<15> Resolve

Chapter 15: Resolve

Rinichi stood in his batting stance, eyes fixed on the pitching machine in front of him.

The first pitch whizzed past his side before he could even swing.

It was too fast—he wasn't used to it.

Maybe those times he managed to hit Furuya's pitches really did have a bit of luck in them?

With that in mind, Rinichi began swinging actively.

The second pitch resulted in a foul ball.

From the third to the fifth pitch, everything he hit turned into high fly balls—easy outs.

He took a deep breath, gripped the bat tighter, and swung hard—finally making decent contact. The ball looked like it would go for a double.

Out of twenty pitches, he managed just one home run.

"Figured I'd find you here." Miyuki walked over.

Rinichi ignored him, gave a quick glance, then continued swinging.

"Not planning to pitch today? You did declare you'd stabilize your fastball at 150 km/h for Summer Koshien, didn't you? Without training, it's not going to happen," Miyuki said.

Rinichi hesitated, letting the next pitch fly by.

As he readied himself for the next swing, Miyuki added, "We're counting on you to carry us to victory, Ace."

"…," Rinichi didn't swing again.

Miyuki chuckled, watching him.

Rinichi stayed in his batting stance, frozen, as several more pitches zipped past.

"Alright, alright—I get it!" Rinichi finally snapped.

He stepped out of the batting cage.

"You really don't know how to pace yourself. Always need your upperclassman to drag you back on track."

Rinichi: "..."

Well, sorry about that.

They passed by the main field, and Rinichi noticed something unexpected.

"Huh? There's a game going on?" he asked.

"Second string versus Kokushikan High," Miyuki explained. "This is the final game for the second string. There's one remaining spot left in the first-string roster, and the decision will be made based on this game."

The idea of so many players fighting for one spot was hard for Rinichi to grasp.

Miyuki, who was already a few steps ahead, called back, "Come on, don't just stand there. If you make me think you're stalling, you'll only get into more trouble. And if the seniors punish you, I'm not stepping in."

Rinichi: "..."

Punish him? Really?

Though he found it hard to believe, he still hurried to catch up.

When they arrived at the indoor training field, the first-string players were all doing strength training.

But Furuya wasn't there.

"No need to look. Furuya's out running," Miyuki said.

"…"

"Ah? Miyuki dragged our little Rin back, huh?" Kominato Ryousuke said with a smile.

"Yeah, always running off when it's time to train. Furuya's way more disciplined than he is," Miyuki replied, laughing.

To be fair, Rinichi always felt that his natural talent meant he didn't need intense training to be a great pitcher.

Which… wasn't exactly wrong.

Still, for the sake of Summer Koshien, Miyuki was willing to keep pushing Rinichi a little harder.

After all, if they truly wanted to make it to Koshien, Rinichi's consistent performance was crucial.

...

By evening, the game between the second string and Kokushikan had ended.

Not long after, Coach Kataoka called for a team meeting.

Rinichi had just finished dinner.

Some of the slower-eating first-years were probably out of luck.

Rinichi wondered what this was about.

But then he noticed the tense expressions on the upperclassmen's faces.

"I will now announce the player who will be promoted to the first string," Kataoka said.

Rinichi instantly understood.

The game had just finished, and the decision had already been made.

No wonder the atmosphere around the seniors was so heavy.

Especially for the third-years—this was their last shot.

"Based on the practice game performance and my judgment, I've made my decision."

"The one who's been chosen must understand the weight of representing the school team. As for those who weren't selected, you'll spend the next month before the summer tournament helping the First String with training."

Coach Kataoka paused meaningfully.

"The player promoted to the First String is—"

"First year, Haruichi Kominato."

"That is all."

Another first year.

All three of the open First String spots had been taken by newcomers.

"That's it for today. Dismissed so you can prepare for tomorrow's training."

"Third-years who weren't selected, stay behind."

So that was the end of the line.

Rinichi lowered his eyes slightly.

A chance, huh…

He'd seized every opportunity that came his way—except for the one he'd willingly let go of.

He turned and walked out with the rest.

But at the doorway, Miyuki stopped him. "I think you should listen."

The reflection in Miyuki's glasses made it hard to read his expression.

Rinichi glanced past him and noticed a few First String seniors had stayed behind too, leaning quietly by the vending machines.

Rinichi gave a small nod and leaned silently against the doorframe.

Coach Kataoka's voice echoed through the room:

"These past two years, all of you have worked incredibly hard."

"Through grueling practices, I know you've endured pain and frustration, but you never gave up. You always followed my lead, trusted my instructions."

"I hope that from here on, you'll continue to be my pride."

His voice dipped at the end.

And then came the sound of stifled sobs from the seniors.

Rinichi looked up. Something stirred within him.

"You are all part of Seidou. Support the First String well."

"Yes, sir!"

Miyuki suddenly spoke. "So? Did that help knock some sense into you?"

Rinichi blinked.

He instantly understood why Miyuki had stopped him—why he'd made him stay and listen in secret.

His gaze drifted back to the First String upperclassmen.

It'd be a lie to say he felt nothing.

All that effort, all that hope… only to still fall short.

But that's the reality of it.

Those with ability move forward. Those without fall behind, unable to even step through the door of the First String.

It's unfair—and painful.

Rinichi could relate. He'd experienced it before—just once was enough.

He had voluntarily given up the #1 jersey, letting someone else take his place.

Fortunately, that person had been strong—undeniably deserving.

So all he could do was watch from the outfield as someone else stood atop the mound with the #1 on their back.

It was the first time he'd seen the ace pitcher from that perspective.

And in that moment, he felt a deep longing in his chest.

Then, after that #1 pitcher hurled a ball and the crowd erupted in cheers, Rinichi truly understood:

To stand on the mound wearing that number was something to be yearned for.

Yuuki stepped forward.

"There's only one thing we can do: work harder. For their sake too."

The other seniors shared Yuuki's determined gaze, their eyes sharp with resolve.

Rinichi finally understood.

To carry the will of others… he actually liked that feeling.

"…Yes," Rinichi replied quietly, voice low but firm—his expression serious, and in his eyes, a resolve that hadn't been there before.

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