***
"It's the bottom of the 9th inning with the Chiba Cougars behind a single run against the Hanshin Tigers. With 2 outs and a runner on 2nd base, the Cougars will need to pull something out of their hat."
"Hiroki, you're up." The coach called, causing everyone to look in surprise at the young kid on the bench.
Hiroki stood up slowly, his movements filled with confidence. He wore a solemn expression, but he seemed to be invulnerable against the pressure.
"Substitution for the Cougars. Hiroki Kondo will be replacing Himura Daigo."
The announcers professional voice rang out over the stadium, causing a round of confusion to take hold on the spectators.
"They're sending out a rookie? Now?"
"No way! Are they trying to lose?"
"Wow! The Cougars are bringing out their most recent draft. This will be his debut match in the NPB, what are the coaching staff thinking? I sure would hate to be Hiroki right now."
This is one of my favorite chapters that I've written. Hiroki is the epitome of hard work, and to see him on the professional stage after all he's been through was awesome. The first person he thinks of is Ken, even after getting the walk-off home run.
Those pesky ninja's are cutting onions again at my place.
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