Chapter 25: Pressure
Sawamura was having trouble with his pitching as usual. He didn't understand why this was happening to him during such an important match.
Kataoka gave Chris a chance and let him form a battery with Sawamura.
When Chris came to the field the match went back on track.
Sawamura's pitching improved because of Chris senpai's play and catching skills.
All the 3rd years who were previously in the 1st string with Chris came to watch the match because he was catching.
In the weight room.
"What's this? Not going to see the game, Miya?", said Ryosuke.
"Not interested in a second-string game", said Miyauchi.
"You don't need another catcher fighting for first-string, huh?", said Ryosuke.
"Don't read my mind", said Miyauchi.
In the Audience.
Rei was sitting and watching the match while eating popcorn. He was watching this match from the beginning since he knew Chris Senpai was going to catch in it.
He wanted to witness Chris Senpai's catching skills.
Rei was amazed to see Chris Senpai on the field. His plays and how he brought out the potential of the pitcher proved how much skill Chris Senpai had.
So far Rei had been observing every match 2nd string or 1st string. When they were important matches such as this, he would always try to examine every player's skill.
He was doing this because he had to take in every factor and improve his team so that they can aim for the Koshien this year. He knew for a fact that if he didn't make a change in the current team, they would lose as they did in the anime.
Of course, him being on the team would have a big change but right now, he was still improving and had weaknesses.
The match continued and Chris started having problems with his shoulder.
In the audience.
"As expected, it's a shame that his shoulder is acting up again. I was hoping that something would have changed, but I guess not", thought Rei grimily.
Rei walked out of the field because he couldn't see Chris Senpai struggle. He was even more determined to achieve his goal now.
After the match ended, the 1st string members wondered which 2 players the Coach will be taking into the 1st string.
At night.
Kataoka had decided which players he would be taking.
After a while in a room, all the players gathered.
Kataoka was going to announce the players who are promoting.
The 2 players selected are, Sawamura Eijun and Kominato Haruichi.
While the melodrama was going on, Rei was practicing his batting in the practice field.
As previously said, he is grinding this skill.
In the Dorms.
Rei came out of the bathroom freshened up.
He saw Chris Senpai as he came out laying on his bed in a daze.
"Senpai, I wanted to ask you something", said Rei approaching Chris.
"What?", said Chris curiously getting out of his daze.
"Why did you go on the field, if your shoulder still wasn't fully healed", said Rei frustratingly. He didn't understand why people did such things and put their careers in danger.
"I don't regret anything even though I risked my shoulder. I'm grateful the coach even agreed to put me in the game", said Chris smiling while walking toward the door.
Rei was feeling disappointed with this because during these past few months he had gotten quite close to Chris.
"Now it's your turn. You do know how much baseball talent you have right? Hone this talent and strike out many batters. I'll come to see your matches", said Chris.
Rei nodded feeling relieved by Chris Senpai's words.
"Make this summer long, Rei", said Chris as he left the room leaving Rei sullen.
The Next Day, morning practice.
Rei was running using all his speed with 3 tires attached and he kept muttering, "Ace, Ace, Ace...".
"Is something wrong with Rei lately? He seems fired up for some reason. He really wants the Ace number doesn't he", said Miyuki.
"Isn't it a good thing? He's way better than that baka", said Chris pointing towards Sawamura who was struggling with his fielding.
Miyuki laughed and nodded agreeing with Chris.
In the dugout of the field, Kataoka, Director Oota, and Takashima were discussing about the ace situation.
"Is it because Tanba isn't doing so good that you brought another pitcher up to the 1st string? Even though we have Rei and Furuya already", said Director Oota.
"The number of strikeouts or the number of hits is irrelevant. In high school baseball, where one loss is the end, we're not looking for the numbers. No matter how ugly the pitching is, it's fine if it makes us win. That's the kind of ace I'm looking for. So, if you ask me, we don't have one on our team right now. We'll have to grow them into aces during the upcoming camp and throughout the tournament. If the pitcher is on a roll, I'll let him play, regardless of his age", said Kataoka.
At night in the dorms.
Rei got up past midnight and grabbed his bat.
"You're practicing again today too? I've seen you leaving at night recently", said Kanemaru laying on his bed.
Rei was silent in response.
"Why are you even practicing batting like this? We have other amazing batters on our team, what's got you this riled up? ", said Kanemaru frustratingly. Seeing Rei like this made him angry for some reason. He felt incompetent comparing himself to Rei and he couldn't even hate him for it because he sees how much training and practicing Rei does.
"I'll be back", said Rei shutting the door behind him.
Kanemaru sighed seeing Rei leave.
Walking outside toward the field, Rei felt pressured as the summer tournament came closer. He knew the result of the tournament and seeing people near him have high hopes for the tournament was upsetting. That is why he is trying his best to raise his hitting level so he can score and help the team.
Rei was planning to tell Miyuki and Chris about the cutter ball during the Pre-Summer Training Camp because they could help him raise his efficiency with it.
As Rei was walking to the field, he heard voices talking which he found weird since it was past midnight.
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