The players of Nanamori Academy were highly reluctant to face Seidō's Second String.
Even Seidō's own players hadn't expected their opponents to take on their Second String, let alone players from Nanamori.
Yet their coach stood firm, resolutely insisting they take on Seidō's Second String.
"If you're feeling frustrated," he urged sharply, "Channel that anger on the field and show everyone what you've got."
"Don't come back like stray dogs, having failed to even beat their Second String," he snapped.
The Nanamori's coach, a plump, fair-skinned man in his early fifties with a somewhat endearing, simple demeanor, seemed harmless at first glance.
But when addressing his own players, his tone was merciless and unforgiving.
The Nanamori players, their eyes blazing red with determination after his fierce words, burned with eagerness to prove themselves on the field.
Meanwhile, Seidō's team was carefully strategizing their lineup. Kuramochi Yōichi, despite his strong past performances, was benched at the start.
Still, Takashima Rei encouraged him, her voice firm yet reassuring, "As long as there's a chance, I'll definitely put you in!"
Most of the other players, save for two who had been recalled, remained the original core of the Second String.
Of those two, one was first-year Miyuki Kazuya. He had clearly known about this for some time and had even done extensive research on Nanamori.
The other was a third-year batter named Kadota Masaaki.
He was a low-profile substitute on Seidō's First String team.
But now, in the Second String, he had taken on the role of the team's first baseman.
Clearly, Takashima Rei had great confidence in his abilities.
Catcher Miyuki and first baseman Kadota.
In addition, Kawakami Norifumi was the starting pitcher.
It seemed she had planned today's lineup well in advance.
Of course, none of this involved Takumi.
He lounged casually in the second-row corner of the dugout, musing that even if he got a chance to play today, it would probably be in the latter half of the game.
But just as he was about to relax, his name rang out sharply.
"Our batting order for today is: leadoff batter, Yamamoto Takumi. You'll be responsible for guarding left field!" the announcement declared with authority.
Though Takashima Rei spoke with confidence about his batting skills, she admitted with a hint of concern that she still felt uneasy about his defense.
Playing infield was definitely out of the question, but he could handle the outfield.
He had excellent eyesight and could anticipate where the ball would land.
This meant that even if he wasn't the fastest, by reacting early, he should be able to catch most fly balls.
For an outfielder, that alone was enough to pass.
In her eyes, he was a good candidate.
He, however, was completely unprepared. Pointing uncertainly at himself, he stammered, "Me?"
He had once thought that as his performance improved, he might be promoted.
But was this promotion happening too soon?
He had just joined the Second String and hadn't even warmed the bench yet!
"What, do you have a problem?" Rei challenged sharply.
"No, it's great!" he exclaimed eagerly.
What problem could he possibly have?
He was far too excited to play.
And based on his understanding of the system, playing now might even bring him benefits.
The system's rewards were very strict.
They could only be triggered by meeting specific conditions.
Previously, he activated it by playing for the first time.
After that, even if he performed well—hitting the ball, getting hits, or scoring runs—
he couldn't activate any new achievements or claim rewards.
But today, he was starting.
And batting leadoff.
Wouldn't it be strange not to assign him a task or offer some rewards?
Seeing him settle into his seat with excitement, Takashima Rei nodded quietly and turned her attention back to arranging the others.
Kadota Masaaki was slated to bat cleanup today.
Miyuki Kazuya was batting fifth.
Ahead of them were the original third and fourth batters of Seidō's Second String, now batting second and third.
Seidō's Second String already had a strong lineup, and with the addition of Miyuki and Kadota, their strength had increased even further.
Add Miyuki Kazuya's leadership, and the entire team finally felt like a true powerhouse.
Once everyone had changed into their gear and the players from both teams exchanged greetings, the game officially began.
Based on the earlier rock-paper-scissors result, Seidō's team was defending first.
As Takumi stepped onto the field, no system sound echoed in his mind, instantly dampening his mood by more than half.
The system's skills were incredibly powerful; much of his previous success in games was thanks to its assistance.
Without it, based on his own abilities alone, he'd probably still be in the Third String, passing time with his teammates.
Starting pitcher Kawakami Norifumi had been brimming with fighting spirit lately.
Even against one of the top four teams from the neighboring prefecture, he delivered powerful pitching.
Ping!
"Out!"
Ping!
"Out!!"
Having secured two consecutive outs, his momentum surged.
The Nanamori players, simmering with frustration, were desperate to turn the tide.
But the more they dwelled on it, the easier it was to fall into a trap. A sly gleam flashed in Miyuki Kazuya's eyes as he crouched behind the plate.
He really liked these Nanamori players; there was no need for overly complex tactics—just throw them a hook.
Even without bait, as long as they saw it, they'd bite like crazy.
Dealing with them was surprisingly easy.
Take the third batter from Nanamori standing before him—based on his power and the pressure he radiated, even if placed in Seidō's First String, he could compete for a starting position.
Such an opponent should, in theory, be treated with utmost seriousness.
But he quickly realized his worries were unnecessary. This powerful batter couldn't hide his emotions.
How he wanted to swing, where he aimed to hit the ball—it was all written plainly on his face.
Once that was clear, the situation became an open-book.
He decisively signaled to Kawakami Norifumi.
The two were partners from the same year—one pitcher, one catcher—with a deep mutual understanding.
Receiving the signal, he threw with conviction.
Swoosh!
"Strike!"
"Strike!!"
He delivered two consecutive strikes, putting the batter on the ropes.
Then, he delivered a beautiful pitch just outside the strike zone.
Swoosh!
The batter swung hastily but missed entirely.
"Strike!"
"Struck out!!"