Chapitre 26: Pre-Summer Camp, Start!

In the Weight room at night.

"Practice isn't about aimlessly working hard. You have to learn how to rest. Do you want to end up like me? It's not bad to have the responsibility of a first-string player. However, you don't need to shoulder everything by yourself. So do a light workout today. Okay?", said Chris.

Sawamura started crying and said teary-eyed, "Chris senpai I…"

"Jeez, you're quite a handful", said Chris seeing Sawamura cry.

"What are you guys doing…", asked Rei standing at the door ruining the moment.

There was silence in the room as everyone stared at him dumbfounded.

"YAAHAA…Thanks for changing the atmosphere, Rei, I was about to cry too", said Kuramochi.

"I-I…What?", said Rei confused.

"Uh…I forgot to call you here. Hahaha…", said Miyuki laughing awkwardly.

Rei ignored him and muttered, "Betrayer" under his breath.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY…I didn't hear you", said Miyuki.

Rei walked away from Miyuki.

"Where are you running away?", said Miyuki as he followed Rei.

"I want to discuss something important", said Rei approaching Chris. Miyuki was behind Rei and was overhearing their conversation. Which Rei didn't mind.

"What kind of news?", asked Chris curiously.

"I recently learned a new pitch", said Rei surprising everyone in the room.

Chris was shocked but didn't show it on his face. "Which pitch and how efficiently can you pitch it", he asked.

"Cutter. I just recently learned it so I'm not that efficient with it", said Rei.

"How about you show it to us", said Chris.

Rei nodded agreeing with Chris's suggestion.

After 10 minutes.

Rei was preparing to throw his 'new' pitch while Miyuki was ready to catch his pitch.

"Go ahead and show me your new pitch", said Chris observing from the sidelines and gesturing for Rei to start.

Rei nodded and took his pitching position, held the ball in a new way, swung back his arm with force, and released the ball aiming toward the mitt.

The ball went 100 KM hitting the strike zone.

(Authors Note: Rei's speed is 150 KM with the fastball but if he levels up the cutter, he should be back to 150 KM. His speed is 100 because the cutter pitch isn't leveled up yet.)

Everyone was shocked and happy for Rei as he learned a new pitch.

"Oy, oy, oy, Tanba-san is in trouble. Why are this year's 1st year's so talented?", thought Kuramochi.

"That's why I love this kid, he always throws to where my mitt is", thought Miyuki.

Sawamura and Furuya were dumbfounded at Rei's revelation.

He had gotten ahead of them again by going and learning a new pitch.

Pitches are easy to learn but hard to master. For example, in Sawamura's numbers, he had a lot of grips and techniques for his pitches, but he couldn't throw a strike with them because he hadn't mastered them.

"Awesome…", said Sawamura with twinkling eyes.

"Eijun-Kun that's going to be hard to beat", thought Harucchi.

"I bet I could hit a home run on it", thought Masuko and Zono.

"You were too quick on learning a new pitch, your control sucks, it's slow…", said Chris seriously.

Rei laughed awkwardly as Chris senpai stated the pitch's weaknesses.

"Have you been practicing it recently?", said Miyuki.

"No, I have just been focusing on the fastball pitch", said Rei.

"I think that's why your control sucks", said Miyuki.

"I have to inform the Coach about this", thought Chris. The coach had assigned him to look over the team and guide its pitchers.

For a few hours Rei, Sawamura, and Furuya were receiving guidance from Chris and Miyuki that could be useful to them. Rei didn't find any information that was useful since he already knew about it so he couldn't blame them.

Zono, Masuko, and Harucchi were helpful because they batted while Sawamura, Rei, and Furuya pitched.

At night in the dorms.

Rei and the rest of them had separated, and they all went to their dorms.

He went to the bathroom freshened up and hit the bed.

2nd week of June – Camp Day 1 – Morning

The batters were practicing their batting and the Fielders were practicing their fielding but Rei, Sawamura, and Furuya were a special case since they were practicing fielding.

Needless to say, they were bad at it.

Rei had trouble catching the ball and reaching the base in time.

Chris assigned the 3 of them to the outfield as it would help them practice their fielding.

Near the dugout, Kataoka, Takashima, and Director Oota were discussing about the camp.

"With this camp happening, it really feels like summer's approaching. I sure hope there won't be any quitter again this year", said Director Oota.

"That would be best", said Takashima.

"Becoming one with the team. That's the goal of this camp…", said Kataoka.

"I GOT IT…I GOT IT", yelled Sawamura and Rei while out fielding and suddenly crashing into each other.

They both massaged their throbbing head and went back to their position as Zono kept yelling at them.

"Will we really be, ok?", said Director Oota worryingly.

Evening in the practice field.

Everybody was provided with rice balls, and they could eat as many as they wanted.

"Here, eat as many as you want. It'll help your stamina during the night practice", said Miyuki handing Rei a big plate full of rice balls.

Rei refused it immediately as he knew what Miyuki was planning. He didn't plan on barfing today.

"I'm not gonna fall for it", said Rei grabbing a rice ball from the plate. He planned to eat only 1 rice ball to stop his hunger.

Miyuki clicked his tongue in annoyance.

While eating Rei saw Sawmaura eating plates of rice balls and thought, "He's definitely going to barf".

Night Practice, the field lights turned on.

"20 sprints from pole to pole!", yelled a 3rd year, who was measuring their time.

Rei did these sprints 2 times; it was a little easier for him considering he ran with tires every day.

The next exercise was, running 100 bases. This got Rei sweating like a maniac. He was panting hard.

The 3rd year told them to go sprinting again. Rei didn't complain since he was addicted to training and was motivated for the summer tournament.

After the exercise's ended, Kataoka said, "All right, that's enough for the first day. Finish up with 20 laps around the field! Everyone's running, and everyone's yelling!".

When they were about to start sprinting Rei saw Sawamura puff up his mouth as if he was about to barf. Just to be safe Rei backed away from him a few inches and started sprinting.

"Let's show some spirit!".

"Hoorah!".

"One, two! ".

"One, two, one more time!".

"One, two, three, four, one!".

The Players yelled simultaneously while sprinting together.

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Chapitre 27: 7 Days Of Camp

Second Day of Camp

A ball was hit near the fence. Rei was practicing his batting with a metal bat.

Everyone on the field was amazed at Rei's batting.

"What a fearsome talent", thought Miyuki standing beside Rei and observing him.

Since he showed Rei some things about batting, he was surprised to see his progress. But he thought Rei was commendable for practicing batting any free time he got. He felt like Rei could be trusted during matches.

"How was it?", said Rei smugly. He knew his batting skills had come a long way, but it still wasn't enough to compare to his Senpai's skills. His Hitting skill had reached level 5.

Seeing the smug expression on Rei's face irritated Miyuki so he went next to Rei and grabbed a metal bat. A ball came towards him in another batter box, and Miyuki hit it, blasting it toward the fences.

Miyuki turned toward Rei and returned his smug expression.

Rei clicked his tongue in irritation.

Rei and Miyuki continued competing.

Third day of Camp.

Rei currently had fielding practice.

He was standing in the outfield. A ball was hit toward him, and he rushed to catch it.

As soon as the ball was in his glove, he threw the ball back with his strong shoulder.

The baseman barely could catch it.

"He has really improved these past few days", said Director Oota on the sidelines observing the match.

Kataoka smiled and looked at Rei with hope-filled in his eyes for this year.

At night during the end of practice sprinting. Rei could finally be ahead and not lag behind the crowd. He could run with 4 tires as he continuously tried to increase his stamina.

Looking at Rei in front of them, Furuya and Sawamura were glaring at him enviously.

Rei noticed the piercing gazes on him, he had an idea who was glaring at him and decided not to look back and increased his pace.

Truthfully, Sawamura, Haruichi, and Furuya were really exhausted from sprinting. And were envious of Rei because they didn't know how Rei kept up with the 3rd years.

"How are the 3 1st year pitchers? The fatigue should be getting to them by now", said Kataoka in the meeting room. Chris, Miyauchi, and Miyuki were also in the meeting room.

"Yes, Sir. As you instructed, they aren't pitching until they get used to the camp. I plan to slow down their training soon to let them pitch in the bullpen and for batting practice", said Chris.

"How are Tanba and Kawakami?", asked Kataoka.

"They are doing fine.", said Miyachi releasing smoke from his nose.

"Let's discuss Rei, shall we", Miyuki interrupted.

"Oh, what about him", asked Kataoka amused, and eyed Chris and Miyuki looking for answers.

"His batting and fielding have improved significantly. His stamina is also increasing over time, that brat was shockingly keeping up with the 3rd years today. Most importantly, he has also learned a breaking ball," said Miyuki shocking Kataoka.

Kataoka's eyes widened in surprise, and he smiled not expecting Rei to make such fast progress.

"Is his new pitch usable in matches?", asked Kataoka

"Unfortunately, no it isn't usable but with some practice, it should be", said Miyuki.

"We still have a long way ahead so don't push them too hard", said Kataoka.

"Yes Sir", replied Chris and Miyauchi.

"I've arranged 3 practice games for the last weekend of our camp. On Saturday, Furuya, and Sawamura will throw a game. I'll have Tanba and Kawakami for the doubleheader on Sunday for each game. Rei will throw a few innings in each game. I don't care about the score. I just want to see how mentally tough everyone can be at maximum fatigue", said Kataoka.

Furuya, Haruichi, and Sawamura were exhausted and couldn't move in the bath. Meanwhile, Rei was playing games in his dorm relaxing and not feeling exhausted.

Fourth Day of Camp

Rei was allowed to pitch today because he had permission from the coach.

Kataoka permitted him because he wanted him to practice more with the cutter ball and show it to him.

Rei dragged Miyuki to the bullpen and started practicing.

His Cutter was at level 4 currently and had improved significantly, for example, he had a 40% chance of pitching it in the strike zone, and better control and grip while using it.

Miyuki thought that Rei still had to work on his breaking ball because sometimes the ball won't break in the right way, or he couldn't throw it in the strike zone. He knew it was not currently usable, but if Rei mastered this pitch during the tournament, he knew that it could be used as a secret weapon.

Sawamura and Furuya were peeking in the bullpen and staring at Rei.

"THIS IS UNFAIR…Why does he get to throw and not us?", yelled Sawamura. Furuya nodded stoically agreeing with Sawamura.

"COME BACK HERE", yelled Zono.

"Haii…Haii, I'm coming back", said Sawamura with tears running down his cheeks as he ran back to Zono to practice fielding.

Fifth Day of Camp

Furuya and Rei finally got to pitch today.

"W-who's-catching? Is it you Chris Senpai?", asked Sawamura excitedly.

"It's me!!", said Miyauchi and walked away.

"Miyachi's catching it and anyways that's good because Miyuki is busy with Rei", said Chris.

Meanwhile with Miyuki and Rei.

"Game?", asked Rei.

"Yeah, Kataoka Coach said that you will be throwing a few innings in both games on Saturday and Sunday.", said Miyuki.

"Hopefully I get to throw more innings", said Rei.

"I'm sure he'll let you when he sees you pitching", said Miyuki.

Hearing Miyuki's answer Rei smiled.

"But don't you dare try using your cutter in the practice game since it's safe to use it during the summer tournament and not letting other teams know about it before", said Miyuki glaring at Rei.

"Owah, you have such a creepy face", said Rei.

"I get that a lot, but you won't, right? RIGHT? RIGHT?", said Miyuki sending threatening glares.

Rei nodded as he conceded.

Miyuki had a victorious smile on his face.

Meanwhile, Kataoka was having hardcore fielding practice with the 3rd year fielders.

"What's wrong? You can't get up, Yuki", said Kataoka to Yuki who was kneeling on the floor with exhaustion.

"Captain? Me?", said Yuki. He was having flashbacks to when he was made into a captain.

"The seniors picked you. With so many people, I'm not asking you to keep everyone in check. You just lead the team", said Kataoka.

Yuki got up from the field while saying, "One more" and made all the 3rd years join him.

Sixth Day of Camp

At night in the cafeteria.

Rei was glad that the camp was finished, and he couldn't wait for the games on Saturday and Sunday to start.

Rei sat down next to Miyuki with his food. They started discussing his pitch.

"If you ever get stuck throwing other pitches the best way to come back is by throwing fastballs. Remember, fastballs are your lifeline", said Miyuki while eating.

Rei nodded seriously and took this information in.

After a while, as he was eating 2 people came near his table and started disturbing his peaceful time.

He looked at the 2 people and found that it was Furuya and Sawamura, they came here to pester Miyuki so he can catch their pitches.

Rei ignored their chaos and finished his rice bowls.

Seventh Day of Camp

Osaka Kiryuu Vs. Seido High practice game start.