Morning sunlight filtered through the windows as Eijun walked the hallways of Seidou High, his eyes taking in the newness of it all. The school bustled with students, each occupied with their own worlds, some chatting in clusters, others hurrying to class. But his mind was fixed elsewhere. The previous day's practice with Miyuki had rekindled a fire within him, reminding him of the thrill of baseball and the satisfaction of nailing each pitch.
When he arrived at the practice field after school, the intensity of the Seidou baseball team struck him anew. Players were scattered around the field, each intensely focused, either fielding, batting, or pitching, with coaches watching carefully, making notes, and shouting corrections. Goro had seen his share of practices in his old life, but there was something about Seidou's discipline that was different—a sense of unity and determination that went beyond individual ambition.
"Hey, Sawamura!" A voice called out, and he turned to see one of the upperclassmen, Haruichi Kominato, waving him over with a smile. Haruichi had introduced himself the day before, and Eijun could tell there was something sharp behind that polite demeanor.
"Yo, Kominato!" he replied, trying to sound casual, though he could feel his excitement building.
"Ready to get started?" Haruichi asked, handing him a practice glove. "You'll want to warm up with the rookies first. Coach says they're going to have the first-years work on fielding drills today before they start letting you throw."
Eijun nodded, a grin spreading across his face. Drills were fine by him—he could learn the ropes and feel out the competition. He followed Haruichi over to the other first-years, a mixture of fresh faces eager to prove themselves. Some looked determined, while others eyed him warily, sizing up the newcomer.
As he jogged onto the field, he noticed several seniors watching from the sidelines, including Miyuki. Their eyes were focused, calculating, and Eijun felt a prickle of challenge under their stares. He knew they weren't just here to support the new guys; they were here to see who had the potential to join the ranks of Seidou's elite.
"All right, rookies!" The assistant coach clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "First, we'll run some agility drills. We need everyone sharp and alert. Remember, baseball is about speed, focus, and quick reactions."
Eijun joined the line with the others, his heart pounding as he prepared for the drill. This was the first step in showing them what he could do. He launched into the drill, his legs moving with muscle memory he'd built over years of training, sidestepping cones, reacting to the coach's whistle, his focus narrowing with each movement. He felt the thrill of competition, of testing his limits, and he could tell from the looks of the other first-years that he was setting a pace.
After drills, they moved on to fielding practice. Eijun took his position at second base, crouching low, his eyes scanning the coach's hand as he prepared to throw the ball. When the ball came his way, he darted forward, his body moving with a natural fluidity that surprised him. His glove connected with the ball almost instinctively, and he quickly flipped it to the player at first.
"Nice, Sawamura!" one of the other first-years said, impressed.
He gave a small nod, though his mind was already focused on the next play. Every movement, every throw, every drill—it felt like rediscovering parts of himself he hadn't realized he'd missed.
"Okay, now for some pitching work," the assistant coach announced, gesturing to Eijun and two other first-years. They lined up, and Eijun's heart thudded. Finally, he'd get to step onto the mound, to feel that familiar control as the ball left his hand.
As he took his place on the mound, he noticed Miyuki taking his position as catcher again, his sharp eyes trained on Eijun. This time, though, Eijun felt no nervousness. He was ready.
"Show me what you've got, Sawamura," Miyuki called, a smirk playing on his lips.
Eijun's grip tightened on the ball, his mind clearing as he focused on the target Miyuki was holding. He wound up, feeling the mechanics of the pitch fall into place, and released the ball with everything he had. It flew through the air, faster and sharper than the previous day's throws, and landed squarely in Miyuki's mitt with a resounding smack.
Miyuki raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Good. Better than yesterday. Keep that form up, and you might actually have a shot."
The assistant coach watched carefully, taking notes on a clipboard, and Eijun felt a surge of pride. He was making an impression. The life of Goro Honda may have ended, but here, as Sawamura Eijun, he had another shot—a fresh beginning to chase his dreams with new challenges.
After practice, Eijun lingered on the field, savoring the feeling of standing on the mound as the sun dipped below the horizon. This was his life now, and for the first time, he felt a deep contentment that eased the ache of his past.
The other players trickled off the field, heading back toward the dorms. Miyuki came up behind him, slinging his mitt over his shoulder. "Not bad, Sawamura. Keep that up, and you might just give the other pitchers a run for their money."
"Count on it!" Eijun replied with a grin, the determination in his eyes unmistakable.
Miyuki chuckled. "Let's see how you feel after a few more grueling practices. Welcome to Seidou." With a casual wave, Miyuki headed off, leaving Eijun alone with his thoughts.
As Eijun watched the empty field before him, he clenched his fists, his heart swelling with anticipation. This was his second chance, a new opportunity to carve his own path, and he was ready to throw every pitch with everything he had.
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