Chapitre 7: Chapter 7: A True Test
Eijun stood in front of Seidou's dugout, stretching his shoulders as he prepared for the next big challenge. It was the practice game everyone had been talking about for weeks: Seidou versus Inashiro Industrial. It wasn't just any opponent—Inashiro was a powerhouse team, led by their star pitcher, Narumiya Mei. Known for his ruthless precision and overwhelming speed, Mei had become a legend, and this was a chance for Seidou to prove themselves.
The excitement was contagious, but Eijun could feel the pressure building. He knew this game would be the ultimate test of his skill. More than anything, he wanted to pitch, to be trusted to face a pitcher like Mei. But he also knew that Coach might hesitate, unsure if Eijun was ready for such a formidable opponent.
"Stay focused, Sawamura," Miyuki said, nudging him as he passed by. "It's not just about throwing your best pitch. This is a test of your endurance, control, and patience. Mei's going to put on a show, but if you get the chance, you'll have to show him up."
Eijun nodded, determination burning in his eyes. He wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.
The game began with Seidou batting first, and Inashiro's fielders took their positions, eyes locked in on the field with laser focus. Mei took the mound, his presence commanding the field with an almost arrogant confidence. He threw the first pitch—a fastball—and the batter didn't even have time to react before it flew past him and hit the catcher's mitt with a deafening pop.
"Strike one!"
Eijun watched from the dugout, feeling a mix of awe and frustration. Mei was everything he'd heard and more—a pitcher with unmatched skill and a cocky smile that said he knew it. Eijun clenched his fists, itching for a chance to stand on that mound and show Mei that he wasn't the only pitcher with a strong arm.
One by one, Mei dismantled Seidou's batters, each pitch landing with precise accuracy. It was almost like a game to him, a showcase of his talent, and he reveled in the challenge of shutting down his opponents.
But then, just as the first inning was about to end, Seidou's batter made contact—a solid hit that drove the ball deep into right field. The dugout erupted in cheers as the runner sped around the bases, reaching second before the ball made it back to the infield.
"Nice!" Eijun shouted, feeling a rush of pride for his team.
Miyuki, who was on deck, walked over to Eijun, a smirk on his face. "See that? Even someone as skilled as Mei isn't invincible. You just have to find his weaknesses."
Eijun nodded, absorbing Miyuki's words. If he got his chance, he wouldn't back down, no matter how intimidating Mei seemed.
Finally, it was Seidou's turn to take the field, and Coach signaled Eijun to warm up. His heart pounded with anticipation as he grabbed his glove and headed to the bullpen, his hands slightly trembling from the excitement. This was it—his chance to prove he could handle the pressure.
As Eijun began to throw his warm-up pitches, he focused on his control, remembering everything he and Miyuki had practiced over the last few weeks. He had his fastball, and now, with his new slider, he had an unpredictable weapon that could keep the batters on edge.
Coach's voice called out, bringing Eijun back to reality. "Sawamura, you're up!"
Eijun took the mound, feeling a surge of adrenaline as his teammates cheered him on. Across from him stood Inashiro's batter, who eyed Eijun with a look of mild disdain, as if underestimating him. Eijun straightened, letting his determination show.
Miyuki crouched behind the plate, his eyes locked with Eijun's, and gave the sign for a fastball. Eijun nodded, winding up and releasing the ball with a fierce snap. The ball sailed into Miyuki's glove with a satisfying pop, and the umpire called, "Strike!"
The batter looked stunned, and a small smirk crept onto Eijun's face. He was here to make his mark.
The first inning went smoothly, with Eijun maintaining his control and keeping the batters at bay. But as he moved into the second inning, he could feel the strain starting to build. His arm was tiring faster than usual, the previous intense practices taking a toll.
The next batter was skilled, reading Eijun's movements carefully, and after a few well-placed fouls, he made contact, sending the ball into the outfield for a base hit. Eijun clenched his jaw, feeling the frustration of letting a runner on base.
"Don't lose focus," Miyuki called out, his voice steady and calming. "One hit doesn't decide the game. Pitch smart, not just hard."
Eijun nodded, taking a steadying breath as he set up for the next pitch. He decided to throw his slider, hoping the batter wouldn't anticipate it. With a quick wind-up, he released the ball, watching as it broke sharply just before reaching the plate. The batter swung, missing by a mile.
"Strike three!"
The stands roared, and Eijun felt a surge of relief. He was back in control.
As the game went on, Eijun found himself locked in a grueling battle with Inashiro's batters. Mei continued his relentless strikeouts, keeping Seidou's offense at bay, and the score remained tight. The tension on the field was palpable, every pitch, every hit raising the stakes.
But just as the game neared its final inning, Inashiro's lineup brought out their cleanup hitter—a powerhouse known for his aggressive swings and ability to turn any pitch into a potential home run. Eijun felt the pressure intensify, his body screaming for rest, but he pushed forward, determined not to falter.
Miyuki signaled for a slider, and Eijun wound up, putting everything he had into the pitch. The ball spun toward the batter, breaking sharply. But the batter was ready, swinging with brutal force. The crack of the bat was deafening, and the ball soared toward the outfield fence.
Eijun watched in horror, his heart sinking as the ball sailed over the fence for a home run. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Inashiro's bench celebrated as the runner rounded the bases.
Eijun's fists tightened, frustration building. He'd let his team down, and the weight of it felt crushing. But before he could spiral further, Miyuki walked over, his expression calm yet firm.
"Hey," he said, meeting Eijun's eyes. "It happens. Every pitcher gives up a big hit sooner or later. What matters is what you do next."
Eijun took a shaky breath, nodding. Miyuki's words reminded him of the bigger picture. He still had a job to do, and he wouldn't let one mistake hold him back.
Eijun refocused, determined to finish strong. He faced the next batter, his resolve unshakable. With Miyuki's guidance, he regained his control, executing each pitch with renewed focus. The batter swung and missed, and Eijun secured the out, ending the inning and holding Inashiro to a narrow lead.
As he walked back to the dugout, his teammates patted him on the back, their encouragement lifting his spirits. He hadn't won the game, but he'd proven that he could stand his ground against a team as skilled as Inashiro. It was a step forward—a sign that he was getting closer to his goal of becoming Seidou's ace.
After the game, Coach approached him, a rare look of approval on his face.
"Good work, Sawamura," he said. "You've shown improvement. Keep working hard, and you'll be a key part of this team."
Eijun's heart swelled with pride, and he gave a determined nod. This game had tested his limits, but it had also shown him his potential. He had a long way to go, but with every pitch, every inning, he was getting closer to his dream.
As he left the field, he cast one last glance at the mound, the place where he'd found his purpose, and vowed to keep pushing forward, one step at a time.
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