Chapter 18: Jersey Number! 20!

Arriving at the dugout, the Seido Big Four, with the exception of Kataoka, all looked at him with gentle smiles.

"Huangqian."

"Boss."

"You pitched well." Kataoka turned his head. "From now on, you don't need too much pitching practice every day; just maintain your condition. The priority is still on physical stamina; this point is very important."

"Understood!"

"Also, take some time recently to learn defensive techniques for the outfield positions."

"Huh?"

Huangqian Yangyi let out an instinctive "huh." For a split second, he even thought the Director wanted him to become an outfielder.

But he reacted quickly; this was the Director valuing him. By practicing outfield defense well, he could be moved to the outfield to adjust his condition when his pitching form was off.

He could also be placed in the outfield to rest and be ready to save the game at any time when the overall situation was settled and other pitchers needed training.

Realizing the Director's intention, Huangqian Yangyi nodded repeatedly to signify his agreement.

"Go train," Kataoka said.

Once Huangqian Yangyi left, Department Head Ota couldn't help but ask, "Director, why not let student Huangqian strengthen his batting practice?"

"Greed leads to poor results. His current challenge is stamina. What Seido needs is his pitching that can withstand pressure at critical moments." Kataoka Tesshin did not turn his head, watching Huangqian Yangyi's back, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Because the tournament was approaching, the First String's recent training focused on maintaining condition and was relatively relaxed. Even so, after training ended, the two newcomers who had just joined the First String—who were also among the best in terms of stamina among the First Years—were still exhausted.

"Huangqian, pitch to me again next time."

Kominato Ryosuke's warm voice came over. Huangqian Yangyi gave a wry smile. "Senior, you are too good at picking pitches."

"Thanks for the compliment."

Kominato Ryosuke smiled. Just a moment ago, Huangqian Yangyi had thrown three pitches to him, and he had followed all of them.

This did not mean he was better than Dong Qingguo or Yuki Tetsuya, but that this kind of limited-pitch-type practice could better leverage his advantages.

In the blink of an eye, it was the eve of the fourth round of the Spring Metropolitan Tournament.

As members of the First String, the names of Huangqian Yangyi and Miyuki Kazuya had already been submitted. Tomorrow, they would also wear the team uniforms and participate in the tournament with the team.

"Now, announcing tomorrow's starting lineup."

Inside the meeting room, Kataoka Tesshin held a list in his hand.

First Batter: No. 6, Shortstop, Zhitian Jiangtai.

Second Batter: No. 1, Pitcher, Nanjo Taishi.

Third Batter: No. 3, First Baseman, Yuki Tetsuya.

Fourth Batter: No. 5, Third Baseman, Captain Dong Qingguo.

Fifth Batter: No. 12, Catcher, Tanaka Wataru.

Sixth Batter: No. 8, Center Fielder, Isashiki Jun.

Seventh Batter: No. 9, Right Fielder, Shinoki Keita.

Eighth Batter: No. 4, Second Baseman, Yanagiya Kazuki.

Ninth Batter: No. 7, Left Fielder, Yoshikawa Junpei.

"That is all. Others must also be prepared to take the field at any time. Do you understand?" Kataoka Tesshin asked loudly.

"Understood!!!"

The spirit was good. Kataoka Tesshin nodded with satisfaction. "Then, Huangqian Yangyi, Miyuki Kazuya."

"Here!!" The two stood up.

"Come over to receive your jersey numbers. You will participate with the team tomorrow. If the situation permits, you will be arranged to take the field. Be prepared at all times."

"Yes!!"

Miyuki Kazuya, No. 19.

Huangqian Yangyi, No. 20.

Taking their respective jersey numbers from Kataoka's hands, the two looked at each other, both feeling a little excited inside.

And those seniors who were clearly First String but not starters looked at the two with very dangerous expressions.

For example, Tanba Koichiro and Kominato Ryosuke.

Tanba was better; the emotions clearly displayed on his face made it easy for anyone to see what he was thinking. The most dangerous one had to be a certain smiling tiger; look at him, he just smiles, which is quite terrifying.

After the pre-game meeting ended, Huangqian Yangyi was intercepted by several managers just as he was about to return to the dormitory.

"Student Huangqian, let me help you sew on your jersey number." Fujiwara Takako walked over with needle and thread in hand.

"Okay, thank you for your hard work, Senior," Huangqian Yangyi said.

"I want it too, I want it too."

Miyuki Kazuya crowded over like a child vying for attention.

"I'll help you with yours." Seeing Jiantian Youxiang snatch the jersey number from Miyuki's hand, she grabbed his collar and, together with the other two First Year managers, dragged him to the corner of the room.

A few minutes later, the jersey number was sewn on. Huangqian Yangyi took it in his hand and looked at it; the position was very straight.

"Senior's craftsmanship is truly excellent; you are very clever."

"Thank you. If there is a chance to play in tomorrow's game, don't be nervous. Keep a calm mindset; just treat it like regular practice. I will cheer for you." Fujiwara Takako clenched her small fists to encourage Huangqian Yangyi.

Cheer?

Hearing this, Huangqian Yangyi's eyes drifted, and the corners of his mouth gradually curled up.

"Hehehe~"

He even let out a lecherous laugh.

"W-what's wrong?" Fujiwara Takako indicated she had been frightened.

"Ahem." Huangqian Yangyi coughed twice, covering his lips with his palm. "Senior, I have a favor to ask of you. It's like this... and like this..."

Fujiwara Takako's eyes widened further, "Eh?? Something like that??"

"Please, please, this is very important to me."

Huangqian Yangyi pressed his palms together in supplication.

Looking at Huangqian Yangyi's pitiful gaze, Fujiwara Takako could not bear to refuse, "Fine, alright, I'll give it a try."

"Hooray!"

"If it succeeds, I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life."

"The rest of your life, that's too exaggerated," Fujiwara Takako said.

In the corner, Miyuki Kazuya, whose movements were restricted, was very curious about what Huangqian Yangyi and Fujiwara Takako were talking about.

"Don't move around, sit still!" Jiantian Youxiang suppressed Miyuki Kazuya with a single look.

The atmosphere over there is so good; this kid better not go and cause trouble.

The next day. (April 11th)

Waking up in the morning and arriving at the cafeteria, Miyuki Kazuya discovered that someone was letting out creepy laughter from time to time.

"Hey, hey, did you take the wrong medicine?"

Huangqian Yangyi chuckled, "You don't understand, I thought of something happy."

"Did the sow at home have piglets?"

"Tch, vulgar."

The two bickered while eating; Kuramochi, sitting beside them, felt like an outsider.

I shouldn't be here...

After finishing three big bowls of rice, all the team members gathered on the field.

The three buses exclusively for the Seido Baseball Club were already parked at the entrance. After Kataoka Tesshin gave a speech to boost morale, the First String members and the Managers all boarded one bus.

If the remaining team members wanted to go to the stadium to watch the game and cheer for the team, they could take the other two buses.

"Hiss, our Seido is truly wealthy."

In the last row, Huangqian Yangyi sighed with emotion once again.

"An elite school, a baseball powerhouse; if they couldn't even do this, that would be what's disappointing," Miyuki said, leaning against the window.

"It's not just that," Jiantian Youxiang turned her head, "When encountering important games, the school will organize all teachers and students to go to the scene to cheer; the buses they ride are also our own."

"So generous!" Huangqian Yangyi gave a thumbs up, then immediately stretched his head forward and patted Fujiwara Takako on the shoulder.

"Senior, the matter I entrusted to you, is it settled?"

Fujiwara Takako smiled helplessly, "It's all prepared, provided you have the chance to get on the field."

"Thank you!!" Huangqian Yangyi expressed his most sincere gratitude once again, leaving Miyuki stunned as he watched.