In Yakushi's Team Bus.
"Oy, Captain. You should tell us who's the 1st team we are up against", said Sanada.
Everyone else nodded agreeing with him.
"Ok…wait a second", said Ryou taking a paper out of his pocket.
"Let's see. It's Nanamori Gakuen", said Ryou.
"Never heard of them", muttered Rei.
"They're not a well-known school. I think I have seen them practicing their batting in a park before", said Atsushi.
"You guys better not be underestimating, The Nanamori guys. Even if they aren't well known I hear they are a team with strong batters", remarked Kazuma.
Sanada nodded agreeing with him.
Rei scoffed at their argument. Looking out the window, he couldn't stop thinking about the mound.
**BA DUMP** **BA DUMP** 'What is this feeling. Am I feeling excited? I can't wait to go to the mound. we are finally going to reunite', thought Rei.
Hideo who was sitting near Rei observed him close.
'Strange', thought Hideo as he saw Rei's ecstatic expression.
The Next Day, The Fall Tournament Started.
Every team was standing outside for the tournament and getting ready to walk inside the stadium.
A lot of schools were nervous since they had to go up against giants like Inashiro or Seido.
Schools like Yakushi High were underestimated. Even though Yakushi showed how good of a team they are in the summer tournament, they are still underestimated. But now with Rei joining they wouldn't be able to ignore, how powerful Yakushi has become.
"Ahhhhh, Miyuki!!"
"FURUYA-KUN".
"I can't believe Furuya is the ace".
"What happened to Rei".
"I thought he was going to be the ace".
"Oh, didn't you read yesterday's article?".
"Nope".
"Listen to the gossip. So, Rei transferred schools".
"Which one? I'm going to go root for that one".
"Unfortunately, the coaches and even his former teammates don't know what team he transferred to. But heyyy!! How can you switch sides this quickly? I thought you were Seido's die-hard fan".
"I was because Rei was in it but not now", said the fan walking away.
Unknowingly, Yakushi gained another die-hard fan.
This incident was happening in the audience while Seido walked into the stadium.
The whole team overheard the fan's conversation since they were pretty loud. Because of it, the atmosphere of the team plummeted.
Sensing the change in the atmosphere, Kataoka said, "Get your act together. Don't let someone affect the team. You guys aren't elementary school kids. If you are high school players, then act like one".
"HAII", replied the players. The speech seemed to have some effect on the team players.
'I can't let this be. The team has been affected by the gossip that people around us are doing. After Rei left, the team isn't the way it used to be. Something has changed', thought Miyuki.
"Why can't I see Rei, anywhere", said Sawamura.
"Do you even think he's playing in the tournament?", said Kuramochi.
"I don't think so since usually, transfer students don't get to play as soon as they join the team", said Haruichi.
"I really wonder which team that brat went to. If I ever find out I'm going to go give him a piece of my mind", said Kuramochi.
After 2 hours. The tournament had officially started.
Seido High Vs. Teitou High.
In Seido's Dugout.
"Furuya, get ready", said Kataoka.
"Finally debuting, huh. As an ace, how do you feel?", said Miyuki.
"My heart's beating fast, nothing much", commented Furuya as he walked to the mound.
Miyuki chuckled at his response.
Seeing Furuya walking to the mound, 'I hope nothing goes wrong', thought Miyuki clenching his hand.
The match officially started.
1-3 inning Furuya dominated each player by striking them out one by one.
Seido scored 2 runs during the 3 innings.
During the 4th inning, Furuya started to feel exhausted. He was breathing hard.
'Why is he out of breath already? I told him not to go all out in the beginning', thought Miyuki.
From there, Furuya's fastball speed kept decreasing. Though he still held on, and not letting runs through since the back saved him each time.
Even though, Furuya was struggling. The team's offense was on fire, and they scored 3 more runs during this time.
Kawakami replaced Furuya in the 6th inning.
"What's happening to Furuya?"
"He started off so good".
"It's a little disappointing since it's his debut after all as an ace".
Discussed the audience.
In Seido's Dugout.
Furuya sat on the bench in a corner. Feeling disappointed in himself. Ever since he wore the ace number, he started to feel the burden and he let down the team even though he just started being an ace.
"Do you know why this is happening?", said Miyuki as he sat next to Furuya.
Furuya stayed silent.
"You already know your stamina problem then why not pace yourself when pitching?", said Miyuki.
"You know I shouldn't be giving you his example now but remember when Rei had problems with his stamina at the start of the year? Even though his stamina was still lacking a bit when I saw him last, he did everything he could to make up for it. The reason I'm telling you this is because you should learn from him.", said Miyuki.
"But Yaaa…I really shouldn't be giving his example now since he isn't on the team anymore. If Coach overheard this, he would kill me", said Miyuki chuckling.
'Even though you abandoned this team already, why am I still in your shadow?', thought Furuya clenching his hand.
Just like this, Seido's first match ended.
Seido High Vs. Teito High. 5-2.
In the Locker Room.
"I look so amazing", said Rei looking in the mirror as he ruffled his dark hair. He felt like a new person after wearing the ace number jersey.
"Wah, how egoistic".
"How Conceited".
Commented his teammates.
"Why are you guys against my good looks", remarked Rei.
"Mahh…mahh…let's stop arguing and focus on the next match, shall we?", said Sanada.
"Stop acting like a reasonable person, Sanada. I heard from Raichi that you used to skip training sessions", said Rei.
"Really!!", said Sanada glaring at Raichi.
Raichi looked away whistling.
The next Match, Yakushi High Vs. Nanamori Gakuen.
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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"Now it is time for the 2nd match of the day, Yakushi High Vs. Nanamori Gakuen", said the announcer.
Fans cheered mostly for Yakushi since they loved their plays. Both teams weren't top teams, so this match had an unexpected outcome in people's eyes.
As soon as the announcement was announced both teams came into the field ready.
From one side of the stadium came Nanamori Gakuen. From the other side came Yakushi High.
"Hit a homerun Raichi".
"Gouda don't' let us down".
Cheered the fans of each team.
Both teams lined up.
"Lineup! Bow!", said the umpire.
When Nanamori Gakuen was lining up and looked over to their opponent's side, some players were left speechless seeing Rei standing in Yakushi's team line.
Seeing the Nanamori players recognizing him, Rei smirked at them playfully.
"Nanto…REI FUJIKAWA former Seido pitcher is playing with Yakushi High during this fall tournament. Recently, we have heard that Rei transferred schools. But to find out that he transferred to Yakushi, The Dark Horse team. What a surprise!", exclaimed the announcer.
Back in the Field.
Yakushi was pitching first and Nanamori was batting first. Since both team's captains agreed on it.
In Nanamori Gakuen Dugout.
"Why-why is he here? Just why?", murmured a player.
"Yeah, wasn't he supposed to be with Seido?".
"Does this mean we have to bat against a monster like that".
"Snap out of it! You guys believe in this team and all our efforts. Our team has an exceptional lineup, you guys should relax a little. Even if it's Rei, he went from Seido to Yakushi meaning his pitching speed might have deteriorated", said their captain.
"Haii! Captain!", said the players.
In Yakushi's Dugout.
"Do you know what happened to Sanada?", asked Raizou seeing Sanada sulking.
All the players shook their heads.
"Haaa…I don't have time to deal with that kid. Rei and Kazuma get ready. By the way, just making sure you guys go over your signals", said Raizou.
Rei nodded and Kazuma said, "We have gone over the signals but coach I think that I'm not ready enough to catch our Rei-san's pitches".
"Hmmm…this is a problem. Nothing we can do about it now since this team's roster was changed hastily…Who cares honestly, it's only the 1st match and since it's not against a top giant school then It's fine. Just make sure to somehow catch Rei's pitch because if you can't then we might lose in the 1st match or I might switch you out", said Raizou casually walking away.
"Right no pressure…", muttered Kazuma feeling burdened.
"It's fine If I think you're giving a wrong call I can just shake my head and deny the command. Trust me, I'll throw strike's one by one", said Rei determined hitting Kazuma's back.
Kazuma nodded admiring Rei's determination.
"What with this speech, Rei? Makes you sound like a pro", said Atsushi teasing Rei.
"Che…by the way did you check with Sanada again", asked Rei.
"Yeah…", Atsushi hesitated to tell Rei this.
"Sanada-senpai said that he's jealous of Rei taking his spot on the mound", Yelled Hideo.
Atsushi glared at Hideo.
"HUH? His spot!", said Rei glaring at Atsushi.
'He definitely has a temper as I've heard', thought Atsushi.
"Rei, don't get mad at me and I just told you what Sanada said word by word", said Atsushi.
"Whatever, after coming back to the dugout. I'll go to talk to him", said Rei walking go the mound.
After 10 Minutes. Everyone was ready in their position and then an alarm rang signifying the start of the match
Yakushi High Vs. Nanamori Gakuen officially started.
The 1st batter came to bat. 'Rei, I heard that his speed is fast. Though I think I can hit it', he thought.
Rei pitched throwing the ball to the mitt.
'Are', thought the 1st batter as he swung on each bat.
Rei struck out the player.
Kazuma grinned seeing their 1st out and he was happy that he was able to catch the pitch thrown at him.
"1 OUT", said Rei.
The 2nd batter came to bat.
'These guys are underestimating me. You can tell by looking at their expression but I you guys are unlucky that you had to play the 1st match against us', thought Rei as he struck out the 2nd batter.
In Yakushi's Dugout.
"Just like this destroy everyone", said Raizou laughing.
"Father, too loud!", said Raichi.
Back in the field.
Rei struck out the 3rd batter not even giving him a chance to hit.
"3 OUT! CHANGE!", said the umpire.
"H-how dominating! 3 STRIKEOUTS!", exclaimed the announcer. Even he was startled seeing Rei's pitching.
Back in the Field.
It was now Yakushi's turn to bat.
"RAICHI, HIT IT".
"ITS YOUR TIME TO SHINE NOW".
Cheered Yakushi's fans.
Back in the Field.
"HAHAHAHAHA….", laughed Raichi manically as he reached the batter's box.
Nanamori Gakuen's pitcher felt Raichi was an intimidating presence. Fearing Raichi, the pitcher's first pitch was a loose ball.
Raichi's focus was exceptional and as soon as the ball came near him, he hit it over the fence.
"HE HIT IT".
"AAA, RAICHI-KUN".
Cheered the audience.
Smiling foolishly," HAHAHAHAHA", Raichi touched all the bases.
Kazuma came to bat next.
It seems like the pitcher was a little unsettled because of the homerun. So Kazuma easily hit the ball and reached 1st base.
Mishima was struck out. Yamauchi who came to bat next was also struck out.
Rei came to bat next.
The pitcher made eye contact with Rei, which sent shivers down his body.
"ANOTHER HOME RUN! YAKUSHI IS ON FIRE", said the announcer.
Rei touched all the bases running as he waved to his girl fans.
"AAAA"
"REI-SAMA".
Squealed the girls as they waved back.
Fukuda came next and was struck out.
2nd and 3rd inning went just like the 1st inning, Rei striking everyone out.
During the 4th inning, Kazuma couldn't catch Rei's pitches properly. He kept dropping or missing them. This even cost them a run.
'I knew this was going to happen I didn't have enough practice. Shit', thought Kazuma.
"Time out!", said Rei.
The umpire nodded.
"Kazuma, just let me throw those pitches you can catch. I don't have to throw a cutter or any other breaking ball. Even if we only use my fastball, we can win this", said Rei.
Sensing Rei's confidence, Kazuma nodded.
4-6th inning went by quickly since Rei struck every player out. During these innings, Raichi scored another home run.
Rei didn't get another opportunity to show off his batting skills.
During the 7-9 innings, Sanada pitched, and Rei was switched.
Before Sanada was sulking but after he got to the mound, he became his usual self again.
Sanada also pitched perfectly and didn't allow a run-through.
In Nanamori Gakuen Dugout.
"These guys are monsters".
"We can't compare to them".
"It's just our bad luck that we were against them in the 1st match".
In the audience, sat 5 people who watched the whole match shocked.
The match ended in Yakushi's Victory.
Yakushi High Vs. Nanamori Gakuen. 11-1.
In the Locker Room.
"KAZUMAA!! How could you do this to me? You said you were ready", said Raizou frustrated.
Kazuma lowered his head.
"Haaa…there's no need to be depressed. But to not make these mistakes again. I will be putting you through traditional Yakushi High training. Even Rei has to participate in it since you guys are a battery", said Raizou.
"B-but I don't want to…", said Rei disheartened.
"Oh, don't be like that, Our ace. To make it up to you guys we will have a barbeque party tonight", said Raizou.
Immediately some player's mouths drooled upon hearing this.
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
Like it ? Add to library!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.