He didn't expect to play in this practice game.
Even though he had done well in past games, those opponents were first-year rookies. Now, they were facing the Second String of their rival, Ichidaisan High School.
Because of the rivalry between the two teams, even a Second String game would be intense.
Not only would all the Second String regulars play, but some players with potential 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 him, the only other player likely to play was Kawakami Norifumi, who had been performing well.
Even though he was also a first-year rookie, his situation in the Second String was different.
He had been a rotation pitcher from the start, getting lots of chances to play, and had done well. This practice game was a good 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 surprise our opponents!" She urged, passionately.
"Yeah!" the team responded enthusiastically.
Her words motivated the players.
Whether they wanted to make First String or knew they weren't ready, they all valued today's game.
Since their time with the team was running out, they wanted to make the most of every game.
That way, they could 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 tall and strong, looking intimidating.
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, puzzled.
"That pitcher from Ichidaisan is Manaka Kaname," another clarified knowingly.
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 curiously.
Upon hearing their own pitcher'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 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 dominated their batters today,
he could make a name for himself when the Summer Tournament began.
The game kicked off with Seidō taking the offense.
The first batter was a third-year senior.
Because of Takashima's warning, he understood 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 and swung at the incoming pitch.
Ping!
Although the ball was struck, the batter's face drained of color.
"That was a foul ball!" he exclaimed, in disbelief.
After landing and bouncing, the ball sailed straight into the glove of Ichidaisan's first baseman.
Thwack!
"Out!"
"Out!!"
"Out!!!"
In just nine pitches, the first three batters of Seidō's Second String were out.
The players in the Seidō dugout were frozen, stunned.
They knew Manaka Kaname was strong—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 seriously.
The group exchanged uneasy glances.
"First, focus on defense. We absolutely cannot allow any runs," she commanded firmly.
As she gave her instructions, the Second String's Ace pitcher took the mound.
She also told Kawakami Norifumi to get ready.
Trying to take the lead quickly through offense wasn't realistic anymore.
Manaka'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 had to hold the line defensively first.
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, taking up every space.
Facing such a tough opponent, these players looked serious. Even without being on the field, they felt the pressure from his pitching.
A pitch nearing 140 km/h was already hard to handle.
Add precise control and breaking balls, and it got even harder.
It was no wonder the players felt so much pressure.
As she considered this, her eyes suddenly landed on one person acting differently 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 call 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."