บท 78: 78. 2 Problems

All 4 people present that moment accepted these 2 problems and the potential tragedy which the team would face if they are not solved. Suzaku was the ace of the team and the player who makes or kills the game with his pitching.

Even though Rei was a new and inexperienced player they understood the big gap he was going to fill in the team. He was filling the hole left open after they lost a catcher and if he doesn't bat enough there would be more problems coming up as the team progresses in a tournament.

"Now Rei today I will teach you the perfect way to use all the energy contained within your body. As I said before a lot of your energy is not being utilized properly as of now. You need to use it properly and channel it the best way."

Rei understood what the coach was saying. He knew except catching which he also only practiced for the past month the rest was a below basic level now.

Iwata continued turning towards Suzaku, "And you Suzaku, your pitches are quick but your control is all over the place. Now that we have Rei here who is able to react to your wild pitches you would be able to practice better. I would start new drills for you and we only have 2 months before the Inter-High rolls around."

Suzaku nodded understanding the importance of the situation. Iwata stopped and looked at both of them.

"Now Rei, come with me, I will show you the right form to bat in and I will teach you drills on pitching after that, Suzaku." and went towards the batter box.

All of them followed him and the Coach nodded at Konda making him come into the box with a bat in his hand.

"Ok, now Konda is going to demonstrate to you the right way to do it. First, you need to hold the bat with one palm facing up and the other facing down. This will allow you to have more grip on the bat allowing you, not leave the bat as you swing it. Now keep some distance between both your feet with most of your weight on the back one.

Now load your hands to the back and stride your front foot forward simultaneously as you are getting ready to hit. Now you bring the bat down using the momentum generated by your hip and your back foot. Hit the ball, push it a bit, and lift it off. This is the most optimal way to hit the ball." Iwata explained as Konda performed each step one by one as slow as he can.

Rei listened as tentatively as he could not willing to miss out on any of the explanations. He nodded at the end of the explanation as he understood all of it. Konda handed the bat to Rei as he got out of the right batter box.

Rei took the bat and got into the right side after some consideration, he still didn't want to tell about his switch-hitting and his eye power to anyone yet. He took a deep breath and slowly placed his palms in the correct way, gripping it tightly.

He kept his feet aligned, keeping the majority of his weight in the back leg and swung the bat slowly to the back while taking his stride. He then slowly brought the bat down using the force from his hips and the back leg.

The bat came in fact and he paused for a slight moment as he pushed it and swung it completely. Iwata nodded and said, "Your form is better, continue practicing this whenever you have time. Try to not use much of the force from your elbows and hands and keep relying on your hip. Also, imagine a pitch coming towards you, It might help you. You can go home today. Come Suzaku I will teach you your drills."

Rei nodded and went towards the lockers. He quickly changed his clothes back to his uniform and came out wearing his bag. He ran towards the main gate as he forgot that Mizuki and Keiko would still be waiting for him.

As he expected both of them were still waiting for him with irritated faces. They saw him running towards them and sighed in relief.

"Why are you so late today. We both have already been waiting for so long." complained an irritated Mizuki.

"Ok Ok, Don't be angry I will treat you both for something very delicious on the way back home."

Hearing about food, Mizuki's expression became happy as she smiled like a happy cat. Keiko shook her head seeing both of them and asked, "What are you gonna treat us?"

"Some very tasty steam buns."

Hearing his praise both of them were more curious as they knew Ri was very particular about a food taste and wouldn't praise it that often. All three of them continued to chat as they walked towards the shop.

Rei then stopped as he reached the shop, Mizuki and Keiko looked at the shop and noticed it was quite simple. Their expectations fell a bit and Rei did not say anything as he knew the tasty dish would speak for itself.

They entered and Rei saw some customers having different types of food. Rei went up to the counter and saw the old man giving change to a customer.

"Hey, Oldman, see I bought some customers with me this time."

The old man recognized Rei from the morning and smiled while greeting him, "Good to see you did not break your promise kid. So tell me what you want to eat."

"Give us 3 steam buns like the morning."

The Oldman nodded and told his wife the order and continued to converse with Rei. Rei found out his name was Haga Nobuyuki and his wife's name was Sakura Nobuyuki. They set this shop up as they were bored and wanted to do something to make their day pass by.

Rei also introduced himself along with Mizuki and Keiko. After some time the buns were ready and Rei sat on a table with Mizuki and Keiko, who was already captivated by the fragrance from the bun.

Rei chuckled as he urged both of them to eat. He heard them gulping as he said that and all three of them took a bite out of the bun. Rei was again completely submerged in its taste and saw the same with Mizuki and Keiko.

All of them slowly ate the bun as if it was a precious thing and were afraid it might be over. As they completed the bunKeiko was the first one to praise it, "Wow this is so good Rei"

Mizuki nodded but did not say anything as she was still experiencing the lingering taste in her mouth. Rei smiled and all of them stood up and headed towards the counter to pay for it.

"So how were they?" asked the old man as he saw Rei coming over.

" Really good," answered Mizuki.

"Glad you like them."

"Old man pack me 4 to take home and do you need some," asked Rei

"I will take three home," answered Keiko.

"I will take 2." replied Mizuki.

The old man nodded as he got to packing their order. Rei paid as it was his apology and headed out of the store. Mizuki was very eager to open her parcel and eat it as she received her's.

All of them walked back home and Rei went towards the hall as he reached his. He saw Narumi, Sora, and Shidou watching some television.

"Oh, Rei your back. You are so late today and what is in your hands." greeted Narumi as she noticed him coming in with the parcel in his hands.

"The coach asked me to stay back a bit as he had to teach me something and these are steam buns I brought for everyone." shaking the parcel.

Rei went towards the kitchen and brought out some plates with him, placing a bun on top of them for each one of them. All three of them were enticed with the aroma and were eager to have a taste.

Rei handed each one a plate while taking one himself and all 4 of them took a bite. Rei saw the same reaction for the third time today when people ate the bun.

"This is so good, Rei. Where did you buy them?" asked Sora as he completed his bun.

"It's from a shop on our way to school. They are tasty right."

All 3 of them nodded and Narumi took the plates back to the kitchen to start with the cooking. Rei went towards his room and then to the bathroom for a nice cold shower. He came out after his shower and went towards the hall wearing comfy clothes.

"Sora, give me one of your extra bats, I need it for practice," asked Rei as he reached the hall.

Sora nodded not minding it as he had plenty of bats. After dinner, Rei followed Sora to his room and Sora dug out from his messy room 2 bats.

"Do you want wood or metal?" showing the 2 bats.

"Which one do you think I should take?"

After some consideration, Sora answered, "I use the wood but you should start with a metal one as the wood is heavier."

Rei nodded and took the metal one. He went back to his room, completed his homework, and got to his practicing swings. After a couple with the right hand, he tried some with the left. He felt the same as he practiced and then slept after he felt the fatigue kick up from all the practice he did today.