Zhou Hao didn't think he would get a chance to play in this practice match.
Even though he had performed well in the previous games, those matches were also against other first-year rookies. But this time, their opponents were the second-string team of their arch-rivals, City Grand Third High.
Given the relationship between the two schools, even if it was just a match between the second teams, both sides would surely give it their all.
Not only would the main players from both second-string squads be playing, but any athlete capable of contributing would likely get a shot too.
Kuramochi was fast and also a new face.
As long as the timing was right, he would definitely be sent onto the field.
Besides Kuramochi, the only other player likely to be fielded was Kawakami, who had also performed well.
Though also a first-year rookie, Kawakami had a completely different trajectory after entering the second team.
From the moment he arrived, he had been a part of the team's pitching rotation, with plenty of game time and a solid performance record. This practice match was a perfect opportunity for him to fight for a main spot.
In contrast, the other three first-years had slim chances of getting playtime.
Especially Zhou Hao—within the second-string squad, he was essentially at the bottom of the hierarchy.
Unless Rei Takashima had lost her mind, there was no way she would let him on the field!
This practice game's coach was none other than Rei Takashima. Not only was she the team's assistant manager and head of recruitment, but she also served as the coach of the second-string team.
"Everyone, get your spirits up! Let's give our opponents a big surprise today!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Encouraged by Rei Takashima's inspiring words, the players were full of fighting spirit.
Whether they had ambitions to make the first team or knew they weren't quite there yet, they all cherished this match.
After all, their time left on the team wasn't long. Naturally, they wanted to make the most of every opportunity.
And especially since they were facing their biggest rivals.
They would throw in everything they had.
"Let's have a good game!"
"Let's have a good game!!!"
The players from City Grand Third High's baseball team were all tall and imposing—not the type you wanted to mess with.
After a quick round of greetings, one of the Tokyo-born Seidou players suddenly exclaimed:
"What is he doing here?!"
That voice quickly drew the attention of Seidou's players nearby.
"What's going on?"
"That pitcher from City Grand Third High—it's Manaka Kaname."
Several Tokyo-born players gasped audibly.
Of course, not everyone recognized the name. Many members of Seidou's baseball team came from other prefectures and weren't as familiar with Tokyo's standout players.
"Do you know our second-year, Tanba?"
At the mention of Seidou's backup pitcher, the team all nodded.
Of course they knew their own team's No. 2 pitcher.
"Back in junior high, these two were teammates on the same youth team. One was the ace; the other was a backup. Manaka was the ace of that team, while our Tanba could only sit on the bench."
That single revelation sent shockwaves through the group.
"He had already been promoted to their first team and was one of their rotation pitchers. Why would he be playing for the second team now?"
As the players murmured among themselves, Rei Takashima's face darkened with cold fury.
"How calculating… they want to use us as a stepping stone to help Manaka regain his confidence?"
Though she was upset, Rei had to admit—their plan just might work.
After all, the batters on Seidou's second-string team would have a hard time going up against Manaka.
If he managed to completely shut down Seidou's batters today…
He might very well make a breakout performance in the summer tournament.
The game began, with Seidou High's baseball team at bat.
The first to step into the batter's box was a third-year senior.
Having been briefed by Rei Takashima, he had figured out Manaka Kaname's objective.
"You think you can use us as stepping stones? Let's see if you're up to it!"
The senior raised his bat high. As the pitch flew toward him, he didn't hesitate to swing.
Crack!
The ball was hit—but the senior's face turned pale.
"It's off!"
The ball bounced off the ground and landed directly in the first baseman's glove.
Smack!
"Out!"
"Out!!"
"Out!!!"
In just five pitches, the first three batters from Seidou's second-string team had all been retired.
In the dugout, Seidou's players stared in stunned silence.
They had expected that Manaka might be strong—after all, he was promoted to City Grand Third High's first team as a first-year and was part of their rotation.
It's just that the ace of City Grand Third High had such a dominant presence that Manaka had seemed relatively unremarkable in comparison.
But they hadn't expected his pitching to be this terrifying.
"His velocity is close to 140 km/h, his control is precise, and he throws breaking balls too."
Even just those stats were scary enough on paper. But standing in the batter's box and facing him directly? That pressure was on another level.
"His pitching isn't just impressive on paper…"
Everyone exchanged nervous looks.
"Defense first. No matter what, we can't let them score."
While giving instructions, Rei Takashima sent their ace pitcher for the second team onto the field.
At the same time, she reminded Kawakami to stay ready.
Trying to break the deadlock with offense alone was no longer realistic.
Manaka's ability was evident, and he was clearly in top form today.
Getting a hit off him wouldn't be easy.
If Seidou wanted to win this match, they needed to hold the line and buy time.
Once the players took their positions, Rei Takashima turned back to glance at the dugout.
Aside from the nine players on the field, there were still seventeen others on the bench.
The entire dugout was packed.
Facing such a formidable opponent, even those not playing had serious expressions on their faces. Even without stepping onto the field, they could feel the pressure coming from Manaka's pitching.
Just his near-140 km/h fastball alone was hard enough to handle.
Let alone when combined with precise control and breaking pitches.
It was only natural the players felt such immense pressure.
As Rei Takashima thought this, she suddenly noticed one player who stood out from the rest.
That person was sitting nonchalantly in a corner, looking completely relaxed.
"Zhou-kun!"
She suddenly called out, startling Zhou Hao who had been daydreaming.
With the match this intense, why was Rei calling him all of a sudden?
Zhou Hao looked up in confusion.
"What did you think of Manaka's pitching just now?"
Zhou Hao answered honestly, "It was alright, I guess."
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