He didn't expect to get a chance to play in this practice game.
Although he had performed well in previous matches, those opponents were also first-year rookies. Now, they would face the Second String of their arch-rival, Ichidaisan High School.
Given the rivalry between the two teams, even a Second String game would be fiercely contested.
Not only would all the Second String regulars play, but some players with the potential to shine would also get a chance.
Yōichi was incredibly fast and a fresh face.
If the timing was right, he would definitely be sent onto the field.
Besides Yōichi, the only other player likely to get time was Kawakami Norifumi, who had shown strong performances.
Though also a first-year rookie, Kawakami's situation in the Second String was entirely different.
He had been a rotation pitcher from the start, receiving many opportunities to play, and had performed impressively. This practice game was a valuable chance for him to compete for a regular spot.
In contrast, the other three first-year players had few opportunities to play.
Especially him; he was at the bottom of the Second String roster.
For him to play, Takashima Rei would have to be out of her mind.
She was the coach for this practice game—not only the club's vice president and scout but also the assistant coach for the Second String.
"Everyone, cheer up! We have to give our opponents a big surprise!" Rei urged passionately.
"Yeah!" the team responded enthusiastically.
Her motivating words ignited a spark in the players.
Whether they aimed for the First String or knew they weren't quite ready, they all valued today's game.
After all, time with the team was running out, so they wanted to make the most of every game.
Only then could they honor years of hard work.
Especially since the opponent was their arch-rival.
They had to give it their all.
"Please guide us!"
"Please guide us!!!"
The players of Ichidaisan were all tall and strong, looking truly formidable.
After a brief greeting between the two teams, a player from Tokyo suddenly blurted out,
"Why is he here?"
His voice immediately grabbed the attention of nearby Seidō players.
"What's going on?" someone murmured.
"That pitcher from Ichidaisan is Manaka Kaname," another explained.
Some players from Tokyo gasped in surprise.
Of course, not everyone recognized the name—many Seidō players came from other prefectures and weren't familiar with active Tokyo players.
"Do you know Tanba-kun, our second-year relief pitcher?" one asked.
Upon hearing their own reliever's name, the others nodded knowingly.
They were, of course naturally, familiar with their team's number two pitcher.
"These two were once teammates in junior high. One was the Ace, and the other a substitute. Manaka-san was the Ace back then, and Tanba-kun was just his backup." someone revealed, sparking a wave of murmurs.
This revelation caused quite a stir.
"He was clearly promoted to Ichidaisan's First String as a relief pitcher before. Why is he playing for the Second String now?" another questioned, eyebrows raised in confusion.
As the players debated this animatedly, the team's assistant coach, Takashima Rei, wore a frosty expression.
"What a calculated move—trying to use us as a stepping stone to boost Manaka's confidence," she remarked coldly.
Though visibly displeased, she had to admit their opponent's plan might actually work.
After all, Seidō's Second String batters would struggle against Manaka.
If Manaka completely dominates their batters today,
he could truly make a name for himself when the Summer Tournament begins.
The game kicked off with Seidō taking the offense.
The first batter to step into the box was a third-year senior.
Thanks to Takashima Rei's warning, he had already grasped Manaka's intent.
"You want to use us as a stepping stone? Let's see what you're really worth!" he declared defiantly.
The player raised his bat high and swung decisively at the incoming pitch.
Ping!
Although the ball was struck, the batter's face drained of color.
"That was a foul ball!" he exclaimed, disbelief evident in his voice.
After landing and bouncing, the ball sailed straight into the glove of Ichidaisan High School's first baseman.
Thwack!
"Out!"
"Out!!"
"Out!!!"
In just nine pitches, the first three batters of Seidō's Second String were retired.
The players in the Seidō dugout stood frozen, stunned.
They had expected Manaka Kaname to be strong—after all, he had been promoted to Ichidaisan's First String as a rotation pitcher in his first year.
But the presence of Ichidaisan's Ace had made this rotation pitcher seem less remarkable.
Still, they hadn't expected the opponent's pitching to be so terrifying!
"His ball speed can reach nearly 140 km/h, his control is precise, and he throws devastating breaking balls," Takashima Rei explained gravely.
Even on paper, those stats were intimidating. Facing Manaka Kaname in the batter's box was even more daunting.
"His pitching isn't just impressive on paper," she added with a serious tone.
A group exchanged uneasy glances.
"First, focus on defense. We absolutely cannot allow any runs," she commanded firmly.
As Takashima Rei gave her instructions, the Second String's Ace pitcher took the mound.
She also reminded Kawakami Norifumi to prepare.
Trying to take the lead quickly through offense was no longer realistic.
Manaka Kaname's strength was clear, and he was in top form today.
Getting a hit off him would be extremely difficult.
For Seidō to win today, they first had to hold the line defensively.
After the players took their positions, she turned to look toward the dugout.
Besides the nine players on the field, seventeen more filled the dugout, occupying every available space.
Facing such a formidable opponent, these players wore serious expressions. Even without being on the field, they clearly felt the pressure from his pitching.
A pitch nearing 140 km/h was already difficult to handle.
Add precise control and breaking balls, and the challenge intensified.
It was no wonder the players felt so much pressure.
As she considered this, her eyes suddenly landed on one person acting completely unlike the others.
He was lounging casually in the corner, unusually relaxed amidst the tension.
"Yamamoto-san!" she called sharply, jolting him out of his idle state.
At such a critical moment, why would she single him out?
He looked up, bewildered.
"What did you think of Manaka-san's pitching just now?" Rei asked, in a probing tone.
He shrugged and replied candidly, "It's alright."