NOVEL NEXT 7 Days of Camp
Second Day of Camp
A ball was hit near the fence. Rei was practicing his batting with a metal bat.
Everyone on the field was amazed at Rei's batting.
"What a fearsome talent", thought Miyuki standing beside Rei and observing him.
Since he showed Rei some things about batting, he was surprised to see his progress. But he thought Rei was commendable for practicing batting any free time he got. He felt like Rei could be trusted during matches.
"How was it?", said Rei smugly. He knew his batting skills had come a long way, but it still wasn't enough to compare to his Senpai's skills. His Hitting skill had reached level 5.
Seeing the smug expression on Rei's face irritated Miyuki so he went next to Rei and grabbed a metal bat. A ball came towards him in another batter box, and Miyuki hit it, blasting it toward the fences.
Miyuki turned toward Rei and returned his smug expression.
Rei clicked his tongue in irritation.
Rei and Miyuki continued competing.
Third day of Camp.
Rei currently had fielding practice.
He was standing in the outfield. A ball was hit toward him, and he rushed to catch it.
As soon as the ball was in his glove, he threw the ball back with his strong shoulder.
The baseman barely could catch it.
"He has really improved these past few days", said Director Oota on the sidelines observing the match.
Kataoka smiled and looked at Rei with hope-filled in his eyes for this year.
At night during the end of practice sprinting. Rei could finally be ahead and not lag behind the crowd. He could run with 4 tires as he continuously tried to increase his stamina.
Looking at Rei in front of them, Furuya and Sawamura were glaring at him enviously.
Rei noticed the piercing gazes on him, he had an idea who was glaring at him and decided not to look back and increased his pace.
Truthfully, Sawamura, Haruichi, and Furuya were really exhausted from sprinting. And were envious of Rei because they didn't know how Rei kept up with the 3rd years.
"How are the 3 1st year pitchers? The fatigue should be getting to them by now", said Kataoka in the meeting room. Chris, Miyauchi, and Miyuki were also in the meeting room.
"Yes, Sir. As you instructed, they aren't pitching until they get used to the camp. I plan to slow down their training soon to let them pitch in the bullpen and for batting practice", said Chris.
"How are Tanba and Kawakami?", asked Kataoka.
"They are doing fine.", said Miyachi releasing smoke from his nose.
"Let's discuss Rei, shall we", Miyuki interrupted.
"Oh, what about him", asked Kataoka amused, and eyed Chris and Miyuki looking for answers.
"His batting and fielding have improved significantly. His stamina is also increasing over time, that brat was shockingly keeping up with the 3rd years today. Most importantly, he has also learned a breaking ball," said Miyuki shocking Kataoka.
Kataoka's eyes widened in surprise, and he smiled not expecting Rei to make such fast progress.
"Is his new pitch usable in matches?", asked Kataoka
"Unfortunately, no it isn't usable but with some practice, it should be", said Miyuki.
"We still have a long way ahead so don't push them too hard", said Kataoka.
"Yes Sir", replied Chris and Miyauchi.
"I've arranged 3 practice games for the last weekend of our camp. On Saturday, Furuya, and Sawamura will throw a game. I'll have Tanba and Kawakami for the doubleheader on Sunday for each game. Rei will throw a few innings in each game. I don't care about the score. I just want to see how mentally tough everyone can be at maximum fatigue", said Kataoka.
Furuya, Haruichi, and Sawamura were exhausted and couldn't move in the bath. Meanwhile, Rei was playing games in his dorm relaxing and not feeling exhausted.
Fourth Day of Camp
Rei was allowed to pitch today because he had permission from the coach.
Kataoka permitted him because he wanted him to practice more with the cutter ball and show it to him.
Rei dragged Miyuki to the bullpen and started practicing.
His Cutter was at level 4 currently and had improved significantly, for example, he had a 40% chance of pitching it in the strike zone, and better control and grip while using it.
Miyuki thought that Rei still had to work on his breaking ball because sometimes the ball won't break in the right way, or he couldn't throw it in the strike zone. He knew it was not currently usable, but if Rei mastered this pitch during the tournament, he knew that it could be used as a secret weapon.
Sawamura and Furuya were peeking in the bullpen and staring at Rei.
"THIS IS UNFAIR…Why does he get to throw and not us?", yelled Sawamura. Furuya nodded stoically agreeing with Sawamura.
"COME BACK HERE", yelled Zono.
"Haii…Haii, I'm coming back", said Sawamura with tears running down his cheeks as he ran back to Zono to practice fielding.
Fifth Day of Camp
Furuya and Rei finally got to pitch today.
"W-who's-catching? Is it you Chris Senpai?", asked Sawamura excitedly.
"It's me!!", said Miyauchi and walked away.
"Miyachi's catching it and anyways that's good because Miyuki is busy with Rei", said Chris.
Meanwhile with Miyuki and Rei.
"Game?", asked Rei.
"Yeah, Kataoka Coach said that you will be throwing a few innings in both games on Saturday and Sunday.", said Miyuki.
"Hopefully I get to throw more innings", said Rei.
"I'm sure he'll let you when he sees you pitching", said Miyuki.
Hearing Miyuki's answer Rei smiled.
"But don't you dare try using your cutter in the practice game since it's safe to use it during the summer tournament and not letting other teams know about it before", said Miyuki glaring at Rei.
"Owah, you have such a creepy face", said Rei.
"I get that a lot, but you won't, right? RIGHT? RIGHT?", said Miyuki sending threatening glares.
Rei nodded as he conceded.
Miyuki had a victorious smile on his face.
Meanwhile, Kataoka was having hardcore fielding practice with the 3rd year fielders.
"What's wrong? You can't get up, Yuki", said Kataoka to Yuki who was kneeling on the floor with exhaustion.
"Captain? Me?", said Yuki. He was having flashbacks to when he was made into a captain.
"The seniors picked you. With so many people, I'm not asking you to keep everyone in check. You just lead the team", said Kataoka.
Yuki got up from the field while saying, "One more" and made all the 3rd years join him.
Sixth Day of Camp
At night in the cafeteria.
Rei was glad that the camp was finished, and he couldn't wait for the games on Saturday and Sunday to start.
Rei sat down next to Miyuki with his food. They started discussing his pitch.
"If you ever get stuck throwing other pitches the best way to come back is by throwing fastballs. Remember, fastballs are your lifeline", said Miyuki while eating.
Rei nodded seriously and took this information in.
After a while, as he was eating 2 people came near his table and started disturbing his peaceful time.
He looked at the 2 people and found that it was Furuya and Sawamura, they came here to pester Miyuki so he can catch their pitches.
Rei ignored their chaos and finished his rice bowls.
Seventh Day of Camp
Osaka Kiryuu Vs. Seido High practice game start.