Chapter 84: Extra: Stop Wasting Time Thinking About Useless Things
Rinichi never really had the chance to refuse.
The old coach practically had him pinned down, making sure he completed the training assignments every single day.
He kept saying it was to prevent injuries in the future if Rinichi wanted to keep playing baseball.
Out of respect for his elder, Rinichi bottled up all his frustration.
When the old coach finally saw him pitch, he couldn't hide his surprise.
"You… can throw with both arms? And that velocity…"
And the control too.
Rinichi just gave a dull acknowledgment.
The old coach reacted like he'd discovered some priceless treasure, even ruffling Rinichi's hair.
"Rinichi… you can definitely become the greatest pitcher."
Being praised by an elder made Rinichi a little embarrassed, and he turned his gaze away.
"I know."
"If your grandfather heard this, he'd be proud."
Catching something in his tone, Rinichi raised his eyes and asked a question unrelated to what was on his mind.
"What's your relationship with my grandfather?"
"Friends."
After that, Rinichi didn't press any further.
....
Later, Rinichi explained everything happening at Daikyou to Shinomiya over the phone.
On the other end, Shinomiya burst into laughter.
Rinichi: "…"
Was it really that funny?
When Shinomiya finally calmed down, he said,
"Isn't that a good thing? If someone's determined enough to say, 'I'd die before I drop the ball,' then if he works hard… I believe you'll be able to stand on the mound again."
"You're a senpai now—show a little generosity toward your juniors. Have the mindset of an upperclassman."
"And one more thing… Don't rely on the catcher too much. Even if they can't handle your pitch, just do your best to throw it right into their glove."
Rinichi: "…"
"But… he still can't catch it…"
Shinomiya didn't sound worried.
"That's fine. If no one can handle your pitches right now… then just wait. Once you're in high school, there'll definitely be a catcher who can."
Hearing him say it with such certainty eased Rinichi's heart a little.
Hopefully.
But… was Shinomiya implying that he should just write off his junior high years?
High school… still felt so far away to him.
....
"Coach quit?"
"Why? And I heard he went over to Tanabe Youth Baseball!"
"Isn't that team always our rival?"
"No way, that can't be true."
The coach's departure left many uneasy.
The calmest ones in the club were Rinichi and Taiyo Mukai.
Taiyo was still surprised.
"Joining another team… most people won't be able to accept that."
Rinichi, however, didn't care much. He casually tied his shoes, stood up, tapped his foot against the ground, and said,
"Let's go. I heard they're introducing our new coach."
"You really don't care at all, huh."
Without looking at him, Rinichi replied,
"A coach is there to teach us baseball. A different coach still serves the same purpose."
It made sense when he put it that way.
"But the one taking it the hardest has to be Okumura…"
At Taiyo's words, Rinichi recalled how, ever since Okumura joined, the coach was always praising him.
As for the reason why… Rinichi's thoughts drifted elsewhere.
It was like watching someone get cheated on in a relationship, he thought.
....
Less than two months later, they spotted their old coach sitting in the opponent's dugout, even waving cheerfully at them.
What Rinichi hadn't expected was for Okumura to step up and say,
"By using the baseball that coach taught us to defeat coach's new team—that's the best way to repay him."
What shocked Rinichi even more was that nearly everyone agreed with him.
Rinichi: "…"
Okumura had changed.
"Today's game… I'd rather die than lose."
Rinichi: "…"
Did he really have to keep bringing up death all the time?
"Rinichi-senpai, we need your pitching." Okumura's expression was firm.
Rinichi: "…"
"Well… guess there's no helping it…"
He didn't know when it started, but Okumura always managed to say the exact words that struck home, making Rinichi reluctantly satisfied.
The spring tournament itself wasn't anything spectacular, but at least they made it into nationals. Okumura was gradually managing to catch his pitches—though some still slipped by.
To Rinichi's surprise, when given the chance, Okumura really could catch them. It was enough to change Rinichi's opinion of him.
Even so, Rinichi still pitched according to his mood.
The early innings went smoothly.
Watching Okumura's tense expression behind the mask, Rinichi thought for a moment, then stepped forward and patted his shoulder with his glove.
"Don't be so stiff. Aren't I right here with you?"
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