<43> The Highly Anticipated Starter!

Chapter 43: The Highly Anticipated Starter!

This is a stadium in Kanagawa, and it's already packed with people.

Fans who bought their tickets late had just entered through the gate and were greeted by a sea of spectators.

"So many people! Is today's game really that popular?"

Seidou High, a powerhouse team, was facing Nada High, a relatively average opponent. Judging purely by the potential excitement of the game, there didn't seem to be much to look forward to.

"Ah, you don't know. Seidou has this incredible kid on their team. Word is, his fastest pitch clocks in at a terrifying 154 kilometers per hour. More than half of these fans are here just to see him."

Hearing this explanation from his friend, the fan who had just arrived shook his head inwardly.

His cousin was a player on Nada High's team. Originally, he hadn't planned on attending the game, but his aunt had been urging him nonstop over the phone to come cheer for his cousin. That's the only reason he found himself here.

But from what his friend was saying, it seemed like his cousin didn't stand a chance.

"I know you're supporting Nada High, but don't worry, there's no need to feel so down. I've heard some insider info—Seidou High may not be as strong as they seem."

"Oh? How so?"

"Well, most of their players are pretty good! But their ace pitcher? Word is, he's all show and no substance, like a fancy pillow—looks good but is useless. As for that first-year rookie everyone's talking about, considering he's not even 15 years old yet, there's a serious issue with his stamina."

At this, the fan's friend waved his hand dramatically.

"So don't be fooled by appearances. Even though Seidou High seems to have an overwhelming advantage, who knows how this game will actually turn out?"

The general opinion about Seidou High's performance in today's game was divided.

A shaky ace, paired with a suddenly rising dark horse, seemed like a godsend.

But in reality, anyone with sharp eyes could see the risks involved.

That's precisely why so many fans had shown up today. Most weren't necessarily rooting for one team or the other.

They were just here to watch a game full of uncertainties.

"The players are coming out!"

Nada High's team was the first to emerge from the locker room.

Their players were tall and good-looking, drawing the attention of the crowd. The fans' eyes sparkled with excitement.

Especially the young female fans.

They didn't hold back their admiration, showering the players with compliments.

"The Nada High players sure are surprisingly popular."

"See those young girls over there? Look at those legs!"

"Are they from Nada High too? Where is Nada High located?"

"Nada's in Chiba Prefecture!"

"Quite a long trip!"

As the fans continued their lively discussion, the other team appeared on the field.

Leading the way was Captain Yuki, followed by the core members of Seidou High's baseball team.

As they entered, the stands erupted with even louder cheers.

"Seidou!!"

"The monster kid!!"

In the stands, many fans had already given Furuya an affectionate nickname, and they called it out with great familiarity.

"Hasn't that first-year rookie only played in one game?"

Among the spectators, several reporters and fans were questioning the sudden rise in attention. However, it was clear that Furuya had garnered quite a following already, as the cheers for him were significant.

Even within Seidou's own team, some teammates couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of the attention Furuya was receiving.

"You've got quite the reputation already, huh," Kuramochi teased.

The mustached senior, Jun, chimed in, repeating the words he'd recently heard from their coach, "If you could pitch at 154 kilometers per hour, you'd be enjoying the same treatment too."

Hearing this, the team couldn't help but laugh. It was a lighthearted moment that contrasted sharply with the tension on the opposing team's bench.

The players from Nada High had also noticed Seidou's relaxed demeanor.

"Our opponents look very confident," one of the Nada players remarked.

Unlike the tense atmosphere in their own dugout, Seidou's players seemed completely at ease. Even though the game hadn't started yet, they acted as if they had already won.

This attitude irritated the Nada players.

"There's no need to be jealous. They have every right to be confident," Nada's coach, a middle-aged man with a distinctive mustache, said. His appearance made him seem somewhat sleazy, making him stand out from the rest of his team. However, his players held him in high regard.

"Don't worry. Just stick to our strategy. If we can knock out Seidou's ace early on and force that monster first-year to come in too soon, we'll gain the upper hand," the coach continued, stroking his mustache thoughtfully.

"Remember, Seidou's ace is going to feel the pressure to prove himself. That's where our opportunity lies!"

The coach spoke with conviction, but Nada's captain, Oida, furrowed his brow.

"Oida, if there's something on your mind, feel free to tell me," the coach encouraged.

"I just don't understand why you're so certain that Seidou's ace will have issues right from the start," Oida said hesitantly.

The coach didn't take offense to the question; instead, he felt proud. His players were finally learning to think critically, something he found admirable.

"The reasoning is simple. In their last game, that first-year substitute completely stole the spotlight. As the ace and a senior, don't you think he's feeling immense pressure to live up to that?"

The coach stroked his mustache once again and continued, "That's why I believe he'll be desperate to perform well. It's only natural. Plus, Seidou's ace already has significant personality issues."

Hearing their coach's detailed explanation, the players of Nada High School showed expressions of complete agreement.

Just as they were eager to follow their coach's plan and give Seidou a harsh lesson, something unexpected happened.

In the top of the first inning, with Nada High School set to bat, Seidou High School's starting pitcher was none other than Furuya.

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