"System."
One second later, a typical RPG game interface appeared accompanied by an electronic voice.
[Welcome back]
[Diamond Path System]
[Name: Hoshino HaruAge: 15Height: 179 cmWeight: 72 kgSkills: Expand...]
This was the system that had awakened Haru a year ago, a simple skill system with some pretty interesting functions for training, such as measuring the speed and trajectory of throws.
Also, during the year Haru had to develop his abilities, thanks to his financial situation and family support, he was able to hire personal trainers to quickly improve his batting and fielding technique, as well as a trainer to exercise his body to reach his current development.
Thinking about that, he mentally pressed to expand the skills section:
[Skills:Batting: LV. 7 (32/80)Fielding: LV. 5 (48/60)Speed: LV. 6 (11/70)Physical Strength: LV. 5 (46/60)Reflexes: LV. 6 (54/70)IQ: LV.5 (30/60)]
After seeing his efforts from the whole year reflected in the system, Haru felt very excited. That's the best thing about having a system like this: even if you suffer training every day, while you see the progress you grit your teeth and keep going until you achieve your goal.
—Not bad for just one year without having participated in a game. After entering Seidou, speed should increase, especially IQ, it will be noticeable that I'm not used to defending as a team —Haru thought about what he should improve, and besides IQ, speed and physical strength would also need to increase, but he was already prepared for this, he was still growing and now was the time to improve quickly.
—The important thing is to stand out so that coach Kataoka sees my potential and at least make the list of 20 for the summer tournament —After clarifying his goals, Haru went to sleep, he couldn't wait to meet Sawamura, Furuya, and the others.
The next morning.
The day started with the sound of the alarm clock:
Haru got up immediately, already partially dressed out of habit. Kawakami stretched his arm from the bed and murmured half asleep:
—Good luck... The first day presentation is always scary. Kataoka-san never smiles.
Shirasu was already up, buttoning his jacket.
—Remember not to stand out stupidly, but don't be invisible either. Kataoka-san notices everything.
Haru briefly thanked the advice, grabbed his cap, and left. In the hallway, he ran into Haruichi, who looked calmer after a night of sleep.
—Ready? —Haru asked with a smile.
—Yeah, I think so... —answered the pink-haired boy.
Both headed to the training field, where two rows with more than 20 first-year students lined up in front of the coaching staff and veteran players. Captain Tetsu, Kuramochi, and of course, coach Kataoka Tesshin, were at the front.
The atmosphere was tense, formal. The morning wind barely moved the rigidly aligned caps. Haru felt like he was at a military ceremony.
—I'm Kataoka Tesshin, head coach. From today, you are under my supervision —he said firmly—. I don't care what achievements you had before. Here everyone starts from zero.
Some swallowed nervously. Haru, on the other hand, felt his chest vibrate with excitement.
—At Seidou, there is no room for lazy talent or empty arrogance. Only for those who work with purpose. I will watch you train, observe your habits... and only the best, the most consistent, will have a chance on the main team.
—Yes, sir! —they all responded in unison.
—Begin with introductions.
After the coach finished speaking, the rookies began to say their name, which high school they came from, and their preferred position.
—... Kominato Haruichi, Keio High School, second base... —Soon it was Haruichi's turn, although he was a bit tense presenting himself.
—Haru Hoshino, Nada High School, third base, although I also play outfield, especially right or center. I'm confident in my batting —After the introduction, he returned to his position and from the corner of his eye he saw two people hiding who seemed to be late.
'They should be Sawamura and Miyuki,' Haru thought, remembering the classic anime scene and couldn't help but smile.
A couple of minutes passed, and when the first row finished introducing themselves and everyone turned around to listen to the second row, Sawamura started running, but halfway through Miyuki gave him away, sneaking into his spot unnoticed—or so he thought.
At that moment, there was a deathly silence on the training field and everyone watched Sawamura. Seeing the scene, Takashima Rei wanted to give Sawamura a couple of slaps, taught directly by his grandfather.
—The first day, late. —That was Kataoka's reaction.
Sawamura tried to make an excuse, but it was useless. Just when Miyuki and Kuramochi were smirking, Kataoka turned to look at them — Go run the rest of practice, by the way, your roommates and the idiot who tried to sneak in when we were busy with you too.
After witnessing the scene in person, Haru had to hold back laughter so he wouldn't get punished and the first training of the day began, which was more of a warm-up to prepare for the afternoon. After an hour or two, everyone went to the cafeteria and the first thing that caught his attention was a sign that read:
"Mandatory to eat 3 bowls of rice."