Chapter 226: Jersey Number!!

Miyuki's blunt question left Kamei Kei stunned on the spot. Behind him, Minei Haruka tilted his head, looking completely bewildered, before leaning in toward Kamei Kei after a long moment and asking, "Kei, do you not like baseball?"

Hearing this, Kamei Kei squeezed out a smile: "Don't worry, I will keep playing with you. Your goal of becoming Japan's number one Pitcher hasn't been realized yet."

He had originally thought he could easily change the subject, but Minei Haruka appeared incredibly serious at this moment, his large eyes locked onto Kamei Kei's.

"Kei, are you forcing yourself to play baseball because of me?"

Kamei Kei's face showed his distress; even with his intelligence, he didn't know how to answer this question right now.

Though the words were few, the amount of information was significant. Miyuki's brain turned rapidly, already imagining a moving story about a boy who didn't like sports—or rather, didn't like baseball—but for the sake of a friend's dream, forced himself to learn and adapt, eventually becoming an excellent Catcher while suppressing his own nature.

Seeing Kamei Kei looking troubled, Miyuki stepped forward and patted Minei Haruka on the shoulder.

"Since you're good friends, have a good talk when you go back. You wouldn't want Kamei Kei to keep playing baseball so unhappily, would you?" Miyuki said.

Although he had the heart to guide Kamei Kei, the two weren't close, so it wasn't convenient to say more. Besides, now that Minei Haruka knew about Kamei Kei's state, he likely wouldn't ignore it.

"Exactly, exactly. Baseball is clearly fun and enjoyable, don't put too much pressure on yourself," Huangqian Yangyi said.

Kamei Kei took a deep breath. The secret he had hidden in his heart for years had been exposed just like that, which left him at a loss at first. But now, looking at Minei Haruka's worried expression, he understood that he couldn't hide it any longer, no matter what.

"Thank you, Senior, I will adjust my state," Kamei Kei said.

Miyuki smiled and nodded, "This isn't just your own business. Solve it together with classmate Minei. Psychological issues are not a small matter; you must take them seriously."

Miyuki still had high expectations for Kamei Kei, and he didn't want to see a boy full of talent ruined by psychological issues.

Watching the two leave, Huangqian Yangyi poked Miyuki in the back: "Not bad, your intuition is quite sharp. You could even discover this."

"I've been observing all along, unlike you who only knows how to show off," Miyuki laughed.

"Hmph."

Huangqian Yangyi sneered and turned to leave.

Time reached mid-June. Over this month, all the jersey numbers for the Seido Baseball Club First String were cleared. After the final selection by Director Kataoka and Coach Ochiai, all members of the Baseball Club gathered at the Indoor Training Ground today.

Everyone knew that Director Kataoka would next announce the First String roster for this summer.

Huangqian Yangyi stood in the front row, glancing at Miyuki beside him and Chris, who was two spots away.

Since his injury fully recovered, Chris had officially begun training. In this past month, Chris had appeared in three practice games, performing perfectly—almost to the point where no one could find a flaw. One of those games was a partnership with Huangqian Yangyi against the visiting Honghai Da Sagami, invited by Ochiai Hiromitsu.

In that game, the coordination between Chris and Huangqian Yangyi kept Honghai Da Sagami scoreless for the first 5 innings, allowing only one hit.

Afterward, Miyuki partnered successively with Tanba and Kawakami, ending the remaining 4 innings having given up only two runs, with Seido ultimately winning 7:3.

The performance of both Catchers was eye-catching. For Seido, having two such people was definitely a happy event, but for Director Kataoka, it was a bit difficult.

Who should be chosen as the Starting Catcher for this summer?

In terms of ability, it wouldn't be a problem whoever started.

In Director Kataoka's heart, he was actually inclined to let Chris start.

After all, Chris was already a third-year student; this was the final tournament of his high school career and his last chance to strive for the title of Koshien champion Catcher.

But the key was that the previous Starting Catcher had always been Miyuki, who had partnered with Huangqian Yangyi to win the Summer Koshien championship, the Autumn Tournament championship, the Jingu Tournament championship, the Spring Koshien championship, the Spring Tournament championship, and the Kanto Tournament championship.

This contribution was too great. If he were removed from the Starting Catcher position just like that, it would seem very unfair, with a hint of discarding someone once their usefulness was over.

However, just as Director Kataoka was worrying about this, Chris and Miyuki both approached him one after another, expressing their hope that Director Kataoka would let the other person serve as the Starting Catcher.

Generally speaking, players cannot interfere with the Director's choices, but facing these two, Director Kataoka really didn't know what to say.

Miyuki: I have already received all the honors I deserve, I have nothing to be dissatisfied with. Besides, if Senior Chris hadn't been injured back then, the honors I have now should have been his.

Chris: I am already satisfied to be able to continue representing Seido; it doesn't matter if I am the starter. The glory of this current team was earned by Miyuki and Huangqian together; Miyuki is more qualified than me to serve as the Starting Catcher.

After the two left the office one after another, Director Kataoka made his decision.

At this moment, looking at the many students before him, Director Kataoka remained silent for a long moment before beginning his speech.

Listening to Director Kataoka's speech, the team members all wore serious expressions. The third-year seniors were also very nervous; this was their last chance to fight for a spot on the First String. If they couldn't make the First String, then after today, their high school baseball careers would effectively be over.

"Then, I will now announce the First String selections." After a brief speech, Director Kataoka said this. Many people swallowed hard at the same time; it was too nerve-wracking.

"Number 1! Huangqian Yangyi!" Director Kataoka shouted.

No one felt surprised by the ownership of this number; it was completely a matter of course.

Huangqian Yangyi stepped forward to receive the jersey number, also appearing very calm.

"I leave the summer to you," Director Kataoka said when handing the jersey number to Huangqian Yangyi.

"Yes, this year's Summer Koshien championship will definitely be ours again!" Huangqian Yangyi nodded heavily and said.

Huangqian Yangyi returned to the ranks, and Director Kataoka took the number 2 jersey from Takashima Rei; this was the number for the Starting Catcher.

Regarding the ownership of this number, everyone had their own guesses and was very curious in their hearts.

It couldn't be said whose ability was stronger or weaker between Chris and Miyuki—both were very impressive—but choosing one from them was too difficult. Even Huangqian Yangyi didn't know Director Kataoka's final choice.

Director Kataoka first looked at Miyuki, then cast his gaze toward Chris.

"Number 2!"

"Takigawa Chris Yu!!"

Hearing his own name, Chris widened his eyes in disbelief. He had clearly said that to the Director, so how could it still be him?

Beside Huangqian Yangyi, Miyuki also let out a sigh of relief. Although he had said before that he would compete fairly with Chris, when it actually came to this moment, he instead hoped that this year's Starting Catcher wouldn't be himself. This had nothing to do with the victory or defeat between the two of them; he simply felt that Senior Chris deserved the glory of being a Koshien champion Catcher.