Despite the 2 run disadvantage, Fujimi’s coach did not seem agitated. His expression seemed as if he had expected such a result in the first innings. He didn’t yell out any additional orders, nor complaints.
The players also didn’t seem fazed, like robots they moved onto the next play without a word. Tatsuya who was up to bat had already been briefed by the others on what to expect, yet that didn’t stop him from popping a ball over to 2nd base for an easy catch.
“3 outs change!”
Seiko made their way onto the field and took their positions. Kouichi was standing on the mound and warming up his arm with Daichi, sending controlled pitches to home plate.
The first batter that came up to the batters box was surprisingly the pitcher. He had to be the most average person Ken had ever seen, even his batting stance was orthodox.
Daichi had Kouichi throw a ball to the outside first to test the eye of the batter, only to be stunned when he swung and connected with the pitch. The ball went straight between 1st and 2nd base.
“Damn it.” Ken quickly followed the ball and pounced on it, shifting his body and underarm throwing the ball to Kouichi who had run over to cover first base.
“Out!”
The umpire called the out and Ken breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he could underhand throw the ball, there shouldn’t be any issues. He still hadn’t regained his throwing capabilities, likely due to the systems interference.
If he were to have thrown it overhand then the runner probably would have been safe.
“Nice cover.” Ken called out to Kouichi, giving him a thumbs up.
Thankfully, Kouichi knew exactly what to do when Ken had left the base. It could have been disastrous if no one covered first base when he left to gather the ball.
“Just doing my job.” Kouichi winked before heading back to the mound.
Ever since he had taken Ken’s fathers advice, his pitching had improved by leaps and bounds. He was able to get more strength into his pitches and his control had become more consistent.
This in turn increased his confidence, giving him the aura of a true Ace pitcher. Although Ken had not used his Identify ability on Kouichi, he hoped that he would continue pitching and reach a higher level.
Kouichi threw the next two batters out fairly easily, however Ken noticed that they were able to make contact on majority of the balls, sending them into the foul zone.
The next couple of innings went by without any runs getting scored from either side. Fujimi’s pitch to contact and constricted field proved effective, keeping Seiko’s batters at bay.
Kouichi pitches were sharp and managed to get past the clean-up batters and the tail end of the batting order.
Despite not getting onto base, the players did not have any outward emotions of frustration or even disappointment from the outside. Seeming more like robots than actual kids.
He had not noticed this before in his previous life, but now that he was a little more aware of his surroundings, it was hard to miss.
Was it possible that their Coach’s tactics had undermined the players love of the game? If he was in their shoes and forced to play a certain way, would he also turn out the same as these kids?
If he was honest, he would rather quit playing baseball if the only alternative was losing his love and passion for the game. This was saying a lot considering he already knew what it was like to lose baseball.
But to Ken, losing his love for the game and losing the ability to play were one in the same thing.
As he walked back into the dugout, his gaze landed on Fujimi’s coach. A wave of disgust rose in the pit of his stomach as the old man looked back at him with an empty smile.
There was not much that he could do to an opposing coach. The only thing that would make it feel right was if his team could beat them soundly, rejecting his ideology and proving it wrong on the field.
Ken placed his hand on Daichi’s shoulder as they walked back to the dugout, determination oozing from his pores.
“Let’s destroy these guys.” He said through gritted teeth.
“Huh? Ah, okay.” Daichi seemed a little confused, but he still agreed.
Coach Yoshida could sense how agitated Ken was as he stared daggers at the Fujimi coach from his position in the dugout.
“Is everything okay Ken?”
“Oh, yeah sorry coach.” He replied, originally intending to keep his feelings to himself. However, perhaps it was because he had the mind of an adult, Ken spoke his mind.
“It feels like all of the Fujimi players are emotionless robots.” He stated, casting his glance over the players on the field.
“Hmm, I guess you could say that.” Coach Yoshida nodded. “Can you guess why that is?” He asked.
Ken didn’t have to think for long before naming the Fujimi coach as the sole reason for the kids behavior. It was clear as day that he was the perpetrator.
“The coach is definitely one of the reasons for this, he may even be the cause. However, it’s not that these kids are emotionless robots…” The coach paused as his sympathetic gaze roamed over the field.
“Let me put it this way. Why do you play baseball?” He asked, turning his gaze back to Ken.
Ken was a little taken aback. It was such an easy question, yet he couldn’t answer immediately. Did he play because he wanted to become a professional and make a living? Did he want to prove himself?
No, that wasn’t it. His mind returned to one of the many nights that he spent alone in his apartment, clutching his shoulder and crying himself to sleep.
After a long pause, Ken finally answered the question. “Because I love baseball.”
“And why do you love baseball?” The coach asked, his face turning up in a small smile.