He pinched the bridge of his nose and accepted the coach's arrangement.
No matter how reluctant he was to admit it, deep down he understood.
Coach Kataoka Tesshin and his teammates were right.
With his current physical condition, it was impossible for him to keep up with the intensity of Seidō's First String.
He couldn't even handle the regular training load, let alone the grueling week of "Hell's Training."
From what he knew, during that week, besides attending classes, players only slept in the dormitory.
The rest of the time was filled with training—relentless, nonstop training.
Even lunch was packed by players from the cafeteria.
With that level of intensity, given his current state, he probably wouldn't be able to get out of bed for a day.
If he trained for two days straight, he would surely be sidelined with injury.
His acceptance didn't mean others could accept it so easily.
Take Azuma Kiyokuni, for example, who had been kind to him before.
Azuma had originally held a good impression of him, seeing how hard he tried to keep up with their pace.
Though a bit weak, at least he showed determination to improve.
Considering the First String needed to nurture first-year players—and Takumi had talent—it wasn't impossible to bring him into the First String early.
As a senior, he felt it was only right to show some care.
But what was the situation now?
Takumi wasn't just receiving special treatment; the team was split into two groups for training.
That meant two sets of coaching.
One group handled the training for everyone else.
The other was dedicated solely to Takumi.
Why?
With Azuma's personality, even knowing coach did this because he valued Takumi's pitching ability, he couldn't help but wonder—was it really worth it?
No matter what others thought, he clearly felt it wasn't worth it.
Facing the coach, who had full authority over the team, he didn't dare to argue.
As soon as Coach Kataoka left, Azuma went straight to Ōta Kazuyoshi. "He doesn't even know his own strength, but there's a special training plan just for him. Is that really okay? And if he can't keep up, who's responsible?" he asked sharply.
Ōta nodded, feeling a bit uneasy.
How could such a big decision be made by just one person?
In the end, the only one with real authority was Coach Kataoka Tesshin.
"This is his call. I can't do much about it," he responded resignedly.
He didn't have any problem with promoting Takumi or giving him important roles.
But setting up separate training for him seemed excessive.
Still, as a subordinate, he had always backed Coach Kataoka's decisions without question.
And this time was no exception.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, Azuma turned to Takashima Rei.
"Kiyokuni-kun, this is the coach's arrangement. If you think it's inappropriate, you should take it up with him directly," she replied coolly.
She didn't openly oppose him but instead redirected the responsibility back to Coach Kataoka.
After Azuma left, Ōta glanced at her with a puzzled expression. "You're usually optimistic about Yamamoto-san. Why did you tell him to speak to Tesshin-san?"
When the decision was made last night, besides Coach Kataoka himself, Takashima Rei had been one of Takumi's strongest supporters.
Ōta had expected her to stand up for Takumi when Azuma approached.
Instead, she not only held back but seemed to stir the tension further.
Although Yūki Tetsuya was the current captain, everyone recognized that the true heart of the team was Azuma Kiyokuni.
It was precisely for this reason that Azuma felt the situation was unfair—not just to himself but to all the First String players.
That's why he took the initiative to raise the issue with President Ōta and Vice President/Assistant Coach Takashima.
He hadn't expected to be dismissed so abruptly.
Coach's regard for Takumi had reached an almost unimaginable level.
'I want to see what this kid is really capable of. Is he truly worth the team going to such lengths?' he pondered internally.
The morning training dragged on tediously, and as it wrapped up and the players prepared to leave,
Azuma Kiyokuni, wearing a smile, approached Takumi in front of everyone.
"I happened to be absent yesterday when you were pitching. I heard your Spiral ball is something special." he noted warmly
Since the senior greeted him so kindly, Takumi naturally replied with a polite nod.
"Just luck," he shrugged modestly.
"You're too humble, kid. Mind if I give your Spiral ball a try?" Azuma asked, his tone unusually gentle.
Given Azuma's typically reserved demeanor, it was rare for him to open with such courtesy. But once the small talk ended, he got straight to the point.
"You're too kind, senpai. How could I possibly be a match for you?" Takumi responded, deflecting the challenge.
Azuma's eyes sparkled with challenge. It was clear he was testing him. How much persistence would it take to get him to agree to a duel?
His Spiral ball was fine against the Nanamori players.
But against a strong batter, it probably wouldn't be enough.
He, who could only throw the Spiral ball, was determined to refuse.
His humble expression was genuine.
This left Azuma, ready to pick a fight, momentarily speechless.
The other had already admitted he wasn't a match; pressing further would only make him, as a senior, seem petty.
That thought crossed his mind but was quickly dismissed.
He was someone who did whatever he wanted.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone straight to President Ōta and Vice President/Assistant Coach Takashima right after morning training.
Now that Azuma wanted a duel, he clearly didn't care whether Takumi was willing or not.
"Perfect then. Let me guide you and see where your weaknesses lie," he offered confidently.
"I don't think that's necessary," Takumi responded cautiously.
Azuma's stubborn persistence only deepened his confusion.
He had already admitted defeat, so why was this senior still so persistent?
He couldn't make sense of it.
"Come on, let's meet early this afternoon and have our duel!" Azuma pressed eagerly.
"Need a partner? I'll find one for you," he added, already having everything arranged.
Takumi was about to refuse again, but Azuma fixed him with a sharp glare. "Are you looking down on me as a senior? Do you think I'm not worthy enough to face you?"
Confronted with such words, Takumi had no choice but to give in.
"All right, since you insist, senpai. Please give me your guidance!" he agreed, wearing a helpless smile.
Though his expression was resigned, inside he was quietly thrilled.
According to the system's rules, he needed to accumulate enough experience points to unlock achievements.
That was how he had become a formal member of Seidō's First String.
He needed a full fifty points to unlock the next achievement.
But now, everything was about to change.
Just as Azuma challenged him, a system notification sounded in his mind:
[Challenge from a Superior!]