<63> "I Trust the Seniors!"

Chapter 63: "I Trust the Seniors!"

Furuya's voice wasn't loud.

But the dugout itself wasn't very big, so even if he didn't speak loudly, the teammates in the dugout heard him clearly.

The second- and third-year seniors couldn't help but turn their heads to look at the young player before them. They hadn't expected him to view them this way.

In contrast, it seemed inappropriate that they, as seniors, had harbored such thoughts before.

"These juniors nowadays, really make it hard not to like them," the mustached senior preparing to bat muttered under his breath.

Kuramochi walked straight up to Furuya and firmly patted his shoulder.

"Even if you praise me like that, this genius won't get conceited. Haha!"

"You think you're Chopper? Get lost!"

Seido High School's teammates, of course, could tell if Furuya's words were sincere.

Precisely because they sensed the sincerity, they found it even more gratifying.

To think that this talented junior held such respect for them...

He truly trusted his seniors this much!

How should one put it?

The second- and third-year players of Seido High School's baseball team felt a warm sense of camaraderie.

They suddenly realized that the junior, who had seemed somewhat irritating before, might not be as unpleasant as they had imagined.

The game continued...

Seido High School's offensive push didn't halt.

The outstanding performances of the first two batters deeply inspired all the players of Seido High School.

It felt as if they were energized to end the battle in the first inning.

The players of Seido High School had experienced similar games before more than once.

Even in their long match against Yokohama Kohouku High School, both the players and the spectators knew deep down that the game was essentially decided in the first inning.

Seido High School had secured an overwhelming victory. 

This fact was indisputable.

However, today's opponents seemed a bit different.

After conceding a run, Kokai U Sagara High School's ace pitcher, Oda, unexpectedly started laughing loudly on the mound.

"Haha, hahaha..."

It was as if he'd gone crazy!

In the stands, the ardent supporters of Seido High School were unnerved by the opponent's laughter.

"Is this Kokai U Sagara ace a runaway from some mental hospital?"

"Why is he laughing?"

"Diagnosis complete, this guy is nuts!"

Not only Seido's supporters but even the players in Seido's dugout were baffled.

"What's going on?"

"Could the pressure have driven him insane?"

This was the only reasonable explanation Seido High School's players could think of.

But clearly, the explanation wasn't correct.

The players of Kokai U Sagara High School didn't seem worried at all by their ace's unusual behavior.

Contrary to what might have been expected, the eyes of those players were filled with anticipation.

"Something's not right! Our team's seniors might be in trouble," Miyuki mumbled.

"I have faith in these seniors," Furuya said, as calm as ever.

It seemed nothing could shake him, no matter what happened.

"You really have a lot of confidence in our team's seniors. Even I wouldn't bet so boldly on them," Miyuki questioned, puzzled.

Spending time with the team daily, Miyuki certainly knew how reliable the third-year seniors were. But as he mentioned, having reliable seniors is one thing; whether they're the best is another question altogether.

Seido High School's baseball team hadn't reached the Koshien tournaments, which meant they hadn't yet competed against the nation's top players in their age group.

In such circumstances, whether their third-year seniors were the very best was still an unknown.

"Rest assured, they are the best. If our team doesn't reach its potential, the responsibility lies with us."

The words were truly eloquent.

The third-year seniors in the Seido dugout couldn't help but blush after hearing it.

They couldn't comprehend how a junior's understanding and determination surpassed that of the team veterans.

But who doesn't enjoy hearing good things?

Furuya's confidence in them gradually transformed the perceptions of his teammates in the dugout.

Just then, the mustached senior was called out.

And not only that, but they also fell victim to a double play.

The pitcher Oda threw a low slider, tricking Isashiki Jun into hitting a grounder to the infield.

Once that play appeared, the outcome was undeniable.

"Out!"

"Out!!"

Two outs with no runners on base. The rapid change of the situation left Seido's dugout scrambling to catch up.

"That was a bit too fast," someone remarked.

Miyuki adjusted his glasses with his ring finger and responded seriously, "In the last round, not only did we win dominantly, but the other three teams did too—Inashiro Industrial, Hakuryuu High School, and the current Kokai U Sagara. This kind of widespread dominance was rare in past Kanto tournaments. In other words, our opponents today are different."

Hearing Miyuki, everyone in the Seido dugout fell silent.

They, too, could feel the intensity coming from their opponents.

"In such circumstances, do you still believe our seniors can overcome them?" Miyuki pressed Furuya further.

This question clearly concerned not only Miyuki, but all the other teammates as well, as they fixed their eyes on Furuya.

"There's plenty of game time left. The first inning doesn't determine the outcome. I firmly believe that by the second or third innings, the seniors will find a way to hit off the Kokai U Sagara pitcher and score more runs. Isn't that right?" Furuya responded directly, without dodging the question.

After speaking, he turned the question back to the seniors.

The second- and third-year players of Seido instinctively puffed out their chests upon hearing Furuya's question.

"Isn't that obvious?"

"Of course!!!"

Unnoticed by all, an intense spirit arose within the Seido dugout.

Regardless of who stood in their way, they felt they were capable of overwhelming their opponents.

Director Ota watched the scene unfold.

He originally thought Furuya was solely a pitcher.

However, it turned out he could also galvanize the team spirit so effectively?

The feeling was exhilarating!

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