DNA: Under The Sun

Chapter 11: For the Sake Of

"How was today's game? I mean, the first-years were crushed, but it was still very fruitful," Ota, the club advisor, said cheerfully. "That short second baseman turned out to be the younger brother of the third-year Kominato. No wonder they look exactly alike."

"And that pitcher who stunned everyone—Furuya. Even though he gave up a home run to Kamishiro, he's still amazing."

"Oh, and I didn't expect Kamishiro to be such a strong hitter either, not to mention his pitching."

Coach Kataoka lifted his chin slightly. "As for Furuya, if he wins tomorrow, I plan to let him pitch in the Kanto Tournament."

"And Kamishiro, I'm thinking of letting him pitch the first two innings in the tournament. If his form is good, I'll consider starting him in the summer Koshien."

"Starting pitcher? But he's just a first-year!" Ota exclaimed, visibly shocked.

The starting pitcher spot also meant wearing jersey number 1.

Takahima Rei adjusted her glasses. "He's been a starting pitcher in his youth baseball league all along. Starting games shouldn't be an issue."

Coach Kataoka nodded. "There aren't many hitters in the country who can touch Furuya's pitches, let alone Kamishiro's."

"If he can consistently throw 150 km/h with good control and placement, it'd be almost impossible to hit. If he stays steady, winning the Koshien championship wouldn't be out of reach."

More precisely—with a strong batting lineup to back him up.

Takahima Rei looked unsurprised, forming a sharp contrast to the stunned Ota.

"Don't you think your evaluation of Kamishiro is a little too high?" Ota protested.

It's been five years since they made it to Koshien. To think they'd go and win it now seemed a bit absurd.

...

"Listen up. There are two months left until the summer tournament. Training without a clear goal is just a waste of precious time."

"The first step to climbing a small hill and the first step to climbing Mt. Fuji may be the same, but the mindset required is different. Which mountain are we climbing?"

"Only a goal gives our efforts meaning. No slacking in daily practice!"

"Yes, sir!" The loud and unified reply reflected everyone's determination.

Miyuki chuckled. "Aren't you at least a little guilty when you say that?"

Rinichi: "..."

But today, Coach Kataoka had Furuya and Rinichi run laps together with the other first-years.

They started off running as a group, but as the laps wore on, Rinichi, Haruichi, and Furuya slowly fell behind.

Rinichi was the last of the three. Just ahead was Haruichi, and a little further ahead was Furuya.

They were all more or less the same.

Hot. So hot. So damn hot.

Those were the only words repeating in Rinichi's mind.

When will this end?

"You look awful. Are you okay?" Haruichi asked.

"I'm fine," Rinichi said flatly. "I just really hate running. And heat."

"..."

"It'll be even hotter during the summer tournament."

That woke Rinichi up a little. "You're right."

His expression grew serious, and he suddenly picked up his pace—passing both Haruichi and Furuya.

After completing the required laps, Rinichi was dizzy and bent over, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.

That's when the announcement called for Rinichi and Furuya.

Still not fully recovered, he dragged himself toward the meeting area.

Thankfully, the cool air in the shaded rest zone helped him feel a little better.

Takahima Rei approached. "How are you holding up?"

Miyuki laughed at the sight of Rinichi's worn-out expression. "Running really is torture for you, huh?"

Rinichi: "..."

He ignored Miyuki entirely. "I'm fine."

"Starting today," Rei continued, "Kamishiro and Furuya will follow the pitcher training regimen. Your practice volume will be twice the others. Good luck."

Twice…

Rinichi couldn't even bring himself to imagine it. "..."

"Furuya, you might get a chance to pitch in next week's Kanto Tournament. During practice, make sure to coordinate your signs and strategies with Miyuki."

"Yes, sir," Furuya replied.

Rinichi gave Furuya another glance but wasn't particularly surprised.

"Rei, this guy has great pitch power, but his control is all over the place," Miyuki said casually. "We should have him throw at least a hundred more pitches a day—he needs to build up stamina too."

Rei Takashima looked a bit surprised. "You've already caught for Furuya?"

Miyuki answered with a look that said "of course."

"I'll follow your instructions, Miyuki-senpai." Furuya gave a slight bow, looking completely serious. "I'll be in your care."

Miyuki raised an eyebrow. "Wow, you're being obedient today."

"I thought it'd be better to start off on the right foot."

Miyuki chuckled. "This guy…"

"Kamishiro, your training will focus heavily on physical conditioning," Takashima said, turning to him.

Rinichi: "…"

"If you want to be the starting pitcher for Summer Koshien, then no slacking off."

That comment shocked both Miyuki and Furuya.

Starting pitcher?

"So, if I train seriously, jersey number 1 is mine, right?" Rinichi's gaze sharpened slightly.

"That's correct."

Replacing the third-year Tanba and giving the ace number to a first-year like Kamishiro…

"Your biggest issue is your training discipline. I think your performance during games is quite stable," Takashima added, pushing up her glasses.

"Understood. I'll train properly." For once, Rinichi sounded serious.

Miyuki burst into laughter. "Honestly, I think we should assign someone to keep an eye on Kamishiro."

Rinichi: "..."

Of course, he was joking. Everyone was too busy with their own training to do that.

Still, maybe saying that out loud would make Rinichi actually train on his own, Miyuki thought.

After all, Rinichi was the type who only worked hard when he saw an opportunity—or he'd create one first and then go all-in.

He wasn't the kind to waste his efforts.

If there was no visible reward, he'd slack off just like before.

And the frustrating thing was—he was talented and had the skills to back it up.

So even when he slacked off, it never seemed to be a problem on the surface.

Coach Kataoka probably knew too, but turned a blind eye.

But this time—Coach wasn't going to let him off easy.

Because of Summer Koshien.

All in all, for Rinichi, this was nothing but good news.

A first-year starter? That's nearly unheard of.

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