally?", said Asuma pointing at Rei.
"He's our pitcher, Rei", said Miyuki.
"HE IS…", said Asuma surprised.
"Well. He has his moments", said Miyuki.
"I've heard about him. Doesn't seem like much", said Asuma.
Rei stopped laughing as soon as he heard this.
Furuya was astonished witnessing Rei's quick change of emotions.
"Oh Really…", said Rei chuckling in disbelief.
Asuma nodded confidently.
"How about I take you on?", said Rei.
"Interesting!", said Asuma.
After a few minutes, Asuma and Rei were ready standing in their positions.
Miyuki nodded and signaled for a 2-seamer to the outside corner.
Rei nodded and winded up his glove, took his pitching position, swung back his arm with force, and released the ball aiming toward the mitt.
Asuma's eyes widened seeing the ball coming toward him. He swung and missed.
"His form…his pitch. I have no words to describe it. Even in Pro's, it's hard to see," thought Asuma.
Rei smirked, "I still got this. Well, Asuma is still lousy for a pro", he thought.
For the next 2 pitches, Asuma jammed and missed the pitches thrown by Rei.
Chris and Miyuki smiled seeing Rei strike Asuma out.
*****
By now Kuramochi had found out about Ryosuke's injury. He was surprised by the fact that Ryou-san was defending as if nothing happened.
When Kuramochi asked Ryosuke about his injury.
Ryosuke said that he will be fine for the game and to not worry.
Kuramochi still was feeling a little anxious but seeing Ryosuke defend perfectly calmed him down a little.
*****
"How is it, our weapon", said Chris.
Asuma grunted and said, "Not bad".
"Why are we even asking someone who was struck out by him", said Miyuki.
"Are you really a pro", commented Rei.
Kataoka nodded agreeing with them.
"This year you guys might even make it to Koshien", said Asuma.
Everyone smiled in response. They all hoped so.
*****
At night in the meeting room.
"That's it for tomorrow's starting lineup", said Kataoka.
"Yes, Sir!", yelled the players simultaneously.
"Tanba will start and then Rei. Kawakami, Sawamura, and Furuya warm up your shoulder if the situation calls for it", said Kataoka.
"I Sawamura will surely live up to your expectations—", said Sawamura.
"Dismissed", said Kataoka.
"Yes, Sir!", yelled the players simultaneously.
"The Game is totally going to depend on how well Rei and Tanba are going to pitch. I have seen Tanba get a lot of walks recently but surprisingly I haven't seen Rei mess up yet. In the end, everyone must give their best against someone like Mei in tomorrow's match", thought Miyuki sighing.
*****
Everyone was practicing and getting ready for tomorrow's match. Using whatever way such as Rei who had a lucky charm.
In Rei's dorm.
"What's that", said Kanemaru pointing at Rei's pillow.
"Nothing…", said Rei hiding a pin under his pillow.
Kanemaru glared at him suspiciously.
Rei had a lucky ritual that he did before a game. It calmed him down. He had a pin that his mother gifted him before he moved to the dorms.
Speaking of his mother, Rei's family will be coming to watch the finals.
Rei smiled; he couldn't wait to meet them after so long.
Getting ready to sleep, Rei hoped that tomorrow's match didn't mess up. Knowing about the things that could happen, Rei was nervous, but he will try his best to contribute during the match and prevent anything from going awry.
******
The Next Day, National High School Baseball Championship Tokyo Qualifiers.
Inashiro Vocational Vs. Seidou.
*****
Current Status:
[Status
Name: Rei Fujikawa
Position: Pitcher
Current level: 2
Coins: 0
Speed: 25.5 (Can only be increased through practice)
Strength: 55+
Balance: 55+
Flexibility: 55+
Grip: 28 (Can only be increased through practice)
(Skills)
Four-seam Fastball (level 8/10)
Hitting (Level 7/10)
Cold- Heart (Level 8/10)
Cutter Ball (Level 8/10)
Two-seam Fastball (level 8/10)
Forkball (6/10)
Comment: A Budding Pitcher]
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
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In The Audience.
"OOO, I found a seat here!", yelled Chiaki signaling Reiji and his father to come to sit near her.
"Why was I dragged here? It's not like I don't want to see my son's match, but I had to go practice with the girls", he thought while sitting down beside his wife.
"What are you doing? Have a smile on your face. You're going to see your son pitch and you should be proud he made it to the finals. We are here to cheer him up so smile!", said the grandfather hitting Reiji's back.
"Hai…Hai", said Reiji forcefully smiling.
"I'm so excited to see Rei on the field", said Chiaki squealing.
Reiji smiled and nodded toward his wife.
"I hope you win, son", he thought.
*****
"Seido will be batting in the top of the 1st and Inashiro will be batting in the bottom. I wish you luck", said the umpire.
"Yes", said Harada and Yuuki while glaring at each other.
After a while, Seido entered the field. People cheered calling out their names, especially Chiaki who was yelling and clapping when she saw her son on the field. Reiji cursed his son internally since he was dragged here.
"ACHOO!", sneezed Rei.
"You okay", said Harucchi.
"…yeah, just felt like someone was cursing me behind my back", said Rei.
*****
In Inashiro's Dugout.
"So, they're bringing Tanba out first, huh? Didn't see that coming", said Hideaki.
"I know, right!", said Tsubasa chuckling.
"Doesn't matter who starts since we just have to crush them", said Carlos.
"Mei, you, ok? The look on your face worries me", said Harada.
"Me! Don't worry. After all, I am the best pitcher in the country. Have some trust. I just can't wait to go and crush Kazuya completely", said Mei.
*****
In the Field. Both teams got ready by going to their positions.
"We must wait for meatballs and corner Narumiya. It's hot so we can tire him out", said Kataoka.
All the players agreed except Rei.
"I feel like if we wait for meatballs our chances of scoring are going to decrease. Ah, whatever. I'll just hit it if I think it's going to hit deep", he thought shrugging.
After a few minutes.
"Batting for Seido in the top of the 1st is their leadoff hitter and shortstop, Kuramochi", said the announcer.
Kuramochi stood in the left box and got into his batting stance.
Mei was caught off guard seeing Kuramochi there. He was a little nervous going against Kuramochi since he was the type of person you wouldn't want on a base.
Mei threw 2 balls and 1 strike.
Kuramochi swung on the strike but for the others, he didn't.
Mei and Harada couldn't figure out what he was doing.
Mei threw 2 more balls and ended up walking him.
Kuramochi gladly jogged to the 1st base.
Ryosuke came to bat next. He hit the ball towards the 2nd baseman.
Kuramochi quickly ran as soon as Ryosuke hit the ball. He safely made It to the 3rd base.
The 2nd baseman caught the ball and threw it to 1st base but fortunately it wasn't on time.
"Safe!", said the umpire. Ryosuke safely made It to the 1st base.
"TSK!", Mei clicked his tongue seeing 2 bases full in the 1st inning. He was even more concerned, knowing who the next batter would be.
Yuuki came to bat next and the Seido's supporters were in uproar seeing him come to the batter's box.
"YUUUUKIII!!".
"TETSUU!".
"HIT IT".
Inashiro's outfielders moved more towards the outside. Since Yuuki hit deep and had a powerful swing.
Mei and Harada nodded toward each other.
Mei threw a changeup.
Yuuki didn't even react and just observed.
In Seido's Dugout.
"That's definitely hard to hit", said Sawamura.
"Didn't expect Mei to use a change-up in the first inning", said Miyuki chuckling.
"I don't think there's any need to worry. Since Yuuki senpai will definitely hit it", said Rei.
"DID YOU HEAR? WE BELIEVE IN YOU GENERAL!", yelled Sawamura.
Back in the field.
"Calm down, Mei. Don't get so easily provoked", thought Harada seeing Mei's expression.
Harada signaled for a change-up to the outside corner.
Mei nodded and threw it.
Yuki saw the same pitch pattern and hit it.
The ball went straight hitting the left-field fence.
Harada and Mei were shocked.
Kuramochi made it home, Ryosuke made it to the 3rd base and Yuuki made it to the 2nd base.
In Seido's Dugout.
"I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT, KURAMOCHI SENPAI!" yelled Sawamura, seeing Kuramochi return to the dugout.
Rei gave Kuramochi a thumbs up.
"Shut up!", said Kuramochi.
Back in the Field.
Miyuki came to bat next.
Narumiya pitched and Miyuki was jammed while hitting the pitch.
Unfortunately, Riku, the 1st baseman caught the ball.
"OUT", said the umpire.
"DON'T MIND", said Sawamura from the dugout.
Masuko came to bat next. He was struck out by Narumiya.
"OUT", said the umpire.
In Seido's Dugout.
"He's getting aggressive now", said Harucchi.
"Well, what do you expect we scored off of him already", said Rei.
Nodding aggressively, Sawamura said, "As expected of Yuuki senpai. He's dangerous".
Back in the Field.
Jun was up to bat next. He was instructed to bunt by the coach.
Mei knew what he was aiming for as it was obvious. "As if I'll let you", he thought throwing the pitch.
Jun closed his eyes and luckily touched the ball dumbfounding Mei.
The ball rolled on the ground close to him.
Jun made it to the 1st base safely. Ryosuke made it home and Yuuki made it to the 3rd base.
Tanba came to bat next and was struck out aggressively.
"3 OUTS. CHANGE", said the umpire.
[Score:
Seido- 2-
Inashiro-]
"How was it, Mei's changeup", asked Miyuki.
"Easy. Once you get the hang of it", said Yuki.
"You're such a showoff. Yuki Senpai", said Kuramochi.
"It's good that we scored first", said Chris.
Everyone nodded agreeing with him.
"Tanba. Get ready", said Kataoka.
"Yes Sir!", yelled Tanba.
A few minutes later. Seeing Tanba going to the mound the audience cheered.
"ACE!".
"FINALLY, THE ACE IS PITCHING".
"TANBA-SAN".
Taking his position Tanba exhaled and inhaled preparing himself.
"We will defend you with everything we've got", said Ryosuke reassuring Tanba.
"YAAHAA…for sure", said Kuramochi.
"let's do our best. For our last year", said Yuuki.
"Tanba doesn't look out of shape currently. Now let's see how well Tanba is going to pitch this match", thought Miyuki taking his catcher position.
Carlos came to bat and looking at Tanba he thought mockingly, "Seido's ace doesn't have the same skills as he did before". He was clearly underestimating him.
*****
We hit Chapter 50 🥳.
Yayy!! 🥳
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
Like it ? Add to library!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
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