Kapitel 100: [100] Degree of Importance
Chapter 100: Degree of Importance
After Chris finished introducing all the information about Yakushi High School, Coach Kataoka took a step forward.
"This is a team that will continuously go on the offensive. Generally speaking, they don't use bunts," Coach Kataoka said gravely, standing in front of the Seidou High School team.
"But this also means it puts a lot of pressure on defense, especially on the pitcher's mound. Precisely because of this, we can't afford to back down. We need to face them with even more determination. Use the bats in your hands to crush their momentum. Understand!?"
"Yes, sir!!!"
"And now, about tomorrow's starting pitcher."
After saying this, Coach Kataoka paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the team, particularly focusing on the four pitchers.
At that moment, Eijun couldn't help but feel his heart tighten.
His hands, resting on his knees, unconsciously clenched into fists, and his breathing became a little quicker.
After Coach Kataoka's gaze lingered on Eijun for a second or two, it quickly shifted to Tanba.
"Tanba, you'll be the starting pitcher for tomorrow's game. As the team's ace, you need to show a spirit that won't lose to the opponent. Can you do that?" Coach Kataoka asked, staring sternly at Tanba.
"Yes, Coach!!!" A glimmer of joy flashed in Tanba's eyes, but it was soon replaced by a determined expression.
"Manaka, I can avenge you!!!"
This was a vow made for his close friend!
The third-year seniors around him all showed smiles of the same meaning.
"Haha, you're starting, Tanba. Don't mess up tomorrow," Isashiki Jun said with a big laugh, patting Tanba's shoulder.
"Good luck, Tanba," Yuuki smiled and said.
"Ugga!!!"
"Hehe, just like before, we're behind you," Kominato Ryosuke said with a warm smile.
The bond among the third-years was one built over time, based on trust and understanding.
On the other side, after Coach Kataoka announced the starting pitcher, both Eijun and Furuya wore expressions of clear disappointment.
As pitchers, their attachment to the mound was something others couldn't understand.
Up front, Miyuki and Chris exchanged glances, both showing a knowing look in their eyes.
"Kawakami, Sawamura, Furuya, the three of you should be ready to play at any time. Understood?" Coach Kataoka said, nodding slightly before turning his attention to the other three pitchers.
"Yes!!" Eijun and the other two responded loudly.
Eijun also adjusted his mood.
Actually, deep down, Eijun had already vaguely anticipated this outcome.
With Tanba uninjured, as the ace, both his experience and skills were undoubtedly the best among the four pitchers.
While his weaknesses were evident in some areas, in essence, for such a crucial game, starting the ace had the highest probability.
From a reliability standpoint, Tanba had accumulated two and a half years of experience, whereas Eijun had only been on the team for less than four months.
In critical situations, any coach would make the same choice.
"The game is at 10 a.m. After morning practice and breakfast, we'll meet at 8:30 and head to the field. Tonight, make sure you get enough sleep," Coach Kataoka said, giving the final instructions.
"Yes, sir!"
"That's all. Dismissed!"
"Yes, sir!!!"
Afterward, the team members left the dining hall in groups, heading back to their dormitories.
With the game tomorrow, tonight's individual training would naturally be reduced to ensure their bodies were in optimal condition, which was a vital part of the players' preparation.
"Coach?"
After everyone had left, Coach Kataoka specifically asked Chris to call Miyuki back.
At this moment, only Coach Kataoka, Chris, Rei Takashima, and Miyuki remained in the dining hall.
"How's Sawamura's pitch?"
After a long silence, Coach Kataoka gazed out at the night scene through the window and suddenly spoke in a calm tone.
Miyuki was slightly taken aback.
Then, he immediately realized what the coach was referring to—Eijun's recent progress with his new pitch, the changeup.
"Yes, it's going well," Miyuki replied softly.
Chris, standing nearby, also seemed to grasp something, a thoughtful expression briefly flashing across his eyes, while Rei Takashima maintained her faint smile throughout.
"Will it be useful on the field? In the game against Yakushi High School?" Coach Kataoka turned his head, his sharp gaze fixed on Miyuki as he asked this.
In truth, Eijun had misunderstood one thing.
In Coach Kataoka's mind, Eijun's current skill level was no longer inferior to Tanba Koichiro's.
Especially when considering Eijun's personality, the characteristics of his fastball, and various other factors.
As far as the coach was concerned, Eijun, as a pitcher, might even be ranked first at this moment.
Of course, in terms of experience and teamwork, Eijun still couldn't match Tanba.
These were the main reasons Coach Kataoka chose Tanba to start the game. As for raw skill and tenacity, Coach Kataoka actually favored Eijun more.
That was why this conversation was happening.
Coach Kataoka had a strong premonition that tomorrow's game would be anything but easy.
Rather than a slugfest, it was more likely to turn into a pitcher's duel.
Coach Kataoka knew he had to be fully prepared. In sports, victory or defeat is absolute, and that was its greatest cruelty.
And the key to that preparation was Eijun.
As for Furuya, his pitch variety and control were too limited, and stamina was a significant issue.
Against Yakushi's lineup, he might not last even one round without giving up runs.
Kawakami had the necessary skill, but his temperament was a concern, something only Coach Kataoka, as the head coach, was fully aware of.
If the game was stable, Kawakami would be fine.
But in a dire situation, Kawakami couldn't be trusted to handle the pressure—putting him in might only make things worse.
In the original games against Yakushi and Inashiro Industrial, when they needed Kawakami to close out the games, he crumbled under pressure.
His failure might have been partly due to a lack of skill, but it was mainly his fragile mindset and inability to stay composed that led to his downfall.
"I believe he can," Miyuki replied.
The coach's question had caused a subtle change in Miyuki's expression, but after a few seconds of thought, he lifted his head with a firm look in his eyes, nodding resolutely.
"I see," Coach Kataoka nodded slightly after a brief silence.
"Tomorrow, I'll leave guiding them up to you, Miyuki."
"Understood, Coach!"
The night was quiet, and the summer breeze gently blew.
The height of summer was approaching, and the battle was near!
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