<64> The Future Ace and Captain!

Chapter 64: The Future Ace and Captain!

Director Ota looked at Furuya with stars in his eyes.

He had never realized before that the young man he brought back from Hokkaido was this exceptional.

It wasn't just his skill in baseball; even at leading the team, he had his own unique style.

"When Yuuki graduates, the captain for the next generation should be none other than Miyuki."

Although there are other options among the second-year players, compared to his peers, Miyuki undoubtedly shines brighter.

Being close to the team members, Director Ota had long heard the players discussing it privately.

Most of them believed that the next captain would no doubt be Miyuki.

What about the generation after that? In other words, the current first-years.

Since they just joined the team, discussing this topic seems a bit early.

But in Ota's opinion, this is already a foregone conclusion.

Just as Miyuki is now the leader among the second-years on their team.

If they had to find a representative among the current first-years, it would undoubtedly be Furuya, who has already been exceptionally promoted to the first string.

Of course, if he didn't have the talent to be a captain, it wouldn't matter how strong his performance on the field was or how good his skills were. He would never be considered for the role of captain.

But judging by his recent words and the influence those words had on the Seido players...

Furuya unquestionably has the talent for it.

It all depends on how they nurture him moving forward.

"A future captain and ace. Considering his performance at the batting zone, he might even be the cleanup batter!"

Thinking about this, Ota couldn't help but beam with joy.

Although recruiting for the team was never his strong suit, whenever he did, the results were significant.

"Director, did you dream about winning the lottery last night?"

Seeing their director's expression, the members of the Seidou High School baseball team were full of questions.

"What nonsense are you spouting? If I had that kind of money, I'd just donate it rather than buy a lottery ticket..."

The game continued.

It was now their team's cleanup hitter, Yuuki's turn at bat.

The ace of the Kokai U Sagara High School baseball team, since having burst into hysterical laughter, seemed like a different person altogether.

Even facing Seidou's cleanup batter, he didn't back down at all, and decisively pitched the ball in his hand.

"Whoosh!"

His pitching speed, compared to before, seemed to have noticeably increased.

However, fast as he might...

The clean-up batter for Seidou High School's baseball team swung with incredible speed.

In Yuuki's hands, the bat practically left afterimages as he swung.

Then everyone saw the bat powerfully connect with the incoming baseball.

"Crack…"

The ball soared high into the air, finally landing in the outfield.

"It's through!"

The players and supporters of Seidou High School's baseball team felt a sense of relief seeing this.

Having just been double-played by the opponent felt like receiving two harsh slaps in the face.

That feeling of frustration was immense.

But now, they could finally hold their heads high.

"It was just a lucky double play, you're still far from being out of the woods!"

With two outs and a runner on second, it was now Seidou High School's fifth batter's turn.

Masuko Tooru!

He was a powerhouse of a player; even if a baseball just grazed his bat, chances were he'd send it flying out.

A formidable power hitter, indeed.

Standing behind him was Miyuki, who had already equipped himself with his batting gear.

"Masuko-senpai, just get on base safely! I'll send you home."

With a runner on second, all Miyuki could do was watch from the sideline.

In his heart, he felt as agitated as a cat clawing.

"And you have the nerve to say that, you opportunist!"

The ever-sarcastic Kuramochi wouldn't miss a chance like this to tease.

He immediately retorted.

Hearing Kuramochi's words, the rest of Seidou High School baseball team's members in the dugout couldn't help but laugh.

They knew their two teammates' personalities all too well.

That's why their jabs at each other were always so spot on.

Their banter never missed a target.

"Ugh!"

Masuko wasn't interested in his teammates' bickering.

He glared grimly at his opponent, eyes wide as if challenging them directly.

When Oda pitched the ball, Masuko couldn't hold back any longer. He boldly stepped forward, swinging his bat with all his might.

"Whoosh!"

The air-whipping sound of the bat slicing through the air sent shivers down the back of the Kokai U Sagara High School team's catcher.

He should have known—Seidou High School's players were never easy prey.

But by the time he realized this, the white baseball had already been sent flying.

"Crack!"

The white baseball soared skyward!

For a brief moment, Seidou High School's players felt like celebrating their victory.

However, the white baseball began to descend from the sky.

Kokai U Sagara High School's second baseman shielded his eyes from the sun, extending his glove to catch the descending ball securely.

"Snap!"

"Out!"

"Three outs, switch sides!"

And with that, the first inning came to an end.

Seidou High School's own supporters couldn't complain too much, but the casual onlookers didn't hold back.

"Geez! With that kind of setup, I thought he'd slam it out of the park. That's it?"

"Yeah, I thought that ball was going to clear the fences!"

Faced with everyone's teasing, Masuko blushed red.

"Don't worry about it—we're leading by one point now, aren't we?"

Just as Masuko was feeling embarrassed, a deep voice spoke up.

"Tanba!"

Seeing him, a wave of respect swept over the entirety of Seidou High School's baseball team.

If it were anyone else, they might shrug it off.

But this was Tanba!

The team's ace, as well as their biggest hope for today's game.

When he spoke up, everyone naturally fell silent.

Tanba didn't acknowledge his teammates any further; instead, he turned his challenging gaze toward Furuya.

His eyes were full of provocation.

Faced with his senior's intense stare, Furuya smiled brightly.

"I won't lose! Perhaps you're the future ace, but until I retire, I won't give up this number."

Tanba turned away.

The "1" on his back was exceptionally prominent.

"Then let's see what happens…"

Bottom of the first inning, Kokai U Sagara High School is up to bat!

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